@article {pmid40188159,
year = {2025},
author = {Snead, AA and Meng, F and Largotta, N and Winchell, KM and Levine, BA},
title = {Diploid chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation for Lycorma delicatula.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {579},
pmid = {40188159},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {2312129//NSF | BIO | Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI)/ ; 2305939//NSF | BIO | Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Insect ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Diploidy ; *Chromosomes, Insect ; },
abstract = {The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a planthopper species (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) native to China but invasive in South Korea, Japan, and the United States where it is a significant threat to agriculture. Genomic resources are critical to both management of this species and understanding the genomic characteristics of successful invaders. We report an annotated, haplotype-phased, chromosome-level genome assembly for the spotted lanternfly using PacBio long-read sequencing, Hi-C technology, and RNA-seq. The 2.2 Gbp genome comprises 13 chromosomes, and whole genome resequencing of eighty-two adults indicated chromosome four as the sex chromosome and a corresponding XO sex-determination system. We identified over 12,000 protein-coding genes and performed functional annotation, facilitating the identification of candidate genes that may hold importance for spotted lanternfly control. The assemblies and annotations were highly complete with over 96% of BUSCO genes complete regardless of the database (i.e., Eukaryota, Arthropoda, Insecta). This reference-quality genome will serve as an important resource for development and optimization of management practices for the spotted lanternfly and invasive species genomics as a whole.},
}

Animals
*Genome, Insect
*Hemiptera/genetics
Molecular Sequence Annotation
Diploidy
*Chromosomes, Insect

@article {pmid40186973,
year = {2025},
author = {Hsu, CJ and Kuo, IL and Hsi, HC and Lam, SS and Huang, YP and Ting, YC},
title = {Single-step pyrolytic synthesis of ultra-microporous ammonialized biochar for carbon dioxide capture.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {381},
number = {},
pages = {125197},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125197},
pmid = {40186973},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas that plays a pivotal role in driving global warming and climate change. Its primary sources stem from human activities, notably transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. Directly capturing CO2 emissions at their origins is widely recognized as a potent and efficient approach to reducing emissions. Biochar has emerged as a promising material for capturing CO2 owing to its stability, hydrophobic nature, ease of preparation, and economic advantages. Nevertheless, its ability to adsorb CO2 is constrained in environments with relatively low pressure (<1 bar). Consequently, modifying and refining biochar is a strategy to enhance its affinity for CO2. In this work, Leucaena leucocephala, a major invasive species in Asia, was selected as the biomass precursor, and a single synthesis process combining pyrolysis and ammonialization was employed to produce the ammonialized biochar (ABC). Among the synthesized biochars, ABC800 (produced at 800 °C) exhibits desirable surface properties with high surface area (SBET = 836.5 m[2]/g), microporosity (Smicro = 753.3 m[2]/g), and ultra-microporosity (Sultra-micro = 376.9 m[2]/g). In addition, ABC800 demonstrates superior CO2 adsorption capacity (4.06 mmol/g at 0 °C). Isothermal and kinetic results show that ABC800's CO2 adsorption follows the Langmuir-Freundlich and pseudo-second-order (PSO) equations, indicating both physical and chemical interactions. The correlation between adsorption performance, pore structure, and nitrogen content highlights the potential of ABC800 for CO2 capture, particularly at elevated temperatures. Overall, this work offers new insights into a potentially sustainable approach for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.},
}

@article {pmid40186595,
year = {2025},
author = {Pérez, J and Boyero, L and Pearson, RG and Gessner, MO and Tonin, A and López-Rojo, N and Rubio-Ríos, J and Correa-Araneda, F and Alonso, A and Cornejo, A and Albariño, RJ and Anbalagan, S and Barmuta, LA and Boulton, AJ and Burdon, FJ and Caliman, A and Callisto, M and Campbell, IC and Cardinale, BJ and Carneiro, LS and Casas, JJ and Chará-Serna, AM and Chauvet, E and Colón-Gaud, C and Davis, AM and de Eyto, E and Degebrodt, M and Díaz, ME and Douglas, MM and Encalada, AC and Figueroa, R and Flecker, AS and Fleituch, T and Frainer, A and García, EA and García, G and García, PE and Giller, PS and Gómez, JE and Gonçalves, JF and Graça, MAS and Hall, RO and Hamada, N and Hepp, LU and Hui, C and Imazawa, D and Iwata, T and Junior, ESA and Landeira-Dabarca, A and Leal, M and Lehosmaa, K and M'Erimba, CM and Marchant, R and Martins, RT and Masese, FO and Maul, M and McKie, BG and Medeiros, AO and Middleton, JA and Muotka, T and Negishi, JN and Ramírez, A and Rezende, RS and Richardson, JS and Rincón, J and Serrano, C and Shaffer, AR and Sheldon, F and Swan, CM and Tenkiano, NSD and Tiegs, SD and Tolod, JR and Vernasky, M and Wanderi, EW and Watson, A and Yule, CM},
title = {Positive Feedback on Climate Warming by Stream Microbial Decomposers Indicated by a Global Space-For-Time Substitution Study.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {4},
pages = {e70171},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70171},
pmid = {40186595},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {UAL18-RNM-B006-B//2014-2020 Operational Programme FEDER Andalusia/ ; IT951-16//Eusko Jaurlaritza/ ; IT1471-22//Eusko Jaurlaritza/ ; UIDB/04292/2020//Funda ç ão para a Ci ência e a Tecnologia, Portugal/ ; //UAL-HIPATIA/ ; },
mesh = {*Rivers/microbiology ; *Climate Change ; Temperature ; *Global Warming ; Plants/metabolism ; Carbon Cycle ; },
abstract = {Decomposition of plant litter is a key ecological process in streams, whose contribution to the global carbon cycle is large relative to their extent on Earth. We examined the mechanisms underlying the temperature sensitivity (TS) of instream decomposition and forecast effects of climate warming on this process. Comparing data from 41 globally distributed sites, we assessed the TS of microbial and total decomposition using litter of nine plant species combined in six mixtures. Microbial decomposition conformed to the metabolic theory of ecology and its TS was consistently higher than that of total decomposition, which was higher than found previously. Litter quality influenced the difference between microbial and total decomposition, with total decomposition of more recalcitrant litter being more sensitive to temperature. Our projections suggest that (i) warming will enhance the microbial contribution to decomposition, increasing CO2 outgassing and intensifying the warming trend, especially in colder regions; and (ii) riparian species composition will have a major influence on this process.},
}

*Rivers/microbiology
*Climate Change
Temperature
*Global Warming
Plants/metabolism
Carbon Cycle

@article {pmid40186544,
year = {2025},
author = {Vieira, C and Kang, JC and Daudinet, M and Akita, S and Kim, MS},
title = {Critical taxonomic revision of Korean Dictyoteae describing three new species and honoring Haenyeo culture.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.70010},
pmid = {40186544},
issn = {1529-8817},
support = {2019R1A6A1A10072987//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2020R1I1A2069706//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2023-00247213//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {This study re-evaluates the species diversity and taxonomy of the genera Canistrocarpus, Dictyota, and Rugulopteryx in Korea using an integrative approach combining molecular data and morphological observations. Phylogenetic analyses based on psbA, cox1, and rbcL gene sequences identified nine lineages including eight Dictyota and one Rugulopteryx. Morphological assessments corroborated these molecular findings. Of the seven species listed in recent national checklists, only two were confirmed, while the remaining species were misidentifications. Three novel species are described: Dictyota haenyeosa sp. nov., Dictyota sumbisoria sp. nov., and Dictyota taewakia sp. nov. Additionally, molecular evidence confirmed that the species historically identified as D. dichotoma in Korea corresponds to D. spathulata, a species described from Japan. This revision of Dictyota taxonomy highlights the importance of molecular tools in resolving long-standing misidentifications. The updated checklist for Korean Dictyota and Rugulopteryx includes D. bartayresiana, D. coriacea, D. haenyeosa sp. nov., D. pfaffii, D. spathulata, D. sumbisoria sp. nov., D. taewakia sp. nov., and R. okamurae. The genus Canistrocarpus is absent from the Korean flora. The Korean Dictyota and Rugulopteryx flora is predominantly endemic to the Eastern Asian region (Korea and Japan), with species such as D. coriacea, D. haenyeosa sp. nov., D. spathulata, D. sumbisoria sp. nov., D. taewakia sp. nov., and R. okamurae. Exceptions include the widely distributed, potentially introduced species D. pfaffii and D. bartayresiana, both originally described from the Caribbean. Rugulopteryx okamurae, while endemic to Korea and Japan, has also been introduced to the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions over the past two decades.},
}

@article {pmid40184214,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, AJF and Olson, LG and Ngan, A and Conway, TM},
title = {A bioeconomic analysis of objective-based management options for late-stage emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) infestations.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf037},
pmid = {40184214},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
abstract = {Following its North American introduction, the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) (EAB) has devastated ash populations (Fraxinus Linnaeus) (Oleaceae), largely extirpating the genus from infested regions. Previous cost-benefit analyses of EAB management options, including insecticidal injections, preemptive removals, and replanting, have examined early-stage infestations. This study tests options for late-stage EAB management based on ecological and economic objectives. We parameterized management decisions to evaluate tree counts, basal area, and urban forest value under 7 management options, varying if and when ash trees were injected, removed, and replanted with non-ash species. The simulation is applied to the remaining ash population in Mississauga, Ontario where tree coring and annual assessments determined that injected trees have reduced growth rates and are declining in condition. The results demonstrate that injections help preserve the ash population, maximize basal area, minimize spikes in annual costs, and reduce cumulative costs earlier in the 20-yr study period. However, long-term cost reduction is achieved through ceasing injections and removing ash as they die from EAB. Maintaining tree counts and maximizing net value is achieved through proactive replanting and winding down basal injections, coupled with a slow rate of removal, ultimately bringing the SLow Ash Mortality approach to a close.},
}

@article {pmid40183202,
year = {2025},
author = {Soppitt, H and Meehan, C and Culloty, SC and Lynch, SA},
title = {Role of native and invasive non-native marine invertebrate species as carriers for pathogens Vibrio spp. and ostreid herpesvirus-1 µVar.},
journal = {Diseases of aquatic organisms},
volume = {162},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.3354/dao03844},
pmid = {40183202},
issn = {0177-5103},
mesh = {Animals ; *Vibrio/isolation & purification ; *DNA Viruses/isolation & purification ; *Introduced Species ; *Invertebrates/microbiology/virology ; *Mollusca/microbiology ; *Aquatic Organisms/microbiology/virology ; },
abstract = {Invasive non-native species (INNS) are expanding their geographic range due to climate change, maritime traffic (primary route) and aquaculture (secondary route), resulting in the potential spread of microbes associated with them. Few studies have investigated the INNS-pathogen phenomenon. In this study, marine invertebrate species (native and INNS) were sampled monthly over 3 mo and screened by PCR for the ostreid herpesvirus-1 microvariant (OsHV-1 μVar) and Vibrio bacteria. Both pathogens are negatively associated with bivalve aquaculture. Sample sites included a shipping port, an oyster farm, a marsh nature reserve and a riverine site. Crustacea, Mollusca, Polychaeta, Tunicata and Porifera were sampled. Vibrio spp. were detected in 54.3% (n = 319/588) across all taxa and sample sites. The first detection of V. salmonicida associated with Atlantic salmon Salmo salar was detected in the INNS beaked barnacle Austrominius modestus. OsHV-1 μVar (7.7%, 45/588) was detected in Crustacea, Mollusca and Polychaeta at non-culture sites and in mussels Mytilus spp. at a much lower temperature (average sea surface temperature, SST, 11.25°C) than previously recorded. The shipping port had the highest Vibrio diversity and OsHV-1 μVar detection. Over half (51.1%) of 'recently dead' shore crabs Carcinus maenas had either pathogen detected compared to 29.4% of living crabs. OsHV-1 μVar detection was significantly higher in dead crabs (24.4%) compared to living crabs (5.9%). Findings from this study contribute a better understanding of the role of estuarine native and INNS as vectors/carriers of pathogens and of how the spread of INNS might facilitate the spread of pathogens.},
}

Animals
*Vibrio/isolation & purification
*DNA Viruses/isolation & purification
*Introduced Species
*Invertebrates/microbiology/virology
*Mollusca/microbiology
*Aquatic Organisms/microbiology/virology

@article {pmid40181775,
year = {2025},
author = {Densmore, CL and Hendrix, M and Reichley, SR and Raines, CD and Bressman, NR and Crum, ZS and Khoo, LH and Waldbieser, GC and Griffin, MJ and Welch, TJ and Iwanowicz, LR},
title = {Identical sequence types of Yersinia ruckeri associated with lethal disease in wild-caught invasive Blue Catfish and cultured hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish ♀ × Blue Catfish ♂) from disparate aquatic ecosystems.},
journal = {Journal of aquatic animal health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jahafs/vsae004},
pmid = {40181775},
issn = {1548-8667},
support = {//U.S. Geological Survey Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research/ ; #6066-31320-006-000-D//U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus is commonly raised in warmwater aquaculture in the United States to produce Channel Catfish I. punctatus × Blue Catfish hybrids. It is also a prominent aquatic invasive species of concern in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Here, Yersina ruckeri was isolated from moribund Blue Catfish and hybrid catfish from disparate regions of the USA. The goal of the research here was to compare these Y. ruckeri strains to each other and other known strains for which adequate sequence data was available. In addition, we sought to determine if the strain from Blue Catfish was pathogenic to Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.

METHODS: Moribund hybrid catfish from culture ponds in Mississippi were processed for diagnostic evaluation in March 2016. In April 2022, a moribund Blue Catfish specimen was collected from a tributary of the Nanticoke River in Maryland. Bacterial isolates were identified and characterized using biochemical tests, antimicrobial sensitivity screening, serotyping, and complete or partial genome sequencing. Disease pathology was described via histology. The isolate from Blue Catfish was used in challenge experiments to determine if it was pathogenic to Rainbow Trout. Multilocus sequencing typing was conducted using the PubMLST database.

RESULTS: Biochemical testing was consistent with Y. ruckeri. A draft genome of the Y. ruckeri isolate was assembled based on Oxford Nanopore Technology sequencing and identified a single genomic replicon (3,791,418 bp) consistent in size to other Y. ruckeri genomes and a pLT plasmid (60, 933 bp). The challenge study demonstrated no significant virulence of this isolate for Rainbow Trout (Y. ruckeri). This isolate was most similar to other strains isolated from ictalurids. Notably, the gyrase B gene from this isolate was identical to that of archived strains isolated from moribund Mississippi hybrid catfish aquaculture during 2016 and these isolates share identical PubMLST sequence type profiles. Similarly, they shared a pLT plasmid that differed by only 6 bp. This plasmid has never been reported from trout isolates and appears to be unique to ictalurids.

CONCLUSIONS: Analyses here provide preliminary genetic evidence that geographically distant (Maryland and Mississippi, USA) isolates of Y. ruckeri from ictalurids are genetically similar to each other and Y. ruckeri (strain SC09) that infects ictalurids in China. This strain is not a biothreat to Rainbow Trout at typical culture temperatures.},
}

@article {pmid40181735,
year = {2025},
author = {Kent, TV and Schrider, DR and Matute, DR},
title = {Demographic history, genetic load, and the efficacy of selection in the globally invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf066},
pmid = {40181735},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Aedes aegypti is the main vector species of yellow fever, dengue, Zika and chikungunya. The species is originally from Africa but has experienced a spectacular expansion in its geographic range to a large swath of the world, the demographic effects of which have remained largely understudied. In this report, we examine whole-genome sequences from 6 countries in Africa, North America, and South America to investigate the demographic history of the spread of Ae. aegypti into the Americas and its impact on genomic diversity and deleterious genetic load. In the Americas, we observe patterns of strong population structure consistent with relatively low (but probably non-zero) levels of gene flow but occasional long-range dispersal and/or recolonization events. We also find evidence that the colonization of the Americas has resulted in introduction bottlenecks. However, while each sampling location shows evidence of a past population contraction and subsequent recovery, our results suggest that the bottlenecks in America have led to a reduction in genetic diversity of only ∼35% relative to African populations, and the American samples have retained high levels of genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity of ∼0.02 at synonymous sites). We additionally find that American populations of aegypti have experienced only a minor reduction in the efficacy of selection, with evidence for both an accumulation of deleterious alleles and some purging of strongly deleterious alleles. These results exemplify how an invasive species can expand its range with remarkable genetic resilience in the face of strong eradication pressure.},
}

@article {pmid40179198,
year = {2025},
author = {Cooke, R and Outhwaite, CL and Bladon, AJ and Millard, J and Rodger, JG and Dong, Z and Dyer, EE and Edney, S and Murphy, JF and Dicks, LV and Hui, C and Jones, JI and Newbold, T and Purvis, A and Roy, HE and Woodcock, BA and Isaac, NJB},
title = {Integrating multiple evidence streams to understand insect biodiversity change.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {388},
number = {6742},
pages = {eadq2110},
doi = {10.1126/science.adq2110},
pmid = {40179198},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; Animals ; *Insecta ; Anthropogenic Effects ; },
abstract = {Insects dominate animal species diversity yet face many threats from anthropogenic drivers of change. Many features of insect ecology make them a challenging group, and the fragmented state of knowledge compromises our ability to make general statements about their status. In this Review, we discuss the challenges of assessing insect biodiversity change. We describe how multiple lines of evidence-time series, spatial comparisons, experiments, and expert opinion-can be integrated to provide a synthesis overview of how insect biodiversity responds to drivers. Applying this approach will generate testable predictions of insect biodiversity across space, time, and changing drivers. Given the urgency of accelerating human impacts across the environment, this approach could yield a much-needed rapid assessment of insect biodiversity change.},
}

*Biodiversity
Animals
*Insecta
Anthropogenic Effects

@article {pmid40178287,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodrigues, AC and Granzotti, RV and Dos Santos, NCL and Agostinho, AA and Gomes, LC},
title = {Non-Native Species Abundance Decreases the Co-Occurrence Between Native and Non-Native Species Through Time at Any Phylogenetic Distance.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {4},
pages = {e70107},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70107},
pmid = {40178287},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {141154/2018-7//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Introduced Species ; *Fishes/physiology/genetics/classification ; Brazil ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Non-native species may cause cumulative impacts on native communities if their abundance continues to increase through time. This negative effect can reflect on the spatial distribution of native species, especially when native and non-native species are phylogenetically similar. Here, we assessed the spatial co-occurrence between native and non-native fish species using long-term abundance data from six locations in a Brazilian floodplain. We tested whether the co-occurrence of native and non-native species is influenced by non-native species abundance and time since first record, and whether the abundance effect is mediated by the phylogenetic relatedness between native and non-native species. We found that non-native abundance was more influential than the time since first record and co-occurrence between native and non-native species was lower when the non-native abundance was high, regardless of phylogenetic relatedness. The interannual variability in non-native species abundance may overshadow long-term trends in determining the temporal effects of non-native species.},
}

Animals
*Phylogeny
*Introduced Species
*Fishes/physiology/genetics/classification
Brazil
Population Density
Population Dynamics
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40178128,
year = {2025},
author = {Bresciani, L and Custer, GF and Koslicki, D and Dini-Andreote, F},
title = {Interplay of ecological processes modulates microbial community reassembly following coalescence.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf041},
pmid = {40178128},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Microbial community coalescence refers to the mixing of entire microbial communities and their environments. Despite conceptually analogous to a multispecies invasion, the ecological processes driving this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Here, we developed and implemented a beta-diversity-based statistical framework to quantify the contribution of distinct donor communities to community reassembly dynamics over time following coalescence. We conducted a microcosm experiment with soils manipulated at varying levels of community structure (via dilution-to-extinction) and subjected these to pairwise coalescence scenarios. Overall, our results revealed variable patterns of abiotic and biotic donor dominance across distinct treatment sets. First, we show the occasional presence of an upfront stringent abiotic filter to disproportionally favor a donor biotic dominance through a "home-field advantage" mechanism, with abiotic factors explaining >90% of the variance in community structure over time. Functional community metrics (i.e., carbon metabolism and extracellular enzymatic activities) were significantly linked to donor contributions in these cases. Second, in the absence of abiotic dominance, interspecific interactions gained importance, with abiotic variables explaining <40% of the variance. Here, functional redundancy in donor communities (e.g., lower dilution) led to non-significant relationships between donor contributions and functional metrics. Collectively, this study advances the integration of coalescence with well-established fundamentals of invasion biology theory, highlighting the interplay of abiotic and biotic factors structuring community reassembly following coalescence. Last, we propose that our beta-diversity-based framework is widely applicable across various microbial systems. We believe this approach will promote research advances by offering a unified method for analyzing and quantifying coalescence.},
}

@article {pmid40177696,
year = {2025},
author = {Thompson, BK and Olden, JD and Converse, SJ},
title = {Balancing Monitoring and Management in the Adaptive Management of an Invasive Species.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e71176},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.71176},
pmid = {40177696},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Efficient allocation of managers' limited resources is necessary to effectively control invasive species, but determining how to allocate effort between monitoring and management over space and time remains a challenge. In an adaptive management context, monitoring data are key for gaining knowledge and iteratively improving management, but monitoring costs money. Community science or other opportunistic monitoring data present an opportunity for managers to gain critical knowledge without a substantial reduction in management funds. We designed a management strategy evaluation to investigate optimal spatial allocation of resources to monitoring and management, while also exploring the potential for community science data to improve decision-making, using adaptive management of invasive flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) in the Columbia River, USA, as a case study. We evaluated management and monitoring alternatives under two invasion conditions, a well-established invasion and an emerging invasion, for both risk-neutral and risk-averse decision makers. Simulations revealed that regardless of invasion condition or managers' risk tolerance, allocating effort outward from the estimated center of invasion (Epicenter prioritization) resulted in the lowest overall level of infestation at the end of management. This allocation outperformed alternatives in which management occurred in fixed areas (Linear prioritization) and alternatives that targeted patchily distributed areas with the highest estimated infestation level of the invasive species (High invasion prioritization). Additionally, management outcomes improved when more resources were allocated toward removal effort than monitoring effort, and the addition of community science data improved outcomes only under certain scenarios. Finally, actions that led to the best outcomes often did not produce the most accurate and precise estimates of parameters describing system function, emphasizing the importance of using value of information principles to guide monitoring. Our adaptive management approach is adaptable to many invasive species management contexts in which ongoing monitoring allows management strategies to be updated over time.},
}

