@article {pmid40052297,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Y and Silvestro, D and Mathes, GH and van der Heijden, MGA and Müller-Schärer, H},
title = {Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics of Plant-Soil Feedbacks Explain the Spread Potential of a Plant Invader Under Climate Warming and Biocontrol Herbivory.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70110},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70110},
pmid = {40052297},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {F 2022/1448//Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research MISTRA/ ; 31003A_166448/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; PCEFP3_187012/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; 2019-04739//Swedish Research Council/ ; 32201438//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 11042110026//Scientific Research Foundation for Returned Scholars, Huazhong Agricultural University/ ; },
mesh = {*Herbivory ; *Climate Change ; *Soil Microbiology ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Soil/chemistry ; Biological Evolution ; Pest Control, Biological ; },
abstract = {Plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) can contribute to the success of invasive plants. Despite strong evidence that plant genetic traits influence soil microbial communities and vice versa, empirical evidence exploring these feedbacks over evolutionary timescales, especially under climate change, remains limited. We conducted a 5-year field study of the annual invasive plant, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., to examine how selection under climate warming and biocontrol insect herbivory shapes plant population genetics, soil properties, and microbial communities. After four generations under warming and herbivory, we collected seeds of the F4 plant populations together with their conditioned soil for a common garden PSF experiment to explore how resulting PSFs patterns are influencing the performance and spread potential of Ambrosia under changing environmental conditions. This is especially relevant because our recent predictions point to a northward spread of Ambrosia in Europe and Asia under climate change, outpacing the spread of its insect biocontrol agent. We discovered that warming and herbivory significantly but differentially altered plant genetic composition and its soil microbial communities, with less pronounced effects on soil physicochemical properties. Our results indicate that both herbivory and warming generated negative PSFs. These negative PSFs favored plant growth of the seeds from the persistent soil seed bank growing in the conditioned soil under insect herbivory, and by this maintaining the Ambrosia population genetic diversity. They also enhanced the spread potential of warming-selected plant offspring, especially from warmer (southern) to colder (northern) climates. This can be explained by the observed decrease in soil pathogens occurrence under insect herbivory and by the especially strong genetic changes in plant populations under climate warming. Our findings provide insights into how climate warming and biocontrol management affect eco-evolutionary interactions between invasive plant populations and their soil environments, which are critical for predicting invasion dynamics in the context of global change.},
}

*Herbivory
*Climate Change
*Soil Microbiology
Animals
*Introduced Species
Soil/chemistry
Biological Evolution
Pest Control, Biological

@article {pmid40051553,
year = {2025},
author = {Garcia, RA and Clusella-Trullas, S},
title = {Microclimatic changes caused by plant invasions and warming: uncovering thermal costs and benefits to a tortoise.},
journal = {Conservation physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {coaf016},
pmid = {40051553},
issn = {2051-1434},
abstract = {Non-native plant invasions and climate warming alter the microclimatic conditions that organisms experience in their habitats, with potential implications for the fitness of native faunal species, particularly ectotherms. Predictions for species conservation increasingly use microclimate data at fine spatial scales relevant to organisms, but they typically overlook the modulating effect that vegetation changes have on the microclimates available in the habitat. Here we quantify the microclimatic changes imposed by invasive trees and simultaneous warming on native habitats and assess the resulting thermal benefits and costs to a small tortoise species (Homopus areolatus) from an organismal perspective and throughout its life cycle. We logged operative temperature above- and belowground in the field, covering the diversity of microhabitats across the four seasons of the year, and assessed the species' optimal temperature in the laboratory. Moving beyond the common use of averages, we applied a range of metrics to quantify differences between invaded and native areas in spatio-temporal temperature distributions, combined effects with warming and thermal habitat suitability for the species. We found that invaded areas became cooler and less exposed to temperatures above the species' optimal in summer. This buffering effect is expected to become more pronounced with further climate warming, turning invaded areas into potential thermal refugia. However, reduced spatial thermal heterogeneity during warm periods, more prevalent sub-optimal low temperatures in winter and colder underground incubation conditions in invaded areas could be detrimental to the species' long-term performance. Our results reveal the mixed nature of thermal effects of invasive plants on ectotherms, underscoring the importance of applying a suite of metrics to assess microclimate distribution changes. The approach used here illustrates the value of integrating thermal physiological and microclimatic information for a more mechanistic understanding of conservation problems.},
}

@article {pmid40050509,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, HY and Huang, J and Zhang, L and Qiu, G and Bu, R and Tang, KW and Marrs, RH and Tong, C},
title = {Comparison of seed traits between an invasive plant and its native competitor along a latitudinal gradient.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {207},
number = {3},
pages = {49},
pmid = {40050509},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {2019FY100600//National Science and Technology Program during the Twelfth Five-year Plan Period/ ; 2021FKJ30//Fujian Forest Science and Technology Project (CN)/ ; },
mesh = {*Seeds ; *Introduced Species ; Poaceae ; Soil ; Nitrogen ; },
abstract = {Seeds are crucial for plant population maintenance and dispersal. Invasive species often exhibit seed traits that enhance their colonization success, such as increased dispersal potential, earlier germination, or greater resource reserves. However, few studies have compared seed traits between invasive and native plant species along environmental gradients. Here, we compared morphological traits and nutrient concentrations of the seeds of two competing species, the native common reed (Phragmites australis) and the invasive saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), along a 20° latitudinal gradient of the Chinese coast, and their relationships with environmental factors. Significant differences were found between the two species for 11 of the 13 traits with respect to latitude. Specifically, the seed size of S. alterniflora decreased with increasing latitude, but P. australis showed a slight curvilinear relationship with latitude, reducing to a minimum between 30 and 35° N. The latitudinal variation in seed set showed the opposite trends in both species at high latitudes. Seed nitrogen concentration decreased with latitude in both species, while seed phosphorus concentration declined only in P. australis. We also identified that temperature-dependent climatic variables were more important than soil properties in affecting the latitudinal variations of seed traits for both species, especially for S. alterniflora. Based on the results, we predict that the greater fecundity of S. alterniflora populations poses an increasing threat to P. australis at the higher latitudes as temperature rises due to climate change.},
}

*Seeds
*Introduced Species
Poaceae
Soil
Nitrogen

@article {pmid40048863,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, YJ and Fenton, H and Hall, J and Rose, K and Peddemors, VM and Šlapeta, J},
title = {Dolphins share Toxoplasma gondii Type II genotypes with terrestrial animals: Evidence of terrestrial T. gondii contamination in marine environments.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {335},
number = {},
pages = {110439},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110439},
pmid = {40048863},
issn = {1873-2550},
abstract = {Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can infect all warm-blooded animals, leading to toxoplasmosis. Dolphins are invaluable sentinel species informing potential risks of zoonotic pathogen infection in humans through raw or undercooked seafood consumption. Between 2019 and 2023, 14 dolphins from coastal New South Wales, Australia were examined as part of ongoing marine animal health monitoring programs. Based on the histological lesions of inflammation associated with protozoal structures, Toxoplasma gondii infection is interpreted to have contributed to morbidity and mortality of four of these dolphins as identified via real-time PCR for B1 and REP genes on genetic material extracted from lung and brain samples. Additional genetic characterisation was performed on three T. gondii dolphin samples utilising multiplex multilocus nested PCR-RFLP (Mn-PCR-RFLP) targeting 13 genetic markers: B1, SAG1, 5' and 3' SAG2, alt. SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico. A Type II variant genotype, also called ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #3, was identified in four tissues. Three of the samples displayed a unique genotype on the SAG3 marker, and one of the samples showed unique genotypes on both B1 and c22-8 markers. Our findings suggest that T. gondii of the same genotype has been circulating in New South Wales for the past decade. Although temporal data is limited, all examined animals were found stranded during multi-year La Niña events. The notable increase in rainfall in 2022 is considered a potential factor leading to T. gondii infections in these dolphins, likely due to run-off containing feline faecal contamination highlighting the widespread impact of invasive species in Australia.},
}

@article {pmid40045410,
year = {2025},
author = {Franco Martins, J and Dina Troco, A and Marques, C and Chipepa, V and Seixas, G and Pinto, J and Garcia, L and Pedro Jorge, C and Manuel, E and Alves, G},
title = {Asian tiger mosquito in the oil-producing city of Soyo: the first report of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894) in Angola.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {90},
pmid = {40045410},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; Angola ; *Aedes/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; Larva/genetics ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Humans ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Introduced Species ; Cities ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), is a highly invasive species that has successfully colonized many tropical and temperate regions worldwide. Its rapid global spread is strongly associated with human activities and has created favorable conditions for the emergence of human arboviruses in new geographic areas.

METHODS: Mosquito larvae were collected by community health workers from different breeding sites and reared to adults in a field insectary. Adult mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species level. Species identification was confirmed by cytochrome oxidase subunit I DNA barcoding.

RESULTS: We report the first detection of Aedes albopictus in Angola during an Anopheles stephensi survey conducted in Soyo, Zaire Province. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Angolan Ae. albopictus population clusters with sequences from Central African countries, suggesting an introduction from within the continent.

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Ae. albopictus in Angola highlights the need for enhanced vector surveillance and control measures to prevent the emergence of arboviral diseases. This finding emphasizes the relevance of collaboration between local health authorities, communities, and international organizations in monitoring the spread of invasive mosquito species.},
}

Animals
Angola
*Aedes/genetics/classification/physiology
*Mosquito Vectors/genetics/classification/physiology
*Phylogeny
Larva/genetics
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Humans
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
Introduced Species
Cities
Female

@article {pmid39952221,
year = {2025},
author = {Peidro-Devesa, MJ and Faria, J and Costa, AC and Botelho, AZ and Martins, GM},
title = {Shifts in patterns of shell utilization by the hermit crab Clibanarius erythropus following the arrival of a non-native gastropod.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {205},
number = {},
pages = {107004},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107004},
pmid = {39952221},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anomura/physiology ; *Gastropoda/physiology ; *Animal Shells ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Azores ; },
abstract = {Hermit crabs rely on gastropod shells for protection and survival in rocky coastal habitats. This study evaluates the arrival of the non-native Phorcus sauciatus influences patterns of shell selection of the hermit crab Clibanarius erythropus along the southern coast of São Miguel Island, Azores (NE Atlantic). Field sampling from four intertidal sites revealed that P. sauciatus accounted for 22.4% of the shells occupied by hermit crabs, marking a significant shift in shell utilization since the species introduction in 2013. Morphometric analyses compared P. sauciatus shells with four others commonly used gastropod shells, revealing that P. sauciatus provides favorable characteristics, such as a high internal-to-mass ratio, which likely enhances hermit crab survival and motility. Temporal comparisons with studies from 2000 and 2009 indicate substantial changes in shell utilization, with P. sauciatus becoming a key resource. P. sauciatus establishment provides a greater diversity of shells available to C. erythropus. This study underscores the ecological consequences of non-native species, showing how they can alter resource availability and create new exploitable niches for native species, such as hermit crabs on the rocky shores of São Miguel.},
}

Animals
*Anomura/physiology
*Gastropoda/physiology
*Animal Shells
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Azores

@article {pmid39936504,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Shen, Y and Chen, Y and Gao, S and Xue, W and Chen, X and Chen, T and Li, J},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi regulate the diversity-invasion resistance relationship by influencing the role of complementarity and selection effects.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {246},
number = {1},
pages = {317-330},
doi = {10.1111/nph.20441},
pmid = {39936504},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {31870504//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LY22C030001//the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; Biomass ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Species Specificity ; Solidago/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a crucial role in influencing plant community dynamics, yet their impact on the relationship between plant diversity and resistance, especially resistance to plant invasion, remains largely unclear. We conducted an experiment using plant communities with varying species richness (one, three and six species) and subjected them to invasion by Solidago canadensis and AMF inoculation. We measured community resistance by comparing the biomass of invaded communities to uninvaded communities and investigated the effect of AMF inoculation on the diversity-resistance relationship. Our results indicate that communities with higher plant species richness displayed greater resistance to invasion, and this effect was stronger in the presence of AMF than in its absence. AMF inoculation weakened the positive complementarity effect-resistance relationship (i.e. a decreasing species asynchrony) due to AMF-induced alterations in community composition, but shifted the negative selection effect-resistance relationship to neutral (i.e. a negative-to-neutral sampling effect) due to the enhanced role of the dominant species Mosla scabra. Furthermore, the AMF-induced changes in plant species resistance were positively correlated with their relative growth rate and specific root surface area. These findings suggest that AMF inoculation alters the mechanisms underlying diversity-resistance relationships, with implications for how plant communities respond to disturbances such as invasion.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
Biomass
Plant Roots/microbiology
Species Specificity
Solidago/microbiology/physiology

@article {pmid39667987,
year = {2025},
author = {Schwartz, MK and Dunn, SL and Gendron, WAC and Helm, JE and Kamau, WS and Mark-Shadbolt, M and Moehrenschlager, A and Redford, KH and Russell, G and Sandler, RL and Schultz, CA and Wiedenheft, B and Emmel, AS and Brodie, JF},
title = {Principles for introducing new genes and species for conservation.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {40},
number = {3},
pages = {296-307},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2024.11.011},
pmid = {39667987},
issn = {1872-8383},
mesh = {*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Introduced Species ; Synthetic Biology/methods ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Introducing new genes and new species into ecosystems where they have not previously existed presents opportunities and complex, multivalue decisions for conservation biologists and the public. Both synthetic biology and conservation introductions offer potential benefits, such as avoiding extinctions and restoring ecological function, but also carry risks of unintended ecological consequences and raise social and moral concerns. Although the conservation community has attempted to establish guidelines for each new tool, there is a need for comprehensive principles that will enable conservation managers to navigate emerging technologies. Here, we combine biological, legal, social, cultural, and ethical considerations into an inclusive set of principles designed to facilitate the efforts of managers facing high-consequence conservation decisions by clarifying the stakes of inaction and action, along with the use of decision frameworks to integrate multiple considerations.},
}

*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Introduced Species
Synthetic Biology/methods
Animals
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40043025,
year = {2025},
author = {Sanyal, S and Subba Rao, AVM and Timmanna, H and Baradevanal, G and Bal, SK and Chandran, MAS and Shashank, PR and Singh, VK and Ghosh, PK},
title = {The global invasion risk of rice yellow stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas Walker (Lepidoptera:Crambidae) under current and future climate scenarios.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {e0310234},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0310234},
pmid = {40043025},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Oryza/parasitology ; Ecosystem ; India ; Introduced Species ; Lepidoptera/physiology ; Moths/physiology ; },
abstract = {Rice yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a serious pest, that causes significant yield loss (10-40%) to rice crop in India and other parts of the world. This study emphasizes the prediction of the potential invasion risk, distribution, and further spread of S. incertulas during current and future climate change scenarios in India and the world. The pest identity was confirmed with morphological taxonomy, and the possible habitat distribution and further spread in future climate scenarios were modelled using the MaxEnt algorithm. The climate niche for S. incertulas was also established by analyzing the correlation between the pest occurrence data of 143 locations in India and seven bioclimatic variables viz., bio01, bio02, bio03, bio05, bio12, bio13, and bio15, were chosen for predicting the distribution of S. incertulas. The model performance was good as it exhibited a strong Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve value of 0.949. Based on the Jackknife test, the Bio 13 (precipitation of the wettest month), exhibited the highest gain value and emerged as the primary abiotic factor exerting influence on the potential habitat distribution of this borer. The study demonstrated that bioclimatic variables annual mean temperature (30 °C), and annual precipitation (10-700 mm) favour its multiplication, infestation, and further spread to new areas. As the anticipated habitat range of S. incertulas is of considerable importance for researchers and other stakeholders involved in plant protection, the data generated here may be useful for researchers, policymakers, and farmers for designing better management strategies to mitigate this pest and curtail its spread to new rice growing areas in a rapidly changing global environment.},
}

Animals
*Climate Change
*Oryza/parasitology
Ecosystem
India
Introduced Species
Lepidoptera/physiology
Moths/physiology

@article {pmid40041937,
year = {2025},
author = {Dolan, EJ and Soto, I and Dick, JTA and He, F and Cuthbert, RN},
title = {Riverine Barrier Removals Could Proliferate Biological Invasions.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70093},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70093},
pmid = {40041937},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {E355S122//Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; ECF-2021-001//Leverhulme Trust/ ; //Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, UK Government/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Rivers ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Multiple stressors, such as pollution, climate change, invasive species and fragmentation, threaten global ecosystems, requiring holistic management actions. Freshwater ecosystems are disproportionately biodiverse and particularly impacted by fragmentation and biological invasions. Artificial barriers, such as dams and weirs, are long-standing features of global landscapes, with a divergence of views on their benefits and disbenefits. Recognition of the negative impacts of barriers on the river continuum and native biota, particularly for migratory aquatic species, has led to a rapid rate of barrier removals in recent decades, especially in North America and Europe. However, since the rise in riverine barrier construction centuries ago, global biological invasion rates have concurrently surged. Artificial barriers can paradoxically slow the spread of invasive species through freshwaters, and barrier removal efforts thus risk proliferating invasive species that disperse rapidly through connected habitats. Despite well-intended plans for river restoration through barrier removals, the subsequent spread and colonisation of invasive species have been largely overlooked. This presents a 'connectivity conundrum': the removal of barriers intuitively addresses the issues of native species migrations and dispersals, but could perversely exacerbate the spread of invasive species. Basin-scale data collection around the short- and long-term impacts on invasive species will help to underpin future restoration projects and maximise the potential beneficial outcomes of barrier removals for native species.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Rivers
Animals
Ecosystem
Conservation of Natural Resources
Climate Change

@article {pmid40041550,
year = {2025},
author = {Calado, HRMG and Soares, AO and Heleno, R and Borges, PAV},
title = {Arthropod communities of insular (São Miguel Island, Azores) and mainland (Portugal) coastal grasslands.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e144915},
pmid = {40041550},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The data presented here is part of a doctoral project aimed at characterising and comparing arthropod diversity across biotic communities in coastal ecosystems. The present work provides an inventory of the arthropods recorded in two coastal grasslands ecosystems: the Portugal mainland and the Azores. Sampling was conducted on São Miguel Island (Azores Archipelago) as well as in the Sesimbra and Sines regions (Setúbal District, mainland Portugal). Thirty-one plots were set and visited four times, in spring and summer of 2022.

