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Bibliography on: Invasive Species

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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 07 Dec 2025 at 01:50 Created: 

Invasive Species

Standard Definition: Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. Although that definition allows a logical possibility that some species might be non-native and harmless, most of time it seems that invasive species and really bad critter (or weed) that should be eradicated are seen as equivalent phrases. But, there is a big conceptual problem with that notion: every species in every ecosystem started out in that ecosystem as an invader. If there were no invasive species, all of Hawaii would be nothing but bare volcanic rock. Without an invasion of species onto land, there would be no terrestrial ecosystems at all. For the entire history of life on Earth, the biosphere has responded to perturbation and to opportunity with evolutionary innovation and with physical movement. While one may raise economic or aesthetic arguments against invasive species, it is impossible to make such an argument on scientific grounds. Species movement — the occurrence of invasive species — is the way the biosphere responds to perturbation. One might even argue that species movement is the primary, short-term "healing" mechanism employed by the biosphere to respond to perturbation — to "damage." As with any healing process, the short-term effect may be aesthetically unappealing (who thinks scabs are appealing?), but the long-term effects can be glorious.

Created with PubMed® Query: ("invasive species" OR "invasion biology" OR "alien species" OR "introduced species" ) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2025-12-06

Jesus F, Pascoal É, Sousa ÉML, et al (2025)

Removal of contaminants from wastewater using the bivalve Corbicula fluminea - Comparative assessment of biofiltration and biosorption.

Journal of environmental management, 397:128039 pii:S0301-4797(25)04015-0 [Epub ahead of print].

Bivalves, such as Corbicula fluminea, and their milled shells have been shown to efficiently remove some compounds from the water, but their ability to remove contaminants of emerging concern, namely pharmaceuticals and stimulants, remains largely unknown. Hence, this study aimed to compare the efficiency of C. fluminea and the corresponding milled shells for removal of 9 common wastewater contaminants at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mg.L[-1], further appraising the entailed ecotoxicity variation. After 24 h, clams removed mainly fluoxetine (≥91 %) and, to a moderate extent, paracetamol (≥26 %). Milled shells removed mainly caffeine (≥49 %), fluoxetine (≥42 %) and naproxen (≥35 % at 0.5 mg.L[-1]), after 24 h of contact. Clams were more effective than shells in removing fluoxetine, paracetamol, carbamazepine, metformin and diclofenac whereas the opposite was observed for caffeine and naproxen. Despite this effectiveness, clams and shells had minor effects on ecotoxicity abatement to the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata and the bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri, except for fluoxetine. Indeed, the remarkable toxicity reduction to the microalgae exposed to the biofiltered fluoxetine sample matches the pronounced removal %, confirming the beneficial effect of C. fluminea on the quality of water contaminated with this compound. Although biofiltration outperformed biosorption in general, the requirements for clams' maintenance and the risk of spreading this invasive species might constitute a drawback for the use of this species for bioremediation of contaminated wastewaters, highlighting the importance of analyzing the pros and cons of these approaches for each specific application.

RevDate: 2025-12-06

Alemayehu G, Awoke A, Z Kassa (2025)

Wild edible plant species and their role in nutrition and health in Korahe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia.

Tropical medicine and health pii:10.1186/s41182-025-00867-6 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Wild edible plants (WEPs) are vital for food security, nutrition, and cultural identity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In Korahe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia, Somali communities rely heavily on natural vegetation, yet ethnobotanical documentation of WEPs remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the diversity, utilization, knowledge patterns, and conservation status of WEPs, with implications for food security and health.

METHODS: Ethnobotanical data were collected from 120 purposively selected informants across five study sites using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and guided field walks. Species were also screened against the IUCN Red List to identify threatened and vulnerable wild edible plants, providing insights into their conservation status and informing sustainable management strategies. Quantitative indices, including the Botanical Ethnoknowledge Index (BEI), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Jaccard Similarity Index (JSI), were applied. Preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and priority ranking were used to assess species use, multifunctionality, and perceived threats. Statistical analyses (t tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation) were conducted to examine variations in ethnobotanical knowledge across gender, age, literacy, and experience.

RESULTS: A total of 57 WEP species across 22 families were documented, with shrubs and trees dominating. Fruits were the most commonly consumed part, while roots, tubers, leaves, stems, and resins were used during food scarcity. Knowledge varied significantly by age, gender, literacy, and experience, with older, male, and key informants exhibiting greater familiarity. Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell., and Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod. were highly preferred and multipurpose. Overharvesting, habitat loss, climate variability, grazing, and invasive species were major threats. Three species were identified as threatened either critically endangered or vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for their conservation and sustainable management.

CONCLUSIONS: WEPs are crucial for local nutrition, food security, and cultural heritage. Integrating indigenous knowledge with in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies and promoting sustainable use and cultivation of high-value species is essential to safeguard these resources for future generations.

RevDate: 2025-12-06

Seok S, McCollum MT, Jacobsen CM, et al (2025)

Pyrethroid insecticide resistance of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) across the Hawaiian Islands.

Parasites & vectors pii:10.1186/s13071-025-07176-1 [Epub ahead of print].

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 such as 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 on the Island of Hawai'i.

RESULTS: Among 4101 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in the VGSC region of Ae. albopictus genomes from four Hawaiian Islands, 44 were classified as synonymous in the coding DNA sequence (CDS) region. No non-synonymous mutations were found in the CDS region, suggesting an absence of genotypic resistance to pyrethroids in these populations. In phenotypic assays, all individuals from the two Ae. aegypti populations and the Ae. albopictus population from Miloli'i were completely knocked down within 10 min of permethrin exposure, indicating that both species remain phenotypically susceptible to permethrin. However, knockdown rates of less than 97% observed in the Ae. albopictus population from Kawaihae suggest early signs of the development of phenotypic resistance.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report the phenotypic insecticide resistance profile of Hawaiian Aedes mosquitoes. Hawaiian populations of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti remain susceptible or are in the stage of developing resistance 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.

RevDate: 2025-12-05
CmpDate: 2025-12-06

Braverman E, J Lawson (2025)

Trimming to coexistence: how dispersal strategies should be accounted for in resource management.

Journal of mathematical biology, 92(1):8.

For two resource-sharing species we explore the interplay of harvesting and dispersal strategies, as well as their influence on competition outcomes. Although the extinction of either species can be achieved by excessive culling, choosing a harvesting strategy such that the biodiversity of the populations is preserved is much more complicated. We propose a type of heterogeneous harvesting policy, dependent on dispersal strategy, where the two managed populations become an ideal free pair, and show that this strategy guarantees the coexistence of the species. We also show that if the harvesting of one of the populations is perturbed in some way, then it is possible for the coexistence to be preserved. Further, we show that if the dispersal of two species formed an ideal free pair, then a slight change in the dispersal strategy for one of them does not affect their ability to coexist. Finally, in the model, directed movement is represented by the term Δ (u / P) , where P is the dispersal strategy and target distribution. We justify that once an invading species, which has an advantage in carrying capacity, chooses a dispersal strategy that mimics the resident species distribution, then successful invasion is guaranteed. However, numerical simulations show that invasion may be successful even without an advantage in carrying capacity. More work is needed to understand the conditions, in addition to targeted culling, under which the host species would be able to persist through an invasion.

RevDate: 2025-12-05
CmpDate: 2025-12-05

Hattenrath TK, Klar E, Callaghan KC, et al (2026)

RT-PCR assay development of ITS and toxin gene regions of, Aetokthonos hydrillicola, a known epiphyte of the invasive species Hydrilla verticillata.

Harmful algae, 151:103029.

Aetokthonos hydrillicola is a toxic epiphytic cyanobacterium often associated with invasive water thyme (Hydrilla), Hydrilla verticillata. A. hydrillicola can produce a potent brominated neurotoxin, aetokthonotoxin (AETX), and a cytotoxic dolastatin analog, aetokthonostatin (AEST). The continued expansion of invasive Hydrilla across the United States, including New York State (NYS) waters, has highlighted the need for an accurate method to detect A. hydrillicola and its toxins due to the potential public health implications. A fast and accurate method for detecting A. hydrillicola and its toxins in aquatic plant materials was developed by targeting the rRNA ITS region (ITS1, ITS2) and biosynthetic gene clusters of AETX (aetxE, aetxA) and AEST (aestF, aestK). Samples from Southeastern United States and Southeastern NYS lakes and ponds were analyzed using the developed RT-PCR assays. Hydrilla from Lake Sebago tested positive for AEST genes, but was negative for both ITS and AETX genes, despite A. hydrillicola being confirmed via light microscopy. This is consistent with toxin analysis via LCMS finding no measurable AETX. The lack of AETX genes and the inability to amplify the Lake Sebago A. hydrillicola using current ITS primers/probes suggests that this is likely a different genetic variant. This data also suggests that AEST genes are likely conserved across genetic variants of A. hydrillicola. These RT-PCR assays will allow for an increased throughput of lakes surveyed for the presence of A. hydrillicola and its toxins, enabling environmental managers to make swift decisions regarding the prevention or reduction of impacts on wildlife and public health.

RevDate: 2025-12-05

Abell IR, Le TP, Flegg JA, et al (2025)

Modelling the spread and management of Varroa Destructor in naive European Honeybee populations.

Journal of theoretical biology pii:S0022-5193(25)00313-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Varroa destructor is a significant European honeybee pest, impacting agricultural industries globally. Since arriving in 2022, Australia faces the possibility that Varroa will become established in European honeybee colonies nationally. Australia initially pursued a strategy of testing and subsequently eliminating hives infested with Varroa. These management efforts raise interesting questions about the interplay between hive testing and elimination, and the spread of Varroa between hives. This study uses mathematical modelling to investigate how combined hive testing and elimination strategies impact the spread of Varroa through a network of European honeybee hives. We develop a model of both within-hive reproduction of Varroa and hive testing, and between-hive movement of Varroa on a network of hives. This model is used to assess the impact of various testing and hive elimination strategies on the total number of hives eliminated on the network of hives. Each model simulation starts with a single infested hive, and from this we observed one of two dynamics: either the infestation is caught before spreading, or Varroa spreads extensively through the network before being caught by testing. Within our model we implement two common hive testing methods - sugar shake and alcohol testing. A shared limitation of these testing methods is that they can only detect mites in a specific stage of their lifecycle. As such, testing is not only dependent on how many Varroa mites are in a hive, but also on what lifecycle stage the mites are in at the time of testing. By varying testing and movement parameters, we see that this testing limitation greatly impacts the number of hives eliminated in various scenarios. Furthermore, testing earlier, or testing more frequently, does not guarantee a smaller invasion. Our model results suggest irregular testing schedules, e.g. testing multiple times in close succession rather than just once in a given timeframe, may help overcome the limitations of common hive testing strategies.

RevDate: 2025-12-05

Tu W, Li Y, Du Y, et al (2025)

Invasive predator reshapes island trophic network and biogeography.

Current biology : CB pii:S0960-9822(25)01519-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Invasive predators are causing rapid declines in global biodiversity, especially on islands, which may further cause irreversible ecological disruption and loss of ecosystem functions because of relatively simplified food webs. However, the cascade effects of invasive predators on the trophic network structure of islands and their relationships with island isolation and area remain poorly understood. Here, using intensive field surveys and fecal DNA metabarcoding data, we explore the effects of the invasion of a global frog predator, the American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana), on native anuran-prey trophic networks across 64 invaded and control ponds spanning 21 islands in the Zhoushan Archipelago, China. We show that invasive bullfrogs destabilize the native anuran-prey network by replacing the central network positions originally occupied by native anurans, driving the generalization of natives' diets, increasing the native network connectance, decreasing the native network modularity, and diluting the effects of island isolation on the network structure metrics. These impacts are most significant on islands with long bullfrog invasion histories and those close to the mainland. Our results demonstrate how one invasive predator can reshape the native trophic network and its changes with island characteristics, potentially further homogenizing the unique functions and services of island ecosystems.

RevDate: 2025-12-05
CmpDate: 2025-12-05

Ng'eno E, Nuñez-Penichet C, Ruiz-Utrilla ZP, et al (2025)

Potential distribution of Aedes vittatus as an invasive species in North America.

PloS one, 20(12):e0335534 pii:PONE-D-25-13662.

The recent detection of populations of the mosquito Aedes vittatus in the Dominican Republic and Cuba has raised concerns over its potential for broader invasion in the Western Hemisphere, and particularly on the North American mainland. This species has been associated with the maintenance and transfer of yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses on its native distributional area. A previous study identified parts of North America with environments apparently suitable for the species, but different modeling approaches can give different results. Using models calibrated across the region historically accessible to the species, we re-examined the distributional potential of this species. Our models identified areas with year-round environmental suitability for this species along the southern coasts of the US, Mexico, Caribbean islands, and Central America. These environmentally suitable areas coincide with those for other Aedes species and overlap with urban settings, potentially placing large human populations at increased risk in case of successful establishment and invasion by this species. Targeting entomological surveillance in these and nearby areas is important for early detection to avoid establishment of populations of this species.

RevDate: 2025-12-05
CmpDate: 2025-12-05

Rocha SB, Rouco C, Louback-Franco N, et al (2025)

Leech Infestation Patterns between Native and Invasive Freshwater Turtles: Implications for Invasion Success.

Zoological studies, 64:e32.

The increasing global introduction of alien species in recent decades underscores the need to understand the factors driving their establishment and spread in order to mitigate their ecological impacts. As alien species often thrive due to the absence of natural enemies (e.g., parasites), we investigated leech parasitism in freshwater turtles, focusing on an assemblage with over 10 years of co-occurrence between native species (Phrynops geoffroanus, Hydromedusa tectifera) and invasive sliders (Trachemys dorbigni, Trachemys scripta elegans). We used traps to capture 62 turtles to assess host characteristics (species, sex, body size, and body region) that influence leech prevalence and infestation intensity in southern Brazil. Our findings revealed that native turtles exhibited an 18-fold higher prevalence of hematophagous leech than invasive species, with T. dorbigni being the only species in which no leech infestation was observed. Infestation intensity also varied among species, with native turtles harboring more leeches. Probability of leech infestation increased with body size, and the hind limbs were significantly more infested. The diminished presence of ectoparasites on invasive Trachemys throughout this coexistence period supports the enemy release hypothesis, suggesting that the lack of natural enemies may be a potential driver facilitating their invasion success. These results provide baseline data for future studies exploring key factors in the success of the slider invasions.

RevDate: 2025-12-05
CmpDate: 2025-12-04

Gómez-Suárez M, Laeseke P, H Seebens (2025)

A global dataset of native and alien distributions of alien species.

Scientific data, 12(1):1914.

Biological invasions have been identified as a major threat to nature with far-reaching consequences also for human-wellbeing. Mitigating and preventing further impacts requires knowledge about the origins of alien species and their spread dynamics. While several new datasets have been published recently about alien species distributions, information about their native ranges is scarce and scattered. Here, we present a comprehensive dataset of the regions of origin and introduction of alien species worldwide. We accessed multiple global datasets of species distributions to compile, harmonize and integrate data of alien species distributions and their native ranges. Building on previous efforts, we advanced an existing workflow to allow full reproducibility and transparency in creating the dataset. The final dataset contains 427,956 records including alien distributions of 39,700 species and native distributions of 21,345 alien species in 289 regions worldwide. This dataset provides a solid foundation for analyses of alien species flows, the identification of new emerging alien species and the management of biological invasions through prioritizing major routes of spread.

RevDate: 2025-12-05
CmpDate: 2025-12-05

Jin J, Zhao M, Wan F, et al (2025)

Cumulative generational effects of periodic heat events on two geographic populations of Agasicles hygrophila (Chrysomelidae), a classical biocontrol agent of invasive weed Alternanthera philoxeroides.

Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 307:119449.

Agasicles hygrophila (Chrysomelidae) is a specialized biological control agent for the invasive alligatorweed, Alternanthera philoxeroides. In mid-summer in Changsha City, Hunan Province, rising temperatures caused a substantial decline in the local A. hygrophila population, resulting in ineffective weed control. However, the beetle continued to feed on A. philoxeroides during the same period in Wanning City, Hainan Province. We hypothesized that heat events are the key factors driving the differing fluctuations between the two geographic populations. In this study, we investigated the development, survival, and fecundity of these two geographic populations across multiple consecutive generations under periodic heat exposure. There were no significant differences in fecundity, developmental duration, or survival across three consecutive generations for both populations under periodic heatwave 33 °C (4 h) compared with the control 30 °C (4 h). Population development has remained robust in both cases. However, periodic heat stress at 36 °C (4 h) significantly impacted the development and fecundity of the Changsha population, including reduced female fecundity, prolonged developmental periods across all stages, and decreased survival rates, all adversely affecting population development. The Wanning population experienced a slight decline in female fecundity during the treatment. At 39 °C (4 h), all the F2 generation eggs of the Changsha population failed to hatch. The sex ratio was significantly skewed toward females. While the Wanning population produced F2 generation larvae, none of them developed to the pupal stage. Neither population completed F2 generation development. These findings elucidate the effect of heat stress on cumulative generational effects in both populations of A. hygrophila. They also suggested that the Wanning population might possess greater heat tolerance than the Changsha population, providing valuable insights into the adaptive strategies for insects and other organisms facing climate change.

