@article {pmid40999773,
year = {2025},
author = {Bean, MS and Trotter, RT and Ritger, R and Barrett, K and Pfister, SE and Coyle, DR},
title = {Distribution of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) damage in tree canopies: implications for survey efficacy.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf095},
pmid = {40999773},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {AP21PPQS&T00C002//Cooperative Agreements/ ; AP22PPQS&T00C002//Cooperative Agreements/ ; //United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)/ ; },
abstract = {Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky is an invasive woodboring beetle in North America and Europe that threatens a broad range of tree genera. Eradication is a costly and time-consuming process that requires visual surveys to detect beetle damage on host trees. Knowing the distribution of beetle damage within trees could directly benefit survey efforts by focusing surveys on high-risk areas and indirectly by identifying habitat factors that structure beetle populations. In the A. glabripennis infestation in South Carolina, we identified an isolated and actively growing subpopulation on an island that had not fully occupied the available host trees. With host resources still abundant for the beetle, the distribution of oviposition pits and exit holes is expected to be the result of habitat preference and (in the case of exit holes) larval performance. We examined the distribution of eggs and emerging adults by cataloging the >14,000 oviposition sites and >1,400 exit holes distributed among the 33 infested and uninfested host trees on the island, documenting the stem height, diameter, surface area, and bark thickness for all damage. Oviposition pits and exit holes were neither randomly nor evenly distributed within tree canopies; however, the distribution of available habitat (ie stem space within the canopy) seemed to drive most of the distribution, and the presence of damage was biased toward larger/taller trees. These results suggest some preference in egg placement with regard to canopy height, stem diameter, and bark thickness within canopies, but the responses are subtle and may have limited utility in guiding visual surveys.},
}

@article {pmid40997258,
year = {2025},
author = {Prati, S and Reyes Camargo, AC and Jamonneau, T and Halima, IB and Sures, B},
title = {Seasonal exchange of microsporidian parasites between native and non-native pet-traded freshwater crustaceans: Is parasite spillover favored over spillback?.},
journal = {Parasite (Paris, France)},
volume = {32},
number = {},
pages = {61},
doi = {10.1051/parasite/2025053},
pmid = {40997258},
issn = {1776-1042},
support = {426547801//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Seasons ; *Microsporidia/isolation & purification/physiology/classification ; France ; Fresh Water ; *Introduced Species ; *Decapoda/microbiology/parasitology ; Ecosystem ; Pets/parasitology ; *Crustacea/microbiology/parasitology ; Rivers ; *Microsporidiosis/epidemiology/veterinary/transmission ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The introduction of non-native pet-traded species poses potential threats to global biodiversity, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics of microsporidian infections in an established feral population of cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) and the coexisting populations of crustaceans, comprising both native and non-native species, inhabiting the thermal waters of the Fontcaude Park and the nearby Mosson River in southern France. Our aim was to assess the potential occurrence of spillover and/or spillback events between N. davidi and co-occurring crustaceans, as well as the influence of seasonal dynamics on these interactions. The prevalence and diversity of microsporidian parasites exhibited strong seasonal variations. Although parasites associated with the pet trade were not detected, we highlight the acquisition of native parasites by feral N. davidi, which seems to be a suitable alternative host for native host-generalist microsporidians. Our findings indicate that all prerogatives for spillback events to occur are met. Feral N. davidi may establish and survive year-round in European rivers with natural thermal regimes. Thus, human-mediated introductions can potentially alter parasite transmission dynamics in these ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Seasons
*Microsporidia/isolation & purification/physiology/classification
France
Fresh Water
*Introduced Species
*Decapoda/microbiology/parasitology
Ecosystem
Pets/parasitology
*Crustacea/microbiology/parasitology
Rivers
*Microsporidiosis/epidemiology/veterinary/transmission
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40996792,
year = {2025},
author = {Pelosi, JA and Davenport, R and Kuo, LY and Gray, LN and Dant, AJ and Kim, EH and Li, FW and Dlugosch, KM and Krabbenhoft, TJ and Barbazuk, WB and Sessa, EB},
title = {The genome of the vining fern Lygodium microphyllum highlights genomic and functional differences between life phases of an invasive plant.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {39},
pages = {e2504773122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2504773122},
pmid = {40996792},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2024-67012-43394//USDA | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)/ ; #1754911/2310485//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; #2024-67011-43011//USDA | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)/ ; #2023-67013-40169//USDA | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Plant ; *Ferns/genetics/growth & development ; Germ Cells, Plant/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Transcriptome ; DNA Methylation ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {Functional and genomic studies on the differences between the gametophyte and sporophyte life phases of plants remain scarce, yet unraveling these dynamics is crucial to understanding the biology of plants and the success of each phase under different conditions. Here, we provide a reference genome for the highly invasive fern Lygodium microphyllum and compare the transcriptomic and epigenomic landscapes of its gametophyte and sporophyte life phases. Under ambient conditions, we found differential regulation and splicing of developmental genes (homeobox and MADS-box clades) may play a role in the genomic determination of the haploid and diploid life stages. We generated a base pair-resolution methylome of a fern gametophyte, and determined that methylation patterns are remarkably similar between vegetative tissues despite their morphological and functional differences. We further explored the physiological and transcriptomic responses of gametophytes and sporophytes to freezing stress, the most likely abiotic factor limiting further range expansion of this invasive species. While controlled by the same genome, we show that life phases and tissues use alternative molecular pathways in response to freezing and greater physiological resilience in the gametophyte life stage to this stressor. Our results underscore the need to incorporate both life phases when developing effective mitigation strategies, as differential responses to environmental stressors between phases reveal opportunities for management approaches (e.g., targeting gametophytes in addition to sporophytes). These genomic resources fill a gap in our understanding of fundamental plant biology and inform invasive species research.},
}

*Genome, Plant
*Ferns/genetics/growth & development
Germ Cells, Plant/growth & development
*Introduced Species
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Transcriptome
DNA Methylation
Genomics

@article {pmid40993198,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, X and Lei, Q and Liang, C and Wang, J and Jiang, H},
title = {A case study on the γ-octalactone induced expression of Obp83g-2 in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) revealed the transcriptional regulation of insect odorant binding protein.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {1355},
pmid = {40993198},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {Animals ; *Receptors, Odorant/genetics/metabolism ; *Tephritidae/genetics/metabolism/drug effects ; *Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Lactones/pharmacology ; Female ; *Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects ; },
abstract = {As crucial components of the insect olfactory system, odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are involved in detecting environmental chemical cues. Expression alterations of OBPs induced by odorants are conserved in many species. It presents an intriguing initial screening tool when searching for novel OBP-odorant interaction. However, the transcriptional regulation mechanism that causes this expression alteration of OBPs still remains unclear. Here, we reported a case study on the transcriptional regulation of OBP in an invasive species, Bactrocera dorsalis, upon γ-octalactone (a host volatile that strongly attracts its females to lay eggs) induction. We identified OBP83g-2 as a key OBP was involved in γ-octalactone perception through in vitro and in vivo functional assay. In addition, we found transcription factor ADF-1-like positively regulated the expression of Obp83g-2 upon γ-octalactone induction through expression pattern analysis, dual-luciferase reporter system, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and RNAi. Based on this, we proposed a model for the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of OBP gene in B. dorsalis. Our data not only highlights the significant role of OBP83g-2 in γ-octalactone mediated oviposition behavior, but also provides a theoretical foundation for a deeper understanding of the transcriptional regulation of OBPs triggered by external odorants in insects.},
}

Animals
*Receptors, Odorant/genetics/metabolism
*Tephritidae/genetics/metabolism/drug effects
*Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Lactones/pharmacology
Female
*Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects

@article {pmid40992420,
year = {2025},
author = {Clifton, EH and van Nouhuys, SD and Harris, DC and Hajek, AE},
title = {Epizootiology of infections by Batkoa major (Entomophthorales: Batkoaceae) and Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) in spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) populations.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf091},
pmid = {40992420},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {NIFA 2019-51181-30014//USDA/ ; },
abstract = {The planthopper Lycorma delicatula (White) (spotted lanternfly; SLF) was introduced to North America from Asia. It was first found in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014 and now, a decade later, has increased in abundance and spread into 18 eastern US states. To study naturally occurring fungal pathogens infecting SLF, eastern Pennsylvania sites were sampled every 1 to 2 wk in 2020 and 2021 during the adult life stage of L. delicatula to detect prevalence of infections by the fungi Batkoa major (Thaxt.) Humber (Entomophthorales: Batkoaceae) and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). To sample, living adult SLF were collected and reared and cause of death was diagnosed. In 2020, at the site hosting a co-epizootic of these 2 generalist pathogens in 2018, an epizootic caused by B. major was documented from 30 September to 21 October. Low levels of infection by both pathogens were detected at an additional 2020 site and both 2021 sites. Overall, there was a negative association of B. major infection with SLF density and no association with density for B. bassiana. Co-infections in individual SLF by both fungi were never documented, and there was an inverse relationship between prevalence of B. major and B. bassiana infections in the sampled populations. At the time that SLF for rearing were sampled, adult cadavers were also sampled. For B. major, infection rates of sampled cadavers and reared individuals were positively correlated, but higher infection rates were observed in cadavers than among reared SLF. For B. bassiana, no such pattern occurred.},
}

@article {pmid40991553,
year = {2025},
author = {Gim, JS and Hong, D and Kim, DK and Lineman, MJM and Jeong, KS and Lee, JY and Joo, GJ and Jo, H},
title = {Changes in prey selection and fitness of non-native Erythroculter erythropterus following estuarine restoration in the Nakdong River, South Korea.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {e0328372},
pmid = {40991553},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Republic of Korea ; *Estuaries ; Rivers ; *Cyprinidae/physiology ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Food Chain ; Zooplankton ; Biodiversity ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Estuarine ecosystems globally are being restored through re-naturalization efforts, including the Nakdong River Estuary (NRE) in South Korea, which partially re-opened in 2019 after decades of disconnection. We investigated how this restoration affected the feeding ecology and fitness of Erythroculter erythropterus (Skygager), a non-native cyprinid that became dominant in the upper NRE following barrage construction. We surveyed fish populations, analyzed stomach contents using Next Generation Sequencing, and assessed morphological changes from May 2018 to June 2022. Following NRE opening, zooplankton and fish diversity indices increased, while phytoplankton and benthic invertebrate diversity decreased. E. erythropterus showed altered prey selection patterns, shifting from diverse prey items to predominantly zooplankton after NRE opening, coinciding with altered vertical migration patterns of plankton communities. While length distribution did not change significantly, the condition factor K decreased significantly, indicating reduced fitness. Body shape parameters also shifted toward more elongated forms, suggesting morphological responses to changed hydraulic conditions and feeding ecology. Our findings demonstrate that controlled estuarine reconnection can affect non-native species through cascading trophic effects, potentially serving both restoration and non-native species management objectives. This study highlights the complex ecological consequences of partial estuarine restoration and the importance of considering multiple trophic levels when evaluating restoration outcomes.},
}

Animals
Republic of Korea
*Estuaries
Rivers
*Cyprinidae/physiology
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
Ecosystem
Food Chain
Zooplankton
Biodiversity
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40991032,
year = {2025},
author = {Lou, Y and Tao, W and Wang, ZA},
title = {Effects and biological consequences of the predator-mediated apparent competition I: ODE models.},
journal = {Journal of mathematical biology},
volume = {91},
number = {5},
pages = {47},
pmid = {40991032},
issn = {1432-1416},
support = {12261160366 and 12250710674//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; PolyU509/22//University Grants Committee/ ; 12201082//Innovative Research Group Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Models, Biological ; Population Dynamics/statistics & numerical data ; Competitive Behavior ; Food Chain ; Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Computer Simulation ; Ecosystem ; Mathematical Concepts ; },
abstract = {Predator-mediated apparent competition is an indirect negative interaction between two prey species mediated by a shared predator, which can lead to changes in population dynamics, competition outcomes and community structures. This paper is devoted to investigating the effects and biological consequences of the predator-mediated apparent competition based on a two prey species (one is native and the other is invasive) and one predator model with Holling type I and II functional responses. Through the analytical results and case studies alongside numerical simulations, we find that the initial mass of the invasive prey species, capture rates of prey species, and the predator mortality rate are all important factors determining the success/failure of invasions and the species coexistence/extinction. The global dynamics can be completely classified for the Holling type I functional response, but can only be partially determined for the Holling type II functional response. For the Holling type I functional response, we find that whether the invasive prey species can successfully invade to induce the predator-mediated apparent competition is entirely determined by the capture rates of prey species. For the Holling type II functional response, the dynamics are more complicated. First, if two prey species have the same ecological characteristics, then the initial mass of the invasive prey species is the key factor determining the success/failure of the invasion and hence the effect of the predator-mediated apparent competition. Whereas if two prey species have different ecological characteristics, say different capture rates, then the success of the invasion no longer depends on the initial mass of the invasive prey species, but on the capture rates. In all cases, if the invasion succeeds, then the predator-mediated apparent competition's effectiveness essentially depends on the predator mortality rate. Precisely we show that the native prey species will die out (resp. persist) if the predator has a low (resp. moderate) mortality rate, while the predator will go extinct if it has a large mortality rate. Our study reveals that predator-mediated apparent competition is a complicated ecological process, and its effects and biological consequences depend upon many possible factors.},
}

Animals
*Predatory Behavior
*Models, Biological
Population Dynamics/statistics & numerical data
Competitive Behavior
Food Chain
Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Computer Simulation
Ecosystem
Mathematical Concepts

@article {pmid40989950,
year = {2025},
author = {Mariacher, A and Di Nicola, MR and Senese, M and Mariottini, F and Maestrini, M and Bellagamba, F and Donnini, C and Capecci, A and Salomoni, A and Varotto, M and Terregino, C and Cersini, A and Scicluna, MT},
title = {Detection of avian influenza virus in the alien invasive African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) in Italy.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1661089},
pmid = {40989950},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {The African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), a non-native bird species in Europe, has rapidly expanded its range in Italy, prompting the adoption of national control measures due to ecological and epidemiological concerns. As part of this management plan, 20 ibises were culled in February 2025 in Tuscany (Central Italy), and tested for pathogens relevant to wildlife and public health. RT-PCR and molecular analyses on tracheal and cloacal swabs, revealed the presence of low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) subtype H5N2 in 1 out of 20 specimens. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the virus was closely related to recent European LPAIV strains, with the PA gene segment clustered with Asian and Russian isolates from 2021-2022. Two mammalian adaptation markers (S155N and T156A) were identified in the HA protein. Although the detected strain poses minimal zoonotic risk, its presence in a highly adaptable invasive species, raises concerns about the potential role of T. aethiopicus as a bridge host in avian influenza transmission cycles. Given the increasing overlap between this species and poultry farming areas, and its scavenging behavior, continued surveillance is essential to assess its epidemiological role. Targeted control actions may be crucial in preventing the establishment of novel wildlife reservoirs and limiting viral evolution towards highly pathogenic forms. Surveillance of alien invasive species should be integrated into broader avian influenza monitoring strategies to protect public health and agricultural biosecurity.},
}

@article {pmid40964037,
year = {2025},
author = {Owusu, FA and Owusu-Asenso, CM and Abdulai, A and Sraku, IK and Forson, AO and Anim-Baidoo, I and Afrane, YA},
title = {Invasion of the Dengue Vector Aedes albopictus in the Port City of Takoradi, Southwestern Ghana.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40964037},
issn = {2693-5015},
abstract = {In mid-2023, Aedes albopictus, a key dengue vector, was unexpectedly identified during Anopheles surveillance in Takoradi, southwestern Ghana. Ae. albopictus is not known to be breeding in Ghana until this encounter. By mid-2024, the Ghana Health Service reported several outbreaks of dengue for the first time, with confirmed cases in several regions, including Takoradi. This study investigated the bionomics and insecticide susceptibility of Ae. albopictus through larval and adult surveys near the initial detection sites, including the seaport. Among 2,666 Aedes larvae collected, car tyres were the most productive habitat (66.4%). Ae. aegypti (87.2%) were the most abundant vector, followed by Ae. albopictus (12.2%). Ae. albopictus was fully susceptible to pyrethroids and pirimiphos-methyl, while Ae. aegypti was resistant to pyrethroids. PBO synergist assays restored susceptibility in Ae. aegypti. kdr mutations were detected in both species: Ae. albopictus had low frequencies of F1534C (0.18), V410L (0.02), V1016I (0.00) whilst Ae. aegypti showed high F1534C (0.72), V1016I (0.50), and V410L (0.06). These findings provide essential baseline data for public health action and necessitate the urgent need for enhanced vector surveillance and resistance monitoring in Ghana.},
}

@article {pmid40578741,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, R and Li, X and Meng, C and Lei, C and Haider, FU and Liu, XJ and Liu, J and Zhou, SY},
title = {Elevated public health risks from changes in microbial communities mediated by moso bamboo invasion.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {284},
number = {},
pages = {122215},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.122215},
pmid = {40578741},
issn = {1096-0953},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Introduced Species ; Public Health ; Poaceae ; Humans ; Sasa ; Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; },
abstract = {The invasion of moso bamboo significantly alters aboveground vegetation, yet its impact on soil microbial communities and associated ecological functions remains under-explored. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a comprehensive survey across 24 sites spanning varying invasion gradients (non-invaded, half-invaded, fully-invaded) along an urbanization transect encompassing mountain, rural, suburban, and urban habitats. Our results reveal that bamboo invasion strengthens deterministic processes governing microbial community assembly. Fungal communities demonstrated stronger deterministic assembly patterns compared to bacteria and served as more reliable bio-indicators of invasion stages, as assessed via random forest modeling. Notably, moso bamboo presence correlated with elevated soil concentrations of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs). Rural sites exhibited atypical trends, potentially due to intrinsically high baseline levels of ARGs and VFs. Structural equation modeling clarified that bamboo invasion induces shifts in soil physicochemical properties, which in turn drive deterministic selection of microbial taxa harboring ARGs/VFs-including potential human pathogens. Essentially, restoration of bamboo-dominated ecosystems effectively reduced the abundance of these resistance and virulence elements. Co-occurrence network analyses further identified microbial taxa with pathogen-lysis capabilities, highlighting natural biological control mechanisms within invaded soils. This study deepens understanding of how moso bamboo invasion remodels soil microbiomes and their functional profiles, providing actionable insights for mitigating ecological risks linked to invasive plant dynamics.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Microbiota
*Introduced Species
Public Health
Poaceae
Humans
Sasa
Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics

@article {pmid40275834,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Du, Y and Tu, W and Wang, Y and Zhang, Q and Xi, Y and Ding, J and Han, L and Zhao, Z and Dai, Y and Wang, Y and Liu, X},
title = {Nonlinear Abundance-Area Relationship Underlying Processes of the American Bullfrog Invasion in the Zhoushan Archipelago, China.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {1074-1083},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12987},
pmid = {40275834},
issn = {1749-4877},
support = {32301459//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 3227030273//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 32171657//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 32271734//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023IOZ0104//Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; China ; *Rana catesbeiana/physiology ; Population Density ; Ecosystem ; Population Dynamics ; Islands ; },
abstract = {The small-island effect (SIE) has been used to quantify the increase of established non-native species richness with island area but has not yet been applied to explore the dynamics of non-native species abundance, which is important to develop timely mitigation strategies on established populations. Based on field surveys of established populations of the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus = Rana catesbeiana) across 92 permanent water bodies on 31 islands in the Zhoushan Archipelago, China, we explored the abundance-area relationship (AAR) of the invasive bullfrogs at the island and habitat (i.e., permanent still waters) scales, respectively. We did not detect the non-linear increase of bullfrog abundance with island area in the Zhoushan Archipelago, but found a piecewise trend of the bullfrog abundance with the area of invaded waters. Overall, bullfrogs were more abundant on larger islands, less isolated islands, and in waters with lower densities of native anurans. Our findings indicate that the invasive bullfrogs may have not reached the threshold of rapid increase of population abundance in the Zhoushan Archipelago and highlight the importance of continued close monitoring to prevent future population outbreaks.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
China
*Rana catesbeiana/physiology
Population Density
Ecosystem
Population Dynamics
Islands

@article {pmid39675920,
year = {2025},
author = {González-Calderón, A and Cavia, R and Schiavini, A},
title = {"Handle with Care": Consequences of Different Removal Pressures on Population Growth of the Invasive Beaver in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {1036-1046},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12925},
pmid = {39675920},
issn = {1749-4877},
mesh = {Animals ; Argentina ; Population Growth ; Female ; *Introduced Species ; *Rodentia/physiology ; Male ; Reproduction ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Fertility ; *Hunting ; },
abstract = {The population regulation of animals depends on fertility and survivorship. Hunting can affect population growth through changes in reproduction and survivorship. Understanding these changes in vital rates is crucial for the control of invasive mammals. With the objective to assess the influence of different population removal pressures on the finite population growth rate (𝝀) of an invasive mammal, this research used demographic data estimated from 922 invasive beavers (Castor canadensis) eradicated from seven areas from Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Areas were classified into four removal pressures: higher, high-intermediate, low-intermediate, and lower removal pressure. The hypothesis states that the higher removal pressure produces higher population growth and resilience. Leslie matrix models were used to estimate 𝝀, generation time, damping ratio, stable age distribution, reproductive value, and the sensitivity-elasticity of survivorship and fertility of the females for each removal pressure. The 𝝀 and damping ratio increased with the removal pressure, as expected; the inverse occurred with the generation time. The survivorship of the younger age classes was the most sensitive and elastic vital rate regardless of removal pressure, followed by the breeding onset. The fertility was less relevant on 𝝀. The beaver population would depend more on the survival of kits, 1-year-olds, and subadults, than the number of offspring produced. A management strategy is proposed focusing on affecting the survivorship of younger age classes, eliminating first the adult animals and then the younger beavers.},
}