NEW INFORMATION: The specimens collected were sorted and catalogued into a total of 534 arthropod species and morphospecies. In total, 67 species were common to both ecosystems. A total of 13,515 specimens were counted in the two coastal grasslands. We registered three new records for the Azores (in São Miguel Island), all being exotic: Aritranisdirector (Thumberg, 1822) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), Draeculacephalabradleyi, Van Duzee, 1915 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) and Isodontia sp. Patton, 1880 (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae). This publication demonstrates the importance of coastal grasslands as reservoirs for some potentially invasive arthropod species.},
}

@article {pmid40038433,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, B and Crawford, M and Portman, TA and Fehmi, JS and Rasmussen, C and Hoyt, DW and Toyoda, J and Chu, RK and Clendinen, CS and Veličković, D and Arnold, AE and Tfaily, MM},
title = {Metabolite-driven mechanisms reveal chemical ecology of Lehmann Lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) invasion in North American semi-arid ecosystems.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {364},
pmid = {40038433},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {DE-SC0023297//DOE | SC | Biological and Environmental Research (BER)/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Metabolomics ; *Ecosystem ; Eragrostis/metabolism ; Adaptation, Physiological ; North America ; Metabolome ; Plant Roots/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Invasive plants threaten global ecosystems, yet traditional analyses of functional traits cannot fully explain their dominance over co-occurring natives. Metabolomics offers insights into plant invasions, but single-technique studies often miss critical biochemical mechanisms. We employ a multimodal metabolomics approach ([1]H NMR, LC MS/MS, FT-ICR-MS, and MALDI-MSI) to investigate the biochemical basis of Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) invasion in semi-arid North America, comparing it with a co-occurring native grass, Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica). Our analysis reveals three metabolomic traits of Lehmann lovegrass compared to Arizona cottontop: Enhanced nitrogen allocation in shoots, reduced defensive metabolites in root layers; and increased root exudate modulation under stress conditions. These traits suggest Lehmann lovegrass succeeds through adaptation to increasing aridity rather than direct competition, demonstrating adaptation to nutrient-poor environments and high phenotypic plasticity in response to increasing aridity. This integrated metabolomic approach provides new mechanistic insights into invasion ecology and plant adaptation under environmental change.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Metabolomics
*Ecosystem
Eragrostis/metabolism
Adaptation, Physiological
North America
Metabolome
Plant Roots/metabolism

@article {pmid40038213,
year = {2025},
author = {Young, NE and Williams, DA and Shadwell, KS and Pearse, IS and Jarnevich, CS},
title = {How to model a new invader? US-invaded range models outperform global or combined range models after 100 occurrences.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {e70010},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70010},
pmid = {40038213},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//U.S. Geological Survey, Biogeographic Science/ ; 009732-00002//U.S. Geological Survey/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Models, Biological ; United States ; Plant Dispersal ; Ecosystem ; North America ; },
abstract = {Invasive species are an economic and ecological burden, and efforts to limit their impact are greatly improved with reliable maps based on species distribution models (SDMs). However, the potential distribution of new invaders is difficult to anticipate because they are still spreading with few observations in their invaded habitat. Therefore, an accepted practice in predicting the distribution of invasive species has been to incorporate habitat information from its entire geographic distribution (invaded and native ranges) into SDMs. Yet, this approach, due to niche shifts, niche expansions, and data deficiencies, commonly misrepresents where an invasive species is found in its new range. Here, we use time series records (invasion stages) from 13 invasive plant species in North America to explore the tension between modeling invasive species using global range and invaded range data and to determine if there is a "tipping point" at which one SDM strategy performs better than the other in predicting the ultimate distribution. At the earliest invasion stage, models developed using both invaded range and global occurrences on average performed better and had less variability across species than other model strategies at this stage. However, after as few as 100 observations of an invasive plant had been made, US-invaded range models, on average, outperformed global range models and models that combined occurrences. By building models with global and US-scale predictors, we show that higher performance of invaded range models was in part because of greater data quality at the invaded-range scale. Our work demonstrates that after relatively few observations of an invasive species in its invaded range, it is more accurate to model its potential distribution using only information from the invaded range while disregarding information from other regions. This work develops a robust and comprehensive approach to modeling novel distributions of newly observed invasive species.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Models, Biological
United States
Plant Dispersal
Ecosystem
North America

@article {pmid40037968,
year = {2025},
author = {Pedersen, S and Kennedy, PJ and O'Shea-Wheller, TA and Poidatz, J and Christie, A and Osborne, JL and Tyler, CR},
title = {Broad ecological threats of an invasive hornet revealed through a deep sequencing approach.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {178978},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178978},
pmid = {40037968},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Most terrestrial invertebrates are in considerable decline, and the range expansion of the invasive hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, poses an additional threat. Although now found in much of western Europe, the full extent of the hornet's predatory activity remains unexplored. While impacts on honey bees are well-documented, evidence of a wider dietary spectrum is emerging, indicating potentially broad ecological ramifications. Here, we conduct the first large-scale study of the diet of V. velutina, utilising deep sequencing to characterise the larval gut contents of over 1500 samples from Jersey, France, Spain, and the UK. Our results indicate that V. velutina is a highly flexible predator, enabling its continued range expansion capacity. Analyses detected 1449 taxa, with greater prey richness in samples from southern latitudes, and considerable spatiotemporal variation in dietary composition. Hymenoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Araneae were the most frequently occurring orders predated, each characterised by high taxonomic diversity. The honey bee Apis mellifera was the most abundant species, being found in all sampled nests and showing greater relative read numbers with increasing apiary density and proximity, supporting concerns for the impact of V. velutina on apiculture. Notably, 43 of the 50 most commonly predated invertebrates were also flower visitors, including 4 common bumblebee species, indicating potentially substantial risks to wild pollinators. These data provide wide and deep evidence to support risk evaluation of this species and its potential environmental impact as it spreads across Europe.},
}

@article {pmid40037253,
year = {2025},
author = {Wunderlich, RF and Jamoneau, A and Boutry, S and Hosni, M and Bertrin, V},
title = {Model-based management of macrophytes in shallow lakes under warming.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {378},
number = {},
pages = {124543},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124543},
pmid = {40037253},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Macrophytes are a critical component of freshwater ecosystems, harboring significant biodiversity and providing essential resources and services. However, their habitat faces multifaceted challenges from climate change, local anthropogenic disturbance, and biological invasions. Here, we aim to provide local management suggestions under both current and future higher temperature regimes. Using joint species distribution modeling (JSDM), we integrate comprehensive presence-absence data with environmental variables and ecological traits to predict the distributions and diversity of 44 vascular aquatic plant and charophyte species in three shallow lakes (435 sites in total) in southwestern France. The environmental variables considered included physical properties (including current surface temperature and a 2 °C warming scenario), anthropogenic disturbance, shoreline curvature, underwater topography, and the occurrence rate (temporary or permanent) of water and wetness. Subsequently, we use percentile-threshold-based spatial prioritization to identify conservation management hotspots. Our results show that macrophyte habitat suitability is largely influenced by land-use and human accessibility. Moreover, macrophyte habitat suitability and native species diversity generally decrease across lakes under warming. However, the decrease in habitat suitability is greater for native isoetid species than for invasive species-suggesting a potential forthcoming cascade of changing community composition, higher lacustrine trophic states, and impaired provisioning of ecosystem services. Therefore, we suggest immediately adopting adaptive management principles at the identified conservation management hotspots, including the control of and targeted monitoring for invasives as well as conservation and restoration measures for native species, in particular isoetids.},
}

@article {pmid40037252,
year = {2025},
author = {Zong, H and Yao, YN and Chen, MK and Li, H and Huang, XJ and Jiao, C},
title = {Influence of habitat types and seasons on the composition and diversity of spontaneous species in the rural-urban fringe of Chengdu City, China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {378},
number = {},
pages = {124727},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124727},
pmid = {40037252},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The rural-urban fringe (RUF) is the indistinct boundary zone outside the urban area. It is also a highly vulnerable, sensitive, and ecologically valuable space, owing to the complex demographic composition, unbalanced economic development, and dramatic changes in land use and ecosystems. Different plants spontaneously emerge across RUF areas, playing an important ecological role in regulating climate and providing varied habitats for plants and animals. Few studies on urban sprawl have examined the plant diversity of RUF areas. Thus, more information is needed about the composition, diversity, and variability of spontaneous RUF species. Accordingly, this research implemented a field study across 248 survey plots in the RUF of Chengdu City, China. The composition and diversity of spontaneous species in five RUF habitat types during different seasons were analyzed. The effects of habitat types and seasons on α-diversity and species composition dissimilarities were evaluated using two-way analysis of variance, Principal coordinates analysis, and pairwise permutational multivariate analysis of variance, respectively. Across the seasons, 313 species of spontaneous vascular plant were recorded in RUF plots. Escaped medical and edible species accounted for 53.04% of species, consistent with the RUF inhabitants' needs. Among exotic plants, 41 of 74 were invasive species posing a high risk of species invasion. Trees were the dominant vegetation type only in autumn; herbs were the dominant vegetation in other seasons. Both season and habitat types significantly affected spontaneous species composition and α-diversity; moreover, habitat type had a greater effect than season. Farmland, with the highest α- and β-diversity levels, had the optimal resilience under environmental change. Its species composition was most similar to that of building land. Furthermore, both farmland and road land exhibited a significantly elevated proportion of exotic species in comparison to other habitats. Exotic species easily spread to cities and villages through the connectivity of road lands and farmland. In contrast, woodland had the lowest adaptive capacity under environmental change, with the lowest α- and β-diversity levels. With the escalation of anthropogenic disturbance, the prominence of the dominant species within the community markedly increased. However, as the foundation of occasional species conservation, it is the most important habitat type to protect. This study contributes to the understanding of changes in ecological processes in the RUF of megacities caused by urbanization and provides an important reference for RUF habitat conservation.},
}

@article {pmid40036822,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, Y and Champer, J},
title = {A comparative assessment of self-limiting genetic control strategies for population suppression.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msaf048},
pmid = {40036822},
issn = {1537-1719},
abstract = {Genetic control strategies are promising solutions for control of pest populations and invasive species. Methods utilizing repeated releases of males such as Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal (RIDL), self-limiting gene drives, and gene disruptors are highly controllable methods, ensuring biosafety. Although models of these strategies have been built, detailed comparisons are lacking, particularly for some of the newer strategies. Here, we conducted a thorough comparative assessment of self-limiting genetic control strategies by individual-based simulation models. Specifically, we find that repeated releases greatly enhance suppression power of weak and self-limiting gene drives, enabling population elimination with even low efficiency and high fitness costs. Moreover, dominant female sterility further strengthens self-limiting systems that can either use gene drive or disruptors that target genes without a mechanism to bias their own inheritance. Some of these strategies are highly persistent, resulting in relatively low release ratios even when released males suffer high fitness costs. To quantitively evaluate different strategies independent from ecological impact, we proposed constant-population genetic load, which achieves over 95% accuracy in predicting simulation outcomes for most strategies, though it is not as precise in a few frequency-dependent systems. Our results suggest that many new self-limiting strategies are safe, flexible, and more cost-effective than traditional SIT and RIDL, and thus have great potential for population suppression of insects and other pests.},
}

@article {pmid40036187,
year = {2025},
author = {Rideout, E and Alston, DG and Bentz, BJ},
title = {A degree day model for predicting voltinism of the invasive balsam woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in northern Utah.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf034},
pmid = {40036187},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {Balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Ratz.) (BWA), invasive in North America, was first detected on subalpine fir [Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.] in several northern Utah counties in 2017. BWA phenology is known to vary by elevation and climate; a degree-day (DD) model focused on population expansion into the Intermountain West is needed. Bark samples were collected weekly from infested subalpine fir in early summer through late fall at 5 northern Utah sites from August 2020 to December 2022. At a single site, additional samples were collected biweekly to monthly during winter and spring. The presence of live individuals of all life stages in winter through early summer samples confirmed that life stages other than crawlers can successfully overwinter in northern Utah. Two generations were observed at all sites. Degree-day models were developed by fitting proportional adult counts and local air temperatures to Weibull distributions. Model fit was optimized with a 0 °C lower threshold, 30 °C upper threshold, and 1 Jan biofix. Completion of the first generation required 1,104 DD and 2 generations required 2,412 DD. Using the models and historical (1980 to 2020) temperatures, study sites were predicted to have thermal suitability for 2 generations at least 2 to 3 decades prior to detection in northern Utah, depending on site. Although upper estimates of future (2025 to 2099) predictions forecast a doubling of generations by 2060, knowledge of potential dormancies that may be disrupted in a changing climate is needed. The degree-day model will be a useful tool for predicting thermal suitability for future BWA expansion.},
}

@article {pmid39987825,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, X and Yang, J and Yang, X and Wang, T and Meng, J and Guo, X and Wang, Y and Xiong, W and Zeng, J and Wu, Z and Li, K and Jeppesen, E},
title = {Leaf metabolomic traits decipher the invasiveness of Alternanthera philoxeroides in urban wetlands.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {968},
number = {},
pages = {178888},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178888},
pmid = {39987825},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Amaranthaceae/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; *Wetlands ; *Plant Leaves/metabolism ; China ; Metabolomics ; Metabolome ; Urbanization ; Cities ; },
abstract = {Urbanisation has been considered to promote exotic plant invasion. Ecophysiology predicts phenotypic variation and potential evolution following urbanisation and can be used to evaluate plant invasiveness. However, few studies have included the role of ecophysiological traits for such invasiveness in urban ecosystems. Traditional plant functional traits have been used but have their limitations. Novel approaches such as metabolomics may potentially be useful. The present study explored the invasiveness of the cosmopolitan noxious invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides in urban and periurban areas of a megacity city in China using both traditional leaf functional traits and novel leaf metabolome as indicators. We found that traditional leaf functional traits, including specific leaf area, nitrogen concentration, carbon:nitrogen ratio and construction costs, did not differ between urban and periurban A. philoxeroides populations. However, metabolomic profiling showed that the urban populations had an up-regulated expression of zeatin and purine, two cytokinins correlated with plant growth and a down-regulated expression of isoflavonoids, a defensive metabolite for herbivory. Leaf metabolome may, therefore, be sensitive in deciphering the facilitative effects of urbanisation on plant invasion. We also found that the urban populations of A. philoxeroides accumulated more beneficial microbes, which might enhance their invasiveness. Urbanisation likely promotes exotic plants invasion through generation of metabolites, which stimulates growth via modification of the soil microbiome. Our results indicate that leaf metabolome may be used for interpreting plant invasiveness and predicting plant invasion.},
}

*Amaranthaceae/metabolism
*Introduced Species
*Wetlands
*Plant Leaves/metabolism
China
Metabolomics
Metabolome
Urbanization
Cities

@article {pmid40030023,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilson, J and Bieker, VC and Boheemen, LV and Connallon, T and Martin, MD and Battlay, P and Hodgins, KA},
title = {Copy number variation contributes to parallel local adaptation in an invasive plant.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {10},
pages = {e2413587122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2413587122},
pmid = {40030023},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {DP220102362//Australian Research Council/ ; DP180102531//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*DNA Copy Number Variations ; *Introduced Species ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; *Genome, Plant ; North America ; Plant Weeds/genetics ; },
abstract = {Adaptation is a critical determinant of the diversification, persistence, and geographic range limits of species. Yet the genetic basis of adaptation is often unknown and potentially underpinned by a wide range of mutational types-from single nucleotide changes to large-scale alterations of chromosome structure. Copy number variation (CNV) is thought to be an important source of adaptive genetic variation, as indicated by decades of candidate gene studies that point to CNVs underlying rapid adaptation to strong selective pressures. Nevertheless, population-genomic studies of CNVs face unique logistical challenges not encountered by other forms of genetic variation. Consequently, few studies have systematically investigated the contributions of CNVs to adaptation at a genome-wide scale. We present a genome-wide analysis of CNV contributing to the adaptation of an invasive weed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia. CNVs show clear signatures of parallel local adaptation between North American (native) and European (invaded) ranges, implying widespread reuse of CNVs during adaptation to shared heterogeneous patterns of selection. We used a local principal component analysis (PCA) to genotype CNV regions in whole-genome sequences of samples collected over the last two centuries. We identified 16 large CNV regions of up to 11.85 megabases in length, eight of which show signals of rapid evolutionary change, with pronounced frequency shifts between historic and modern populations. Our results provide compelling genome-wide evidence that CNV underlies rapid adaptation over contemporary timescales of natural populations.},
}

*DNA Copy Number Variations
*Introduced Species
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
*Genome, Plant
North America
Plant Weeds/genetics

@article {pmid40028759,
year = {2025},
author = {Mantoani, MC and Sweeney, C and Osborne, BA},
title = {Complex and Dynamic Effects of an Extreme Low Temperature Weather Event on Invasive Plant Populations and Resident Communities.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70113},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70113},
pmid = {40028759},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {205031/2014-5//Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Cold Temperature ; Extreme Weather ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Whilst it is often assumed that invasive plant species may benefit more from climate change than native species, there is little empirical data on how they, and the communities they invade, respond to extreme weather events (EWEs). Here, we show that the effects of a low temperature EWE can result in a dramatic reduction in both vegetative and reproductive growth of invasive populations of Gunnera tinctoria, although a significant recovery was found within 1 year after its occurrence. Whilst the EWE decreased both the leaf/petiole numbers of mature plants, the major impact was on leaf expansion and a decrease in the size/number of inflorescences. Concomitant with the reduction in growth of G. tinctoria, there was a 5-fold increase in the number of resident species emerging in invaded areas, which largely persisted after the recovery of the invasive populations. Although the growth of G. tinctoria seedlings was also reduced, this was relatively small, and growth and development resumed almost immediately after the EWE. In comparison, the resident plant community was largely unaffected by the EWE either due to the later initiation of growth and/or because of their greater resilience to episodic low temperature events. Our results show that an EWE of this magnitude can have complex time-dependent effects on plant invasions and invaded communities, with a greater impact on the established invasive plants compared to newly recruited seedlings. Based on an assessment of historical climatic data, these long-lived populations have been exposed to EWEs of a similar or greater magnitude in the past, which have not constrained their spread or compromised recruitment. Given the likelihood of an almost complete absence of low temperature EWEs of similar magnitude in the future, any temporary restrictions on the growth of invasive G. tinctoria and other similar invasive species populations are likely to be small.},
}

*Introduced Species
Cold Temperature
Extreme Weather
Climate Change

@article {pmid40028751,
year = {2025},
author = {Petri, L and Ibáñez, I},
title = {Successful recovery of native plants post-invasive removal in forest understories is driven by native community features.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {e70012},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70012},
pmid = {40028751},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {DEB-1252664//NSF/ ; //Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Forests ; Biodiversity ; Trees/physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Plants/classification ; },
abstract = {Temperate forest understories hold the majority of the plant diversity present in these ecosystems and play an essential role in the recruitment and establishment of native trees. However, the long-term persistence of diverse and functional forest understories is threatened by the impacts of invasive plants. As a result, a common practice is the removal of the agent of invasion. Despite this, we know little about the success of these practices and lack a comprehensive understanding of what intrinsic and extrinsic factors shape the recovery. In a multiyear field experiment, we investigated (Q1) whether native propagule availability drove native community recovery, (Q2) what the characteristics of successfully recovering communities were, and (Q3) under which environmental conditions native community recovery rates were faster. After initial removal of invasives, we seeded native species to manipulate assembly history and mimic restoration practices, we also implemented a repeated, versus once, removal treatment, all in a full-factorial design. We collected data on plant species composition and abundance (i.e., species level percent cover) and on environmental conditions (i.e., light and soil water availability) in the three subsequent summers. Our results show that native community recovery rates were independent of seeding additions or frequency of invasive plant removal. The fastest rates of recovery were associated with high native species richness, native communities with higher values of specific leaf area (SLA), and low drought stress years. Our results suggest that restoration practices post-invasive plant removal should be tailored to enhance natural dispersal, or artificial addition if the resident community is species-poor, of native species with traits compatible with high resource availability, such as species with high SLA. In addition to the importance of the native community characteristics, our results underscore the need for assessing environmental conditions, favoring management practices during years of low drought stress to maximize native community recovery.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Forests
Biodiversity
Trees/physiology
Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Plants/classification

@article {pmid40028675,
year = {2025},
author = {Clarke, GS and Shine, R and Brown, GP and Phillips, BL},
title = {Rapid geographic divergence in competitive ability of cane toad larvae (Rhinella marina) during a biological invasion.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {e70022},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70022},
pmid = {40028675},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {FT120100095//Australian Research Council/ ; FT160100198//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Larva/physiology/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; *Bufo marinus/physiology ; Time Factors ; Demography ; Australia ; },
abstract = {Low population densities at the expanding edge of a biological invasion are predicted to reduce intraspecific competition such that invading organisms evolve to prioritize adaptations for rapid rates of population growth and dispersal over those that facilitate success in competitive interactions. The larvae (tadpoles) of anuran species that breed in isolated waterbodies provide excellent models with which to test this prediction, because they compete for limited food resources and are unable to disperse until after metamorphosis. Consistent with our predictions, experiments with captive-raised larvae of cane toads (Rhinella marina) show that tadpoles from range core populations were more effective competitors (based on rates of growth and development), especially against tadpoles from invasion front populations, and especially when food was limited (intensifying competition for resources). By contrast, response to predators-a selection pressure presumed constant regardless of invasion history-was largely unchanged between core and edge populations. Limiting food availability reduced survival rate and size at metamorphosis by similar amounts in both core and edge populations. The spread of cane toads across tropical Australia thus has been accompanied by a reduction in the competitive ability of tadpoles, as predicted under the hypothesis that competitive ability will decrease at an expanding range edge. Other traits, associated with response to predation and food limitation, appeared unchanged.},
}

Animals
*Larva/physiology/growth & development
*Introduced Species
*Bufo marinus/physiology
Time Factors
Demography
Australia

@article {pmid40028447,
year = {2024},
author = {Deschepper, P and Vanbergen, S and Esselens, L and Terblanche, JS and Karsten, M and Snyman, M and Cugala, D and Canhanga, L and Bota, L and Mwatawala, M and Ramadhani, M and Kudra, A and Tairo, J and Bakengesa, J and Addison, P and Manrakhan, A and Gledel, C and Delatte, H and De Meyer, M and Virgilio, M},
title = {A new genome sequence resource for five invasive fruit flies of agricultural concern: Ceratitis capitata, C. quilicii, C. rosa, Zeugodacus cucurbitae and Bactrocera zonata (Diptera, Tephritidae).},
journal = {F1000Research},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1492},
pmid = {40028447},
issn = {2046-1402},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tephritidae/genetics ; Genome, Insect ; Ceratitis capitata/genetics ; Introduced Species ; Agriculture ; },
abstract = {Here, we present novel high quality genome assemblies for five invasive tephritid species of agricultural concern: Ceratitis capitata, C. quilicii, C. rosa, Zeugodacus cucurbitae and Bactrocera zonata (read depths between 65 and 78x). Three assemblies (C. capitata, C. quilicii and Z. cucurbitae) were scaffolded with chromosome conformation data and annotated using RNAseq reads. For some species this is the first reference genome available (B. zonata, C. quilicii and C. rosa), for others we have published improved annotated genomes (C. capitata and Z. cucurbitae). Together, the new references provide an important resource to advance research on genetic techniques for population control, develop rapid species identification methods, and explore eco-evolutionary studies.},
}

Animals
*Tephritidae/genetics
Genome, Insect
Ceratitis capitata/genetics
Introduced Species
Agriculture