@article {pmid40177695,
year = {2025},
author = {Osunkoya, OO and Ahmadi, M and Perrett, C and Calvert, M and Shi, B and Csurhes, S and Shabani, F},
title = {Climate-Induced Range Shift and Risk Assessment of Emerging Weeds in Queensland, Australia.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e71043},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.71043},
pmid = {40177695},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Anticipation and identification of new invasive alien species likely to establish, spread and be impactful in a landscape, especially in response to climate change, are consistently a top priority of natural resource managers. Using available global bioclimatic variables limiting plant distributions, we employed maximum entropy (MaxEnt) as a correlative species distribution model to predict the current and future (2041-2060 and 2061-2080) distribution for 54 emerging weed species of different growth forms for the State of Queensland, Australia. Overall, the model predictive performance was excellent, with area under the curve (AUC) and the true skill statistic (TSS) averaging 0.90 and 0.67, respectively. Based on distribution records, the emerging weed species sorted out along environmental (climatic) space-with trees and succulents, each at the two ends of the continuum, while grasses, herbs and shrubs were distributed between the two extremes. Temperature seasonality and minimum temperature of the coldest month were the main driver variables that accounted for differences in climatic preference among the focal species and/or plant growth forms. Range shifts were predicted for many species in response to climate change; overall, habitat range increase will occur more often than range contraction and especially more so in trees compared to all other plant growth forms. Range stability was least in succulent weeds. In general, under climate change, the majority of the invasion hotspot area was projected to remain geographically stable (76.95%). Far northern Queensland (especially the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula areas) and the coastal communities along the eastern seaboards of the State are the hotspots for emerging invasive alien species to establish and expand/contract in response to climate change. Based on observed and potential ranges, as well as species response to climate change, we derived an index of risk and hence statewide prioritisation watch list for management and policy of the emerging weeds of Queensland.},
}

@article {pmid40175583,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, W and Yao, MS and Lu, CH and Li, HJ and Chen, WL},
title = {Cold hardiness of Corythucha marmorata (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on the functional crop Helianthus tuberosus.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {11287},
pmid = {40175583},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {20182362//The Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department Program/ ; GZUCX0456//The Guizhou University Postgraduate Innovation Fund Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Helianthus/parasitology ; Female ; Male ; *Cold Temperature ; *Crops, Agricultural/parasitology ; *Heteroptera/physiology ; Seasons ; *Hemiptera/physiology ; },
abstract = {The invasive phytophagous lace bug, Corythucha marmorata, threatens the functional food crop Helianthus tuberosus, but its overwintering ecology on this plant is poorly understood. This study evaluated the cold hardiness of C. marmorata at various life stages, focusing on the differences between female and male adults. C. marmorata overwinter as adults on H. tuberosus, based on a four-year winter field investigation. The supercooling and equilibrium freezing points of C. marmorata decline with development. Female adults showed the greatest supercooling capacity. The lower lethal temperature (female - 15 °C, male - 16 °C) is above the supercooling point (- 26 °C). The low temperature exposure mortality of C. marmorata female and male adults exhibited different regularities. We conclude that C. marmorata belongs to chill susceptible insects. October to February is the most recommended period for C. marmorata control by harvesting H. tuberosus. Weed removal, such as Erigeron bonariensis, Erigeron canadensis, and Ambrosia trifida, is an early control measure. These results enhance our understanding of C. marmorata's cold tolerance and inform targeted pest management strategies for H. tuberosus crops.},
}

Animals
*Helianthus/parasitology
Female
Male
*Cold Temperature
*Crops, Agricultural/parasitology
*Heteroptera/physiology
Seasons
*Hemiptera/physiology

@article {pmid40173599,
year = {2024},
author = {Eiseman, CS and Lonsdale, O and Montgomery, GA and Jacobsen, JM and Kahn, EX and Rosati, MC and Hauser, M and Parikh, GR and Yu, D},
title = {Invasive Cape ivy (Asteraceae: Delairea odorata Lem.) confirmed as a host for the North American leafminer Liriomyza temperata Spencer (Diptera: Agromyzidae).},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5555},
number = {1},
pages = {24-34},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5555.1.2},
pmid = {40173599},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Introduced Species ; *Asteraceae/parasitology ; *Diptera/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development/genetics/physiology ; Animal Distribution ; California ; Body Size ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Organ Size ; *Tephritidae/classification/anatomy & histology ; },
abstract = {A leafminer reared in California from Cape ivy (Asteraceae: Delairea odorata Lem.), an invasive plant introduced from South Africa, is identified as Liriomyza temperata Spencer (Diptera: Agromyzidae). This is believed to be a novel host association for a native Nearctic fly, which appears to have been introduced in Hawaii along with Cape ivy. Liriomyza tricornis Lonsdale syn. nov. is treated as a junior synonym of L. temperata. There are no previous host records for either taxon. We review previously published rearing records of North American Liriomyza spp. from other plants in the tribe Senecioneae, as well as observations of unidentified Liriomyza mines on these plants. We also discuss the leaf mine and DNA barcode of an undetermined Trypeta sp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) found mining leaves of Cape ivy in California.},
}

Animals
Female
Male
Introduced Species
*Asteraceae/parasitology
*Diptera/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development/genetics/physiology
Animal Distribution
California
Body Size
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Organ Size
*Tephritidae/classification/anatomy & histology

@article {pmid40173577,
year = {2025},
author = {Vicente, J and Rutkowski, E and Lavrov, DV and Martineau, G and Timmers, M and Toonen, RJ},
title = {Integrative taxonomy of introduced Haplosclerida and four new species from Hawai'i.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5566},
number = {2},
pages = {243-272},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5566.2.2},
pmid = {40173577},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Hawaii ; *Porifera/classification/anatomy & histology/genetics/growth & development ; Phylogeny ; Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology ; Introduced Species ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Haplosclerid sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae: Heteroscleromorpha), and particularly the family Chalinidae, are notoriously difficult to identify through taxonomic methods alone. Here we use an integrative approach to confirm the identification and report both polymorphic characters and different morphotypes exhibited from a recruitment stage that complicate identification of introduced haplosclerid species Haliclona (Soestella) caerulea and Gelliodes conulosa sp. nov. in Hawai'i. Using these same methods, we also describe three new species Haliclona (Gellius) pahua sp. nov., Haliclona (Reniera) kahoe sp. nov., Haliclona (Rhizoniera) loe sp. nov. from our collections in Kāne'ohe Bay. Using a combination of mitochondrial and ribosomal RNA sequences, we compile a phylogeny that is consistent with previous molecular work but is at odds with the morphological characters used to classify species belonging to Chalinidae and Niphatidae families within Haplosclerida. Although shared morphological traits were distributed across taxa throughout the tree, both mitochondrial and ribosomal RNA sequences were diagnostic, with an average of at least 3 % sequence divergence among species and their closest relative. This study highlights both the use of standardized Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) to access the hidden diversity of haplosclerid sponges, and the potential for competition between these introduced and newly described and potentially endemic species.},
}

Animals
Hawaii
*Porifera/classification/anatomy & histology/genetics/growth & development
Phylogeny
Animal Distribution
Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology
Introduced Species
Body Size
Organ Size
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40175388,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, F and Du, L and Li, T and Liu, B and Guo, J and Zhang, G and Zhang, Y and Liu, W and Pan, Y and Zhang, Y and Wang, H and Li, R and Song, W and Wan, F},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assembly of the crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {560},
pmid = {40175388},
issn = {2052-4463},
abstract = {Crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora), a significant invasive species, extensively disrupts ecosystem stability, leading to considerable economic losses. However, genetic insights into its invasive mechanisms have been limited by a lack of genomic data. In this study, we present the successful de novo assembly of the triploid genome of A. adenophora, leveraging long-read PacBio Sequel, optical mapping, and Hi-C sequencing. Our assembly resolved into a haplotype-resolved genome comprising 51 chromosomes, with a total size of ~3.82 Gb and a scaffold N50 of 70.8 Mb. BUSCO analysis confirmed the completeness of 97.71% of genes. Genome annotation revealed 3.16 Gb (76.44%) of repetitive sequences and predicted 123,134 protein-coding genes, with 99.03% functionally annotated. The high-quality reference genome will provide valuable genomic resources for future studies on the evolutionary dynamics and invasive adaptations of A. adenophora.},
}

@article {pmid40174742,
year = {2025},
author = {Gabetti, A and Nocita, A and Maganza, A and Mossotto, C and Anselmi, S and Bentivoglio, T and Esposito, G and Bozzetta, E and Elia, AC and Renzi, M and Prearo, M and Barceló, D and Pastorino, P},
title = {Unveiling microplastic pollution: evaluating the role of Sinotaia quadrata (Caenogastropoda, Viviparidae) as a monitoring tool in freshwater ecosystems.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {121513},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.121513},
pmid = {40174742},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Freshwater species play a key role in monitoring microplastics (MPs) pollution, providing insights into its distribution, accumulation, and potential ecological and human health risks in aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluates the invasive snail Sinotaia quadrata as a potential tool for monitoring MPs pollution in freshwater ecosystems heavily impacted by human activities. Specifically, we examined whether the characteristics of MPs (i.e., shape, color, and chemical composition) found in water and sediment were reflected in those accumulated by S. quadrata, and whether MPs accumulation varied across different snail size classes. MPs were detected in all environmental matrices and snail samples, with fragments and filaments as the dominant shapes, blue, white, and black as the most common colors, and polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate as the primary polymers. A significant difference in MPs concentration per gram was found across snail size classes, with smaller snails accumulating more MPs than larger individuals, likely due to higher feeding rates during growth. A positive correlation was observed between snail shell length and weight, while MPs concentration per gram showed significant negative correlations with both parameters. These findings suggest that S. quadrata accumulates MPs from the environment, reflecting local contamination levels. While S. quadrata is an invasive species, this study demonstrates its potential utility in MPs monitoring, particularly in the context of eradication efforts. This approach integrates pollution assessment with invasive species management, offering a broader perspective on the role of biological invasions in environmental monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid40174067,
year = {2025},
author = {Pasinatto, K and Bochini, GL and Almeida, AO and Terossi, M},
title = {Larval data suggest a species complex in Athanas dimorphus Ortmann, 1894 (Decapoda: Alpheidae): Description of the zoea I from Western Atlantic and larval review of Athanas Leach, 1814.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5584},
number = {3},
pages = {409-420},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5584.3.6},
pmid = {40174067},
issn = {1175-5334},
abstract = {The shrimp Athanas dimorphus is considered an alien species in Western Atlantic. Larval morphology is known from the Indian Ocean, but it has been suggested that the species could actually be a species complex. Our aim was to describe the first zoeal stage of A. dimorphus from Brazil, review the larval morphology of Athanas and document inter- and intraspecific morphological variability within the genus and its taxonomic implications. Our descriptions and illustrations were based on larvae hatched in the laboratory from two females sampled in Pernambuco, which were compared to larval descriptions from the literature review. Morphological variations were found among first stage zoeas of this species from four localities (Brazil, Egypt, India and Pakistan), mainly in relation to segments, setae and aesthetascs of the antennule; setae on the basis of the maxilla; segments on the endopod of the second maxilliped and setae on the telson. The larval data analyzed here supports that A. dimorphus comprises a species complex. A taxonomic revision of this species complex, including specimens from Tanzania (type locality), is needed based on integrative taxonomy using adult and larval morphology (adults and larvae) coupled with genetics.},
}

@article {pmid40173861,
year = {2025},
author = {Drăghici, AC and Pintilioaie, AM and Murariu, D and Manci, CO and Ruzzier, E},
title = {New additions and further records of non-native Coleoptera in Romania.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5575},
number = {3},
pages = {409-428},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5575.3.4},
pmid = {40173861},
issn = {1175-5334},
abstract = {This report details the discovery of five new non-native Coleoptera species for the Romanian fauna: Cis chinensis Lawrence, 1991 (Ciidae), Latheticus oryzae C.O. Waterhouse, 1880, Palorus subdepressus (Wollaston, 1864), Tribolium destructor Uyttenboogaart, 1933 (Tenebrionidae), and Litargus balteatus LeConte, 1856 (Mycetophagidae). Furthermore, additional occurrences for 19 species whose data were deficient were provided. The identification of unrecorded alien species in a natural setting indicates that they are well established and warrant further monitoring to determine their current distribution at the national level and potential impact on the environment and human activities. This indicates the current extent of our understanding of the diversity of non-native coleopterans in Romania and emphasizes the necessity of further investigation into this group, with a particular focus on those species with the potential to become invasive.},
}

@article {pmid40173744,
year = {2025},
author = {Watters, BR and Nagy, B},
title = {A review and redefinition of the subgenus Aphyobranchius Wildekamp, 1977, in the seasonal killifish genus Nothobranchius Peters, 1868 (Teleostei: Nothobranchiidae), from ephemeral wetlands of eastern Tanzania.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5570},
number = {3},
pages = {401-446},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5570.3.1},
pmid = {40173744},
issn = {1175-5334},
abstract = {Species belonging to the subgenus Aphyobranchius, of the seasonal killifish genus Nothobranchius, are reviewed and the definition of the subgenus is updated. Five species are recognized within this subgenus which, based primarily on morphological and molecular data, form two distinct groups: N. geminus, N. janpapi and N. luekei make up the N. janpapi species group, whereas N. fuscotaeniatus and N. lourensi comprise the N. lourensi species group. All known Aphyobranchius species occur in the central eastern and southern coastal plains region of Tanzania, associated mainly with the Ruvu, Rufiji, Kilombero, Mbezi and Luhule/Luhute river systems, with isolated occurrences in the lowermost reaches of the Wami and Matandu rivers. Features that allow distinction between the five Aphyobranchius species, as well as those that in a broader sense distinguish them from other Nothobranchius species, are documented in detail. Such features primarily comprise differences in elements of colour pattern, morphometric character, phylogenetic relationships, karyotype structure, habitat characteristics and niche preference, breeding behaviour and, to some extent, distribution. We further discuss the taxonomic, biogeographic, ecological and evolutionary aspects of the subgenus. Conservation status of the species range from Least Concern to Critically Endangered, according to IUCN Red List criteria. The main threats to their survival are habitat loss due to expansion of agriculture and urbanisation involving overexploitation of wetlands, and invasive species. Nothobranchius willerti, previously regarded as a member of Aphyobranchius, is here excluded from that subgenus, based on a reassessment of key morphological characters, habitat preference, breeding behaviour and, most importantly, molecular data that indicates a clear affiliation with other species of the subgenus Adiniops.},
}

@article {pmid40173558,
year = {2025},
author = {Peart, RA and Woods, C},
title = {Caprellidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda) of Aotearoa New Zealand waters: a constantly changing landscape.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5568},
number = {1},
pages = {1-65},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5568.1.1},
pmid = {40173558},
issn = {1175-5334},
abstract = {A snapshot of the changing landscape of the Aotearoa New Zealand caprellid fauna is presented. This study is primarily an examination of historic material, mainly from the NIWA Invertebrate Collection. The caprellid fauna from this region suffers from similar problems to many amphipod groups recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. These problems primarily have arisen from Northern Hemisphere researchers (during the years 1760-1920), examining the fauna, and after seeing similarities to known, familiar fauna, assume they are the same organism, creating a concept of 'cosmopolitan' species. The fauna is rarely examined in detail as it is abundant, diverse and not considered commercially important. Therefore, the assumed 'cosmopolitan' species names are used regularly and repeatedly in ecological and other studies, forming assumptions regarding distributions and influence. This situation is compounded by the introduction of invasive species and the need to assess potential related impacts. Therefore, to resolve some of these issues, this study uses an integrative (using both morphological and molecular methods where possible) approach to review the known species of the family Caprellidae from New Zealand waters and describes six new species: Caprella perplexa sp. nov., Caprella sarahae sp. nov., Caprella serenae sp. nov., Caprellina judyae sp. nov., Caprellina plumea sp. nov., Noculacia anima sp. nov. and one resurrected species, Caprella novaezealandiae to the fauna. A dichotomous key to the New Zealand caprellid fauna is provided, and molecular and morphological analysis and biogeographic comments on the origins of the fauna are also provided. This paper specifically examines the complex of caprellid species from Aotearoa New Zealand and almost doubles the described fauna from 8 species to 15 species.},
}

@article {pmid40172523,
year = {2025},
author = {Dou, F and Ji, W and Xie, Q and Wang, J and Cao, Y and Shi, J},
title = {Transcriptome analysis and temporal expression patterns of wing development-related genes in Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Erebidae).},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvae111},
pmid = {40172523},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {32171794//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Spongy moth, Lymantria dispar Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), stands as a pervasive international threat, marked by its designation as one of the "world's 100 worst invasive species" by IUCN, owing to its voracious leaf-eating habits encompassing over 500 plant species. Its strong flight ability facilitates its spread and invasion. The present study aims to uncover differential gene expression, utilizing the Illumina Novaseq6000 sequencing platform for comprehensive transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of total RNA extracted from larvae and pupae. Results revealed pivotal processes of protein functional structure conformation, transport, and signal transduction in functional gene annotation during the 2 developmental stages of spongy moth. 18 functional genes, namely, Distal-less (Dll), Wingless (Wg), Decapentaplegic (Dpp), Hedgehog (Hh), Cubitus interruptus (Ci), Patched (Ptc), Apterous (Ap), Serrate (Ser), Fringe (Fng), Achaete (Ac), Engrailed (En), Vestigial (Vg), Scute (Sc), Invected (Inv), Scalloped (Sd), Ultrabithorax (Ubx), Serum Response Factor (SRF), and Spalt-major, associated with wing development were identified, and their expression levels were meticulously assessed through real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in 1st-6th instar larvae and male and female pupae wing discs. The results showed that 18 genes exhibited expression. Furthermore, the relative expression values of wing development-related genes were significantly higher in the pupae stage than in the larval stage. The relative expression values of male and female pupae were also significantly different. The RT-qPCR results were in general agreement with the results of transcriptome analysis. This study establishes a foundational understanding of the developmental mechanisms governing the formation of spongy moth wings.},
}

@article {pmid40169623,
year = {2025},
author = {Chwalek, P and Kuronaga, M and Zhu, I and Montague, S and Campopiano Robinson, V and Lohrmann, J and Gil, CAV and Susič, D and Gradišek, A and Schul, J and Paradiso, JA and Arbetman, M},
title = {High-Res Acoustic and Environmental Data to Monitor Bombus dahlbomii Amid Invasive Species, Habitat Loss.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {548},
pmid = {40169623},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Bees ; *Acoustics ; Argentina ; Endangered Species ; },
abstract = {The decline of the endemic Patagonian bumblebee (Bombus dahlbomii) as a result of invasive species and habitat loss, among other stressors, has raised significant conservation concerns for the species and the ecosystem it inhabits. In order to monitor this endangered species, traditional methods are limited by labor-intensive visual surveys or lethal sampling methods. We applied passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) as a non-invasive alternative to conventional monitoring techniques to collect a comprehensive dataset of the soundscape of Puerto Blest, Argentina, focusing on bumblebee bioacoustics and environmental variables. Our dataset, collected using custom stereo acoustic recorders, includes audio, temperature, humidity, and gas concentration data from twelve locations over six days, covering different weather conditions. Annotations marking native and invasive bee segments provide insights into the ecology of B. dahlbomii and its interactions with invasive species, Bombus terrestris. This dataset facilitates the development of machine learning models for monitoring Bombus populations, crucial for conservation efforts. Additionally, our robust data annotation techniques enhance the dataset's reliability for future modeling work.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Bees
*Acoustics
Argentina
Endangered Species

@article {pmid40168439,
year = {2025},
author = {Ierardi, RA and Chance, SM and Morris, C and Nunnelley, J and Odemuyiwa, SO and Royal, AB and Schultz, L and Shen, Z and Young, J and Raghavan, RK},
title = {Active surveillance for Theileria orientalis and the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in three Missouri beef herds.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {e0319327},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0319327},
pmid = {40168439},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; *Theileria/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Theileriasis/parasitology/epidemiology ; Female ; Missouri/epidemiology ; Cattle Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; Ixodidae/parasitology ; Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology ; Introduced Species ; Haemaphysalis longicornis ; },
abstract = {Theileria orientalis is a protozoan hemoparasite of cattle vectored by the rapidly emerging invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis). Theileria-associated bovine anemia (TABA) is easily mistaken for bovine anaplasmosis, which can lead to delayed diagnosis in areas where bovine anaplasmosis is endemic and TABA is newly emerging. Our objective was to surveil for infestation of cattle by H. longicornis and infection with T. orientalis on three Missouri cow-calf operations in counties where H. longicornis is known to be established. A total of 147 apparently healthy adult cows from 3 herds were inspected for ticks. Whole blood was collected for T. orientalis and Anaplasma marginale quantitative PCR and was also used for immediate preparation of blood smears and measurement of packed cell volumes. A total of 527 ticks were collected from the cows and taxonomically identified to the species level. Eighteen H. longicornis, including 9 adult females and 9 nymphs, were collected from 16 cows (Farm A, 2 cows; Farm B, 4 cows; Farm C, 10 cows). Intraerythrocytic T. orientalis organisms were presumptively identified on blood smears from 10 cows. Quantitative PCR screening of blood samples with primers designed to amplify all T. orientalis genotypes detected 11 positive samples (Farm A, 7 cows; Farm B, 3 cows; Farm C, 1 cow). Positive samples were re-tested with probes specific for the Ikeda, Chitose, and Buffeli genotypes, which detected the Chitose genotype in 10 samples and the Ikeda genotype in 1 sample. Detection of T. orientalis with concurrent infestation of cows by H. longicornis within these 3 herds, along with collection of H. longicornis from vegetation on the premises, supports local tick-borne transmission of this emerging pathogen.},
}

Animals
Cattle
*Theileria/genetics/isolation & purification
*Theileriasis/parasitology/epidemiology
Female
Missouri/epidemiology
Cattle Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology
Ixodidae/parasitology
Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology
Introduced Species
Haemaphysalis longicornis