RevDate: 2025-12-05

Lane HS, Bilewitch J, Brooks A, et al (2025)

Concurrent infections by Bonamia species (Haplosporidia) do not cause more intense infections.

Parasitology pii:S0031182025100978 [Epub ahead of print].

Recently introduced parasites are predicted to cause more severe infections because of a lack of host-parasite co-evolution. When new parasites co-occur with similar parasites they may compete for resources within a host, with mixed species infections potentially resulting in antagonistic, synergistic or additive effects. We tested Ostrea chilensis flat oysters in New Zealand for infections by two species of haplosporidian oyster parasites. Bonamia exitiosa is an endemic parasite to New Zealand, whereas Bonamia ostreae is an introduced species first detected in New Zealand in 2015. We investigated the infection intensity of each parasite by estimating gene copy numbers using species-specific digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) across Bonamia spp. allopatric and sympatric ranges. Our results showed that B. ostreae had significantly higher gene copy numbers than B. exitiosa. However, concurrent infections of both Bonamia parasites had similar intensities (based on gene copy number) to single-species infections, with no detectable interactive effects. Collectively, the results indicate that B. ostreae remains a significant risk to O. chilensis, although coinfections may not exacerbate disease. This study demonstrates the value of ddPCR screening and the importance of considering evolutionary ecology in the management of commercially important marine diseases.

RevDate: 2025-12-04
CmpDate: 2025-12-04

McCartney MA, Mallez S, Anderson S, et al (2025)

Population genomics traces zebra mussel invasions along the expanding western North American front in Minnesota, USA to their source waters.

Scientific reports, 15(1):43137.

Zebra mussels (ZMs) continue to transform aquatic ecosystems, threaten native species, and accrue high economic costs in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2024, Minnesota (MN) in the western Great Lakes became the state with the most ZM-infested lakes in the USA. We used population genomics to examine recent ancestry and infer the source water bodies from which ZMs colonized > 1/3 of MN lakes infested from 2003 to 2018 (when spread accelerated), then compared results to traffic between lakes of boaters and anglers, the suspect invasion vectors. Lake Superior, the Upper Mississippi River, Lake Erie, and several inland lakes were our top-ranked inferred sources. We traced ZMs in 51 of 58 infested lakes to source water bodies in-state, but most were not from alleged "superspreaders" (sensu epidemiology). Mille Lacs Lake, a popular angling destination and boater network hub, was a notable exception as the inferred source for three lakes. In three MN lake-rich regions in which spread continues to be concentrated, invasions from nearby were common, and sources were most often not high boat-traffic lakes, suggesting that vectors other than trailered boats need further evaluation. Geographic expansion of our population genomic dataset could provide genomic surveillance and guide prevention of the continuing spread of ZMs.

RevDate: 2025-12-04
CmpDate: 2025-12-04

Janáč M, Bojková J, Hnilička M, et al (2025)

Factors affecting colonization and assemblage structure of fish in newly created ponds.

Scientific reports, 15(1):43146.

The construction of new ponds is a widely used mitigation measure in wetland restoration. While fish colonization can compromise their ecological function, knowledge of how frequently, how rapidly, and by which mechanisms fish colonize these habitats is severely limited. In our study of 123 newly created, originally fishless ponds in the Central European agricultural landscape, 58.5% were found to host fish. Fish were already present in 40% of one-year-old ponds and the proportion of non-colonized ponds did not depend on their age. The most common species were the invasive topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) and Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), along with the native rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus). The likelihood of fish colonisation increased with pond area and depth but decreased with the width of littoral vegetation and distance from the nearest settlement, the latter suggesting a strong effect of anthropogenic dispersal. Ponds hosting invasive or stocked fish assemblages exhibited significantly reduced water transparency and submerged macrophyte cover, indicating potential negative impact on their biodiversity. Overall, the study highlights that without effective control of fish dispersal, newly created ponds in agricultural landscape risk losing much of their conservation value and, in some cases, may even facilitate the persistence and spread of invasive species.

RevDate: 2025-12-04

Haydar Ali Tajuddin A, Isa NF, MH Mohd Nasir (2025)

Biomarkers Driving Precision Medicine in Non-functioning Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review of Recent Literature.

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism pii:8364809 [Epub ahead of print].

Nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (NF-PitNETs) display considerable biological heterogeneity, posing challenges for accurate prognostication and personalised management. This systematic review, conducted in Scopus and Web of Science in accordance with PRISMA 2020, identified 29 primary studies and categorised all molecular findings into three core themes: (1) invasion biology and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); (2) non-coding RNAs and liquid biopsy markers; and (3) multi-omics, epigenetic, and prognostic signatures. Within the invasion/EMT theme, gonadotroph tumours consistently demonstrated the strongest EMT-linked activity, including SNAI-mediated transitions, Vimentin upregulation, and β-catenin alterations. Corticotroph tumours showed intermediate EMT involvement, while null-cell tumours exhibited invasion patterns driven mainly by hypoxia-related protease dysregulation rather than EMT. In the non-coding RNA and circulating biomarker theme, several candidates, including exosomal miR-486-5p, miR-151a-5p, and exosomal MMP1, have shown diagnostic or prognostic value, although subtype specificity remains limited. The multi-omics and epigenetic theme revealed subtype-dependent molecular programmes: gonadotroph tumours were associated with PI3K-AKT pathway enrichment and SF-1 labelling heterogeneity; recurrent lesions showed elevated nuclear pEGFR T693 and MCM7; while DNA methylation mapping identified subtype-relevant loci such as NUP93, LGALS1, and GABRA1. Phosphoproteomic and acetylomic profiling further highlighted alterations in metabolic, kinase-driven, and cell-adhesion pathways linked to invasion and recurrence. Overall, the lineage-aligned synthesis indicates that NF-PitNETs progress through diverse molecular pathways, with each subtype dominated by distinct regulatory networks. Although many biomarkers show promise, most remain exploratory, highlighting the need for harmonised methods and multicentre validation to support precision diagnostics and prognostic modelling.

RevDate: 2025-12-03
CmpDate: 2025-12-04

Rosas-Guerrero J, Carmona R, M Altamirano (2025)

Seasonal Photosynthetic Acclimation as a Key Invasiveness Character in Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dictyotales, Ochrophyta).

Physiologia plantarum, 177(6):e70666.

The high variability of natural environments poses significant challenges to photosynthetic organisms, which must adapt to constant fluctuations. Mechanisms such as acclimation and adaptation are essential for mitigating stress and ensuring survival. Rugulopteryx okamurae, an invasive alien seaweed recently introduced into Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, displays a remarkable ecological success, forming dense monospecific populations throughout diverse environments. This persistence suggests highly efficient acclimation mechanisms, possibly driven by seasonal physiological performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal physiological response of R. okamurae to seasonal environmental fluctuations within a Posidonia oceanica meadow in the Alboran Sea, to better understand the photosynthetic acclimation strategies underlying its invasiveness. Photosynthesis-irradiance curves, pigment concentrations and elemental composition were analysed in individuals sampled bimonthly from July 2021 to July 2022 at a -10 m depth. Results showed significant seasonal variation in physiological parameters, highlighting a consistent acclimation capacity and robust photosynthetic performance. Fluctuations in pigment content and photosynthetic variables reflected the species' ability to optimise metabolic activity in response to environmental changes. Light compensation and saturation parameters further indicated strong photoadaptive capacity, enabling the species to thrive under both low and high light conditions. Its tolerance to a broad range of environmental factors, combined with mechanisms that prevent photoinhibition, may explain its persistence across seasons and wide depth ranges in the Alboran Sea. Although further research along depth gradients is needed, these findings underscore the role of physiological plasticity in the ecological success of R. okamurae and highlight the value of field-based studies in understanding invasion processes of marine macrophytes.

RevDate: 2025-12-03

Clements HS, Biggs R, De Vos A, et al (2025)

A place-based assessment of biodiversity intactness in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nature [Epub ahead of print].

Maintaining biodiversity is central to the sustainable development agenda[1]. However, a lack of context-specific biodiversity information at policy-relevant scales has posed major limitations to decision-makers[2,3]. To address this challenge, we undertook a comprehensive assessment of the biodiversity intactness of sub-Saharan Africa[4] using place-based knowledge of 200 African biodiversity experts[5]. We estimate that the region has on average lost 24% of its pre-colonial and pre-industrial faunal and floral population abundances, ranging from losses of <20% for disturbance-adapted herbaceous plants to 80% for some large mammals. Rwanda and Nigeria are the least intact (<55%), whereas Namibia and Botswana are the most intact (>85%). Notably, most remaining organisms occur in unprotected, relatively untransformed rangelands and natural forests. Losses in biodiversity intactness in the worst-affected biomes are driven by land transformation into cropland in grasslands and fynbos (Mediterranean-type ecosystems), by non-agricultural degradation in forests and by a combination of the two drivers in savannas. This assessment provides decision-makers with multifaceted, contextually appropriate and policy-relevant information on the state of biodiversity in an understudied region of the world. Our approach could be used in other regions, including better-studied localities, to integrate contextual, place-based knowledge into multiscale assessments of biodiversity status and impacts.

RevDate: 2025-12-03
CmpDate: 2025-12-03

Eymar-Dauphin P, Renault D, Bounous M, et al (2025)

Living together in a context of plant invasion: the example of the plant communities at the Iles Kerguelen.

npj biodiversity, 4(1):43.

With invasions, functionally differing plant species meet. The traits of native and alien species should then be modified, affecting coexistence. We studied trait variation in four native and five alien plant species on the Iles Kerguelen along gradients of alien abundance. We measured traits related to competition and stress tolerance, and compared them along the gradients, their mean, variability, and range, at the species and the community levels, through univariate (analyses of variance) and multi-traits (hypervolume) approaches. Native and alien species occupied overlapping trait spaces, mostly because aliens are more variable than natives. Along the gradients, native and alien species showed similar mean strategies, with no variation in their trait range or variance. At the community level, a shift from convergence to divergence along the gradients was observed in most traits. Our results highlight that not only the response of aliens but also of native species should be studied under invasions.

RevDate: 2025-12-03

Moore EM, Pimentel IM, Schäfer RB, et al (2025)

Long-term individual and population effects of multiple stressors, using a model freshwater mollusc (Lymnaea stagnalis).

Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 308:119505 pii:S0147-6513(25)01850-0 [Epub ahead of print].

Human activities are driving biodiversity loss by increasing the exposure to multiple environmental stressors with pollution, climate change and invasive species being amongst the most important contributors. Here, we used the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, as a model organism to investigate the combined effects of an environmentally relevant pollutant mixture, temperature increase and an invasive predator cue on physiological endpoints and behaviour. Dose-response data from single stressor exposures gathered over the partial life-cycle exposure period were used to calculate effect concentrations (EC10 and EC30) and responses to their combinations were investigated. At the EC30 for temperature (20 °C vs. 22 °C), effects were widely observed. While growth and reproduction were stimulated, this modest temperature increase negatively impacted survival (20 % reduction). Neither the pollutant mixture nor the predator cue severely impacted the examined responses and did not exacerbate the temperature effects. By contrast, the application of all three stressors at the EC30 level tended to ameliorate stress, compared to the temperature EC30 alone. Exploratory analyses also revealed that snails that avoided the predator cue by moving above the water line exhibited higher growth than those that remained in the water. Our results indicate that a number of organismal trade-offs may be occurring, such as between survival and reproduction, highlighting the complexities of predicting the impact of multiple stressors. Finally, the pronounced effects observed in response to this temperature increase (+2°C) is concerning, as this is within currently observed planetary warming, with organisms inhabiting small water bodies particularly susceptible due to their small water volumes.

RevDate: 2025-12-03
CmpDate: 2025-12-03

Yoshimura M, Suwabe M, Tsuji K, et al (2025)

Maximum effect with minimum impact: A new selective control strategy for the Browsing ant Lepisiota frauenfeldi (Formicidae: Formicinae) minimize the impact on non-target species.

PloS one, 20(12):e0337230 pii:PONE-D-25-38919.

Early-stage control of invasive ants provides an opportunity to suppress establishment while conserving existing biodiversity. We developed and tested a selective control strategy targeting the Browsing ant Lepisiota frauenfeldi, an emerging omnivorous, polygynous, and polydomous invader, during its initial establishment in an urban area of Okinawa Island, Japan. Because the local ant community was still present when the invasion was detected, the trial aimed at reducing the competitive advantage of the target species while preserving biotic resistance from resident species. We hypothesized that weakening L. frauenfeldi through selective chemical treatment would allow existing species to occupy its vacant niches, thereby accelerating eradication. Species-specific baits were formulated using a growth regulator with protein- and carbohydrate-based substrates. Baits were placed near nest entrances identified through monthly surveys over an area of approximately 1.6 hectares. Ant community dynamics were monitored for 44 months using hand-collection and sticky-trap surveys. The invasive ant showed a strong negative response to treatment, with an estimated 92% reduction in occurrence probability, ultimately disappearing from the treated area. Several non-target ant species increased in frequency, consistent with expectation of the niche reoccupation, while most other species remained stable, indicating minimal impact on the broader community. Compared to conventional methods, this approach used drastically less chemical while achieving high efficacy. Implementation through cross-organizational collaboration enabled parallel treatment in adjacent restricted areas and contributed to the program's success. These results highlight the practical and ecological value of nest-targeted, community-collaborative selective baiting as a strategy for managing omnivorous invasive ants during early establishment.

RevDate: 2025-12-03
CmpDate: 2025-12-03

Kim IK, PW Messer (2025)

Predicting the invasiveness of threshold-dependent gene drives.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2025.11.20.689598.

Gene drives hold great promise for controlling disease vectors or invasive species due to their capacity to rapidly spread through a population from a small initial release. This same property also raises serious concerns about unintended spillover into non-target populations. Threshold-dependent gene drive systems, which can spread only when introduced above a critical population frequency, have been proposed as a more controllable alternative, yet their invasion dynamics in spatially structured populations remain poorly understood. Here, we analyze invasion criteria for threshold-dependent gene drives in continuous-space populations using deterministic reaction-diffusion models and individual-based simulations that better capture the stochasticity of real-world populations. We find substantial variability in invasion outcomes in the individual-based models. Low-threshold modification drives with small fitness costs frequently spread across a wide range of release sizes, including introductions far below those required to succeed in diffusion models. In contrast, threshold-dependent suppression drives exhibit qualitatively different behavior: stochastic effects at low density can often disrupt wavefronts or produce persistent chasing cycles, generally reducing invasion success relative to diffusion-model expectations. Overall, our results show that the spatial containment of threshold-dependent gene drives is more complex than predicted by non-spatial or purely deterministic models, highlighting the importance of spatially explicit analyses when evaluating their real-world performance.

RevDate: 2025-12-03

Micheletti T, Mello TJ, Verona C, et al (2025)

Lessons from an eradication under multiple constraints of an island rat population of record density.

Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology [Epub ahead of print].

Invasive rats threaten island biodiversity, disrupting ecosystems and endangering native species. Although rat eradication has succeeded on many islands, tropical islands present unique management challenges. Strict regulations and financial constraints on some tropical islands further limit proven eradication methods, complicating rodent management. We applied a real-time active adaptive management approach that provided a cautious, cost-efficient, and scientifically grounded pathway to rat eradication, while adhering to strict environmental regulations, on Ilha do Meio, Brazil. The cost was US$3300 per hectare, and the management actions were grounded in close interdisciplinary collaboration. We applied rodenticide (brodifacoum), monitored the rat population, and made iterative management adjustments. The rat overpopulation was eradicated within 5 months, and population increases were observed early on in the threatened masked booby (Sula dactylatra), and the endemic Noronha elaenia (Elaenia ridleyana) and Noronha skink (Trachylepis atlantica). Despite logistical constraints, our approach proved effective and cost-efficient, marking its first application in a biological system. Our findings highlight the value of innovation, close interdisciplinary collaboration, and adaptive decision-making when the application of best-practice methods is constrained.