Animals
Argentina
Population Growth
Female
*Introduced Species
*Rodentia/physiology
Male
Reproduction
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Fertility
*Hunting

@article {pmid40988878,
year = {2025},
author = {Hoddle, MS and Hoddle, CD and Milosavljević, I and Estrada-Venegas, EG and Equihua-Martínez, A},
title = {Does larval diet prior to Hass avocado seed consumption and seed size impact the fitness of adult Heilipus lauri (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)?.},
journal = {Annals of the Entomological Society of America},
volume = {118},
number = {5},
pages = {429-438},
pmid = {40988878},
issn = {0013-8746},
abstract = {Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a specialist avocado seed feeder and a pest of economic importance in native (México) and invaded (Colombia) regions. Despite being a well-recognized pest of avocados, relatively little is known about factors affecting the developmental biology of weevil larvae infesting fruit. Laboratory studies investigated the effects of 4 pre-seed diets, 0, 1, and 3 d of feeding on avocado pulp, and consumption of conspecific first instar larvae on adult weevil fitness (ie size). Following these pre-seed diets, larvae were artificially inoculated into pre-weighed Hass avocado seeds. The effects of pre-seed diet and the size (ie weight) of inoculated seeds were analyzed for effects on the estimated mean amount of avocado seed consumed by larvae to complete development, mean time to complete development and emerge as adult weevils, and the mean weight (ie size) of adult male and female weevils. Pre-seed diet and seed size had no significant effects on seed consumption, development times, and size of adult weevils. Avocado seed size, which greatly exceeds amounts consumed to complete larval-to-adult development, may explain, in part, these observed outcomes, including purported fitness benefits that arise from consumption of conspecifics by herbivorous insects. This is the first study to confirm cannibalism by first instar H. lauri.},
}

@article {pmid40987414,
year = {2025},
author = {Sokolova, AS and Frolova, TV and Izvekov, EI and Izvekova, GI},
title = {Infection with trematodes Apophallus sp. Affects the growth and activity of hydrolytic enzymes in the invasive gravel snail Lithoglyphus naticoides.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108461},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108461},
pmid = {40987414},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Currently, the alien freshwater gastropod Lithoglyphus naticoides is rapidly expanding its range and promoting the spread of parasitic trematodes Apophallus sp. These flatworms use the snail as intermediate host and may cause the dangerous black-spotted disease in fish juveniles. However, despite the obvious importance of knowing the physiological bases of this host-parasite interplay, studies in this area remain scanty. Therefore we focused on the size-weight and physiological parameters of L.naticoides and their changes in response to Apophallus infection. It was found that the shell height and total body weight significantly increase in the infected molluscs. In contrast, protease activities were significantly lower in infected than in naïve snails over a wide pH range. Inhibitor analysis showed the presence of serine-, cysteine- and metalloproteinase activity in L.naticoides. Trematode infection most strongly affected the serine proteinases, reducing their activity levels. At the same time, the infection did not cause a decrease in α-amylase activity in the gravel snails. Moreover, at certain pH values, α-amylase activity was significantly higher in parasitized than in non-parasitized specimens. These metabolic features may contribute to growth acceleration in parasitized hosts, thereby affecting their survival and spread, which eventually may have far-reaching consequences for the reservoir ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40987264,
year = {2025},
author = {Ricou-Dreneuc, S and Ah-Peng, C and Coudert, Y},
title = {Architectural shift to epiphytism fuels exotic bryophyte invasiveness.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {18},
pages = {R876-R877},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.07.068},
pmid = {40987264},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Bryophyta/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Anthropogenic activities reshape ecosystems globally, creating conditions that facilitate the establishment of alien species. Disruption of ecological balance enables alien species to become invasive - a property characterized by a species' capacity to spread and become dominant in its introduced range, outcompeting indigenous species, and leading to their displacement or extinction[1]. Beyond its biological relevance, understanding the mechanisms promoting invasiveness is crucial for predicting and mitigating ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Over 2,840 invasive vascular land plant species have been reported[2][,][3], whereas fewer than 100 bryophyte species have been documented as alien, with only a small fraction exhibiting invasive characteristics[4].},
}

*Introduced Species
*Bryophyta/physiology
*Ecosystem

@article {pmid40986536,
year = {2025},
author = {Gawrońska, B and Marszałek, M and Kosiński, P and Zeyland, J and Bednorz, L},
title = {Morphological differences in populations of Jacobaea erucifolia: Genetic differentiation, phenotypic plasticity or ecotypes?.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {e0332808},
pmid = {40986536},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Genetic Variation ; *Ecotype ; Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis ; Poland ; Phenotype ; DNA, Chloroplast/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Accurate taxonomic classification is essential for effective conservation strategies, especially for rare and endangered species. Traditionally based on morphology, such classifications may be challenged by recent advances in molecular tools that reveal hidden genetic structure or lack thereof. Jacobaea erucifolia is a declining species in Poland, primarily threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and competition with invasive species. Although two subspecies-erucifolia and tenuifolia-have been identified in Poland based on leaf morphology and ecological preferences, the taxonomic status of these forms remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variation within ten Polish populations of J. erucifolia and assess whether the observed morphological differences correspond to genetic divergence. Based on morphology, four populations were classified as subsp. erucifolia and six as subsp. tenuifolia. Reference populations of confirmed subspecies tenuifolia were included from Slovakia, Hungary, and the Netherlands. Genetic analyses were conducted using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), chloroplast DNA restriction fragments (RFLP), cpDNA, and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA sequences. The results revealed a high level of admixture and no significant genetic differentiation among Polish populations, regardless of their initial morphological classification. All Polish populations formed a single genetic group, distinct from foreign tenuifolia samples, although no diagnostic genetic markers were identified to separate these two groups (subspecies) of J. erucifolia definitively. Moreover, sequence data showed no differences among all analyzed individuals, further challenging the validity of subspecies differentiation. These findings suggest that the morphological variation observed within Polish populations likely reflects phenotypic plasticity rather than subspecies-level divergence. Consequently, subspecies tenuifolia does not appear to occur in Poland, and observed differences between Polish populations and those from neighboring countries may represent ecotypic variation. Our study underscores the necessity of integrating genetic and morphological data when resolving taxonomic ambiguities, especially in the context of conservation planning. Future research involving broader geographic sampling and deeper analysis of hybridization patterns will help clarify the evolutionary history and and population dynamics of J. erucifolia.},
}

*Genetic Variation
*Ecotype
Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis
Poland
Phenotype
DNA, Chloroplast/genetics
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40985727,
year = {2025},
author = {Moran, R and Leroux, SJ and Wiersma, YF and Whitaker, DM},
title = {Effects of forest disturbances and an introduced ungulate on carbon storage in boreal forests.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {6},
pages = {e70092},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70092},
pmid = {40985727},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Gros Morne National Park/ ; //Terra Nova National Park/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Deer/physiology ; *Carbon/metabolism/chemistry ; *Forests ; *Introduced Species ; Herbivory ; Taiga ; *Trees/physiology ; *Carbon Sequestration ; },
abstract = {Selective browsing by ungulates alters forest structure and composition, with research suggesting that these effects may be amplified in recently disturbed forests and in novel environments (i.e., introduced ungulates). Though the net effects of herbivory following disturbances on carbon storage in boreal forests are not well understood, they are likely important to inform climate-smart ecosystem management. We conducted observational and experimental (i.e., 24- to 27-year-old paired exclosure-control plots) field studies to determine the effects of non-native moose and common boreal forest disturbances (i.e., fires and insect outbreaks) on total, aboveground, and belowground carbon storage in Newfoundland, Canada. We measured carbon stocks at 46 plots in the field and used published allometric equations to estimate the carbon stored in trees, deadwood, woody shrubs, saplings, herbaceous plants, ground vegetation, and roots. We also collected samples of forest litter and organic soil layers for analysis of carbon content. We then fit a suite of generalized linear models to assess the effects of disturbances and moose herbivory on carbon storage. Using our observational data, we found that total carbon stored was highest in mature forests (198.18 ± 136.77 kg C/9 m[2]; mean ± SD), compared to insect-disturbed (57.47 ± 30.72 kg C/9 m[2]) and previously burned (42.57 ± 34.28 kg C/9 m[2]) areas. We found further evidence of this using our experimental data, as aboveground carbon storage was reduced in disturbed forests. Although, on average, exclosures stored more carbon (133.54 ± 134.69 kg C/9 m[2]; mean ± SD) than their paired controls (95.23 ± 66.94 kg C/9 m[2]), we did not detect a statistically significant effect of moose presence on carbon storage after 24-27 years of exclusion. We also did not find a relationship between moose density and carbon storage in our observational data. Overall, we demonstrated that forest disturbances are a key driver of carbon storage and that moose effects on carbon storage are highly variable across the landscape. We recommend that future research be done in areas having consistent ungulate management and long-term population data and that detailed plant community data be collected to better understand the roles of ungulate density and plant palatability on carbon storage.},
}

Animals
*Deer/physiology
*Carbon/metabolism/chemistry
*Forests
*Introduced Species
Herbivory
Taiga
*Trees/physiology
*Carbon Sequestration

@article {pmid40985547,
year = {2025},
author = {Lopez, MLD and Acharya-Patel, N and Allison, MJ and Migneault, A and Trilesky, S and Helbing, CC},
title = {From Environmental DNA into Actionable Biodiversity Data: Towards the Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhered/esaf068},
pmid = {40985547},
issn = {1465-7333},
abstract = {Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate due to ongoing habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, the spread of invasive species, and unsustainable use of natural resources. In response, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), adopted in 2022, outlines a transformative goal to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. The framework focuses on three main pillars: mitigating biodiversity threats, advancing implementation, and ensuring fair and sustainable use of biological resources. Meeting these objectives requires the adoption of innovative, adaptable, and inclusive monitoring strategies. Among these, environmental DNA (eDNA) has gained recognition as a non-invasive biodiversity assessment method that detects trace genetic material in environmental samples like sediment, soil, water, and air. Compared to conventional survey techniques, eDNA offers improved accuracy, sampling flexibility, and a non-destructive approach to monitoring ecosystems. Herein, we examine eDNA's role in achieving KMGBF goals to enable fulfilment of the Convention on Biological Diversity's vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. We discuss its use in meeting several KMGBF targets including early detection of invasive species, enhancing biosecurity, monitoring species recovery, assessing pollution impacts, and supporting climate resilience. The standardization of eDNA protocols and alignment with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles ensure that results are transparent and interoperable across regions and platforms. Integrating eDNA into existing biodiversity monitoring networks enhances conservation planning, restoration efforts, and the management of protected areas. Additionally, eDNA facilitates inclusive conservation by supporting Indigenous-led and community-based monitoring, promoting stewardship, and enabling equitable access to biodiversity data worldwide.},
}

@article {pmid40985029,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, P and Bae, S},
title = {In situ study of environmental factors (temperature and salinity) affecting cohort patterns and growth rates in Ciona robusta.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e20034},
pmid = {40985029},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Temperature ; *Salinity ; Republic of Korea ; *Ciona intestinalis/growth & development ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Assessing and understanding the ecological impacts of marine invasive species is important for managing marine ecosystems, especially since their rapid growth, short reproductive cycles, and wide range of water temperature adaptability pose major challenges. In this study, conducted in Mokpo, South Korea, we explored the cohort dynamics and environmental influences on the ascidian Ciona robusta, which is considered a widespread invasive species. Through biweekly field surveys and quantitative measurements (dry weight, wet weight and body length) conducted from June to October 2022, we identified five distinct cohorts, challenging existing assumptions about lifespan and cohort patterns. All separation index value (which quantify differences between cohorts) exceeded 2, indicating clear separation of cohorts during the study period. The cohorts had a lifespan of between 4 and 10 weeks, much shorter than the previously reported maximum of 2 years. These differences suggest that local climatic conditions can have a significant impact on lifespan parameters. In addition, growth rates were significantly positively correlated with environmental conditions, particularly temperature. This highlights that while C. robusta growth rates are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, they showed relative tolerance to the salinity variations observed in this study. Therefore, this study contributes to the understanding of the population ecology of C. robusta in temperate marine ecosystems. In particular, it provides valuable insights for developing management strategies to mitigate the impacts of C. robusta due to climate change.},
}

Animals
*Temperature
*Salinity
Republic of Korea
*Ciona intestinalis/growth & development
Ecosystem
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40983765,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, R and Su, Y and Sun, X and Wang, M and Feng, M},
title = {Rapid and automated mapping method of Spartina alterniflora combines tidal imagery and phenological characteristics.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {10},
pages = {1136},
pmid = {40983765},
issn = {1573-2959},
support = {42071373//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2020MD021//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Environmental Monitoring/methods ; China ; *Poaceae/growth & development ; *Remote Sensing Technology ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Spartina alterniflora exhibits vigorous growth and remarkable adaptability, enabling its rapid expansion throughout the intertidal zones of Shandong Province. As an invasive species, it not only disrupts native coastal ecosystems but also incurs significant economic burdens. Although substantial resources have been allocated by local authorities for its control, a comprehensive evaluation of these management efforts remains lacking. In particular, the influence of tidal dynamics on the spatial distribution of S. alterniflora has been largely overlooked, underscoring the need for advanced remote sensing approaches to accurately monitor. In this study, we propose a method to monitor S. alterniflora by combining low-tide imagery with phenological features. By utilizing low-tide images, we effectively overcome the impact of tidal fluctuations on monitoring accuracy. Using the Maximum Spectral Index Synthesis and Otsu algorithms, we achieved efficient, automated classification and change detection of S. alterniflora in Shandong Province, with an overall accuracy of 90.55%. In 2019, the total area of S. alterniflora was 11,386.05 ha, which decreased to 1787.13 ha by 2023. The distribution of S. alterniflora in Shandong followed a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease from 2019 to 2023. By 2023, the eradication rate had reached 91.10%, demonstrating the outstanding success of the province's management efforts. Although the management efforts have been somewhat effective, they have also led to significant carbon storage loss. These results validate the effectiveness of combining low-tide imagery with phenological features, offering a reference for similar studies in other coastal regions. Future S. alterniflora management should incorporate more scientific approaches, including the consideration of carbon emissions, to promote the sustainable development of coastal ecosystems.},
}

*Environmental Monitoring/methods
China
*Poaceae/growth & development
*Remote Sensing Technology
Introduced Species
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40979751,
year = {2025},
author = {Szita, É and Gerő, K and Simon, J and Kaydan, MB},
title = {Integrative method to detect invasive mealybug (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Pseudococcidae) species on highways in Hungary: evidence for northward spread of Comstock mealybug.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e163732},
pmid = {40979751},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {Climate change, coupled with the intensification of road transport and global trade, has contributed to a significant increase in the number of newly introduced scale insect species into new regions. Invasive alien pests represent a significant threat to agriculture and forestry, resulting in considerable economic losses globally. In this study, three potentially invasive mealybug species (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Pseudococcidae): Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuwana), Planococcus citri (Risso) and Planococcus ficus (Signoret) were monitored using a pheromone trap network along highways in Hungary during 2020-2021. Prior to this survey, none of these species had been detected under open-field conditions in Hungary. Specimens captured were identified through analysis of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene fragments. The presence of Ps. comstocki was confirmed for the first time in outdoor environments at six localities in Hungary using both pheromone trapping and molecular techniques. It is currently the northernmost documented outdoor occurrence of Ps. comstocki in Europe. In contrast, Pl. citri and Pl. ficus were not detected in open-air conditions during the survey.},
}

@article {pmid40977367,
year = {2025},
author = {Czokajlo, R and Looney, C and Nottingham, L and Diehl, B and Abram, PK and Northfield, T and Smytheman, P and Beers, EH},
title = {Distribution of three figitid parasitoids of Drosophilidae in Washington State: a tale of 2 ecozones.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf209},
pmid = {40977367},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {M350-145366001//Washington Blueberry Commission/ ; M480-144404001//Washington Red Raspberry Commission/ ; PG00021523//Washington Commission on Integrated Pest Management/ ; 2020-51181-32140//USDA NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative Grant/ ; 2022-51300-37890//USDA NIFA Organic Research and Extension Initiative/ ; 7005262//USDA NIFA Hatch/ ; AP20PPQFO000C321//Plant Protection Act project/ ; },
abstract = {The geographic distribution and relative abundance of 2 adventive Asian parasitoids (Ganaspis kimorum Buffington and Leptopilina japonica Novković & Kimura) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) of spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Washington state were surveyed from 2020 to 2024 using bait or lure traps. G. kimorum and L. japonica were first detected in 2020 to 2021 in western Washington. However, their distribution in eastern Washington, which produces the majority Washington's vulnerable specialty crops, was of interest for establishing a baseline for future biological control efforts. A clear picture emerged regarding the current distribution of the 2 Asian species, and a cosmopolitan figitid, Leptopilina heterotoma (Thompson), which attacks other Drosophila spp. Adventive populations of G. kimorum were only found west of the Cascade Mountains; the few specimens recovered in eastern Washington were found near release sites. Conversely, L. heterotoma was rarely detected using jar traps in western Washington, but was the most abundant of the figitid species found in eastern Washington. L. japonica was common and abundant in both regions, but more so in western Washington. The unaided establishment of L. japonica in eastern Washington may presage its future impact as a biological control agent in this region.},
}

@article {pmid40976763,
year = {2025},
author = {Russell, JC},
title = {Invasive species eradication standards.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.09.002},
pmid = {40976763},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Invasive species management traditionally distinguishes states of eradication from suppression but an intermediary 'elimination' also exists. Whereas eradication is removal of both residents and reinvaders, elimination removes residents but non-breeding reinvaders remain. By contrast, suppression is only a reduction in the number of residents and does not distinguish reinvaders.},
}

@article {pmid40976574,
year = {2025},
author = {Zaada, DSY and Papathanos, PA and Marois, E},
title = {Reprogramming Sex for Vector Control: Maleness-Associated Transgenes in Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101438},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101438},
pmid = {40976574},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {Among other challenges, the world currently faces the expansion of pest insects such as the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, a growing threat to public health due to the pathogens it can transmit. Current control approaches based on insecticides or elimination of mosquito larval breeding sites are insufficient to suppress this highly invasive species. The discovery of Nix, a gene necessary and sufficient to determine the male sex in this mosquito, opens new prospects for genetic control strategies, in particular those based on transgenes that convert females into males, or that reduce female fitness. Such forms of genetic control could be effective on larger spatial and time scales compared to classical control approaches. This overview of current and emerging genetic control strategies targeting Aedes mosquitoes emphasizes the unique characteristics of Ae. albopictus, that make it particularly amenable to masculinization-based genetic control.},
}

@article {pmid40976172,
year = {2025},
author = {Bakhshalizadeh, S and Abbasi, K and Rostamzade Liafuie, A and Tiralongo, F},
title = {Evidence for reducing fitness and competition of the native fish with invasive fish species in the south Caspian Sea.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {212},
number = {},
pages = {107566},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107566},
pmid = {40976172},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Invasive alien species are an increasing socioeconomic and ecological concern worldwide. Climate change may amplify the impact of non-native species, particularly in enclosed ecosystems such as the Caspian Sea. To assess the ecological impact of invasive alien species on native fish, the length-weight relationships and condition factor (CF) of 47 fish species were compared. The Scheirer-Ray-Hare test was used to examine CF differences between native and non-native species concerning their feeding ecology. Additionally, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Tukey's post hoc analysis were applied to identify significant differences among groups. The results indicate that CF was highest in carnivorous and non-native species, followed by groups with relatively high CF values, including native zooplanktivores, non-native benthivores, and native carnivores. Lower CF values were observed in omnivorous and native benthivores species, with the lowest CF recorded in non-native zooplanktivores. These findings suggest that CF can serve as a predictor of which introduced species may establish successfully. However, it remains unclear whether environmental changes driven by climate warming may enhance habitat suitability for invasive species in the southern Caspian Sea, promoting their further spread and invasiveness.},
}

@article {pmid40976041,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, C and Kim, DU and Lee, J and Kwon, I and Kim, YE and Yi, G and Kim, T and Yoon, SJ and Kim, JJ and Khim, JS},
title = {Effects of litter decomposition on sedimentary organic carbon sequestration in invasive and native halophyte marshes of Ganghwa, Korea.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {222},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {118727},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118727},
pmid = {40976041},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Litter decomposition is a critical driver of carbon cycling in tidal flats, yet the extent to which decomposed organic carbon is sequestered in sediments remains unclear. We studied the effects of invasive Spartina alterniflora and native Phragmites australis litter decomposition on sedimentary organic carbon sequestration. Litterbag experiments were conducted over 360 days in tidal flats. Decomposition patterns were classified as rapid, moderate, and slow. Over 60 % of the litter carbon decomposed within the first 60 days in salt marsh (vegetated). In the bare tidal flat (unvegetated), S. alterniflora litter decomposed faster than P. australis litter. Bacterial composition shifted over time, being dominated sequentially by Bacteroidales, Bacillales, and then Pseudomonadales. Habitats with low Bacteroidales abundances showed lower initial decomposition rates. The decomposed carbon showed limited mobility and remained near the litter. These findings provide insights into the effects of litter decomposition on sedimentary organic carbon and its dynamics within sediments.},
}

@article {pmid40974798,
year = {2025},
author = {Calabrese, C and Giangrande, A and Quarta, E and Arduini, D and Acquaviva, MI and Biandolino, F and Giandomenico, S and Pitarra, G and Prato, E and Stabili, L},
title = {The Mediterranean introduced pearl oyster Pinctada radiata: can an invasion be changed into a gain in a climate change scenario?.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {222},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {118736},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118736},
pmid = {40974798},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {The pearl oyster Pinctada radiata is considered among the 100 most invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea. Recently, a dramatic increase in P. radiata abundance has been recorded in the Mar Grande of Taranto (Ionian Sea) due to recurring heatwaves. This study investigated the structure and recruitment dynamics of P. radiata obtained in collectors made of plastic nets or coconut fibers within an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system in the Mar Grande of Taranto. Furthermore, its nutritional value in terms of fatty acids and its chemical and microbiological quality were analysed in light of its potential commercial exploitation. The results revealed that the best growth performance was achieved with plastic nets. Reproduction occurred throughout the year with a peak in summer. The fatty acid profile of P. radiata at all sampling times revealed the predominance of PUFAs and SFAs over MUFAs. The pearl oyster was found to be a valuable source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, as also evidenced by the high ∑ω3/ω6 ratios (range 2.81-4.51). Finally, the oyster quality was good from a microbiological and chemical point of view (PCB ICES-6 concentrations were below established European limits). In this scenario, the exploitation of this species is recommended for several reasons, including its decline in the area of origin and the creation of a market for human consumption and pearl production in the Mediterranean areas, where the species is finding an improved environmental situation due to global warming.},
}

@article {pmid40974244,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, D and Ye, J and Tang, Y and Peng, Y and He, L and Yu, M and Huang, L and Wu, X},
title = {Endophytic bacterial engineering: a novel approach for pine wilt disease management in Pinus massoniana.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70220},
pmid = {40974244},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2021YFD1400903//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; //Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province (KYCX23_1224)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a globally devastating forest disease caused by the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus). Chemical control plays a role in the prevention and control of PWD, but it also raises concerns regarding environmental safety and drug resistance. Seeking novel strategies and technologies to manage PWD has long been a matter of concern. The aim of this study was to increase the resistance of pine trees to PWD through the application of the transgenic engineered bacterium Pseudomonas koreensis BM06-P60.