@article {pmid40167806,
year = {2025},
author = {Álvarez, R and Fernandez-Gonzalez, SA and Perera-Bonaño, A and De Cires, A and Castillo, JM and Gallego-Tévar, B},
title = {Ecophysiological and biochemical responses to cold and heat waves of native Spartina maritima, alien S. densiflora and their reciprocal hybrids.},
journal = {Planta},
volume = {261},
number = {5},
pages = {99},
pmid = {40167806},
issn = {1432-2048},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; *Acclimatization/physiology ; *Poaceae/physiology ; *Cold Temperature ; Hot Temperature ; Seasons ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Wetlands ; Salinity ; },
abstract = {Spartina hybrids outperform parental species, showing transgressive acclimation to extreme climates. Native S. maritima demonstrates high seasonal adaptability and invasive S. densiflora low physiological impact, suggesting resilience under climate change. Extreme climatic events, such as cold and heat waves, are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged due to climate change. Simultaneously, invasive alien plant species are altering the composition of plant communities. Both climate change and the introduction of alien species pose significant threats to biodiversity. We studied the responses of 25 biochemical and physiological functional traits for native Spartina maritima, alien invasive S. densiflora and their reciprocal hybrids to changing environmental conditions during a cold snap in winter and a heat wave in summer in Guadiana Marshes (Southwest Iberian Peninsula). These four closely related taxa responded differently to seasonal environmental fluctuations. Both hybrid taxa, particularly S. maritima × densiflora, exhibited transgressive responses, allowing them to display a wider range of acclimation responses to air temperature compared to their parental species. Native S. maritima also demonstrated a relatively high acclimation capacity to seasonal meteorological changes. In contrast, alien S. densiflora presented few acclimation responses to seasonal environmental changes, responding primarily to sediment salinity rather than to air temperature. Even so, all four studied Spartina taxa appear to be well-adapted to the occurrence of cold and heat waves in the Gulf of Cadiz. These findings underscore the complexity of plant acclimation strategies in response to extreme climatic events and highlight the potential for hybrid taxa to face the future dynamics of salt marshes under climate change.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
*Acclimatization/physiology
*Poaceae/physiology
*Cold Temperature
Hot Temperature
Seasons
Hybridization, Genetic
Wetlands
Salinity

@article {pmid40164744,
year = {2025},
author = {Borda, V and Burni, M and Cofré, N and Longo, S and Mansur, T and Ortega, G and Urcelay, C},
title = {Does the flavonoid quercetin influence the generalist-selective nature of mycorrhizal interactions in invasive and non-invasive native woody plants?.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {25},
pmid = {40164744},
issn = {1432-1890},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/drug effects ; *Quercetin/pharmacology ; *Introduced Species ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; },
abstract = {It has been suggested that invasive plant species are more generalist than non-invasive species in their interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), allowing them to associate with novel AMF communities. There is emerging evidence suggesting that the flavonoid quercetin may play a role in regulating these interactions as a signaling compound. In this study, we experimentally grew three invasive alien and three non-invasive native woody species with AMF communities collected from within (though foreign to invasives) and outside their current distribution ranges. After 96 days, we: (a) assessed mycorrhizal colonization rates; (b) evaluated the impact of these interactions on plant performance (growth and phosphorus nutrition); and (c) tested whether these responses were influenced by the addition of quercetin to the plant growth medium. Our findings reveal that the invasive species exhibited mycorrhizal colonization when grown with both novel AMF communities and benefited from them in terms of phosphorus (P) nutrition. In contrast, two of the three non- invasive native species showed mycorrhizal colonization and enhanced P nutrition only with AMF from their current distribution range, but not with novel AMF from outside their range, suggesting selective behavior in their mycorrhizal interactions. The addition of quercetin did not have a strong effect on mycorrhizal colonization in either invasive or non-invasive native species. However, quercetin promoted moderate increases in P nutrition in the two non-invasive native species when grown with the novel AMF communities. Overall, the results suggest that invasive species are more generalist in their AM symbiosis than two of the three non-invasive species, and that the addition of quercetin had a limited, moderate influence on their AM interactions.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/drug effects
*Quercetin/pharmacology
*Introduced Species
Phosphorus/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology

@article {pmid40088634,
year = {2025},
author = {Bernal-Ibáñez, A and Castilla-Gavilán, M and Sumariva, EG and Hachero-Cruzado, I},
title = {Invasion context matters: Vulnerability of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus to ingestion of Rugulopteryx okamurae increases with invasion time.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {214},
number = {},
pages = {117826},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117826},
pmid = {40088634},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Paracentrotus ; Diet/veterinary ; },
abstract = {The current spread and proliferation of the invasive macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae in South European coastal waters is a major ecological problem with a high socioeconomic impact. First identified as invasive in the Strait of Gibraltar (S Iberian Peninsula) in 2014, R. okamurae continues its expansion along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Despite its extended presence, the biotic control mechanisms and long-term impacts of R. okamurae consumption by native herbivores remain unexamined. This 24-week experiment investigates the physiological responses of the common sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus from three different locations following an invasion gradient by the time when R. okamurae was first detected. Sea urchin individuals were fed two diets: a strict diet of 100 % R. okamurae or a mixed diet with 50 % R. okamurae and 50 % Ulva sp. We evaluated the response of P. lividus individuals based on ingestion rates, relative weight (g), mortality, Ivlev's electivity index, and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Individuals from locations with more time since invasion fed on 100 % R. okamurae showed higher weight loss, higher mortality, and lower GSI than individuals from short-term invaded locations. Those negative effects were reduced for individuals fed a mixed diet. Within the mixed diet, Ivlev's electivity values of individuals from "10 years of invasion" reduced from random selection to partial avoidance over R. okamurae across the experiment. Our results reveal long-term underlying effects of R. okamurae ingestion, suggesting implications for the conservation of P. lividus populations in invaded locations, with potential ecosystem-level consequences as it is a key controlling species in coastal systems.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Paracentrotus
Diet/veterinary

@article {pmid40058321,
year = {2025},
author = {Solak-Fiskin, C and Cihan, M and Gül, MR},
title = {The collective effects of potential drivers on the incidence of non-indigenous species in the Mediterranean: A long-term investigation.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {214},
number = {},
pages = {117753},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117753},
pmid = {40058321},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Mediterranean Sea ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Animals ; Ships ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {Non-indigenous species (NIS) pose a significant threat to society and the ecosystem in the Mediterranean Sea as well as global ecosystems. These species are introduced into marine environments through a combination of various vectors that are likely interconnected. Therefore, this study collectively investigates shipping activities, environmental dynamics, and socioeconomic factors as causative drivers of NIS incidence in the Mediterranean Sea. For this purpose, data sets covering the period between 1993 and 2023 were retrieved from various online databases. The model overall largely explained the incidence rate of NIS (79.3 %) in the Mediterranean Sea. The relative contribution of the selected variables varied between 17.1 % and 7.6 %, population and bulk carrier ships, respectively. Consequently, while some of the examined variables were more important than others, this study clearly indicated that all these causative drivers need to be collectively considered for efficient management strategies of NIS.},
}

Mediterranean Sea
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Animals
Ships
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid40020396,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramalhosa, P and Monteiro, JG and Rech, S and Gestoso, I and Álvarez, S and Gizzi, F and Parretti, P and Castro, N and Almeida, S and Jiménez, JL and Ros, M and Cardoso, C and Lima, MJ and Caldeira, R and Robalo, JI and Carlton, JT and Canning-Clode, J},
title = {The role of marine debris as a vector, dispersal agent, and substrate for non-indigenous species on Oceanic Islands (Northeast Atlantic).},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {214},
number = {},
pages = {117732},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117732},
pmid = {40020396},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Animals ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Atlantic Ocean ; Waste Products ; Islands ; Aquatic Organisms ; },
abstract = {Marine debris (MD) can be a transport vector for diverse marine communities, including non-indigenous species (NIS). This study assessed MD potential role as a substrate for colonization and dispersal vector for NIS in the Madeira Archipelago (NE Atlantic) by examining three MD categories: floating (FMD), seafloor (SMD), and beached (BMD). Opportunistic sampling, conducted in collaboration with local maritime stakeholders, documented MD sightings with photographs and GPS coordinates. A total of 92 MD items were inspected, revealing 108 fouling species across 11 phyla, with 13 % identified as NIS. SMD exhibited the highest proportion of NIS (9.6 %), followed by BMD (4.4 %) and FMD (3.9 %). Notably, the study provides evidence that FMD functions as both a substrate and a dispersal vector for NIS in Madeira waters. Combining biogeographic analyses, oceanographic modelling, and MD identification marks, this study highlighted the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre's currents as key pathways, transporting MD items from the Wider Caribbean, the North American east coast, and the Iberian Peninsula to Madeira within 2-3 years. These findings emphasize Madeira's dual role as both a recipient and exporter of MD, with implications for NIS introductions and secondary spread. This study underscores the urgent need for standardized monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and proactive MD management strategies to mitigate NIS introductions and protect sensitive marine ecosystems like Macaronesia from the ecological risks of biological invasions.},
}

*Introduced Species
Animals
*Environmental Monitoring
Atlantic Ocean
Waste Products
Islands
Aquatic Organisms

@article {pmid40020395,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, L and Pan, R and Wang, S and Zhu, Z and Li, H and Yang, R and Sun, X and Ge, B},
title = {Macrofaunal biodiversity and trophic structure varied in response to changing environmental properties along the Spartina alterniflora invasion stages.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {214},
number = {},
pages = {117756},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117756},
pmid = {40020395},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Wetlands ; *Poaceae ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Ecosystem ; Carbon/analysis ; Food Chain ; },
abstract = {Spartina alterniflora has significantly altered coastal ecosystems. Understanding macrofaunal responses to its invasion is crucial for managing coastal wetlands. Five invasion stages over 16 years were analyzed: no invasion, initial, young, mature, and senescing. Macrofaunal biodiversity initially increased but later declined. Environmental properties varied by stages, creating distinct habitats. The impact on macrofauna depended on species traits and invasion stage. Key species accounting for 49.54 % of dissimilarity were Stenothyra glabra, Bullacta caurina, Pseudomphala latericea, and Potamocorbula laevis. Trophic structure initially remained stable but shifted later. Organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and C/N ratio correlated with S. alterniflora development. Height of S. alterniflora was a key environmental indicator, while OC content and C/N ratio were crucial for shaping the macrofaunal community, indicating food source changes. This study provides valuable insights for managing coastal environments.},
}

*Biodiversity
Animals
*Introduced Species
*Wetlands
*Poaceae
Nitrogen/analysis
Ecosystem
Carbon/analysis
Food Chain

@article {pmid39417612,
year = {2025},
author = {Marino, C and Soares, FC and Bellard, C},
title = {Conservation priorities for functionally unique and specialized terrestrial vertebrates threatened by biological invasions.},
journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology},
volume = {39},
number = {2},
pages = {e14401},
pmid = {39417612},
issn = {1523-1739},
support = {//ENS-PSL/ ; 101003777//2020-2021 Biodiversa+ and Water JPI joint call for research projects, under the BiodivRestore ERA-NET Cofund/ ; },
mesh = {*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Endangered Species ; *Biodiversity ; *Vertebrates/physiology ; Extinction, Biological ; Birds/physiology ; Mammals/physiology ; Amphibians/physiology ; },
abstract = {Invasive non-native species (INS) continue to pose a significant threat to biodiversity, including native population declines, which can ultimately disrupt ecosystem processes. Although there is growing evidence of the impacts of INS on functional diversity, most of the existing approaches to prioritization of species for conservation still focus on taxonomic diversity, neglecting the ecological role of species. We developed the functionally unique, specialized, and endangered by invasive non-native species (FUSE INS) score to fill this gap by combining functional irreplaceability (i.e., uniqueness and specialization) of species with their extinction risk due to INS. We calculated this score for 3642 terrestrial vertebrates exposed to INS by assessing how INS affected them based on the IUCN Red List and by evaluating their specialization and uniqueness in a multidimensional functional space. Thirty-eight percent of native species were both at high extinction risk because of INS and functionally unique and specialized, making them priority species for INS impact mitigation. Priority species of amphibians concentrated in Central America and Madagascar and of lizards in the Caribbean islands, northern Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Priority bird and mammal species were more widespread (birds, mostly in coastal areas, on Pacific islands, and in northern India and New Zealand; mammals, in southwestern Europe, Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and eastern Australia). Seventy-eight species were also highly irreplaceable but not yet threatened by INS, suggesting that preventive conservation measures may help protect these species. For the 50 birds of the highest priority, 64% required conservation actions to mitigate the INS threat. The FUSE INS score can be used to help prioritize indigenous species representing large amounts of functional diversity. Incorporating functional diversity into the conservation prioritization of species and associated areas is key to accurately reducing and mitigating the impacts of INS on native biodiversity.},
}

*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Animals
*Introduced Species
*Endangered Species
*Biodiversity
*Vertebrates/physiology
Extinction, Biological
Birds/physiology
Mammals/physiology
Amphibians/physiology

@article {pmid40164403,
year = {2025},
author = {Menegon, M and Severini, F and Toma, L and Martignoni, M and Di Luca, M},
title = {Rapid molecular method for early detection of the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) at Points of Entry.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107605},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107605},
pmid = {40164403},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {In recent years, globalization and climate change have led to a rise in the number of imported cases of Aedes-diseases in Europe, resulting in increased frequency and magnitude of local transmissions due to the presence of competent vectors. Recently, Italy has experienced the establishment of three exotic Aedes mosquitoes relevant to human health, Aedes albopictus, Aedes koreicus and Aedes japonicus. Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue and yellow fever, distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, has recently reappeared in Europe and the risk for its re-introduction in Italy is high given the climatic conditions suitable for the species. To address the risk of introduction and spread of Aedes-diseases, the Health Authorities recommend the strengthening of entomological surveillance at regional level, particularly in strategic areas and Points of Entry, such as ports and airports. In 2021, a Korean research team developed a multiplex-PCR assay for the identification of six Aedini species, not including Ae. aegypti. In the present study, the previous diagnostic test was improved by designing reverse primers for the identification of Ae. aegypti and Aedes geniculatus. This latter native mosquito lays eggs morphologically similar to those of invasive species with which it can sometimes be found in sympatry. Furthermore, a ten-minute DNA extraction method was implemented. The results obtained demonstrate a perfect diagnostic capacity and sensitivity of the method in discriminating the five species tested. Here, findings of a sensitive, rapid and cost-effective molecular assay developed for the early identification of invasive species at high-risk sites are shown.},
}

@article {pmid40164368,
year = {2025},
author = {Ionescu, RA and Mitrovic, D and Birceanu, O and McDonald, A and Wilson, JM and Servos, M and Wilkie, MP},
title = {Rainbow trout rapidly recover from exposure to niclosamide: A piscicide and molluscicide used to control sea lamprey and snail populations.},
journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {110199},
doi = {10.1016/j.cbpc.2025.110199},
pmid = {40164368},
issn = {1532-0456},
abstract = {Niclosamide (2',5-dichloro-4'-nitrosalicylanalide) is a piscicide used to control invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Laurentian Great Lakes. It is also a molluscide used in tropical and sub-tropical freshwaters to control snail populations that are intermediate hosts to the blood flukes that causes schistosomiasis in humans. While the mechanism of niclosamide toxicity is known, its corresponding physiological effects on non-target fishes are not well-established. To better understand how niclosamide could adversely affect non-target fishes, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to an environmentally relevant niclosamide concentration of 0.150 mg L[-1] (measured = 0.12-0.18 mg L[-1]) over 9 h, during which tissues were collected for measurement of energy stores and metabolites. Niclosamide exposure reduced brain ATP and glycogen by ~50 %, and liver glycogen by ~40 %. Reductions of ATP, phosphocreatine and glycogen were also observed in muscle, with corresponding increases in pyruvate and lactate, plus development of a metabolic acidosis (~0.2 unit decrease in intracellular pH). These disturbances were consistent with impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and greater reliance on anaerobic glycolysis to generate ATP. Notably, physiological homeostasis was restored in the brain, liver, and muscle within 24 h after depuration in fresh, niclosamide-free water. We conclude that non-target fishes are susceptible to niclosamide, but at least in rainbow trout, the effects are readily reversed after exposure ceases. Similar approaches could be used to determine the susceptibility and resilience of other fishes to niclosamide in environments where it is required as a either a lampricide or a molluscicide.},
}

@article {pmid40162630,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, Q and Kou, E and Liao, X and Qiu, R and Tang, Q and Zhang, H and Zheng, Y and Yang, J and Zheng, B},
title = {Nanoparticle Delivery of Antisense miR162 Inhibits Invasive Habitat Adaption of Alternanthera Philoxeroides.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2416747},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202416747},
pmid = {40162630},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2021YFC2600102//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32025005//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22377076//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023M732270//Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Phenotypic flexibility in adaptive traits is crucial for organisms to thrive in changing environments. Alternanthera philoxeroides, native to South America, has become an invasive weed in Asia. The mechanism by which invasive capacity is achieved remains unknown. Here, it is demonstrated that miR162 plays a crucial role in submergence survival for A. philoxeroides. These results highlight that the level of miR162 significantly increases in stems from 3 to 48 h upon water submergence, and knockdown of miR162 via TRV-based VIGS system significantly disrupts stem elongation upon water submergence, ultimately resulting in a failure of plants protruding from the water surface. Interestingly, miR162 is not up-regulated in the noninvasive congeneric alien species Alternanthera pungens, which is also native to South America but has retained its original habitats in Asia. The presence of anaerobic responsive elements (AREs) in the promoter sequences of MIR162 from A. philoxeroides rather than A. pungens may contribute to its invasion capacity. Importantly, nanoparticle delivery of antisense RNA oligonucleotides of miR162 significantly impairs stem elongation during water submergence. Thus, our findings reveal that the achievement of specific miRNA activity can drive rapid phenotypic variation, and miR162 has the potential as a bio-pesticide for controlling the invasive growth of A. philoxeroides.},
}

@article {pmid40157205,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, S and Chen, J and Jiang, S and Zhang, R and Li, Z and Wang, L and Li, K},
title = {Invasion risk of typical invasive alien plants in mountainous areas and their interrelationship with habitat quality: A case study of Badong County in central China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {380},
number = {},
pages = {125083},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125083},
pmid = {40157205},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Invasive alien species (IASs) are a key factor in the loss of regional biodiversity, and exploring the risk of IASs and their interrelationships with biodiversity is of great significance for preventing IASs in a region and enhancing ecological quality. In this study, we used Badong County as an example and analyzed the potential distribution areas of invasive alien plants (IAPs) and habitat quality based on field survey data using models, including the MaxEnt and InVEST models. The results of this research were as follows: (1) The distribution of the four typical IAPs in Badong County was similar, and the high and medium suitability areas were basically distributed in the north-central area of Badong County, which was densely populated and had a low elevation and well-developed river and water systems. (2) The average habitat quality index in Badong County was 0.81, indicating a generally high habitat quality. Spatially, habitat quality in northern townships was significantly lower than that in southern townships. (3) Both the invasion risk of individual IAPs and the comprehensive invasion risk were spatially negatively correlated with habitat quality; areas of high habitat quality and low invasion risk had the largest proportion, followed by areas of low habitat quality and high invasion risk. (4) Competition between species may reduce the negative relationship between the comprehensive IAP invasion risk and habitat quality to a certain extent. The findings of this study can be used to anticipate the prevalence of typical IAPs in Badong County, thereby providing a foundation for preventing and controlling IASs in this region and offering a scientific reference for the study of interrelationships between IASs and biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid40155804,
year = {2025},
author = {Moustafa, MAM and Barnes, MM and Wagner, NE and Bodine, D and Bendele, K and Teel, PD and Saelao, P and Price, DC},
title = {Genome of the invasive North American Haemaphysalis longicornis tick as a template for bovine anti-tick vaccine discovery.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {307},
pmid = {40155804},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {2021-67015-34461//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2021-67015-34461//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2021-67015-34461//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; *Vaccines/immunology ; Ixodidae/genetics/immunology ; Introduced Species ; Genomics ; Transcriptome ; Tick Infestations/prevention & control/veterinary/parasitology ; Haemaphysalis longicornis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The ixodid tick Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, commonly referred to as the Asian longhorned tick, has expanded its range outside of East Asia into countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Since the first U.S. detection in 2017, H. longicornis has spread to 21 states and the District of Columbia and has been implicated as a vector of various human and animal pathogens including Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype, a causal agent of bovine theileriosis. Facilitated in part by the parthenogenetic nature of invasive populations, this tick has become a paramount threat to agricultural rangelands and U.S. livestock production. Reliance on traditional acaricides for vector control selects for resistant individuals, reducing the effectiveness of many chemical tools over time. Thus, focus has shifted to alternative control mechanisms including anti-tick vaccine development. To further such research, here we sequence and assemble a high-quality H. longicornis genome and robust gene catalog from invasive North American ticks while also providing an organ-specific transcriptomic expression catalog and in-depth informatic screening of the tick proteome for potential bovine antigenic molecules with potential utility as vaccine candidates.

RESULTS: Using a combination of PacBio HiFi single-molecule sequencing and Hi-C chromosome conformation capture data, our genome assembly contains 270 scaffolds and spans a haploid genome size of 3.09 Gbp with an N50 of 213.4 Mbp. Gene prediction identified 21,947 high-confidence gene structures containing 96.2% of the core Arthropoda odb10 orthologs. Our organ-specific transcriptome library comprising salivary glands, midgut, ovaries, foreleg and hindleg additionally highlights potential anti-tick vaccine candidates and metabolic pathways to target for future in vitro trials.