@article {pmid40027489,
year = {2025},
author = {Bai, D and Chen, T and Xun, J and Ma, C and Luo, H and Yang, H and Cao, C and Cao, X and Cui, J and Deng, YP and Deng, Z and Dong, W and Dong, W and Du, J and Fang, Q and Fang, W and Fang, Y and Fu, F and Fu, M and Fu, YT and Gao, H and Ge, J and Gong, Q and Gu, L and Guo, P and Guo, Y and Hai, T and Liu, H and He, J and He, ZY and Hou, H and Huang, C and Ji, S and Jiang, C and Jiang, GL and Jiang, L and Jin, LN and Kan, Y and Kang, D and Kou, J and Lam, KL and Li, C and Li, C and Li, F and Li, L and Li, M and Li, X and Li, Y and Li, ZT and Liang, J and Lin, Y and Liu, C and Liu, D and Liu, F and Liu, J and Liu, T and Liu, T and Liu, X and Liu, Y and Liu, B and Liu, M and Lou, W and Luan, Y and Luo, Y and Lv, H and Ma, T and Mai, Z and Mo, J and Niu, D and Pan, Z and Qi, H and Shi, Z and Song, C and Sun, F and Sun, Y and Tian, S and Wan, X and Wang, G and Wang, H and Wang, H and Wang, H and Wang, J and Wang, J and Wang, K and Wang, L and Wang, SK and Wang, X and Wang, Y and Xiao, Z and Xing, H and Xu, Y and Yan, SY and Yang, L and Yang, S and Yang, Y and Yao, X and Yousuf, S and Yu, H and Lei, Y and Yuan, Z and Zeng, M and Zhang, C and Zhang, C and Zhang, H and Zhang, J and Zhang, N and Zhang, T and Zhang, YB and Zhang, Y and Zhang, Z and Zhou, M and Zhou, Y and Zhu, C and Zhu, L and Zhu, Y and Zhu, Z and Zou, H and Zuo, A and Dong, W and Wen, T and Chen, S and Li, G and Gao, Y and Liu, YX},
title = {EasyMetagenome: A user-friendly and flexible pipeline for shotgun metagenomic analysis in microbiome research.},
journal = {iMeta},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {e70001},
pmid = {40027489},
issn = {2770-596X},
abstract = {Shotgun metagenomics has become a pivotal technology in microbiome research, enabling in-depth analysis of microbial communities at both the high-resolution taxonomic and functional levels. This approach provides valuable insights of microbial diversity, interactions, and their roles in health and disease. However, the complexity of data processing and the need for reproducibility pose significant challenges to researchers. To address these challenges, we developed EasyMetagenome, a user-friendly pipeline that supports multiple analysis methods, including quality control and host removal, read-based, assembly-based, and binning, along with advanced genome analysis. The pipeline also features customizable settings, comprehensive data visualizations, and detailed parameter explanations, ensuring its adaptability across a wide range of data scenarios. Looking forward, we aim to refine the pipeline by addressing host contamination issues, optimizing workflows for third-generation sequencing data, and integrating emerging technologies like deep learning and network analysis, to further enhance microbiome insights and data accuracy. EasyMetageonome is freely available at https://github.com/YongxinLiu/EasyMetagenome.},
}

@article {pmid40026362,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, SR and Wang, H and Zhao, CJ and Xiong, Y and Ren, JH},
title = {Effect of sex ratio on the life history traits of an important invasive species, Spodoptera frugiperda.},
journal = {Open life sciences},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {20220873},
pmid = {40026362},
issn = {2391-5412},
abstract = {The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a dangerous migratory pest. Evaluating the effect of sex ratio on the FAW offspring population is particularly important for field control. In this study, five different sex ratio treatments (female/male = 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) were conducted to investigate the effects of sex ratio on the life history traits of FAW. The results showed that sex ratio significantly affected lifetime fecundity, developmental duration of the preadult stage, hatch rate, and emergence rate but had no effect on longevity of parental and offspring adults, larval duration, pupation rate, or number of eggs/moth of offspring. The lifetime fecundity and hatch rate of parental adults and the number of adult offspring/moth were the lowest when the sex ratio was 3:1, while the lifetime fecundity and number of adult offspring/moth were the highest and pupation duration was the shortest when the sex ratio was 1:1. The number of eggs/moth of parental adults and total adults in the F1 generation were higher in male-biased groups than in female-biased groups, and male annihilation appears to be a more effective control strategy. These findings have implications for improving laboratory rearing, population forecasting, and control of FAW in the field.},
}

@article {pmid40025797,
year = {2025},
author = {He, Y and Li, J and Siemann, E and Li, B and Xu, Y and Wang, Y},
title = {Plant Invasion Increases Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon: Meta-Analysis and Empirical Tests.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70109},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70109},
pmid = {40025797},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {32471750//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Yunnan University Donglu Young Talent Program/ ; ZC-24249943//Postgraduate Research and Innovation Program/ ; 2022YFC2601100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023YFC2604500//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; //Double Top University Fund of Yunnan University/ ; //Young Talent Promotion Project by the Ecological Society of China/ ; //Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Carbon/analysis/metabolism ; *Biomass ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Soil/chemistry ; Ecosystem ; Plants ; },
abstract = {Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a vital component of the global carbon cycle. SOC influences soil fertility and structure and is controlled by various factors, including land use, land management practices, and climate change. Biological invasion is a significant yet controversial factor that can alter SOC levels. We conducted a meta-analysis of 445 observations from 61 published reports and followed up with field surveys to clarify the impact of plant invasion on SOC. Our results indicated that plant invasion leads to a 29% increase in microbial biomass carbon (MBC), which is one of the key fractions of SOC. Specifically, among different ecosystems, plant invasion caused MBC increases of 59% in estuaries, 59% in alluvial land, 53% in wetlands, and 80% in orchards. Furthermore, invasion by plants from the Asteraceae family resulted in a 33% increase in MBC, whereas invasion by plants from the Lythraceae family caused a 72% increase in MBC. Our field survey also revealed that plant invasion elevated the soil MBC content relative to the occurrence of native plants or bare ground. Overall, these findings suggest that plant invasion impacts soil carbon, especially by increasing MBC, which may in turn affect future invasions. These effects are influenced by the type of invasive species, ecosystem type, and soil layer depth, highlighting the complex role of biological invasion in the global carbon cycle.},
}

*Carbon/analysis/metabolism
*Biomass
*Soil Microbiology
*Introduced Species
*Soil/chemistry
Ecosystem
Plants

@article {pmid39884430,
year = {2025},
author = {Lester, PJ},
title = {Recent advances and avenues for the pest management of invasive social wasps and hornets.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {68},
number = {},
pages = {101336},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101336},
pmid = {39884430},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Insect Control/methods ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; },
abstract = {Invasive social wasps and hornets pose significant threats to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and animal and human health. This review evaluates recent advances in invasive wasp and hornet management using criteria developed for assessing the feasibility of eradication and control programmes. I emphasise the importance and methods of early detection, citizen science, public involvement, and the role of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drones, and radio telemetry for nest detection. Toxic baits remain a vital tool for population suppression, although improvements in their efficacy and selectivity are needed to mitigate nontarget impacts. The review explores the development of targeted control tools, including emerging biological and genetic control methods, which promise potential solutions but require careful consideration of ecological risks. Genetic interventions include gene drives that offer future potential for sustained long-term control but require robust regulatory frameworks. Global collaboration to standardise management is essential, as invasion and control efforts in one region can affect neighbouring countries. The integration of international best practices with legal frameworks, public engagement, and adaptive management strategies will be critical to the success of future management programmes.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Insect Control/methods
Pest Control, Biological/methods

@article {pmid39580074,
year = {2025},
author = {Khamis, FM and Ajene, IJ},
title = {Anthropogenic influences on parasitoid wasps' biocontrol of invasive insect pest species in Africa.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {68},
number = {},
pages = {101300},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2024.101300},
pmid = {39580074},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology ; Africa ; *Introduced Species ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Insecta/physiology/parasitology ; Agriculture/methods ; Insect Control/methods ; },
abstract = {Sustainable agriculture is crucial to ensuring food and nutritional security and improving livelihoods of millions across Africa. However, agricultural production is constrained by native and invasive pests. Indiscriminate insecticide use is often the first line of action to manage these pests, harming human and animal health, and impacting biodiversity. Thus, shifting to more ecologically sustainable alternatives is key to biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. Biological control is a core component of integrated pest management strategies, and natural enemies, like parasitoid wasps, are considered one of the most environmentally sustainable means of managing pests. However, the Anthropocene plays a significant role in the success and sustainability of this approach. Therefore, here, we provide a look at the influence of anthropological activities, the scope of the application of parasitoids as biocontrol agents of invasive pests, and the current trends in parasitoid utilization in Africa.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/physiology
Africa
*Introduced Species
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
Insecta/physiology/parasitology
Agriculture/methods
Insect Control/methods

@article {pmid39338907,
year = {2024},
author = {Langer, GJ and Bien, S and Bußkamp, J},
title = {Filamentous Fungi Associated with Disease Symptoms in Non-Native Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in Germany-A Gateway for Alien Fungal Pathogens?.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {39338907},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Germany ; *Phylogeny ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Fungi/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/pathogenicity ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Filamentous fungi associated with disease symptoms in non-native giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in Germany were investigated in ten cases of disease in Northwest Germany. During the study period from 2018 to 2023, a total of 81 species of Dikaria were isolated from woody tissue and needles of giant sequoia and morphotyped. Morphotypes were assigned to species designations based on ITS-sequence comparison and, in part, multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. Nine species were recognised as new reports for Germany or on giant sequoia: Amycosphaerella africana, Botryosphaeria parva, Coniochaeta acaciae, C. velutina, Muriformistrickeria rubi, Pestalotiopsis australis, P. monochaeta, Phacidiopycnis washingtonensis, and Rhizosphaera minteri. The threat posed to giant sequoia and other forest trees in Germany by certain, especially newly reported, fungal species is being discussed. The detection of a considerable number of new fungal records in the trees studied suggests that giant sequoia cultivation may be a gateway for alien fungal species in Germany.},
}

Germany
*Phylogeny
*Plant Diseases/microbiology
*Fungi/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/pathogenicity
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40025140,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, R and Nuske, SJ and Nuñez, MA and Fajardo, A and Moyano, J and McIntosh, ACS and Nilsson, MC and Gundale, MJ},
title = {Distinct foliar fungal communities in Pinus contorta across native and introduced ranges: evidence for context dependency of pathogen release.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {7273},
pmid = {40025140},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Pinus/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Fungi/genetics/classification ; *Plant Leaves/microbiology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; North America ; Mycobiome/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Inter-continental study systems are crucial for testing ecological hypotheses, such as the widely cited Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH), which seeks to explain the superior performance of plant species when they are introduced to new regions. Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine), native to North America, has been extensively introduced to Europe and the Southern Hemisphere, making it an ideal tree species for studying invasion hypotheses from a biogeographical perspective. We compared foliar fungal communities, especially pathogens, of P. contorta across two native-introduced region pairs (NIRPs): a northern NIRP (from Canada to Sweden) and a southern NIRP (from the USA to Patagonia), while also examining the differences between source plantations and invasion fronts within Patagonia. P. contorta underwent significant fungal community shifts and experienced pathogen release during its large-scale introduction from North America to Sweden and Patagonia. The fungal richness and relative abundance changes were more pronounced for the southern NIRP pair, where no closely related tree species to P. contorta are present in Patagonia. In Sweden, the presence of the phylogenetically related P. sylvestris and its associated local fungal community appears to play a role in influencing the foliar fungal communities associated with introduced P. contorta. In Patagonia, the incomplete co-invasion of fungal taxa from the USA emerges as a principal driver of the observed variability in fungal community composition and pathogen release following the introduction of P. contorta. In Patagonia, fungal community composition differences between source plantations and invasion fronts provided insufficient evidence that pathogen release occurs at this local scale. Integrating both biogeographical and phylogenetic perspectives, our study suggests that priority effects of local fungi appear to be a dominant community assembly process when introduction is done in a phylogenetically similar community; whereas, co-invasion of fungal communities is the dominant process in phylogenetically distant communities.},
}

*Pinus/microbiology
*Introduced Species
*Fungi/genetics/classification
*Plant Leaves/microbiology
Plant Diseases/microbiology
North America
Mycobiome/genetics
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40018302,
year = {2025},
author = {Koralewski, TE and Brewer, MJ and Deleon, LL and Elliott, NC and Giles, K and Szczepaniec, A and Faris, AM},
title = {Activity of sorghum aphid and its natural enemies in the context of agroecological and weather conditions.},
journal = {Frontiers in insect science},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1503044},
pmid = {40018302},
issn = {2673-8600},
abstract = {Agroecological-oriented areawide pest management leverages the innate ability of agroecosystem to suppress pests, and thus to utilize ecosystem services, a key component of sustainable agriculture. A growing body of knowledge on interactions between pests and their natural enemies allows us to recognize the complexity of these interactions that often depend on environmental circumstances. Sorghum aphid, Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a recent but established pest of sorghum in the Great Plains of North America. Both predators and parasitoids prey on sorghum aphid but their activity and impact change throughout the area and throughout the year. Both landscape and weather factors have been shown to affect the abundance and numerical responses of these insects, consistent with observations in other aphid species. In this study we used data on counts of sorghum aphids, lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and parasitoid wasps Aphelinus nigritus Howard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) collected in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas states of the United States. We analyzed insect dynamics in the context of landscape and weather factors. We built multiple regression models using data from the years 2017-2019 for metrics such as maximum number of insects per leaf, response time of natural enemies to pest presence, and speed of increase in insect abundance. Our results indicate that various aspects of landscape composition, landscape configuration, and weather affect various insect groups and various aspects of insect dynamics in the field. Moreover, characteristics of specific landscape categories seemed to be more informative than overall measure of landscape diversity. Our study provides insights on interactions along both spatial and temporal scales, with the latter considered understudied.},
}

@article {pmid40016497,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Huang, X and Chen, Z and Chen, N and Yang, M and Liang, C and Yu, Y and Shi, D},
title = {Extraction and purification of total flavonoids from Zanthoxylum planispinum Var. Dintanensis leaves and effect of altitude on total flavonoids content.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {7080},
pmid = {40016497},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {QJJ-[2023]-024//the program for Natural Science Research in Guizhou Education Department/ ; GCC〔2022〕009//the Sixth Batch of Guizhou Province High-level Innovative Talent Training Program/ ; GCC[2023]071//the program of Excellent Innovation Talents in Guizhou Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Flavonoids/analysis/isolation & purification/chemistry ; *Zanthoxylum/chemistry ; *Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Altitude ; *Plant Extracts/chemistry/isolation & purification ; Antioxidants/chemistry/isolation & purification/pharmacology ; Chromatography, Liquid/methods ; Solvents/chemistry ; },
abstract = {To investigate the impact of varying altitudes on the functional components of the leaves of Zanthoxylum planispinum var. Dintanensis, this research collected leaf samples from three different elevations: 610 m, 833 m, and 1083 m. Utilizing water and ethanol as extraction solvents, the study optimized extraction parameters via an ultrasonic-assisted technique to maximize the yield of total flavonoids. Following extraction, five types of macroporous adsorption resins were employed for purification. Significant flavonoid constituents within the purified extracts were qualitatively analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was also assessed pre- and post-purification. Findings indicated that water was a more effective solvent than ethanol for flavonoid extraction, yielding optimal results at 70 °C, with a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:70, 30 min, and 480 W. Conversely, ethanol extraction yielded optimal results at a concentration of 65%, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 1:30, 60 °C, 30 min, and 360 W. Among the tested resins, AB-8 demonstrated the highest efficacy for purifying flavonoid extracts, with adsorption data conforming best to the Freundlich isotherm model. Optimal conditions for AB-8 purification included a crude extract concentration of 2.50 mg/mL, pH 5, and temperature 25 °C, eluted with 10 mL of 60% (v/v) ethanol. A notable increase in total flavonoid content was observed, rising from an average of 3.43-16.00%, with a recovery yield of 82.12%. Leaves collected at 830 m contained the highest total flavonoid content, with rutin predominating over naringenin chalcone and naringenin. At 1083 m, naringenin chalcone was most abundant, while the highest concentration of naringenin was recorded at 610 m. This study provides optimized protocols for the extraction and purification of total flavonoids from Z. planispinum var. Dintanensis leaves, contributing to the development of potential applications for these bioactive compounds in various fields.},
}

*Flavonoids/analysis/isolation & purification/chemistry
*Zanthoxylum/chemistry
*Plant Leaves/chemistry
*Altitude
*Plant Extracts/chemistry/isolation & purification
Antioxidants/chemistry/isolation & purification/pharmacology
Chromatography, Liquid/methods
Solvents/chemistry

@article {pmid40016222,
year = {2025},
author = {Veríssimo, J and Curto, M and Alves, MJ and de Almeida, PR and Aparicio, E and Clavero, M and Chaves, C and Fernandez-Delgado, C and Hernández, J and Jentoft, S and Kalous, L and Magalhães, MF and Martins, FM and Mateus, CS and Nogueira, JG and Oliveira, I and Perdices, A and Rocaspana, R and Ribeiro, F and Risueño, P and Pou I Rovira, Q and Queirós, J and Santos, CD and Teixeira, A and Veríssimo, A and Volta, P and Beja, P and Gante, HF and Lopes-Lima, M},
title = {The mitochondrial genomes of Iberian freshwater and diadromous fishes.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {349},
pmid = {40016222},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {SFRH/BD/133159/2017//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; COVID/BD/152600/2022//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; 2020.04637.BD//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; CEEC/0482/2020//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; 2020.03608.CEECIND//Ministry of Education and Science | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Fishes/genetics/classification ; *Phylogeny ; *Fresh Water ; Spain ; },
abstract = {The Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe, is home to a distinctive freshwater fish fauna, predominantly composed of endemic species. This is a consequence of the prolonged isolation from western Europe caused by the Pyrenees, the diverse geological and climatic gradients, and the isolation of river basins. Freshwater and diadromous fishes have diversified in the Iberian Peninsula and include 72 currently recognized native species, 50 of which are endemic to the region. Habitat loss and degradation, the introduction of invasive species, and climate change have placed Iberian freshwater and diadromous fishes among the most threatened groups of vertebrates, with some species on the brink of extinction. Here, we present 60 new complete mitochondrial genome assemblies out of the 109 freshwater and diadromous fish species found in the Iberian Peninsula, including the mitogenomes of 37 endemics. These resources are crucial for characterising the mitochondrial evolution of species, reconstructing phylogeny and paleogeography, advancing species identification, delineation, and monitoring, and ultimately supporting conservation planning.},
}

Animals
*Genome, Mitochondrial
*Fishes/genetics/classification
*Phylogeny
*Fresh Water
Spain

@article {pmid40016000,
year = {2025},
author = {Rivers, ML and McKenzie, CH and McGaw, IJ},
title = {Effects of low temperature exposure and acclimation on the behavioural responses of the green crab (Carcinus maenas) from Newfoundland, Canada.},
journal = {Journal of thermal biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104071},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104071},
pmid = {40016000},
issn = {0306-4565},
abstract = {European green crab (Carcinus maenas) are a highly successful invasive species of intertidal crustacean. The northern most limit of their invasive range on the east coast of North America is the island of Newfoundland (NL), Canada, where they can experience water temperatures as low as -1 °C during the winter. Green crabs' ability to tolerate a large temperate range is one of the most important characteristics responsible for their invasive success. We investigated the behavioural responses of the green crab to a temperature reduction regime, and long-term acclimation to winter (2 °C) and summer (12 °C) water temperatures in NL. Locomotor activity declined as temperature decreased with a concomitant increase in time spent buried, showing a marked change in these parameters at approximately 4 °C. There was also a marked reduction in activity after long-term exposure to cold temperatures (2 °C) compared to controls (12 °C). However, locomotor activity did not cease completely, even after long-term exposure to 2 °C, indicating that crabs remained responsive to their environment. Crabs took longer to respond to food items and consumed less food after long-term acclimation to 2 °C, compared to 12 °C; however feeding did not cease completely. Collectively, these responses suggest that the green crab enters a dormant state below 5 °C, rather than true torpor, in which they continue to move and feed, albeit more slowly and at lower rates. The green crab population in NL is a genetically hybridized population with both southern and cold-resistant northern haplotypes, however, they react in a similar way to most other populations across their native and invasive range and so the observed behavior may be an inherent reaction to cold.},
}

@article {pmid40013303,
year = {2025},
author = {Ngcobo, NB and Burnett, MJ and Downs, CT},
title = {Influence of habitat structures on fish abundances and diversity: comparing mainstream and tributary communities in the urban uMsunduze Catchment, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.},
journal = {Urban ecosystems},
volume = {28},
number = {2},
pages = {86},
pmid = {40013303},
issn = {1083-8155},
abstract = {Various factors drive the decline of freshwater vertebrate biodiversity. These include changing landscape and urbanisation, introduced invasive species, altered habitat, water quality deterioration, instream barriers, and climate change. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of different habitat features on the fish assemblages in an urban river using catch per unit effort (CPUE) as a proxy for fish assemblage per site and season. We sampled 17 main sites and 21 ad-hoc sites in the uMsunduze Catchment in Pietermaritzburg, uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, during 2022-2023. We collected data using an electro-shocker, fyke nets, and gill nets, and we also recorded and calculated habitat features such as substrate types, hydraulic biotopes, in-situ water quality, ecohydraulics, average depth, and velocity. We used Generalised Linear Models to determine the habitat features driving fish communities. We calculated the Shannon-Weiner and Pielou diversity indices to compare between rivers. We used the Fish Response Assessment Index (FRAI) tool to understand each site's ecological integrity per season. Our results indicated that various features, including substrate (mud, sand, gravel), fast intermediate and fast deep ecohydraulics, electrical conductivity, habitat (glide, pool), and average velocity significantly impacted the CPUE of fish. There was no variation in diversity indices between tributaries, but there was a significant difference in fish diversity between the uMsunduze mainstream and its tributaries. The FRAI scores showed great deterioration in the system's ecological health, and most sites, especially the mainstream sites, were critically or extremely modified. We suggest that the relevant authorities take action to mitigate the pressures compromising the uMsunduze Catchment's ecological integrity. There is an urgent need for conservation measures for the two "near threatened" species, Enteromius gurneyi and Amphilius natalensis, the former now extirpated as per our study.},
}