RESULTS: A dominant endophytic bacterium, P. koreensis BM06, was isolated from healthy stems of Pinus massoniana. This strain was capable of efficiently and stably colonizing P. massoniana and significantly promoted the growth of its seedlings. The purified peptidase P60 protein was able to disintegrate the nematode cuticle, damage the intestinal tissues, and exert adverse effects on the nematodes. The engineered strain BM06-P60, which expresses peptidase P60, exhibited significantly enhanced nematicidal activity. Greenhouse disease control tests demonstrated that the engineered strain BM06-P60 exhibited 70% efficacy against PWD. Preliminary ecological safety evaluations indicated that BM06-P60 is a promising and safe candidate for biocontrol engineering.

CONCLUSION: The application of the engineered strain BM06-P60 effectively controls PWD. This study provides a novel microbial resource for the prevention and control of PWD. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40974215,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, C and Cheng, C and Zhang, Z and Ye, M and Li, Y and Siemann, E and Liu, M and Zhang, X and Wang, Y and Li, B and Liu, X and Wu, J},
title = {Phylogenetic relatedness drives litter-mediated diversity-invasibility relationships.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70563},
pmid = {40974215},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2022YFC2601100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32030067//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Talent Scientific Fund of Lanzhou University/ ; 202405AS350011//Department of Science and Technology of Yunnan Province/ ; },
abstract = {Native plant diversity typically enhances community resistance to biological invasions by reducing resource availability and by accumulating natural enemies. However, after senescence, litter-mediated processes may either strengthen resistance through pathogen spillover or promote invasion through nutrient enrichment. We experimentally partitioned nutrient and pathogen effects to test how litter diversity and phylogenetic relatedness between native and invasive species shape invasion outcomes. Three invasive Asteraceae species were exposed to diseased litter from native plants that were either closely or distantly related, while manipulating litter diversity (1, 2, or 6 species) and pathogen presence (with or without fungicide). Higher litter diversity from closely related natives suppressed invader biomass. Fungicide treatment eliminated this effect, demonstrating that pathogen spillover mediated diversity-driven invasion resistance. Conversely, litter from distantly related natives enhanced invader biomass with increasing diversity due to nutrient enrichment. Our results show that phylogenetic relatedness structures the balance between pathogen spillover and nutrient enrichment, determining whether native diversity reinforces or undermines invasion resistance through litter pathways.},
}

@article {pmid40974033,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Luo, X and Yue, M and Song, B and Karhu, K and Razavi, BS},
title = {Rhizosphere Keystone Microbiomes Promote Invasive Plant Growth under PLA and PVC Microplastic Stress: A Comparative Study with Native Species.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c06285},
pmid = {40974033},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Global ecosystems are increasingly threatened by the synergistic pressures of invasive plant species and soil microplastic contamination, yet the mechanisms by which microplastics enhance invasive species establishment remain unclear. In this study, we employ a mesocosm experiment using two types of microplastics, biodegradable polylactide (PLA), and nonbiodegradable polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to compare the responses of invasive and native plant species. We measured plant biomass, nutrient fluxes, soil enzyme activities, and microbial communities in the rhizosphere using soil zymography and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Invasive plants experienced less growth inhibition than native plants under microplastic exposure, accompanied by the selective enrichment of bacterial genera in the rhizosphere such as Arthrobacter, Sphingomonas, Microvirga, and Azospirillum. These microbes were associated with more interconnected and stable microbial networks, which may have enhanced invasive plant tolerance to microplastic-induced stress. Our results suggest that microplastics can reshape rhizosphere microbial communities in ways that have profound implications for ecological restoration and invasive species management. Future research should experimentally validate the functional roles of these enriched microbial taxa in promoting plant resilience under environmental stress.},
}

@article {pmid40973892,
year = {2025},
author = {Millar, A and Chapman, H},
title = {Adaptive nutrient responses vary with growing environment but not altitudinal origin in an invasive plant.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voaf107},
pmid = {40973892},
issn = {1420-9101},
abstract = {Invasive plants often thrive in nutrient rich environments because of their superior ability to capture and efficiently exploit nutrients. This fitness advantage is commonly explained by invasive species being more plastic than their non-invasive counterparts. However, the extent to which individual traits vary in their plastic responses to nutrient availability-and how these responses translate into fitness gains- remains poorly understood. We conducted a nutrient addition experiment in invasive Erythranthe guttata to determine how plasticity to nutrient levels varied among traits, among populations, and with growing conditions. Populations from both upland and lowland New Zealand were grown under "normal" and excessive soil nutrient levels, in an upland and a lowland common garden. We found no evidence of evolution in plastic responses between altitudinal groups. Common garden (growing environment) had a small but significant maladaptive interaction with nutrient responses; in the upland garden plants growing under excess nutrients showed stunted growth, in contrast to the expected adaptive plastic response of larger leaves under high soil nutrients. The strength of nutrient responses among traits corresponded to their importance in the selection analysis, suggesting an adaptive plastic response. Additionally, in contrast to recent findings for other species we found no relaxation of seed size and number trade-offs with nutrient addition, which suggests that this is not a consistent driver of invasive success. Overall, our findings increase our understanding of how invasive plants exploit high resource conditions through adaptive plasticity at the trait level, despite limitations in challenging environments.},
}

@article {pmid40973833,
year = {2025},
author = {Vukeya, LR and Mokotjomela, TM and Pillay, N},
title = {Seed dispersal by vertebrates promotes invasion risk in the southern African grassland biome.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {10},
pages = {1125},
pmid = {40973833},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Seed Dispersal ; *Introduced Species ; Animals ; *Grassland ; *Vertebrates/physiology ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Seeds ; Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal plays a crucial role in enabling the spread of invasive alien plants that threaten biodiversity in ecosystems such as the southern African grassland biome. Understanding the dynamics of the seed dispersal process by animals is important for assessing invasion risk and designing management interventions. This study investigated whether the southern African grassland biome is vulnerable to future plant invasions facilitated by frugivorous vertebrates in two known plant invasion hotspots in the Free State province: Boshof, dominated by Opuntia engelmannii (Cactaceae), and Fouriesburg, invaded by Pyracantha angustifolia (Rosaceae). We (1) monitored, documented, and compared the diversity of dispersal vector species in sites invaded by non-native woody and cactus species with non-invaded sites; (2) quantified the seed rain from vertebrates' faecal samples and classified seeds and disperser species into functional groups to identify drivers of plant invasion of the grassland biome; and (3) assessed the effectiveness of vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal by measuring their post-ingestion viability. We predicted that frugivorous vertebrates are key drivers of fleshy-fruited plant invasions in this biome. We found taxonomically diverse dispersers (i.e. 27 families), with Bovidae and Numididae being dominant. Overall vector species diversity was high (H > 3.0), assuring effective population recruitment, although moderate in invaded sites (H > 2.5), and lower in non-invaded sites (H < 2.5). Over 9 months (March-November 2024), mammals dominated dispersal services (74%; N = 328 visits), followed by birds (26%), supporting our study prediction. We noted a high seed rain (i.e. 107,031 seeds) collected from 11,295 faecal samples associated with 43 vertebrate species. Invaded sites experienced significantly higher seed rain than non-invaded sites (P < 0.001) and were dominantly comprised of non-native species. Many seeds were medium-sized (1-5 mm), typical for successful invaders, and had a hard seed coat. Germination trials showed that ingested P. angustifolia seeds retained viability (46.7 ± 8.61%), similar to de-pulped controls (P = 0.53), while O. engelmannii seeds significantly lost viability (P = 0.002). The predicted seed dispersal distances were greater than 15.7 km for birds and ranged between 1.7 km and 8.6 km for mammals. We concluded that the grassland biome is vulnerable to further invasion by non-native plants dispersed by vertebrates, coupled with their long dispersal distances, and that integrating management of dispersal pathways into control plans is essential to optimise control efforts.},
}

*Seed Dispersal
*Introduced Species
Animals
*Grassland
*Vertebrates/physiology
*Environmental Monitoring
Seeds
Biodiversity
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40972550,
year = {2025},
author = {Wheeler, GS and Ripsom, S},
title = {The defoliating biological control agent, Lygomusotima stria (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), reduces rachis and fiddlehead production in Lygodium microphyllum (Schizaeales: Lygodiaceae).},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf084},
pmid = {40972550},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {22283//Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/ ; 4600004878//South Florida Water Management District/ ; 6032-22000-013-000D//US Department of Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br., is one of the worst invasive weeds of natural areas of southern and central Florida, United States. The climbing fern forms thick mats that shade native shrubs and trees. Old World climbing fern invades the southern peninsula of Florida, where cost-effective, sustainable control methods are needed. Here, we report the results of greenhouse studies that examined the performance of Lygomusotima stria Solis & Yen larvae, a potential biological control agent of L. microphyllum. We examined the impact of larval feeding on the target weed when grown at a range of fertilizer and herbivore levels. Furthermore, we applied these treatments to guide post-release mass rearing protocols. The results indicate that larvae had greater survival when fed plants at the highest fertilizer level. Two generations of feeding by L. stria larvae decreased rachis weights at the lowest fertilizer levels and fiddlehead numbers. At higher fertilizer conditions, the plants were able to tolerate L. stria herbivory, resulting in no significant changes in plant tissue allocations. The increased larval survival when fed plants grown at high fertilizer levels will benefit both laboratory and field mass production of agents. By impacting rachises and fiddleheads, these results suggest this insect will impede the ability of L. microphyllum to climb substrates, especially in lower resource conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40971405,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Hanley, BJ and Thompson, NE and Gong, Y and Walsh, DP and Gonzalez-Crespo, C and Huang, Y and Booth, JG and Caudell, JN and Miller, LA and Schuler, KL},
title = {Strategic planning of prevention and surveillance for emerging diseases and invasive species.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {39},
pages = {e2507202122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2507202122},
pmid = {40971405},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {GPIN-2019-05671//Canadian Government | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/ ; W-178-R//Federal Aid Wildlife Restoration Grant/ ; F23AP00488-00//Multistate Conservation Grant/ ; AP24WSNWRC00C030//US Department of Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {*Communicable Diseases, Emerging/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Introduced Species ; Animals ; Humans ; New York/epidemiology ; *Strategic Planning ; Population Surveillance/methods ; },
abstract = {Emerging infectious diseases and biological invasions pose increasing threats to public and ecosystems health. Proactive measures-such as prevention and surveillance taken before initial detection of the pathogen or species-are essential to ensure minimal spread prior to first detection. We developed an optimization model to determine where, when, and how much effort should be allocated to prevention versus surveillance. The model accounts for imperfect detection, system dynamics, spatial heterogeneity in risk and costs and is scalable to large landscapes. We found that the most cost-effective strategy is to maintain the prevention and surveillance efforts at stable equilibrium for the majority of the time, with deviations occurring only initially to steer the system toward the equilibrium. The equilibrium effort is jointly determined by the introduction risk, management costs, and total budget. Application of this model to chronic wasting disease in New York State suggests that the optimal strategy could reduce the cumulative disease cases before initial detection by an average of 22% compared to current practice. The optimal surveillance strategy could detect the disease on average over 8 mo earlier than the current strategy.},
}

*Communicable Diseases, Emerging/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Introduced Species
Animals
Humans
New York/epidemiology
*Strategic Planning
Population Surveillance/methods

@article {pmid40970547,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Tao, J and Brosse, S and Liu, C and Chen, Q and Cheng, G and Tao, J and Ding, C},
title = {Translocated Species Exceed Alien Species in Homogenizing Freshwater Fish Assemblages.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {9},
pages = {e70506},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70506},
pmid = {40970547},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {202401AS070147//Yunnan Applied Basic Research Projects/ ; 42077447//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42271066//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; China ; Fresh Water ; Phylogeny ; Ecosystem ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Human-driven introductions of nonnative species are accelerating biotic homogenization, threatening the distinctiveness of biota worldwide. However, the patterns and drivers of homogenization caused by nonnatives originating from other ecoregions (alien species) and those originating from the same ecoregion as natives (translocated species) remain highly uncertain across taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional biodiversity dimensions. This study compared the contributions of alien versus translocated fishes to the homogenization of freshwater fish assemblages, as well as the underlying drivers, in a biodiversity hotspot (Yunnan, China). We first quantified the cumulative beta-diversity changes caused by alien and translocated species across biodiversity dimensions prior to 1960 (P1960), 1980 (P1980), 2000 (P2000), and 2022 (P2022), respectively. We then assessed the influence of anthropogenic disturbance intensity, habitat variability, and the biotic resistance of native fauna on beta-diversity changes. We found an asynchronous pattern of homogenization and differentiation caused by alien and translocated fishes. Alien fishes initially contributed to differentiation, which then shifted to homogenization over time in the taxonomic and functional dimensions, whereas phylogenetic differentiation remained consistent through time. In contrast, translocated fishes consistently drove homogenization across all biodiversity dimensions over time. The cumulative intensity of homogenization caused by translocated fishes was up to four times greater than that induced by alien fishes. Anthropogenic disturbance intensity and habitat variability, along with native biotic resistance, positively contributed to fish assemblage homogenization through both direct and indirect pathways. Our findings reveal that translocated species have caused more pronounced homogenization effects in freshwater fish assemblages. Conservation and management strategies should prioritize the prevention of intra-regional species translocations and the mitigation of anthropogenic disturbances to preserve ecological distinctiveness and integrity.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
China
Fresh Water
Phylogeny
Ecosystem
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40969357,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, C and Suthisut, D and Bai, C and Yan, L and Wang, D and Chen, L and Lü, J and Li, L and Li, P},
title = {Modeling the Potential Distribution of the Invasive Pest Trogoderma granarium (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) Under CMIP6 Future Climate Projections.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e72159},
pmid = {40969357},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Everts) is a well-known storage pest, and it is listed as one of the 100 most invasive species in the world. This study predicted the potential geographic distribution of the pest based on the MaxEnt model and assessed the impact of environmental factors on distribution patterns. Results indicate that under current climate conditions, central and southern China, the southern United States, North Africa, southern Australia, and Argentina are highly suitable regions for T. granarium. The minimum temperature of the coldest month and elevation are the primary influencing factors, contributing over 95% to the model. Projections for the future under SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios suggest no significant expansion in total suitable habitat. However, binary mapping and centroid analysis indicate a northward shift in the species' suitable range, with new suitable areas emerging primarily in the northern United States, westernmost Russia, southern Kazakhstan, and northern China. These findings offer crucial data that can support the development of pest monitoring systems, early warning protocols, and quarantine strategies in countries at high risk.},
}

@article {pmid40967098,
year = {2025},
author = {Rej, JE and Gunderson, AR},
title = {High temperatures amplify aggressiveness of an invasive lizard toward a native congener.},
journal = {Journal of thermal biology},
volume = {133},
number = {},
pages = {104257},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104257},
pmid = {40967098},
issn = {0306-4565},
abstract = {Invasive species cause major disturbances to endemic wildlife and often displace native species. Behavioral aggression can contribute to invasive species success, but little is known about how temperature and aggression interact. We tested for effects of temperature on interspecific aggression between the invasive brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei) and a native congener, the green anole (A. carolinensis). Anolis sagrei displaces A. carolinensis from perch sites in sympatry, which is hypothesized to result at least in part from higher levels of aggression. We tested hypotheses about the temperature-dependence of interspecific aggression across five ecologically relevant temperature regimes that span cool spring to hot summer conditions. Additionally, we tested whether the presence of A. sagrei disrupts A. carolinensis thermoregulation. The invasive Anolis sagrei was more aggressive than A. carolinensis in all temperature regimes. In addition, the difference in aggression between the species was greatest at high temperatures. In contrast, we found little evidence that A. carolinensis thermoregulation is affected by A. sagrei. Our results indicate that the effects of an invasive lizard on a native competitor may be facilitated by high levels of aggression that could be amplified with rising temperatures. Overall, our results are consistent with aggression facilitating invasive species success, and that the effect can be amplified under climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40966355,
year = {2025},
author = {Crawford, JE and Balcazar, D and Redmond, S and Rose, NH and Youd, HA and Lucas, ER and Ali, RSM and Alnazawi, A and Badolo, A and Chen, CH and Cosme, LV and Henke, JA and Hung, KY and Kluh, S and Liu, WL and Maringer, K and Martins, A and Micieli, MV and Pless, E and Sombié, A and Surendran, SN and Wahid, I and Armbruster, PA and Weetman, D and McBride, CS and Gloria-Soria, A and Powell, JR and White, BJ},
title = {1206 genomes reveal origin and movement of Aedes aegypti driving increased dengue risk.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {389},
number = {6766},
pages = {eads3732},
doi = {10.1126/science.ads3732},
pmid = {40966355},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Aedes/genetics/virology/classification/physiology ; Animal Migration ; *Dengue/transmission/epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Gene Flow ; *Genome, Insect ; Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; *Introduced Species ; *Mosquito Vectors/genetics/virology ; Africa, Western/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {The emergence and global expansion of Aedes aegypti puts more than half of all humans at risk of arbovirus infection, but the origin of this mosquito and the impact of contemporary gene flow on arbovirus control are unclear. We sequenced 1206 genomes from 73 globally distributed locations. After evolving a preference for humans in Sahelian West Africa, the invasive subspecies Ae. aegypti aegypti (Aaa) emerged in the Americas after the Atlantic slave trade era and expanded globally. Recent back-to-Africa Aaa migration introduced insecticide resistance and anthropophily into regions with recent dengue outbreaks, raising concern that Aaa movement could increase arbovirus risk in urban Africa. These data underscore developing complexity in the fight against dengue, Zika, and chikungunya and provide a platform to further study this important mosquito vector.},
}

Animals
Humans
*Aedes/genetics/virology/classification/physiology
Animal Migration
*Dengue/transmission/epidemiology
Disease Outbreaks
Gene Flow
*Genome, Insect
Insecticide Resistance/genetics
*Introduced Species
*Mosquito Vectors/genetics/virology
Africa, Western/epidemiology

@article {pmid40965471,
year = {2025},
author = {Fisher, TA and Coker, SM and Francisco, R and Ward, B and Brown, VR and Yabsley, MJ and Haynes, E and Cleveland, CA},
title = {Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi Antibodies in Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa) in the USA.},
journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-25-00020},
pmid = {40965471},
issn = {1943-3700},
abstract = {Wild pig (Sus scrofa) populations are expanding across the US, raising concerns about the ecologic impacts and role as reservoirs for pathogens of significance to human and animal health. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is a recognized risk for humans and domestic dogs in the southern US. Common wildlife reservoirs of T. cruzi include rodents (e.g., Neotoma spp.), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and Virginia opossums (Didelphus virginiana); however, there have been reports of T. cruzi infection in suids, including a domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) in Mexico and three wild pigs in Texas, US. Our study aimed to better understand the prevalence and distribution of T. cruzi antibodies in wild pigs in the US. We collected 1,093 serum samples from wild pigs across 12 states in the southern, midwestern, and western regions of the US, all of which have populations of T. cruzi triatomine vectors. We tested sera for antibodies against T. cruzi using an indirect ELISA and detected an overall apparent prevalence of 14.6% (160/1,093; 95% confidence interval, 12.6-16.9%). Pig sex, age class, month of sampling, and region were not significantly associated with seroprevalence; however, state of origin explained some variation in the data. We demonstrated that wild pigs in the US were exposed to T. cruzi, highlighting the need for further research elucidating their role in T. cruzi transmission.},
}