RevDate: 2025-12-03

Yıldız T, Demirel N, Ulman A, et al (2025)

Growth and reproductive dynamics of the devil firefish, Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828), in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Journal of fish biology [Epub ahead of print].

The devil firefish, Pterois miles, an invasive alien species, presents a growing threat to marine biodiversity due to its rapid population expansion and significant ecological impacts in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This study, conducted between February 2020 and April 2021, aimed to assess the growth patterns and reproductive behaviour to better understand its invasion dynamics in Turkey. Monthly sampling revealed its length-weight relationship, with positive allometric growth. The reproductive dynamics showed a prolonged spawning season from June to November, with females displaying high fecundity, averaging 20,743 oocytes per batch. Females reached first maturity at 20.1 cm total length, and its natural mortality rate was estimated at 0.8 per year. Understanding life-history characteristics of lionfish is important for understanding its invasion success and may help develop effective measures to control its invasion to protect regional marine native biodiversity.

RevDate: 2025-12-02
CmpDate: 2025-12-03

Blöcker AM, Auch D, Gutte HM, et al (2025)

Identifying and addressing the anthropogenic drivers of global change in the North Sea: a systematic map.

Environmental evidence, 14(1):24.

BACKGROUND: Marine ecosystems worldwide face extreme stress from human activities, with the North Sea being particularly affected and experiencing altered processes. To assess anthropogenic drivers for sustainable management, the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) distinguished five main anthropogenic drivers: direct exploitation of fish and seafood, sea use change, human-driven climate change, pollution, and invasive alien species. However, evidence of the drivers' relevance and their potential effects on species and the environment over time remains scarce. This systematic map provides knowledge on the five main anthropogenic drivers in the North Sea from 1945 to 2020 and identifies potential knowledge gaps in terms of management implications.

METHODS: To identify relevant articles we used our published systematic map protocol. We conducted systematic searches of academic and grey literature in English, German, and French in online databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, AquaDocs). The search followed a Population-Exposure-Comparison-Outcome framework and included the period January 1945 to December 2020. A total of 22,511 articles were deduplicated and screened by title and abstract, the remaining 5795 were screened full-text to provide a widely integrated evidence base. A set of 3356 articles were retained following eligibility criteria and were included in the final database. We extracted information on drivers in detail and their effects on study populations within different areas in the North Sea. Knowledge clusters and gaps were identified from the scientific effort and are synthesized narratively.

RESULTS: Out of the 3356 articles, the majority focused on pollution throughout the entire period of 75 years. Research interest has increased in climate change and biological invasion only in the most recent decades. We identified knowledge clusters in the southern North Sea, especially in ICES standard species areas 6 and 7, which has the most articles overall, mainly emphasizing pollution. Northern areas were in contrast studied the least. The effects of pollution were mainly linked to changes in chemical water properties and to contamination levels for benthos and fish. The other drivers were rather associated with changes in biomass or abundance, with a strong focus on fish and benthos populations. A key knowledge gap was on the effects of global change, herein defined as simultaneous assessment of all five drivers, at different organizational levels and therein on different populations.

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic map reveals substantial peer-reviewed evidence on the five main anthropogenic drivers in the North Sea. The map uncovers a strong increase in research interest regarding these drivers over the years, with a strong focus towards pollution and southern North Sea areas. Despite the increasing importance of climate change effects, this map highlights limited research effort on it. As ecosystem management nowadays strives for sustainable use of marine systems, it is more important than ever to understand linkages between drivers, potential cumulative effects and possible repercussions. The map revealed a strong knowledge gap regarding these linkages due to global change. On this basis, further systematic reviews can acknowledge these gaps, identifying the drivers' impacts and their quick evolvement to support management decision-making at various governance levels.

RevDate: 2025-12-03
CmpDate: 2025-12-03

Meng C, Lei C, Li X, et al (2025)

Soil organic carbon decline under bamboo invasion: The role of microbial carbon cycling.

Journal of environmental management, 395:127999.

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) invasion has increasingly threatened forest ecosystem stability by altering soil carbon cycling processes. However, the microbial mechanisms underlying the changes of soil organic carbon (SOC) during bamboo invasion remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of bamboo invasion on microbial diversity, functions, and SOC content by collecting soil samples across a gradient of 0 %, 50 %, and 100 % bamboo invasion. The results showed that complete bamboo invasion significantly reduced bacterial α-diversity (P < 0.05) and promoted stochastic processes in shaping microbial communities, whereas fungal communities were more influenced by deterministic processes. Furthermore, bamboo invasion decreased the stability of bacterial interaction networks and significantly reduced SOC content (P < 0.05). To further validate this trend, we conducted a meta-analysis of 37 studies and 105 observations, which consistently indicated that bamboo invasion significantly reduced SOC. Our findings provide new insights, showing that the reduction in SOC is closely associated with a decrease in the abundance of microbial carbon cycling genes, suggesting that changes in these functional genes may be a key driver of SOC decline. These findings underscore the profound impact of bamboo invasion, which not only alters soil properties but also impedes microbial metabolism and carbon storage. The study highlights the urgent need to address plant invasions to preserve microbial ecosystem functions, which are crucial for maintaining global carbon cycles and ecosystem resilience.

RevDate: 2025-12-03
CmpDate: 2025-12-03

Rescio F, Scianna C, Di Franco A, et al (2025)

Increasing occurrence of the bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) poses a threat for small-scale fisheries in the central Mediterranean Sea.

Journal of environmental management, 395:127773.

Climate change is reshaping the distribution and abundance of marine species globally, with rising temperatures driving the spread of warm-water organisms. The Mediterranean Sea is recognized as a climate change hotspot where several warm water species are expanding, such as the bearded fireworm Hermodice carunculata, showing strong potential to become new native invaders. This trend carries important ecological and socio-economic implications, particularly for small-scale fisheries (SSF), a sector often overlooked despite its vital societal role. To investigate long-term ecological shifts, this study draws on Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) to assess changes in H. carunculata occurrence, its perceived impact on SSF, and fishers' willingness to engage in mitigation activities. Structured interviews were conducted with 120 fishers in 12 coastal locations across Italy during 2023-2024. Results revealed a geographic gradient: high fireworm occurrence in the southeast, and rare or absent sightings in the northwest. Responses indicated a progressive rise in occurrence from 1990 to 2024, highlighting the species' role in the ongoing 'meridionalization' of the Mediterranean. Set nets were identified as the most impacted gear, followed by traps and bottom longlines. This impact appears linked to the benthic nature of both the species and these static fishing gears, which are particularly susceptible to scavenging by H. carunculata. In high-impact areas, fishers, especially younger ones, expressed a strong willingness to participate in collaborative mitigation initiatives, with particular emphasis on eradication strategies. These findings offer critical insights into species dynamics and support the development of ecosystem-based, adaptive management in a warming climate.

RevDate: 2025-12-02

Izquierdo-Palma J, Hernández-Brito D, Hiraldo F, et al (2025)

Multi-layer networks reveal changes in plant-bird interactions driven by invasive species.

Communications biology, 8(1):1735.

Biological invasions can strongly disrupt ecosystems, reshaping their structure and functioning. We investigate how two widespread invasive parrots -the rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri and the monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus- affect plant-bird interaction networks using a multilayer framework. Field data were collected over a full annual cycle in an area with both species, accumulating 288 h of observations and tracking 24,561 fruits from 576 plants. Parakeets modified networks by introducing novel interactions, increasing species turnover and altering modularity and nestedness. Acting as both seed predators and dispersers, they became central connectors, enabling native birds to access previously unavailable resources and increasing rare dispersal mechanisms. Their activities increased antagonisms and generated new interspecific interactions with numerous plant species. By exploiting plants not previously used by local birds, parakeets heightened the risk of secondary invasions and the spread of exotic plants. These findings underscore their dual roles in disrupting and restructuring ecological networks and stress the need to reassess their contributions in native and invaded ecosystems. Understanding their potential to facilitate exotic plant expansion is critical, as their ecological impacts will likely intensify with population growth and geographic spread. Comprehensive assessments are essential to predict and mitigate these far-reaching consequences.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-02

Tamang S, Khanal S, Chaudhary T, et al (2025)

Invasive Weeds Reduce Plant Diversity and Alter Species Composition in Rangelands of Tropical Protected Areas in Nepal.

Environmental management, 76(1):24.

Invasive alien species pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in protected areas (PAs) worldwide. This study examines ecological impacts of invasive weeds Lantana camara and Mesosphaerum suaveolens on plant species diversity, community composition and soil chemical properties in Parsa and Shuklaphanta National Parks (NPs), Nepal. In total, we sampled 180 pairs of 5 m × 5 m plots, comprising 45 pairs (3 sites × 15 pairs) for each invasive species in each NP. Across all sampling sites, these weeds consistently reduced species diversity (Shannon, Simpson indices), despite the species- and site-specific variations in species richness and soil characteristics. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and Canonical correspondence analysis revealed substantial modifications in plant species composition, along with shifts in indicator species and an increase in the relative cover of established alien plants in invaded plots. While the effects of invasions on soil properties were inconsistent, L. camara significantly increased soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in Parsa, whereas M. suaveolens had no measurable impact on soil parameters except soil pH in either PA. These results suggest that species diversity indices and changes in species composition serve as reliable ecological indicators for assessing impacts of invasive weeds and monitoring ecological restorations. The decline in species diversity and alterations in plant community composition can have cascading effects on ecosystem processes and livelihoods of local communities. Given the increasing threats of plant invasions in Nepal's PAs, urgent and effective management interventions are needed to prevent further spread, mitigate ecological and socio-economic impacts, and restore invaded habitats.

RevDate: 2025-12-02
CmpDate: 2025-12-02

Du J, Y Ku (2026)

Ballast water management to resist biological invasion risks: An evolutionary game analysis.

Marine pollution bulletin, 222(Pt 3):118879.

Effective ballast water management is critical to reducing the risk of biological invasions induced by the maritime industry, but conflicting interests among governments, ports, and ships complicate coordinated management. To balance the interests of multiple parties, we created an evolutionary game model that considers three-party utility functions. The model analyzes all possible hybrid evolutionary strategies, solves them to obtain Nash equilibrium, and tests the robustness of the strategies. Through numerical simulation, we experiment with the impact of various strategies on the prevention and control of biological invasion risks. The results show that under general scenarios, ships will actively avoid risks, and government incentives can increase this initiative. Active governance behavior by the government will significantly promote active cooperation between ships and improve the efficiency of managing risk of ballast water discharge. These findings guide ballast water management strategies to prevent the risk of biological invasion in ocean-going vessels.

RevDate: 2025-12-02
CmpDate: 2025-12-02

Li J, Yang B, Mokrani A, et al (2026)

Geographic origin and post-invasion genetic divergence of Mytilus galloprovincialis in China.

Marine pollution bulletin, 222(Pt 3):118807.

Biological invasions serve as natural experiments to investigate how species adapt to novel environments. The Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), a highly successful marine invader and strong biofouler, has formed dominant populations along the coast of China. However, its genetic origin, population structure, and the consequences for the genetic diversity of invasive and native populations remain unclear. To address this, we employed a 60 K SNP array to genotype 320 individuals sampled from seven geographic populations, along with 112 reference samples. The results indicate a clear genetic affinity between Chinese and Mediterranean populations (FST < 0.05), while moderate differentiation was observed from Atlantic populations (FST > 0.05), supporting a Mediterranean origin. Genetic differentiation was observed in Dalian, whereas Lianyungang served as a key gene flow sink from both Mediterranean origins and nearby invasive populations. Moreover, using just 20 SNPs with a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model yielded 84 % classification accuracy, closely matching the full array's performance. Our findings provide novel insights into the invasion history and post-invasion genetic dynamics of M. galloprovincialis in East Asia and highlight the utility of SNP tools for species identification, population monitoring, and pollution-related biomonitoring in marine ecosystems.

RevDate: 2025-12-01

Poonia P, Gaur L, Parihar S, et al (2025)

Biochar from invasive weeds for enhanced removal of organic pollutants and pathogens from municipal wastewater.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-025-28294-x [Epub ahead of print].

Agro-waste management and waste water treatment is one of the major global issues. The present study investigated biochars derived from invasive weeds Calotropis gigantea, Crotalaria burhia, and Tephrosia purpurea for municipal wastewater treatment in Jodhpur, India. Biochars produced at 450 °C yielded 31% (C. gigantea), 33.23% (C. burhia), and 30.18% (T. purpurea). Untreated wastewater showed high pollutant loads, including COD (369 mg/L), BOD (58 mg/L), turbidity (66 NTU), color (175 Hazen), SAR (13.07), and coliform count (177.5 ± 4.86 MPN/100 mL). Treatment with biochar improved water quality within 4 h of residence time. C. burhia exhibited the highest efficiency which reduced COD and BOD by 89% and 88.27%, respectively, followed by C. gigantea (65.85%, 63.41%) and T. purpurea (66.39%, 60.34%). Dissolved oxygen increased by 51.35% with C. burhia, 37.83% with C. gigantea, and 32.43% with T. purpurea. Turbidity and color removal efficiencies were highest for C. gigantea (77.71%) and C. burhia (75.43%), while SAR declined by 38.79%, 29.84%, and 25.78%, respectively, enhancing irrigation suitability. Total coliform counts decreased by up to 73.33% with C. burhia. Overall, invasive weed-derived biochars with high fixed carbon (64-81%) proved sustainable, low-cost alternatives for wastewater remediation while addressing invasive species management.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Zhou Y, Liu J, Zhao XY, et al (2026)

The DMPA secreted by the pitcher of Nepenthes × ventrata demonstrates insecticidal activity against a range of insect pests.

Pesticide biochemistry and physiology, 216(Pt 1):106782.

The prolonged use of traditional chemical pesticides has led to the emergence of resistance in pest populations, and the discovery of bioactive compounds with novel insecticidal mechanisms offers a promising strategy to broaden the current repertoire of pest management approaches. Natural compounds derived from plants constitute a vast resource for the development of novel pesticides. As a carnivorous plant, Nepenthes × ventrata is capable of secreting a diverse array of compounds that serve to attract and digest insects. In this study, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by N. × ventrata were identified. Compared with leaves, 28 VOCs were highly enriched in the pitchers of N. × ventrata. Y-tube behavior assays demonstrated sporadic attractant activity of 2,2-dimethyl-4-pentenoic acid (DMPA) on Bactrocera dorsalis, whereas no significant attractive effects on Tuta absoluta and Drosophila melanogaster were observed. When administered via both fumigation and contact exposure, DMPA exhibited significant lethality against these three pests. Limited proteolytic mass spectrometry (Lip-MS) analysis revealed that two ferritins, Tafer1 and Tafer2, from T. absoluta interacted with DMPA. In conclusion, the DMPA secreted by N. × ventrata is characterized as a bioactive compound exhibiting insecticidal activity, and thus represents a promising candidate for development as a novel insecticidal agent.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Li D, Yu M, Huang L, et al (2026)

Engineered bacterium Pseudomonas abietaniphila BHJ04-BLG4 controls pine wilt disease via nematocidal activity and induction of host systemic resistance.

Pesticide biochemistry and physiology, 216(Pt 1):106729.

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a destructive global forest disease for which microbial control offers promising potential. Pseudomonas abietaniphila BHJ04, an endophytic bacterium from Pinus massoniana, has been shown to induce host resistance. To enhance its biocontrol efficacy against PWD, we engineered this strain to improve nematicidal activity while maintaining resistance induction. An exogenous nematicidal gene encoding the extracellular alkaline serine protease BLG4 was introduced into BHJ04 by conjugation transfer, generating strain BHJ04-BLG4. Colonization in P. massoniana stems peaked 15 days post-inoculation (2.06 × 10[4] copies/μL). In vitro assays demonstrated that purified BLG4 degraded nematode cuticles and killed nematodes (IC50 = 35.98 μg/mL), while crude lysate supernatant from 48 h cultures achieved 100 % nematicidal activity. In greenhouse trials, BHJ04-BLG4 reduced PWD incidence to 40 % (control efficacy: 86.66 %). RT-qPCR showed significant induction of host defense genes: dehydration-responsive protein (315.06-fold at 48 h), and chitinase, PR-2 (β-1,3-glucanase), and PR-5 (thaumatin-like protein) genes (7.43-34.26-fold within 24-48 h). Preliminary ecological safety tests indicated that BHJ04-BLG4 caused no disease symptoms in tobacco, alfalfa, or P. thunbergii. These findings suggest that BHJ04-BLG4 confers enhanced resistance to PWD through synergistic mechanisms of direct nematicidal activity and host systemic resistance induction. This engineered strain represents a novel and sustainable biocontrol strategy for PWD management.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Liu J, Tang X, Long K, et al (2026)

Recombinant defense protease inhibitors from Vigna unguiculata show bioactivity against non-host related pests.