@article {pmid40012773,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, P and Wu, Y and Zhu, P and Wang, J and Yu, X and Guo, W},
title = {Spartina alterniflora invasion significantly alters the assembly and structure of soil bacterial communities in the Yellow River Delta.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1525632},
pmid = {40012773},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Soil microbial communities are integral to almost all terrestrial biogeochemical cycles, which are essential to coastal wetland functioning. However, how soil bacterial community assembly, composition, and structure respond to native and non-native plant invasions in coastal wetlands remains unclear. In this study of the coastal wetlands of the Yellow River Delta in China, the assembly, community composition, and diversity of soil bacterial communities associated with four wetland plant species (Phragmites australis, Spartina alterniflora, Suaeda salsa, and Tamarix chinensis) and four soil depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, and 30-40 cm) were characterized using high-throughput sequencing. Plant species identity, as well as environmental factors, rather than soil depth, was found to play predominant roles in shaping the diversity and structure of wetland soil bacterial communities. S. alterniflora invasion altered bacterial community structure and increased bacterial diversity. Phragmites australis-associated bacterial communities were enriched with sulfate-reducing bacteria such as Desulfurivibrio and Desulfuromonas. In comparison, S. alterniflora-associated bacterial communities were enriched with both sulfate-reducing bacteria (SEEP-SRB1) and sulfate-oxidizing bacteria (Sulfurimonas), which maintained a dynamic balance in the local sulfur-cycle, and thereby enhanced S. alterniflora growth. In addition, stochastic processes dominated the assembly of soil bacterial communities associated with all four plant species, but were most important for the S. alterniflora community. The S. alterniflora-associated bacterial community also showed stronger interactions and more extensive connections among bacterial taxa; a co-occurrence network for this community had the greatest average clustering coefficient, average degree, modularity, and number of links and nodes, but the lowest average path length. Altogether, individual plant species had distinct effects on soil bacterial community assembly and structure, with the invasive species having the strongest impact. These results provide insights into microbial ecology and inform management strategies for coastal wetland restoration.},
}

@article {pmid40012225,
year = {2025},
author = {Svitin, R and Marushchak, O and Dmytriieva, I and Dupak, V and Greben, O and Nechai, A and Syrota, Y},
title = {Helminths of the rock lizards Darevskia dahli and D. armeniaca in their invaded range in Ukraine.},
journal = {Journal of helminthology},
volume = {99},
number = {},
pages = {e38},
doi = {10.1017/S0022149X25000203},
pmid = {40012225},
issn = {1475-2697},
mesh = {Animals ; Ukraine ; *Lizards/parasitology ; *Helminths/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology ; *Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology/epidemiology ; Introduced Species ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {This study investigated the helminths of the mixed invasive population of Darevskia armeniaca and D. dahli, collected during two field trips in Denyshy, Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, in 2023. In total, 67 adult lizards (35 D. armeniaca and 32 D. dahli) were examined. Molecular and morphological approaches were used to identify the parasites. The analyses revealed six helminth species, including four nematodes (Toxocara cati, Strongyloides darevskyi, Oswaldocruzia sp., and Spirurida gen. sp.), one trematode (Pleurogenes claviger), and one cestode (Mesocestoides litteratus). Toxocara cati had the highest prevalence, found in cysts located primarily on the liver and in the body cavity of the hosts. The qualitative and quantitative comparative assessment of the helminth community suggests that, due to the introduction of these lizards, most helminth species from their native range have been lost. Additionally, most local helminth species have not yet adapted to parasitising these lizards as normal hosts of their life cycle.},
}

Animals
Ukraine
*Lizards/parasitology
*Helminths/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology
*Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology/epidemiology
Introduced Species
Prevalence

@article {pmid40009010,
year = {2025},
author = {Freire, CA},
title = {What makes a competent aquatic invader? Considering saline niches of invertebrates and ray-finned fishes.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {228},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.249515},
pmid = {40009010},
issn = {1477-9145},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Salinity ; *Osmoregulation ; *Ecosystem ; *Invertebrates/physiology ; Fishes/physiology ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Aquatic invasive species are of growing concern globally, especially in fresh water. The problem is intensified by climate change, which often causes salinization of coastal fresh waters. Animals deal with salinity through the function of osmoregulation, and osmoregulatory ability can be informative when considering invasive potential. A species is said to be 'euryhaline' if it can tolerate a wide range of salinities, either through osmoregulation (tightly controlling its extracellular fluid osmolality) or osmoconformation (matching the osmotic concentration of its internal fluids with that of the environment). Euryhaline animals display a large fundamental saline niche (FSN); i.e. a wide physiological tolerance of salinity change. However, the range of salinities of the habitats where a species actually occurs define its realized saline niche (RSN). Importantly, aquatic species living in stable habitats (i.e. those with little variation in salinity) will have a small RSN, but may have large FSNs, depending on their evolutionary history. Species with large FSNs are more likely to be successful invaders of new habitats with different salinities. Here, I propose the term 'osmotic comfort' as a concept that is associated with the FSN. The core of the FSN corresponds to ∼100% osmotic comfort, or 'optimum salinity', putatively meaning minimum stress. Physiological markers of osmotic comfort can provide raw data for mechanistic niche modelling in aquatic habitats. A species with a larger FSN is more likely to remain 'osmotically comfortable' in a different saline habitat, and is less likely to suffer local extinction in fresh waters, for example, that undergo salinization.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Salinity
*Osmoregulation
*Ecosystem
*Invertebrates/physiology
Fishes/physiology
Climate Change

@article {pmid40006837,
year = {2025},
author = {Malfa, GA and Bianchi, S and Spadaro, V and Di Giacomo, C and Raimondo, FM and Acquaviva, R},
title = {Oxalis pes-caprae L. (Oxalidaceae): From Invasive Concern to Promising Bioresource for Health and Sustainable Applications.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14040578},
pmid = {40006837},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Oxalis pes-caprae L., an invasive plant from South Africa, has developed into a severe ecological threat in many Mediterranean and temperate areas by replacing native flora and modifying ecosystems. Although this species has detrimental effects on the ecosystem, it has unrealized potential as a significant bioresource. Current research on the secondary metabolites found in O. pes-caprae, such as phenolic acids, oxalates, and flavonoids, is summarized in this review, along with an analysis of their biological and pharmacological properties, which include antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. O. pes-caprae could be converted from a troublesome intruder into a financially and ecologically advantageous bioresource of natural products for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural applications by rethinking the invasive species as a resource for phytochemical extraction. This would offer a novel approach to managing invasive species while promoting the advancement of green technologies and sustainable practices.},
}

@article {pmid40006807,
year = {2025},
author = {Aleo, M and Bazan, G},
title = {Plant Diversity and Sustainable Landscape Management: The Case of Misiliscemi, a New Municipality in Sicily.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14040548},
pmid = {40006807},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Floristic and biodiversity knowledge play a crucial role in ecosystem conservation and sustainable land management, particularly in urban-rural contexts that can serve as biodiversity reservoirs, hosting species of high biogeographic value. Focusing on the new municipality of Misiliscemi, established in 2021 in Sicily and now facing the challenge of developing new management strategies, this study provides fundamental knowledge on the plant biodiversity of the area and explores how the integration of floristic and environmental data can guide territorial planning strategies aimed at preserving natural capital and ecosystem services. The research, based on field surveys conducted over many years, taxonomic identification of species, analysis of biological forms and chorological data, evaluation of ecological indicators, and GIS-based habitat mapping according to the EUNIS classification, has made it possible to obtain a comprehensive dataset. The results of this work led to the identification of 623 taxa, recording new findings for the Sicilian flora, including both native and alien species, which represent primary biodiversity data crucial for plant resource management. In addition, 42 habitat types were mapped, highlighting that approximately 80% of the territory is occupied by vegetated man-made habitats. Despite anthropogenic pressures and landscape modifications, Misiliscemi retains significant plant biodiversity, including habitats and species of conservation interest, that represent a vital resource for natural capital and ecosystem services. This knowledge base, in addition to constituting the scientific foundation upon which this young municipality can develop an urban planning strategy aimed at achieving sustainable local development, also represents a methodological approach that highlights how basic knowledge of urban biodiversity should be considered a crucial aspect of sustainable urban planning worldwide.},
}

@article {pmid40005534,
year = {2025},
author = {Kratou, M and Cabezas-Cruz, A},
title = {Unseen Dangers-The Role of Invasive Species in the Spread of Zoonotic Diseases in Europe.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens14020159},
pmid = {40005534},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {*Zoonoses/transmission/epidemiology ; Animals ; Humans ; Europe/epidemiology ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {In a recent study, Klink et al [...].},
}

*Zoonoses/transmission/epidemiology
Animals
Humans
Europe/epidemiology
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid40005162,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramírez, J and Armijos, C and Espinosa-Ortega, N and Castillo, LN and Vidari, G},
title = {Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activity of Extracts and Non-Volatile Compounds from Lantana camara L. and Semisynthetic Derivatives-An Updated Review.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules30040851},
pmid = {40005162},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {PROY_PROY_ARTIC_QU_2022_3652.//Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL)/ ; },
mesh = {*Lantana/chemistry ; *Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Phytochemicals/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Ethnobotany ; Humans ; Antioxidants/pharmacology/chemistry ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Lantana camara L., commonly known as pigeon berry, is a herbaceous plant of growing scientific interest due to the high medicinal value. In fact, despite being categorized as an invasive species, it has been used for a long time to treat different diseases thanks to the many biological activities. Triterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and iridoid glycosides are the bioactive compounds naturally occurring in L. camara that have demonstrated anticancer, antifilarial, nematocidal, antibacterial, insecticidal, antileishmanial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The aim of this review is to update the information concerning the chemistry and biological activity of L. camara extracts and their constituents, including semisynthetic derivatives, revising the literature until June 2024. We believe that the data reported in this review clearly demonstrate the importance of the plant as a promising source of medicines and will therefore stimulate further investigations.},
}

*Lantana/chemistry
*Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology
*Phytochemicals/chemistry/pharmacology
*Ethnobotany
Humans
Antioxidants/pharmacology/chemistry
Animals

@article {pmid40003860,
year = {2025},
author = {Baek, IS and Oh, HS and Kim, YR and Kang, MG and Jung, JB and Park, SH},
title = {Medical-Legal Entomology in Action: Evaluation of Insect-Based Post-Mortem Interval Estimation in South Korean Death Investigations.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020231},
pmid = {40003860},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {PR10-04-000-22//Research and Development of Police Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {Estimating the minimum post-mortem interval (PMI-min) is crucial in criminal investigations for identifying victims and the circumstances surrounding their death. Traditional post-mortem indicators are reliable only within the first 48-72 h post-mortem. This study explored forensic entomology as an alternative method for PMI estimation, focusing on three cases in Busan, South Korea. Forensic cases involving insect specimens collected from bodies found in Busan from 2022 were examined. Personal and photographic data were documented, and insect specimens were collected, preserved, and identified based on both their morphological characteristics and DNA sequences. To enhance the estimation accuracy, corrected death scene temperatures were calculated using an electronic thermo-hygrometer and meteorological data, applying both quadratic regression and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model. The PMI-min was estimated using growth models and developmental data from established studies. Lucilia sericata (Meigen) at different life-cycle stages were discovered in all of the cases, whereas Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was found in only two out of the three cases. In each case, the estimated time of death based on the necrophagous flies differed from the deceased's last known activity by approximately one-two days. These discrepancies may arise from the pre-colonization interval (PCI), a critical but often overlooked factor for accurate PMI-min estimation. Additional factors, including weather conditions, oviposition timing, mixed fly populations, and maggot-generated heat, further contribute to the uncertainty of PMI-min estimates. Future research should integrate these variables and employ advanced technologies such as machine learning to improve the accuracy of these estimates.},
}

@article {pmid40003819,
year = {2025},
author = {Waweru, BW and Kajuga, JN and Hategekimana, A and Ndereyimana, A and Kankundiye, L and Umulisa, C and Nyombayire, A and Mutumwinka, M and Ishimwe, PM and Bazagwira, D and Mukundiyabo, GC and Bigirimana, VP and Yan, X and Kiss, J and Toepfer, S},
title = {Formulation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Above-Ground Use Against Tomato Leaf Miner, Phthorimaea absoluta.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020189},
pmid = {40003819},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The tomato leaf miner Phthorimaea (syn. Tuta) absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is invasive in many agricultural regions. Its larvae feed inside leaf mines or tomato fruits and are difficult to reach with plant protection products. In contrast, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are highly virulent and can search for larvae. The challenge is to formulate EPNs to remain protected on a sprayed leaf surface until they enter the mines. We tested 11 formulations, including 2 oils, 4 gels or thickeners, 2 surfactants, 2 UV protectants, water, and combinations with and without the EPN Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) RW14-G-R3a-2 (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), under non-closed low-humidity conditions. Six tomato leaf experiments with 1000 EPNs sprayed per leaf showed that EPNs in 0.25 to 0.5% canola oil or in 5% alkyl polyglycoside surfactant were the most effective (26 to 37%). Other formulations and an insecticide had less or no effect. Seven other bioassays showed that most formulations did not adversely affect EPN survival or pathogenicity. We assume that formulations of EPNs can be further improved, such as with other flowable gels or combinations, and encourage investment in the development of practical and economic protective sprayable formulations of EPNs against leaf miners to reduce reliance on chemical insecticides.},
}

@article {pmid40003805,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, Q and Zu, M and Liu, D and Yan, Y and Yang, W and Xu, K},
title = {Roles of Vitellogenin and Its Receptor Genes in Female Reproduction of the Cigarette Beetle, Lasioderma serricorne.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020175},
pmid = {40003805},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32160637//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; [2023]48-19//Guiyang Science and Technology Personnel Training Project/ ; 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 = {Vitellogenin (Vg) and the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) play essential roles in insect reproductive development. However, the functions of Vg and VgR genes in Lasioderma serricorne, an important insect pest of stored products, are unknown. We identified and characterized these two genes, designated LsVg and LsVgR, in L. serricorne. The open reading frames of LsVg and LsVgR were 5232 and 5529 bp, encoding 1743 and 1842 amino acid residues, respectively. Both LsVg and LsVgR were predominantly expressed in female adults and exhibited the highest expression in ovaries. The RNAi-mediated silencing of LsVg or LsVgR significantly decreased the average length of ovarian tubes and oocytes and severely affected ovarian development. The Knockdown of LsVg or LsVgR significantly reduced the oviposition period, the number of eggs laid, and the egg hatching rate. Females injected with dsLsVg and dsLsVg + VgR were found to had decreased vitellogenin content. The co-silencing of LsVg and LsVgR had a more pronounced effect on reducing the oviposition period and female fecundity in L. serricorne. This study revealed the importance of LsVg and LsVgR in regulating female reproduction and shows their potential as targets for RNAi-based control of L. serricorne.},
}

@article {pmid40003799,
year = {2025},
author = {Ricupero, M and Porcu, E and Russo, A and Zappalà, L and Siscaro, G},
title = {New Records of Phenacoccus solenopsis Natural Enemies in Europe and Taxonomic Additions on Anagyrus matritensis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020169},
pmid = {40003799},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {CN00000022//the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) - MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.4 - D.D. 1032 17/06/2022/ ; E73C22000240006//Agroecology-inspired Strategies and Tools to Enhance Resilience and ecosystem services in to-mato crop" (ASTER), PRIMA SECTION 2 2021 - MULTI-TOPIC/ ; 101136611//the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (NextGenBioPest project)/ ; },
abstract = {The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous invasive species native to America and considered one of the major cotton pests in Asia. It is currently threatening horticultural and ornamental protected crops in Mediterranean countries. Due to ecological and environmental concerns, the conventional chemical control of P. solenopsis in new areas of introduction is being replaced by exploring the potential of indigenous natural enemies as a sustainable biological control tool. After P. solenopsis introduction in Sicily (Italy), field surveys were conducted on native natural enemies attacking the mealybug to select promising biocontrol agents for field applications. For the first time, Aenasius arizonensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was reported in Europe, and the native Anagyrus matritensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was recorded in association with P. solenopsis. The two parasitoid species were identified by morphological features and molecularly using a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene. Because of missing information, additional morphological features were provided for the morphological identification of A. matritensis. In addition, the generalist predators Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Hippodamia variegata and Parexochomus nigripennis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were also recorded attacking the invasive mealybug.},
}

@article {pmid40003796,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, Y and Pan, Y and Liu, J and Yang, W and Shen, G},
title = {Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Expression of Defense Pathways and Specific Protease Inhibitor Genes in Solanum lycopersicum in Response to Feeding by Tuta absoluta.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020166},
pmid = {40003796},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2022YFC2601000//National Key Research and Development Program/ ; QKHJC-ZK-[2022]003//Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Province/ ; GCC[2023]071//Program of Excellent Innovation Talents in Guizhou Province/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding plant-insect interactions can help control the harm of herbivorous pests. According to transcriptome data, transcripts of Solanum lycopersicum responding to feeding by Tuta absoluta were screened for important endopeptidase inhibitors. These genes were annotated as serine-type endopeptidase inhibitors from the potato inhibitor I family, potato type II proteinase inhibitor family, and soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz) family. Based on the analysis of expression patterns, Solyc09g084480.2, Solyc03g020080.2, Solyc03g098760.1, and Solyc01g009020.1 were identified as key genes in the defense system of S. lycopersicum. The major endopeptidase genes such as Tabs008250, Tabs007396, and Tabs005701 in the larval stages of T. absoluta were also detected as potential targets of the plant endopeptidase inhibitors. The interaction mode between these endopeptidase and endopeptidase inhibitors was predicted based on the protein structure construction. This study aims to reveal the molecular response of S. lycopersicum to feeding by T. absoluta with high throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.},
}

@article {pmid40003784,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, H and Xu, D and Deng, X and Liu, Z and He, Z and Wu, J and Zhuo, Z},
title = {Impact of Temperature Variation on the Biological Traits and Lifecycle of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): A Meta-Analysis Approach.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020155},
pmid = {40003784},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {20A007, 20E051, 21E040 and 22kA011//Fundamental Research Funds of China West Normal University/ ; },
abstract = {Spodoptera exigua is a pest of considerable economic importance; however, detailed research into its ecological adaptability in newly invaded habitats is limited. This research performed a comprehensive analysis of the life history characteristics of S. exigua under varying temperature, photoperiod, and humidity conditions. A total of 264 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis, and the data were examined using random-effects model, fixed-effects model, and meta-regression analysis techniques. The findings reveal that when temperatures exceed 20 °C, several biological parameters of S. exigua significantly increase, with the highest biological activity observed at 33 °C. As temperature rises, the duration of each developmental phase significantly decreases, accompanied by a reduction in the average number of eggs produced by females and a shorter pre-oviposition period. In addition, the pupal development period is shortened, resulting in a longer adult lifespan. By considering environmental variables such as temperature, photoperiod, and relative humidity, we identified the optimal conditions for the survival of each developmental stage of S. exigua. These results provide a foundation for predicting the population dynamics of this pest and contribute to the development of more effective pest control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40003765,
year = {2025},
author = {Aquino-Thomas, J and Crees, L and Miles, M and Smith, MC and Lake, EC and Dray, FA},
title = {Improving Mass-Rearing Techniques for Releases of Floracarus perrepae, a Biological Control Agent for Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020135},
pmid = {40003765},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {USDA agreement 58-6032-1-001//Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan/ ; USDA agreement 58-6032-9-008//Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/ ; },
abstract = {The United States Department of Agriculture-Invasive Plant Research Laboratory started limited production of a biological control mite, Floracarus perrepae, in 2008 for release against the invasive fern Lygodium microphyllum. Mass-rearing and release of the biological control agent was initiated in 2014 as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan to address the challenge of low establishment rates observed from 2008 to 2010. In late 2021, we critically analyzed our rearing protocols, focusing on aging galls and increasing plant vigor. These adjustments resulted in an exponential increase in colony productivity. We implemented bi-weekly monitoring of mite numbers within galls and identified the gall age class with the highest mite density. Based on this information, we developed a systematic method involving weekly plant readiness criteria and a predefined sequence of stages to select plants for release, ensuring that galls are correctly aged to maximize mite numbers. These changes have resulted in substantial improvements in gall abundance (165.3%), F. perrepae density per gall (86.0%), and estimated F. perrepae per plant (453.2%). The increase in F. perrepae released throughout the landscape improved the rates of establishment, abundance, and impact of the agent throughout the invaded range of L. microphyllum in Florida.},
}

@article {pmid40003764,
year = {2025},
author = {Szanyi, S and Barta, M and Velchev, D and Beshkov, S and Mumford, S and Todorov, I and Nagy, A and Varga, Z and Tóth, M and Toshova, T},
title = {First Report of a Migratory Pest, the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) from Bulgaria.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020134},
pmid = {40003764},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {PD 138329//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; },
abstract = {The first occurrence of an invasive pest species, the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in Bulgaria is reported. Different trapping methods (black light trap, traps baited with semiochemical lures, and food attractants) were used to study Noctuidae assemblages in Bulgaria in 2023. Two males of S. frugiperda were caught with sex pheromone traps in maize fields in Knezha, northern Bulgaria, in early November 2023. Additionally, three moths were attracted by black light traps (early November 2023) and one moth by a food lure applied on a tree trunk at the end of October 2023 in the municipalities of Parvomay and Chirpan, southern Bulgaria, respectively. The identification of S. frugiperda was confirmed using morphological and molecular methods.},
}