CONCLUSIONS: Single-molecule sequencing of a triploid, parthenogenetic North American Haemaphysalis longicornis tick allowed for the generation of a highly contiguous genome assembly that, when coupled with extensive transcriptome profiling, resulted in a robust gene catalog containing multiple candidates for further study as anti-tick vaccine antigens.},
}

Animals
Cattle
*Vaccines/immunology
Ixodidae/genetics/immunology
Introduced Species
Genomics
Transcriptome
Tick Infestations/prevention & control/veterinary/parasitology
Haemaphysalis longicornis

@article {pmid40120426,
year = {2025},
author = {Román, S and Vázquez, R},
title = {Assessment of the Rugulopteryx okamurae invasion in Northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bioregions: Colonisation status, propagation hypotheses and temperature tolerance thresholds.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {207},
number = {},
pages = {107093},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107093},
pmid = {40120426},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Mediterranean Sea ; Atlantic Ocean ; Ecosystem ; Temperature ; Thermotolerance ; Seaweed/physiology/growth & development ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {The recent proliferation of the invasive macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae in the Mediterranean and Northeastern Atlantic regions poses significant ecological and socioeconomic threats. This study analyses the current state of knowledge on the invasion, assesses the primary dispersal vectors, and evaluates its invasive potential through temperature tolerance. Using Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, publications from 2004 to 2024 were reviewed and categorized into five key areas: physiology, distribution and spread, ecological impacts, socioeconomic consequences, and management strategies. The bibliographic search evidenced a significant increase in studies concerning R. okamurae over the last years (from 1 in 2020 to 38 in 2024). The results also indicated a certain agreement regarding the vector of introduction of this alga into the Strait of Gibraltar in 2015-2016 (ballast waters of merchant ships) but the rapid spread towards Mediterranean and Atlantic areas remains unclear. Nonetheless, aquaculture activities and currents were pointed out as significant dispersal vectors. The temperature analyses highlighted the broad thermal tolerance range of R. okamurae, from 10 °C to 30 °C, which contribute to its extensive colonisation. Therefore, this study underscores the need for urgent management actions to limit the expansion of R. okamurae and mitigate the negative effects observed on coastal ecosystems and economies of colonised areas.},
}

*Introduced Species
Mediterranean Sea
Atlantic Ocean
Ecosystem
Temperature
Thermotolerance
Seaweed/physiology/growth & development
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid40120425,
year = {2025},
author = {Tanasovici, RM and Gibran, FZ and Dias, GM},
title = {The proximity to marine infrastructure affects fish diversity, the occurrence of non-indigenous species, and the dynamic of the sessile communities.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {207},
number = {},
pages = {107086},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107086},
pmid = {40120425},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; Urbanization ; Predatory Behavior ; },
abstract = {Marine urbanization is changing coastal ecosystems. In this study, we examined how the proximity to recreational marinas influences the structure and recruitment of the sessile community, the diversity of fish, and predation pressure. Sessile communities on marinas supported 68 % more non-indigenous species than those farther from marine infrastructure. Conversely, native species occupied more space in natural habitats, where the diversity of fish was greater. Predation did not influence the diversity or structure of the sessile community, regardless of the habitat type. Nevertheless, predation pressure may be underestimated in artificial habitats due to the lack of connection between platforms and the seafloor. Sessile recruitment tended to be more abundant in artificial habitats. Our findings indicate that even when substrate composition, orientation, and connectivity to the seabed are standardized, proximity to marine infrastructure increases the prevalence of non-indigenous sessile species and diminishes the diversity of potential predatory fish, thereby altering the dynamics of sessile communities.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/physiology
*Biodiversity
*Ecosystem
Introduced Species
Urbanization
Predatory Behavior

@article {pmid40117744,
year = {2025},
author = {Koutsikos, N and Vavalidis, T and Perdikaris, C and Zogaris, S and Vardakas, L},
title = {Anthropogenic influences reshape lentic fish diversity: Patterns of homogenization and differentiation across a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {973},
number = {},
pages = {179154},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179154},
pmid = {40117744},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Fishes ; Animals ; Anthropogenic Effects ; Greece ; Ecosystem ; Fresh Water ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Introduced Species ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly impacted by human activities, resulting in species invasions and extinctions, disrupting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. This study investigates the patterns of taxonomic and functional homogenization and differentiation in fish assemblages within 103 lentic ecosystems across a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot (Greece). We focus on how non-native species have altered the taxonomic and functional diversity at both national and ecoregional levels while exploring the drivers and pathways behind these changes. Our analysis combined historical and current species data, evaluating the effects of species introductions and local extinctions on biodiversity of distinct freshwater ecoregions. We calculated taxonomic and functional similarities using Jaccard and Gower dissimilarity indices and employed generalized linear models (GLMs) to assess the significance of changes over time. Results reveal significant taxonomic homogenization across lentic ecosystems, primarily driven by the introduction of widespread alien and translocated fish species. In contrast, functional homogenization was less pronounced, with some regions exhibiting differentiation, including increases in species richness due to the introduction of species with distinct ecological traits. Non-native species introduced through angling, ornamental trade, and unintentional pathways were the primary contributors to homogenization. The findings highlight prominent regional differences and vulnerabilities: mainland ecoregions experienced stronger homogenization, while insular ecoregions have experienced taxonomic differentiation. Additionally, the study reveals a decoupling of taxonomic and functional changes, emphasizing the need to consider both in biodiversity assessments and conservation management. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how species invasions reshape biodiversity patterns and ecosystem functions in freshwater systems. Our approach provides a useful framework for assessing biotic homogenization and differentiation, with implications for conservation and management strategies worldwide.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Fishes
Animals
Anthropogenic Effects
Greece
Ecosystem
Fresh Water
Environmental Monitoring/methods
Introduced Species
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40154143,
year = {2025},
author = {Soares, MO and Pereira, PHC and Rabelo, EF and Sampaio, CLS and Xavier, AL and Mendes, LF and Nunes, J and Bleuel, J and Reis-Filho, JA and Giarrizzo, T},
title = {Invasive lionfish spread through southwestern atlantic marine protected areas.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {208},
number = {},
pages = {107099},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107099},
pmid = {40154143},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Invasive lionfish are recognized as a major management concern in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) because of their high density and adverse effects on native biodiversity, fisheries, and food web processes. Despite these pressing concerns, there is a lack of research focused on the current and future invasion of lionfish in Southwestern Atlantic MPAs. To address this knowledge gap and support global marine conservation efforts, our study systematically assessed the extent and types of MPAs invaded by lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the SW Atlantic. Additionally, we used Species Distribution Models (Maximum Entropy modeling) to predict potential future distributions of this invasive species. Our findings revealed that lionfish have successfully invaded at least 18 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) between 2020 and 2024, across a 4000 km stretch of the SW Atlantic. These include twelve protected areas with sustainable use, three marine parks, one biological reserve, and two reserves dedicated to protecting artisanal fisheries. Based on the confirmed invasions, the majority of the affected MPAs (78 %) were multiple-use, with 22 % designated as no-take areas. The growth of lionfish populations is expected to continue in part due to the absence of regular culling efforts in most (88 %) of these MPAs. The potential distribution model predicts that lionfish currently occur in 33 % of Brazilian MPAs and will expand its range to an additional 25 MPAs within the next 10 years, potentially reaching 60 % of the total Brazilian MPAs. The results also showed that the benthic salinity range and sea body temperature were the most critical factors in predicting lionfish distribution across SW Atlantic MPAs in both current and projected scenarios. This rapid spread underscores the urgent need for coordinated management strategies to mitigate the threat posed by lionfish throughout the Atlantic Ocean basin.},
}

@article {pmid40154084,
year = {2025},
author = {Gavioli, A and Mancinelli, G and Turolla, E and Lanzoni, M and Paesanti, V and Soana, E and Eggleston, DB and Christian, RR and Castaldelli, G},
title = {Impacts of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus on small-scale fisheries in a Mediterranean lagoon using fishery landing data.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {974},
number = {},
pages = {179236},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179236},
pmid = {40154084},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Human activities have introduced numerous non-native species beyond their natural habitats, leading to their establishment in new regions. Among them, the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) has significantly impacted biodiversity and fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea. This study investigates the recent population increase of C. sapidus associated changes of small-scale fisheries in one Mediterranean lagoon, the Sacca di Goro lagoon within the Po River Delta. We analysed the influence of environmental factors and C. sapidus biomass on trends in landings of commercially important species, using multivariate analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA), as well as variance partitioning, linear regression and change point analysis on fishery landings data. Our results suggest that the spread of C. sapidus coincides with a decline in several commercial species, such as the European flounder (Platichthys flesus), the big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri), the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and the Mediterranean green crab (Carcinus aestuarii), suggesting a strong ecological and economic impacts of the blue crab invasion. The main mechanisms by which C. sapidus could drive this trend likely involve predation and competition, although further investigation is needed for confirmation. Annually averaged environmental variables (i.e., water temperature, salinity, nitrate and chlorophyll-a concentrations) were not significant predictors of commercial species trends, suggesting that the changes in landings cannot be primarily attributed to environmental factors. This study is the first to provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential effects of C. sapidus on the relative abundance of key fisheries species in Mediterranean Sea, suggesting a potential link between the rapid increase in its abundance and observed fish landing trends. The results highlight the need for integrated management strategies, including promoting market opportunities for C. sapidus and consideration of ecosystem-based management to control its abundance such as the protection of native local predators.},
}

@article {pmid40153205,
year = {2025},
author = {Keith, BR and Larson, DM and Isaacson, CW and Anteau, MJ and Fitzpatrick, MJ and Carleen, JD},
title = {Pyrethroid insecticide pollution of wetlands reduces amphipod density.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40153205},
issn = {1573-3017},
abstract = {Freshwater amphipods play a key role as forage for breeding and migrating waterfowl in wetlands throughout the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North America. Amphipod populations declined in recent decades, but there is a limited understanding of mechanisms for their decline and their uneven distribution across the landscape. Row crop agriculture is abundant in the PPR, but the sensitivity of amphipods and wetland ecosystems to agrochemical pollution has rarely been studied. We investigated relationships among amphipod abundances (specifically, Gammarus lacustris and Hyalella azteca), land uses, water quality, and pyrethroid insecticide contamination of wetland sediments. Our study design targeted a large gradient of amphipod abundances and accounted for water quality, hydrology, and habitat metrics that commonly influence amphipods. We found a significant, negative relationship between pyrethroid concentrations and the abundance of the two amphipod species. Pyrethroids were detected at relatively low concentrations (<2.5 ng/g sediment) in 44% of study wetlands and occurred most frequently in intensively cropped watersheds with low vegetative filter strip coverage. Interestingly, wetlands on state and federal wildlife reserves had regular occurrence of pyrethroids, demonstrating the pervasive transport of these compounds and the intensity of agriculture in the PPR. The pyrethroids are likely entering these wetlands through overland transport during rain events or aerial spray drift, and our results show that forest patches and vegetative filter strips may reduce pyrethroid exposure to both wetlands and amphipods.},
}

@article {pmid40152478,
year = {2025},
author = {Margrey, SF and Mertins, JW and Garrett, LC and Gary, R and Pesapane, R},
title = {First confirmed identification of a male Asian longhorned tick (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in the United States.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjaf040},
pmid = {40152478},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, the Asian longhorned tick (ALT), has quickly established widespread invasive populations in the United States since its first at-large detection in 2017. Until recently, no male ALT has been verifiably collected in the United States, despite examinations of tens of thousands of individual specimens, thus affirming that the US incursion was founded by ticks from a parthenogenetic source population of ALT. This report documents the first validated male ALT specimen in the United States, collected in May 2023 on a cattle farm in Gallia County, Ohio. This specimen shows morphological signs of gynandromorphism in its palps, hypostome, genitalia, and anal aperture.},
}

@article {pmid40151837,
year = {2025},
author = {Basnet, A and Palacios, C and Meng, H and Nakhwa, DR and Farmer, T and Dahal, N and Anchundia, D and Heimpel, GE and Causton, CE and Koop, JAH and Lamichhaney, S},
title = {Genomic Insights into the Successful Invasion of the Avian Vampire Fly (Philornis downsi) in the Galápagos Islands.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {42},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msaf052},
pmid = {40151837},
issn = {1537-1719},
support = {//Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University/ ; 202205842-JMP-REQ 122827//International Atomic Energy Agency/ ; 1-01-106//Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Ecuador ; *Introduced Species ; Genetic Variation ; Gene Flow ; Founder Effect ; Islands ; },
abstract = {Invasive species pose significant threats to island ecosystems, often leading to the decline of native species and the disruption of ecological balance. The avian vampire fly (Philornis downsi), introduced to the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador, has emerged as a major threat to the endemic avifauna, parasitizing multiple species of Darwin's finches and other passerines. Yet, the genetic mechanisms of its invasion remain unclear. In this study, we conducted the first whole-genome sequencing analysis of P. downsi populations from the Galápagos Islands and their native range in mainland Ecuador. Our results reveal genomic signatures of a founder effect, with reduced genetic diversity in the Galápagos populations, indicative of a recent population bottleneck. We found a lack of significant genetic differentiation and evidence of ongoing gene flow among island populations. Despite low genetic diversity in island populations, we identified adaptive genetic changes, including regions possibly under positive selection near genes related to neural signaling, muscle development, and metabolic processes, which may have contributed to the fly's invasion success. Additionally, we uncovered genetic changes associated with precipitation-related climate adaptation, highlighting the possible role of environmental factors in shaping genetic variation in P. downsi. Our findings provide crucial insights into the invasion dynamics of P. downsi in Galápagos, emphasizing the importance of genomic research in informing conservation strategies. The identification of key adaptive genomic loci and potential environmental drivers of genetic change will aid in the development of targeted management practices to mitigate the impact of this invasive species on the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands.},
}

Animals
Ecuador
*Introduced Species
Genetic Variation
Gene Flow
Founder Effect
Islands

@article {pmid40151514,
year = {2025},
author = {Lynch, SC},
title = {On Collaborative Governance: Building Consensus on Priorities to Manage Invasive Species Through Collective Action.},
journal = {Plant-environment interactions (Hoboken, N.J.)},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {e70029},
pmid = {40151514},
issn = {2575-6265},
abstract = {Invasive forest pests can spread across large landscapes that include numerous land-use management jurisdictions. As such, forest pest invasions need to be addressed with collaborative efforts because a single entity is seldom able to respond to the full scope of the problem. A collaborative governance framework provides a collective decision-making process that allows diverse sets of actors who share an interest in a policy or management issue to work together towards mutually beneficial outcomes. Here, I apply a theoretical model of collaborative governance to understand the conditions in cooperative decision-making that led to a consensus on statewide priorities to control an important invasive pest in California, the Fusarium dieback invasive shothole borers (FD-ISHB) beetle-pathogen invasion. This provides (1) an empirical case study of collaborative governance in action throughout the stakeholder consensus building process and (2) interrogates that case study for theoretical contributions to the literature on collaborative governance, with special focus on invasive species management. Cohesive process outcomes were born out of effective principled engagement, participants' deep understanding and dedication to the system context, and the salient forces of leadership and interdependence baked in throughout the project. Ultimately, participants devoted their time and energy to a short but intensive planning process, resulting in more capacity for joint action, trust, interdependence, and a robust action plan that was quickly implemented.},
}

@article {pmid40150871,
year = {2025},
author = {Turanov, SV and Rutenko, OA},
title = {Evaluation of Fish Species Detection in the Northwestern Pacific using eDNA Metabarcoding: A Mock Community Approach.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioscience (Scholar edition)},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {26247},
doi = {10.31083/FBS26247},
pmid = {40150871},
issn = {1945-0524},
support = {123080800009-5//Federal scientific and technical program in the field of environmental development of the Russian Federation and climate change for 2021 - 2030, Russian Federation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; Pacific Ocean ; *Fishes/genetics/classification ; *DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics ; Biodiversity ; RNA, Ribosomal/genetics/analysis ; Bayes Theorem ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Species Specificity ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA), a technique using high-throughput sequencing, has transformed biodiversity monitoring by identifying organisms from DNA fragments present in the environment. This method, particularly useful for aquatic ecosystems, allows for non-invasive species monitoring, helping to provide insight into ecosystem composition and taxonomic diversity. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of eDNA metabarcoding for fish species identification in a model community from the northeast Pacific Ocean using 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA) marker.

METHODS: Water samples were collected from the tank of the Primorsky Aquarium, which contains fish species from the Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, and Bering Sea. DNA was extracted using syringe filters and enriched with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of mitochondrial 12S rRNA fragment, followed by sequencing on Illumina platform. The resulting reads were processed using the bayesian generalized uncertainty modeling (BEGUM) pipeline and their taxonomic diversity was assessed by basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) search. Using in silico PCR, we also assessed the possible association of detection failures of some species with the presence of primer-to-target sequence mismatches.

RESULTS: From a fish community of only 20 species in the tank, we identified 56 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) corresponding to 28 genera. Among these OTUs, 20 species were unambiguously classified by BLAST-based analysis, though only 9 of them corresponded to the species actually present in the tank. Significant problems included inconsistent reference data and marker biases that affected the accuracy of species identification. In addition to DNA contamination from feed, contamination from the water source may have introduced extraneous DNA into the samples. Also, using in silico PCR analysis with a small number of available reference sequences, we demonstrated a significantly higher number of primer mismatches for species that were not identified.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the relative efficacy of eDNA metabarcoding for fish species identification, but also highlights the need to improve reference databases and minimise contamination, searching for references and primers to improve accuracy. Further research should focus on optimising marker selection and controlling methodological bias to ensure robust biodiversity estimates.},
}

Animals
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
Pacific Ocean
*Fishes/genetics/classification
*DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics
Biodiversity
RNA, Ribosomal/genetics/analysis
Bayes Theorem
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Species Specificity
Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods

@article {pmid40147239,
year = {2025},
author = {Merkenschlager, C and Bangelesa, F and Paeth, H and Hertig, E},
title = {Evolution of the recent habitat suitability area of Aedes albopictus in the extended Mediterranean area due to land-use and climate change.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {974},
number = {},
pages = {179202},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179202},
pmid = {40147239},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is one of the world's most invasive species and is responsible for the transmission of several vector-borne diseases, including chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. Aedes albopictus has been established in southern Europe since the 1990s and has been spreading to other regions in recent years. The present study examines changes in the habitat suitability of Aedes albopictus over the period 2000-2020 using a multi-model ensemble (MME) of maximum entropy (MaxEnt) models. An initial set of 38 climatic and 14 land-use predictors was considered for model setup. The model was built using Aedes albopictus distribution data for 2020. We included 19 bioclimatic variables, absolute humidity, and 18 extreme climate variables which are tailored to species specific thresholds based on expert knowledge. By means of statistical methods, predictor selection was performed. To assign changes to climate or land-use, we ran all habitat suitability models on varying climate with constant and varying land-use. Differences between both approaches indicate causes of change. Land-use changes are an important factor until 2015, contributing at least as much as climate change to changes in the habitat suitability area of Aedes albopictus (HSA). In the following years, changes in the HSA are mainly shaped by climate change. In 2020, the MME shows an average 4.5 % increase in HSA compared to 2000, with decreasing habitat suitability in the south and increasing suitability in the north. Land use change accounts for 16-51 % of HSA change, but only 3.3 % of land use change is spatially consistent across the MME. In contrast, changes in the HSA due to climate change has a spatial consistency of 54.2 % across the MME. The overall increase in HSA between 2000 and 2020 also increases the risk of vector-borne disease infections, but land-use changes can counteract some of the climate-induced changes.},
}

@article {pmid40145636,
year = {2025},
author = {Leclerc, C and Frossard, V and Sharaf, N and Bazin, S and Bruel, R and Sentis, A},
title = {Climate Impacts on Lake Food-Webs Are Mediated by Biological Invasions.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70144},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70144},
pmid = {40145636},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {ANR-19-CE02-0001-01//EcoTeBo project/ ; Pole R&D ECLA (OFB-INRAE-USMB)//RETRO project/ ; },
mesh = {*Lakes ; *Climate Change ; *Introduced Species ; Animals ; *Biodiversity ; *Food Chain ; *Fishes/physiology ; France ; Models, Theoretical ; },
abstract = {Climate change and biological invasions are among the most important drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem change. Despite major advances in understanding their ecological impacts, these drivers are often considered individually, overlooking their possible complex interrelationship. By applying structural equation modeling to an extensive nationwide dataset of 430 fish communities across 257 French lakes, we investigated how taxonomic, size, and trophic diversities are impacted by climate warming and exotic species occurrence. Our goal was to compare their relative signature or lasting impacts after these factors had taken effect and to determine whether climate warming and biological invasions mediate the current state of community diversities. Drawing on a set of interconnected hypotheses, we suggest that biological invasions could be an important indirect effect of climate warming. This aspect must be considered to fully grasp the overall effects of climate change, beyond just its direct thermal impacts. Our results support our hypothesis that climate warming negatively impacts size and trophic diversities. However, these effects are mostly mediated by the warming-induced increase in exotic species richness, which, in turn, promotes total species richness. These results suggest that exotic species have a substantial role in determining the impact of climate change, obscuring the diversity patterns predicted by temperature alone. We conclude that the impacts of climate change cannot be understood without considering its mediated effects via biological invasions, underscoring the need to grasp their intertwined roles in predicting and managing ecological consequences.},
}

*Lakes
*Climate Change
*Introduced Species
Animals
*Biodiversity
*Food Chain
*Fishes/physiology
France
Models, Theoretical

@article {pmid40144355,
year = {2025},
author = {Armstrong, N and Klure, DM and Greenhalgh, R and Stapleton, TE and Dearing, MD},
title = {The Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) exhibits minimal patterns of phylogeography across native and introduced sites.},
journal = {Journal of mammalogy},
volume = {106},
number = {2},
pages = {395-405},
pmid = {40144355},
issn = {0022-2372},
abstract = {Introduced species are one of the leading causes of declining global biodiversity and result in many billions of dollars of losses to the bioeconomy worldwide. Introduced species have become increasingly common due to globalization and climate change, and population genetics is a useful tool for the management of such species. The Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) is a highly successful invader that was introduced to many states in western North America throughout the 20th century. We used low-pass whole genome sequencing to evaluate phylogeographic structure across native and introduced ranges of this species and identify the putative number and geographic sources of introductions in California and Utah. We found minimal patterns of phylogeographic structure, consistent with recent range and population expansion since the Last Glacial Maximum. Additionally, we found evidence for multiple mitochondrial haplotypes in California and only 1 haplotype in Utah, which suggests that fox squirrels in California were sourced from multiple introduction events while those in Utah were likely sourced from a single event. Genomic resources generated in this study will be useful for future conservation efforts in this species and will assist with the ongoing management of its introductions across western North America.},
}

@article {pmid40143874,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, J and Shi, M and Dou, X and Pan, W and Ma, D and Luo, M and Fu, B},
title = {Cystobacter fuscus HM-E: a novel biocontrol agent against cotton Verticillium wilt.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1555523},
pmid = {40143874},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Verticillium wilt of cotton, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is one of the most devastating soilborne fungal diseases in cotton production, urgently demanding the development of effective control measures. Myxobacteria, a group of higher prokaryotes exhibiting multicellular social behaviors, possess predatory activity against plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria, giving them unique potential for application in plant disease biocontrol. In this study, based on a previously myxobacterial strain collection, a myxobacterial strain, HM-E, exhibiting broad-spectrum antifungal activity was screened. Through morphological observation, physiological and biochemical characterization, and multi-locus sequence analysis, this strain was identified as Cystobacter fuscus HM-E. C. fuscus HM-E not only significantly lysed V. dahliae hyphae but also inhibited its spore germination. Both its cell-free fermentation filtrate and volatile metabolites exhibited certain antifungal activity. Greenhouse pot assays showed that the fermentation broth of C. fuscus HM-E had a control efficacy of only 23.01% against cotton Verticillium wilt, whereas the solid agent formulated with white star flower chafer (Protaetia brevitarsis) frass achieved a significantly higher control efficacy of 70.90%, and the myxobacterial solid agent also significantly promoted cotton seedling growth. Furthermore, the crude extracts concentrated using macroporous resin and acid precipitation showed no antifungal activity against V. dahliae, whereas the crude protein obtained by ammonium sulfate precipitation disrupted not only the cell wall and cell membrane of V. dahliae hyphae, induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst but also lysed spores and inhibited spore germ tube elongation. Enzyme substrate profile assays indicated that several peptidases, lipases, and glycoside hydrolases secreted by C. fuscus HM-E might play important roles in its antifungal process and are potential biocontrol factors. This study suggests C. fuscus HM-E, as a novel biocontrol agent, has great potential for application in the combating of cotton Verticillium wilt.},
}

@article {pmid40143607,
year = {2025},
author = {Monson, RK and Li, S and Ainsworth, EA and Fan, Y and Hodge, JG and Knapp, AK and Leakey, ADB and Lombardozzi, D and Reed, SC and Sage, RF and Smith, MD and Smith, NG and Still, CJ and Way, DA},
title = {C4 photosynthesis, trait spectra, and the fast-efficient phenotype.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70057},
pmid = {40143607},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {DE-SC0018420//U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research Program/ ; 20-07-0232//John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, US Geological Survey/ ; },
abstract = {It has been 60 years since the discovery of C4 photosynthesis, an event that rewrote our understanding of plant adaptation, ecosystem responses to global change, and global food security. Despite six decades of research, one aspect of C4 photosynthesis that remains poorly understood is how the pathway fits into the broader context of adaptive trait spectra, which form our modern view of functional trait ecology. The C4 CO2-concentrating mechanism supports a general C4 plant phenotype capable of fast growth and high resource-use efficiencies. The fast-efficient C4 phenotype has the potential to operate at high productivity rates, while allowing for less biomass allocation to root production and nutrient acquisition, thereby providing opportunities for the evolution of novel trait covariances and the exploitation of new ecological niches. We propose the placement of the C4 fast-efficient phenotype near the acquisitive pole of the world-wide leaf economic spectrum, but with a pathway-specific span of trait space, wherein selection shapes both acquisitive and conservative adaptive strategies. A trait-based perspective of C4 photosynthesis will open new paths to crop improvement, global biogeochemical modeling, the management of invasive species, and the restoration of disturbed ecosystems, particularly in grasslands.},
}

@article {pmid40140913,
year = {2025},
author = {Menard, J and Cossette, SN and Stewart, J and Somers, CM},
title = {The Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) in Saskatchewan, Canada: current distribution and life history traits of a novel invasive species.},
journal = {BMC zoology},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {8},
pmid = {40140913},
issn = {2056-3132},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) is an invasive fish species from Eurasia that was first found in North America in the Canadian province of Alberta in the early 2000s. In 2018, an established population of Prussian carp was discovered in the neighboring province of Saskatchewan, raising concern for additional spread in Canada and to the USA.