Pesticide biochemistry and physiology, 216(Pt 1):106716.

The long-term use of chemical pesticides has caused resistance, environmental pollution and other problems, in contrast, biological pesticides are safer and more environmentally friendly. Plant defense substances are important sources of biopesticides for pest control. Although pests have developed adaptations to the host plant, the defense substances derived from plants still have activities against non-host related pests. The defense pathways and substances of Vigna unguiculata were identified by transcriptome sequencing under the treatments of mechanical damage and mite feeding. MAPK pathway related genes were identified as important regulators during the activation of plant defense. Among substances with potential direct activity, a total of 15 serine protease inhibitors and 8 cysteine protease inhibitors were screened out. Since the gene expression levels of VuCPI649 and VuSPI680 were significantly up-regulated in mite feeding group, the soluble proteins of VuCPI649 and VuSPI680 were obtained through heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. Biological activity assays showed that recombinant VuCPI649 and VuSPI680 could significantly inhibit the hatching of the eggs of Tetranychus urticae, and recombinant VuCPI649 had insecticidal effect on the larvae of Tuta absoluta through feeding. Subsequently, the protease genes with specific expression patterns in T. urticae and T. absoluta were screened out as potential targets, and the interaction and binding sites between protease inhibitors and proteases were predicted. In conclusion, recombinant VuCPI649 and VuSPI680 are expected to become new types of insecticidal and acaricidal active substances.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Feng Z, Blumenthal E, Mehta P, et al (2025)

A theory of ecological invasions and its implications for eco-evolutionary dynamics.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 122(49):e2505850122.

Predicting the outcomes of species invasions is a central goal of ecology, a task made especially challenging due to ecological feedbacks. To address this, we develop a general theory of ecological invasions applicable to a wide variety of ecological models: including Lotka-Volterra models, consumer resource models, and models with cross feeding. Importantly, our framework remains valid even when invading evolved (nonrandom) communities and accounts for invasion-driven species extinctions. We derive analytical expressions relating invasion fitness to invader abundance, shifts in the community, and extinction conditions. These results can be understood through a quantity we term "dressed invasion fitness," which augments the traditional notion of invasion fitness by incorporating ecological feedbacks. We apply our theory to analyze short-term evolutionary dynamics through a series of invasions by mutants whose traits are correlated with an existing parent. We demonstrate that, generically, mutants and parents can coexist, often by driving the extinction of low-abundance species. We validate theoretical predictions against experimental datasets spanning ecosystems from plants to microbial protists. Our work highlights the central role of ecological feedbacks in shaping community responses to invasions and mutations, suggesting that parent-mutant coexistence is widespread in eco-evolutionary dynamics.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Wang GQ, He J, Hu RN, et al (2025)

Object detection algorithm for eggs of Pomacea canaliculata in a paddy field environment.

Frontiers in plant science, 16:1683763.

As an invasive species in China, Pomacea canaliculata severely impacts crop quality and yield, necessitating effective monitoring for food security. To address the challenges in detecting its eggs in paddy fields-including feature contamination, stem and leaf occlusion, and dense targets-we propose an enhanced YOLOv8n-based algorithm. The method introduces omni-dimensional dynamic convolution (ODConv) in the backbone network to improve target feature extraction, constructs a Slim-neck structure to optimize feature processing efficiency, and designs a receptive-field attention head (RFAHead) for detection refinement. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved model achieves 3.3% and 4.2% higher mAP@0.5 and mAP@0.5:0.95 than the original YOLOv8. It outperforms Faster R-CNN, YOLOv3-tiny, YOLOv5, YOLOv6, YOLOv7-tiny, YOLOv9-t, YOLOv10n, and YOLOv11n by 18.2%, 12.4%, 5.2%, 10.8%, 11.6% 5.0%, 3.8%, and 3.4% in mAP@0.5 and 20.6%, 17.5%, 8.1%, 15.6%, 16.1%, 7.0%, 7.7%, and 6.5% in mAP@0.5:0.95, respectively. Visual analysis confirms enhanced recognition of small and occluded targets through improved feature learning. This model enables accurate and rapid detection of Pomacea eggs in rice fields, offering technical support for invasive species control.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Santibañez A, Coccia C, Barría EM, et al (2025)

Tag, you're it!: viral diseases in native otters of south-central Chile due to coexistence with invasive American mink and domestic dogs.

Frontiers in veterinary science, 12:1634282.

INTRODUCTION: Biological invasions represent a significant epidemiological route for the introduction and dispersion of pathogens, facilitating disease emergence and transmission among native biodiversity. In the temperate rainforest ecoregion of south-central Chile, the native semiaquatic mustelid Lontra felina (marine otter) and L. provocax (southern river otter) coexist both sympatrically and syntopically with two invasive species-American mink (Neogale vison) and domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), that act as carriers and hosts of canine parvovirus and distemper.

METHODOLOGY: To assess the occurrence of both diseases, we: (1) collected serum and mucous membrane samples from four species across three sectors of this ecoregion; and (2) employed serological immunoassays (IgG) and genetic analyses (qPCR-HRM) to detect both active and past infections, and to genotypically characterize the two viral agents.

RESULTS: 75% of L. felina individuals tested positive for parvovirus. The melting temperature (Tm) of the analyzed DNA fragment revealed two diverging groups, suggesting the presence of two genotypic variants of the virus within this mammalian assemblage. L. felina individuals carried the variant with the higher Tm, which was also detected in N. vison from the same locality. In contrast, L. provocax individuals carried the variant with the lower Tm, while dogs and minks hosted both viral variants. Canine distemper virus was detected only in dogs that also tested positive for parvovirus.

DISCUSSION: Our results present the first report of parvovirus in L. felina and support the hypothesis that N. vison and dogs acts as metareservoir and mink also as a bridge host for its transmission. In the study area, the synanthropic behavior of N. vison and its interactions with domestic and native species may facilitate the diversification of emergent pathogens within Chilean native fauna.

RevDate: 2025-12-01

Fernández-Delgado C, M Herrera (2025)

Past trends and future scenarios in the distribution of European catfish Silurus glanis in Spain.

Journal of fish biology [Epub ahead of print].

The European catfish (Silurus glanis) is a giant Eurasian freshwater fish that has become a high-impact invasive species in Western Europe. In Spain, it was first introduced in 1974 in the Ebro River for sport fishing, and has since spread to multiple river basins, despite bans. We compiled all known occurrence records in Spain (1974-2024) from scientific surveys, government databases and citizen science, standardizing them on a 10 × 10 km grid. Using first-detection data per waterbody, we reconstructed the invasion timeline and calculated decadal expansion rates. We then applied nonlinear models to project future spread up to 2030. S. glanis now occupies seven major Iberian basins, expanding from one grid cell in the 1970s to 129 cells by 2024. The invasion was initially slow (1970s-1990s), followed by a rapid expansion from 2000 to 2009, when the area occupied increased six-fold. Since 2010 its expansion has moderated, although new introductions in the Duero, Guadalquivir and Andalusian Mediterranean basins have driven localized explosive growth. Logistic and Gompertz models suggest the invasion may be approaching saturation in long-invaded basins (e.g. Ebro), projecting only a slight increase in total area occupied by 2030. However, model confidence intervals remain broad, reflecting uncertainty due to potential illegal translocations and climate-driven habitat changes in the future. Our findings underscore the urgent need for proactive management: preventing human-mediated jump dispersal, enhancing monitoring for early detection and enforcing regulations. Continued data updates and risk modelling are vital to inform policy and targeted control against this high-risk invader.

RevDate: 2025-11-30

Rodríguez-Caballero G, Torres P, Díaz G, et al (2025)

Lower specificity of mycorrhizal associations in the invader Nicotiana glauca could mediate adaptive advantages over the native plant species during the drought season.

The Science of the total environment, 1009:181053 pii:S0048-9697(25)02693-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Mycorrhizal associations involving arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can play a critical role in the success of plant invasion processes, particularly under environmental stress conditions such as drought. This study investigated the effects of plant invasiveness, seasonal soil moisture (wet vs. dry seasons), and characteristics of invaded sites on AMF communities associated with the roots of the invasive species Nicotiana glauca and co-occurring native plants in Mediterranean semiarid ecosystems. High-throughput MiSeq sequencing identified 546 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of AMF, with members of the family Glomeraceae predominating in all samples. Native plants exhibited significantly greater AMF richness (the Chao1 richness estimator ranged from 21.8 under wet conditions to 40.4 under dry conditions) and diversity (the Shannon-Weaver diversity index ranged from 2.4 under wet conditions to 2.9 under dry conditions), whereas the AMF communities associated with N. glauca were less diverse and characterized by generalist taxa independently soil moisture (the Shannon-Weaver diversity index ranged from 2.0 under wet conditions to 2.1 under dry conditions). The rhizosphere of invasive plants exhibited higher enzymatic activities-including dehydrogenase, urease, and alkaline phosphomonoesterase (approximately 70 %, 33 %, and 26 % higher, respectively, than those in the rhizosphere of native plants)-with enzyme values remaining more stable across seasons. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that the AMF community composition was influenced by soil biochemical parameters, particularly the alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity related to phosphorus cycling. Moreover, rhizospheric soils of N. glauca displayed greater structural stability, especially during the dry season. These findings indicate that N. glauca supports resilient and functionally efficient AMF associations under varying water availability, which may enhance its ecological success in drought-affected environments.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Puthumana MA, Bisht MS, Singh M, et al (2025)

Genome assembly and insights into globally invasive Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer).

DNA research : an international journal for rapid publication of reports on genes and genomes, 32(6):.

The Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) of the Pycnonotidae family is one of the most invasive tropical passerine bird species. We accomplished the genome and transcriptome sequencing of P. cafer to explore the genomic basis of invasiveness and assembled the genome size of 1.03 Gb and 15,533 protein-coding genes with an N50 of 3.04 Mb and 97.2% BUSCO completeness. Our study constructed the mitogenome and 18S rRNA marker gene of P. cafer for the first time. Further, we investigated the demographic history and identified recent genetic bottlenecks the species experienced. We established the phylogenetic position of P. cafer and examined the gene family evolution along with orthologous gene clustering to provide clues on the invasive characteristics of P. cafer. Our study thus serves as a significant resource for future studies in invasion genomics and the possible management of this bird species in alien ranges.

RevDate: 2025-11-29

Bufford JL, Brandt AJ, Chong KY, et al (2025)

Overcoming barriers to build partnerships for managing plant invasions under global change.

Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology [Epub ahead of print].

Non-native plant invasions are a cross-boundary conservation challenge, requiring coordinated management and policy responses underpinned by science. Global change is expected to exacerbate this challenge by changing abiotic and biotic drivers of invasive plant distribution, abundance, and impact. Current approaches may no longer be effective, and management must adapt to new threats and conditions. Collaborative personal and institutional partnerships are crucial to link research to practice and policy in order to better manage the complex drivers of invasions and mitigate their impacts under ongoing global change. We used examples from local to global scales to demonstrate how reciprocal knowledge exchange and project codesign among researchers, practitioners, and policy makers can improve conservation outcomes and benefits from invasive species management. Researchers provide expertise needed to apply concepts to new contexts, practitioners hold essential local knowledge, and policy makers balance competing priorities. Combining these strengths leads to more effective and resilient management of plant invasions. This highlights the central importance of collaboration among people, including Indigenous peoples and other local communities, in decision-making and management. Best practices for developing partnerships between individual researchers and local and Indigenous communities, practitioners, and policy makers include engaging respectfully across knowledge and value systems, testing assumptions with data, considering ecological significance, and connecting across spatial scales. Structural solutions to overcome institutional and implementation barriers and develop effective partnerships include funding knowledge brokers and liaisons, collaboratively reviewing policies and practices, incentivizing long-term relationships and goals, and codeveloping data collection and storage. The resulting intentional, long-term partnerships will enable direct application of ecological knowledge to plant invasions and their management, support sustainable and locally backed solutions, and overcome lags in applying science to practice.

RevDate: 2025-11-29

de Alcântara BM, Santana PHC, Santos FRD, et al (2025)

Allelopathy as a Strategy for Biological Invasion: Calotropis procera and Its Impact on Plant Succession.

Chemistry & biodiversity [Epub ahead of print].

This article reports on the allelopathic potential of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton foliage on Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos. Predominant species in semiarid environments, especially in the Caatinga of the Northeast, where it acts as an invasive species. The leaves of C. procera were mixed with soil from the Caatinga and left to decompose for 90 days. The control group consisted only of soil from the Caatinga, Northeast, Brazil. The germination test was conducted in quadruplicate (30 seeds/treatment). For growth, 30 replicates per treatment were used, each with one seedling of the recipient species. The identification of the chemical constituents of C. procera was assessed by GC-MS. The data was submitted to the one-way ANOVA test. Residues from the decomposition of C. procera litter negatively affected seedling germination, with a reduction of up to 80% in the treatments evaluated. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of 18 compounds, grouped into six main classes. Among the main compounds identified were: α-amyrin (C30H50O) with 2.69% and O-acetyl-β-amyrin (C32H52O2) with 6.19% concentration. Significant variation was observed in the thickness of the tissues and regions of the radicle, hypocotyl and leaves of H. impetiginosus. C. procera litter has a negative allelopathic potential on the recipient species, which could lead to their reduction in the natural environment.

RevDate: 2025-11-29
CmpDate: 2025-11-29

Abbasi M, Yousefi S, Khayatzadeh S, et al (2025)

Detection of invasive Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): a crucial alert for public health in Northwest of Iran.

Archives of public health = Archives belges de sante publique, 83(1):288.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the efficiency of entomological surveillance programs in East Azerbaijan Province, focusing on Points of Entry (PoEs) along the Aras River, for the early detection of invasive Aedes. Given the increasing risk of dengue fever due to the presence of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in neighboring regions, the research aims to assess the distribution of these mosquitoes and other potential vectors.

METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted from April 2021 to August 2024 in high-risk regions of East Azerbaijan, northwestern Iran. Data collection involved biweekly surveillance at PoEs using ovitraps, larval surveys, and human-baited traps, with evaluations were expanded in July and August 2024 to address increased transportation activity at strategic locations outside the established surveillance program. Data were analyzed to identify population patterns and enhance understanding of mosquito dynamics in the region.

RESULTS: During a four-year entomological surveillance study, 22,553 mosquito specimens (Family: Culicidae) were collected, with 79% (N = 17,803) from PoEs and the remaining (N = 4,750) belonged to other areas. In PoEs, five species were identified and Culex pipiens was the predominant species (89%). Mosquito populations showed significant variation in abundance, peaking in July and August. In non-PoE locations, 14 species were collected during the study period, including the first detection of Ae. albopictus in East Azerbaijan Province.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study highlights the critical role of mosquito surveillance in detecting and managing invasive species. The dominance of Cx. pipiens and the presence of Ae. albopictus raise concerns about the transmission of arboviruses in the region. Therefore, effective measures for monitoring and controlling mosquito populations are crucial for preventing disease outbreaks in the region.

RevDate: 2025-11-29
CmpDate: 2025-11-29

Demetriou J, Martinou AF, Bowler D, et al (2025)

The Cyprus Database of Alien Species (CyDAS).

Scientific data, 12(1):1881.

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a direct driver of global biodiversity loss, and can also affect societies, economies and human health. Maintaining up-to-date alien species inventories is important for informing policy and management decisions. Here we present the Cyprus Database of Alien Species (CyDAS), an openly accessible, online dataset providing informational resources on alien species on the island of Cyprus. The dataset (up to end of December 2023) includes information on 1,293 terrestrial, freshwater and marine introduced taxa, with species profiles being constantly updated to keep track of new arrivals. The CyDAS aims to catalogue and supplement our knowledge on the alien species of Cyprus; to help develop and enhance early warning and rapid response systems; to raise public awareness of the risks posed by the IAS subset; to strengthen and enhance engagement and public participation in surveys in the field of biological invasions; and to inform IAS policy. CyDAS is a free, online database and we would like to encourage other researchers and decision-makers to provide information on IAS.

RevDate: 2025-11-28

Mallett MC, Thiem JD, Butler GL, et al (2025)

Evaluating bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a tool for assessing freshwater fish condition.

Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology pii:S1095-6433(25)00157-6 [Epub ahead of print].

The nutritional status, or condition, of fish is a key health proxy influencing vital life history processes including migration, reproduction, and recruitment. Numerous morphological, biochemical, and electronic metrics are used to assess fish condition, yet it remains unclear if these metrics are congruent with each other and across species. This study evaluates bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a tool for assessing fish condition by comparing it with morphological (e.g. condition index, hepatosomatic index) and biochemical (e.g. percentage and total-body mass compositions of lipid, mineral, protein and water content and bulk C:N ratios in muscle tissue) condition metrics in three native Australian fish species (Macquaria ambigua, Nematalosa erebi, and Percalates novemaculeata) and one invasive species (Cyprinus carpio). Using simple least-squares linear regressions and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we uncovered that BIA parameters correlated strongly with total-body masses of biochemical components that covary with body size, but showed weaker correlations with percentage compositions of the same components. However, phase angle, a common BIA measure, showed some significant correlations with morphological condition and lipid content, although these relationships were generally weak and species dependent. These findings suggest that BIA can effectively estimate certain physiological parameters, but caution should be applied when interpreting BIA metrics, as their relationship with established indicators of condition may vary. The current study underscores the importance of combining multiple methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of fish condition in freshwater ecosystems, which can be used to provide mechanistic linkages with anthropogenic impacts.

RevDate: 2025-11-28

Nguyen JA, Tolley-Jordan L, Slayton AP, et al (2025)

First report of a trematode infection in an invasive population of Pomacea maculata: Evidence of a phaneropsolid (Trematoda: Microphalloidea) and recommended methods for surveillance.

Parasitology international pii:S1383-5769(25)00176-X [Epub ahead of print].

Giant apple snails, Pomacea maculata (Caenogastropoda: Ampullariidae), are native to South America but are now invasively established in subtropical freshwater habitats worldwide. In May 2017, P. maculata from an urban pond in Mobile, Alabama, USA were found infected with a larval trematode, prompting further collections to determine prevalence and investigate effects of infection by snail sex and size. In total, 284 snails (n = 184 female, n = 100 male) were collected in May, August, and October of 2017 and 2018. Of these, 60 females and 23 males were infected with prevalence per sampling event ranging from 4 to 67 % in females and 0-47 % in males. Across all collections, average prevalence was 29.1 %, exceeding values previously reported for Pomacea spp. in their native or invasive ranges. Infection prevalence was positively associated with snail mass, especially in males, suggesting larger individuals are more likely to serve as hosts. Phylogenetic analyses of partial 28S ribosomal DNA sequences identified the trematode as a member of Phaneropsolidae (Microphalloidea), a family that infects ampullariid snails in their native range and includes Phaneropsolus spp., some of which are zoonotic. Comparisons of cercarial morphology against published descriptions complement the molecular results. This is the first report of a trematode infecting an invasive population of P. maculata. These methods and findings demonstrate the utility of simple tissue screening and 28S rDNA sequence data in the rapid detection and molecular identification of larval trematodes collected from invasive populations of snails, facilitated by a newly designed broad-range digenean primer.

RevDate: 2025-11-28
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Cooke SJ, Baker CL, Hinderer JLM, et al (2025)

Ten lessons for controlling invasive species: Wisdom from the long-standing sea lamprey control program on the Laurentian Great Lakes.

Bioscience, 75(11):985-996.

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) control in the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America is among the largest and most successful control programs of an invasive species anywhere on the planet. The effort began more than 75 years ago; it unites multiple nations, states, and provinces with the common goal of controlling this invasive species and protecting a valuable fishery. The science-based control program is administered by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC), a body arising from a treaty signed by the United States and Canada. In the present article, we share 10 lessons learned from decades of successful sea lamprey control with the hopes of informing ongoing and future control programs targeting biological invasions. The 10 lessons we identified are to act boldly in times of crisis, to maintain the social license, to invest in capacity building, to break down the silos, to support fundamental science, to diversify your portfolio of control measures, to strive for continuous improvement, to confront the trade-off between information and action, to keep your foot on the gas, and to keep your eyes on the prize. The GLFC has long fostered a framework that uses some military strategy and verbiage that extends across the lessons (e.g., know your enemy). Other lessons are more nascent as the GLFC reenvisions its relationship with Indigenous peoples and governments in a path to reconciliation where two-eyed seeing is being embraced. Through adaptive management, horizon scanning methods, and embracing implementation science, the lessons learned about sea lamprey control will continue to evolve, which is itself a lesson. We submit that the lessons shared in the present article will help guide invasive species control programs spanning taxa, ecosystems, and regions.

RevDate: 2025-11-28

Chen L, Liu Y, Fan X, et al (2025)

Ethnomedicinal value of karst paddy weeds: insights from Zhuang communities in Jingxi, China.

Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine pii:10.1186/s13002-025-00838-5 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: In rice paddy ecosystems, weeds have long been regarded as harmful organisms that restrict crop yields. Traditional management models rely heavily on chemical herbicides, which have triggered issues such as soil pollution, biodiversity decline, and disruption of ecological chains, becoming prominent challenges to the sustainable development of modern agriculture. This study is conducted in the Zhuang ethnic settlement area of Jingxi, Guangxi, China. As a typical distribution area of karst landforms and a biodiversity hotspot, this region is rich in ethnic traditional knowledge. It aims to break through the cognitive dichotomy between weeds and resources. The research focuses on the traditional utilization practices of paddy field weeds by local Zhuang people, with an emphasis on exploring their ethnic medicinal value. The aim of this study is to supplement the deficiencies of existing pharmacopoeias in the inclusion of ethnic medicinal plants, while providing a scientific basis and practical reference for exploring resource utilization-based sustainable management strategies for paddy field weeds.

METHODS: Ethnobotanical survey methods (snowball sampling, semi-structured interviews, and participatory rural appraisal) were adopted to interview 160 local herbalists and villagers who provided informed consent. Simultaneously, plant specimens from field ridges were collected and identified, and the reliability of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) was ensured through cross-validation. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including Relative Importance (RI), Informant Consensus Factor (FIC), Fidelity Level (FL), and Economic Value Index (EV), were applied to validate TEK.

RESULTS: A total of 154 weed species with ethnic medicinal value in Jingxi's paddy field ecosystem were recorded, belonging to 60 families, with Asteraceae and Poaceae as the dominant families. One hundred and twenty-eight species (83.1%) were not included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and 19 already included species showed significant differences in traditional efficacy compared with pharmacopoeia records. High-consensus uses (FIC ≥ 0.94) included tonsillitis, pancreatitis, and hair darkening. The significant medicinal properties presented by invasive species such as Bidens pilosa and Ageratum houstonianum provide pivotal empirical evidence for the resource-oriented management of invasive species. TEK was highly concentrated in the elderly group (43.13% aged 61-70), while cognitive gaps among the younger generation and excessive herbicide use posed dual threats to knowledge inheritance.

CONCLUSION: This study is the first to systematically reveal that paddy field weeds in Jingxi are an underdeveloped treasure trove of ethnic medicinal resources. The strategy of "utilization-based prevention, control, and conservation" not only provides a scientific basis for the sustainable management of weeds but also offers crucial support for supplementing medicinal resources, protecting biocultural diversity, and preserving traditional ecological knowledge.

RevDate: 2025-11-27

Martínez-González C, Mateus L, Sobral-Souza T, et al (2025)

Climate change may increase the suitable habitats for invasive freshwater cichlids in a Neotropical basin.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-025-30425-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Although climate change may facilitate the spread of invasive alien species (IAS), research assessing this link remains limited. Recognizing suitable habitats where IAS have been introduced is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Here, we integrated online, museum, and laboratory occurrence databases with local ecological knowledge (LEK) on IAS fishes from semi-structured interviews and georeferenced social network posts from traditional and recreational fishers to model the habitat-suitability of three voracious IAS Cichlids introduced in the Brazilian part of the Upper Paraguay River Basin (the Pantanal wetland and its tributaries). Our goal was to locate areas (regions, sub-basins, and reservoirs) most at risk from the spread of these IAS fishes in the basin. The findings reveal extensive suitable habitats for these IAS fishes throughout the study basin, currently covering half of the Pantanal wetland and up to 90% of the upstream sub-basins. Under future climate scenarios, these suitable habitats are projected to expand further, encompassing almost the entire Pantanal floodplain. These results highlight a potential IAS Cichlid range expansion in the Pantanal floodplains in the upcoming decades, correlating with common climate change forecasts. We also emphasize the value of integrating ecological niche models (ENMs) along with Citizen Science data to identify high-risk areas during early invasion stages, inform preventive strategies, and support conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of IAS on native biodiversity.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Snow NP, Koriakin KJ, Lavelle MJ, et al (2025)

Visually estimating body mass of wild pigs.

Scientific reports, 15(1):42292.

Body mass of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) can provide useful information regarding reproductive capacity of a population, and population health and resilience for this highly-destructive invasive species. Body mass of females is an indicator of whether they reproduce before 1 year of age, which could have substantial impacts on reproductive capacity of a population. Measuring body mass can be difficult because large wild pigs may require > 1 person to weigh, are often located in remote areas making equipment difficult to transport, or are often culled without access to the carcass (e.g., shooting from aircraft). We evaluated our ability to accurately estimate the body mass of wild pigs by visual inspection, and identified which factors (i.e., morphometrics and demographics) influenced the accuracy of our estimates. We visually estimated the body mass of wild pigs and then collected actual weights of 1,210 wild pigs across 5 regions (Alabama, Texas, Hawaii, Guam, Queensland). We also collected morphometric measurements and age to evaluate how these factors impacted our estimates. On average we found our estimates were accurate, averaging only -0.14 kg underestimated weights across all wild pigs weighed. However, our estimates were most severely underestimated (e.g., up to -20 kg) for younger wild pigs (i.e., < 1-3 years) that were heavier (i.e., > 30 kg). We also confirmed that although growth rates slowed after 1 year of age, wild pigs continued to grow in body length, head length, height, and girth as they aged, which explained why the age of an animal influenced our ability to generate accurate estimates. We surmised that young-yet-heavy wild pigs were disproportionally stouter than older animals, thus were underestimated due to their shortened appearance. Underestimating the body mass for young-yet-heavy females could misinform management plans, because these animals may have substantial influence on the reproductive capacity of a population. For visually estimating body mass of wild pigs, we recommend considering indicators of age (e.g., morphological proportions) to avoid underestimating young-yet-heavy animals with stout appearances. We also recommend calibrating observers regularly using known weights and morphometrics.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Cao Y, Feng X, Lin LH, et al (2025)

Revisiting competitive outcomes through a trait lens: a global meta-analysis across species provenance.

Nature communications, 16(1):10639.

Biological invasions change the landscape of competition within communities and can have major consequences for biodiversity by driving competitive exclusion. However, the effects of competition on trait distributions are less understood, especially in how it depends on the native or nonnative provenance of the species involved. Here, we synthesize global data across plants and animals to investigate how competition alters trait distributions within species. We find that competition consistently reduces trait means and increases trait variation, following a directional-disruptive pattern. These effects depend on species provenance. Native competitors have limited influence on trait distributions within nonnatives, while nonnatives exert stronger impacts on natives. Morphological and life-history traits are especially responsive, whereas chemical and physiological traits show weak overall effects. However, nonnatives disproportionately affect the distribution of chemical and physiological traits. Intraspecific competition exerts a greater influence on trait distribution than interspecific competition, particularly in nonnatives. We discuss how these patterns align with key hypotheses on the evolution and ecology of species invasions. Our work provides insight into how competition shapes trait distributions and provides a trait-based null model for future tests of species interactions in the Anthropocene.

RevDate: 2025-11-27

Wright CJ, Wahlberg N, Vila R, et al (2025)

Project Psyche: reference genomes for all Lepidoptera in Europe.

Trends in ecology & evolution pii:S0169-5347(25)00292-7 [Epub ahead of print].

Project Psyche is a transnational initiative to generate and study chromosome-level reference genomes of all ~11 000 species of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) found in Europe. Here, we describe the decentralised network of collection and sequencing hubs that has enabled rapid progress, the standardised protocols for sampling and sequencing, and the collaborative framework for data analysis. With over 1000 species already sequenced, Lepidoptera are at the forefront of biodiversity genomics with the most reference genomes of any eukaryotic order. The completed pan-European catalogue of openly accessible lepidopteran genomes will transform our understanding of evolution and ecology, inform conservation, and foster advances in management of pests and invasive species. We highlight research areas that will benefit from this large-scale genome dataset.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Ming Q, Hetherington M, Kessler-Mathieu M, et al (2025)

Odor Preference, Feeding, Survival, and Reproductive Fitness of the Invasive Larger Grain Borer Prostephanus Truncatus on Acorns of Three Native North America Oak Species.

Journal of chemical ecology, 51(6):114.

The larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), is a major invasive pest of stored grains with the potential to expand its range across North America. While primarily associated with stored grains, this species could exploit non-grain hosts that facilitate survival and dispersal across broader geographic ranges. Previous research has shown that acorns can be a suitable food for a related stored product bostrichid. Here, we assessed the odor preference of P. truncatus for acorns from black oak (Quercus velutina), red oak (Quercus rubra), and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) compared to maize and wheat, and analyzed their volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles. Further, we measured P. truncatus feeding and reproduction on these acorns. Results demonstrated that P. truncatus responded to volatiles of each acorn species but responded most positively to bur oak acorns. Interestingly, bur oak acorns were also more attractive than maize, its main host grain. VOC profiles showed that 3-hepten-2-one and 2-(5-methyl-furan-2-yl)-propionaldehyde were detected only in bur oak acorns, which may contribute to odor preference. Prostephanus truncatus also preferred to feed on bur oak acorns over other oak species. Among the oak species tested, F1 progeny were detected only in bur oak acorns. These results suggest that P. truncatus exhibits host-use flexibility that enables it to utilize acorns in the absence of grains, highlighting the potential risk of landscape-level invasion by this pest in North America.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Lantschner V, J Villacide (2025)

Invasion Potential of the Recently Established Woodwasp Sirex obesus (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) Across South American Pine Plantations.

Neotropical entomology, 54(1):117.

Invasive forest pests are among the greatest threats to global forestry, causing substantial economic losses and disrupting ecosystem dynamics worldwide. The recent detection of the North American woodwasp Sirex obesus (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in Brazilian pine plantations poses a serious risk to South America's 4.6 million hectares of commercial pine forests. Here, we present the first comprehensive assessment of its invasion potential across the continent, combining species distribution modeling with a multi-factor invasion risk index. Using occurrence records from the species' native range, we modeled climatic suitability across South America and addressed invasion risk by integrating bioclimatic suitability, host distribution, proximity to invaded areas, and wood trade volumes with Brazil. Our model predicts suitable climatic conditions in 48% of South American pine plantation areas, particularly in montane and high-altitude regions along the Andean corridor and central-eastern Brazil. The mean temperature of the driest quarter was the most influential predictor of suitability. The invasion risk index identified southern Brazil, northeastern Argentina, Argentine Patagonia, and central Chile as the regions most vulnerable to the establishment, due to the convergence of extensive pine plantations, favorable climate, and either proximity to infested areas or intense trade connections with Brazil. These findings provide a foundation for targeted surveillance and phytosanitary measures aimed at preventing further spread. Early monitoring in high-risk regions, combined with stricter inspections of wood products, will be critical to avoiding widespread establishment and severe economic impacts across South American forestry.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Niemiec P, Niczyporuk JS, Kozdruń W, et al (2025)

West Nile Virus Pilot Screening in Field-Collected Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901): An Update of Species Distribution in Poland, 2025.

Viruses, 17(11): pii:v17111515.

(1) Background: The Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus is an invasive species in Europe, including Poland. Given its laboratory-confirmed competence for West Nile virus (WNV) transmission and its detection as a WNV vector in field-collected mosquitoes, this study investigated whether Polish Aedes japonicus harbor WNV and aimed to update knowledge on its distribution in Poland. (2) Methods: In September 2024, 137 adult Aedes japonicus were collected from three suburban sites in Poland (Kielce, Mikołów, Kraków). Specimens were screened for WNV using RT-PCR and rRT-PCR. Additionally, unpublished records of Aedes japonicus were compiled to update the species' distribution. (3) Results: No WNV genetic material was detected in field-collected mosquitoes in Poland. By 2025, Aedes japonicus had been recorded in half of Polish voivodeships, with most observations in Małopolskie, Śląskie, and Łódzkie. The largest adult populations occurred in Kielce. Ecological traits in Poland matched European and US data, including larval development in artificial containers, preference for suburban and forested habitats, and peak adult activity in late summer. (4) Conclusions: Although WNV was not detected, the rapid spread of Aedes japonicus in Poland underlines the need for continued monitoring of its distribution, population dynamics, and potential role in WNV transmission.