@article {pmid40003758,
year = {2025},
author = {Cull, B},
title = {Online Crowdsourced Data from iNaturalist Can Assist Monitoring of Invasive Mosquitoes.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020128},
pmid = {40003758},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Invasive mosquitoes continue to spread, increasing the threat of mosquito-borne disease. Ongoing mosquito surveillance is necessary to track the introduction and establishment of these species in new areas and implement appropriate public health and vector control measures. Contributions from citizen science initiatives have been an important component in detecting, controlling, and raising awareness of invasive mosquitoes. The open-access biodiversity platform iNaturalist is an extensive source of human observations of wildlife, including arthropod vectors, and can be a useful supplementary tool for passive vector surveillance. In this study, the utility of iNaturalist data to support invasive mosquito surveillance was assessed by examining the distribution and seasonal data on four invasive Aedes species (IAS) in Europe and neighbouring countries. Almost 16,000 iNaturalist observations of mosquitoes were examined across 62 countries; 13% were identified as IAS, with a further 2% considered probable IAS. These included 16 observations of Aedes aegypti, 1582 Aedes albopictus, 373 Aedes japonicus, and 58 Aedes koreicus. iNaturalist observations of IAS were present in most known areas of establishment, but potential new regions of spread were also identified. These results further support the use of iNaturalist data as a low-cost source of arthropod data to assist existing vector surveillance.},
}

@article {pmid40002943,
year = {2025},
author = {Feng, S and Pan, X and Wang, J and Liu, W and Hui, Y and Wang, G and Liu, K and Li, J and Xu, H and Lin, L and Wang, X and Wu, Z and Huang, L and Ji, F},
title = {Risk Screening of the Non-Native Fish in the Jiulong River Basin of Southeast China.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15040461},
pmid = {40002943},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {Non-native fish species introduced into new areas, especially when they develop into large populations, pose a threat to native fauna. Understanding the current status of the fish community and invasion risks of non-native fish are essential for invasive species control and diversity conservation. The community structure of fish and a risk assessment on 10 non-native fish species were systematically assessed in the Jiulong River Basin, China, in January, April, and July of 2024. The species richness, with 105 species, showed a notable decrease compared to the 124 species recorded in 1975, while the number of non-native species has increased from zero to ten. Furthermore, the non-native fish species, Coptodon zillii and Sarotherodon galilaeus, have become dominant species, with IRI values of 4038.43 and 1180.30, respectively. The AS-ISK established risk thresholds for BRA and BRA + CCA as 29.5 and 35.5, respectively, identifying 70% of the non-native fish species as high-risk species, including C. zillii, S. galilaeus, Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias batrachus, Hypostomus plecostomus, and Oreochromis aureus. This study indicates that the fish species richness in the Jiulong River Basin has declined, with C. zillii and S. galilaeus becoming dominant and posing high ecological risks to the native fish community. In addition, targeted fishing during the breeding season should be used to control the population of tilapia and restore fish diversity.},
}

@article {pmid40001980,
year = {2025},
author = {Pan, X},
title = {Global Initiative for the Risk Assessment Working Group of Invasive Alien Species.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14020212},
pmid = {40001980},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Biological invasion is not only an ecological phenomenon but also an administrative challenge [...].},
}

@article {pmid40001958,
year = {2025},
author = {Alogna, A and Liboni, A and Rizzo, R},
title = {Evaluation of Biological Properties and Beneficial Effects for a Sustainable and Conscious Exploitation of Achatina fulica Snails.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14020190},
pmid = {40001958},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {In recent decades, there has been significant worldwide interest in the emergence of a new invasive species known as Achatina fulica. This is due to its dangerous habits for the environment, its biological characteristics and the fact that it is the intermediate host of several nematode parasites, such as Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This land snail species is native to tropical African countries, but has been introduced, accidentally or deliberately, to other parts of the world to be used for different purposes and is now established in a large part of the tropics. Since the 1980s, hundreds of researchers have been interested in the beneficial properties of its mucus, ranging from the antimicrobial and anticancer properties to the use of its powdered shell as a biocatalyst. This literature review aims to objectively describe the positive and negative aspects associated with the spread of A. fulica, highlighting in particular the opportunities for the local populations deriving from a conscious exploitation of this mollusc.},
}

@article {pmid40001957,
year = {2025},
author = {Lawson, KM and Talbert, HG and Hill, JE},
title = {Quantifying and Predicting the Spread of Established Non-Native Fishes in Peninsular Florida, USA.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14020189},
pmid = {40001957},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {N/A//University of Florida/ ; },
abstract = {The spread of non-native species plays a substantial role in the designation of a species as invasive, yet the determination and measurement of non-native-species spread is challenging, particularly for fishes, which are limited by aquatic connectivity. Spread has been quantified for fishes in a variety of ways and exact methods vary by region and taxonomic group. In this study, we quantified fish spread in peninsular Florida and used life history traits to understand what factors contribute to the rate at which fish species spread. Using a variety of statistical analyses, we found that fast spreaders in peninsular Florida tend to have a larger body size, narrow diet, shorter time to hatch, greater salinity tolerance, and higher fecundity. However, some variables like parental care, egg diameter, and reproductive guild were the same or very similar across all established species that were included in the analyses. Predicting whether an established species will spread quickly or slowly in Florida may be more challenging than predicting whether an introduced fish species will establish, yet there is support across regions for the use of life history traits in the risk assessment process.},
}

@article {pmid40001919,
year = {2025},
author = {Darrigran, G and Belz, C and Carranza, A and Collado, GA and Correoso, M and Fabres, AA and Gutiérrez Gregoric, DE and Lodeiros, C and Pastorino, G and Penchaszadeh, PE and Salvador, RB and Santos, S and Thiengo, S and Damborenea, C},
title = {What Do We Know About Non-Native, Invasive, and Transplanted Aquatic Mollusks in South America?.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14020151},
pmid = {40001919},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Global awareness of introduced species as one of the primary drivers of biodiversity change-causing environmental impacts, and economic and social effects-emphasizes the need to enhance our understanding of these species. Developing a comprehensive database will enable policymakers to identify global bioinvasion patterns and strengthen their capacity to manage them effectively. Aquatic mollusks play a crucial role in the ecosystems they inhabit, influencing food webs and nutrient cycling, and habitat formation and modification. They are also the dominant group in aquaculture, contributing significantly to the economy while also causing economic losses through macrofouling and posing health risks. Despite their importance, information on the introduction, establishment, and dispersal of mollusk species in South America remains scarce and is often confined to the grey literature. With the aim of organizing, increasing, and strengthening the knowledge of non-native and transplanted mollusks in general and aquatic mollusks in particular, 29 specialists in the introduced mollusks of South America, from seven countries, have been working collaboratively since 2016. Each member contributes expertise, data, and bibliographic resources to build the status of the introduced mollusks in South America and provide critical information to prevent future introductions and transplants. In aquatic environments, 41 non-native mollusk species and 18 transplanted species have been identified. Among them, the bivalve Limnoperna fortunei stands out with the greatest economic effect, while the gastropods Lymnaeidae and Thiaridae represent significant health concerns. Although this research represents a major step forward, it also highlights challenges such as the scarcity of taxonomic studies and the limited investigation of vast areas in South America. The information compiled in this review serves as a resource for researchers, policymakers, and the general public when addressing mollusk bioinvasions in South America.},
}

@article {pmid40001901,
year = {2025},
author = {Castriota, L and Falautano, M and Maggio, T and Perzia, P},
title = {Exploring the Enigmatic Spread and Spatial Dynamics of Bursatella leachii in the Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14020133},
pmid = {40001901},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {Interreg V-A Italia-Malta Project-C1-3.1-31//HARMONY "Italo-Maltese harmonization for a good state of the environment: integrity of the seabed and interaction with invasive species to preserve the functioning of marine ecosystems"./ ; },
abstract = {The invasion history of the gastropod mollusk Bursatella leachii in the Mediterranean Sea demonstrates a dynamic progression through distinct phases, comprising arrival, establishment, and expansion phases. Initial records in the 1930s trace its entry through the Suez Canal, likely followed by larval transport to the Aegean Sea facilitated by natural currents. The subsequent spread to Maltese and Italian waters suggests secondary dispersion favored by maritime traffic or aquaculture activities. The establishment phase shows a significant increase in occurrences and spatial dispersion, with aggregated nuclei in the central Mediterranean. The expansion phase was characterized by rapid dispersal and intensified densities, particularly in the Aegean, Adriatic, and Spanish coasts. These findings underscore the species' capability to invade from multiple fronts, driven by both natural and human-mediated processes. A new location in the Strait of Sicily, i.e., the island of Lampedusa, is reported in the present paper for the species. Given the low number of observations, its establishment with a viable population on the island is not confirmed, although its detection validates the Straits of Sicily as a key area of intense settlement of the species.},
}

@article {pmid39938295,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhuo, W and Wu, N and Shi, R and Cui, Y and Zhang, C and Liu, S and Zhu, F and Zhang, B and Liu, P},
title = {Assessing the impacts of reclamation and invasion on ecological dynamics of coastal wetland vegetation in the Yangtze Estuary from 1985 to 2019:A case study of Chongming Island, China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {376},
number = {},
pages = {124505},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124505},
pmid = {39938295},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; China ; *Estuaries ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Humans ; Islands ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Climate Change ; Plants ; },
abstract = {The distribution of coastal wetland vegetation is influenced by biological invasions, human reclamations and climate changes, which continually reshape vegetation structures. However, limited attention has been given to the impact of biological invasion on native vegetation and tidal wetlands. This study focuses on the wetlands of Chongming Island, employing a multi-feature dataset combining spectral, phenological, and temporal information on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Using the Random Forest (RF) classification method, we analyzed annual vegetation distribution changes and examined the distinct effects of natural and anthropogenic factors. The research results indicate that: (1) From 1985 to 2019, the total area of Chongming Island expanded, while wetland vegetation decreased due to embankment construction and island connection projects. (2) The total area of wetland vegetation on Chongming Island dropped to its lowest point in 2002 (3812.76 ha), and then gradually recovered. (3) Human reclamation was the primary driver of vegetation changes from 1985 to 1995. (4) Vegetation distribution in Dongtan was influenced by both human and natural factors, whereas Beiliuyao affected by the invasion and expansion of the S. alterniflor. These findings provide valuable insights into the drivers of long-term vegetation distribution changes, offering essential data and theoretical support for sustainable development and management of Chongming Island's ecosystems.},
}

*Wetlands
China
*Estuaries
Conservation of Natural Resources
Humans
Islands
Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Climate Change
Plants

@article {pmid40007821,
year = {2016},
author = {, },
title = {Guidance to develop specific protection goals options for environmental risk assessment at EFSA, in relation to biodiversity and ecosystem services.},
journal = {EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {e04499},
pmid = {40007821},
issn = {1831-4732},
abstract = {Maintaining a healthy environment and conserving biodiversity are major goals of environmental protection. A challenge is that protection goals outlined in legislation are often too general and broad to be directly applicable for environmental risk assessment (ERA) performed by EFSA. Therefore, they need to be translated into specific protection goals (SPGs). This Guidance presents a framework, which accounts for biodiversity and ecosystem services, to make general protection goals operational for use in all areas of EFSA's ERAs. The approach to follow has three sequential steps: (1) the identification of relevant ecosystem services; (2) the identification of service providing units (SPUs) for these ecosystem services; and (3) the specification of options for the level/parameters of protection of the SPUs using five interrelated dimensions. This last step involves the specification of options for the ecological entity and attribute to protect and the magnitude, temporal scale and spatial scale of the biologically relevant and, in the case of regulated products, tolerable effects, the latter defined in dialogue with risk managers. In order to promote transparency and consistency when developing options for the level/parameters of protection, this guidance provides considerations to justify the selected options.},
}

@article {pmid40000720,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, M and Kanturski, M and Kim, MJ and Lee, S},
title = {First record of Cinara todocola (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on endangered Christmas tree in South Korea: morphology, biology, and global invasion potential.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6691},
pmid = {40000720},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {No. RS-2024-004067 51//the Korea government (MSIT)/ ; No. RS-2024-004067 51//the Korea government (MSIT)/ ; NRF2020R1I1A2069484//the Ministry of Education/ ; NRF2020R1I1A2069484//the Ministry of Education/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Republic of Korea ; *Endangered Species ; Female ; *Aphids/physiology/anatomy & histology ; Abies ; Male ; Introduced Species ; Trees ; },
abstract = {Cinara (Cinara) todocola (Inouye, 1936) is newly recorded on needle fir (Abies holophylla) and Korean fir (Abies koreana) (Pinaceae) in South Korea. This marks the first recorded instance worldwide of this species damaging the Korean fir, an endangered Christmas tree. We provide detailed life photos and descriptions of all available morphs of this species to facilitate rapid species identification, including redescriptions of the poorly known apterous viviparous female and alate viviparous female, as well as descriptions of the hitherto unknown morphs of the parthenogenetic and sexual generation (fundatrix, oviparous female, and male). This species exhibits strong host specificity across various fir trees, and its life cycle is holocyclic, with the colony size doubling twice per year (in June and September) in South Korea. For the first time, we conducted scanning electron microscopy research to elucidate the gross morphology and sensilla of representatives of this species. Additionally, climate niche modeling was applied to assess and predict the global invasion risk of this species, revealing that C. todocola has the potential to invade in specific regions of East Asia, Europe, and North America.},
}

Animals
Republic of Korea
*Endangered Species
Female
*Aphids/physiology/anatomy & histology
Abies
Male
Introduced Species
Trees

@article {pmid39999889,
year = {2025},
author = {Shaykevich, DA and Pareja-Mejía, D and Golde, C and Pašukonis, A and O'Connell, LA},
title = {Neural and sensory basis of homing behaviour in the invasive cane toad, Rhinella marina.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2041},
pages = {20250045},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.0045},
pmid = {39999889},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //National Science Foundation/ ; //Marius Jakulis Jason Foundation/ ; //New York Stem Cell Foundation/ ; //BRAIN Initiative/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bufo marinus/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Homing Behavior ; Spatial Navigation/physiology ; Hawaii ; },
abstract = {The behavioural, sensory and neural bases of vertebrate navigation are primarily described in mammals and birds. While many studies have explored amphibian navigation, none have characterized brain activity associated with navigation in the wild. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study on navigation in the cane toad, Rhinella marina. First, we performed a translocation experiment to describe how invasive cane toads in Hawaii navigate home and observed homing following displacements of up to 1 km. Next, we tested the effect of olfactory and magnetosensory manipulations on homing, as these senses are most commonly associated with amphibian navigation. We found that neither ablation alone prevents homing, further supporting that toad navigation is multimodal. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that the medial pallium, the amphibian homologue to the hippocampus, is involved in homing. Our comparisons of neural activity revealed evidence supporting a conservation of neural structures associated with navigation across vertebrates consistent with neural models of amphibian spatial cognition from recent laboratory studies. Our work furthers our evolutionary understanding of spatial behaviour and cognition in vertebrates and lays a foundation for studying the behavioural, sensory and neural bases of navigation in an invasive amphibian.},
}

Animals
*Bufo marinus/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Homing Behavior
Spatial Navigation/physiology
Hawaii

@article {pmid39999757,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, J and Zhu, Y and Wang, L and Li, Z and Shi, Z and Yang, X and Yahdjian, L},
title = {Plant invasion risk assessment in Argentina's arid and semi-arid rangelands.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {377},
number = {},
pages = {124648},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124648},
pmid = {39999757},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Climate change and anthropogenic activities have amplified the risk of invasive species spread. Approximately two-thirds of Argentina's land area comprises arid and semi-arid rangelands, yet the current state of invasions across these vast regions and their projected spread under future climate change scenarios remain insufficiently understood. To address this research gap, we employed an ensemble modeling approach to simulate and predict the distribution of 30 major invasive species across Argentina's five key arid and semi-arid rangelands. Our findings revealed that Patagonia and Western Chaco are minimally impacted by invasive species, while the Monte and Puna rangelands exhibit extensive areas of low invasion risk. In contrast, the Caldenal rangeland, as an ecotone, faces the most severe impacts. Notably, Centaurea solstitialis, Cynodon dactylon, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Plantago major, Polypogon monspeliensis, Sorghum halepense, and Taraxacum officinale were identified as key invaders in Argentina's arid and semi-arid rangelands, with invasion areas exceeding 10% in at least one rangeland. Under high-emission scenarios, the invasion risk is projected to increase significantly across different rangelands. Among the key environmental variables incorporated into the model, the mean temperature of the driest quarter emerged as the most critical climatic variable due to its high contribution to the predicted distribution of 19 invasive species. Our study serves as a crucial warning for the management of arid and semi-arid rangelands in Argentina, highlighting the urgency of addressing invasive species under changing environmental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40000782,
year = {2025},
author = {Gajić Umiljendić, J and Sarić-Krsmanović, M and Radivojević, L and Šantrić, L and Šćepanović, M and Šoštarčić, V and Đorđević, T},
title = {Phytochemical analysis of Asclepias syriaca L. leaf extract and its potential phytotoxic effect on some invasive weeds.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6752},
pmid = {40000782},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {451-03-136/2025-03/200214//Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia/ ; 451-03-136/2025-03/200214//Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia/ ; 451-03-136/2025-03/200214//Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia/ ; 451-03-136/2025-03/200214//Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia/ ; 451-03-136/2025-03/200214//Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia/ ; },
mesh = {*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Plant Leaves/drug effects/chemistry/growth & development ; *Plant Weeds/drug effects/growth & development ; *Phytochemicals/analysis/chemistry ; *Antioxidants/metabolism ; *Germination/drug effects ; *Amaranthus/drug effects/growth & development ; Seedlings/drug effects/growth & development ; Phenols/analysis/toxicity ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; Chenopodium album/drug effects/growth & development ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Leaf extract of Asclepyas syriaca was utilized to investigate the phytotoxic effects on the germination and seedling growth of Amaranthus retroflexus L., Chenopodium album L., and Iva xanthifolia Nutt. and to evaluate the relative chlorophyll content and oxidative stress of these weeds growing in pots. The total content of phenols in the extract and its antioxidant activity were determined before bioassays. The TPC was 43.3 ± 1.5 mg GAE g[-1] dry extract, while IC50 value of DPPH radical scavenging activity was 0.651 mg ml[-1] and FRAP value was 38.7 ± 1.5 μmol Fe[2+ ]g[-1] d.e., UHPLC-MS analysis was carried out to identify and quantify the major compounds in it. A total of 15 phenolic compounds in the extract were quantified, including 4 flavonoids, 7 hydroxybenzoic acids, and 4 hydroxycinnamic acids. Delphinidin was the most abundant (32.5 mg g[-1] d.e.), followed by 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (1.810 mg g[-1] d.e.), rutin (1.533 mg g[-1] d.e.), p-coumaric acid (1.131 mg g[-1] d.e.), quercetin (1.071 mg g[-1] d.e.), gallic acid (0.946 mg g[-1] d.e.) and protocatechuic acid (0.598 mg g[-1] d.e.). The seed bioassay confirmed the inhibitory effect of leaf extract on the seed germination and early seedling growth of the tested weeds at all concentrations. In all tested plants the inhibition of seed germination ranged from 68 to 100%, while the inhibitory effect on early seedling growth (radical and shoot length) was ≥ 72% and up to 97-100% for root and 74 to 100% for shoot growth. The results obtained from the pot bioassays revealed significant oxidative stress and a decrease in the relative chlorophyll content. These findings evinced that A. syriaca leaf extract had a significant phytotoxic effect on tested weeds. However, further studies under field conditions are needed to confirm the presented results and to check its herbicidal potential.},
}

*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
*Plant Leaves/drug effects/chemistry/growth & development
*Plant Weeds/drug effects/growth & development
*Phytochemicals/analysis/chemistry
*Antioxidants/metabolism
*Germination/drug effects
*Amaranthus/drug effects/growth & development
Seedlings/drug effects/growth & development
Phenols/analysis/toxicity
Chlorophyll/metabolism
Introduced Species
Chenopodium album/drug effects/growth & development
Oxidative Stress/drug effects

@article {pmid40000670,
year = {2025},
author = {García-Rodríguez, A and Lenzner, B and Velasco, JA and Schertler, A and Omer, A and Seebens, H and Capinha, C and Gallardo, B and Dullinger, S and Essl, F},
title = {The global distribution patterns of alien vertebrate richness in mountains.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {1977},
pmid = {40000670},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {I 5825-B//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; I 5825-B//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; P 34688-B//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; I 5825-B//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; I 5825-B//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; 521529463//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; *Vertebrates/physiology ; *Birds/physiology ; *Mammals ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; Altitude ; Climate Change ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {The diverse biotas of the world's mountains face a challenging future due to increasing threats like climate change, land-use change, and biological invasions, the last being particularly understudied in these regions. Here we compile occurrence records for 717 alien vertebrate species distributed in 2984 mountains worldwide. We analyze their distribution, biogeographic origin, presence in protected areas, and the drivers' explaining alien vertebrate richness in mountains. We find that the alien vertebrates most frequently recorded are birds (318 species) and mammals (161 species) reported in 2595 and 1518 mountains globally, respectively. The Palearctic, Nearctic, and Australasian realms are the most common recipients; the Nearctic, Indo-Malay, and Afrotropic realms are the most frequent donors. Almost 50% of the alien species studied also occur in protected areas. Proxies of anthropogenic impacts (e.g., higher road density or lower biodiversity intactness) and mountains' physical characteristics (e.g., elevation range and roughness) explain the distribution of alien vertebrates in mountains. Importantly, the magnitude of invasions in tropical mountains could be underestimated due to sampling bias towards the Northern Hemisphere and Australia. Our large-scale assessment reveals the advance of alien vertebrates in mountains worldwide and urges attention to minimize the impacts of biological invasions on the exceptional mountain biotas.},
}