@article {pmid40962993,
year = {2025},
author = {Brasileiro Silvério, SL and Vital, OV and Massara, RL and Pacheco, FS and da Cunha Sarcinelli, R and de Melo, FR},
title = {Greater occupancy of invasive hybrid marmosets compared to a threatened native species in the fragmented Atlantic Forest: implications for conservation.},
journal = {Primates; journal of primatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40962993},
issn = {1610-7365},
abstract = {Endemic to the Atlantic Forest, Callithrix aurita faces endangerment due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and yellow fever epidemics, exacerbated by the introduction of non-native marmoset species, which heightens the risk of competition, hybridization, and genetic erosion. In this study, we employed playback methods and occupancy models to investigate habitat use by C. aurita and hybrid marmoset groups (Callithrix spp.) across 15 forest fragments in Guidoval, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We examined the influence of forest connectivity and distance from Guidoval's urban center on the occupancy of both C. aurita and Callithrix spp. We also assessed the influence of fragment size on their detection probability. Our findings revealed a mean occupancy probability of 0.65 for C. aurita and 0.83 for Callithrix spp. Interestingly, C. aurita occupancy correlated negatively with distance from Guidoval's urban center, possibly due to historical fragmentation processes that provided protection to certain groups in closer, less invaded fragments. Conversely, Callithrix spp. occupancy showed no correlation with any variable, highlighting their adaptability and raising concerns about their potential to threaten native species through hybridization and substitution. Additionally, fragment size did not influence detection probability of both taxa, this implies that the sampled areas may not be large enough for this variable to have an effect. Overall, our results underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of habitat fragmentation and invasive species on endangered marmoset populations in the Atlantic Forest.},
}

@article {pmid40234206,
year = {2025},
author = {Levine, BA and Moffitt, A and Mendez, R},
title = {Invasive Spotted Lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) Are Larger in More Urban Areas.},
journal = {Integrative and comparative biology},
volume = {65},
number = {2},
pages = {276-284},
doi = {10.1093/icb/icaf013},
pmid = {40234206},
issn = {1557-7023},
support = {2312129//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Body Size ; *Hemiptera/physiology/anatomy & histology ; *Urbanization ; *Introduced Species ; *Thermotolerance ; Cities ; Hot Temperature ; },
abstract = {Urbanization promotes the formation of heat islands. For ectothermic animals in cities, the urban heat island effect can increase developmental rate and result in smaller adult body size (i.e., the temperature-size rule). A smaller adult body size could be consequential for invasive urban ectotherms due to potential effects of body size on thermal tolerance, dispersal distance, and fecundity. Here, we explored the effect of urbanization on body size in the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) that is rapidly spreading across urban and non-urban settings in the United States. We then evaluated the consequences of spotted lanternfly body size for heat tolerance, a trait with importance for ectotherm survival in urban heat islands. Contrary to our expectations, we found that both male (P = 0.011) and female (P < 0.001) spotted lanternflies were larger in more urbanized areas and that females displayed a positive effect of body size on resistance to hot temperatures (P = 0.018). These results reject plasticity in developmental rate due to the urban heat island effect as an explanation for spotted lanternfly body size and instead lend necessary (but insufficient) support to an adaptive explanation stemming from advantages of larger body size in cities. This study demonstrates a positive effect of urbanization on spotted lanternfly body size, with potential implications for dispersal distance, fecundity, and thermal tolerance in urban areas.},
}

Animals
Female
Male
*Body Size
*Hemiptera/physiology/anatomy & histology
*Urbanization
*Introduced Species
*Thermotolerance
Cities
Hot Temperature

@article {pmid40957913,
year = {2025},
author = {Bescond-Michel, Z and Bacher, S and Vimercati, G},
title = {Harms of introduced large herbivores outweigh benefits to native biodiversity.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {8260},
pmid = {40957913},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; Animals ; *Herbivory/physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Introduced Species ; *Mammals/physiology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Introduced species significantly impact native biodiversity worldwide, with extensive research on harms but relatively less focus on benefits. Here, using the IUCN Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) and EICAT+ frameworks, we assess 2021 negative and positive impacts of introduced large mammalian herbivores globally. We show that negative impacts are more common, and of higher magnitude than positive impacts, i.e. affect populations, not only the performance of individuals. Native species on islands and at higher trophic level experience greater impacts. Reported impact magnitudes decline over time only for positive impacts. Most positive impacts are caused indirectly through changes in species interactions and ecosystem properties, often following negative impacts on native plants through herbivory and disturbance. We therefore advise caution regarding the intentional introduction of large mammalian herbivores for conservation purposes (rewilding, assisted colonization) without rigorous assessment of their impacts on native communities.},
}

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

@article {pmid40957345,
year = {2025},
author = {Falkenberg, LJ and Joyce, PWS},
title = {Tracking the coastal bioinvasion by mussels in Hong Kong.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {222},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {118678},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118678},
pmid = {40957345},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Invasive species are key drivers of global biodiversity decline and threats to marine conservation. Hong Kong, being a trade and transport hub with large volumes of shipping traffic, is particularly susceptible to marine bioinvasions and the subsequent ecological and economic consequences. While invasive bivalves have been recorded in Hong Kong, notably the mussel Xenostrobus securis, their distribution and population characteristics have not been recently documented. Here, we used field surveys to update occurrence records of this mussel and found it persists at sites in Tolo Harbour where it was previously recorded, and also occurs at multiple sites within Tolo Harbour where it was previously absent, and in Victoria Harbour where previous records did not exist. Population characteristics of X. securis were similar to those quantified at survey sites where it was recorded previously, indicating the species has reached a relatively stable equilibrium. We also found that the similar native species, Brachidontes spp., had increased in abundance, and the abundance of another significant invader, Mytilopsis sallei, had reduced. Notably, we documented the occurrence of another invasive bivalve, Mytella strigata, which was previously unreported in Hong Kong, highlighting the persistent risk of the arrival of novel species. With the increasingly widespread documentation of X. securis and record of yet another invasive species within the region, we suggest more research is required for monitoring and management of these species, and efforts should be made to quantify their ecological and economic effects.},
}

@article {pmid40955694,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Z and Jackson, DA and Liu, J and Guo, C},
title = {Functional Dimension Reveal Impacts of Non-Native Fishes on Native Fishes and Ecosystem Functionality.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {9},
pages = {e70501},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70501},
pmid = {40955694},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {CARS-45//Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System/ ; 202304910486//China Scholarship Council/ ; 32172980//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023YFD2400900//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; China ; *Biodiversity ; *Ecosystem ; Phylogeny ; Lakes ; },
abstract = {Anthropogenic-mediated invasions of non-native species are leading to biodiversity loss in many trophic groups, with specific impacts on a wide range of ecosystem functions and services. However, the impacts of non-native species on native species and ecosystem multifunctionality are not well understood, particularly due to the lack of long-term studies that focus on the analysis of functional and phylogenetic diversities. Using a comprehensive dataset spanning nearly 80 years from Lake Erhai, China, we assessed the impact of non-native fishes on the multidimensional diversity of native fishes, as well as the cascading effects on the multifunctional components of the ecosystem, including productivity, decomposition, and average multifunctionality. Over time, the multidimensional diversity of non-native fishes steadily increased, whereas that of native species declined markedly. Concurrently, both ecosystem productivity and average multifunctionality exhibited significant upward trends. Long-term invasion by non-native fishes was significantly negatively correlated with the multidimensional diversity of native fishes. A consistent convergence-divergence-convergence pattern was observed in trait spaces and in functional and phylogenetic community patterns of overall fish communities. Ecosystem multifunctionality increased with non-native fish functional diversity, though this positive relationship became negative at higher diversity levels. In contrast, native fish functional diversity and environmental factors-including average water level, Secchi depth, and annual precipitation-were consistently negatively associated with multifunctionality. These findings underscore the importance of integrating a functional perspective in biodiversity monitoring and management to enhance our understanding of, and foster more effective strategies for addressing, the long-term impacts of non-native species on native species and ecosystem multifunctionality.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/physiology
*Introduced Species
China
*Biodiversity
*Ecosystem
Phylogeny
Lakes

@article {pmid40817690,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, R and Wang, Z and Ruan, X and Peng, Y and Sang, Y and Liao, W and Wang, T and Su, Y},
title = {Genomic insights on Mikania micrantha invasiveness: gene family expansion, transposable elements, gene expression, and population structure.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {248},
number = {2},
pages = {1021-1043},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70448},
pmid = {40817690},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {31872670//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32071781//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021A1515010911//Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; JCYJ20210324141000001//Project of Department of Science and Technology of Shenzhen City, Guangdong, China/ ; JCYJ20230807110359040//Project of Department of Science and Technology of Shenzhen City, Guangdong, China/ ; JCYJ20240813150103005//Project of Department of Science and Technology of Shenzhen City, Guangdong, China/ ; //Research Project of the Reform about Teaching Method and Skills from Sun Yat-Sen University and Guangdong Province/ ; 202206010107//Science and Technology Projects in Guangzhou/ ; },
mesh = {*Mikania/genetics/physiology ; *DNA Transposable Elements/genetics ; *Introduced Species ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Genomics ; *Multigene Family ; *Genome, Plant ; Phylogeny ; Genes, Plant ; },
abstract = {Mikania micrantha is an aggressive climbing vine that poses significant threats to ecosystems and causes severe agricultural and economic losses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its adaptive evolution and invasion dynamics remain unclear. Comprehensive genomics and resequencing analyses were conducted to unravel the factors driving the adaptive evolution and invasion dynamics of M. micrantha. We confirmed the chromosome number of M. micrantha as 2n = 2x = 36 and generated chromosome-scale genomes for M. micrantha (1.53 Gb) and its native congener M. cordata (1.68 Gb). Comparative genomics identifies three key differences in M. micrantha compared to its native congener: the expansion of growth/defense gene families, transposon-mediated genomic diversity, and stress-related paralog expression plasticity. Whole-genome resequencing revealed high genomic similarity across southern China due to multiple introductions and introgression. Regulatory plasticity in the auxin signaling pathway (miR167a-ARF8) might provide a competitive advantage for M. micrantha. Mikania micrantha exhibited a higher copy number and expression of benzoxazinoids biosynthesis-related genes compared to M. cordata, potentially enhancing its defensive capabilities. This study provides new genomic insights into the invasive success of M. micrantha and suggests that targeting the auxin signaling pathway may offer a promising strategy for controlling the spread of this invasive weed.},
}

*Mikania/genetics/physiology
*DNA Transposable Elements/genetics
*Introduced Species
*Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Genomics
*Multigene Family
*Genome, Plant
Phylogeny
Genes, Plant

@article {pmid40728099,
year = {2025},
author = {Colautti, RI and Antunes, PM},
title = {A critical reassessment of the novel weapons hypothesis and allelopathy as an adaptive strategy that facilitates plant invasion.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {248},
number = {2},
pages = {507-516},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70415},
pmid = {40728099},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {RGPIN-2023-04103//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RGPIN-2023-05811//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Canada Research Chairs/ ; },
mesh = {*Allelopathy ; *Introduced Species ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Biological Evolution ; *Plants ; *Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {Plants have evolved an assortment of chemical adaptations that integrate environmental cues with developmental processes to regulate growth and reproduction. A subset of these phytochemicals may be considered allelopathic adaptations if they enhance fitness by suppressing competition for limiting resources. Despite compelling critiques by John Harper almost a half century ago, research on allelopathy nonetheless experienced a revival at the turn of the 21[st] century that gave rise to a 'novel weapons hypothesis' (NWH) to explain plant invasions. We briefly review the storied history of allelopathy and apply a systematic literature review to scrutinize the NWH from an eco-evolutionary perspective. Although it remains a highly influential metaphor, we find confused definitions and insufficient empirical evidence to support the NWH. Channeling Harper's original critiques, we propose that research on the NWH - and allelopathy more generally - would benefit from field experiments that causally link plant chemistry and competitive interactions to resource availability, fitness components, and population growth. We introduce a set of postulates to help address confusion over definitions and guide empirical tests of the causal processes linking plant chemistry to competitive outcomes, adaptive evolution, and the structure of plant communities.},
}

*Allelopathy
*Introduced Species
*Adaptation, Physiological
Biological Evolution
*Plants
*Models, Biological

@article {pmid40948823,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, YC and Yang, YJ and Chen, YH},
title = {Development and characterization of novel microsatellite loci in the native tree frog species, Polypedates braueri and cross-species amplification in the alien species, P. megacephalus, in Taiwan.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e160332},
pmid = {40948823},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {Polypedates megacephalus is an alien species first recorded in 2006 in Taiwan. The expanding population of P. megacephalus poses potential threats to the native frog species, especially to the closely-related species P. braueri. To detect genetic diversity and analyse population structures of both native and alien Polypedates species in Taiwan, this study aimed to isolate microsatellite markers in P. braueri and test their cross-species amplification in the alien species P. megacephalus. We successfully amplified and characterised 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci in P. braueri. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 19 and no locus showed evidence of a null allele. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.200 to 1.000 and 0.180 to 0.916, respectively and each locus was detected in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Cross-amplification in P. megacephalus was successfully performed in seven out of 10 loci. Amongst these seven loci, five exhibited polymorphism and two showed no variation. These microsatellite markers will be helpful for further population genetics research on Polypedates species in Taiwan.},
}

@article {pmid40667635,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, X and Yu, Y and Xu, F and Fu, K and Ding, X and Guo, W and Deng, J and Rao, Q},
title = {Rapid visual detection of the severely destructive invasive pest Carpomya pardalina: a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for efficient on-site diagnostics.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {10},
pages = {6901-6910},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70049},
pmid = {40667635},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//the Major Science and Technology Projects in Xinjiang, China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods ; Introduced Species ; *Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Carpomya pardalina, primarily found in certain regions of Eastern Europe, Central Asia and North Africa, is a highly serious pest that spreads rapidly. Its host plants have an extremely wide range, rendering C. pardalina highly vulnerable to long-distance spread through the import and export of agricultural products. Its invasion could have a devastating impact on relevant industries. Given the difficulty in differentiating Tephritidae pests based on morphological characteristics, a rapid and accurate molecular identification method is required to shorten the identification period of C. pardalina.

RESULTS: We have developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for C. pardalina. A set of LAMP primers was designed for the COX1 gene of C. pardalina. The LAMP amplification was capable of distinguishing C. pardalina from its similar species with excellent specificity, and the reaction demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, enabling the detection of a DNA template at a concentration of 0.969 ng/μL. Moreover, the amplification could be performed swiftly using the DNA extracted from crude DNA extractions as a template.

CONCLUSION: The detection can be completed within 75 min from DNA extraction, significantly enhancing the detection speed. Meanwhile, the visualization test demands simple equipment and is easy to operate, making it suitable for use at the port front line and under field working conditions. In this study, a set of rapid and accurate techniques was established based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology for the detection of C. pardalina. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
*Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods
Introduced Species
*Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods
*Hemiptera/genetics
Sensitivity and Specificity

@article {pmid40635530,
year = {2025},
author = {Manicardi, A and Mora, G and Araujo, ALS and Gaines, TA and Lozano-Juste, J and Torra, J},
title = {Analysis of multiple-herbicide resistant Amaranthus palmeri populations from Spain points to an introduction of the eccDNA from America.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {10},
pages = {6807-6819},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70034},
pmid = {40635530},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {PRTR-C17.I1//European Union NextGenerationEU, AGROALNEXT, GVA/ ; 801586//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; PID2020-113229RB-C42//Spanish State Research Agency and the European Regional Development Fund, EU (ERDF)/ ; PID2021-128826OAI00//Spanish MCIN/AEI/ ; RYC2020-029097-I//Spanish MCIN/AEI/ ; RYC2018-023866-I//Spanish MCIN/AEI/ ; CISEJI/2022/26//Generalitat Valenciana, Plan GenT/ ; RED2022-134285-T(PalmerNET)//Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation/ ; },
mesh = {*Amaranthus/genetics/drug effects ; *Herbicide Resistance/genetics ; *Herbicides/pharmacology ; Spain ; Acetolactate Synthase/genetics/antagonists & inhibitors ; Glyphosate ; Glycine/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology ; 3-Phosphoshikimate 1-Carboxyvinyltransferase/antagonists & inhibitors/genetics ; Plant Weeds/genetics/drug effects ; Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The herbicide-resistant invasive weed species Amaranthus palmeri threatens agricultural production and native plant ecology in Spain, as well as in other European countries. Understanding whether herbicide resistance alleles evolve in situ or are introduced via gene flow remains unclear. To address this, we characterized multiple resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-- and 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3phosphate synthase (EPSPS)-inhibiting herbicides in two Spanish A. palmeri populations at the plant level. Additionally, we analyzed the extra-chromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) to determine whether glyphosate resistance resulted from local selection pressure or was introduced by gene flow.

RESULTS: Both populations exhibit individuals that survived both herbicide MoA, with multiple resistance mechanisms to ALS- and EPSPS-inhibiting herbicides. Eight different ALS allele mutations were identified in resistant plants, including Pro-197-Ile, reported only in one species previously. Glyphosate resistance in the two populations is to the result of gene duplication mediated by eccDNA. Spanish and North American eccDNAs showed complete identity, with no single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found between the partial analyzed sequences of noncoding regions.

CONCLUSION: We confirm for the first time in Europe resistance to ALS and EPSPS inhibitors at both the population and individual levels in two Spanish A. palmeri populations. The absence of SNPs in the eccDNA from Spanish populations compared to the reference American sequence and the presence of target-site mutations in the ALS gene occurred without selective pressure from ALS herbicides, suggests that the origin of resistance traits may have evolved elsewhere and been introduced from the place of origin to Spain. However, it is important to note that the limited number of populations studied and the partial sequencing of eccDNA do not provide definitive confirmation of the exact origins of resistance mechanisms. This work raises concerns about the arrival of this and potentially other new herbicide-resistant A. palmeri populations in Europe posing challenges for management. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

*Amaranthus/genetics/drug effects
*Herbicide Resistance/genetics
*Herbicides/pharmacology
Spain
Acetolactate Synthase/genetics/antagonists & inhibitors
Glyphosate
Glycine/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology
3-Phosphoshikimate 1-Carboxyvinyltransferase/antagonists & inhibitors/genetics
Plant Weeds/genetics/drug effects
Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40488342,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, L and He, J and Zhang, R and Liu, W and Wan, W and Ge, S and Xue, H and Li, X},
title = {Genomic assembly and resequencing of the mango seed weevil Sternochetus mangiferae (Fabricius) provide insights into host adaptation and invasion control.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {10},
pages = {6161-6176},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8956},
pmid = {40488342},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2023YFC2605200//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023HK051//Science & Technology Fund from General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China/ ; 2022HK141//Science & Technology Fund from General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China/ ; 2024HK176//Science & Technology Fund from General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China/ ; 2023IOZ0104//Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils/genetics/physiology ; *Mangifera/growth & development ; *Genome, Insect ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sternochetus mangiferae (Fabricius) is a monophagous beetle that exclusively feeds on mango seeds and is recognized as one of the most destructive quarantine pests worldwide. Despite its considerable ecological and economic impacts, the genomic basis underpinning its host specialization and invasion potential remains poorly understood.

RESULTS: A high-quality genomic assembly was generated, totaling 701.87 Mb with a contig N50 of 3.57 Mb, an Illumina read mapping rate of 98.95%, and a BUSCO score of 98.70%. Comparative genomic analyses revealed extensive adaptive remodeling across specific genes and gene families, elucidating the genomic basis of cryptic host adaptation and monophagous feeding. Positive selection signals were identified in key genes associated with chemoperception and detoxification, including ionotropic receptors (Zam04533.t1 and Zam07460.t1), phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (Zam06212.t1), and ABC transporters [Zam09905.t1 (ABCB) and Zam06853.t1 (ABCG)]. Contractions were observed in gene families involved in chemosensory perception, such as gustatory receptors and odorant receptors, and detoxification-related genes, including GSTs, carboxyl/cholinesterases, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, consistent with adaptation to a concealed ecological niche. Conversely, expansions in plant cell wall degrading enzymes, such as pectinase CE8 and cellulases GH45, likely enhanced the efficient digestion of mango seeds. Resequencing of 104 globally intercepted individuals from 51 countries across 5 continents revealed weak population genetic structure and low genetic diversity, shaped by adaptive constraints and human-mediated dispersal associated with the globe mango trade.