RevDate: 2025-11-27

Wu F, Zhang P, Qin Y, et al (2025)

Secure Multi-Directional Independent Transmission Based on Directional Modulated 2D Conformal Phased Array.

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 25(22): pii:s25226882.

Directional Antenna Modulation (DAM) utilizing 2D conformal phased arrays has been demonstrated to enable secure Multi-directional Independent Transmission (MIT) over a broad angular range. This paper proposes an unbalanced DAM technique that dynamically allocates power according to transmission distance, thereby significantly enhancing transmission efficiency in practical scenarios where receivers are located at varying distances. In particular, a high-efficiency Differential Evolution (DE) optimization algorithm integrated with an "alien species invasion" mechanism is developed to accelerate convergence and optimize the phase delays of each array element. Bit Error Rate (BER) analysis for MIT reveals superior directional security compared to traditional methods, with conformal arrays providing wider angular coverage and spherical sparse arrays overcoming the half-wavelength spacing limitation. The simulation results validate that the proposed system achieves simultaneous secure transmissions in multiple directions while maintaining a BER below -40 dB.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Wei W, Qi T, Lu J, et al (2025)

Evaluation of Biocontrol Efficacy of Bacillus velezensis HAB-2 Combined with Pseudomonas hunanensis and Enterobacter soli Against Cowpea Fusarium Wilt.

Microorganisms, 13(11): pii:microorganisms13112578.

Cowpea Fusarium wilt (CFW) is a soilborne fungal disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum (Fot), leading to substantial yield losses globally. This study evaluates the biocontrol potential of Bacillus velezensis HAB-2 and develops a microbial combination for effective disease management. B. velezensis HAB-2 suppressed F. oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum AIQBFO93 growth by 69.8% in vitro and exhibited multiple plant growth-promoting traits. Pot experiments demonstrated that HAB-2 alone achieved a 47.62% control rate against CFW. Furthermore, two compatible plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Pseudomonas hunanensis HD33 and Enterobacter soli HD42, were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of cowpea previously treated with HAB-2. These two strains were combined with HAB-2 at different concentrations in 15 microbial combinations. The combined application of the three strains provided more consistent disease control, with the optimal combination demonstrating a 15.15% higher control rate than HAB-2 alone. Compared to the untreated control, this combination significantly increased cowpea fresh weight, leaf area, and plant height by 10.60%, 8.04%, and 7.81%, respectively, and upregulated the expression of defense-related genes, indicating enhanced resistance. These results confirm that B. velezensis HAB-2 is an effective biocontrol agent against wilt disease, and its synergistic application with functionally complementary PGPR strains provides a viable strategy for sustainable crop disease management.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Tang S, Li Z, Huang G, et al (2025)

Life History and the Relation Between Population Dynamics and Meteorological Factors of Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiidae) in Shanghai, China.

Insects, 16(11): pii:insects16111136.

The fall webworm Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is a globally invasive species that causes serious damage to agriculture and forestry. Since the first invasion reported in Liaoning Province, China, it has spread extensively southward and was found in Shanghai in 2019. Owing to the climatic and environmental differences between these regions, the biology and population dynamics of H. cunea may have undergone changes in its newly invaded areas. In this study, we investigated the biology of H. cunea in Shanghai and monitored the population dynamics using sex-pheromone-baited traps. We analyzed the relationships between population dynamics and local meteorological factors, including temperature, precipitation, and sunshine duration. Our result indicates high temperatures and large diurnal temperature ranges have significant effects (R[2] = 0.723, p < 0.001) on the survival and development of H. cunea. Consequently, they play an important role in shaping its population dynamics. These findings enhance our understanding of how H. cunea responds to Shanghai's environmental conditions, provide a scientific basis for local pest management, and contribute to predicting its population trends.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Chen Y, Zeng Z, La Q, et al (2025)

Invasion Mechanisms of the Alien Plant Datura stramonium in Xizang: Insights from Genetic Differentiation, Allelopathy, and Ecological Niche Analysis.

Biology, 14(11): pii:biology14111629.

Datura stramonium, which is originally native to Mexico, has been recognized as an invasive species following its introduction to China, where it has proliferated extensively. Despite its widespread impact, the mechanisms driving the invasion of D. stramonium remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, gaining insight into these mechanisms is essential for the development of effective strategies to prevent and control its further invasion. This study aims to elucidate the factors contributing to the successful invasion of D. stramonium in Tibet by examining genetic differentiation, allelopathic potential, and niche characteristics of its populations. Our findings reveal the following: (1) The genetic variation within 15 populations of D. stramonium is predominantly intra-populational, lacking distinct genealogical phylogeographic structure, and is indicative of recent population expansion. This suggests that human-mediated dispersal has played a significant role in the invasion of D. stramonium in Tibet. (2) Allelopathic assays demonstrate that extracts from various parts of D. stramonium exhibit significant inhibitory effects on the germination of Hordeum vulgare var. coeleste and Pisum sativum seeds. (3) D. stramonium exhibits the highest niche breadth within the plant community, coupled with a pronounced competitive ability for environmental resources. The invasion of D. stramonium poses a substantial threat to the diversity of local plant species. Consequently, the formulation of scientific management measures is of critical importance to prevent and control the invasion of D. stramonium and preserve biodiversity in the invaded area.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Wang H, Liu Q, Shen J, et al (2025)

Modeling the Future Distribution of Trifolium repens L. in China: A MaxEnt Approach Under Climate Change Scenarios.

Biology, 14(11): pii:biology14111608.

Trifolium repens L. is a protein-rich, versatile Leguminous lawn plant that is widely distributed across global temperate and subtropical regions. As an invasive species originating in Europe, its distribution in China extends from Xinjiang in the West to Taiwan and the Yangtze River Delta in the East, and is widespread throughout Northeast and Central China. However, in recent years, the distribution pattern of T. repens has become increasingly patchy and irregular. Therefore, unraveling the potential distribution and key environmental drivers of T. repens is critical for understanding its ecological role. This study utilized current species distribution data of T. repens and employed the MaxEnt model to simulate its potentially suitable niches across present and future climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) in China. This study identified Bio2 (mean diurnal temperature range) and Bio14 (precipitation of driest month) as the key drivers shaping the distribution of T. repens. Its current suitable habitats are primarily concentrated in the coastal, central, and Taiwan regions of China. Under future climates, these areas are projected to contract overall and shift toward lower latitudes and higher longitudes, with substantial suitable areas remaining only in the Eastern, Southern, and Taiwan regions. This study quantitatively assessed the ecological niche breadth of T. repens and its future spatial distribution under climate change, thereby laying a theoretical foundation for describing the ecological characteristics of this invasive species, conducting monitoring, and implementing further invasion risk management.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Darrigran G, Agudo-Padrón I, Báez P, et al (2025)

Molluscs from South America to the World: Who and Where Are They?.

Biology, 14(11): pii:biology14111538.

Ecosystems and biodiversity around the globe face multiple threats, including climate change and invasive species. Non-native species are known for their resilience to disturbances and their ability to thrive more successfully than native species in urbanized or otherwise disturbed areas, and some of them can become invasive. It is a complex challenge to detect, manage, and control such species, which require coordinated efforts from society, government, and the academic community. In this study, the eMIAS (South American Invasive Mollusks Specialists) research group (27 experts from seven South American countries) aim to provide foundational knowledge for management of these species. We compiled and synthesized information on the mollusc species that are native to South America and that have been introduced to other regions of the world. A total of 29 species were detected, including 10 marine, 10 freshwater, and 9 terrestrial. For each species, the area of origin, date and place of introduction, and current distribution were determined. We could determine that (1) most of these introductions have occurred in connection with globalization processes, such as an increase in trade. (2) The potential source regions of those 29 species are also areas that received non-native species from elsewhere (e.g., Europe, Asia). (3) Regions where species introductions have taken place are subject to the impacts of climate change and/or urbanization.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Da Re D, Deblauwe I, Kern EI, et al (2025)

A warming welcome? Belgium's increasing suitability for Aedes albopictus.

Parasites & vectors, 18(1):491.

Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is an invasive species of significant public health concern due to its ability to transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Since arriving in Europe in the late 1970s, this mosquito species has progressively expanded its range, with Belgium marking an important step in its northward spread. The increasing frequency of its introduction raises the urgent question of whether Ae. albopictus could become permanently present in the country. This study investigates the potential for the establishment of Ae. albopictus populations in Belgium using a mechanistic model and assessing the likelihood of successful establishment based on simulated introduction events. Our results indicate that the probability of establishment is highest in Flanders, particularly under scenarios of early and multiple introductions during the summer months, even though the interannual climatic variability still plays a major role in establishment success. The establishment of Ae. albopictus in Belgium would introduce new epidemiological risks, as the species could facilitate the transmission of non-native viruses during particularly warm summers. While the transmission windows may remain limited compared to Mediterranean regions, continued introductions and climate change could expand these periods, increasing the likelihood of local outbreaks.

RevDate: 2025-11-26

Dubos N, Calesse S, Webster KC, et al (2025)

Diverging effects of global change on future invasion risks of Agama picticauda between invaded regions: Same problem, different solutions.

The Science of the total environment, 1008:180957 pii:S0048-9697(25)02597-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Predicting biological invasions is challenging because multiple factors can act in contrasting directions and exert heterogeneous effects across space. Nevertheless, modelling approaches provide valuable tools to anticipate the potential spread of invasive alien species and to support mitigation strategies. With an Ecological Niche Modelling approach, we predicted the invasion risks of Peters's Rock Agama Agama picticauda, a species that is spreading globally in non-forested areas through freight transport and un-/intentional releases from the pet trade. The potential establishment of the species in new areas is of concern for multiple endemic species throughout the world. We quantified the effects of climate, anthropogenic activity and forest cover on invasion risk. We used verified records from the native and non-native range and accounted for the latest methodological recommendations. We predicted how invasion risk will vary in the future (2070) using projections from two scenarios (SSP2 and SSP5). We predict that invasion risks will vary in diverging directions, depending on the region. The risk will increase in human-populated regions and on small islands but will decrease in Florida. We recommend increasing surveillance in vehicular transportation of material especially within the Comoros and the Mascarenes archipelagos. Since many introductions are related to the pet trade in Florida, we recommend stronger legal regulations and the promotion of public awareness. Promoting tree cover may be locally beneficial to prevent establishment of A. picticauda. The effect of climate change, land use change and human activities may differ between and within both, the native and the invaded regions.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Laufer G, Gobel N, Alcántara I, et al (2025)

Effects of biological invasions and habitat degradation on amphibian populations in Cerro Largo, Uruguay.

Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology, 39(6):e70107.

Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrates globally due to a range of stressors. In this study spanning 11 years and covering 61 Pampas ponds in Cerro Largo Department, Uruguay, we aimed to evaluate the combined effect of the invasion of the American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana) and the loss of environmental heterogeneity on native anuran assemblages. We conducted annual breeding season sampling for which we recorded native anuran species presences and abundances across different ponds. Additionally, we documented bullfrog invasion history and abundance and key environmental and climatic variables. We measured pond heterogeneity, which is influenced by variations in livestock grazing intensity and historical human use of native forests. We used generalized linear mixed models to predict richness and abundance of native anurans. We recorded 18 native amphibian species across the ponds, with declines in both richness and abundance as bullfrog invasion intensified. Models showed that ponds could lose up to 40% of amphibian species and 50% of amphibian abundance within 10 years of bullfrog invasion. Although environmental heterogeneity, particularly microhabitat edge diversity, attenuates these impacts, it is insufficient to halt this process. Among the most affected native anuran species were 3 highly aquatic-associated species. Our results highlight stressor effects across a broad spatiotemporal scale through an integrative approach, which we recommend for future research. Our findings underscore the threat of invasions to amphibian conservation. By examining the combined impacts of biological invasions and environmental heterogeneity, we have advanced understanding of how global change drives amphibian declines. Urgent control measures are needed to eradicate and prevent invasions in amphibian breeding sites and to preserve and restore these habitats, the focus of which should be microhabitat diversity.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-26

Hindsley P, Huxster JK, Morgan A, et al (2025)

Concern for and perceived impacts to the Everglades: The role of environmental knowledge and cultural worldviews.

Environmental management, 76(1):16.

Public support for restoration in sensitive ecosystems like the Everglades depends in part on individual-level concern and perceptions of impact from environmental threats. This study examines how environmental knowledge and ideological and political factors (IPFs)- cultural worldview (CWV), political ideology, and voting behavior - influence Floridians' concern for the Everglades and their perceptions of impact for six different threats to the Everglades. Two of these threats, sea level rise and changes in precipitation, relate directly to climate change and thus are more likely to evoke ideological or political responses from participants. Analysis of our sample of 1437 Floridians reveals that: (1) Of the IPFs, CWV had the largest influence on environmental concern and perceptions of impact, except for in the case of sea level rise, for which voting behavior superseded CWV, (2) environmental knowledge had a larger influence on perceptions of impact for environmental threats that are not ideologically entangled (e.g. water quality), (3) IPFs had a larger influence on perceptions of impact from threats that are ideologically entangled (i.e. sea level rise and changes in precipitation), and (4) those with Communitarian-Egalitarian worldviews held higher levels of concern and perceived greater risk impacts on all but one of the threats (invasive species), although some differences vary across the distribution of environmental knowledge. These findings improve our understanding of how environmental knowledge and IPFs shape public concern for and perceptions of threats to the Greater Everglades ecosystem. These insights can help in developing communication strategies that generate public support for restoration.

RevDate: 2025-11-26

Martignoni MM, Garnier J, Tyson RC, et al (2025)

Towards a theory of microbially-mediated invasion encompassing parasitism and mutualism.

Biological invasions, 27(12):253.

UNLABELLED: Biological invasions pose major ecological and economic threats, and extensive research has been dedicated to understanding and predicting their dynamics. Most studies focus on the biological invasion of single species, and only in recent years has it been realized that multi-species interactions that involve native and invasive host species and their microbial symbionts can play important roles in determining invasion outputs. A theoretical framework that treats these interactions and their impact is lacking. Here we offer such a framework and use it to explore possible dynamics that may emerge from the sharing of native and non-native symbionts among native and non-native host species. Thus, for example, invasive plants might benefit from native microbial communities in the soil, or might be particularly successful if they carry with them parasites to which competing native hosts are susceptible. On the other hand, invasion might be hindered by native parasites that spread from native to invasive individuals. The mathematical framework that we present in this study provides a new mechanistic, cohesive, and intuition-enhancing tool for theoretically exploring the ways by which the subtleties of host-microbe relationships can influence invasion dynamics. We identify multiple pathways through which microbes can facilitate (or prevent) host invasion, microbial invasion, and the invasion of both hosts and their co-introduced microbes. We disentangle invasion outcomes and suggest possible ecological dynamics that may be underexplored in current invasion biology literature. Our work sets the foundations for invasion theory that includes a community-level view of invasive and native hosts as well as their microbial symbionts.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-025-03711-4.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-26

Christina AL, VM Claire (2025)

A general population KAP survey: supporting the design of interventions and tiger mosquito control efforts in response to arbovirus emergence in non-endemic areas.

One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 21:101247.

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, a highly invasive species and vector of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, has rapidly spread across mainland France, including urban areas like Lyon. Local transmission of these diseases has been reported with increasing frequency, and the mosquito represents not only a major source of nuisance but also a growing public health concern. To better understand public engagement and improve vector control strategies, a large-scale Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was conducted in the Lyon metropolitan area between September 2023 and February 2024. The survey collected 3990 responses through both field interviews and online forms. It addressed various themes, including mosquito biology, disease awareness, prevention measures and the willingness to engage in collective or scientific initiatives. Results revealed that 86 % of respondents experienced significant annoyance due to mosquitoes, affecting their quality of life. However, only 17 % expressed strong concern about disease transmission. Most participants were aware of basic mosquito behavior, such as daytime activity and common breeding sites. However, knowledge about the mosquito's physical characteristics and the full range of diseases it transmits was limited. Despite this, 78 % reported engaging in preventive measures, mainly removing stagnant water and using repellents, though many doubted the effectiveness of these actions. Statistical analysis revealed that factors such as age, education level, housing type, knowledge of mosquito biology, and perceived health risk were significantly associated with proactive behavior. These findings highlight a gap between perceived nuisance and public understanding of health risks and effective mosquito control strategies. They point to the limitations of individual action and underscore the importance of fostering collective, neighborhood-level engagement. Public awareness campaigns should shift from passive messaging to participatory, locally adapted approaches.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-26

Shattuck AV, Hollingsworth BD, Skrotzki J, et al (2025)

Field validation of multiple species distribution models shows variation in performance for predicting Aedes albopictus distributions at the invasion edge.