Animals
*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
*Vertebrates/physiology
*Birds/physiology
*Mammals
Conservation of Natural Resources
Ecosystem
Altitude
Climate Change
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid39997893,
year = {2025},
author = {Ucros-Rodríguez, S and Araque-Romany, F and Montero-Mendoza, L and Sarmiento-Nater, VC and Calvo-Carrillo, OM and Johnson-Restrepo, B and Gallego, JL and Romero-Murillo, P},
title = {Analysis of Pollutant Accumulation in the Invasive Bivalve Perna viridis: Current Status in the Colombian Caribbean 2020-2023.},
journal = {Toxics},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/toxics13020077},
pmid = {39997893},
issn = {2305-6304},
support = {BPIN- 2020000100427//Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MinCiencias) and Sistema General de Regalías de Colombia in Colombia/ ; },
abstract = {The Colombian Caribbean faces environmental challenges due to urbanization, industrialization, and maritime activities, which introduce pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and microplastics into aquatic ecosystems. Perna viridis (Asian green mussel), an invasive species that has been established in Cartagena Bay since 2009, exhibits potential bioaccumulation capacity, making it a promising biomonitor. This study assessed the concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in P. viridis across two key sites-a port area at the Cartagena Bay (CB) and Virgen marsh (VM) in Colombia-from 2020 to 2023. Seasonal variations driven by La Niña and El Niño phenomena significantly influenced metal concentrations, with transitional periods modulating pollutant accumulation. The levels of trace metals in soft tissue of P. viridis (dry weight) ranged from 0.0003 to 0.0039 µg/g (Cd), 0.04 to 0.21 µg/g (Hg), 0.05 to 1.18 µg/g (Pb), and 0.0029 to 0.0103 µg/g (Se). In suspended particulate matter (SPM), Cd ranged from 0.07 to 0.33 µg/g; Pb ranged from 4.94 to 25.66 µg/g; and Hg ranged from 0.18 to 1.20 µg/g. Results revealed differences in metal concentrations between sites and seasons, highlighting the role of environmental and anthropogenic factors in pollutant distribution. The findings confirm P. viridis as an effective biomonitor of complex pollution scenarios in Cartagena Bay. However, its invasive status highlights ecological risks to be addressed, such as interaction with native bivalves and benthic community structures. These results emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring efforts to mitigate pollution and preserve marine biodiversity in the Colombian Caribbean.},
}

@article {pmid39996828,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, H and Yue, C and Li, H},
title = {Mitochondrial Genome Characteristics and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Spartina alterniflora.},
journal = {Current issues in molecular biology},
volume = {47},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cimb47020107},
pmid = {39996828},
issn = {1467-3045},
support = {2024C02002//"Leading Goose"R&D Program of Zhejiang/ ; 2022SY06//Zhejiang Forestry Science and Technology Project/ ; },
abstract = {The mitochondrial genome of Spartina alterniflora, an invasive species with significant ecological and economic impacts, was analyzed to provide a theoretical basis for understanding its phylogenetic relationships and molecular biology. Mitochondrial genome sequences of S. alterniflora and 23 related species from NCBI were utilized for bioinformatics and comparative genomic analyses. A sliding window analysis identified three genes (rps2, atp9, and nad6) as potential DNA barcodes for species identification. Intracellular gene transfer (IGT) events between mitochondrial and chloroplast genome were detected, highlighting the dynamic nature of genomic evolution. A selective pressure analysis revealed that most protein-coding genes (PCGs) underwent purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1), while the nad2 and ccmB genes showed signs of positive selection pressure (Ka/Ks > 1), indicating their role in adaptation. A phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close relationship between S. alterniflora and Eleusine indica, supported by a collinearity analysis, which suggests environmental convergence. This study provides novel insights into the structural and evolutionary characteristics of the S. alterniflora mitochondrial genome, offering valuable genomic resources for future research on invasive species management and evolutionary biology.},
}

@article {pmid39996564,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilson, TM and Acre, MR and Williams, F and Calfee, RD and Mayer, CM and Mapes, RL and Kemp, CM and Young, RT and Byrne, ME},
title = {Reproductive biology of invasive grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in two North American systems.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.70003},
pmid = {39996564},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {7006325//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey/ ; //Great Lakes Fishery Commission/ ; //Great Lakes Restoration Initiative administered by the Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Natural Resources/ ; },
abstract = {Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are nonnative, herbivorous freshwater fish that represent an ecological threat in North American waters. However, data are limited on reproductive biology specific to wild populations in midwestern North America, despite recent concern for grass carp establishment within the Great Lakes. Basic information on reproductive traits could be useful to determine reproductive potential, inform future population modelling and provide information to aid control efforts. Our objectives were to evaluate grass carp age-at-maturity, spawning season timing, fecundity type, developmental timing and spawning strategy. Additionally, we evaluated the reliability of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) as a proxy for identifying mature grass carp and compared body condition across study areas. We sampled grass carp in portions of the Mississippi River watershed within the state of Missouri and within the Lake Erie basin. Based on gonad histological samples (n = 274), grass carp are batch spawners with indeterminate fecundity and asynchronous ovarian developmental timing. This allows flexibility in their spawning, exemplified by a protracted spawning season in Lake Erie (April to November) in temperatures ranging from 12.3 to 27.3°C. Minimum observed age-at-maturity for females in Missouri and for both males and females in the Lake Erie population was age-3 and age-2 for males in Missouri. Accuracy of GSI as a measure of maturity during the spawning season was 89.7% and 87.5%, for females and males, respectively. Compared to Missouri, grass carp in Lake Erie had a significantly higher body condition, and females ready to spawn had significantly higher GSI values, suggesting that the grass carp in Lake Erie are healthier and more fecund relative to Missouri and, if left uncontrolled, potentially have a high probability of establishment within the Great Lakes. The results of this study will allow managers to identify the reproductive status of grass carp in the field and more accurately estimate populations and reproductive potential.},
}

@article {pmid39996399,
year = {2025},
author = {Barbour, MT and Severson, TJ and Wise, JK and Muelemans, MJ and Kelly, K and Pucherelli, S and Waller, DL},
title = {Carbon dioxide infusion reduces invasive mussel biofouling (quagga mussel; Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) in raw water systems.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-12},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2025.2468282},
pmid = {39996399},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {The efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) to reduce biofouling by quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) in raw water systems was investigated. Experiments were conducted in a mobile laboratory located at Bureau of Reclamation Davis Dam Hydropower Facility and supplied with raw water from Lake Mohave, a reservoir of the Colorado River, USA. Incoming water was split between five chambers, each infused with CO2 at a different rate. Raw reservoir water containing quagga larvae (veligers) was mixed with CO2 chamber outflows and delivered to tanks containing settlement plates. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 tested continuous infusion at target concentrations of 30, 45, 60, 75, and 100 mg L[-1] dCO2 (dissolved CO2). Experiment 2 evaluated intermittent infusion schedules: 24 h on/off with 50, 75, and 100 mg L[-1] dCO2 and 24 h once/week with 100 mg L[-1] dCO2. In Experiment 1, the percent settlement decreased with mean CO2 concentration, ranging from 5.0% to < 0.1% in 28.7 and 92.2 mg L[-1] dCO2, respectively. In Experiment 2, the efficacy of 24 h on/off at dCO2 > 72.2 mg L[-1] was similar to continuous treatment. The least effective treatment was 24 h once weekly at 95 mg L[-1] dCO2. These results demonstrate that CO2 treatment may reduce mussel biofouling in raw water systems.},
}

@article {pmid39993002,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, F and Li, M and Liu, Z and Li, W and He, Q and Xing, L and Xiao, Y and Wang, M and Wang, Y and Du, C and Zhang, H and Zhou, Y and Du, H},
title = {The mixed auto-/allooctoploid genome of Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) provides insights into its polyploid origin and invasiveness.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {121},
number = {4},
pages = {e70005},
doi = {10.1111/tpj.70005},
pmid = {39993002},
issn = {1365-313X},
support = {32100500//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32160438//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; C2021201048//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; YESS20210080//Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Polyploidy ; *Genome, Plant/genetics ; *Introduced Species ; *Phylogeny ; Polygonaceae/genetics ; Chromosomes, Plant/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Reynoutria japonica Houtt. (Polygonaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine, is one of the top 100 most destructive invasive species worldwide due to its aggressive growth and strong adaptability. Here, we report an 8.04 Gb chromosome-scale assembly of R. japonica with 88 chromosomes across eight homologous sets. Through a combined phylogenetic and genomic analysis, we demonstrate that R. japonica is a mixed auto-/allooctoploid (AAAABBBB). Subgenome A (SubA) exhibited a close phylogenetic relationship with the related species Fallopia multiflora. We also unveiled the origin and evolutionary history of octoploid R. japonica based on resequencing data from Reynoutria species with different ploidy. Comparative genomics analysis revealed the genetic basis of R. japonica's invasivity and adaptability. The auxin response factor (ARF) gene family was significantly expanded in R. japonica, and these genes were highly expressed in rhizomes. We also investigated the collaboration and differentiation of the duplicated genes resulting from auto- and allo-polyploidization at the genomic variation, gene family evolution, and gene expression levels in R. japonica. Transcriptomic analysis of stem internodes and apices at different developmental stages revealed that the octuplication and significant expansion of the SAUR19 and SAUR63 subfamilies due to tandem replication in SubA, and the high expression of these genes in stems, likely contribute to the rapid growth of R. japonica. Our study provides important clues into adaptive evolution and polyploidy dominant traits in invasive plants, and will also provide important guidance for the breeding of polyploid crops.},
}

*Polyploidy
*Genome, Plant/genetics
*Introduced Species
*Phylogeny
Polygonaceae/genetics
Chromosomes, Plant/genetics
Evolution, Molecular

@article {pmid39992921,
year = {2025},
author = {Naddafi, R and Florin, AB},
title = {How does round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) affect fish abundance in the Swedish coastal areas of the Baltic Sea?.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {2},
pages = {e0316546},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0316546},
pmid = {39992921},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Sweden ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Fishes/physiology ; Oceans and Seas ; Population Dynamics ; Perciformes/physiology ; },
abstract = {Quantifying the effects of species invasions is particularly challenging, as it requires accurate measurements of the ecosystem before and after the invasion. The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), a highly successful invasive species from the Ponto-Caspian region, has had significant ecological impacts on native communities in the invaded ecosystems. However, there are currently no studies examining the impact of the round goby invasion on the abundance of coastal fish in the Baltic Sea. Using 17-23 years of monitoring data from four areas, we quantified the changes in fish abundance (mostly representing coastal fish indicators and key coastal fish species) associated with the round goby invasion in the Swedish coastal areas. A generalized additive mixed model suggests that round goby invasion will lead to an increase in the abundance of perch, cyprinids, piscivores, and ruffe, while whitefish and flounder abundance will decrease. In addition, the abundance of sprat and herring may not be affected by round goby invasion. Abundance of perch, cyprinids, flounder, perch (≥20 cm total length), cod, pikeperch, and pike were increased with water temperature and were decreased with water depth and wave exposure. We observed a decreasing trend in the abundance of whitefish, sprat, and herring with an increase in water temperature and a decrease in water depth. Given the low abundance of several piscivorous species in the Baltic Sea and the role of predators to control exotic prey, reinforcing piscivore populations might be useful for the Baltic Sea ecosystem and regulating round goby populations at a local scale.},
}

Animals
Sweden
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Fishes/physiology
Oceans and Seas
Population Dynamics
Perciformes/physiology

@article {pmid39991452,
year = {2025},
author = {Ziganira, M and Downs, CT},
title = {Significant Progress in the Study of African Freshwater Snails Over the Past 260 Years.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e71031},
pmid = {39991452},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Globally, freshwater ecosystems are threatened. Research progress concerning African freshwater snails was reviewed using a systematic review process. Since 1757, the number of publications produced has increased, particularly in the last decade. In the first 50 years (1757-1800), 0.1% of publications on freshwater snails in Africa were conducted, followed by 0% (1801-1850), 3.3% (1851-1900), 3.5% (1901-1950) and 48.7% (1951-2000). The last 23 years (2001-2024) exhibited a large increase (44.3%) in publications of the total conducted. Studies on freshwater snails varied in number across the 10 major African water basins, with the majority of studies in the Nile (21.7%), followed by the Congo Basin (17.6%) and Niger (12.4%). The Orange Basin and Lake Tanganyika also received a high number of studies (10.9%) and (7.2%), respectively. Most freshwater snail study objectives related to conservation and taxonomy (70%), followed by disease vector (20.5%), with genetics/genomic/DNA barcoding/eDNA receiving significant focus as well (5.2%). Studies focusing on geology and palaeontology (2.5%), followed by climate change (1.5%) and machine learning (0.4%). The modern phase in the study of African freshwater snails came around the early 20th century with the discovery of Bulinus truncatus and Biomphalaria alexandrina as intermediate hosts for the parasites causing human schistosomiasis. African freshwater malacology has since then benefited from African and overseas malacologists based at universities and medical laboratories across Africa and overseas. In addition to taxonomic studies, there was a steady rise in contributions relating to ecology, disease vectors, palaeontology and genetics. These contributed knowledge on local endemism and speciation, invasive species, species origins and distribution across African water basins, as well as the spread of infectious diseases and impacts of climate change. In the last decade, there have been shifts in methods with the application of DNA barcoding, genomics, environmental DNA and, most recently, machine learning approaches.},
}

@article {pmid39990132,
year = {2025},
author = {Keet, JH and Hui, C},
title = {One-hectare fine-scale dataset of a fynbos plant community in the Cape Floristic Region.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {59},
number = {},
pages = {111334},
pmid = {39990132},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {Cape fynbos, which forms part of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa, a global biodiversity hotspot, is renowned for its high levels of plant species endemism and diversity. This extraordinary ecosystem, characterised by nutrient-poor soils and fire-adapted vegetation, is a treasure trove of endemic flora. However, this fragile system faces increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. Pristine fynbos, naturally high in plant diversity and which forms a large part of the CFR, presents an ideal opportunity to gather fine-scale data on community assembly patterns. Most fynbos vegetation surveys use a plot size of about 100 m[2], with no spatial structures within plots to demarcate individual subplots. Here, a groundbreaking dataset is presented that fully covers 1-hectare of pristine fynbos, systematically gridded into 50 × 50 subplots, each measuring 2 × 2 m, arranged evenly within a square-shaped survey site. Each plot was assigned a unique Y-X coordinate combination. For each plot, all plant species present were recorded, along with their total percentage covers and maximum height values. Total percentage covers were also recorded for bare soil, rock, and termite mounds. This dataset provides a valuable contribution to the field of fynbos ecology, as well as plant community ecology in general, and establishes a benchmark for future one-hectare surveys of similar fynbos vegetation types, delineating the fine-scale composition and structure of fynbos in the CFR. The dataset will be useful for a wide audience, including community and spatial ecologists, plant and environmental scientists, and biodiversity informaticians and statistical ecologists, offering ideal data for testing new metrics of diversity and compositional turnover.},
}

@article {pmid39989666,
year = {2025},
author = {Suwannarat, N and Ribas, A and Miquel, J and Poonlaphdecha, S},
title = {Helminth absence and invasion success of blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) in Thailand.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1529827},
pmid = {39989666},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the helminth absence in the invasive blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) in Thailand, testing the Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH). The ERH suggests that invasive species thrive in new habitats due to the lack of natural parasites that control their populations in native environments. The recent introduction of S. melanotheron in Thailand has raised concerns about its ecological and economic impacts.

METHODS: We surveyed 164 blackchin tilapia from six different locations in Chumphon Province, Thailand, including the sea, estuary, canal, and shrimp farms, examining them for helminths. Fishermen provided data on the first capture dates in the surveyed areas to determine how long the populations have been established.

RESULTS: No helminths were detected in any of the examined fish. The absence of parasites was consistent across all surveyed environments, suggesting a lack of parasitic burden in the population.

DISCUSSION: The absence of helminths may contribute to the successful expansion of S. melanotheron in Thailand, supporting the Enemy Release Hypothesis.},
}

@article {pmid39989387,
year = {2025},
author = {Bali, ED and Rodovitis, VG and Verykouki, E and Terblanche, JS and Carey, JR and Papadopoulos, NT},
title = {Factors affecting detection and trapping efficacy of Mediterranean fruit flies.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8723},
pmid = {39989387},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under agreement No 818184 (FF-IPM)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adult trapping is essential for detecting, monitoring, and controlling fruit fly pests (Diptera: Tephritidae), its efficacy depends on both biotic and abiotic factors. Although efficient commercial trapping systems exist, capturing major invasive tephritid pests remains challenging. This study investigated whether sex, thermal history, trap location, and climatic conditions affect the trapping efficacy of Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) adults. Four release-recapture trials were conducted with marked adults (9600 in total) acclimated at 15, 25, 30 °C or maintained in outdoor conditions: two early in spring and two in summer. Plastic McPhail-type and Jackson traps baited with Biolure and trimedlure dispensers, respectively, were placed on either non-host (olive trees) and host (Citrus) trees. Adults were released 2-3 m from each trap.

RESULTS: Acclimation, ambient temperatures, and host plants' presence influenced recapture rates, which were 25.5 and 25.8% for males and 3.0 and 7.4% for females in non-host and host trees, respectively. Higher recapture rates were observed in adults acclimated at lower temperatures or kept outdoors. Trap placement on host plants also improved trapping efficacy. The higher the ambient temperature the higher the recapture rates.

CONCLUSION: Overall, our results demonstrate that trapping efficacy of medfly and probably other fruit flies is influenced by biological and environmental factors, with ambient conditions being the one with the stronger effect. Cold acclimation like early spring may overestimate population size, while late-season trapping may underestimate it. Hence, thorough examination and careful interpretation of trapping data are crucial for accurate population assessments and for determining detections of invasive pests. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid39988962,
year = {2025},
author = {Narayanan, N and Lutz, P and Shaw, AK},
title = {Coexistence of coinvading species with mutualism and competition.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {2},
pages = {e70039},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70039},
pmid = {39988962},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {2109965//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; //National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Models, Biological ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Plants ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {All interactions between multiple species invading together (coinvasion) must be accounted for to predict species coexistence patterns across space. Mutualisms, particularly, are known to influence species' population dynamics and their invasive ability (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi with partner plants). Yet, while modeling coinvasion, their role in mediating coexistence is overlooked. Here, we build a spatially explicit model of coinvasion of two competing plant species with a shared fungal mutualist to study how mutualism and competition interact to shape the local and regional coexistence of competitors. We observe four main results. First, mutualist presence generates regional coexistence between competitors even when local coexistence between them is impossible. Second, increasing partner mutualist dispersal leads to abrupt changes in competitor coexistence outcomes. Third, differences in mutualist partner dependence and competitive ability interact to produce a variety of local and regional coexistence outcomes. Fourth, asymmetry in the dispersal ability arising from dependence-dispersal trade-offs leads to greater exclusion of species less dependent on mutualist partners for growth. In toto, incorporating mutualism-specific trait trade-offs and dispersal asymmetries into coinvasion models offers new insights into regional coexistence and invasive species distributions.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Models, Biological
Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Mycorrhizae/physiology
Plants
Species Specificity

@article {pmid39935335,
year = {2025},
author = {Marsh, DR and Deines, L and Rausch, JH and Tindon, Y and Sforza, RFH and Melton, AE and Novak, SJ},
title = {Reconstructing the introduction history of the invasive grass Taeniatherum caput-medusae subsp. asperum in the western United States: Low within-population genetic diversity does not preclude invasion.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {112},
number = {2},
pages = {e70001},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70001},
pmid = {39935335},
issn = {1537-2197},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Genetic Variation ; *Poaceae/genetics/physiology ; Genetics, Population ; United States ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: One of the main drivers of global change is biotic exchange, which leads to biological invasions. The genetic diversity and structure of invasive populations is influenced by multiple factors, most notably the details of a species' introduction, its pattern of range expansion, and its mating system. Taeniatherum caput-medusae subsp. asperum is a primarily self-pollinating, invasive, annual grass of the western United States (US).

METHODS: Using historical information (herbarium specimens and published reports) and genetic (allozyme) data, we reconstructed the introduction history and pattern of range expansion of T. caput-medusae subsp. asperum in its invasive range.