RESULTS: Prussian carp in Saskatchewan have colonized the South Saskatchewan River and tributaries and are moving towards additional connected systems to the northeast. Direct access to most of southern Saskatchewan and the USA is currently prevented only by the Qu'Appelle Dam on the South Saskatchewan River at Lake Diefenbaker. Prussian carp populations in Saskatchewan were age-stratified and ranged from hatch size (20 mm) to a maximum of 42.5 cm total length. Aging using otoliths and scales was unreliable, but the largest fish collected were likely > 10 years old. Saskatchewan Prussian carp had mixed ploidies with diploid, triploid, and tetraploid individuals intermixed. In Lake Diefenbaker, only adult female and juvenile fish were detected, but males were present in the Anerley Lakes at low relative abundance. Emergence of young of the year Prussian carp began in early July and continued through August, indicating an extended period of reproduction; however, most spawning likely occurred during mid-June. The timing of spawning overlaps with that of a variety of native sucker and shiner species, but sperm donors for potential gynogenesis remain unidentified.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that invasive Prussian carp are well established in Saskatchewan and will likely use provincial waterbodies as a conduit to colonize more areas in North America.},
}

@article {pmid40140730,
year = {2025},
author = {Chapman, A and McAfee, A and Wrightson, KLC and Magaña, AA and Tarpy, DR and Fine, JD and Rempel, Z and Peters, K and Currie, RW and Hoover, SER and Foster, LJ},
title = {Honey bee egg composition changes seasonally and after acute maternal virus infection.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {10418},
pmid = {40140730},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {264PRO//Genome Canada/ ; 374PRO//Genome BC/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/virology ; Female ; *Seasons ; Virus Diseases ; Ovary/virology/metabolism ; Ovum/virology/metabolism ; RNA Viruses ; Dicistroviridae ; Proteomics/methods ; Proteome ; },
abstract = {Honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies depend on the reproductive output of their queens, which in turn is contingent on the care they receive from worker bees. Viral infections in queens can compromise their reproductive output, while viral infections in workers can inhibit the successful functioning of the colony and its ability to care for the queen. Transgenerational immune priming (TGIP) occurs when queens transfer immune-related compounds or immune elicitors to their offspring, enhancing the ability of subsequent generations to resist infections. These maternal effects on offspring could positively impact colony health and resilience to viral infections, but little is currently known about TGIP for viruses in honey bees. In this study, we investigate how viral infections affect the proteomic composition of eggs laid by queens injected with a mixture of black queen cell virus and deformed wing virus B, both in controlled experimental settings and natural field conditions. Our results showed that virus-challenged queens upregulated immune effectors in their eggs and ovaries. In contrast, naturally infected queens from field surveys did not; there were no significant differences in egg protein, lipid, or metabolite composition related to maternal viral load or ovary size. However, egg collection date strongly influenced the protein, lipid, and metabolite composition of eggs, potentially reflecting seasonal variations in pollen resources. These findings suggest that while viral infections can induce transgenerational effects on egg proteomes under short-term experimental conditions, such effects are less apparent in natural settings and can be overshadowed by seasonal and other ecological factors.},
}

Animals
Bees/virology
Female
*Seasons
Virus Diseases
Ovary/virology/metabolism
Ovum/virology/metabolism
RNA Viruses
Dicistroviridae
Proteomics/methods
Proteome

@article {pmid40140650,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, MJ and Lee, SK and Park, Y and Kim, YH and Lee, MG and Nam, Y},
title = {Climatic suitability and spread potential of Anoplophora horsfieldii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a newly identified non-native insect on Jeju Island, Korea.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {10428},
pmid = {40140650},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; Republic of Korea ; *Islands ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; Climate ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {In 2022, the non-native longhorn beetle Anoplophora horsfieldii (Hope) was officially reported on Jeju Island, Korea, marking its first confirmed occurrence outside its native range. This insect damages living hackberry trees, a common species in Korea, posing a significant threat to tree health due to its high population levels on Jeju Island. This study aimed to estimate the climatic suitability and spread potential of A. horsfieldii to support its effective management in non-native regions, particularly on Jeju Island. We adopted a species distribution modeling (SDM) approach using global presence records and bioclimatic variables to estimate its climatic requirements. Random forest (RF) and gradient boosting machine (GBM) algorithms were used to construct climatic niche models, and their outputs were combined into an ensemble prediction to identify regions with high climatic suitability. Potential habitats were further delineated by integrating the climatic suitability map with vegetation data from Jeju Island. Using this habitat map, we simulated the potential spread of A. horsfieldii on Jeju Island, incorporating demographic processes and various dispersal parameters. Our findings indicate that A. horsfieldii could potentially spread across parts of Southeast and East Asia, including southern Korea and Japan. On Jeju Island, extensive suitable areas were identified through host distribution analysis, suggesting that A. horsfieldii could establish across the island except in the high-altitude regions of Mt. Halla. The spread potential analysis highlights the urgent need for prompt actions to control the expanding population on Jeju Island and calls for further ecological studies on this potential invader. Despite uncertainties arising from limited ecological information, this study highlights the necessity of implementing domestic quarantine measures and control strategies while considering multiple spread scenarios and the dispersal behavior of this insect.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/physiology
Republic of Korea
*Islands
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
Climate
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid40140403,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, X and Han, W and Chang, X and Tang, C and Chen, K and Bao, L and Zhang, L and Hu, J and Wang, S and Bao, Z},
title = {High-quality genome assembly of the azooxanthellate coral Tubastraea coccinea (Lesson, 1829).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {507},
pmid = {40140403},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {*Anthozoa/genetics ; Animals ; *Genome ; Coral Reefs ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse and economically significant ecosystems globally, yet they are increasingly degrading due to global climate change and local human activities. The sun coral Tubastraea coccinea (T. coccinea) an obligate heterotroph lacking symbiotic zooxanthellae, exhibits remarkable tolerance to conditions that cause bleaching and mortality in zooxanthellate species. With its extensive low-latitude distribution across multiple oceans, T. coccinea has become a highly invasive species, adversely impacting native species, degrading local ecosystems, and causing significant socio-economic challenges that demand effective management. Despite substantial research efforts, the molecular biology of T. coccinea remains insufficiently characterized. To address this gap, we generated a draft genome assembly for T. coccinea using PacBio Hi-Fi long-read sequencing. The assembly spans 875.9 Mb with a scaffold N50 of 694.3 kb and demonstrates high completeness, with a BUSCO score of 97.4%. A total of 37,307 protein-coding sequences were identified, 95.2% of which were functionally annotated through comparisons with established protein databases. This reference genome provides a valuable resource for understanding the genetic structure of T. coccinea, advancing research into its adaptive mechanism to environmental changes, and informing conservation and management strategies to mitigate its invasive impact.},
}

*Anthozoa/genetics
Animals
*Genome
Coral Reefs
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40139562,
year = {2025},
author = {Lorena, M and Carmen, G and Nuria, V and Quintana, S and Martín, P and Jorge, E and Florencia, C},
title = {First report of a xenoma-forming parasitic ciliate in a gastropod: The case of the invasive snail Pomacea canaliculata.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108323},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108323},
pmid = {40139562},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The apple snail Pomacea canaliculata is native to South America and has been introduced into many regions outside its natural range. Despite being one of the world's 100 worst invasive species, little is known about the pathologies caused by parasites other than digeneans. Here, we identify and characterize a xenoma-forming ciliate in P. canaliculata from three waterbodies in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, using histology, transmission electron microscopy, and molecular analyses. Under a stereomicroscope, the xenomas appeared individually as white nodules measuring up to 2 mm in diameter. Of the 133 snails examined by histology, 23 were infected with xenomas (17 %) that occupied the connective tissue of most organs, with 74 % of these were located in the kidney. Snails from the three water bodies were infected. The highest prevalence was observed in the Mar del Plata Port Reserve Pond (25 %), followed by Los Padres Lake (16.4 %) and Pigüé-Venado Channel (14.4 %). Of the infected snails, 70 % had a low infection intensity (fewer than 10 xenomas per slide). No significant inflammatory response was observed in host tissues. However, in specimens with xenoma accumulations, significant tissue changes were observed, including organ enlargement in the gill lamellae, mantle border, and lung, as well as tubule compression and connective tissue replacement in the digestive gland. The host cell becomes hypertrophied, and its nucleus disintegrates. Although no cilia were observed in histological sections, TEM analysis revealed that the organisms had cilia near the cytostome and around the body, a large food vacuole, a macronucleus, and a micronucleus. Phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rDNA sequence placed the ciliate in the class Phyllopharyngea, showing the closest relationship to an uncultured eukaryote identified by BLAST. This is the fifth record of xenoma-inducing ciliates in mollusks and the first report in a freshwater gastropod.},
}

@article {pmid40138894,
year = {2025},
author = {Cruz-Escalante, LE and Nandini, S and Sarma, SSS},
title = {Combined effects of copper and temperature on the functional response of native (Mesocyclops longisetus and Microcyclops dubitabilis) and invasive (Mesocyclops pehpeiensis) copepods fed rotifers and cladocerans.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {974},
number = {},
pages = {179179},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179179},
pmid = {40138894},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Environmental stressors such as temperature, heavy metal toxicity and the presence of exotic species may affect the sensitivity and feeding patterns of freshwater zooplankton. However, the combined effect of these stressors is not well studied. The cyclopoid copepod Mesocyclops pehpeiensis, was originally described from Asia but is now distributed in North America and Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and functional response of non-gravid and gravid females of two freshwater native copepods: Mesocyclops longisetus and Microcyclops dubitabilis and an invasive species Mesocyclops pehpeiensis fed on the cladoceran Moina macrocopa and the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus exposed to copper at 18, 23 and 28 °C. We hypothesized that the adverse effect of the presence of Cu or non-optimal temperature would be greater on native than the exotic species. Our results showed that nauplii of all three copepod species were eight times more sensitive than adults. Microcyclops dubitabilis was the most sensitive compared to both species of Mesocyclops. Also, the sensitivity of all species in all developmental stages increased with increasing temperature. All three copepod species showed Type II functional response and there were differences in the feeding patterns among the three copepod species. Native M. dubitabilis consumed less prey than the invasive M. pehpeiensis. M. longisetus consumed more cladoceran prey than M. pehpeiensis, but M. pehpeiensis consumed more rotifer prey than M. longisetus. Generally, prey consumption decreased as copper concentration increased. Significant differences in prey consumption were observed between gravid and non-gravid females with regard to the test temperatures, Cu treatments and copepod species tested. Mesocyclops longisetus, especially the non-gravid females generally consumed more prey than M. pehpeiensis, especially at the highest temperature tested (28 °C). Studies on zooplankton can be conducted over a short period but providing insights into the combined effects of stressors on zooplankton communities.},
}

@article {pmid40138683,
year = {2025},
author = {McNeil, C and Divi, N and Bargeron Iv, CT and Capobianco Dondona, A and Ernst, KC and Gupta, AS and Fasominu, O and Keatts, L and Kelly, T and Leal Neto, OB and Lwin, MO and Makhasi, M and Mutagahywa, EB and Montecino-Latorre, D and Olson, S and Pandit, PS and Paolotti, D and Parker, MC and Samad, MH and Sewalk, K and Sheldenkar, A and Srikitjakarn, L and Suy Lan, C and Wilkes, M and Yano, T and Smolinski, M},
title = {Data Parameters From Participatory Surveillance Systems in Human, Animal, and Environmental Health From Around the Globe: Descriptive Analysis.},
journal = {JMIR public health and surveillance},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e55356},
doi = {10.2196/55356},
pmid = {40138683},
issn = {2369-2960},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Environmental Health ; One Health ; Global Health/statistics & numerical data ; Population Surveillance/methods ; Public Health Surveillance/methods ; Zoonoses/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Emerging pathogens and zoonotic spillover highlight the need for One Health surveillance to detect outbreaks as early as possible. Participatory surveillance empowers communities to collect data at the source on the health of animals, people, and the environment. Technological advances increase the use and scope of these systems. This initiative sought to collate information from active participatory surveillance systems to better understand parameters collected across the One Health spectrum.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a compendium of One Health data parameters by examining participatory surveillance systems active in 2023. The expected outcomes of the compendium were to pinpoint specific parameters related to human, animal, and environmental health collected globally by participatory surveillance systems and to detail how each parameter is collected. The compendium was designed to help understand which parameters are currently collected and serve as a reference for future systems and for data standardization initiatives.

METHODS: Contacts associated with the 60 systems identified through the One Health Participatory Surveillance System Map were invited by email to provide specific data parameters, methodologies used for data collection, and parameter-specific considerations. Information was received from 38 (63%) active systems. Data were compiled into a searchable spreadsheet-based compendium organized into 5 sections: general, livestock, wildlife, environmental, and human parameters. An advisory group comprising experts in One Health participatory surveillance reviewed the collected parameters, refined the compendium structure, and contributed to the descriptive analysis.

RESULTS: A comprehensive compendium of data parameters from a diverse array of single-sector and multisector participatory surveillance systems was collated and reviewed. The compendium includes parameters from 38 systems used in Africa (n=3, 8%), Asia (n=9, 24%), Europe (n=12, 32%), Australia (n=3, 8%), and the Americas (n=12, 32%). Almost one-third of the systems (n=11, 29%) collect data across multiple sectors. Many (n=17, 45%) focus solely on human health. Variations in data collection techniques were observed for commonly used parameters, such as demographics and clinical signs or symptoms. Most human health systems collected parameters from a cohort of users tracking their own health over time, whereas many wildlife and environmental systems incorporated event-based parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: Several participatory surveillance systems have already adopted a One Health approach, enhancing traditional surveillance by identifying shared health threats among animals, people, and the environment. The compendium reveals substantial variation in how parameters are collected, underscoring the need for further work in system interoperability and data standards to allow for timely data sharing across systems during outbreaks. Parameters collated from across the One Health spectrum represent a valuable resource for informing the development of future systems and identifying opportunities to expand existing systems for multisector surveillance.},
}

Humans
Animals
*Environmental Health
One Health
Global Health/statistics & numerical data
Population Surveillance/methods
Public Health Surveillance/methods
Zoonoses/epidemiology

@article {pmid40136506,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, X and Song, Z and Chen, B and Yu, W and Dong, H},
title = {Soil Moisture Is the Key Factor Facilitating Giant Ragweed Invasions in Grasslands of the Yili Vally, China.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40136506},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {32460352//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023ZD051//the Corps Guided Science and Technology Program Project/ ; RCZK202365//Shihezi University High level Talent Research Launch Project/ ; },
abstract = {Giant ragweed (GR; Ambrosia trifida L.), an invasive alien species, causes significant harm to grassland ecosystems and farmlands in some areas but is challenging to control. GR has invaded the hilly grasslands of Yili Valley, China, since 2013, and preliminary observations have shown that GR populations on the lower slopes of hills are more successful than those on the middle or upper slopes. To clarify the factors determining GR's invasion success, we compared GR population distributions among slope positions and the relationship between non-biotic factors and the invasion of GR. Of the soil physicochemical properties, only soil moisture differed significantly among slope positions, with the wettest soils found on the lower slopes. GR biomass increased with the soil water content, irrespective of native plant diversity. In our experiment, when the annual average soil volume moisture content exceeded 20.3% and 25.3%, GR could reduce the biomass of native herbs by more than 50% and 80%. Therefore, water is the determining factor of a successful GR invasion in the grasslands of the Yili Valley. On a global scale, it was discovered for the first time that GR can invade temperate grasslands, but also has risks of invading other grasslands that share similar conditions. So, GR invasions of temperate grasslands must be closely monitored, particularly in low-lying areas or those with increasing precipitation.},
}

@article {pmid40134242,
year = {2025},
author = {Trombley, J and Celenza, JL and Frey, SD and Anthony, MA},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Boost Development of an Invasive Brassicaceae.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15508},
pmid = {40134242},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was supported by the Dick George Invasives Fund awarded to S.D.F. and M.A.A. M.A.A. was supported by a Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF) Vienna Research Groups for Young Investigators grant awarded to MAA (VRG22-007)./ ; },
abstract = {Invasive plant growth is affected by interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF are mutualists of most land plants but suppress the growth of many plants within the Brassicaceae, a large plant family including many invasive species. Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) is a nonnative, nonmycorrhizal Brassicaceae distributed throughout North America in forest understories where native species rely on AMF. If AMF suppress growth of garlic mustard, it may be possible to inoculate AMF to manage invasions. Here, we show that in contrast to expectation, garlic mustard growth nearly doubled in response to AMF inoculation under both laboratory and field conditions. This effect was negatively linked to investments in glucosinolates, a class of defensive compounds. In contrast to typical symbiosis, AMF did not produce arbuscules where nutrient exchange occurs in roots, but AMF inoculation increased plant and soil nitrogen availability. Our findings reveal an adjacent pathway by which AMF promote invasive plant growth without classic symbiotic exchanges. Prior assumptions that garlic mustard suppresses AMF are inadequate to explain invasion success since it benefits from interactions with AMF. This study is the first to demonstrate extensive growth promotion following AMF inoculation in mustard plants, with important implications for invasion biology and agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid40132634,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, W and Liao, H and Callaway, R and Pal, RW},
title = {Competition on a neutral playing field: invaders still win and size still matters… sometimes.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2043},
pages = {20250087},
pmid = {40132634},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //REA/ ; //Peoples Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Soil/chemistry ; Ecosystem ; Plants ; },
abstract = {Exotic invasive plant species commonly outcompete native species. However, a great deal of the evidence for this comes from experiments conducted on an uneven playing field-in substrates containing soil biota from the non-native ranges of the exotics, which should give them a competitive advantage. In competition experiments with nine pairs of non-native invasive versus native species in neutral substrates composed of sterilized soil, we found that the competitive effect of invasive species on natives was approximately five times greater than the reverse, and gram-per-gram competitive effects of invasives on natives were almost two times that of the natives on invasives. The effect of plant size on competitive outcomes was complex. The size of invasive species correlated with their effects on natives but not with their tolerance to competition from natives. The size of natives was not correlated with either aspect of competitive ability. This is important since the tolerance of invaders to competition from natives is thought to be essential for successful invasion. Our results also suggest that assumptions about size-based evidence for the evolution of competitive ability in non-native ranges is reasonable, and that even without the advantage gained from escaping soil biota, invaders still win.},
}

*Introduced Species
Soil/chemistry
Ecosystem
Plants

@article {pmid39986282,
year = {2025},
author = {Castellanos-Galindo, GA and Sharpe, DMT and Robertson, DR and Bravo, V and Jeschke, JM and Torchin, ME},
title = {New fish migrations into the Panama Canal increase likelihood of interoceanic invasions in the Americas.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {6},
pages = {1364-1372.e2},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.01.049},
pmid = {39986282},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Fishes/physiology ; *Animal Migration ; Lakes ; Panama ; Panama Canal Zone ; },
abstract = {Maritime shipping is vital for commercial trade and well recognized as a main pathway for the spread of non-native species.[1] For over a century, the Panama Canal in Central America has played a major role in global trade, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Historically, the introduction of species through the Panama Canal has been relatively low, largely due to the existence of a soft barrier-the freshwater Lake Gatun-inside the canal.[2][,][3][,][4] However, the 2016 expansion of the Panama Canal involved major structural changes to the canal's lock system, which may have increased the likelihood that more marine fish species and greater numbers of them enter the lake and eventually cross the canal. To test this prediction, we used standardized quantitative comparisons of the fish communities of Lake Gatun, a system with a rich record of biological introductions,[5][,][6] before (2013-2016) and after (2019-2023) the canal expansion. We observed a shift from a freshwater-dominated to a marine-dominated fish community in several areas inside the lake after 2016. The increase in marine organisms in this aquatic corridor may represent a potential invasion in progress, with a greater likelihood of some species eventually passing through the canal and colonizing the opposite ocean. The ecological and evolutionary consequences of these changes are difficult to predict. However, as most of these marine fishes are top predators with wide niche breadths, their colonization of Atlantic and Pacific oceans will likely alter ecological interactions and potentially lead to ecosystem-level changes.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Fishes/physiology
*Animal Migration
Lakes
Panama
Panama Canal Zone