Parasites & vectors, 18(1):488.

BACKGROUND: Climate and land use changes have resulted in range expansion of many species. In this shifting disease landscape, it is important to leverage tools that can predict the distributions of invading vectors to target surveillance and control efforts and identify at-risk populations. Species distribution models (SDMs) are used to predict ranges of invasive species; however, invasive species often violate assumptions of equilibrium and niche conservatism. Moreover, these studies are rarely validated using independent data.

METHODS: We use long-term surveillance data for Aedes albopictus, a highly invasive mosquito capable of transmitting several arboviruses, at its range edge to evaluate a variety of SDMs (MaxEnt, GAM, Random Forest, Boosted Regression Tree) in predicting the Ae. albopictus range. We identify key environmental drivers of distributions and areas where models tended to disagree in predicting occurrence. At sites where models disagree, we sampled for Ae. albopictus to generate an independent dataset for field validation of models in addition to the common practice of cross-validation. Finally, we determine whether models based on early invasion data can predict later stage invasion ranges.

RESULTS: We found that landscape and climatic variables are important drivers of population distributions. SDM methods varied in predictive accuracy between models and across validation methods (i.e. cross vs. field validation). GAM and MaxEnt best predicted later-stage invasion distributions, requiring fewer years of training data.

CONCLUSIONS: Our work shows that SDMs can be useful tools to predict the ranges of invasive species and highlights the importance of comparing predictions of invasive species' range.

RevDate: 2025-11-25
CmpDate: 2025-11-25

Kim G, Choi EH, UW Hwang (2025)

Three distinct genetic lineages of Trichonephila clavata based on mitochondrial COI and genome-wide SNPs on the Korean Peninsula.

Scientific reports, 15(1):41911.

Trichonephila clavata L. Koch, 1878, an East Asian species renowned for its long-distance ballooning dispersal, has recently drawn attention as an invasive species following its introduction into the southeastern United States. However, few population genetic studies have been undertaken to investigate population genetic diversity and structure which will be helpful for its management. Here, we examined ten populations of T. clavata on the Korean Peninsula using mitochondrial COI and genome-wide SNP data to broadens the understanding of genetic and demographic processes of the species. Our results revealed: (1) high genetic diversity in COI but relatively low diversity in SNPs; (2) the presence of three genetic lineages detected by both markers; (4) population expansion in each COI genetic lineage and constant population size in each SNP genetic lineage; and (5) stepwise lineage divergence estimated based on COI and lineage divergence with admixture event based on SNPs. These findings suggest that multiple factors, which are ballooning dispersal, demographic dynamics and geological event, may play a pivotal role in shaping population genetic patterns with geographic co-occurrence among the lineages. Consequently, this study provides insights into the genetic architecture of natural populations and offers a valuable baseline for understanding the population genetic pools of invasive populations of this species.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-26

Mourouzidou S, Mola M, Ceriani A, et al (2025)

Adding invasive alien plant-derived biochar and stinging nettle powder in Populus nigra phytoremediation of arsenic- and lead-contaminated Technosol alters microbial community assembly and network stability.

The Science of the total environment, 1004:180693.

This study examined the effects of biochar and nettle Urtica dioica amendments on microbial diversity and community assembly in a historically contaminated Technosol collected from a former silver‑lead mine in Pontgibaud (Puy-de-Dôme, France). We investigated how two types of biochar obtained from the biomass pyrolysis of two invasive alien plant species (Ailanthus altissima and Solidago gigantea) at different doses (2 % vs 5 %), alone and in combination with stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) powder inputs that influence the soil's microbial community structure under controlled phytoremediation conditions using Populus nigra. We integrated niche theory and network analysis to examine how these amendments alter community-level cohesion and resilience under heavy metal stress, with implications for phytoremediation. We found that a 5 % biochar dose imposed stronger environmental pressure compared to a 2 % dose, resulting in a significant increase in soil alkalinity and electrical conductivity (EC). In amended soils, bacterial community assembly was primarily driven by stochastic processes, mainly due to dispersal. Fungal communities, in contrast, exhibited reduced stochasticity, particularly under the 5 % biochar-Solidago treatments. Furthermore, bacteria expanded their niche width, whereas fungi shifted toward specialist-dominated, narrower niches with greater overlap. The biochar co-application with stinging nettle increased network complexity for both microbial groups; however, the bacterial network responded with higher modularity and more negative links, while the fungal networks were non-modular and exhibited increased positive feedback loops. Network robustness analysis revealed that bacterial networks remained more stable under perturbation across all treatments, whereas fungal networks were more sensitive to hub node loss. Our findings suggest that both the concentration and type of biochar, as well as the presence of Urtica dioica amendment, distinctly affect microbial communities and should be carefully considered in designing optimal application regimes and strategies for soil remediation.

RevDate: 2025-11-25
CmpDate: 2025-11-25

Fan SY, Fristoe TS, Li SP, et al (2025)

Ecological similarities and dissimilarities between donor and recipient regions shape global plant naturalizations.

Nature communications, 16(1):10485.

A central question in ecology is why alien species naturalize successfully in some regions but not in others. While some hypotheses suggest aliens are more likely to naturalize in environments similar to donor regions, others suggest they thrive in regions where certain characteristics are different. Using the native (i.e., donor) and recipient distributions of 11,604 naturalized alien plant species across 650 regions globally, we assess whether plants are more likely to naturalize in regions that are ecologically similar or dissimilar to their donor regions. Our results show that species are more likely to naturalize in recipient regions where climates are similar and native floras are phylogenetically similar to those of their donor regions, indicating that pre-adaptation to familiar biotic and abiotic conditions facilitates naturalization. However, naturalization is also more likely in regions with lower native flora diversity and more intense human modification than in the species' native range. Among all predictors, climate similarity and difference in native flora diversity emerge as the strongest predictors of naturalization success. In conclusion, ecological similarity in some factors but dissimilarity in others between donor and recipient regions promote the naturalization of alien plants and contribute to their uneven global distribution patterns.

RevDate: 2025-11-25
CmpDate: 2025-11-25

Guedes LM, Ortiz J, Moreira ASFP, et al (2025)

Allelochemical Stress Induced by the Invasive Species Teline monspessulana Disrupts Antioxidant Defenses and Morphoanatomy in Quillaja saponaria.

Physiologia plantarum, 177(6):e70643.

Sclerophyllous forests face significant challenges from invasive species, such as Teline monspessulana, which negatively affect native species, such as Quillaja saponaria, in Chile. The allelopathic effects of T. monspessulana, including the release of phenolic compounds and alkaloids, contribute to oxidative stress in Q. saponaria; yet, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the morphoanatomical features, dynamics of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and functions of antioxidant defense mechanisms in Q. saponaria in response to allelochemical stress induced by the substrate (IS) and aqueous extracts (TE) of T. monspessulana. Using anatomical and histochemical techniques, ROS and phenol quantification, and enzyme activity measurements, this research aims to provide insights into improving the resilience of Q. saponaria in reforestation programs within the sclerophyllous forests of Chile invaded by T. monspessulana. The present results revealed that both IS and TE treatments significantly retarded initial growth and decreased dry mass by approximately 45%, accompanied by mesophyll disorganization, epidermis suberization, and cell wall lignification. Additionally, both treatments induced significant overproduction of ROS that could not be dampened by enzymatic antioxidant systems or phenolic compounds, indicating a disrupted redox balance under allelochemical stress. For Q. saponaria, this effect appears to be related to the abundance of phenolic acids and alkaloids in the aerial organs of T. monspessulana. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing invasive T. monspessulana and protecting native Q. saponaria in its unique ecosystem. These findings emphasize the importance of strategies mitigating the impacts of allelopathic invaders as part of forest restoration efforts.

RevDate: 2025-11-25
CmpDate: 2025-11-25

Agneray AC, Parchman TL, Forister ML, et al (2025)

Unexpected productivity and invasion resistance in plant communities assembled from allopatric populations.

Proceedings. Biological sciences, 292(2059):20252026.

Species with shared geographic history may show coevolution that reduces niche overlap and improves resource capture. Thus, plant communities assembled from sympatric source populations (shared locations) are predicted to be more productive and invasion resistant than those from allopatric sources (different locations), even with identical species composition. Using four native plant species from 15 environmentally similar locations across a broad region, we compared ecosystem function among communities assembled from allopatric or sympatric sources. Consistent with predictions of niche differentiation in co-occurring native plants, we observed more negative native plant-plant interactions in allopatric-sourced communities, and more positive interactions in sympatric-sourced communities. However, this did not translate into the predicted community-level outcomes. Unexpectedly, allopatric-sourced communities outperformed sympatric ones in all responses, with 34-42% more inflorescences, 17% higher survival, 21% longer growing season, 29-72% greater size, and after invasion, 70% less invader biomass. Two impactful native species grew larger and reproduced more when grown with allopatric neighbours, leading to greater invasion suppression, though the mechanism for this response is unknown. These findings challenge assumptions about the universal advantages of maintaining shared origins for community function and have broad implications for understanding plant competition and community assembly, as well as restoration of invaded ecosystems.

RevDate: 2025-11-25
CmpDate: 2025-11-25

Kinney MH, Blain S, D Schluter (2025)

Experimental test of hybrid fitness change as a cause of species collapse following species invasion.

Proceedings. Biological sciences, 292(2059):20251457.

Recent years have seen increased incidences of hybridization between previously stable sympatric species, sometimes leading to collapse. The causes, and particularly the role of improved hybrid fitness in a changing environment, are poorly known. A recent example is the sympatric stickleback species pair of Enos Lake, Vancouver Island, which collapsed into a hybrid swarm following the invasion of the lake by American signal crayfish. Environmental changes can increase hybridization through increased inter-species mating or enhanced hybrid fitness, though few mechanisms have been experimentally tested. Using mesocosms, we tested whether crayfish addition alters the prey community and changes F1 hybrid fitness relative to pure limnetic and benthic threespine stickleback. Crayfish addition depleted benthic invertebrate biomass and negatively impacted survival of all three stickleback cross types. Crayfish had little effect on relative survival but led to a higher growth rate of hybrids relative to pure species. This improvement in hybrid fitness is unlikely to be the sole reason for the Enos Lake collapse, as breakdowns in premating isolation might have also been crucial. Nevertheless, this work provides a rare experimental demonstration of a causal link to changes in hybrid fitness, providing evidence that reduced selection against hybrids has contributed to the collapse.

RevDate: 2025-11-25

Chalkowski K, Miller RS, Chandler JC, et al (2025)

Elevated Exposure to Influenza A Viruses in Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa), Texas, USA.

Journal of wildlife diseases pii:508239 [Epub ahead of print].

Detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in mammals have increased globally, underscoring the need to assess influenza A virus (IAV) exposure in species that bridge wildlife, livestock, and human interfaces. We collected serum from 396 wild pigs (Sus scrofa, hybrids of wild boar and domestic swine) between October 2022 and May 2023 on a cattle ranch in north central Texas, USA, to estimate IAV seroprevalence and identify ecologic correlates of exposure. Using commercial blocking ELISAs and hemagglutination inhibition assays, we report high recent exposure of wild pigs to IAVs (seroprevalence 40%, n=396). Seropositivity was highest in individuals that were female, >2 yr old, sampled during spring (compared with fall or winter), and/or sampled <1.5 km from surface water. Almost half (46.3%, 57/123) of the samples were positive for at least two hemagglutinin clade representatives, and 13.8% (17/123) had titers against both an H1 and an H3 strain. These results indicate a hotspot of IAV circulation in wild pigs in north central Texas and highlight elevated exposure near water bodies, where wild pigs may contact wild waterfowl. Enhanced surveillance of wild pigs at the wildlife-livestock-waterbird interface is warranted to better understand ecologic and epidemiologic pathways for IAV transmission and reassortment.

RevDate: 2025-11-24

Evans T, RN Cuthbert (2025)

Management of alien bird impacts does not reflect their severity.

Journal of environmental management, 396:128053 pii:S0301-4797(25)04029-0 [Epub ahead of print].

Biological invasions can harm biodiversity - indeed, they are a principal cause of native species extinctions (Bellard et al. 2016. Alien species as a driver of recent extinctions. Biol. Lett. 12:20150623). Biological invasions occur worldwide - whilst some of their impacts are managed, others are not. Identifying drivers of management actions may reveal why some impacts remain unmanaged, informing strategies to improve management consistency. We identified factors that influence actions to protect native animals from the biodiversity impacts of alien birds. We reviewed literature to identify impacts, categorising them as unmanaged or managed (irrespective of management success). For each impact, we collected data on variables hypothesised to influence management, including characteristics of affected native species (e.g., endemism) and alien species (e.g., years resident as an alien); characteristics of impacts (e.g., their severity - how harmful they are to native species, as measured using a published framework); and characteristics of the environment (e.g., human population density). We used binomial mixed effects models to identify associations between variables and management. Intuitively, actions to manage alien bird impacts tend to focus on the protection of endemic species. However, they do not focus on the most severe impacts, nor the most threatened native species. Indeed, feasibility influences actions, whereby long-established alien bird populations with damaging biodiversity impacts remain unmanaged, most likely because these long-established populations tend to be large and widespread and hence are considered too difficult or costly to manage. Timely interventions are crucial to prevent the damaging biodiversity impacts of biological invasions from becoming unmanageable.

RevDate: 2025-11-24

Huang T, Song Z, Zhang C, et al (2025)

Deciphering the Distinct Vascular Liver Injury Induced by Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: From the Invasive Species to Health Hazard.

Journal of agricultural and food chemistry [Epub ahead of print].

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are the most common plant-derived toxins present in numerous herbal and food products, but their environmental transfer pathways and toxicological mechanisms remain unclear. This study establishes a complete contamination pathway from environmental source to molecular target. We identified the invasive plant Bidens alba as a novel PA producer and provided the first evidence of transfer to honey by detecting corresponding PAs and characteristic Bidens alba pollens in local samples. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that PA toxicity fundamentally differs from classic hepatotoxins like acetaminophen. Instead of directly damaging liver cells, PAs first induce red blood cell rupture (hemolysis) by selectively inhibiting glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). This hemolytic event precedes observable liver sinusoidal endothelial damage and initiates characteristic vascular liver injury. Our findings establish a new route of food contamination and redefine PA toxicity by identifying blood cells as the primary target, with significant implications for food safety and public health.

RevDate: 2025-11-24
CmpDate: 2025-11-24

Ensing DJ, Nelson TD, Moffat CE, et al (2025)

Together again: the invasive mustard Hesperis matronalis suffers devastating seed predation by a recently adventive specialist weevil.

BioControl (Dordrecht, Netherlands), 70(6):835-847.

UNLABELLED: The enemy release hypothesis underpins classical (or importation) biocontrol as a management technique for invasive species. Classical biocontrol has had resounding success when prospective control agents have been subject to appropriate screening before release. Occasionally, however, natural enemies have been reunited with their hosts accidentally. Such adventive agents may provide effective control but have also avoided the careful screening characteristic of modern importation biocontrol programmes. We were studying the invasive mustard, Hesperis matronalis L. (Dame's rocket; Brassicaceae: Hesperidae), when we discovered rampant seed predation by an unknown seed predator. Using DNA barcoding, we identified this seed predator as Ceutorhynchus inaffectatus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a recently (2018) detected species in North America. Comparing potential and realised seed production, we found that seed predation by C. inaffectatus strongly reduces H. matronalis fecundity, and that this effect was not moderated by infection with turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), a commercially important pathogen hosted by H. matronalis and transmitted by polyphagous aphid species. C. inaffectatus is expected to be highly host-specific, and the absence of native Hesperidae species in North America suggests the potential for C. inaffectatus as a classical, but adventive, biocontrol agent of H. matronalis. We suggest population genetic research to identify the origin of C. inaffectatus, and host specificity testing before any intentional redistribution of this species for H. matronalis biocontrol. More generally, this system acts as a model for biocontrol prospects with adventive insect herbivore species.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10526-025-10338-w.