CONCLUSION: This study established a genome framework linking chemosensory perception, detoxification, and plant cell wall degradation to host-specific adaptation of S. mangiferae, reinforcing the critical role of quarantine in limiting its global invasion. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
*Weevils/genetics/physiology
*Mangifera/growth & development
*Genome, Insect
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40947447,
year = {2025},
author = {Kobeletskaya, MA and Temereva, EN},
title = {First Description of Typhlosole in Ascidian Styela clava: Structure and Putative Function.},
journal = {Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40947447},
issn = {1608-3105},
abstract = {The ascidian Styela clava is an invasive species that easily colonizes new water areas and has a wide distribution. A previously undescribed typhlosole was discovered in S. clava and studied using histological techniques, transmission electron microscopy and computer microtomography. The typhlosole is a large fold of the dorsal intestinal wall that starts in the lower quarter of the stomach and continues to the rectum. Its shape varies greatly: from a rounded protrusion to a spirally twisted fold. The typhlosole is formed by the intestinal epithelium and a thick connective tissue layer, in which pyloric tubules and blood vessels are extended. The epithelium consists of glandular, ciliated, and nonciliated cells demonstrating apocrine secretion. The typhlosole intensifies the food digestion and absorption of nutrients. The features observed in the typhlosole may contribute to a high digestion efficiency even in low-productive waters, determining the biological success of this species.},
}

@article {pmid40943528,
year = {2025},
author = {Wieczorek, K and Chłond, D and Durak, R and Elliot, M and Endrestøl, A and Van der Palen, J and Borowiak-Sobkowiak, B and Sawka-Gądek, N},
title = {Tracing the Invasion of Takecallis nigroantennatus (Hemiptera, Aphididae) on Cold-Hardy Bamboo Fargesia Using Mitochondrial COI Data.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {17},
pages = {},
pmid = {40943528},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics/classification ; *Introduced Species ; *Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Haplotypes ; Europe ; },
abstract = {The introduction of alien insect species is increasingly facilitated by global plant trade, particularly through the movement of ornamental plants. Takecallis nigroantennatus, a host-specific aphid associated with cold-hardy Fargesia bamboo, has recently expanded its range in Europe. To examine its invasion dynamics, we conducted a population-level survey across 13 locations in six countries, sampling individuals from botanic and private gardens, specialized bamboo nurseries, garden centers, and urban horticultural environments in the UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and Norway. A total of 117 specimens were analyzed using mitochondrial COI sequences, revealing a single dominant haplotype without geographic structure based on Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses. This striking genetic uniformity indicates a narrow introduction bottleneck, suggesting a single or highly restricted introduction event followed by clonal spread. Despite the species' ability for sexual reproduction, the data support a founder effect and rapid recent expansion closely linked to the introduction history of Fargesia in Europe. The results are also consistent with a possible time lag between the arrival of ornamental bamboo and the subsequent establishment of its associated herbivore, a scenario that warrants further investigation. Importantly, our study provides a practical framework for applied monitoring and early detection in bamboo nurseries, botanical gardens, and other high-risk introduction sites, illustrating how molecular tools can inform biosecurity and the management of emerging invasive species.},
}

Animals
*Aphids/genetics/classification
*Introduced Species
*Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Phylogeny
Haplotypes
Europe

@article {pmid40943188,
year = {2025},
author = {Stafiniak, M and Makowski, W and Matkowski, A and Bielecka, M},
title = {Stabilizing the Baseline: Reference Gene Evaluation in Three Invasive Reynoutria Species.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {17},
pages = {},
pmid = {40943188},
issn = {1422-0067},
abstract = {Accurate normalization is crucial for reliable gene expression quantification and depends on stably expressed housekeeping genes (HKGs) as internal controls. However, HKGs expression varies with developmental stage, tissue type, and treatments, potentially introducing bias and compromising data accuracy. Thus, validating candidate reference genes under defined conditions is essential. Reynoutria, also known as giant Asian knotweeds, is a Polygonaceae family genus of several medicinal plants producing a diverse array of specialized metabolites of pharmacological interest. Outside their native range, these plants are also noxious invasive weeds, causing significant environmental and economic threats. Research on stable reference genes in these species is limited, with a primary focus on R. japonica. To enable accurate gene expression analysis related to specialized metabolism and natural product biosynthesis, we aimed to identify the most stable reference genes across the most common species: R. japonica Houtt., R. sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai, and their hybrid-R. × bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková. In this study, we evaluated twelve candidate HKGs (ACT, TUA, TUB, GAPDH, EF-1γ, UBQ, UBC, 60SrRNA, eIF6A, SKD1, YLS8, and NDUFA13) across three tissue types (rhizomes, leaves, and flowers) from three Reynoutria species sampled at peak flowering. Primer specificity and amplification efficiency were confirmed through standard-curve analysis. We assessed expression stability using ΔCt, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper, and generated comprehensive rankings with RefFinder. Our integrated analysis revealed organ- and species-dependent stability differences, yet identified up to three reference genes suitable for interspecific normalization in Reynoutria. This represents the first systematic, comparative validation of HKGs across closely related knotweed species, providing a robust foundation for future transcriptomic and functional studies of their specialized metabolism and other biological processes.},
}

@article {pmid40943054,
year = {2025},
author = {Cao, JJ and Wang, HW and Fu, JG and Wan, FH and Guo, JY and Wang, R},
title = {Dynamic Genetic Changes Reveal: Intra-Lineage Diversity, Not Admixture, Explains Amaranthus palmeri's Success in China.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {17},
pages = {},
pmid = {40943054},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {32272569, 32402403, 31471827//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFC2601100, 2022YFC2601000, 2021YFC2600400//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Global trade facilitates multiple introductions of alien species, yet the role of genetic admixture between divergent lineages in driving invasion success remains debated. Here, we address this question by analyzing dynamic genetic changes across invasion stages in the dioecious weed Amaranthus palmeri, introduced to China from North and South America. Combining chloroplast phylogeography with nuclear genetic analyses, we systematically investigated genetic changes in populations at casual, naturalized, invasive, and dispersal stages. Initial casual populations originated from distinct North and South American lineages, but all established populations (naturalized, invasive, dispersal) retained only North American haplotypes. South American genetic introgression decreased progressively during invasion (from 34% in naturalized to 3% in dispersal populations), accompanied by declining inbreeding coefficients. Established populations exhibited high inter-population crosses within the North American lineage (54-60%), maintaining genetic diversity and overcoming bottlenecks. Our findings demonstrate that invasion success in A. palmeri may be driven by gene flow within the North American lineage, rather than admixture between divergent lineages. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underpinning plant invasions, highlighting lineage-specific management as a critical strategy for controlling invasive populations.},
}

@article {pmid40942127,
year = {2025},
author = {Vo, HV and Satyal, P and Vo, TT and Le, TT and Nguyen, AT and Vu, HT and Nguyen, TT and Nguyen, HH and Setzer, WN},
title = {Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. Essential Oils from Central Vietnam.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules30173602},
pmid = {40942127},
issn = {1420-3049},
abstract = {The chemical composition of leaf essential oil of the harmful invasive species Chromolaena odorata collected in Vietnam was analyzed by GC/MS and chiral GC. All three essential oil samples (O1, O2 and O3) in this study fell into chemotype I characterized by α-pinene/geigerene/germacrene D/(E)-β-caryophyllene from a total of six different chemotypes. Chemotype I demonstrated larvicidal effects against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), Aedes albopictus Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), Culex fuscocephala (Theobald, 1907) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), with 24 h LC50 values ranging from 11.73 to 69.87 µg/mL. In contrast, its microemulsion formulation exhibited enhanced toxicity, yielding 24 h LC50 values between 11.16 and 32.43 µg/mL. This chemotype also showed repellent efficacy against Ae. aegypti, with protection times ranging from 70.75 to 122.7 min. Fumigant toxicity was observed against Aedes aegypti, with LC50 values of 40.27% at 0.5 h and 0.34% at 24 h. Molluscicidal activity was recorded with 48 h LC50 values between 3.82 and 54.38 µg/mL against Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes, 1833), Pomacea canaliculate (Lamarck, 1822), Physa acuta (Draparnaud, 1805). Additionally, the chemotype exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 70.85 µg/mL. Antimicrobial potential was also demonstrated, with MIC values ranging from 2.0 to 128.0 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Candida albicans. The C. odorata essential oil can be considered as a potential bioresource for human health protection strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40941945,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Zhao, J and Jiang, L and Han, X and Zhu, Y},
title = {Predicting the Potential Suitable Habitat of Solanum rostratum in China Using the Biomod2 Ensemble Modeling Framework.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14172779},
pmid = {40941945},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {CAFYBB2023MA018, CAFYBB2024ZA008//Fundamental Research Funds of CAF/ ; 32201628//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022EEDSKIZDZX012-2//Major Science and Technology Project of Ordos City/ ; 2023040014228//Changning Bamboo Sea National Nature Reserve Master Plan Project/ ; },
abstract = {Solanum rostratum Dunal is a highly invasive species with strong environmental adaptability and reproductive capacity, posing serious threats to agroforestry ecosystems and human health. In this study, we compiled occurrence records of S. rostratum in China from online databases and sources in the literature. We employed the Biomod2 ensemble modeling framework to predict the potential distribution of the species under current climatic conditions and four future climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585), and to identify the key environmental variables influencing its distribution. The ensemble model based on the committee averaging (EMca) approach achieved the highest predictive accuracy, with a true skill statistic (TSS) of 0.932 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.990. Under present climatic conditions, S. rostratum is predominantly distributed across northern China, particularly in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and the northeastern provinces, covering a total suitable area of 1,191,586.55 km[2], with highly suitable habitats accounting for 50.37% of this range. Under future climate scenarios, the species' suitable range is projected to expand significantly, particularly under the high-emissions SSP585 scenario, with the distribution centroid expected to shift significantly toward high-altitude regions in Gansu Province. Precipitation and temperature emerged as the most influential environmental factors affecting habitat suitability. These findings indicate that ongoing global warming may facilitate the survival, reproduction, and rapid spread of S. rostratum across China in the coming decades.},
}

@article {pmid40941907,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiao, C and Ye, J and Zhang, H and Qin, Y and Yan, R and Xu, G and Zhou, H},
title = {Assessment of Habitat Suitability for the Invasive Vine Sicyos angulatus Under Current and Future Climate Change Scenarios.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14172745},
pmid = {40941907},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2022YFF1300505//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023JJ60541 and 2024JJ8297//Hunan Natural Science Foundation-Departmental Joint Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Sicyos angulatus L. is a rapidly spreading invasive alien vine that threatens natural and agricultural ecosystems globally. We collected occurrence data from 4886 sites and applied the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to assess current and future habitat suitability for S. angulatus. Future climate conditions were represented by low and high greenhouse gas concentrations under representative concentration pathways (i.e., RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, respectively). The MaxEnt model accurately predicted the distribution of S. angulatus, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the receiver operating characteristic test reached 0.921. Among the 19 climatic variables investigated, the best predictors for the distribution of S. angulatus were the precipitation in the driest month (with a contribution of 37.4%), annual precipitation (26.8%), average annual temperature (18.1%), and temperature seasonality (14.9%). Currently, the most suitable areas cover the central and eastern United States, parts of southern Europe, most Japanese islands, the majority of the Korean Peninsula, and eastern China, with a total area of 180.3 × 10[4] km[2] (1.2% of the Earth's land area). During the 2050s and 2090s under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, the most suitable regions worldwide are projected to expand by factors of 1.0 and 2.2, respectively. In particular, suitable areas might expand to higher-latitude regions and encompass previously unsuitable areas, such as Liaoning Province in Northeast China. These findings may aid in the surveillance and management of S. angulatus' invasion globally.},
}

@article {pmid40941805,
year = {2025},
author = {Ye, X and Gu, C and Meng, J and Wu, M},
title = {Differences in the Response of Invasive Solidago canadensis and Native Imperata cylindrica to Glyphosate.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14172640},
pmid = {40941805},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {32171516//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LTGS23C030002//Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Exotic invasive plant species can cause biodiversity loss by outcompeting and replacing native species. Herbicides are commonly used to control invasive plants owing to their low cost and high efficiency. However, herbicide use can have unintended effects on co-occurring native plant species by altering the competitive balance. We studied how herbicide application modifies the competition between an invasive and a native species. We examined the effects of applying glyphosate on the mortality, photosynthetic capacity, and growth of Solidago canadensis, an aggressive invasive species, and Imperata cylindrica, a native species that commonly co-occurs with S. canadensis. We also studied how applying glyphosate affected the competition between these species. Various glyphosate concentrations were applied to the two species grown either together or separately. The mortality rate increased while the photosynthetic capacity and growth decreased with increasing glyphosate concentration. Increasing the glyphosate concentration more negatively affected the parameters of I. cylindrica than those of S. canadensis. Plant growth, especially that of I. cylindrica, was more restricted by intraspecific competition than by interspecific competition as the glyphosate concentration increased. Furthermore, the relative competitive potential of the native species decreased with increasing glyphosate concentration. S. canadensis is more tolerant of glyphosate, which enhances its competitive advantage and hinders the proliferation, reintroduction, and success of native plant species. Future studies should focus on developing techniques to mitigate the negative impacts of invasive plant species, for example, via optimizing methods of spraying herbicides.},
}

@article {pmid40941776,
year = {2025},
author = {Yousefi, AR and Babaei, S and Nosratti, I and Zeidali, E and Babaei, M and Asadi Oskouei, E and Saberi, H and Redhu, M and Sadeghpour, A},
title = {Emerging Invasive Weeds in Iran: Occurrence, Ecological Impacts, and Sustainable Management.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14172611},
pmid = {40941776},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Invasive weeds pose a growing threat to global biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and agricultural productivity with significant ecological and economic consequences. In Iran, the rapid spread of invasive species such as Boreava orientalis, Azolla spp., Ibicella lutea, Physalis divaricata, Picnomon acarna, Cynanchum acutum, Vicia hyrcanica, Eichhornia crassipes, and Ambrosia psilostachya has severely affected native ecosystems, disrupted ecological processes, and threatened food security. These species exhibit aggressive traits such as rapid maturity, high reproductive rates, seed dormancy, and allelopathy that enable them to outcompete native species and successfully invade and dominate delicate habitats. Despite their documented impacts, a critical gap remains in understanding their biology, ecology, and management, particularly in understudied regions like Iran. This review synthesizes current knowledge on major invasive weeds affecting Iranian agroecosystems, with a focus on their ecological impacts and the urgent need for sustainable management strategies. It presents an integrated framework that combines ecological, biological, and management perspectives to address invasiveness, particularly in highly adaptable species like B. orientalis and A. psilostachya. This review highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced technology, and community involvement in developing effective strategies. It offers practical guidance for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders, serving as a model for managing invasive species in other vulnerable regions. Ultimately, it supports global efforts to safeguard biodiversity, improve crop productivity, and strengthen ecological resilience against the growing threat of invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40941388,
year = {2025},
author = {Wróblewski, P and Maciaszek, R and Świderek, W},
title = {Pinchy Business: Poland's Ornamental Crayfish Trade in 2024.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15172594},
pmid = {40941388},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {The aquarium trade is one of the main pathways for the introduction of non-native freshwater species. Such species include crayfish, which are valued ornamental animals commonly kept in aquaria. Some crayfish have been released into the environment, becoming invasive alien species. Due to the threat they pose to biodiversity and related ecosystem services, they have been subject to legal restrictions as invasive alien species of Union concern. In Poland, examples of species that have entered aquatic ecosystems this way include red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii and the marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis. Given the highly developed aquarium pet trade in Poland, a detailed analysis of the availability of crayfish in the pet trade was conducted. This study examines the presence and sale of crayfish at locations at zoological trade fairs, shops, and online marketplaces in Poland. Additionally, pricing, the volume of imported crayfish, and their welfare in the year 2024 are presented. Crayfish were recorded in all surveyed locations. In shops and zoological trade fairs, five crayfish species were recorded, including the invasive alien species P. clarkii and C. destructor. Online advertising platforms featured 15 crayfish species, of which four were invasive alien species. Cambarellus patcuarensis was the most commonly sold species in all examined places. Crayfish were often kept in poor condition. Furthermore, many sellers probably disguised the species of crayfish being sold illegally. This work shows that trade in invasive alien crayfish species is still widespread in Poland.},
}

@article {pmid40936771,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramírez-Alvarez, D and Li, X},
title = {Estimating density of native carnivores in central Chile landscapes using a simulated movement model, cameratrapR: insights on their potential exotic prey dietary subsidy.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19946},
pmid = {40936771},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Species-specific density is an essential parameter for evaluating population stability and ecosystem health. We estimate the population density of native carnivores, South American gray and culpeo foxes (Lycalopex spp.), guiña (Leopardus guigna) and Andes skunk (Conepatus chinga), in central Chile, inferring on the potential influence of the availability of introduced exotic prey on their population dynamics.

METHODS: Monitoring with camera traps was conducted from March 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, across three distinct landscapes representative of the coastal mountain range of central Chile: Mediterranean coastal thorn forest, Mediterranean coastal sclerophyllous forest, and exotic monoculture tree plantations. We estimated density using an R package, cameratrapR, where animal movement was simulated using a correlated random walk within the camera grids. Simulations were run for a range of numbers of individuals, representing a gradient of population densities. We matched these results and the observed photo records using a machine learning algorithm, random forest, thereby estimating population density and its 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: A total of 10,046 trap days resulted in 9,120 photographs of carnivores, with 3,888 independent records. Our findings indicate that Lycalopex spp. are the carnivore species with the highest population density in central Chile (4.1-4.8 individuals/km[2]). Furthermore, their density was higher in the exotic monoculture tree plantation ecotype compared to native forests, suggesting a dietary subsidy from non-native prey. We report the first population density estimates for Conepatus chinga (1.8-2.2 individuals/km[2]) and Leopardus guigna (0.7-1.3 individuals/km[2]) in the three landscapes, showing different habitat preferences and resource availabilities across landscapes. The results highlight the complex interactions between carnivores and their environments, particularly the role of exotic introduced species as prey items in shaping native carnivore populations. These findings also provide insights into carnivore adaptability and the implications for biodiversity conservation.},
}

@article {pmid40936364,
year = {2025},
author = {Evans, AE and Pfadenhauer, WG and Buonaiuto, DM and Fertakos, ME and Brown-Lima, CJ and Morelli, TL},
title = {The future of biocontrol in the Anthropocene: A review of climate change impacts on biocontrol agents and their targets.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {6},
pages = {e70088},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70088},
pmid = {40936364},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {G22AC00156//Powell Center/ ; 1938059//National Science Foundation GRFP/ ; G19AC00091//USGS Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center/ ; G21AC10233-01//USGS Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center/ ; //Lotta Crabtree Trust/ ; DE-SC0014664//Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)/ ; },
abstract = {Biological control, the practice of using one species (biocontrol agent) to control the population of another (a host or prey species, hereafter target), can be a successful method to reduce pest species in agricultural and natural systems worldwide. Successful biocontrol agents often share a deep evolutionary history with their targets that results in high target specificity and synchronized phenology. However, with rapidly changing climatic conditions, users of biocontrol agents have questioned how climate change will affect both well-established and more recent biological control relationships. Using a meta-analysis of data collected from a systematic literature review, we evaluated the evidence for the impact of changing temperatures on the efficacy of biocontrol agents and corresponding responses in their targets. Overall, most studies of climate change impacts on biocontrol agents take place in the laboratory and focus on arthropod agents that are parasitoids. Results from our meta-analysis reveal that changes in temperature are projected to impact biocontrol agents and their targets similarly, with no overall significant changes to biocontrol agent or target performance. However, our results also show that temperature responses vary widely across study systems, as illustrated by case studies showing both positive, neutral, and negative effects of temperature on biocontrol agent efficacy, as well as variation in responses across the three core biological control measures of success: survival, reproduction, and efficacy. Our work highlights important knowledge gaps including how climate change will affect both biocontrol agents and their targets simultaneously. Additionally, we find that most current studies of climate impacts examined temperature relationships, predominantly of agricultural biocontrol agents. Increasing the breadth of studies is crucial for understanding the potential for climate change to affect the success of current and future biological control programs.},
}