@article {pmid40135478,
year = {2025},
author = {Nuhfer, TWM and Bradley, BA},
title = {Balancing Risk and Resilience: Which Plant Traits Should Inform Managed Relocation Species Selection?.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70145},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70145},
pmid = {40135478},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {//University of Massachusetts Amherst Spaulding Smith Fellowship/ ; G19AC00091//Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, University of Massachusetts Amherst/ ; G22AC00084-02//Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, University of Massachusetts Amherst/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Plants ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Managed relocation is a critical tool for promoting ecological resilience in the face of climate change, and the approach has been proposed for the ecological restoration of plant communities. Given that the relocation of species poses some risk to the recipient ecosystem, plant traits associated with invasiveness have been proposed as a means for assessing risk and selecting candidate species for managed relocation. However, traits associated with invasiveness could also be relevant to successful restoration (and, in turn, for successful managed relocation)-particularly those linked to the establishment of viable populations. Here, we review studies in invasion and restoration ecology that have paired plant functional, ecological, and biogeographic traits with stages of invasion or successful restoration to ask which traits should be used to inform managed relocation species selection. We find substantial overlap between invasiveness traits and restoration traits during population establishment, but divergence during spread and impacts, suggesting that managed relocation species selection should only focus on traits that promote long-distance spread and impact. Instead, the few existing protocols for managed relocation species selection utilize traits that promote establishment. Given that the risk of unintended harm from managed relocation is orders of magnitude smaller than from non-native plant introduction, focusing on traits that promote establishment in risk assessments is likely to exclude those species most able to establish viable populations, causing failure rates in managed relocation. Instead, we recommend that risk assessments for managed relocation candidates focus on traits linked to invasive species spread or impacts and which are not necessary for restoration. Given the substantial ecological threats posed by climate change, a balanced approach to risk assessment that does not severely limit candidate species will best support successful managed relocation as a climate adaptation strategy.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
Conservation of Natural Resources
Plants
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40132044,
year = {2025},
author = {Pajač Beus, M and Lemic, D and Benítez, HA and Pérez, LM and Rot, M and Konjević, A and Andreadis, SS and Pajač Živković, I},
title = {Tracing the invasion: Wing morphometrics reveal population spread and adaptation patterns of Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) across Southern Europe.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {e0319197},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0319197},
pmid = {40132044},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Europe ; *Heteroptera/anatomy & histology/genetics/physiology ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Phenotype ; Serbia ; Male ; },
abstract = {Invasive species such as Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855), the brown marmorated stink bug, pose a significant threat to agriculture due to their rapid spread and adaptability. The aim of this study is to assess the phenotypic variability of H. halys populations by analyzing the size and shape morphology of the anterior and posterior wings and to determine whether geometric morphometrics can serve as a cost-effective alternative to genetic methods for tracking invasion patterns. Populations from four southern European countries (Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and Greece) with 540 specimens and 2,160 wings were analysed and showed clear phenotypic differences in wing morphology consistent with the known invasion dynamics previously determined by genetic studies. Mahalanobis distances highlight the close morphological relationship between the Serbian and Slovenian populations, suggesting common ancestry or recent gene flow, while the Greek and Croatian populations show significant differences, suggesting different invasion pathways or rapid morphological adaptation. The Greek population exhibited lower phenotypic plasticity, whereas the Serbian population displayed the greatest variation, likely reflecting the influence of multiple invasion sources. These results show that wing morphology can reliably detect invasion-related patterns and phenotypic plasticity and is a valuable tool for biomonitoring in integrated pest management programs, especially in areas where genetic methods are less feasible. This study highlights the utility of geometric morphometrics in monitoring the spread and adaptation of invasive species such as H. halys in different environments.},
}

*Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology
Animals
*Introduced Species
Europe
*Heteroptera/anatomy & histology/genetics/physiology
Adaptation, Physiological
Phenotype
Serbia
Male

@article {pmid40128336,
year = {2025},
author = {Zanola, D and Czaczkes, TJ and Josens, R},
title = {Toxic bait abandonment by an invasive ant is driven by aversive memories.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {486},
pmid = {40128336},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {PICT 2016-1676//Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation, Argentina | Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (National Agency for Science and Technology, Argentina)/ ; PICT S-up 2017-9//Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation, Argentina | Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (National Agency for Science and Technology, Argentina)/ ; Projektnummer 462101190//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/physiology ; *Memory ; *Pheromones ; Feeding Behavior ; Behavior, Animal ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Social insects such as ants possess a battery of behavioural mechanisms protecting their colonies against pathogens and toxins. Recently, active abandonment of poisoned food was described in the invasive ant Linepithema humile. During this abandonment, foraging declines by 80% within 6-8 h after baits become toxic-a reduction not due to satiety, diminished motivation, or mortality. Here we explore the mechanisms behind this behaviour, testing two hypotheses: (1) the presence of 'no entry' pheromones near toxic food, and (2) the formation of aversive memories linked to the toxic food site. In field trials, we placed bridges leading to sucrose, nothing, or poisoned sucrose on an active trail. Within hours, 80% of ants abandoned poisoned bait bridges. By swapping bridges strategically, we confirmed that aversive memories formed at toxic bait sites, while no evidence of a 'no entry' pheromone was found. Then, in the laboratory, we asked how ants may be sensing the toxicity of the bait, hypothesising poison-induced malaise. Motility, used as a proxy for malaise, was 29% lower in toxicant-exposed ants after 3 h, linking malaise to abandonment. Developing toxicants with delayed malaise, not just delayed mortality, may improve toxic bait control protocols.},
}

Animals
*Ants/physiology
*Memory
*Pheromones
Feeding Behavior
Behavior, Animal
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40125409,
year = {2025},
author = {Escobar-Camacho, D and Valdiviezo-Rivera, J and Carrillo-Moreno, C and Argüello, P and Swing, K},
title = {Exceptional concentration of fish diversity in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador (Napo River Basin).},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e136476},
pmid = {40125409},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite limited access and rather deficient sampling in many lowland areas of eastern Ecuador, scientists have been able to demonstrate that this specific region of Amazonia houses extraordinarily high concentrations of species within several taxa - terrestrial and aquatic, plant and animal, vertebrate and invertebrate.

NEW INFORMATION: In this work, we developed an updated list of the ichthyofauna of the Yasuní National Park (YNP), based on an extensive literature review and databases of the most representative ichthyological collections from Ecuador. Our results yielded 458 species of freshwater fishes distributed in 47 families and 13 orders. This number exceeded previous fish lists from YNP and accounts for a considerable proportion of species inhabiting the Napo River Basin as well as the entire Amazon River Basin.The higher-than-previously-reported species diversity within this protected area, the services these species provide to humans and the absence of invasive species underscore the need for greater efforts and investment in protecting and managing western Amazonian lands and waters.},
}

@article {pmid40125406,
year = {2025},
author = {Itsukushima, R and Adnan, MS and Tomiyama, Y and Kano, Y and Otsu, K and Zanorin, MF},
title = {Database of Ichthyofauna in urban streams of Johor Bahru, Malaysia.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e148173},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.13.e148173},
pmid = {40125406},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Urbanisation leads to the degradation of ecosystems through various factors, such as the deterioration of water quality, changes in water and material cycles and the degradation of biological habitats. Amongst these, aquatic organisms are particularly affected by the loss of habitats due to river canalisation and the impacts of invasive species. It has been widely reported that, in regions where invasive species have been introduced and native species have declined, homogenisation of fish populations occurs, resulting in a significant reduction in biodiversity. This loss of diversity disrupts the ecosystem's stability and resilience, further compounding the negative effects of urbanisation on aquatic environments. However, the impact of urbanisation on fish populations varies depending on the local ecosystem and the degree of urbanisation, necessitating the examination of ecosystem changes induced by urbanisation in each specific region. The Peninsula Malaysia, which is the focus of this study, is a global hotspot for freshwater biodiversity. However, the effects of urbanisation on fish populations in this region have been scarcely studied. The Masai River Basin, which is the subject of this investigation, is located in the Iskandar Development Region, an area undergoing rapid urbanisation. Understanding the consequences of urbanisation on the fish populations and broader ecosystems in this region is critical for providing information for future conservation and management strategies.

NEW INFORMATION: A fish survey was conducted at 19 sites in the Masai River Basin, which is an urbanised watershed, focusing on river channels that have been straightened or converted into concrete-lined waterways. Additionally, fish surveys were conducted at eight sites in non-urbanised areas for comparison. The survey resulted in the collection of nine orders, 15 families, 28 genera, 32 species and a total of 3,007 individuals. In the urbanised sites, the proportion of native species in the total catch was extremely low, averaging only 10.4% across all sites, with invasive species making up the majority of the individuals captured. This indicates the significant shift in species composition due to urbanisation and the dominance of non-native species in these environments. On the other hand, in the non-urbanised areas, the proportion of native species was high at 88.7%, highlighting the significant impact of urbanisation on the invasion of non-native species. Particularly in the downstream areas of the urbanised watershed, species such as Poeciliasphenops, Mayaherosurophthalmus and Poeciliareticulata were frequently captured. In contrast, at sites in the upstream areas where forested habitats remained intact, native species listed on the IUCN Red List, such as Parambassissiamensis and Clariasbatrachus, were captured. The study revealed that urbanisation and development in the targeted watershed are progressing rapidly, underscoring the urgent need for the conservation and restoration of habitats for these native species.},
}

@article {pmid40124618,
year = {2025},
author = {Pochon, X and Bowers, HA and Zaiko, A and Wood, SA},
title = {Advancing the environmental DNA and RNA toolkit for aquatic ecosystem monitoring and management.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19119},
doi = {10.7717/peerj.19119},
pmid = {40124618},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Ecosystem ; *RNA/genetics ; Biodiversity ; Animals ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; },
abstract = {The application of environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) technologies to aquatic ecosystem monitoring and management has increased rapidly in the last decade. These methods are providing many new and exciting opportunities for enhanced biodiversity assessment, ecological health evaluation, and species detection. This special issue of PeerJ Life and Environment brings together 20 innovative studies that collectively advance the eDNA toolkit. Four key themes are covered: (i) Methodological advancements, (ii) Ecological health assessments and biomonitoring, (iii) Species detection, and (iv) Application and management. The studies cover a suite of topics including; optimizing sample collection, developing species-specific assays, evaluating bioindicator species, assessing microbial activity, and biodiversity monitoring in diverse freshwater and marine habitats. Emerging applications, such as the use of genome skimming to identify new fish markers, showcase the many new advancements in this field. The studies in this issue also highlight challenges, including the need for standardized protocols and ethical considerations that must be addressed before these tools can be implemented or adopted for decision making at national or global scales. Together, these contributions demonstrate the transformative potential of environmental nucleic acids' technologies for advancing aquatic conservation and management. By bridging methodological rigor with applied research, the studies in this special issue provide an important resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to sustainable aquatic ecosystem stewardship.},
}

*DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*Ecosystem
*RNA/genetics
Biodiversity
Animals
Conservation of Natural Resources/methods

@article {pmid40122517,
year = {2025},
author = {Benoit, JB and Weaving, H and McLellan, C and Terblanche, JS and Attardo, GM and English, S},
title = {Viviparity and obligate blood feeding: tsetse flies as a unique research system to study climate change.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101369},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101369},
pmid = {40122517},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {Tsetse flies (Glossina species) are unique organisms that combine several remarkable traits: they are obligate blood feeders, serve as critical vectors for African trypanosomes, and reproduce through adenotrophic viviparity-a process in which offspring are nourished with milk-like secretions before being born live. Here, we explore how climate change will impact the physiological processes associated with live birth in tsetse. This includes considerations of impacts on how blood feeding, host-pathogen interactions, and host-symbiont dynamics are likely to be impacted by thermal shifts. The highly specialized biology of tsetse flies suggests that this system is likely to have a distinctive response to climate change. Thus, detailed empirical research into these unique features is paramount for predicting tsetse population dynamics under climate change, and cautions against generalising from other well-studied vectors with contrasting ecology and life histories such as mosquitoes and ticks. At the same time, the reproductive biology of tsetse, as well as microbiome and feeding dynamics, allow for a powerful model to investigate climate change through the lens of pregnancy and associated physiological adaptations in an extensively researched invertebrate.},
}

@article {pmid40121913,
year = {2025},
author = {Fernandez, S and Acle, S and Dopico, E and Masiá, P and Menéndez, D and Rick, J and Ardura, A and Garcia-Vazquez, E},
title = {Anthropogenic stressors that favour nuisance species. A study from environmental DNA in marine plankton samples.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {973},
number = {},
pages = {179194},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179194},
pmid = {40121913},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Anthropogenic stressors reduce marine biodiversity. Tolerant species may develop in altered areas where they occupy niches that native species are unable to use. Species of biosecurity concern, like invasive aliens or harmful microalgae, are especially successful in disturbed areas. Here, we employed multiple regression approach to investigate the relationship between the proportion of planktonic stages of invasives and anthropogenic stressors. Planktonic species were inventoried from environmental DNA on water samples from the Bay of Biscay. Key findings were that the proportion of invasives was associated with port and touristic activities that are vectors for biological invaders, and with industrial pollution, likely for their tolerance to disturbed environments. The proportion of toxic algae was correlated with port activity, reinforcing the role of maritime traffic as a vector of harmful microalgae. An increase of nuisance species is expected under the current growth of pollution in the ocean. Promoting awareness of biological invasions among maritime sectors and tourists, and controlling pollution, seem priorities for environmental conservation in this region and elsewhere.},
}

@article {pmid40116608,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Huang, L and Cheng, XC and Ma, XH and Yang, J and Huai, WX and Lin, RZ and Zhang, HY and Yao, YX},
title = {Genetic diversity and genetic differentiation pattern of an endoparasitoid parasitizing the invasive gall midge across China.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf060},
pmid = {40116608},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {32470483//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Platygaster robiniae Buhl & Duso (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) is an important parasitoid of the black locust gall midge Obolodiplosis robiniae (Haldeman) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), an invasive pest that has spread from its native range in North America to Europe and Asia in recent decades. As the dominant natural enemy of O. robiniae in both its native and introduced regions, P. robiniae plays a notable role in the biocontrol of the invasive pest. Understanding the population genetic structure and historical dynamics of P. robiniae is important for gaining valuable insights into the interactions between the parasitoid and invasive species of O. robiniae. However, these aspects remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the genetic variation and historical dynamics of 22 P. robiniae populations across China using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. Our results revealed a high level of genetic diversity and significant genetic differentiation. P. robiniae populations represented relatively abundant haplotypes (59 haplotypes) and phylogenic relationships showed that all populations clustered into 2 clades. Demographic analyses suggested that P. robiniae populations in China have undergone a recent population expansion. These findings provided valuable genetic insights into P. robiniae and contributed to a better understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of an endoparasitoid associated with an invasive gall midge in newly colonized regions.},
}

@article {pmid40115274,
year = {2025},
author = {Díaz, AC and Martin, SM},
title = {Use and application of iNaturalist on land snails from Argentina.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19152},
pmid = {40115274},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Argentina ; Animals ; *Snails/classification ; *Biodiversity ; Introduced Species ; Animal Distribution ; Citizen Science ; },
abstract = {Gastropods are a large and diverse taxonomic group, and South America has an impressive diversity of land snails. However, there are no accurate and complete lists or estimates of native species' richness in South America. The aim of this work is to evaluate the use of iNaturalist in Argentina for terrestrial gastropods and its potential to contribute to the knowledge of malacofauna. A search was performed for Argentina on 15 June 2024, filtering observations for terrestrial gastropods, yielding 3,758 records, of which about 10% were of interest for this work. Exotic species represented between 60-63% of the observations in iNaturalist, and native species represented between 37-40%, with post-validation and pre-validation respectively. The geographical distribution of exotic species was mostly concentrated in the urban areas of the capital cities, and the observations of native species were concentrated in a few provinces. It was possible to detect and expand the distribution area of exotic species such as Rumina decollata, Limacus flavus, Bradybaena similaris, Deroceras laeve, Deroceras reticulatum, Deroceras invadens, Arion intermedius, Milax gagates, Limax maximus, Vallonia pulchella, possibly Laevicaulis alte; native species such as Phyllocaulis soleiformis, Drymaeus poecilus, Drymaeus papyraceus. Potential species not recorded in Argentina were identified as Helix pomatia, Mesembrinus gereti. We also recorded species within the known range, potential new species not described by science, a possible case of accidental transfer of Mesembrinus interpunctus, and the prediction of the distribution of Megalobulimus lorentzianus was verified. Through the development of this study, we were able to demonstrate the relevance of citizen science in providing interesting contributions to the knowledge of terrestrial mollusks biodiversity in Argentina.},
}

Argentina
Animals
*Snails/classification
*Biodiversity
Introduced Species
Animal Distribution
Citizen Science

@article {pmid40114664,
year = {2025},
author = {Austad, B and Závorka, L and Cucherousset, J and Höjesjö, J},
title = {Effects of Brook Trout Invasion on Behavioral and Dietary Shifts in Brown Trout.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e70995},
pmid = {40114664},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Behavioral variation within a population is generally maintained by frequency dependent selection, allowing various personalities to coexist. Bolder individuals usually engage in more risky behaviors that can gain fitness benefits such as growth under certain conditions. Therefore, it has been suggested that there should be a link between personality and dietary niches, but the results so far are inconsistent. In addition, the equilibrium of the distribution of behavioral traits and the trophic niche of native populations may shift following the introduction of an invasive species. Here, using the invasive brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and native brown trout (Salmo trutta) as model species in two different natural streams in Sweden, we aimed to test whether (1) the trophic niche of native brown trout living in allopatry and brown trout living in sympatry with brook trout differ and (2) bolder brown trout individuals utilize a different foraging niche. Our results suggest that there is a dietary niche convergence between brown trout and brook trout, which likely is a result of brook trout invasion, but that the trophic niche of native brown trout varies across streams, possibly due to differing invasion impacts (varying ratio of brook trout to brown trout). We also found a strong positive correlation between trophic position and personality of brown trout irrespective of the presence of brook trout.},
}

@article {pmid40110734,
year = {2025},
author = {Lavoie, DR and Oliveira, K},
title = {Non-lethal detection of the invasive American eel parasite Anguillicola crassus.},
journal = {Diseases of aquatic organisms},
volume = {161},
number = {},
pages = {87-93},
doi = {10.3354/dao03849},
pmid = {40110734},
issn = {0177-5103},
mesh = {Animals ; *Air Sacs/parasitology ; *Fish Diseases/parasitology ; *Anguilla/parasitology ; Spirurida Infections/veterinary/parasitology ; Introduced Species ; Dracunculoidea ; },
abstract = {The invasive species Anguillicola crassus is a nematode that infects the swimbladders of anguillid eels. Heavy, repeated infections cause the swimbladder to become thickened and scarred, which can alter swimbladder gas volume, increase energy demands of buoyancy regulation, and influence normal function. Silver-phase (sexually maturing) eels migrate up to thousands of kilometers to the Sargasso Sea to reproduce, and increased energetic requirements may be detrimental to migration and breeding success. Currently, the best practice to confirm A. crassus infection is to dissect an eel and examine the swimbladder. We used a portable digital X-ray system to determine the presence of A. crassus in American eels Anguilla rostrata. Silver-phase eels were anesthetized and radiographed. Post-imaging, individuals were dissected to compare the contents of the swimbladder to the radiographs. Infections appeared opaque on radiographs. Results showed no false positives and an accuracy of 74.8%. Out of 193 X-rayed eels, 107 contained parasites; 27 infections were undetectable on radiographs (false negatives). Detection was influenced by the intensity, size, and location of parasites within the swimbladder. This digital X-ray method is a quick and non-lethal process that could be incorporated into existing monitoring programs.},
}

Animals
*Air Sacs/parasitology
*Fish Diseases/parasitology
*Anguilla/parasitology
Spirurida Infections/veterinary/parasitology
Introduced Species
Dracunculoidea

@article {pmid38710469,
year = {2025},
author = {Adams, B and Mbarak Khamis, F and Ahmed Yusuf, A and Torto, B},
title = {Zoophytophagous predator sex pheromone and visual cues of opposing reflectance spectra lure predator and invasive prey.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {70},
number = {},
pages = {15-27},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2024.05.005},
pmid = {38710469},
issn = {2090-1224},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Male ; *Sex Attractants ; *Solanum lycopersicum ; *Cues ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Heteroptera/physiology ; Moths/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In sub-Saharan Africa, the invasive South American leafminer Phthorimaea absoluta is the most damaging tomato pest. Females of the pest can reproduce both sexually and through parthenogenesis and lay their eggs on all tomato plant parts. The mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis, a biological control agent for the pest, is also a tomato pest when prey population is low. To date, however, no study has developed an eco-friendly solution that targets both the predator and its host in a tomato farming system.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a bio-based management system for both pest and predator based on the combined use of sexual communication in the predator and visual cues.

METHODS: We collected volatiles from both sexes of the Kenyan population of the predator N. tenuis and identified candidate sex pheromone components by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We used electrophysiological assays to identify antennally-active odorants in the volatiles, followed by field trials with different pheromone-baited colored traps to validate the responses of both predator and prey. Thereafter, we compared the reflectance spectra of the colored traps with those of different tomato plant tissues.

RESULTS: Our results reveal an interplay between different sensory cues which in the predator-prey interaction may favor the predator. Antennae of both sexes of predator and prey detect the predator sex pheromone identified as 1-octanol and hexyl hexanoate. Unexpectedly, our field experiments led to the discovery of a lure for P. absoluta females, which were lured distinctly into a pheromone-baited trap whose reflectance spectrum mimicked that of ripe tomato fruit (long wavelength), an egg-laying site for females. Contrastingly, N. tenuis males were lured into baited white trap (short wavelength) when the predator is actively searching for prey.

CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the novel use of a predator sex pheromone and different visual cues to assess complex trophic interactions on tomatoes.},
}

Animals
Female
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
Male
*Sex Attractants
*Solanum lycopersicum
*Cues
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
Heteroptera/physiology
Moths/physiology
Introduced Species
Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods

@article {pmid40110622,
year = {2025},
author = {Miroshnyk, N and Grabovska, T and Roubík, H},
title = {The spread of the invasive species Reynoutria japonica Houtt. will both expand and contract with climate change: results of climate modelling for 14 European countries.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8732},
pmid = {40110622},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) Potsdam, Germany/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The study of invasive plant species distribution involves changes in their ranges and ecological niches under the projected global temperature increase until 2100. However, climate modeling of habitat suitability for Reynoutria japonica in Europe remains limited, hindering risk assessment and effective management of its spread. We used the MaxEnt model to assess the potential distribution of R. japonica in 14 European countries.

RESULTS: It was found that the range of the taxon will expand into northern regions by 13.6% or 17.0%, depending on the scenario. However, range contraction in southern and central regions is expected to reach 26%. As a result, by 2100, a slight overall reduction in range (by 9-13%) is projected due to the decrease in distribution areas in southern parts of Europe, where maximum air temperatures will rise. Temperature variability throughout the year and precipitation during the warmest quarter are limiting factors for the spread. The minimum temperature of the growing season will influence distribution projections for 2060, whereas under current climate conditions, this parameter does not have a limiting effect. A general framework for controlling invasions of Reynoutria Houtt. taxa has been developed for both national and international levels.

CONCLUSION: The study identified the dynamics of the invasive species' spread in Europe in relation to global climate change, assessed the risks of colonization in new areas, and provided tools for regulation and management to improve the prediction of potential distribution. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40108258,
year = {2025},
author = {Szymkowiak, P and Konecka, E and Rutkowski, T and Pecyna, A and Szwajkowski, P},
title = {Alien spiders in a palm house with the first report of parthenogenetic Triaeris stenaspis (Araneae: Oonopidae) infected by Wolbachia from new supergroup X.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9512},
pmid = {40108258},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Poland ; Parthenogenesis ; },
abstract = {Palm houses in Europe serve as urban biodiversity hot spots for alien spiders. As a result of several years of research in the Poznań Palm House, we documented the occurrence of 14 spider species, 9 of which were alien to Europe: Coleosoma floridanum, Hasarius adansoni, Howaia mogera, Ostearius melanopygius, Parasteatoda tabulata, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, Scytodes fusca, Spermophora kerinci and Triaeris stenaspis. The most abundant species was C. floridanum (39.9%). Three spider species were recorded for the first time in Poland: C. floridanum, S. fusca and S. kerinci. We studied the occurrence of endosymbiotic Wolbachia and Cardinium in parthenogenetic T. stenaspis and recorded for the first time the occurrence of Wolbachia in this spider. The endosymbiont was characterized based on the sequences of six bacterial housekeeping genes: 16S rRNA, coxA, fbpA, ftsZ, gatB and hcpA. Our phylogenetic reconstruction of Wolbachia supergroups revealed that the bacteria recovered from the spider formed distinct lineages in relation to all known supergroups. We assigned it to a novel supergroup X with unique sequences within the 16S rRNA and ftsZ genes. We discussed faunistic results in terms of long-term survival rates and the risk of invasion of alien species of spiders.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
*Phylogeny
*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/classification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Symbiosis
Poland
Parthenogenesis

@article {pmid40108247,
year = {2025},
author = {Halabowski, D and Pyrzanowski, K and Zięba, G and Grabowska, J and Przybylski, M and Smith, C and Reichard, M},
title = {The impact of invasive Sinanodonta woodiana (Bivalvia, Unionidae) and mussel macroparasites on the egg distribution of parasitic bitterling fish in host mussels.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9417},
pmid = {40108247},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Introduced Species ; Unionidae/parasitology ; Bivalvia/parasitology ; Cyprinidae/parasitology ; Ovum ; Fish Diseases/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Facilitative and competitive interactions among coexisting parasite species, as well as among alternative host species, produce considerable ecological and evolutionary responses to host-parasite relationships. Such effects can be illuminated by impacts of non-native species on relationships in local communities. We used the association between parasitic European bitterling fish (Rhodeus amarus) and unionid mussels (which host bitterling eggs in their gills) to test the effects of the invasive Chinese pond mussel (Sinanodonta woodiana) and the presence of non-bitterling mussel macroparasites on the pattern of host mussel use by the bitterling across 12 unionid mussel communities with the absence or presence of S. woodiana (and variation in duration of coexistence with local species). While all six European mussel species were used by the bitterling (with the prevalence of > 30% in Unio spp.), no S. woodiana individual was infected by the bitterling. The presence of S. woodiana did not affect bitterling eggs distribution in native mussels. Large native mussels hosted more bitterling. Infection by non-bitterling parasites, mostly water mites (prevalence 47%) and trematodes (25%), did not affect rates of bitterling parasitism. We discuss our results in the context of the rapid evolution of non-native species in their new range and its implication on mussel conservation.},
}

Animals
*Host-Parasite Interactions
*Introduced Species
Unionidae/parasitology
Bivalvia/parasitology
Cyprinidae/parasitology
Ovum
Fish Diseases/parasitology

@article {pmid40108076,
year = {2025},
author = {Hollett, L and Padgett, T and Canuti, M and White, C and Brenton, C and Wight, J and Chapman, T and Lang, A and Whitney, H and Carson, K and Finnis, J and Sarkar, A},
title = {Citizen Science Detection and Characterization of Mosquito-Borne Viruses.},
journal = {EcoHealth},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40108076},
issn = {1612-9210},
abstract = {Citizen science has long been applied to collect data on mosquito abundance and distribution and thereby provide critical information on the movements of invasive species and potentially associated human pathogens. This study, conducted in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador and in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, showed that citizen scientists can provide mosquito samples from remote locations in a very cost-effective manner, and, thereby, contribute to the development of a comprehensive spatial database on native and invasive species. However, there have been some concerns about the quality of such data, and the reliability and sustainability of such means of conducting surveillance. Virological screening allowed us to identify 6.2% (17/274) of the tested mosquito pools as positive for either snowshoe hare virus (SHV, 14 pools) or Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV)-like viruses (3 pools). Additionally, we found evidence of clear geographic patterns in SHV circulation and identified a novel and likely reassortant JCV-like virus. The detection of viruses in native species from remote rural locations clearly validated the importance of public participation in mosquito surveillance. Despite several potential issues, citizen science can become an indispensable means of enabling ecological research in the context of public and animal health.},
}

@article {pmid40108004,
year = {2025},
author = {Almaazmi, A and Al-Ruzouq, R and Shanableh, A and El-Keblawy, A and Jena, R and Gibril, MBA and Hammouri, NA and Talib, MA},
title = {Machine learning-based habitat mapping of the invasive Prosopis juliflora in Sharjah, UAE.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {4},
pages = {440},
doi = {10.1007/s10661-025-13876-z},
pmid = {40108004},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Prosopis ; *Machine Learning ; United Arab Emirates ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Prosopis juliflora, one of the most invasive trees, adversely affects the ecosystem and native plant communities in arid lands. This disrupts biodiversity and depletes water resources, posing significant ecological and economic challenges. Several attempts have been made to control this species in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) deserts but with little success. This study identifies and maps environmental variables influencing P. juliflora habitats using machine learning (ML); employs maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and statistical techniques to estimate its presence in Sharjah, UAE, home to one of its most intense populations; and conducts validation and sensitivity analysis. Eleven environmental variables representing geological, geomorphological, hydrological, eco-indicators, and climatological factors were selected to map the spread of the associated P. juliflora hazard. Variables were selected using collinearity and variance inflation factor (VIF) to eliminate bias, and ML techniques assigned weights based on overall accuracy (OA) and the Kappa coefficient before model implementation. Finally, a statistical comparison with MaxEnt was conducted to map P. juliflora habitats, classifying suitability as very high, high, low, and very low while estimating model accuracy. The results indicated that MaxEnt achieved a higher area under the curve (AUC 0.98) and more logical outcomes than statistical models (AUC 0.85) due to its superior handling of collinearity, complex environmental interactions, and capability of minimizing overfitting. The main findings show that the variable weights for MaxEnt and statistical models are primarily influenced by precipitation (27.0% and 18.18%), groundwater depth (14.9% and 26.8%), and total dissolved solids (TDS) (20.9% and 26.22%), respectively, indicating a shift in habitat distribution towards the eastern regions of the study area. Habitat mapping of P. juliflora is essential for local stakeholders and policymakers in decision-making regarding species conservation, sustainable land use, and climate adaptation. The findings conclude that ML offers a viable approach for habitat modeling of invasive species in similar arid regions worldwide.},
}

*Prosopis
*Machine Learning
United Arab Emirates
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Biodiversity

@article {pmid39967423,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, S and Liao, ZY and Cao, P and Schmid, MW and Zhang, L and Bi, J and Endriss, SB and Zhao, Y and Parepa, M and Hu, W and Akamine, H and Wu, J and Ju, RT and Bossdorf, O and Richards, CL and Li, B},
title = {General-purpose genotypes and evolution of higher plasticity in clonality underlie knotweed invasion.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {246},
number = {2},
pages = {758-768},
doi = {10.1111/nph.20452},
pmid = {39967423},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2022YFC2601100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 31961133028,32071663//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 202405AS350011//Department of Science and Technology of Yunnan Province/ ; 306055//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 431595342//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 2023VBB0012//Chinese Academy of Sciences President's International Fellowship Initiative/ ; XDYC-QNRC-2022-0014//Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Biological Evolution ; *Genotype ; Phenotype ; Araceae/genetics/physiology ; Quantitative Trait, Heritable ; China ; Clone Cells ; Japan ; },
abstract = {Many widespread invasive plant species express high phenotypic variation across novel environments, providing a unique opportunity to examine ecological and evolutionary dynamics under global change. However, studies often lack information about the origin of introduced populations, limiting our understanding of post-introduction evolution. We assessed the responses of Reynoutria japonica from 128 populations spanning latitudinal transects in the native (China and Japan), and introduced (North America and Europe) ranges when grown in two common gardens. Plants from introduced populations differed in almost all traits from those from Chinese populations, but were similar to plants from the putative origin in Japan. Compared to Chinese populations, North American, European and Japanese populations expressed lower trait values and plasticity in most traits. However, plants from both introduced and Japanese populations expressed higher clonality and plasticity in clonality than plants from Chinese populations. Further, introduced populations expressed higher plasticity in clonality but lower plasticity in basal diameter compared to Japanese populations. Our findings emphasize the potential role of clonality and plasticity in clonality for invasion success. In addition, our study highlights the importance of comparisons to source populations within the native range to identify evolutionary responses of introduced plants to novel environments.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Biological Evolution
*Genotype
Phenotype
Araceae/genetics/physiology
Quantitative Trait, Heritable
China
Clone Cells
Japan

@article {pmid40105693,
year = {2025},
author = {Flores, AM and Christensen, KA and Godin, T and Palti, Y and Campbell, MR and Waldbieser, GC and Simpson, SA and Scheffler, BE and Smith, SR and Whiteley, AR and Kovach, RP and Luikart, G and Boyer, MC and Kardos, M and Relyea, S and Wells, C and Koop, BF},
title = {The genome assembly of the westslope cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus lewisi, reveals interspecific chromosomal rearrangements with the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkaf064},
pmid = {40105693},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) are popular among anglers throughout their native range along the West Coast and interior of North America. As they colonized the interior of North America, cutthroat trout diverged into several genetically distinct groups. Many of these groups are now threatened by habitat destruction, hybridization with rainbow trout (O. mykiss), and competition from introduced species. These groups were previously classified as subspecies, but recent research suggests they may represent distinct species. In this study, we produced a chromosomal-level genome assembly and a genetic map for one of the species in the cutthroat trout species complex, the westslope cutthroat trout (O. lewisi-formerly O. clarkii lewisi). We also constructed haplotype-resolved assemblies from a westslope cutthroat-rainbow trout F1 hybrid. We used the new genome assemblies to identify major interspecific chromosomal rearrangements between the two sister species, including fusions, fissions, and inversions. These genome assemblies and chromosome data provide valuable insights regarding genetic variation within cutthroat trout and in hybrids between rainbow and cutthroat trout.},
}

@article {pmid40105638,
year = {2025},
author = {Sousa, JWG and Falkenberg, JM and Lima, VMM and Winkeler, IE and Ramos, TPA and Lustosa-Costa, SY and Menezes, RF and Lacerda, ACF},
title = {Revealing the first records of endoparasitic interactions in the non-native fish Moenkhausia costae within a reservoir in Northeastern Brazil.},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {97},
number = {1},
pages = {e20240651},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202520240651},
pmid = {40105638},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Introduced Species ; Fish Diseases/parasitology ; Rivers ; Fishes/parasitology ; Nematoda/classification/isolation & purification ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Parasites are an important part of ecosystems, but are frequently ignored in studies on major anthropogenic impacts on aquatic environments. Biological invasions are responsible for biodiversity loss, and are one of the possible consequences of water transfer projects. In addition, there is a possibility that the non-native species brings, at least in part, its parasite fauna to the invaded area, or acquire new parasites in the new environment. Here, we investigated the endoparasites of a non-native fish species that was recently recorded in the upper Paraíba River basin, Northeastern Brazil, after a major water transfer project. Fifty specimens of Moenkhausia costae were collected from the Poções reservoir, Monteiro municipality, Paraíba State. Forty-two hosts were parasitized (84%), and 179 parasite specimens were collected. The endoparasite community was composed of six species of nematodes. There was no significant correlation between parasitism and the size of the hosts, nor the host's condition factor. Although the size of parasitized and non-parasitized fish did not differ, the relative condition factor was significantly higher for parasitized fish. Future studies should investigate which parasites were introduced with M. costae, and which ones were part of the invaded environment.},
}

Animals
Brazil
*Host-Parasite Interactions
Introduced Species
Fish Diseases/parasitology
Rivers
Fishes/parasitology
Nematoda/classification/isolation & purification
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40105592,
year = {2025},
author = {López-Rojas, JJ and Villegas, DA and Prieto, HJP and Garcia-Grandez, KE and Aguirre-Gil, OJ},
title = {New report of Cerambycidae beetles captured using synthetic pheromones in Alto Mayo, Peru: Filling gap.},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {97},
number = {1},
pages = {e20240874},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202520240874},
pmid = {40105592},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/classification/physiology ; Peru ; *Pheromones/pharmacology ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {We report the capture of several new species of longhorn beetles from Peruvian fauna using synthetic pheromones, syn-2,3-hexanediol, fuscumol, and fuscumol acetate. A total of seven species of longhorn beetles from the subfamily Lamiinae were captured. These longhorn beetles were distributed into the following tribes and species: Acanthocinini (Hylettus spilotus, Leptostylus sp., Nealcidion emeritum, and Paroecus charpentierae), Acanthoderini (Oreodera bituberculata), Colobotheini (Colobothea osculatii), and Compsosomatini (Aerenea brunnea). All specimens were captured in traps baited with fuscumol, either alone or in blend. Our findings suggest that blends of pheromones containing fuscumol are crucial for monitoring potential invasive species in new agricultural and forestry environments.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/classification/physiology
Peru
*Pheromones/pharmacology
Male
Female

@article {pmid40104882,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, H and Xu, F and Wei, L and Lin, J and Zhao, C and Mei, H and Shan, Q and Wang, Q and Mu, Y and Yin, Y},
title = {Determination of diazepam and its active metabolites in aquatic products and aquaculture environments using modified QuEChERS-based UPLC-MS/MS.},
journal = {Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d4ay02144d},
pmid = {40104882},
issn = {1759-9679},
abstract = {In recent years, the residue of psychotropic drugs such as diazepam in aquatic products has attracted widespread attention and is one of the important hidden dangers to the quality and safety of agricultural products. This study developed a modified QuEChERS method combined with UPLC-MS/MS to determine the residues of diazepam and its active metabolites, nordiazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam, in aquatic products and aquaculture environments. The important variables of the QuEChERS procedure were screened and optimized through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The recoveries of analytes in five aquatic products, pond water, and sediment were 87.4-97.8%, 90.4-96.4%, and 85.2-94.7%, respectively, with relative standard deviations of less than 15%. The limits of quantification were 0.1 μg kg[-1] for the four analytes in aquatic products and sediments, and 5 ng L[-1] in pond water. This method has been successfully applied to the analysis of diazepam and its active metabolite residues in 28 freshwater aquaculture farms in South China. The detected concentrations of the four analytes in aquatic products, sediments and pond water were 0.18-3.03 μg kg[-1], 0.21-17.5 μg kg[-1] and 5.56-391 ng L[-1], respectively. The illegal abuse of diazepam in fishing bait may be an important source of pollution in aquatic products. The risk assessment results showed that the residues of diazepam in aquaculture posed an acceptable risk to human health and a medium risk to the ecosystem. These results confirmed that the established method is suitable for the simultaneous analysis of diazepam and its active metabolites in aquatic products and aquaculture environments.},
}

@article {pmid40104628,
year = {2025},
author = {Bischoff, KE and Katz, D and Rittenhouse, CD and Rittenhouse, TAG},
title = {High Overlap in Niches and Suitable Habitat Between an Imperiled and Introduced Cottontail.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e71083},
pmid = {40104628},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {When introduced species invade new environments, they often overlap with native species currently occupying those spaces, either spatially through suitable habitat or environmentally through their realized niches. The goal of this research is to determine the overlap between native New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) and introduced eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) to identify potential areas of invasion by the eastern cottontail and potential areas of refuge for the New England cottontail from the eastern cottontail (Connecticut, USA). Using presence data from a regional, standardized monitoring protocol, we developed habitat suitability models using Maxent and conducted niche overlap analyses using environmental principal component analysis. We used several covariates that reflected proximity to habitat characteristics, such as young forest, shrubland, and understory, as well as proximity to threats, such as development. We also included topographic and climatic covariates. We used the Guidos software to categorize the spatial arrangement of young forest, shrubland, and understory vegetation. We found that the overlap in both niches and suitable habitat was high for two species. Only areas of low precipitation and high elevation shifted niches in favor of the New England cottontail. We also found that habitat suitability for the New England cottontail was higher when patches of mature forest without understory were within complexes of young forest, shrubland, and mature forest with understory. Increasing habitat heterogeneity could improve the habitat suitability of existing patches or create new patches for New England cottontail. However, habitat management alone is likely not enough to discourage eastern cottontail; thus, direct species management, such as removal of eastern cottontail and augmentation of New England cottontail populations, should be explored.},
}

@article {pmid39932861,
year = {2025},
author = {Phillips, PM and Fahey, J and Behm, JE},
title = {An investigation of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida:Ixodidae) habitat and pathogen overlap with resident tick species in Southeastern Pennsylvania forests.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {62},
number = {2},
pages = {465-470},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjae159},
pmid = {39932861},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {#C940000835//Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodidae/physiology ; Pennsylvania ; *Ecosystem ; *Forests ; Nymph/growth & development/physiology ; Female ; Introduced Species ; Arachnid Vectors/microbiology ; Male ; Haemaphysalis longicornis ; },
abstract = {The long-horned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Ixodida: Ixodidae) was recently introduced to the United States from its native range in Asia. Although H. longicornis transmits numerous disease-causing pathogens in its native range, it is unclear to what extent H. longicornis will act as a disease vector in the United States. The ability of H. longicornis to acquire pathogens likely depends on overlap with resident tick species in both habitat and pathogens transmitted within its introduced range. To assess the potential overlap in habitat and pathogens between invasive H. longicornis and resident tick species, we field-collected ticks across southeastern Pennsylvania and tested them for pathogens. We then contextualized the risk of pathogen transmission to and by H. longicornis at sites where it overlaps with the current vector species using a network of vectored pathogens. None of the collected H. longicornis individuals tested positive for any pathogens. However, we found significant overlap in habitat use among H. longicornis and resident tick nymphs, as well as several overlaps in the pathogens vectored by resident ticks and those carried by H. longicornis in Asia. These findings indicate a high but yet-to-be-realized potential for H. longicornis to acquire North American tick-borne pathogens.},
}

Animals
*Ixodidae/physiology
Pennsylvania
*Ecosystem
*Forests
Nymph/growth & development/physiology
Female
Introduced Species
Arachnid Vectors/microbiology
Male
Haemaphysalis longicornis

@article {pmid40100717,
year = {2025},
author = {Tomma, G},
title = {Smelling Trouble: Dogs play pivotal roles in finding invasive species.},
journal = {Scientific American},
volume = {332},
number = {4},
pages = {20},
doi = {10.1038/scientificamerican042025-4rp9JxFuKqpZHe0drFxVyC},
pmid = {40100717},
issn = {0036-8733},
}

@article {pmid40099941,
year = {2025},
author = {Dao, PD and He, Y and Lu, B and Axiotis, A},
title = {Imaging spectroscopy reveals topographic variability effects on grassland functional traits and drought responses.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {e70006},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70006},
pmid = {40099941},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {RGPIN-386183//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {*Droughts ; *Grassland ; Spectrum Analysis ; Chlorophyll ; },
abstract = {Functional traits and their variations are essential indicators of plant metabolism, growth, distribution, and survival and determine how a plant and an ecosystem function. Under the same climatic condition, traits can vary significantly between species and within the same species growing in different topographic conditions. When drought stress occurs, plants growing in these conditions may respond in various ways as their tolerance and adaptability are influenced by differences in topography. Insights into topographic variability-driven trait variation and drought response can improve our prediction of ecosystem functioning and ecological impacts. Imaging spectroscopy enables accurate identification of plant species, extraction of functional traits, and characterization of topography-driven and drought-related impacts on trait variation across spatial scales. However, applying these data in a heterogeneous grassland ecosystem is challenging as species are small, highly mixed, spectrally and texturally similar, and highly varied with small-scale variation in topography. This paper presents the first study to explore the use of high-resolution airborne imaging spectroscopy for characterizing the variation of key traits-such as chlorophylls (Chl), carotenoids (Car), Chl/Car ratio, water content (WC), and leaf area index (LAI)-across topographic gradients and under drought stress at the species level in a heterogeneous grassland. The results demonstrate significant relationships between functional traits and topographic variability, with the strength of these relationships varying among species and across different environmental conditions. Additionally, drought-induced trait responses differed notably both within and between species, particularly between drought-tolerant invasive species and drought-sensitive native species, as well as between lower and upper slope positions. The study makes a significant contribution to advancing our understanding of biological and ecological processes, enhancing the ability to predict plant invasion mechanism and ecosystem functioning under stressed environments.},
}