RESULTS: Herbarium collection data and published reports indicate that the grass was first collected near Roseburg, Oregon, in 1884 and then at Steptoe Butte, Washington, in 1901. Genetic analysis of 46 invasive populations of T. caput-medusae subsp. asperum detected seven homozygous multilocus genotypes (MLGs) across the western US. Several MLGs were found in localities associated with early collection sites. Only three of 1700 individuals we analyzed were heterozygous. Thus, high rates of self-pollination likely preserved the MLGs introduced into the western US and contributed to our ability to reconstruct the introduction history of this grass.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data are consistent with the pattern associated with multiple introductions and local or regional range expansion. Despite multiple introductions, invasive populations of T. caput-medusae subsp. asperum exhibit relatively low within-population genetic diversity (i.e., invasive populations possess low evolutionary potential). Apparently, low within-population genetic diversity does not preclude the invasion of this grass in the western US.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Genetic Variation
*Poaceae/genetics/physiology
Genetics, Population
United States
Genotype

@article {pmid39894932,
year = {2025},
author = {Orbán, Z and Bakacsy, L},
title = {Fine-scale diversity models reveal impacts of invasive Gaillardia pulchella on regenerating vegetation in a sand dune grassland.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {112},
number = {2},
pages = {e16468},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.16468},
pmid = {39894932},
issn = {1537-2197},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Grassland ; *Biodiversity ; Hungary ; Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: Gaillardia pulchella is native to North America but invasive in Central Europe, including Hungary, and can significantly alter vegetation dynamics, thereby affecting biodiversity and community structure. This study explored the fine-scale effects of G. pulchella invasion on the regeneration of old sandy fields in open dune grasslands in Kiskunság National Park, Hungary, within the Pannonian biogeographic region. The impact of invasion on vegetation association structures was estimated by investigating the early stages of the effects of invasion on plant communities.

METHODS: Diversity models were used to assess compositional diversity (CD) and the number of realized species combinations (NRC) in invaded versus noninvaded stands. Plexus graphs were used to analyze the spatial relationships between G. pulchella and neighboring species at a fine scale (5 × 15 cm).

RESULTS: Invasion-free stands had higher species richness and greater structural complexity at fine spatial scales, as indicated by CD and NRC functions. Significantly higher CD values in invasion-free stands compared to invaded stands emphasize the negative impact of G. pulchella on coexistence among native species. Plexus graphs illustrated both negative and positive associations between G. pulchella and native species, suggesting a nuanced competitive role in invaded stands.

CONCLUSIONS: Gaillardia pulchella invasion, though not strongly characterized, has negatively impacted vegetation structure at fine spatial scales, which may potentially intensify over time. The study underscores the importance of early detection and long-term monitoring for a comprehensive understanding of invasive processes and their effects on plant communities in sandy habitats.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Grassland
*Biodiversity
Hungary
Models, Biological

@article {pmid39987527,
year = {2025},
author = {Lisachova, LS and Lisachov, AP and Ermakov, OA and Svinin, AO and Chernigova, PI and Lyapkov, SM and Zamaletdinov, RI and Pavlov, AV and Zaks, SS and Fayzulin, AI and Korzikov, VA and Simonov, E},
title = {Continent-Wide Distribution of CMTV-Like Ranavirus, from the Urals to the Atlantic Ocean.},
journal = {EcoHealth},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39987527},
issn = {1612-9210},
abstract = {Ranavirosis is an emerging infectious disease of amphibians, fish, and reptiles caused by large dsDNA viruses of the genus Ranavirus associated with morbidity and mass mortalities worldwide. They are considered to be one of the major drivers of the ongoing amphibian biodiversity crisis. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of ranaviruses in native and invasive populations of water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) across Russia using the DNA sample collection established in 2006-2016. The collection included samples collected in the wild and samples from wild-caught water frogs that had been kept in laboratories for a period of time. Overall, 52 out of 590 (8.8%) of wild frogs from 18 out of 94 (19.1%) sampling sites tested positive, including samples from invasive populations. Among the captive frogs, 71 out of 263 (27.0%) were positive and they had a significantly higher relative viral load. We found six major capsid protein gene haplotypes from 22 positive samples, all belonging to the common midwife toad virus (CMTV-like) ranaviruses, at multiple sites within the basins of three of Europe's largest rivers (Volga, Dnieper, and Don). Combined with previously published data, this study provides evidence for a continent-wide distribution of CMTV-like ranaviruses in Europe and strengthens the hypothesis of their endemism on the continent. Our study also highlights that the water frogs are important hosts for ranaviruses and could potentially act as vectors for infection transmission.},
}

@article {pmid39987192,
year = {2025},
author = {Chwalek, P and Coblentz, M and Montague, S and Kuronaga, M and Zhu, I and Paradiso, JA},
title = {Acoustic data collection in arctic environments during the midnight sun using multi-channel SoundSHROOMs.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {318},
pmid = {39987192},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Arctic Regions ; Animals ; *Acoustics ; Birds/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Svalbard ; Vocalization, Animal ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {As climate change and habitat loss continue to impact ecosystems worldwide, efficient and scalable biodiversity monitoring tools are increasingly needed. Bioacoustic data are invaluable for tracking shifts in species distributions, detecting invasive species, and monitoring ecosystem health. In this paper, we present an audio dataset from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, collected during the Arctic summer of 2023 using custom-developed Sensor-equipped Habitat Recorders for Outdoor Omnidirectional Monitoring (SoundSHROOMs) units. These devices employ ten spatially-separated, high-resolution microphones to provide 360° monitoring over 6 days across 9 locations. Our study aimed to assess the deployment process of SoundSHROOMs in Arctic conditions, collect multi-channel acoustic data for spatial audio applications, and to evaluate various microphone windshields under realistic wind loading. The resulting multi-channel synchronized microphone data capture a wealth of bioacoustic information from vocalizing animals, particularly bird species. The dataset offers valuable insights into the presence, abundance, and behavior of avian populations in Svalbard, demonstrating the effectiveness of bioacoustic monitoring in remote and challenging environments.},
}

Arctic Regions
Animals
*Acoustics
Birds/physiology
Ecosystem
Svalbard
Vocalization, Animal
Climate Change

@article {pmid39986984,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, C and Bellard, C and Jeschke, JM},
title = {Understanding biological invasions through the lens of environmental niches.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.01.006},
pmid = {39986984},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Understanding successful invasions across taxa and systems in a unified framework is a central goal of biological conservation. While the environmental niche is a promising concept to improve our understanding of biological invasions, existing studies have not applied it to comprehensively examine all invasion stages. Here, we provide a framework that integrates the environmental niche and invasion process at both the species and the population level. By elucidating how species and populations perform in the niche space, we demonstrate how different dimensions of species niches can help in understanding inter- and intraspecific variations in the success and impact of non-native species, and identify knowledge gaps. The niche framework also offers flexibility in integrating other factors driving the success and impact of non-native species.},
}

@article {pmid39985810,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Yuan, MJ and Zhang, ZY and Pei, NC},
title = {The gap-free genome assembly and multi-omics analyses illustrate the evolutionary history and the synthesis of medicinal components of Ligustrum lucidum.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {121},
number = {4},
pages = {e70029},
doi = {10.1111/tpj.70029},
pmid = {39985810},
issn = {1365-313X},
support = {2023MS03031//Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region/ ; 32360307//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Inner Mongolia Normal University Introduces High-Level Talents Funds/ ; CAFYBB2023MB017//Fundamental Research Funds of CAF/ ; 3211002406//Inner Mongolia Grassland Talents Project/ ; 2024A1515011484//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Ligustrum/genetics/metabolism ; *Phylogeny ; *Genome, Plant/genetics ; *Plants, Medicinal/genetics/metabolism ; Phenols/metabolism ; Glucosides/biosynthesis/metabolism ; Genomics ; Oleanolic Acid/metabolism/analogs & derivatives ; Evolution, Molecular ; Metabolomics ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {Ligustrum lucidum, an important ornamental and medicinal plant in the Oleaceae family, has become a globally notorious invasive species because of its high adaptability. However, the lack of a high quality genome has hindered the understanding of the genetic basis for its broad adaptability and the mechanisms of its medicinal component synthesis. In this study, we successfully assembled a gap free telomere to telomere genome of L. lucidum. Through the reconstruction of the phylogenetic tree, we presented evidence that Jasmineae diverged from Oleaceae earlier than Forsythieae, which challenges the existing phylogenetic relationships within Oleaceae. Comparative genomics has found that two rounds of gene family expansions in L. lucidum significantly increased the number of genes related to its biotic and abiotic stress resistances, which may lay the genetic foundation for its broad adaptability. Among the L. lucidum fruits from January to March in our investigation, the results of metabolome show that March may be the optimal harvesting time. By integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data, we identified candidate genes involved in the synthesis of compounds, such as specnuezhenide, salidroside, and oleanolic acid. This study provides valuable genomic resources for comparative genomics studies within Oleaceae and for the genetic research of L. lucidum.},
}

*Ligustrum/genetics/metabolism
*Phylogeny
*Genome, Plant/genetics
*Plants, Medicinal/genetics/metabolism
Phenols/metabolism
Glucosides/biosynthesis/metabolism
Genomics
Oleanolic Acid/metabolism/analogs & derivatives
Evolution, Molecular
Metabolomics
Multiomics

@article {pmid39983542,
year = {2025},
author = {Pienaar, M and Bierman, A and Roets, F and Terblanche, JS},
title = {Acclimation effects on thermal locomotor performance of the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle, Euwallacea fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae).},
journal = {Journal of thermal biology},
volume = {128},
number = {},
pages = {104068},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104068},
pmid = {39983542},
issn = {0306-4565},
abstract = {The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB; Euwallacea fornicatus, Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is an invasive and destructive tree pest. To assess whether thermal acclimation influences E. fornicatus locomotion performance (i.e., induced plastic responses) that may influence invasion potential, beetles were acclimated to three temperatures (18 °C, 25 °C, and 32 °C), and four locomotion traits were measured across six temperatures (13 °C, 18 °C, 23 °C, 28 °C, 33 °C and 38 °C) per acclimation group to construct thermal performance curves, capturing critical thermal minimum (Tmin), critical thermal maximum (Tmax), thermal breadth (Tbr), optimal performance rate (Umax). Substantial plasticity of performance curves was found in E. fornicatus. Generally, cold (18 °C) acclimation increased the thermal range of several locomotor performance traits without affecting performance levels, thereby supporting the colder-is-better hypothesis. To assess the consequences of these plastic responses, using the thermal performance curves established here, movement rates of E. fornicatus in an at-risk orchard area in South Africa were predicted across seasons while considering artificial warm and cold spells. Cold-acclimated beetles exhibited the highest cumulative distance traveled in both summer and winter, while warm-acclimated beetles had the lowest. Therefore, short-term thermal variation significantly influenced E. fornicatus locomotion performance, with cold acclimation notably improving dispersal across a wide range of thermal conditions. These findings highlight the importance of considering recent thermal history when predicting E. fornicatus invasion potential. By integrating these data with microclimatic conditions and functional models, this study offers valuable insights for predicting E. fornicatus spread, informing targeted management strategies, and refining spatially explicit risk assessments to mitigate the impacts of this invasive pest.},
}

@article {pmid39981050,
year = {2025},
author = {Skewes, O and Kambas, A and Gädicke, P and Keuling, O},
title = {First wild boar density data from Araucaria forest in Patagonian Andes.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e18951},
doi = {10.7717/peerj.18951},
pmid = {39981050},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Chile ; *Population Density ; *Sus scrofa ; *Forests ; Araucaria ; Seasons ; Endangered Species ; Biodiversity ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {As Sus scrofa is an invasive species in South America, it may have a significant impact on biodiversity. Evaluating this threat requires reliable data, and population density can serve as a critical measure. However, such data is currently lacking for the southern Andes region. To address this gap, we monitored wild boar density in the Villarrica National Park, located in the Andes of south-central Chile. This study area is notable not only for its challenging climatic conditions but also for its endangered Araucaria araucana forest, which provides abundant food resources during autumn seed fall. The density calculated for the entire study period was 1.4 individuals/km[2], with no significant variation between cold and warm seasons. The encounter rate showed strongly monthly variations. Given that this represents the first density estimate for wild boar in this region, our findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring, particularly due to the potential threat to the ecosystem and the already endangered Araucaria forest.},
}

Animals
Chile
*Population Density
*Sus scrofa
*Forests
Araucaria
Seasons
Endangered Species
Biodiversity
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39981047,
year = {2025},
author = {Nunley, RM and Rutkowski, EC and Toonen, RJ and Vicente, J},
title = {Potential transoceanic dispersal of Geodia cf. papyracea and six new tetractinellid sponge species descriptions within the Hawaiian reef cryptofauna.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e18903},
doi = {10.7717/peerj.18903},
pmid = {39981047},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Hawaii ; *Coral Reefs ; *Porifera/classification/genetics/anatomy & histology ; *Phylogeny ; Introduced Species ; Caribbean Region ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Kāne'ohe Bay has historically been known for the introduction of alien species from the Caribbean and the Western Indo-Pacific. Recent efforts that explore the reef cryptofauna have shown that in addition to the diversity of non-indigenous species, patch reef environments are rich with undescribed species. Here we integrate molecular phylogeny and systematics to distinguish introduced species from those that are potentially native or endemic. We focus on the order Tetractinellida and document the potential transoceanic dispersal of Geodia papyracea from the Caribbean to Hawai'i. Our integrative approach allowed us to describe new species of Stelletta (Stelletta kela sp. nov., Stelletta hokunalohia sp. nov., Stelletta kuhapa sp. nov., Stelletta hokuwanawana sp. nov., Stelletta apapaola sp. nov.) and one new species of Stryphnus (Stryphnus huna sp. nov.); all collected from the reef cryptofauna via the use of Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures. Specimens were barcoded using 28S and COI molecular markers, providing insights into the phenotypic plasticity of sponges and the phylogenetic placement of these new species based on morphological characters. Using both molecular phylogeny and traditional taxonomy enhances the accuracy of species identification and classification, contributing to a broader understanding of sponge biodiversity within the Hawaiian archipelago.},
}

Animals
Hawaii
*Coral Reefs
*Porifera/classification/genetics/anatomy & histology
*Phylogeny
Introduced Species
Caribbean Region
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid39980263,
year = {2025},
author = {Ahmed, DA and Sousa, R and Bortolus, A and Aldemir, C and Angeli, NF and Błońska, D and Briski, E and Britton, JR and Cano-Barbacil, C and Clark-Ginsberg, A and Culic, I and Cuthbert, RN and Dick, J and Dimarco, RD and Essl, F and Everts, T and García-Berthou, E and Hauer, M and Kouba, A and Kourantidou, M and Kutschera, U and Mammola, S and Martín-Forés, I and Morissette, O and Nuñez, MA and Olden, JD and Pârvulescu, L and Pergl, J and Renault, D and Rico-Sánchez, AE and Russell, JC and Soto, I and Serhan Tarkan, A and Uysal, TU and Verreycken, H and Vilizzi, L and Wasserman, R and Wehi, P and Haubrock, PJ},
title = {Parallels and discrepancies between non-native species introductions and human migration.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/brv.70004},
pmid = {39980263},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {PTDC/CTA-AMB/0510/2021//Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology/ ; //Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities/ ; //European Union/ ; 11220210100507CO//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/ ; 899546//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; //Italian Ministry of University and Research/ ; RVO 67985939//Czech Academy of Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions and human migrations have increased globally due to socio-economic drivers and environmental factors that have enhanced cultural, economic, and geographic connectivity. Both processes involve the movement, establishment, and spread of species, yet unfold within fundamentally different philosophical, social and biological contexts. Hence, studying biological invasions (invasion science) and human migration (migration studies) presents complex parallels that are potentially fruitful to explore. Here, we examined nuanced parallels and differences between these two phenomena, integrating historical, socio-political, and ethical perspectives. Our review underscores the need for context-specific approaches in policymaking and governance to address effectively the challenges and opportunities of human migration and harm from biological invasions. We suggest that approaches to studying the drivers of biological invasions and human migration provide an excellent opportunity for transdisciplinary research; one that acknowledges the complexities and potential insights from both fields of study. Ultimately, integrating natural and social sciences offers a promising avenue for enriching the understanding of invasion biology and migration dynamics while pursuing just, equitable, and sustainable solutions. However, while human migration is a clear driver of biological invasions, drawing on principles from biological invasions to understand past and current human migration risks oversimplification and the potential for harmful generalisations that disregard the intrinsic rights and cultural dynamics of human migrations. By doing so, we provide insights and frameworks to support the development of context-specific policies that respect human dignity, foster cultural diversity, and address migration challenges in ways that promote global cooperation and justice. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the potential for transdisciplinary research that acknowledges complexities in both fields, ultimately enriching our understanding of invasion biology and migration dynamics while pursuing equitable and sustainable solutions.},
}

@article {pmid39979374,
year = {2025},
author = {Vallès, H and Walcott, J and Oxenford, HA},
title = {No change in key reef fish herbivores or reef fisher yields in Barbados a decade after the lionfish invasion.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6253},
pmid = {39979374},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Barbados ; *Coral Reefs ; *Herbivory ; *Introduced Species ; *Biomass ; *Fishes/physiology ; Fisheries ; Perciformes/physiology ; },
abstract = {Red lionfish, Pterois volitans, a non-native marine species with potential to cause significant damage to Caribbean coral reefs, reached Barbados in late 2011. In 2012, before lionfish became locally established, fish surveys at ten reef sites in Barbados were undertaken every four months over a year to generate baseline data. Fisher catch surveys were also undertaken at two main landing sites twice in a year. A decade later, all surveys were repeated at the same sites. Post-invasion lionfish biomass was low across most sites and increased with site depth, likely due to fishing. A comparison of reef fish biomass of selected key herbivores of high ecological and commercial importance (parrotfishes and surgeonfishes) and forage fish groups (damselfishes and wrasses) pre- and post-invasion indicated no detectable effects of lionfish on the key herbivores and wrasses, although damselfish biomass did decline with lionfish biomass increases. We also found no evidence of a decline in fisher catch rates, suggesting no negative impacts on fisher earnings. Furthermore, catch composition remained virtually unchanged for trap fishers, while lionfish had become an important component of the catch of spearfishers. Overall, our results suggest that control of lionfish through sustained fishing effectively protects key fish herbivores and might indirectly benefit reefs through a release of fishing pressure on native fishes by spearfishers now targeting lionfish.},
}

Animals
Barbados
*Coral Reefs
*Herbivory
*Introduced Species
*Biomass
*Fishes/physiology
Fisheries
Perciformes/physiology

@article {pmid39976755,
year = {2025},
author = {Chowdhary, MA and Sharma, V and Gadri, HS and Roy, S and Bhardwaj, P},
title = {Spatio-temporal mapping and climate change impact on current and future expansion of P. roxburghii in the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {3},
pages = {316},
pmid = {39976755},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Climate Change ; *Biodiversity ; *Pinus ; Ecosystem ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {The global proliferation of Pinus species poses significant threats to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and environmental stability. Pinus roxburghii, in particular, has demonstrated a strong potential to encroach upon the indigenous biodiversity of the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot (HBH), an area already vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study utilized the MaxEnt model, chosen for its robust performance in species distribution modelling, to predict the geographical distribution and actual extent of P. roxburghii for the period 2001-2021 and project its future expansion under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP-126 and SSP-585) for 2050 and 2070. The model high predictive accuracy (AUC > 0.9) and metrics (κ and TSS > 0.7) demonstrate its reliability and strong performance. The results reveal a notable expansion of P. roxburghii across the HBH, with a 1.61% spatio-temporal increase (11,142.16 km[2]) and a 0.65% rise in habitat suitability (4478.47 km[2]) under future scenarios. Key bioclimatic variables influencing its distribution include BIO6 (minimum temperature of the coldest month) and BIO17 (precipitation of the driest quarter), contributing 69.54% and 85.28% to the model under current and future scenarios, respectively. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted adaptive management strategies, such as early detection systems and habitat restoration initiatives, to mitigate the encroachment of P. roxburghii and safeguard native biodiversity.},
}

*Climate Change
*Biodiversity
*Pinus
Ecosystem
Environmental Monitoring/methods
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid39434443,
year = {2025},
author = {Ge, Y and Gu, X and Zeng, Q and Mao, Z and Chen, H and Yang, H and Luo, W},
title = {Functional diversity explores the maintenance mechanism and driving factors of the invasion equilibrium state of the icefish (Neosalanx taihuensis Chen) in Lake Fuxian, China.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {106},
number = {2},
pages = {453-464},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.15950},
pmid = {39434443},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {BE2022422//Provincial Science and Technology Innovative Program for Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality of Jiangsu of China/ ; 2021003//Water Conservancy Science and Technology Program of Jiangsu Province/ ; 31870449//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32071575//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Lakes ; China ; *Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Biodiversity loss caused by biological invasions is an ecological problem on a global scale, and understanding the mechanism of biological invasion is the basis for managing non-native species. The biotic resistance hypothesis proposes that species-rich native communities are less susceptible to invasion because of the limited resources available to non-native species, therefore comparing the resource utilization patterns of different communities can reveal the invasion mechanisms of specific non-native species at the community level. We selected Lake Taihu, where icefish (Neosalanx taihuensis Chen) originated, and Lake Fuxian, where icefish invaded, as the research objects. We calculated the fish functional diversity indexes, including functional richness (FRic), functional evenness (FEve), and functional divergence (FDiv), to reflect differences in ecological niche and resource utilization based on four quarterly fish survey data from two lakes. The random forests model explored the relationship between functional diversity indexes and biotic and environmental variables. Our results showed that more diverse resource utilization (high FRic), more niche space (low FEve), and less competitive pressure (high FDiv) in Lake Fuxian were identified as the critical important factors for maintaining the current equilibrium state after successful invasion of icefish. The bottom-up effects mainly affected the functional diversity indexes in Lake Fuxian. They differed from those in Lake Taihu and were primarily influenced by top-down effects. Enhancing the top-down effects in Lake Fuxian and limiting the zooplankton available to icefish are critical to controlling the invasion of icefish. This study offers a new perspective for studying the non-native fish invasion mechanism, and provides scientific guidance for managing non-native fish in Lake Fuxian.},
}