@article {pmid40936294,
year = {2025},
author = {Oberle, B and Bustetter, S and Continentino, L and Smith, T and Frank, G and Robison, M and Clingo, S and Cole, P and Hall, B and Jefferis, C and Scott, M and Setterberg, C and Sherrod, S and Gardiner, JM},
title = {Community-ecosystem interactions control plant biodiversity change before and after mangrove restoration.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {6},
pages = {e70100},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70100},
pmid = {40936294},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {MX 00D680-18/6207//U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/ ; //Cross-College Alliance Environmental Discovery Awards Program (Restoration and Recovery of Estuarine Ecosystems)/ ; },
abstract = {Restoring biological diversity and ecosystem function requires understanding how introduced species interact with one another and their environments. The most prevalent and challenging scenarios involve multiple invasive species whose traits feed back through ecosystem processes. However, research into these systems often focuses on either community dynamics or ecosystem properties, rather than on their interactions, limiting understanding of what causes biodiversity changes before and after restoration. Leveraging insights from theory and management of single-species invasions driven by feedback between plant litter and germination success, we documented the structure of a disturbed mangrove ecosystem and tested causal hypotheses for community and ecosystem change both in microcosms and across the landscape. Before restoration, competing Schinus terebinthifolia, Casuarina spp., and Cupaniopsis anacardioides generated litter that facilitated the dominance of Cupaniopsis seedlings. After experimental restoration, seedling cover and richness increased only when removing invasive trees and their litter, supporting interacting community and ecosystem effects as the primary drivers of biodiversity change. Effective restoration of multiply invaded ecosystems is possible when simple interventions follow causal hypotheses supported by theoretical mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40935520,
year = {2025},
author = {Zanon, FM and Stabile, BHM and Campos, BM and de Lima, ÉO and Sampaio, MJA and de Souza, YR and Tolardo, LR and Gomes, MK and de Moraes, LSC and Hein, GS and da Silva, JD and Pinha, LDS and Santana, LO and Albuquerque, M and da Silva, V and Bredariol, JV and da Silva, GAL and da Silva, GD and Ferreira, AAA and Esser, LF and da Silva, VFB and Lima, MR and Ré, R and Bailly, D and Rodrigues, LC},
title = {Climate change will boost the invasion of the harmful cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii in South America.},
journal = {Harmful algae},
volume = {149},
number = {},
pages = {102957},
doi = {10.1016/j.hal.2025.102957},
pmid = {40935520},
issn = {1878-1470},
abstract = {The invasive cyanobacterium species Raphidiopsis raciborskii was first recorded in the Indo-Malaysian region in 1899, and studies currently report its presence in tropical, subtropical, and temperate environments around the world. In addition to its plasticity in colonizing new environments, R. raciborskii deserves attention for its ability to produce saxitoxin and cylindrospermopsin, which can cause the death of aquatic organisms and harm human health. In this work, we assessed the effect of global climate change towards the end of this century on the potential expansion of R. raciborskii using ecological niche models (ENMs). We applied a set of machine learning algorithms within the ensemble prediction approach to estimate the potential distribution of the species in South America under projected climate change, considering different carbon emission scenarios. In the moderate scenario, the northern Amazon basin, the southern Orinoco basin, and part of the North Atlantic basin showed increased environmental suitability for the species. In the pessimistic scenario, the basin with the greatest increase in suitability was the Paraná-Paraguay basin. Several basins remained highly suitable in both current and future scenarios, especially in Brazil. This study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on the distribution of the invasive species R. raciborskii. South American countries must implement monitoring measures to assess the expansion of blooms of this species, as well as government actions to control water quality, given the strong impact of these organisms on biodiversity and ecosystem services.},
}

@article {pmid40933664,
year = {2024},
author = {Fuke, Y},
title = {Commentary: Integrative Taxonomy Reveals Freshwater Shrimp Diversity (Decapoda: Atyidae: Neocaridina) from Kyushu and Southern Honshu of Japan, with a Discussion on Introduced Species.},
journal = {Zoological studies},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {e53},
pmid = {40933664},
issn = {1810-522X},
abstract = {Shih et al. (2024) reported on the detection of Neocaridina species in Japan and their morphological characteristics in Zoological Studies. Eleven taxa were identified based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis and morphological examination. Among these, they identified two taxa that formed sister groups: N. denticulata and N. davidi, which are primarily found in Japan and China. In this commentary, I argue that both species are actually N. davidi. This conclusion was previously drawn by Onuki and Fuke (2022) based on their examination of genome-wide SNPs, mtDNA, and morphological data. The doubts raised about this identification represent a serious issue in terms of conservation, as N. denticulata is a native species, whereas N. davidi is considered an invasive alien species in Japan. Two likely reasons for this misidentification are the oversight of previous studies and the inability to account for the effects of interspecific and intraspecific hybridization. Inaccurate or unsubstantiated identifications pose significant challenges to taxonomy and conservation, underscoring the need for research grounded in reliable methods and well-characterized specimens.},
}

@article {pmid40933617,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Y and Tian, J and Zheng, S and Zheng, P and Chen, J and Zhou, K and Wang, W},
title = {The mitochondrial genome of an invasive hydromedusa: Cladonema digitatum Fang et al., 2022 (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa).},
journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {932-936},
pmid = {40933617},
issn = {2380-2359},
abstract = {This study presents the first mitochondrial genome (16,342 bp) of the invasive species Cladonema digitatum Fang et al., 2022, revealing a conserved Capitata-like gene arrangement, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, and two tRNA genes, along with a duplicated pseudo-cox1 fragment. Phylogenetic analysis robustly supported C. digitatum and Cladonema multiramosum as reciprocally monophyletic mitogenome lineages, forming a robust clade sister to Cladonema pacificum. This topology supports the morphological dichotomy between the Cladonema radiatum-like lineage (filiform tentacles, gastric pouches) and C. pacificum-like species. These findings contribute a critical genomic resource for advancing the understanding of medusozoan phylogeny.},
}

@article {pmid40931201,
year = {2025},
author = {Carroll, EP and Held, DW and Turley, NE and Bruckner, S},
title = {Crape myrtle bark scale Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Coccidae: Eriococcidae) infestation seasonally alters the insect biodiversity on crape myrtle trees.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {207},
number = {10},
pages = {155},
pmid = {40931201},
issn = {1432-1939},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; Seasons ; *Hemiptera/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Trees ; },
abstract = {Understanding changes to local communities brought about by biological invasions is important for conserving biodiversity and maintaining environmental stability. Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) are a diverse group of insects well known for their invasion potential and ability to modify local abundance of multiple insect groups. Here, we tested how the presence of crape myrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, CMBS), an invasive felt scale species, seasonally impacted local insect abundance, biodiversity, and community structure on crape myrtle trees. Our field surveys showed that CMBS-infested trees had seasonal changes to local insect abundance and family-level richness, and inverse Simpson's diversity relative to non-infested trees. CMBS infestation resulted in a decrease in community evenness on crape myrtle trees. Community compositions of insect visitors were distinct between infested and non-infested trees. CMBS-infested trees had greater seasonal abundances of Coccinellidae, Vespidae, Dolichopodidae, and Muscidae. Two of the families (Coccinellidae, Vespidae) that responded most strongly to CMBS infestation were dominated by non-native species. Our results show that CMBS-infested trees acted as resource hubs for natural enemies and carbohydrate scavengers, resulting in uneven communities shaped by a few highly responsive taxa. The temporal dynamics of these effects support CMBS as an ecological catalyst, reshaping urban insect communities and highlight its potential for facilitating invasion cascades in anthropogenic habitats. These results emphasize the importance of fine-scale temporal monitoring for understanding and mitigating the ecological impacts of introduced scale insects in urban environments.},
}

Animals
*Biodiversity
Seasons
*Hemiptera/physiology
Introduced Species
Trees

@article {pmid40927318,
year = {2025},
author = {Hunter, C and Bower, DS and Peters, RA and Spencer, RJ and Pizzatto, L and Van Dyke, JU},
title = {Mitigating Fox Predation on Freshwater Turtle Nests: Comparing Effectiveness of Three In Situ Protection Methods.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e72121},
pmid = {40927318},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Freshwater turtles in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), Australia, have declined since the 1970s. Intense nest predation by introduced foxes likely contributes to these declines, disrupting juvenile recruitment needed to sustain populations. Traditional lethal control methods, such as baiting and shooting, have proven inadequate, highlighting the need for innovative conservation strategies. We tested three nest protection methods-fenced nesting beaches, artificial floating islands (artificial nesting habitat), and individual mesh covers-for reducing fox predation. Using artificial turtle nests across protected and unprotected plots, we monitored nest predation with remote cameras and confirmed nest status through excavation. On average, nest predation was lowest on artificial islands (17%), followed by fences (37%) and mesh (40%). All protection methods significantly reduced depredation compared to unprotected controls (85% destroyed). Unprotected nests were almost exclusively depredated by foxes, while protected nests saw more predation from native animals. Native predator species did not differ among protection treatments. Our findings underscore the potential for artificial floating islands as a valuable conservation tool. Further research into optimizing nest protection and understanding ecological impacts is critical for improving recruitment and reversing declines of freshwater turtle species.},
}

@article {pmid40926798,
year = {2025},
author = {Sota, V and Nacheva, L and Bošnjak, D and Abraham, E and Jevremović, S and Cvjetković, B and Galović, V and Jevremović, D and Marković, Z and Kongjika, E and Bogunović, S and Zeljković, S and Andonovski, V and Daničić, V and Vujović, T},
title = {Unveiling the Balkans' advances: In vitro biotechnology of woody plants in the early 21[st] century.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1586013},
pmid = {40926798},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {The Balkan Peninsula is a European biodiversity hotspot, home to 6,500 native vascular plant species, many of which are endemic. The region has diverse range of climates and complex topography, creating conditions that suit many woody ornamental, fruit, and forest species. Nevertheless, climate change, habitat destruction, invasive species, plant diseases, and agricultural practices threaten natural ecosystems and cultivated species. Many Balkan countries have addressed these challenges using advanced biotechnological approaches, including micropropagation, in vitro conservation, and in vitro selection for stress-tolerant genotypes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of in vitro plant biotechnology progress in the Balkan countries from the beginning of the 21[st] century to the present, with a focus on woody horticultural and forest species. The primary objectives of scientific research include optimizing media composition for all components and micropropagation stages, as well as effective initial explant selection. In addition, temporary immersion bioreactors, synthetic seed technology, and cryopreservation techniques have been explored to enhance plant production and conservation. Scientific research for woody ornamentals and fruit tree species has progressed in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, and Serbia while remaining limited in other Balkan countries. Forest tree production research is currently conducted in Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia, with labs focusing on micropropagation and ex situ conservation. In addition to advances in scientific research, several commercial companies operate in the Balkans, with establishments in Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, that produce in vitro-derived planting material for fruit trees and woody ornamental plants. Despite this progress, research in the Balkan countries remains fragmented, emphasizing the need to strengthen regional collaboration and knowledge exchange to promote agricultural development processes and biotechnological applications in this region. This review represents the first exploration of this topic in the Balkans and successfully unites researchers from several countries. It highlights key scientific advances in in vitro biotechnology for woody plants, identifies challenges, and proposes solutions. The value of interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized through the optimization of in vitro methodologies, the promotion of germplasm conservation, and the sustainable use of plant genetic resources in the Balkans.},
}

@article {pmid40583217,
year = {2025},
author = {Richarson, MRA and Ingram, T},
title = {Effects of competition and predation risk from a life history intraguild predator on individual specialisation.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {9},
pages = {1811-1822},
pmid = {40583217},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {UoO1409//Marsden Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Competitive Behavior ; New Zealand ; *Perches/physiology ; *Food Chain ; Diet/veterinary ; Life History Traits ; Ecosystem ; Male ; Population Dynamics ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Individuals can deploy a variety of ecological and behavioural strategies to obtain resources, often using only a subset of the total resource diversity used by their population. This phenomenon of individual specialisation (IS) is nearly ubiquitous across taxa and has the potential to affect population dynamics and ecosystem processes. Pairwise antagonistic interactions such as competition and predation can influence the degree of IS in a population, but little is known about the combined effects of multiple simultaneous interaction types between species, including intraguild predation (competition and predation from a single antagonist). We address this gap by asking how the combination of competition and predation risk from an invasive intraguild predator-Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis-impacts the degree of dietary and habitat IS in a native New Zealand fish, the common bully Gobiomorphus cotidianus. Bullies exhibit a generalised diet at the population level and compete for benthic and pelagic prey with juvenile perch, while also being subject to predation by larger perch. We used a mesocosm experiment to explore how competition from young-of-year perch and perceived predation risk from sub-adult perch influence IS within bully populations. Over a 3-month period, we monitored individual habitat use and used serial gastric lavage to sample time-integrated individual diets. We found that the presence of juvenile perch was associated with a decrease in dietary IS associated with a shift to more benthic feeding, while habitat IS was affected by an antagonistic interaction between competition and predation whereby presence of small perch negated a negative effect of large perch on IS. This study demonstrates the importance of considering multiple interaction types when evaluating how interspecific interactions influence individual variation within populations.},
}

Animals
*Predatory Behavior
*Competitive Behavior
New Zealand
*Perches/physiology
*Food Chain
Diet/veterinary
Life History Traits
Ecosystem
Male
Population Dynamics
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40539441,
year = {2025},
author = {Cuthbert, RN},
title = {Hybridisation primes population invasiveness under environmental change.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {9},
pages = {1618-1621},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70074},
pmid = {40539441},
issn = {1365-2656},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; *Amphipoda/physiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {Research Highlight: Jermacz, Ł., Podwysocki, K., Desiderato, A., Bącela-Spychalska, K., Rewicz, T., Szczerkowska, E., Augustyniak, M., Gjoni, V., & Kobak, J. (2025). The same species, not the same invader: Metabolic responses of genetically distinct invasive populations of Dikerogammarus villosus (Sowinsky, 1894) and their intraspecific hybrid to environmental stresses. Journal of Animal Ecology, in press. Biological invasions are a major global environmental change that has contributed to most anthropogenic extinction events while costing trillions. Invasiveness and impact assessments are often done at the species level; however, there is growing recognition that intraspecific population-level differences can be profound, especially in response to environmental gradients. Jermacz et al. (2025) employ a series of experiments to compare physiological responses between two populations of a high-impact invasive amphipod, the 'killer shrimp' Dikerogammarus villosus, under stresses associated with climate change. Moreover, they assess the performance of intraspecific hybrids between the populations, which are expected to converge in future along their separate invasion routes from the Ponto-Caspian region. The main finding in their study is that-alongside differences in physiological performance between the two populations-their intraspecific hybrids exhibit significant performance advantages under environmental stress. The increased genetic diversity and phenotypic capacity afforded through hybridisation between distinct invasive populations could be a mechanism that bolsters invasion success under climate change. These findings have implications for fundamentally understanding and practically managing invasive populations in changing environments.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
*Hybridization, Genetic
*Amphipoda/physiology/genetics

@article {pmid40492297,
year = {2025},
author = {Jermacz, Ł and Podwysocki, K and Desiderato, A and Bącela-Spychalska, K and Rewicz, T and Szczerkowska-Majchrzak, E and Augustyniak, M and Gjoni, V and Kobak, J},
title = {The same species, not the same invader: Metabolic responses of genetically distinct invasive populations of Dikerogammarus villosus and their intraspecific hybrid to environmental stresses.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {9},
pages = {1665-1679},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70072},
pmid = {40492297},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {2018/31/D/NZ8/03061//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2020/39/D/NZ8/01226//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Amphipoda/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; Climate Change ; *Stress, Physiological ; Temperature ; Basal Metabolism ; Poland ; },
abstract = {Climate change has a profound impact on ectotherms, which suffer suboptimum thermal conditions in their native areas or spread to previously unavailable locations. However, it is often neglected that responses to environmental changes are likely at a population level, rather than a species-specific phenomenon. Two groups (Western and Eastern) of the invasive Ponto-Caspian amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus independently spread in Europe from two geographically isolated and genetically distinct source populations living in the Danube and Dnieper deltas, respectively. They are expected to meet in the near future in Polish inland waters. This makes this species a perfect model to investigate the intraspecific variability in responses to environmental changes as well as the effects of hybridisation between different genetic units on invasiveness. We scaled maximal metabolic rate (MMR), standard metabolic rate (SMR) and aerobic scope (AS, a measure of physiological performance) of D. villosus at different temperatures (15 and 25°C) and oxygen levels (9.5 or 7.5 mg/L at a temperature of 15 and 25°C, respectively, and 5.5 mg/L at both temperatures) to test for differences in responses to environmental changes among the distinct invasive groups and their hybrid. Large Western Group individuals showed a lower AS at a high temperature, compared to low temperature and to the Eastern group individuals, whereas small animals exhibited similar AS irrespective of temperature and group identity. Moreover, large individuals from both groups experienced a reduction in MMR and AS under low oxygen conditions, whereas small animals did not change these parameters in response to oxygen reduction. Although parental groups reduced their AS in response to oxygen reduction, AS of the hybrid remained unchanged. In conclusion, organism responses to climate change depend on intraspecific variation, which should be considered in studies related to this topic. Furthermore, D. villosus appears sensitive to oxygen deficits and temperature changes (especially the Western group and large individuals), but intraspecific hybridisation can enhance the environmental tolerance of invaders.},
}

Animals
*Amphipoda/genetics/physiology/metabolism
*Introduced Species
*Hybridization, Genetic
Climate Change
*Stress, Physiological
Temperature
Basal Metabolism
Poland

@article {pmid40926344,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarango Flores, S and Cordovez, V and Oyserman, BO and Arias Giraldo, LM and Stopnisek, N and Raaijmakers, JM and van 't Hof, P},
title = {Microbiome-Mediated Resistance of Wild Tomato to the Invasive Insect Prodiplosis longifila.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {e70190},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70190},
pmid = {40926344},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {024.004.014/NWO_/Dutch Research Council/Netherlands ; CZ07-000440-2018//SENESCYT scholarship/ ; 10093//Chancellor Research Grant/ ; },
mesh = {*Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/parasitology/immunology ; Animals ; *Microbiota ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Diptera/physiology ; Ecuador ; Plant Roots/microbiology/parasitology ; Introduced Species ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Plant Leaves/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Plant roots are colonised by diverse communities of microorganisms that can affect plant growth and enhance plant resistance to (a) biotic stresses. We investigated the role of the indigenous soil microbiome in the resistance of tomato to the invasive sap-sucking insect Prodiplosis longifila (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Native and agricultural soils were sampled from the Andes in Southern Ecuador and tested, in greenhouse bioassays, for leaf tissue damage caused by P. longifila on domesticated Solanum lycopersicum cv. Moneymaker and wild tomato S. pimpinellifolium. We observed no significant differences in insect damage between domesticated and wild tomatoes grown in live native or agricultural soils. However, when grown in sterilised native and agricultural soils, wild tomato was more severely affected by the insect than the domesticated tomato. Microbiome analyses revealed that soil sterilisation impacted overall rhizobacterial diversity and abundance in wild tomato. Particularly, Actinoplanes abundance was reduced upon sterilisation, which significantly correlated with loss of insect resistance. Metagenome analyses and genome assembly of Micromonosporaceae (Actinoplanes family) suggested a putative association between motility, chemotaxis, membrane transport, chorismate, and lanthipeptide biosynthesis and insect resistance. This indicates that wild S. pimpinellifolium, in contrast to domesticated S. lycopersicum, relies on specific members of the root-associated microbiome for P. longifila protection.},
}

*Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/parasitology/immunology
Animals
*Microbiota
*Soil Microbiology
*Diptera/physiology
Ecuador
Plant Roots/microbiology/parasitology
Introduced Species
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Plant Leaves/parasitology

@article {pmid40922389,
year = {2025},
author = {Buddenhagen, CE and Bourdôt, G and Lamoureaux, S and Noble, A and Dawson, MI and Phillips, CB},
title = {Validating a rapid algorithmic weed hazard ranking method.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70201},
pmid = {40922389},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Conventional weed risk assessments (WRAs) are time-consuming and often constrained by species-specific data gaps. We present a validated, algorithmic alternative, the CPG $$ \boldsymbol{CPG}
$$ model, that integrates climatic suitability (C $$ \boldsymbol{C}
$$), weed-related publication frequency (P) and global occurrence data (G $$ \boldsymbol{G}
$$), using publicly available databases and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted text screening with a large language model (LLM).

RESULTS: The CPG $$ CPG $$ model was tested against independent weed hazard classifications for New Zealand and California. In New Zealand, 89% of 480 randomly selected plant taxa had sufficient data to generate scores, which aligned well with expert classifications and moderately with outputs from the 48-question WRA [Pheloung PC, Williams PA, and Halloy SR. Journal of Environmental Management 57:239-251 (1999)]. For more than 5000 species assessed using Randall's 14-criteria generalised risk mode [Randall RP, 20th Australasian Weeds Conference: 5-12 (2016)], all CPG $$ CPG $$ variables were informative. The model also showed strong agreement with the 19-criteria California weed hazard system. Multinomial regression and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analyses confirmed consistent predictive performance, with true-positive rates from 0.69 to 0.90 and true-negative rates from 0.71 to 0.97. It effectively distinguished high- from low-hazard species. Sensitivity analysis showed that as evidence for weediness increased, score stability improved, supporting robust rankings for high-hazard species.

CONCLUSION: The CPG $$ \boldsymbol{CPG}
$$ model offers a transparent, scalable and cost-effective tool for early-stage weed hazard screening. It delivers substantial time savings over attribute-based WRAs while maintaining alignment with expert evaluations. The model enables rapid triage of large species lists, including actual or potentially introduced taxa under current and future climates, supporting prioritisation for detailed risk or management feasibility assessments. Its automation and reproducibility make it a valuable tool for global biosecurity and invasive species management. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40920022,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Oduor, AMO},
title = {Elevated ozone promotes the dominance of invasive plant species in low-diversity native plant communities.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70098},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70098},
pmid = {40920022},
issn = {1537-2197},
support = {32201437//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2026PVB0077//Chinese Academy of Science-President's International Fellowship Initiative/ ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: The diversity-invasibility hypothesis suggests that native plant communities with high species diversity are more resistant to invasions by exotic species compared to those with fewer species. This resistance stems from more complete resource use and stronger biotic interactions in diverse communities, which limit opportunities for invaders to establish. However, this resistance could potentially be weakened by environmental stressors, including elevated tropospheric ozone. Ozone levels have increased globally from 10 ppb in pre-industrial times to around 50 ppb today. Elevated ozone affects plant species differently, depending on their functional traits and physiological tolerances. Yet, no prior study has tested how elevated ozone affects the link between native plant community diversity and invasion resistance. We thus set up an open-top chamber experiment to assess the impact of ozone enrichment on invasive plant growth in native communities of differing species richness.