*Droughts
*Grassland
Spectrum Analysis
Chlorophyll

@article {pmid40099306,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, ZL and Ma, TT and Gao, ZS and Ming, WH and Yang, MR and Wang, XY},
title = {Global Ragweed Allergy: Molecular Allergens and Integrated Control Strategies.},
journal = {Journal of asthma and allergy},
volume = {18},
number = {},
pages = {403-416},
pmid = {40099306},
issn = {1178-6965},
abstract = {Originally native to North America, ragweed has become a pervasive invasive species worldwide over the past century, posing a substantial public health risk as a potent allergen. This review explores the key allergens found in common ragweed, assesses global trends in ragweed sensitization, particularly in China, and examines various therapeutic and biological control methods. There are currently 11 identified ragweed allergens, with Amb a 1 and 11 recognized as the primary triggers. Epidemiological data indicate higher rates of sensitization in North America and Europe, with a growing trend observed in China. Ragweed-induced type I hypersensitivity typically presents as seasonal allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma symptoms. Strategies for managing ragweed allergy include allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, and allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Biological control using Ophraella communa and Epiblema strenuana effectively limits ragweed proliferation. Accurate allergen identification and personalized treatment can significantly reduce the health burden associated with ragweed. An in-depth understanding of ragweed sensitization patterns and biological control measures is essential for the long-term prevention of ragweed allergies.},
}

@article {pmid40097820,
year = {2025},
author = {Blanchette, RA and Rajtar, NN and Lochridge, AG and Held, BW},
title = {Intercontinental movement of exotic fungi on decorative wood used in aquatic and terrestrial aquariums.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9142},
pmid = {40097820},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {no number//Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, University of Minnesota/ ; },
mesh = {*Wood/microbiology ; *Fungi/classification/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; United States ; Asia ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The intercontinental movement of fungi or fungus-like organisms brings nonnative species into areas where they may become invasive pathogens of trees and other plants. In the past century, many examples such as Dutch elm disease, sudden oak death, laurel wilt, and others have resulted in large economic losses and ecological disasters. Although various safeguards to prevent the transport of potential pathogens have been in effect, new avenues of introduction have occurred causing new disease outbreaks. This study examined fungi in wood shipped from Asia that is used for decorative purposes in aquatic and terrestrial aquariums. From 44 imported wood samples, 202 cultures representing 123 different fungal taxa were obtained and identified using molecular methods. These included 31 species not previously reported in the United States, 21 potential plant pathogens, 37 species of wood decay fungi and 24 taxa with a 97% sequence match or less to known isolates suggesting these are unknown species. The results demonstrate that wood used for decorative purposes in aquariums harbor large numbers of diverse fungi that remain viable during shipping and storage. These fungi are currently being imported into areas where they are not native, and they may pose serious biosecurity threats to the United States and other countries around the world.},
}

*Wood/microbiology
*Fungi/classification/isolation & purification
Introduced Species
United States
Asia
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40097386,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, W and Zhang, Q and Wang, Z and Liu, X},
title = {Three-quarters of species' ranges have not been covered by protected areas in global borders.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {2608},
pmid = {40097386},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Biodiversity ; Animals ; Humans ; Climate Change ; Asia, Southeastern ; Africa, Western ; Vertebrates ; Population Density ; Animal Distribution ; Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Borderlands are increasingly recognized as critically important for biodiversity conservation owing to their ecological significance and high political profile. However, the species ranges covered by protected areas and their influencing factors in transboundary areas are still largely unknown worldwide. Here, based on the distributional ranges of 19,039 terrestrial vertebrates, we find that three-quarters of species' ranges in global borders remain uncovered by protected areas, particularly in tropical areas of Southeast Asia and West Africa. The average protected area coverage of species ranges is lower in transboundary areas than non-transboundary areas after accounting for geographical differences in sampling efforts. We also observe that protected area coverage of species ranges increases with governance effectiveness, collaboration abilities, protection levels, sizes and establishment years of protected areas, and topographic complexity, but decreases with human population density, human development index, and cropland expansion. Furthermore, protected areas simultaneously face threats of ongoing global challenges from climate change, land-use modification, and alien species invasion, and the proportions of borderlands threatened by global changes are higher than elsewhere. All these findings demonstrate that cross-border cooperation is urgently needed to achieve the ambitious goal of global biodiversity conservation by 2050.},
}

*Conservation of Natural Resources
*Biodiversity
Animals
Humans
Climate Change
Asia, Southeastern
Africa, Western
Vertebrates
Population Density
Animal Distribution
Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39969199,
year = {2025},
author = {Vilanova-Cuevas, B and DeRito, CM and Ritchie, IT and Kellogg, CA and Evans, JS and Zimmerman, A and Williams, SM and Brandt, M and Sevier, M and Gittens, S and Budd, KA and Warham, M and Sharp, WC and Delgado, GA and Hylkema, A and Kitson-Walters, K and Quod, J-P and Breitbart, M and Hewson, I},
title = {Investigating the influence of Diadematidae scuticociliatosis on host microbiome composition.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {e0141824},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01418-24},
pmid = {39969199},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {OCE-2049225//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; 1650441//NSF | National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)/ ; 2136515//NSF | National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)/ ; //Von Rosenstiel Fellowship and Von Rosentiel Innovation Fund for Marine Science/ ; //CU | David R. Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Cornell University (ACSF)/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis ; *Sea Urchins/microbiology ; Ciliophora Infections/microbiology/veterinary/parasitology ; Oligohymenophorea/isolation & purification/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Indian Ocean ; },
abstract = {Mass mortality of Diadematidae urchins, caused by the Diadema antillarum scuticociliatosis Philaster clade (DScPc), affected the Caribbean in spring 2022 and subsequently spread to the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and western Indian Ocean. A key question around Diadematidae scuticociliatosis (DSc), the disease caused by the scuticociliate, is whether the urchin microbiome varies between scuticociliatosis-affected and grossly normal urchins. Tissue samples from both grossly normal and abnormal Diadema antillarum were collected in the field during the initial assessment of the DSc causative agent and from an experimental challenge of DScPc culture on aquacultured D. antillarum. Specimens were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Additional abnormal urchin samples were collected from the most recent outbreak site in the western Indian Ocean (Réunion Island). At reference (i.e., unaffected by DSc) sites, Kistimonas spp., Propionigenium spp., and Endozoicomonas spp. were highly represented in amplicon libraries. DSc-affected urchin amplicon libraries had lower taxonomic richness and a greater representation of taxa related to Fangia hongkongensis and Psychrobium spp. Amplicon libraries of urchins experimentally challenged with the DSc pathogen had some shifts in microbial composition, but F. hongkongensis was not a part of the core bacteria in DSc-challenged specimens. DSc-affected Echinothrix diadema from Réunion Island showed a similar high representation of F. hongkongensis as that seen on Caribbean D. antillarum. Our results suggest that DSc alters Diadematidae microbiomes and that F. hongkongensis may be a candidate bacterial biomarker for DSc in environmental samples. The mechanism driving microbiome variation in host-pathogen interactions remains to be explored.IMPORTANCEThe mass mortality of Diadematidae urchins due to Diadema antillarum scuticociliatosis (DSc) has had significant ecological impacts, spreading from the Caribbean to the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and western Indian Ocean. This study investigates whether the microbiome of urchins varies between those affected by DSc and those that are not. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, researchers found that DSc-affected urchins had lower taxonomic richness and a greater representation of Fangia hongkongensis and Psychrobium spp. The findings indicate that F. hongkongensis could serve as a bacterial biomarker for DSc in environmental samples, providing a potential tool for early detection and management of the disease. Understanding these microbiome changes is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the spread and impact of DSc on marine ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Microbiota
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis
*Sea Urchins/microbiology
Ciliophora Infections/microbiology/veterinary/parasitology
Oligohymenophorea/isolation & purification/genetics
Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Indian Ocean

@article {pmid39642094,
year = {2025},
author = {Bonomi-Barufi, J and Figueroa, FL and Vega, J and Huesa, R and Harb, TB and Avilés, A and Mercado, JM and Korbee, N},
title = {Physiological responses of the alien macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae (Phaeophyceae, Heterokontophyta) to changes in nutrients and temperature.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {61},
number = {1},
pages = {44-60},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.13528},
pmid = {39642094},
issn = {1529-8817},
support = {PID2020-116136RB-I00//Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; 88887.374403/2019-00//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
mesh = {*Temperature ; *Phaeophyceae/physiology/growth & development ; *Nitrates/metabolism ; Photosynthesis/physiology ; Phosphates/metabolism ; Seaweed/physiology/growth & development/metabolism ; Biomass ; Introduced Species ; Nutrients/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The Asian brown macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae has invaded the oligotrophic areas of Mediterranean coasts since 2015, with drastic impacts on environmental conditions and socioeconomic activities in coastal areas in Europe. Therefore, it is intriguing how this species is able to grow and expand at the observed rates. In this context, the physiological responses of R. okamurae to changing nutrient concentrations and temperature were analyzed. Two experiments were conducted, evaluating six combinations of nitrate and phosphate concentrations and their potential interaction with temperature. Nutrient uptake efficiency (NUE) and rates (NUR), photosynthetic responses, growth rates, and biomass composition were evaluated. Photosynthesis parameters, soluble proteins, and N O 3 - -NUR increased with increasing N:P ratio; however, P O 4 3 - -NUR was very similar in all treatments. The species showed high capacity for nitrate assimilation, which was rapidly modulated by its external concentration and temperature (more than 90% of NO3-NUE after 5 days in treatments with N:P rations of 5, 10, 16, 25, and 40 N to 1 P). Consequently, N-nutrients were removed from the water by R. okamurae and likely stored inside the cells. This process will allow the alga to maintain high growth rates if thalli are moved to oligotrophic areas, favoring its spreading to many marine environments. Additionally, fucoxanthin was the predominant carotenoid in this species, although its content was lower than in other brown macroalgae species (mean value of 0.51 ± 0.05 mg · g[-1] DW). However, since a huge amount of R. okamurae is observed recurrently on beaches, the use of this biomass might be proposed to compensate partially for its impacts.},
}

*Temperature
*Phaeophyceae/physiology/growth & development
*Nitrates/metabolism
Photosynthesis/physiology
Phosphates/metabolism
Seaweed/physiology/growth & development/metabolism
Biomass
Introduced Species
Nutrients/metabolism

@article {pmid40097327,
year = {2025},
author = {Halmschlager, E and Dauth, B and Maschek, O and Simovski, B and Voglmayr, H and Kirisits, T},
title = {First Report of Verticillium Wilt on Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-Heaven) in North Macedonia caused by Verticillium dahliae.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-01-25-0206-PDN},
pmid = {40097327},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Tree-of-Heaven, a highly invasive species on all continents except Antarctica, is frequently found on the Balkan Peninsula. In 2019, Ailanthus altissima has been put on the "List of invasive alien species of Union concern"; thus, measures for eradication and control are mandatory in all EU member countries. Verticillium wilt of A. altissima, which has been reported in the USA (Schall and Davis 2009; Kasson et al. 2014; Rebbeck et al. 2013) and in Europe (Maschek and Halmschlager 2016; Moragrega et al. 2021) in the last decade, has already been successfully used for biological control of Ailanthus. In the course of an excursion of the international REUFIS meeting, young symptomatic A. altissima trees, exhibiting severe foliar wilt symptoms, brownish vascular discoloration, dieback, and premature death, were observed at two different sites in the southern part of Skopje, North Macedonia (Kluchka Sonchev: 41.973155N, 21.428846E; Vidikovec (Panorama): 41.977671N, 21.421135E) in June 2024. To identify the causal organism, 50-cm-long branch samples were taken from symptomatic A. altissima and cut into 5-cm pieces, surface sterilized by dipping into 96% ethanol for 1 min, and then breamed. After removing the bark, 23 (Kluchka Sonchev) and 8 (Vidikovec) tissue samples of about 5 mm in length were excised from discolored sapwood and placed onto 2% malt extract agar plates supplemented with 100 mg/l streptomycin sulphate. Plates were incubated at 22°C in the dark for 10 days. Fungal colonies emerged from all plated tissue samples of both sites, all of which were putatively identified as Verticillium dahliae Kleb. based on the abundant formation of microsclerotia and the hyaline, non-septate, cylindrical or ellipsoid conidia developing on verticillate conidiophores. Morphological identification was confirmed by DNA sequencing of two selected isolates (one from each site), using primers coding for ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) and elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) (Inderbitzin et al. 2011) and a BLAST search against the reference sequences of the type strain of V. dahliae PD322 (GenBank Accession No. NR_126124 (ITS) and HQ414624.1 (TEF)) at NCBI NLM, which revealed 100% homology (ITS1: 492 matching base pairs; TEF: 579 matching base pairs) between the type strain and the two North Macedonian isolates. Aligned sequences of both isolates (Vd-NM01, Vd-NM02) were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. PQ615325, PQ615358, PQ858706, PQ858707). To confirm pathogenicity, 10 two-year-old potted Ailanthus seedlings were stem-inoculated with a conidial suspension (1 x 10[7] spores/ml, 1 ml/tree) of V. dahliae isolate Vd-NM01 and 10 with isolate Vd-NM02 on September 12, 2024; 5 seedlings treated with sterile water and 3 untreated seedlings served as controls. Following maintenance in the greenhouse, all V. dahliae-inoculated trees developed wilting symptoms two to three weeks after inoculation and were completely defoliated or showed heavy wilting symptoms on October 31, 2024, whereas all 8 control trees remained asymptomatic or displayed minor wilting symptoms related to autumn senescence. V. dahliae was re-isolated from all treated trees, but no control tree, thus confirming Koch's postulates. Despite of the high disease severity on infected trees, natural V. dahliae infections will not allow efficient control of A. altissima without human intervention on these affected sites in North Macedonia, due to the low disease incidence (<5%) on both sites.},
}

@article {pmid40095408,
year = {2025},
author = {Vahsen, ML and Maxwell, TM and Blumenthal, DM and Gamba, D and Germino, MJ and Hooten, MB and Lasky, JR and Leger, EA and Pirtel, N and Porensky, LM and Romero, S and Van Ee, JJ and Copeland, SM and Ensing, DJ and Adler, PB},
title = {Phenological sensitivity of Bromus tectorum genotypes depends on current and source environments.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {e70025},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70025},
pmid = {40095408},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {1927009//National Science Foundation/ ; 1927177//National Science Foundation/ ; 1927282//National Science Foundation/ ; 2222525//National Science Foundation/ ; //Utah Agricultural Experimental Station, Utah State University/ ; J-001818//British Columbia Ministry of Forests' Invasive Species Program/ ; J-002569//British Columbia Ministry of Forests' Invasive Species Program/ ; //USDA-ARS/ ; //Oregon State Agricultural Experiment Station/ ; },
mesh = {*Bromus/physiology/genetics ; *Genotype ; Flowers/physiology/genetics ; Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; },
abstract = {Plants respond to their environment with both short-term, within-generation trait plasticity, and long-term, between-generation evolutionary changes. However, the relative magnitude of plant responses to short- and long-term changes in the environment remains poorly understood. Shifts in phenological traits can serve as harbingers for responses to environmental change, and both a plant's current and source (i.e., genotype origin) environment can affect plant phenology via plasticity and local adaptation, respectively. To assess the role of current and source environments in explaining variation in flowering phenology of Bromus tectorum, an invasive annual grass, we conducted a replicated common garden experiment using 92 genotypes collected across western North America. Replicates of each genotype were planted in two densities (low = 100 seeds/1 m[2], high = 100 seeds/0.04 m[2]) under two different temperature treatments (low = white gravel; high = black gravel; 2.1°C average difference) in a factorial design, replicated across four common garden locations in Idaho and Wyoming, USA. We tested for the effect of current environment (i.e., density treatment, temperature treatment, and common garden location), source environment (i.e., genotype source climate), and their interaction on each plant's flowering phenology. Flowering timing was strongly influenced by a plant's current environment, with plants that experienced warmer current climates and higher densities flowering earlier than those that experienced cooler current climates and lower densities. Genotypes from hot and dry source climates flowered consistently earlier than those from cool and wet source climates, even after accounting for genotype relatedness, suggesting that this genetically based climate cline is a product of natural selection. We found minimal evidence of interactions between current and source environments or genotype-by-environment interactions. Phenology was more sensitive to variation in the current climate than to variation in source climate. These results indicate that cheatgrass phenology reflects high levels of plasticity as well as rapid local adaptation. Both processes likely contribute to its current success as a biological invader and its capacity to respond to future environmental change.},
}

*Bromus/physiology/genetics
*Genotype
Flowers/physiology/genetics
Adaptation, Physiological/genetics

@article {pmid40094819,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, X and Li, H and Xie, H and Ma, Y and Yu, Y and Liu, Q and Kuang, J and Zhang, M and Liu, J and Zhao, B},
title = {Mangrove Against Invasive Snails: Aegiceras corniculatum Shows a Molluscicidal Effect on Exotic Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mangroves.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14050823},
pmid = {40094819},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {SL2023B03J1314//Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou/ ; 32001237, 31770484//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023ZDZX4041//Key Realm Project of Ordinary Universities in Guangdong Province/ ; 2021B1212040008//Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; 2019A1515110719//Guangdong Natural Science Foundation/ ; 202410564061//Undergraduate Innovation Programs/ ; HXKJHT20242507//Project of Zhuhai Modern Agriculture Development Center/ ; },
abstract = {Apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata), one of the 100 most serious invasive species in the world, have invaded mangrove wetlands due to their salinity tolerance. We firstly prepared a plant molluscicide against apple snails based on the mangrove Aegiceras corniculatum in coastal wetland. The effects of four mangrove extracts from A. corniculatum, including ethanol extract (EE), petroleum ether extract (PEE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE), and n-butanol extract (BE), were studied for molluscicidal activity against apple snails in a saline environment. The LC50 values at 48 h of EE, PEE, EAE, and BE were 25 mg/L, 123 mg/L, 170 mg/L, and 14 mg/L, respectively. BE had the highest molluscicidal value (96.7%) against apple snails at 48 h. At 48 h, BE of A. corniculatum leaves significantly decreased the soluble sugar content, soluble protein content, acetylcholinesterase, and glutathione of apple snails to 4.25 mg/g, 29.50 mg/g, 947.1 U/gprot, and 6.22 U/gprot, respectively, compared to those in the control. The increased BE concentration significantly enhanced the malondialdehyde and aspartate aminotransferase contents to 4.18 mmol/gprot and 18.9 U/gprot at 48 h. Furthermore, the damage in the hepatopancreas tissue of apple snails increased, and the cellular structure became necrotic as the concentration of BE from A. corniculatum increased. The content of palmitic acid in BE of A. corniculatum leaves was the highest (10.9%), possibly be a toxic ingredient against apple snails. The n-butanol extract of A. corniculatum leaves showed a potential to control apple snails in the brackish water, and its plantation was beneficial to control the further spread of apple snails in mangrove wetlands.},
}

@article {pmid40094769,
year = {2025},
author = {Khwarahm, NR},
title = {MaxEnt-Based Distribution Modeling of the Invasive Species Phragmites australis Under Climate Change Conditions in Iraq.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14050768},
pmid = {40094769},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Phragmites australis (common reed), a recently introduced invasive species in Iraq, has swiftly established itself as a vigorous perennial plant, significantly impacting the biodiversity and ecosystem functions of Iraqi ecoregions with alarming consequences. There is an insufficient understanding of both the current distribution and possible future trends under climate change scenarios. Consequently, this study seeks to model the current and future potential distribution of this invasive species in Iraq using machine learning techniques (i.e., MaxEnt) alongside geospatial tools integrated within a GIS framework. Land-cover features, such as herbaceous zones, wetlands, annual precipitation, and elevation, emerged as optimal conditioning factors for supporting the species' invasiveness and habitat through vegetation cover and moisture retention. These factors collectively contributed by nearly 85% to the distribution of P. australis in Iraq. In addition, the results indicate a net decline in high-suitability habitats for P. australis under both the SSP126 (moderate mitigation; 5.33% habitat loss) and SSP585 (high emissions; 6.74% habitat loss) scenarios, with losses concentrated in southern and northern Iraq. The model demonstrated robust reliability, achieving an AUC score of 0.9 ± 0.012, which reflects high predictive accuracy. The study area covers approximately 430,632.17 km[2], of which 64,065.66 km[2] (14.87% of the total region) was classified as the optimal habitat for P. australis. While climate projections indicate an overall decline (i.e., SSP126 (5.33% loss) and SSP585 (6.74% loss)) in suitable habitats for P. australis across Iraq, certain localized regions may experience increased habitat suitability, reflecting potential gains (i.e., SSP126 (3.58% gain) and SSP585 (1.82% gain)) in specific areas. Policymakers should focus on regions with emerging suitability risks for proactive monitoring and management. Additionally, areas already infested by the species require enhanced surveillance and containment measures to mitigate ecological and socioeconomic impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40094722,
year = {2025},
author = {Di Gristina, E and Barone, G and Domina, G and Badalamenti, E and Gargano, ML and Venturella, G and Pardi, R},
title = {A Checklist of the Ornamental Vascular Flora of Sicily.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14050795},
pmid = {40094722},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {CN_00000033//National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.4, funded by the European Union-NextGenerationEU Project Code CN_00000033, CUP B73C22000790001, "National Bio-diversity Future Center-NBFC"./ ; },
abstract = {Based on literature data and new field investigations, a checklist of the ornamental vascular flora of Sicily is presented. Trees, shrubs, herbaceous, and succulent plants growing in street trees, parks, private gardens, and historic villas of Sicily are included in the checklist. For each taxon, information on growth forms, geographical and biome origin, resident time, and status (native/alien) in Italy is provided. A total of 928 taxa (including 823 species s. str., 33 cultivars, 31 hybrids, 24 varieties, 9 subspecies, and 8 forms), belonging to 486 genera included in 138 families, were recorded. Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Cactaceae, Asparagaceae, Arecaceae, and Malvaceae are the richest families in taxa. Phanerophytes are the prevalent growth form, and the main part of such flora consists of Asiatic and American taxa. Taxa from subtropical and tropical biomes showed a prevalent presence; this is a peculiarity which characterizes the Sicilian ornamental flora. Delonix regia emerges as a peculiar case, representing the only documented cases of open-air cultivation in both Sicily and the entire country. A significant percentage of taxa (41%) is included in the list of alien vascular flora of Italy, showing a strong predominance of casual and naturalized neophytes alien species.},
}