Animals
*Lakes
China
*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39417307,
year = {2025},
author = {Mayer, K and Garrett, DL and Haukenes, AH},
title = {Native and non-native species response to the colonization and subsequent suppression of northern pike Esox lucius.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {106},
number = {2},
pages = {420-429},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.15968},
pmid = {39417307},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {//Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Esocidae ; Washington ; Biomass ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {The expansion of northern Pike Esox lucius outside its native range into the western states of North America is a growing problem due to their negative effects on fish communities. Illegally introduced E. lucius were first detected in Box Canyon Reservoir in northeast Washington in 2004. By 2010, the E. lucius population was estimated at more than 10,000 individuals. Between 2012 and 2019, a gillnet suppression programme was conducted, which reduced the E. lucius catch per unit effort in Box Canyon Reservoir by 97% and their biomass by 98%. Between 2004 and 2019, four standardized surveys were conducted to characterize changes in the Box Canyon Reservoir fish community. Even after E. lucius were effectively suppressed, native species showed no signs of recovery during the study. The relative abundance of all native species decreased 82% in total number and 56% in total biomass between 2004 and 2019. Conversely, the relative abundance of non-native species increased 26% in total number and 33% in total biomass over the same period. As an apex predator, E. lucius had a significant impact on the fish community in Box Canyon Reservoir over a relatively short period of time (7 years), and appeared to act as a catalyst to increase the rate of replacement of native species with non-native species, which likely increased the pace of taxonomic homogenization in the reservoir.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Esocidae
Washington
Biomass
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid39970042,
year = {2025},
author = {Schmitt, LR and Trotter, RT and Coyle, DR},
title = {Validating a variable-instar, climate-based phenology model for the Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) using field data from South Carolina.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvae127},
pmid = {39970042},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {21-DG-11083145-008//Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; },
abstract = {The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (ALB, Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is a federally regulated invasive species capable of infesting several different genera of hardwood trees. Accurate knowledge of ALB's phenology is critical for the effective implementation of management and eradication plans. We updated the ALBLT prediction model and used empirical data collected in South Carolina, USA to validate ALBLT v. 2.0. The new model largely agreed with ALB life stages found in field collections, except for late instars and pupae. We also ran the model at 8 other potentially high-risk cities in the contiguous United States with latitudes ranging from 28°N (Tampa, FL) to 41°N (Chicago, IL) to predict how long a single ALB generation might take to develop in these environments. Model predictions ranged from a 2-3-yr lifecycle in Chicago to a potential life cycle of < 1 yr in Tampa. These predictions can help inform managers and invasive species specialists should ALB be found in new environments, and these data can aid in developing an adequate management and eradication plan.},
}

@article {pmid39969017,
year = {2025},
author = {Raunsay, EK and Rehiara, RE and Nurcholis, W},
title = {Conservation challenges of Birds of Paradise in Papua, Indonesia: a systematic literature review.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia},
volume = {85},
number = {},
pages = {e289477},
doi = {10.1590/1519-6984.289477},
pmid = {39969017},
issn = {1678-4375},
mesh = {Animals ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Indonesia ; *Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; Birds/classification ; },
abstract = {Indonesia, recognized as the world's second-largest mega-biodiversity country, is home to a remarkable variety of endemic species, including the iconic Birds of Paradise. Despite its rich biodiversity, the population of Birds of Paradise in Papua, Indonesia, is critically threatened by factors such as habitat loss, hunting, and exploitation. This systematic literature review aims to identify and synthesize the key reasons behind the conservation of these birds and evaluate current conservation strategies. Utilizing the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 354 articles were screened from databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with 39 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The review highlights that habitat destruction, introduced species, and unsustainable hunting practices are the primary threats to these species. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive synthesis of biological, ecological, and socio-cultural factors influencing the conservation of Birds of Paradise in Papua, as well as the evaluation of advanced genetic technologies as potential conservation strategies. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced conservation measures, including the development of advanced genetic technologies and community-driven efforts, to preserve the unique biodiversity of Papua's Birds of Paradise.},
}

Animals
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Indonesia
*Biodiversity
Ecosystem
Birds/classification

@article {pmid39968104,
year = {2025},
author = {Škorpíková, L and Vadlejch, J and Ilgová, J and Plhal, R and Drimaj, J and Mikulka, O and Magdálek, J and Kašný, M and Reslová, N},
title = {Molecular uncovering of important helminth species in wild ruminants in the Czech Republic.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1544270},
pmid = {39968104},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {Monitoring gastrointestinal helminth infections in wild ruminants poses significant challenges for managing wildlife health, particularly regarding invasive species. Traditional coprological methods are often limited by their labor-intensive nature and potential for erroneous identification due to morphological similarities among parasite species. This study employed advanced molecular techniques to assess the prevalence and distribution of several helminth taxa, including the invasive nematode Ashworthius sidemi and the trematode Fascioloides magna, in wild ruminant populations in the Czech Republic (CR). A comprehensive and extensive survey on parasite occurrence, unique in its nationwide scope, was conducted on 983 fecal samples collected from red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), and mouflon (Ovis musimon) across various regions of the CR. The samples were analyzed using multiplex real-time PCR assays specifically designed to detect the DNA of six helminth representatives: the nematodes A. sidemi and Haemonchus spp., as well as the trematodes F. magna, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola hepatica, and Calicophoron daubneyi (and representatives of the family Paramphistomidae, respectively). These assays targeted regions of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and were designed to exhibit high sensitivity and specificity, enabling accurate detection of helminth parasites directly in fecal samples. The molecular assays revealed that invasive nematode A. sidemi was the most prevalent helminth species, detected in 15.8% of all samples (155/983), with the highest infection rate observed in red deer at 30.7% (124/404). Haemonchus spp. were also frequently detected, identified in 14.9% of samples (146/983), particularly in roe deer, with a prevalence of 23.2% (86/371). Spatial analysis of these nematodes across various regions of the CR revealed the extensive distribution of both A. sidemi and Haemonchus spp. in nearly all regions. In contrast, trematode infections were less common, with F. magna and D. dendriticum each found in only 1.5% of samples (15/983). Members of the family Paramphistomidae were detected in 0.2% of the samples (2/983) and were confirmed through sequencing as C. daubneyi. The geographical distribution patterns identified in this study indicate potential hotspots for specific helminth species. These findings are critical for planning health management and conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts of helminth infections, especially in areas affected by invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid39967421,
year = {2025},
author = {Schulz, AN and Havill, NP and Marsico, TD and Ayres, MP and Gandhi, KJK and Herms, DA and Hoover, AM and Hufbauer, RA and Liebhold, AM and Raffa, KF and Thomas, KA and Tobin, PC and Uden, DR and Mech, AM},
title = {What Is a Specialist? Quantifying Host Breadth Enables Impact Prediction for Invasive Herbivores.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {2},
pages = {e70083},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70083},
pmid = {39967421},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {19-DG-11132544-022//USDA Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council/ ; MISZ-069550//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Program/ ; G16AC00065//U.S. Geological Survey John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis/ ; ME022124//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Projects/ ; 1012868//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Projects/ ; 15-JV-11242303-103//USDA Forest Service Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment/ ; 1637685//National Science Foundation Long Term Ecological Research Network/ ; //David R.M. Scott Endowed Professorship in Forest Resources/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area/ ; //USDA Forest Service International Programs/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Herbivory ; *Introduced Species ; *Insecta/physiology ; Phylogeny ; North America ; Trees ; Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {Herbivores are commonly classified as host specialists or generalists for various purposes, yet the definitions of these terms, and their intermediates, are often imprecise and ambiguous. We quantified host breadth for 240 non-native, tree-feeding insects in North America using phylogenetic diversity. We demonstrated that a partitioning of host breadth: (1) causes 67% of non-native insects to shift from a generalist to specialist category, (2) displays a reduction in host breadth from the native to introduced range, (3) identifies an inflection point in a model predicting the likelihood of non-native insect ecological impact, with a corresponding change in behaviour associated with specialists versus generalists, and (4) enables three models for strong prediction of whether a non-native forest insect will cause high impacts. Together, these results highlight the primacy of how herbivore host recognition and plant defences mediate whether novel host interactions will result in high impact after invasion.},
}

Animals
*Herbivory
*Introduced Species
*Insecta/physiology
Phylogeny
North America
Trees
Models, Biological

@article {pmid39938737,
year = {2025},
author = {Terblanche, JS and Woods, HA},
title = {Editorial 2025: Changes and the future of JIP.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104772},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2025.104772},
pmid = {39938737},
issn = {1879-1611},
}

@article {pmid39826341,
year = {2025},
author = {Mi, L and Liu, H and Zhang, J and Guo, Y and Shi, J and Lu, Y and Cheng, J and Wang, H and Cheng, D and Valverde, BE and Qiang, S and Chen, S},
title = {Low-temperature-induced singlet oxygen adaptation decreases susceptibility to the mycotoxin TeA in invasive plant Ageratina adenophora.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {220},
number = {},
pages = {109508},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109508},
pmid = {39826341},
issn = {1873-2690},
mesh = {*Ageratina ; *Singlet Oxygen/metabolism ; *Cold Temperature ; Tenuazonic Acid/pharmacology/metabolism ; Plant Leaves/metabolism/drug effects ; Adaptation, Physiological/drug effects ; Photosystem II Protein Complex/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects ; Oxylipins/pharmacology/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; Cyclopentanes/pharmacology/metabolism ; Photosynthesis/drug effects ; Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {The mycotoxin tenuazonic acid (TeA) inhibits photosynthesis and is expected to be developed as a bioherbicide to control Ageratina adenophora that is one of the most serious invasive alien plants in China. New leaves sprouting from A. adenophora at low temperatures (LT) in early spring are less sensitive to TeA compared to those growing in summer. However, the molecular mechanism of LT-caused decrease in the susceptibility of A. adenophora to TeA is unclear. In this study, three singlet oxygen-responsive genes (SORGs) and three jasmonic acid responsive genes (JARGs) were cloned to further probe the role of singlet oxygen ([1]O2) signaling during TeA-induced disease development in A. adenophora leaves exposed to LT. TeA triggered chloroplast-derived [1]O2 production as a result of photosystem II (PSII) photoinhibition during leaf lesion formation in A. adenophora. Moreover, TeA indeed induced the expression of SORGs and JARGs as well as a high level of JA generation, activating the [1]O2 signaling pathway in A. adenophora. LT (12°C) pretreatment can cause PSII photoinhibition and increase the SORG AaAAA-ATPase expression level in A. adenophora leaves, meaning that [1]O2 signaling was activated by LT. Thus TeA led to less increase of the SORGs and JARGs expression and JA level in plants pretreated by LT compared with non-pretreated plants, although both of them had the same level of [1]O2 production after TeA treatment. It was concluded that the low susceptibility to TeA of A. adenophora subjected to LT can be attributed to the occurrence of [1]O2 acclimation.},
}

*Ageratina
*Singlet Oxygen/metabolism
*Cold Temperature
Tenuazonic Acid/pharmacology/metabolism
Plant Leaves/metabolism/drug effects
Adaptation, Physiological/drug effects
Photosystem II Protein Complex/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects
Oxylipins/pharmacology/metabolism
Introduced Species
Cyclopentanes/pharmacology/metabolism
Photosynthesis/drug effects
Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid39966496,
year = {2025},
author = {Stafiniak, M and Bielecka, M and Kujawa, K and Jezierska-Domaradzka, A and Pencakowski, B and Basiak, A and Matkowski, A and Nawrot-Hadzik, I},
title = {Integrative morphological, phytochemical, and molecular identification of three invasive and medicinal Reynoutria species.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6001},
pmid = {39966496},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {STM.D034.20.156//Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Slaskich we Wroclawiu/ ; },
abstract = {The three highly invasive Reynoutria species - R. japonica Houtt., Reynoutria sachalinensis (F.Schmidt) Nakai, and a hybrid of them - R. x bohemica J. Chrtek & A. Chrtková are rich sources of biologically active compounds. However, only R. japonica is accepted as an herbal drug source in the pharmacopeias as Polygoni cuspidati rhizoma et radix, while R. sachalinensis is used in folk phytotherapy. The hybrid species can be misidentified as R. japonica due to its morphological resemblance. This study intended to explore genetic identity, diversity, and population structure using sequence-related amplified polymorphisms (SRAP) and start codon targeted (SCoT) markers correlated with morphological characteristics and metabolic profiles in fifteen accessions of Reynoutria species from invasive populations in Central Europe (Wroclaw, south-west Poland). The results suggest that morphological identification based on leaf morphology is clear for R. sachalinensis but fails to distinguish between R. japonica and R. × bohemica unambiguously. The qualitative HPLC/DAD/ESI-HR-QTOF-MS analysis determined the chemical composition of collected samples, revealing 117 compounds belonging to carbohydrates, stilbenes, flavan-3-ols, procyanidins, anthraquinones, organic acids, and naphthalenes. Out of these, the six compounds were quantitated. Based on LC-MS data for 117 compounds, the cluster analysis categorized the fifteen accessions into two distinctive clusters. All SCoT and SRAP markers showed medium (0.1 to 0.25) to high (0.30 to 0.40) levels of PIC, high levels of polymorphic bands (85 and 89%, respectively) and relatively high mean values for Rp (6.42 and 7.0) and were considered informative and differentiating. Partitioning the genetic diversity with AMOVA showed that variation within the populations was higher than among them, as seen in the combined data from SCoT and SRAP (53.04% vs. 46.96%, respectively) and the analyses of individual markers. Genetic diversity indices revealed that chosen genetic markers efficiently assess the variability within the genus Reynoutria. Na varied from 1.57 in R. sachalinensis to 3.34 in R. x bohemica, and Ne was low and almost identical for all species (~ 1.6). Nei's diversity (H) indicated low genetic diversity (< 0.2) in all species, with the highest value for hybrid (0.184). Despite low H values, Shannon's index (I) remains high and similar (R. japonica - 5.21, R. x bohemica - 5.28, and R. sachalinensis - 5.45). The number (NPL) and percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) for the hybrid (160 and 52.98%) were almost twice as high as for the parent species. The populations exhibited moderate GST values (0.159) and a gene flow (Nm = 1.317). Genetic structure analysis with the Evanno test (ΔK = 2) reveals two genetic groups with the highest admixture in the hybrid population. The cluster analysis dendrograms based on LC-MS data, genetic distance, and leaf morphology categorized the fifteen accessions into three clusters, revealing unequivocal separation of the R. sachalinensis from both other taxa. According to Baker's methodology, the highest correlation between dendrograms was observed between genetic and morphological data, with values of 0.85. Lower correlations were noted between molecular markers and phytochemical profile, as well as between morphology and phytochemical profile. The study suggests the effectiveness of combined morphological, phytochemical, and SCoT and SRAP molecular marker systems in assessing the identity of plant material. This approach can also be used in further studies on the population structure, spread, diversity, and evolution of invasive species such as Reynoutria spp.},
}

@article {pmid39963792,
year = {2025},
author = {Brule, JH and Warren, MB and Bullard, SA},
title = {First report of a dactylogyrid, Cichlidogyrus sclerosus Paperna & Thurston, 1969 (Monogenoidea) infecting Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) in the United States, with a review of host and locality records in its invasive range and a phylogenetic analysis.},
journal = {Journal of helminthology},
volume = {99},
number = {},
pages = {e17},
doi = {10.1017/S0022149X24000919},
pmid = {39963792},
issn = {1475-2697},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cichlids/parasitology ; *Fish Diseases/parasitology ; *Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology ; *Gills/parasitology ; *Phylogeny ; United States ; Trematoda/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/anatomy & histology ; Alabama ; Platyhelminths/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/anatomy & histology ; },
abstract = {The parasites of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) are poorly documented in the United States despite the economic importance and global introduction of this African fish. Only one metazoan parasite (Gyrodactylus cichlidarum Paperna, 1968; Gyrodactylidae) reportedly infects Nile tilapia in the United States. Examining Nile tilapia from a flow-through aquaculture system hydrologically linked to Sougahatchee Creek (Tallapoosa River, Auburn, Alabama), we observed a gill infection by Cichlidogyrus sclerosus Paperna & Thurston, 1969 (Dactylogyridae). This monogenoid was originally described from the gill of Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) from Lake Victoria, Uganda. Specimens of C. sclerosus were studied for morphology and phylogenetic analyses using the 28S and ITS1. We identified our specimens as C. sclerosus because they had the following combination of morphological features: marginal hooks shorter than dorsal anchor length; anchor roots reduced; dorsal anchor point bent; dorsal bar pyriform projections approximately half as long as dorsal bar width; penis short (<100 μm), not coiled, tubular, lacking swelling, having irregularly surfaced heel; and accessory piece straight and bifid. Our 28S and ITS1 phylogenies recovered our C. sclerosus sequences in a clade with conspecific sequences and showed no obvious biogeographic pattern. Cichlidogyrus sclerosus reportedly infects 21 fishes of 11 genera and 3 families from 36 countries in Africa, Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. The study of Nile tilapia parasites, especially those exhibiting direct life cycles and low host specificity, is important because they comprise potential invasive species.},
}

Animals
*Cichlids/parasitology
*Fish Diseases/parasitology
*Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology
*Gills/parasitology
*Phylogeny
United States
Trematoda/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/anatomy & histology
Alabama
Platyhelminths/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/anatomy & histology

@article {pmid39961041,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, IK and Kim, CJ and Choi, JH and Kang, HJ and Choi, MB},
title = {Stylopization by Xenos spp. (Xenidae, Strepsiptera) in invasive alien hornet, Vespa velutina, in South Korea.},
journal = {Parasite (Paris, France)},
volume = {32},
number = {},
pages = {10},
pmid = {39961041},
issn = {1776-1042},
support = {KNA1-2-44-23-2//Korea National Arboretum/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Republic of Korea ; *Wasps/classification/anatomy & histology/physiology ; Male ; *Introduced Species ; *Pupa/parasitology/anatomy & histology ; *Larva/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development ; Female ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {The invasive hornet Vespa velutina Lepeletier, which first invaded South Korea in 2003, has spread throughout the country, significantly affecting apiaries, ecosystems, and human health. Xenos spp. (Xenidae, Strepsiptera) are primarily parasitic to social wasps, with V. analis being the only known host in Korea. Until recently, no parasites or parasitoids on V. velutina had been discovered. In 2020, strepsipteran parasites were discovered on 11 hornet workers in Andong City, South Korea. These parasites, comprising four larvae and seven pupae, were all male, except for one individual of an undetermined sex. Molecular analysis and morphological examination identified the parasites as Xenos moutoni (du Buysson, 1903) and X. oxyodontes Nakase & Kato, 2013. This marks the first recorded instance of strepsipteran parasites on V. velutina in regions invaded by this hornet. Although the exact infection rate of these parasites could not be determined, it appears that native strepsipteran parasites have adapted to a non-native Vespa species. Stylopization, the condition caused by these parasites, is known to negatively affect hornet colonies: infected workers do not contribute to nest activities, hindering nest development, and infected reproductive individuals (males and new queens) do not mate, which impedes the establishment of new colonies. However, due to the hornet's high reproductive rate and compensatory mechanisms, the overall control effect of the parasites is likely to be minor.},
}

Animals
Republic of Korea
*Wasps/classification/anatomy & histology/physiology
Male
*Introduced Species
*Pupa/parasitology/anatomy & histology
*Larva/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development
Female
Host-Parasite Interactions

@article {pmid39959884,
year = {2024},
author = {Beca-Carretero, P and Meister, M and Teichberg, M and Moreira-Saporiti, A and Schneekloth, F and Reuter, H},
title = {Methodological Insights into Implementing cellular automata models for simulating seagrass dynamics: Responses to global change effects.},
journal = {MethodsX},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {102936},
pmid = {39959884},
issn = {2215-0161},
abstract = {This study introduces an innovative methodology employing Cellular Automata (CA) models to simulate seagrass dynamics in response to global environmental changes. The primary objective is to outline a procedural framework for constructing and deploying CA models applied to seagrass ecosystems, and potentially to other marine or terrestrial environments. The methodology encompasses various components, including conceptualization, workflow delineation, model parameterization, and execution steps. By utilizing Mediterranean and Zanzibari (East Africa) seagrass ecosystems as case studies, we demonstrate the versatility and applicability of the proposed approach across diverse geographical regions, species composition and model components. Through these case studies, we demonstrated how CA models can effectively capture the dynamics of seagrass communities subjected to climate change, invasive species, and nutrient regimes. Despite its strengths, the proposed CA model has limitations, including parameterization complexity and uncertainties related to species-specific environmental thresholds, growth rates and species interactions, alongside the difficulty of validating our models with real-world scenarios. Addressing these limitations in future studies will enhance the model's accuracy and applicability. This study serves as a foundation for future research in other regions and ecosystems, facilitating a better understanding of the complex interactions driving ecosystem dynamics.•This study introduces a methodology using Cellular Automata (CA) models to simulate seagrass dynamics detailing conceptualization, workflow, parameterization, and execution.•Case studies in Mediterranean and East Africa ecosystems demonstrate the versatility of CA models in capturing the impacts of climate change, invasive species, and nutrient regimes.•Despite strengths, the CA model has limitations and uncertainties like parameterization complexity and model validations suggesting future research to enhance accuracy and applicability.},
}