METHODS: We established 16 native plant communities: eight low-diversity and eight high-diversity. Each community was invaded by a single individual from one of nine exotic species and grown in either ambient (40.72 ppb) or elevated (83.10 ppb) ozone.

RESULTS: Elevated ozone reduced the mean aboveground biomass of invasive species by 9.64% overall. The decline was greater in low-diversity communities (-18.46%) than in high-diversity ones (-12.54%). Elevated ozone enhanced the mean proportional aboveground biomass of invasive species in low-diversity communities (11.24%), but not in high-diversity communities.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the diversity-invasibility hypothesis and suggest that species-rich communities maintain stronger resistance to invasion even in elevated ozone.},
}

@article {pmid40919469,
year = {2025},
author = {Oskyrko, O and Mi, C and Du, W},
title = {Integrating the thermal dependence of sex ratio into distribution models to predict suitable habitats for the invasive freshwater pond slider turtle, Trachemys scripta.},
journal = {Marine life science & technology},
volume = {7},
number = {3},
pages = {619-631},
pmid = {40919469},
issn = {2662-1746},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Biological invasions represent one of the main anthropogenic drivers of global change with a substantial impact on biodiversity. Traditional studies predict invasion risk based on the correlation between species' distribution and environmental factors, with little attention to the potential contribution of physiological factors. In this study, we incorporated temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) and sex-ratio data into species distribution models (SDMs) to assess the current and future suitable habitats for the world's worst invasive reptile species, the pond slider turtle (Trachemys scripta). First, occurrence records of T. scripta from online databases and published scientific literature were identified. Then, climatic variables representing current (1976-2013) and future (2060-2080) climate scenarios were extracted and combined with sex-ratio records to create hybrid-SDMs with which to assess the current and future suitable habitats for T. scripta. It was found that T. scripta has potential suitable habitat in 136 countries at present. Under the four climate change scenarios (ssp126, ssp245, ssp370 and ssp585) that were modeled, the distribution of T. scripta is predicted to decrease in 78-93 countries but increase in the northern hemisphere. This confirms that there is a greater likelihood that this species will increase in more developed countries. Incorporating the thermal dependence of sex ratio into hybrid-SDMs can be an important addition to detect the invasion risk of TSD species and to develop region-specific invasion management strategies to prevent and/or control invasive species such as T. scripta.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-025-00291-z.},
}

@article {pmid40919340,
year = {2025},
author = {Latombe, G and Arbieu, U and Bacher, S and Canessa, S and Courchamp, F and Dullinger, S and Essl, F and Glaser, M and Jarić, I and Lenzner, B and Schertler, A and Wilson, JRU},
title = {Clarifying ethical stances in conservation: a trolley problem thought experiment.},
journal = {Bioscience},
volume = {75},
number = {9},
pages = {722-736},
pmid = {40919340},
issn = {0006-3568},
abstract = {Conservation policies often need to integrate scientific predictions with ethical considerations. However, different normative ethical systems at the root of conservation approaches often support different decisions, and the moral stances of stakeholders are influenced by diverse societal values and perceptions. This creates the potential for dilemmas and conflicts. In the present article, we adapt the well-known trolley problem thought experiment to a conservation context. Exploring variations in how the problem is framed enables us to highlight key concepts that need to be considered in decision-making (uncertainty; asymmetry in numbers, victims, and impacts; temporal and spatial asymmetry; causal relationships and stakeholder involvement). We argue that the trolley problem offers a simplified but flexible framework to understand and predict the factors underlying differences in moral stances across diverse conservation issues, foster communication, and facilitate informed decision-making in conservation practice.},
}

@article {pmid40918641,
year = {2025},
author = {Palonen, A and Papach, A and Muturi, MNK and Weinstein Teixeira, É and Williams, GR and Jacobsen, R and Evans, JD and Posada-Florez, FJ and Pirk, CWW and Lattorff, HMG and Lawrence, AK and Oluseyi, MO and Spooner-Hart, R and House, CM and Federico, G and Formato, G and Neumann, P},
title = {Spatiotemporal variation of small hive beetle infestation levels in honeybee host colonies.},
journal = {Apidologie},
volume = {56},
number = {5},
pages = {79},
pmid = {40918641},
issn = {0044-8435},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: High infestation levels of small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, can cause more damage to honeybee, Apis mellifera, host colonies. However, the spatiotemporal variation of SHB infestations is poorly understood. Here, we show that SHB infestations can be equally high in native and invasive ranges, suggesting that differences between host populations are the key criterion for damage. The data reveal that spatial variation within locations was not correlated with migratory beekeeping, SHB management strategies, nor the number of colonies at an apiary. Despite no annual changes in SHB infestations, the data confirm seasonal variation in infestations in two locations probably due to environmental factors affecting SHB. Infestations are lower in Italy than elsewhere, possibly due to strongly implemented management strategies. It is apparent that our understanding of varying SHB infestations is still limited. This suggests that further efforts are required to elucidate our knowledge of this important host-parasite system.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13592-025-01206-8.},
}

@article {pmid40918590,
year = {2025},
author = {Misher, C and Bithoo, KS and Vanak, AT},
title = {Invasive woodlands and intruding dogs shape the structure of a mesocarnivore guild.},
journal = {Biological invasions},
volume = {27},
number = {9},
pages = {205},
pmid = {40918590},
issn = {1387-3547},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Whilst the impacts of individual invasive species are relatively well studied, the combined effects of both plant and animal invasive species on multispecies assemblages are poorly understood. We studied the impact of two invasive species-the mesquite tree, Neltuma juliflora, and free-ranging dog, Canis familiaris, on a guild of native mesocarnivores in the human-dominated grasslands of the Thar desert. We found that the mesquite had varying effects on the mesocarnivore guild, benefiting generalist species such as the golden jackal Canis aureus and jungle cat Felis chaus, while negatively affecting open habitat specialist species such as Indian desert fox Vulpes v. pusilla, Indian fox Vulpes bengalensis, and desert cat Felis lybica ornata. All mesocarnivores strongly avoided dogs along the spatial or temporal niche axis, likely to evade interference competition. The high prevalence of dogs in these landscapes could lead to the competitive exclusion of smaller native species, such as the Indian fox, resulting in a local decline in their population. Our study reveals significant impacts of both plant and animal invasive species on native mesocarnivores, altering their distribution and activity patterns, with potential consequences for long-term population persistence. We suggest control of mesquite in areas prioritised for conservation of open habitat specialists such as desert fox, Indian fox, and desert cat, and removal or restriction on the movement of dogs in sensitive wildlife habitats.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-025-03659-5.},
}

@article {pmid40916831,
year = {2025},
author = {Boyse, E and Clark, MS and Carr, IM and Cook, AJ and Archambault, P and Holloway, JE and Luo, Z and Milton, M and Roy, M and Dawson, J and Peck, VL},
title = {Expanding Monitoring Capacity for Potential Invasive Species in Arctic Canada With Environmental DNA Metabarcoding.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {9},
pages = {e70452},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70452},
pmid = {40916831},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {NE/X002608/1//Canada-Inuit-United Kingdom Arctic Research Programme (CINUK)/ ; },
mesh = {*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *Introduced Species ; *DNA, Environmental/analysis ; Arctic Regions ; Canada ; Animals ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Ships ; Biodiversity ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics/analysis ; },
abstract = {To date, environmental conditions have been enough to act as an effective barrier to prevent non-indigenous species from arriving and establishing in Arctic Canada. However, rapidly changing climatic conditions are creating more suitable habitats for non-indigenous species to potentially establish and become invasive. Concurrently, shipping traffic in parts of Arctic Canada has increased by over 250% since 1990, providing an effective vector for transporting non-indigenous species to the region. Arctic Canada has been historically undersampled, so Arctic biota inventories are incomplete, hampering efforts to establish if a species is new to the region (and potentially invasive) or newly discovered. In this study, we utilize environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and ships of opportunity to assess eukaryotic community composition and potential invasives along one of the busiest shipping routes, the Northwest Passage. One liter seawater samples were collected in triplicate at 27 locations, targeting touristic hotspots frequently visited by passenger vessels. Eukaryotic DNA was amplified from the 18S rRNA V9 and COI regions, resulting in 126 unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) detected with COI and 391 ASVs with 18S, providing an important snapshot of current community composition. Copepods, dinoflagellates, and diatoms were the most abundant taxonomic groups, correlating well with previous net sampler surveys, validating the efficacy of eDNA for biodiversity surveillance. We also report the first detections of a prolific invasive species, the bay barnacle (Amphibalanus improvisus), in Arctic Canada. Further work is currently in progress to establish whether these detections represent transient barnacle larvae or sessile adults capable of recruiting and reproducing. Our study demonstrates the utility of eDNA for the detection of non-indigenous species in a data-poor area, which, if combined with citizen science initiatives and local communities, could provide a vital monitoring tool for the detection of new invasives in this rapidly changing area.},
}

*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
*Introduced Species
*DNA, Environmental/analysis
Arctic Regions
Canada
Animals
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Ships
Biodiversity
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics/analysis

@article {pmid40914913,
year = {2025},
author = {McFarlane, GR and Whitaker, K and Plett, KL and O'Rourke, B and Bogema, DR},
title = {Optimising Guide RNA Production for Multiplexed Cas9-Targeted Nanopore Sequencing to Detect Pathogens.},
journal = {Molecular biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40914913},
issn = {1559-0305},
support = {A-023//Centre for Invasive Species Solutions/ ; },
abstract = {In agriculture, biosecurity, and human health, the rapid and accurate detection of pathogens and pests is crucial. Our study investigates the sensitivity and practicality of six guide RNA (gRNA) production methods for use in Nanopore Cas9-targeted sequencing (nCATS), focusing on their implications for multiplexed pathogen and pest detection. Each production method generated a library of eight gRNAs capable of excising ~ 1.6 kb fragments of the 5.8S_rRNA-ITS2-28S_rRNA regions of five economically significant wheat fungal pathogens. Through comparative analysis, we evaluated the efficacy of commercially synthesised and in-house in vitro-transcribed gRNAs, assessing their impact on sequencing enrichment outcomes. Our findings highlight differences amongst the methods in terms of gRNA yield, integrity, performance, and costs. Our best performing gRNA production method was able to successfully identify all target sequences across the 0.96 to 8.4 pg ranges we tested with coverage ranging from 66 to 2037X. This study highlights the challenges and opportunities in implementing nCATS for multiplexed pathogen and pest detection, offering insights into the development of cost-effective and reliable gRNA production strategies for nCATS.},
}

@article {pmid40701510,
year = {2025},
author = {Valles, SM and Ascunce, MS and Read, QD and White, RL and Vander Meer, RK},
title = {Virome of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Intercontinental differences in the native and introduced ranges.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {213},
number = {},
pages = {108401},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108401},
pmid = {40701510},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/virology ; Argentina ; *Virome ; United States ; Introduced Species ; *Insect Viruses/isolation & purification ; Fire Ants ; },
abstract = {A comprehensive survey of 430 Solenopsis invicta nests from 82 different sites in Argentina and the USA was conducted for all currently known viruses infecting, or associated with, the invasive red imported fire ant, S. invicta. Comparisons in viral abundance, diversity, and possible social form preferences were made. Monogyny was the more prevalent S. invicta colony social form detected on both continents. Seventeen of the twenty (i.e., 85%) known viruses associated with S. invicta were observed in Argentina, compared with 11 (55%) viruses detected in S. invicta in the USA. Two viruses, Solenopsis invicta virus-16 (SINV-16) and SINV-17, were not detected on either continent. Seven viruses, SINV-5, SINV-8, SINV-10, SINV-11, SINV-12, SINV-13, and Solenopsis invicta densovirus, were unique to Argentinean S. invicta (i.e., only detected in Argentina) and one virus, SINV-14, was unique to USA S. invicta. The mean number of viruses per nest was significantly (5.4-fold) greater in S. invicta from Argentina compared with S. invicta from the USA. Greater viral diversity and abundance in the native range, Argentina, compared with the introduced range, USA, supports the "enemy release hypothesis" to explain the disparity in S. invicta population levels and pest intensity between the two continents.},
}

Animals
*Ants/virology
Argentina
*Virome
United States
Introduced Species
*Insect Viruses/isolation & purification
Fire Ants

@article {pmid40675593,
year = {2025},
author = {Birhanie, SK and Hans, J and Melgoza, A and Reisinger, B and Brown, MQ},
title = {PRE-SEASON DEPLOYMENT OF IN2CARE® MOSQUITO STATIONS TO CONTROL AEDES AEGYPTI POPULATION IN THE WEST VALLEY REGION OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {41},
number = {3},
pages = {134-142},
doi = {10.2987/25-7226},
pmid = {40675593},
issn = {1943-6270},
mesh = {*Mosquito Control/instrumentation/methods ; *Aedes/microbiology ; California ; *Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Seasons ; Animals ; Ecological Parameter Monitoring/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {The recent geographic expansion of Aedes aegypti poses a significant global public health challenge. In California, these invasive mosquitoes are now present in over 300 cities across 25 central and southern counties. The In2Care® Mosquito Station, which uses biological control agents to target Aedes mosquitoes, has shown promise when integrated into existing integrated vector management strategies. This study evaluated the impact of pre-season deployment of In2Care stations on Ae. aegypti populations. Two cohorts were established: 1 with 17 sites deploying stations pre-season (April-November), and another with 15 sites deploying during peak season (July-November), maintained during 2022-2024. Monthly BG-2 Sentinel trap data showed a significant reduction in Ae. aegypti abundance at pre-season In2Care sites: from 31.2 mosquitoes/trap-night in 2022 to 20.1 in 2023 and 13.2 in 2024, with a year-to-year reduction of 34-36%. Peak-season In2Care sites showed a 24-36% reduction in mosquito abundance four weeks post-deployment. Pre-season In2Care sites maintained 22-34% lower mosquito abundance than peak-season sites. These results demonstrate that early deployment of In2Care stations prior to the mosquito season significantly reduces Ae. aegypti populations and reinforces the existing integrated vector management programs.},
}

*Mosquito Control/instrumentation/methods
*Aedes/microbiology
California
*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Seasons
Animals
Ecological Parameter Monitoring/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid39892776,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, Q and Jin, M and Xiao, H and Peng, Y and Zhang, F and Li, H and Wu, K and Xiao, Y},
title = {Genomic predictions of invasiveness and adaptability of the cotton bollworm in response to climate change.},
journal = {Journal of genetics and genomics = Yi chuan xue bao},
volume = {52},
number = {9},
pages = {1109-1120},
doi = {10.1016/j.jgg.2025.01.016},
pmid = {39892776},
issn = {1673-8527},
mesh = {*Climate Change ; Animals ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; *Genomics ; *Introduced Species ; *Gossypium/parasitology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Moths/genetics/physiology ; *Genome, Insect ; },
abstract = {Agricultural pests cause enormous losses in annual agricultural production. Understanding the evolutionary responses and adaptive capacity of agricultural pests under climate change is crucial for establishing sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural pest management. In this study, we integrate climate modeling and landscape genomics to investigate the distributional dynamics of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) in the adaptation to local environments and resilience to future climate change. Notably, the predicted inhabitable areas with higher suitability for the cotton bollworm could be eight times larger in the coming decades. Climate change is one of the factors driving the dynamics of distribution and population differentiation of the cotton bollworm. Approximately 19,000 years ago, the cotton bollworm expanded from its ancestral African population, followed by gradual occupations of the European, Asian, Oceanian, and American continents. Furthermore, we identify seven subpopulations with high dispersal and adaptability which may have an increased risk of invasion potential. Additionally, a large number of candidate genes and SNPs linked to climatic adaptation were mapped. These findings could inform sustainable pest management strategies in the face of climate change, aiding future pest forecasting and management planning.},
}

*Climate Change
Animals
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
*Genomics
*Introduced Species
*Gossypium/parasitology
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Moths/genetics/physiology
*Genome, Insect

@article {pmid40913027,
year = {2025},
author = {Paudel, R and Fristoe, TS and Kinlock, NL and Davis, AJS and Zhao, W and Van Calster, H and Chytrý, M and Danihelka, J and Decocq, G and Ehrendorfer-Schratt, L and Guo, K and Guo, WY and Kaplan, Z and Pierce, S and Wild, J and Dawson, W and Essl, F and Kreft, H and Pergl, J and Pyšek, P and Winter, M and van Kleunen, M},
title = {Many plants naturalized as aliens abroad have also become more common within their native regions.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {8227},
pmid = {40913027},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {264740629//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 264740629//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 264740629//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; FZT 118, 202548816//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 432253815//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 202106100035//China Scholarship Council (CSC)/ ; 32301386//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32171588//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32471676//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; I 5825-B//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; },
mesh = {Europe ; *Introduced Species ; *Plants ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Due to anthropogenic pressure some species have declined whereas others have increased within their native ranges. Simultaneously, many species introduced by humans have established self-sustaining populations elsewhere (i.e. have become naturalized aliens). Previous studies have shown that particularly plant species that are common within their native range have become naturalized elsewhere. However, how changes in native distributions correlate with naturalization elsewhere is unknown. We compare data on grid-cell occupancy of native vascular plant species over time for 10 European regions (countries or parts thereof). For nine regions, both early occupancy and occupancy change correlate positively with global naturalization success (quantified as naturalization in any administrative region and as the number of such regions). In other words, many plant species spreading globally as naturalized aliens are also expanding within their native regions. This implies that integrating data on native occupancy dynamics in invasion risk assessments might help prevent new invasions.},
}

Europe
*Introduced Species
*Plants
Ecosystem
Humans

@article {pmid40909902,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, J and Qin, C and Huo, S and Wang, H and Norvienyeku, J and Miao, W and Liu, W},
title = {Characterization of Ganoderma pseudoferreum mitogenome revealed a remarkable evolution in genome size and composition of protein-coding genes.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1532782},
pmid = {40909902},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Red root disease in rubber trees, caused by Ganoderma pseudoferreum, is a prevalent and severe soil-borne disease in rubber tree cultivation areas. The pathogen exhibits complex infections, with multiple transmission pathways, making the disease highly concealed and difficult to diagnose in its early stages. As a result, prevention and control are challenging, posing a serious threat to rubber production. Currently, the relevant information, evolutionary trajectory, and sequence divergence of the mitochondrial genome of G. pseudoferreum remain unknown. Here, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of G. pseudoferreum,which is 40, 719 bp long and contains 14 protein-coding genes (PCGs), genes encoding small and large ribosomal subunits, 22 mitochondrial-encoded tRNAs, and four hypothetical proteins. The genomic content and characteristics, along with IPS mapping analysis and phylogenetic analysis, reveal a significant similarity between G. pseudoferreum and G. lingzhi. The results of RNA editing site analysis, codon usage bias and evolutionary pressure analysis reveal that during environmental adaptation, species of Ganoderma may alter certain key PCGs to adopt distinct evolutionary trajectories, differentiating themselves from other fungi in Basidiomycota, while leaving evolutionary traces. Our study provides new insights into the evolutionary direction and pattern of G. pseudoferreum and Ganoderma by exploring the evolutionary trajectory of mitochondrial genomes of G. pseudoferreum and Ganoderma.},
}

@article {pmid40909777,
year = {2025},
author = {Seok, S and McCollum, MT and Jacobsen, CM and Akbari, OS and Mathias, DK and Lee, Y},
title = {Pyrethroid Insecticide Resistance of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) across the Hawaiian Islands.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.21203/rs.3.rs-7303372/v1},
pmid = {40909777},
issn = {2693-5015},
abstract = {Background Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) and Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) are invasive species in the Hawaiian Islands as well as other islands of the Pacific and serve as the primary vectors of arboviruses like dengue virus. Despite its significance to public health, data on their insecticide resistance remains limited. Knowledge of the level of insecticide resistance is critical in developing effective mosquito control strategies, especially when an arboviral disease outbreak occurs. Methods This study investigated the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of Hawaiian Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti to permethrin, one of the commonly used pyrethroids. Genomic sequences of 93 Ae. albopictus samples from four Hawaiian Islands (Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui, and the Island of Hawai'i) were screened for non-synonymous mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene (chromosome 3: 345,142,499 - 345,663,668). Phenotypic resistance to permethrin was assessed using a modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassay on Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti collected from two socio-environmentally distinct sites. Results Among 4,101 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in the VGSC region of Ae. albopictus genomes from for Hawaiian Islands, 61 were classified as synonymous. No non-synonymous mutations were found, suggesting an absence of genotypic resistance to pyrethroids in these populations. In phenotypic assays, over 97% of Ae. albopictus and all Ae. aegypti individuals were knocked down within 10 minutes of permethrin exposure. These high knockdown rates indicate that both species remain phenotypically susceptible to permethrin. Conclusions This study is the first study reporting the phenotypic insecticide resistance profile of Hawaiian Aedes mosquitoes. Hawaiian populations of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti remain susceptible to pyrethroids, as demonstrated by the absence of VGSC mutations and high knockdown rates in permethrin bioassays. While no genotypic and phenotypic resistance was detected in these two Aedes species, monitoring for resistance in other mosquito species and through alternative mechanisms is needed.},
}

@article {pmid40908753,
year = {2025},
author = {Hodgson, OC and Stark, S and Schall, MK and Smith, GD and Smalling, KL and Wagner, T},
title = {Invasive predatory fish occupies highest trophic position leading to expansion of isotopic niches in a riverine food web.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {9},
pages = {e70180},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70180},
pmid = {40908753},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {NA22OAR4170119//Pennsylvania Sea Grant, Pennsylvania State University/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Food Chain ; *Introduced Species ; *Rivers ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Catfishes/physiology ; *Fishes/physiology ; Nitrogen Isotopes ; Carbon Isotopes ; },
abstract = {Invasive species are drivers of ecological change with the potential to reshape the structure and function of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The invasive flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is an opportunistic predator that has established a rapidly growing population in the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania, USA, since they were first detected in 2002. Although the predatory effects of invasive catfishes on native fish communities have been documented, the effects of invasion on riverine food webs are poorly understood. This study quantified the effects of invasive flathead catfish on the trophic position (TP) and isotopic niche of the river's food web by comparing invaded and non-invaded sites. In addition to flathead catfish, the food web components examined included crayfish, minnows, and two ecologically and socioeconomically important fish species: the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). We found that flathead catfish occupied the highest TP, with a posterior mean TP of 3.08 (95% credible interval = [2.71, 3.42]), exceeding that of the two resident fish predators, the smallmouth bass and channel catfish. The TP of the resident channel catfish, which occupies a similar ecological niche, declined after flathead catfish invasion. In fact, there was a 0.92 posterior probability that channel catfish TP was lower in invaded sites than at non-invaded sites. Using a Bayesian bivariate ellipses analysis, we found overwhelming evidence of isotopic niche expansion and overlap for all components of the food web in the presence of flathead catfish. These findings support the "trophic disruption hypothesis," where an introduced species prompts resident species to change diets in an attempt to avoid competition and predation following invasion. Our results indicate that flathead catfish invasion is altering food web structure and energy flow in a large riverine ecosystem and contributes to the breadth of knowledge regarding how ecosystems may respond to the introduction of a large predatory fish species.},
}

Animals
*Food Chain
*Introduced Species
*Rivers
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
*Catfishes/physiology
*Fishes/physiology
Nitrogen Isotopes
Carbon Isotopes

@article {pmid40642958,
year = {2025},
author = {Chouvenc, T and Brown, A},
title = {Minimizing the impact of invasive Coptotermes sp. (Heterotermitidae) on urban tree canopies using a recurrent inspection-elimination program.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1868-1878},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf167},
pmid = {40642958},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Isoptera/physiology ; *Insect Control/methods ; *Trees ; Introduced Species ; *Insecticides ; },
abstract = {Invasive subterranean termite species within the genus Coptotermes (Heterotermitidae) are important structural pests. However, they also cause extensive damage in live trees and pose serious risks to tree health as a result. The urban tree canopy in areas with established populations of Coptotermes are therefore at risk of loss of trees over time, and many urban forests within municipality parks in their introduced range may experience tangible canopy alteration. This can have wide-reaching negative impacts on the ecology of these parks and to the public that utilize them. This 5-yr long study utilized eight parks (1,304 trees) to demonstrate how a simple visual monitoring/bait approach can identify and eliminate termite colonies infesting trees and maintain minimal termite activity within public green spaces. Here, we demonstrate that the systematic direct application of an experimental above-ground chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait formulation to trees can eliminate termite activity and protect trees. However, owing to high termite pressure, colony reinfestation is likely over time, and municipalities may have to establish perennial programs that would include regular monitoring and treatment as needed. Such a long-term strategy would minimize tree loss, while using a termite-specific formulated pesticide with a low amount of active ingredient. This pilot study demonstrates that it can be achieved, but ultimately, the success of this approach relies on technically competent staff that can readily identify the signs of active Coptotermes infestation in trees and access to above ground CSI bait formulations.},
}

Animals
*Isoptera/physiology
*Insect Control/methods
*Trees
Introduced Species
*Insecticides

@article {pmid40613750,
year = {2025},
author = {He, J and Sun, P and Wang, C and Jiang, F and Pan, X and Chen, K},
title = {Ecological niche comparisons of 3 polyphagous fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species using ensemble models with soil variables.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1802-1812},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf143},
pmid = {40613750},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {2023YFF0614400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Tephritidae/physiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; Models, Biological ; *Ecosystem ; *Animal Distribution ; Introduced Species ; Climate ; },
abstract = {Invasive polyphagous fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species, including Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), Zeugodacus tau (Walker), and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders), pose significant threats to agricultural and food security, particularly in Southeast Asia. This study aims to develop and evaluate species distribution models to predict the potential distribution of the 3 tephritid species based on climatic, soil, and topographic factors. Individual models and ensemble models were employed and tested to identify suitable areas across the region. The study also assesses the ecological niches of the 3 species across key environmental gradients. Our findings highlight that soil factors, often overlooked in predictive modeling, play a critical role in shaping their distributions and improving model prediction accuracy. The outperformance of ensemble models is further demonstrated among different modeling algorithms. The results provide valuable insights into the ecological niches of these invasive fruit fly species, and underscore the necessary of incorporating soil factors in model predictions, to improve invasive risk assessments and inform biosecurity measures.},
}

Animals
*Tephritidae/physiology
*Soil/chemistry
Models, Biological
*Ecosystem
*Animal Distribution
Introduced Species
Climate

@article {pmid40578325,
year = {2025},
author = {Afzal, S and Nahrung, HF and Lawson, SA and Ramsden, M and Sullivan, BT and Shepherd, WP and Gandhi, KJK and Hayes, RA},
title = {Survey for attraction-inhibiting semiochemicals for Ips grandicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in its native and invasive ranges.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1793-1801},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf125},
pmid = {40578325},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Pheromones/pharmacology ; *Weevils/physiology/drug effects ; *Insect Control/methods ; Introduced Species ; Male ; Female ; Queensland ; },
abstract = {The eastern 5-spined ips, Ips grandicollis (Eichhoff), is native to the eastern USA and is an invasive pest of exotic pines (Pinus spp.) in Australia. It can kill stressed trees and transmit ophiostomoid fungi that cause blue staining of wood and reduce the commercial value of timber. Ips grandicollis uses semiochemicals produced by conspecifics to locate mates, while semiochemicals from competitors and nonhosts may reduce the reaction to attractants. To investigate methods to exploit these behaviors in a management strategy, we evaluated the impact of 12 potential semiochemical inhibitors of I. grandicollis attraction using traps baited with aggregation pheromone (ipsenol and cis-verbenol) in the beetle's native (northeast Georgia and central Louisiana, USA) and invasive (southeast Queensland, Australia) ranges over 2 yr. In the first trapping experiment (2022 to 2023), 2 semiochemicals (2-phenylethanol and methyl eugenol) significantly decreased attraction to the lure by 35% to 39% in the native range and 55% to 56% in the invasive range. Camphor reduced trap catches in Louisiana (26%) and Queensland (41%) but not in Georgia. In the second experiment (2023 to 2024), the inhibitory effects of methyl eugenol, 2-phenylethanol, and camphor were tested alone and in binary and ternary combinations. The binary combination of methyl eugenol and 2-phenylethanol reduced attraction by 66% in Georgia. However, such differences were not observed in Louisiana. The ternary combination of these compounds reduced attraction by 76% in the invasive range. Further research on these inhibitors could lead to a sustainable push-pull management strategy for protecting pine trees and log stacks from I. grandicollis attacks.},
}

Animals
*Pheromones/pharmacology
*Weevils/physiology/drug effects
*Insect Control/methods
Introduced Species
Male
Female
Queensland

@article {pmid40569276,
year = {2025},
author = {Mukarugwiro, JA and Newete, SW and Venturi, G and Parrini, F},
title = {The effect of temperate climate on potential biocontrol agents for water hyacinth, case study of Rwanda.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {115},
number = {5},
pages = {618-625},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485325100199},
pmid = {40569276},
issn = {1475-2670},
mesh = {Animals ; Rwanda ; *Pest Control, Biological ; *Eichhornia ; *Weevils/physiology ; *Climate ; Temperature ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant that has been associated with major negative economic and ecological impacts in water systems worldwide, including Rwanda, since its establishment in the country in the 1960s. While biological control is considered the most sustainable management method, the success of biocontrol agents depends on various abiotic factors, with temperature being critical. This study assessed the suitability of potential water hyacinth biocontrol agents such as: Neochetina weevils, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), and Cornops aquaticum Bruner (Orthoptera: Acrididae) for regions with a temperate climate by testing their thermal boundaries. Using thermal physiology limits and CLIMEX modelling, we found that Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and N. bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) had lower thermal minimums (CTmin) of 2.4°C and 2.6°C, respectively, compared to Megamelus scutellaris (4.7°C) and Cornops aquaticum (6.2°C). CLIMEX modelling predicted the suitability of Neochetina weevils and C. aquaticum across Rwanda, while M. scutellaris appeared unsuitable for the colder northern regions of the country but appropriate for the central and eastern regions. These findings suggests that the historical failure of Neochetina weevils introduced to Rwandan water bodies in 2000 was not due to temperature extremes. Rather, other factors such as release numbers or water quality may have played a role. This study provides crucial information for future biocontrol efforts in Rwanda and similar temperate regions, highlighting the importance of pre-release thermal tolerance assessments and climate modelling to predict biocontrol agent establishment and efficacy.},
}

Animals
Rwanda
*Pest Control, Biological
*Eichhornia
*Weevils/physiology
*Climate
Temperature
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40908511,
year = {2025},
author = {Rudak, A and Galera, H and Wódkiewicz, M},
title = {Is Poa annua a skin-changer? Annual-perennial life history shift enables the species to conquer Antarctica.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {9},
pages = {e70162},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70162},
pmid = {40908511},
issn = {1939-9170},
abstract = {An extended lifespan of Poa annua may be of adaptive value during the invasion of harsh environments. Our aim was to investigate whether this trait is population-specific or general for the species. Individuals representing eight populations were cultivated under experimental conditions for two Antarctic growing seasons separated by polar winter conditions. Our experiment indicated that the species is capable of extending its life history toward perenniality regardless of population origin. Adventitious roots at the lower nodes were observed in overwintering plants from all the studied populations. We observed a similar response regardless of the source population. Plants exposed to stress from both climatic and edaphic conditions did not survive the simulated Antarctic winter. Plants grown in optimal gardening soil expressed a life history with vegetative growth during the first vegetation season and flowered and produced seeds only during their second growing season. P. annua may exhibit at least a two-year life cycle under harsh Antarctic conditions. This trait is general for the species and determines high survival potential, which may initiate an invasion breakout under climate change. Shifts in species life history traits should be considered in the management of alien species invasions occurring under harsh environments.},
}

@article {pmid40907967,
year = {2025},
author = {Callahan, HL and Duan, JJ and Tallamy, DW},
title = {Larval development and parasitism of emerald ash borer in Chionanthus virginicus (Oleaceae): Implications for biological control.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf077},
pmid = {40907967},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//US Department of Energy/ ; },
abstract = {Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is an invasive wood-boring beetle that has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) across North America. In 2014, emerald ash borer was discovered attacking white fringetrees (Chionanthus virginicus L.) in Ohio, indicating a host range expansion. Since then, emerald ash borer activity in white fringetree has been confirmed in additional states, posing a potential threat to this native tree in natural and managed ecosystems. Though emerald ash borer can complete a full life cycle in white fringetree, there has been little research into the comparative success with which emerald ash borer develops in this novel host versus ash, or how introduced biocontrol agents will respond. We conducted laboratory and field infestations of white fringetree and ash in Delaware to compare the timing of emerald ash borer larval development and the associated response of larval parasitoids. In lab-infested white fringetree bolts, emerald ash borer developed slowly, with no larvae reaching the mature J-shaped larval stage (JL) during the 14-wk lab study, compared with all surviving larvae developing to the J-shaped larval stage in ash. Field results showed delayed emerald ash borer development and reduced survival in white fringetree, with just 1 larva out of 158 reaching the JL stage over 2 growing seasons. There was no parasitism of emerald ash borer larvae in lab- or field-infested white fringetree, likely because few larvae in this host reached instars suitable for larval parasitism. Overall, this study suggests that emerald ash borer populations in white fringetree are not self-sustaining, though further studies should be conducted using larger fringetree material, as small sizes may negatively impact larval survival.},
}

@article {pmid40906102,
year = {2025},
author = {Feng, S and Wang, X and Huang, L and Wang, J and Lin, L and Li, J and Dai, G and Cai, Q and Xu, H and Hui, Y and Ji, F},
title = {Assessment of Fish Community Structure and Invasion Risk in Xinglin Bay, China.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14080988},
pmid = {40906102},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {A total of 32 fish species were detected in Xinglin Bay using a combination of environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) and traditional morphological survey methods (TSM), covering eight orders, fifteen families, and twenty-six genera. The dominant order was Perciformes, accounting for 43.75% of the total species. Among the identified species, there were ten non-native fish species. Compared with the TSM, the eDNA detected 13 additional fish species, including two additional non-native fish species-Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853) and Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802). In addition, the relative abundance of fish from both methods revealed that tilapia was overwhelmingly dominant, accounting for 80.75% and 75.68%, respectively. Furthermore, the AS-ISK assessment revealed that all non-native fish species were classified as medium or high-risk, with five identified as high-risk species, four of which belong to tilapia. These findings demonstrated that tilapia are the dominant and high-risk invasive species in Xinglin Bay and should be prioritized for management. Population reduction through targeted harvesting of tilapia is recommended as the primary control strategy. Additionally, the study highlights the effectiveness of eDNA in monitoring fish community structure in brackish ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40904370,
year = {2025},
author = {Krabbenhoft, CA and Rogosch, JS and Rowland, FE},
title = {Long-Term Regime Shifts in Xeric Ecoregion Freshwater Fish Assemblages due to Anthropogenic and Climate Stressors.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e72067},
pmid = {40904370},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Shifting climate regimes are projected to increase the area of xeric regions and result in more pronounced intermittency across river networks. Given these projected changes, we aim to understand the factors contributing to species persistence under increasing aridity. To investigate how changing flow regimes are related to changes in fish richness and assemblage composition, we compiled data from 1473 xeric stream sites in the United States and Australia. The temporal coverage of this dataset is more than 40 years, from 1980 to 2021. Our focus was on fishes occurring in xeric streams and included 191 species. We compiled climate, hydrologic, and fish species trait data to identify relationships between environmental drivers of species persistence and corresponding characteristics common to species in these systems and traits eliciting the strongest responses to environmental change. Our data show declines in overall precipitation in concert with increasing temperatures over the last several decades. Climatic shifts were accompanied by declines in discharge, increased zero-flow days, and longer durations of no-flow periods. In these same systems, an overall linear decline in fish species richness was observed, but it was not directly correlated with any hydrologic predictors. However, xeric species of conservation concern were small-bodied and occupied lower trophic levels than those not of concern. Listed species were primarily affected by multiple stressors, including habitat degradation and invasive species, compounded by a small geographic range. We thus propose a multiple stressors argument for the declines in xeric fish assemblages, something that may be exacerbated by climate alterations in the future. This work highlights a critical conservation need for xeric fishes and identifies taxa that are especially vulnerable to a combination of anthropogenic stressors and changing climates.},
}

@article {pmid40767447,
year = {2025},
author = {Nashrah, NA and Mandrak, NE and Massey, MD},
title = {Invasive goldfish (Carassius auratus) maintain aerobic scope across acute warm water temperatures.},
journal = {Biology open},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/bio.062160},
pmid = {40767447},
issn = {2046-6390},
support = {//University of Toronto Scarborough/ ; //Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Liber Ero Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Goldfish/physiology ; *Temperature ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Oxygen Consumption ; Acclimatization ; },
abstract = {Goldfish (Carassius auratus) were first introduced to the Laurentian Great Lakes when it was first introduced into Lake Ontario in the 1800s. In the past 15 years, there have been dramatic increases in both goldfish abundance and geographic spread across North America, including the Great Lakes, raising concerns about its potential for negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Climate studies suggest that habitat ranges suitable for goldfish will continue to expand in the future as water temperatures rise towards its thermal optima. We explore whether warmer temperatures are physiologically suitable for a population of wild, invasive goldfish (Hamilton, ON, Canada) by testing aerobic scope (AS) at current (26°C) and predicted (30°C) peak summer water temperatures. Goldfish were first acclimated to a common-garden average summer pond temperature (22°C), then their AS was estimated by calculating the difference between routine and maximum metabolic rates (RMR and MMR) at the two test temperatures. Our results demonstrate that wild goldfish sustain their AS through increases in both RMR and MMR from 26°C to 30°C (mass-standardized means of 1.07 versus 1.17 mgO2h-1 at 26°C versus 30°C, respectively). This ability to sustain aerobic energy budget at high peak water temperatures could offer physiological benefits to this invasive population in a warming climate.},
}

Animals
*Goldfish/physiology
*Temperature
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Oxygen Consumption
Acclimatization

@article {pmid40755186,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, RF and Zhang, X and Dang, L and Guo, YJ and Xu, YH and Yisilamu, AD and Yan, ZG and Chen, L and Wang, YJ},
title = {Species diversity mediates negative impacts of plant invasion on native-community flowering synchrony.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {248},
number = {1},
pages = {389-400},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70401},
pmid = {40755186},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {32171510//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31770449//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Flowers/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; Species Specificity ; *Solidago/physiology ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Plant invasion is a major global driver to the structure of natural communities. Species diversity is a fundamental determinant of community regeneration through flowering phenology. However, the impacts of plant invasion on native plant flowering phenology and how species diversity regulates the process remain unclear. We conducted a field experiment to assess the effects of plant invasion (Solidago canadensis) and community species diversity on flowering phenology of native plants from different flowering functional groups at the community and species levels. At the community level, plant invasion shortened flowering duration and reduced flowering synchrony. Furthermore, high diversity reduced the negative impacts of plant invasion on flowering synchrony. Among flowering functional groups, the late- and mid-flowering species responded more negatively to plant invasion than the early-flowering species. Structural equation modeling indicated that plant invasion suppressed plant height and first or last flowering date by reducing light availability, which in turn affected flowering phenology. However, high diversity counteracted the negative effects. Our findings confirm the role of high diversity in resisting plant invasions on flowering phenology and reproduction of native plant communities, and suggest that high diversity with different flowering functional groups should be considered to efficiently restore native communities invaded by alien plants, such as S. canadensis.},
}

*Flowers/physiology
*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
Species Specificity
*Solidago/physiology
Time Factors

@article {pmid40901937,
year = {2025},
author = {Goetz, EJ and Hull, PM and Varekamp, J and Thomas, E},
title = {Foraminifera as indicators of species invasion: Ammonia confertitesta in Long Island Sound.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {36},
pages = {eadv9447},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adv9447},
pmid = {40901937},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Foraminifera/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; New York City ; },
abstract = {Resolving timing of the invasion of nonindigenous species is difficult in estuarine settings, due to their pervasive history of anthropogenic disturbance. Many non-native marine taxa are not documented until after they have become invasive, leaving questions about invasion timing (first introduction and lag period), geographic origin, vectors and pathways, and cause(s) of success. Foraminifera, unicellular, calcareous-shelled eukaryotes, offer a unique way of analyzing past ecosystem structure because their fossilized shells provide a window into the past, and small size and abundance enable us to document distribution over time in core samples. We use records of Foraminifera to document the timing and history of establishment of an invasive species (Ammonia confertitesta) in Long Island Sound, east of New York City (USA). A. confertitesta was rare from the mid-19th century but did not proliferate until the mid-1970s. We hypothesize that increasing propagule pressure from the rapid increase in global ship traffic and ballast water was the main factor for its success.},
}

*Foraminifera/physiology
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
New York City

@article {pmid40900727,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, J and Bogar, TA and Hamer, MT and Guénard, B},
title = {Impacts of Single and Multiple Co-Existing Invasive Species on Subtropical Native Ant Communities.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e72095},
pmid = {40900727},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Biological invasions pose a significant threat to ecosystem stability by altering the taxonomic and functional diversity of native communities. It is still uncertain, however, whether multiple invasive species have varying effects on native communities, or whether their interactions in a co-invasion scenario are antagonistic or facilitative. To address this gap, this study investigated 24 sampling sites in Hong Kong, encompassing single invasion, co-invasion, and non-invaded control scenarios across the dry and wet seasons. We systematically explored how the functional traits and invasion intensity of four invasive ant species (Anoplolepis gracilipes, Paratrechina longicornis, Pheidole megacephala, and Solenopsis invicta) shape the structure and function of native ant communities. In addition, we evaluated the ecological effects of co-invasion scenarios to determine how interactions between invaders affect communities. The results revealed that, for some invasive species, increased invasion intensity significantly reduced local species diversity and resulted in selective replacement and systematic loss of local species. The invasion intensity of three invasive species had significantly negative effects on functional diversity indices (e.g., RaoQ and FDiv), while in areas invaded by P. megacephala, the near absence of native species (present in ~4% of the pitfall traps) prevented analyses. Comparisons across non-invaded, single invasion, and co-invasion scenarios revealed distinct patterns: single invasions caused pronounced reductions in both functional and taxonomic diversity, whereas co-invasion scenarios exhibited more limited changes. Further analyses demonstrated that under specific circumstances, antagonistic interactions between co-invasive species could mitigate the negative effects on α-diversity and preserve ecosystem functions through functional substitution. Nevertheless, this dynamic equilibrium is fragile and unsustainable, underscoring the need to prioritize preventive and control strategies in invasive species management to safeguard ecosystem resilience.},
}