RevDate: 2025-11-24

Royer P, Catubis KM, Dumont F, et al (2025)

From the predator to the prey: a case study of the vulnerability of Harmonia axyridis to aggressive competitors.

Insect science [Epub ahead of print].

Harmonia axyridis was originally considered and used as a biocontrol agent throughout the world. But its effectiveness has turned into a serious detriment to ecosystems, as it has become an invasive and harmful species, gradually displacing native coccinellid populations. Its invasive success mostly relies on its voracity, aggressiveness, and dominance in intraguild predation (IGP) interactions. Aggressiveness is a major behavioral characteristic known to influence IGP occurrence and outcome. So, what if H. axyridis were confronted with more aggressive competitors? To understand the vulnerability of H. axyridis to aggressive competitors, we confronted it with an IGP interaction involving two artificially selected lines of the generalist predator Nabis americoferus (one aggressive and one docile) in the presence of extraguild prey (Myzus persicae). Two hypotheses were formulated: (1) the IGP intensity toward H. axyridis is positively correlated with the intraguild predator's aggressiveness, and (2) the IGP intensity decreases in the presence of extraguild prey for both the aggressive and docile lines. Results showed that, as expected, the aggressive line displayed a higher IGP rate on H. axyridis than the docile line, supporting the first hypothesis. The second hypothesis was also supported, since extraguild prey availability led to a decrease in IGP for both lines. Apart from providing insights into the relationship between aggressiveness and IGP occurrence, the discussion focuses on the consequences for H. axyridis in the field as an invasive species and as a biological control agent.

RevDate: 2025-11-24

Mameno K, Suzuki T, Yamaguchi S, et al (2025)

Economic incentives contribute little to reducing agricultural damage from invasive non-native species: evidence from raccoon management in Hokkaido, Japan.

Pest management science [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: An economic incentive scheme is utilized to enhance citizens' support for managing invasive non-native species. However, the effectiveness of the incentive scheme in the outcomes of the management remains unclear. This study investigates the effectiveness of economic incentives in managing invasive non-native species, focusing on their impact on reducing crop damage. Using data from raccoon management in Hokkaido, Japan, and the Japanese agricultural census, our analysis applies an inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment to evaluate the outcomes.

RESULTS: The findings reveal that economic incentives for capturing raccoons do not significantly reduce crop damage. Additionally, although these incentives increase the number of captured raccoons, the additional captures do not result in measurable reductions in agricultural damage.

CONCLUSION: The absence of positive results underscores the need to develop and evaluate evidence-based management strategies for invasive non-native species. This study recommends implementing outcome-based incentive schemes that align rewards with measurable management goals. Additionally, testing and refining the design of incentive schemes based on their actual effects on management outcomes remain critical. Despite the null results, this study provides valuable insights into designing incentive schemes that garner citizen support while avoiding redundancy. These findings contribute to advancing effective management strategies for invasive species. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

RevDate: 2025-11-23

Dong Y, Jin Q, Yin J, et al (2025)

Sustainable antifouling of marine biofilms using charge-modulated TiO2-Cu nanointerfaces: Mechanistic insights and environmental implications.

Environmental research pii:S0013-9351(25)02622-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Marine biofouling represents a critical environmental issue, as it accelerates fuel consumption, increases carbon emissions, and facilitates the spread of invasive species, thereby threatening marine ecosystem sustainability. Titanium alloys are extensively employed in marine applications due to their mechanical robustness and corrosion resistance, yet their intrinsic biocompatibility significantly facilitates microbial colonization and persistent biofilm development. Conventional antifouling strategies have predominantly focused on chemical modifications, while neglecting interfacial electrostatic interactions essential for combating electroactive biofilm-forming bacteria. In this study, an environmentally benign "electricity-against-electricity" antifouling platform was developed by exploiting charge-responsive interfaces to disrupt bacterial electroactivity. Capacitive titania nanotube (TNT) composites with controllable Cu content were fabricated on Ti substrates and subjected to direct current charging. The optimized TNTs-0.75Cu exhibited markedly enhanced capacitance and achieved an antibacterial efficiency exceeding 98% against electroactive Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mechanistic investigations revealed that surface potential fluctuations generated during galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles, together with sustained Cu[2+] release, synergistically downregulated key genes in P. aeruginosa associated with phenazine biosynthesis (phzS) and quorum sensing (lasI, lasR). This dual mode of action effectively disrupted bacterial virulence pathways, compromised membrane integrity, and suppressed sessile biofilm formation. Importantly, the TNTs-Cu platform retained structural integrity and stability under simulated marine conditions, highlighting its environmental compatibility. These findings underscore a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to conventional antifouling coatings, offering significant potential for mitigating ecological risks while extending the service life of titanium-based marine structures.

RevDate: 2025-11-23

Scott AM, Tamrakar S, W Li (2025)

Quantification of a sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) pheromone antagonist in river water using ion pairing solid phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences, 1269:124866 pii:S1570-0232(25)00420-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Pheromones mediate species-wide communication for many aquatic organisms, and the measurement of pheromones in natural waters is essential to understanding the environmental context of their function. However, chemical measurement of environmental pheromones and their antagonists is technically demanding and remains underdeveloped relative to assays for characterizing biological functions and application efficacy. In this study, we developed and validated an accurate and sensitive method to quantify a sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) pheromone and its antagonists. In this species, males release a multi-component sex pheromone containing 3-keto petromyzonol sulfate (3kPZS) that attracts females, while related compounds petromyzonol sulfate (PZS) and petromyzonol tetrasulfate (3sPZS) antagonize and disrupt female attraction. Developing methods to quantify 3sPZS in river water that contains pheromone is essential for understanding concentration-dependent effects of antagonists on invasive sea lamprey spawning. The target compound 3sPZS was extracted using triethylamine as an ion-pairing reagent during solid phase extraction followed by quantification using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method showed a limit of detection of 0.1 ng/mL and limit of quantification of 0.5 ng/mL with linearity in the range of 10-1000 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day accuracy, precision, recovery, and matrix effect of this method were evaluated. The method was applied to quantify 3sPZS, PZS, and 3kPZS in water sampled during field application in a river with sea lamprey and further evaluated for robustness by quantifying 3sPZS in 16 rivers across diverse environmental matrices. Our approach may be adapted to inform management strategies for detecting and mitigating invasive or imperiled aquatic species.

RevDate: 2025-11-22

Olsson SB (2025)

From apathy to advocacy: Insect stewardship for our modern world.

Current opinion in insect science pii:S2214-5745(25)00133-6 [Epub ahead of print].

As human-driven urbanization, environmental change, agricultural intensification, pesticides, pollution, and invasive species expand across the globe, our insect populations face precipitous decline. Meanwhile, the connection of our modern societies with nature mirrors this decline. As academics, we must become active advocates for insect stewardship worldwide. Insect stewardship requires us to move beyond promoting respect for insects and their survival to citizen-led protection and management of insects through habitat protection, ethical considerations, and sustainable practices. This perspective offers a discussion on modern culture's increasing disconnection with insects as well as current interventions to increase insect stewardship based on the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation to Behavior) model of behavioral change.

RevDate: 2025-11-22

Neary N, Acosta J, Nelson SC, et al (2025)

The influence of the landscape and removal efforts on the economic damage of the invasive wild pig.

Journal of environmental management, 396:128017 pii:S0301-4797(25)03993-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Non-native, invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) continue to inflict both ecological and economic damage throughout North America. Municipalities, agricultural producers, and landowners are seeking solutions for the most economical processes to remove wild pigs from the landscape and evaluate if removal costs provide positive financial returns. Using reports of wild pig damage provided by landowners in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, we calculated financial costs across the landscape and assess the relationship with crops planted and local pig removal events. We found that pig removal conducted a year prior to damage reports has a significant effect on reducing damage among nearby properties, and that closer removal events are associated with less damage, suggesting farmers and landowners should seek out pig removal options. Using detailed removal data, we estimated the cost of land trapping wild pigs to be $200 per pig, which is substantially less than the cost of pig damage without trapping, indicating that investing in pig removal is well worth the cost. Using data from both land trapping and aerial gunning, we approximated each pig removal within 1 km of a property to be associated with a large reduction (around 40%-60%) of damages, per pig removed, again showing removal to be worthwhile. Furthermore, we found that high-value crops and agronomic fields for wildlife serve as attractive food sources for wild pigs and consumption of crops is responsible for the greatest financial damage in local areas, implying that there is a necessity to understand landscape structure and its role in pig attraction.

RevDate: 2025-11-22
CmpDate: 2025-11-22

D'Andrea R, Barabás G, Dalrymple SE, et al (2025)

Ecological Risk-Benefit Analysis for Assisted Colonization.

Global change biology, 31(11):e70613.

Assisted colonization (AC), translocating a species outside its indigenous range to avoid its extinction, is one of the few conservation options for some species. It is also controversial because of the history of ecological impacts of invasive species, including the extinction of native species as a result of novel ecological interactions resulting from the introduction. Although several national and international organizations have issued guidelines related to AC, none allow case-specific decision-making based on risks and benefits to biodiversity. We propose a two-pronged approach to fill this gap. The first step aims to separate clear-cut cases of AC from those that require an in-depth risk analysis. We propose a set of seven qualitative criteria to identify AC projects that are clearly low-risk and high-benefit, and therefore should not be controversial, and those that are clearly high-risk or low-benefit and therefore should not be attempted. This identifies only the most obvious cases, leaving out many cases to be determined through a quantitative analysis to estimate the probabilities of extirpation of the resident species because of AC, which is the second step of our approach. We propose a roadmap for developing such a system based on community ecology theory, and a framework for considering the estimated probabilities in a global context. Our framework recommends an AC project only if it would result in a larger number of globally extant species than a scenario of no action. We propose large-scale testing of the clear-cut approach, further development of the quantitative approach, and wide consultation for adopting international guidelines for risk assessment of AC projects.

RevDate: 2025-11-21
CmpDate: 2025-11-21

Du Z, Wirtz J, Zhou YJ, et al (2025)

Genome architecture evolution in an invasive copepod species complex.

Nature communications, 16(1):10312.

Chromosomal fusions are hypothesized to facilitate evolutionary adaptation, but empirical evidence has been scarce. Here, we analyze chromosome-level genome sequences of three sibling species within the copepod Eurytemora affinis species complex, known for its remarkable ability to rapidly colonize new habitats. Genomes of this species complex show expansions of ion transport-related gene families, likely related to adaptation to various environmental salinities. Among three genetically distinct sibling species, we discover notable patterns of chromosomal evolution, with chromosomal fusions observed in two different sibling species. As a result of these chromosomal fusions, functionally linked ion transport-related genes located near the telomeres become joined near the newly formed centromeres, where recombination is low. Notably, for the highly invasive E. carolleeae and to a lesser extent for E. gulfia, the ancient chromosomal fusion sites, especially the centromeres, are significantly enriched with contemporary signatures of selection between saline and freshwater populations. This study uncovers intriguing patterns of genome architecture evolution with potentially important implications for mechanisms of adaptive evolution in response to rapid environmental change.

RevDate: 2025-11-22
CmpDate: 2025-11-22

Wu M, Liu H, Shen J, et al (2025)

Utilizing allelopathy from the invasive plant Solidago canadensis to control Microcystis aeruginosa blooms: An integrated metabolomic and bioassay approach.

Journal of hazardous materials, 499:140043.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by Microcystis aeruginosa threaten aquatic ecosystems and public health, necessitating eco-friendly control strategies. This study investigates the allelopathic potential of the invasive plant Solidago canadensis for cyanobacterial inhibition through metabolite-mediated interactions. Six polarity-based extracts, aqueous (DL), petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol (BA), mixed-phase (EA+BA), and residual aqueous (WA), were tested against M. aeruginosa. The DL and PE extracts showed the strongest algicidal activity (>80 % inhibition at 1.0 g/L), inducing oxidative stress (elevated malondialdehyde) and lipid peroxidation. Untargeted metabolomics (HPLC-MS) identified > 5000 metabolites, predominantly lipids, phenylpropanoids, and organoheterocyclic compounds. Multivariate analysis (PCA, OPLS-DA) revealed distinct chemical profiles, with differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) enriched in pathways linked to secondary metabolism, phenylpropanoid/flavonoid biosynthesis, and redox homeostasis. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) clustered metabolites into ten modules with extract-specific expression patterns. Key allelochemicals, caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids (e.g., taxifolin, epicatechin), alkaloids (e.g., atropine, vindoline), and indole-related compounds (e.g., indole-3-acetaldoxime), likely synergistically suppress M. aeruginosa via oxidative damage, membrane disruption, and signaling interference. These findings highlight S. canadensis as a sustainable resource for algal bloom mitigation, offering novel metabolite candidates for ecological management.

RevDate: 2025-11-21
CmpDate: 2025-11-21

Wiens JD, Lesmeister DB, Jenkins JMA, et al (2025)

Forest owl community response following the removal of an intraguild invader.

Ecology, 106(11):e70241.

Invasive predators can reshape native predator assemblages, triggering cascading changes in broader wildlife communities. In western North America, the barred owl (Strix varia) is an invasive apex predator with well-documented negative impacts on congeneric northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina), but impacts on other native forest owls are poorly understood. We coupled a large-scale removal experiment with a passive acoustic monitoring network to quantify species-specific and community-level responses of a five-species assemblage of native forest owls to the lethal removal of invasive barred owls. Our results supported predictions of intraguild predation theory, where smaller bodied, nocturnal species most susceptible to predation and resource competition from larger barred owls benefitted from removal, whereas a diurnally active owl species and a larger bodied species showed little to no response. We conclude that focused management actions limiting the occurrence of barred owls can provide spatial refugia for spotted owls and other sympatric native owl species, thereby promoting forest biodiversity.

RevDate: 2025-11-20
CmpDate: 2025-11-20

Gamba D, Vahsen ML, Maxwell TM, et al (2025)

Local adaptation to climate has facilitated the global invasion of cheatgrass.

Nature communications, 16(1):10203.

Local adaptation may facilitate range expansion during invasions, but the mechanisms underlying successful invasions remain unclear. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), native to Eurasia and Africa, has invaded globally, with severe impacts in western North America. We aim to identify mechanisms and consequences of local adaptation in the North American cheatgrass invasion. We sequence 307 range-wide genotypes and conduct controlled experiments. We find that diverse lineages invaded North America, where long-distance gene flow is common. Nearly half of North American cheatgrass comprises a mosaic of ~19 locally adapted, near-clonal genotypes, each seemingly very successful in a different part of North America. Additionally, ancestry, phenotype, and allele frequency-environment clines in the native range predict those in the invaded range, indicating pre-adapted genotypes colonized different regions. Common gardens show directional selection on flowering time that reverse between warm and cold sites, potentially maintaining clines. In the USA Great Basin, genomic predictions of strong local adaptation identify sites where cheatgrass is most dominant. Our results indicate that multiple introductions and migration within the invaded range fuel local adaptation and success of cheatgrass in western North America. Understanding how environment and gene flow shape adaptation and invasion is critical for managing ongoing invasions.

RevDate: 2025-11-21
CmpDate: 2025-11-21

Thia JA, Hunt BJ, Wang S, et al (2025)

Spread of a Single Superclone Drives Insecticide Resistance in Acyrthosiphon kondoi Across an Invasive Range.

Molecular biology and evolution, 42(11):.

Populations under similar selection pressures may adapt via parallel evolution or dispersal of advantageous alleles. Here, we investigated insecticide resistance in the invasive blue-green aphid, Acyrthosiphon kondoi, which reproduces clonally in Australia and has rapidly developed resistance across geographic locations. Using genomic, transcriptomic, and experimental approaches, we explored the evolutionary origins and molecular mechanisms of resistance. We developed the first nuclear genome assembly for A. kondoi (443.8 Mb, 28,405 annotated genes, BUSCO score 97.5%) and a partial mitochondrial assembly (11,598 bp). All resistant strains shared a common ancestor, supporting the spread of a resistant "superclone" lineage that is distinct from susceptible strains. Resistance was associated with over-expression of an esterase gene that was homologous to E4/FE4 esterases that are linked to resistance in other aphid pests. Functional experiments in Drosophila melanogaster confirmed a causal role of this E4-like esterase in resistance to organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids. These findings highlight how clonal dispersal and insecticide overuse can transform local adaptation into a widespread pest management issue. Our results suggest a parallel macroevolutionary response to insecticide selection in A. kondoi and other aphid species at the gene family level, but with a distinct regulatory mechanism in A. kondoi. Given the rapid spread of the resistant superclone, alternative management strategies, including expanded chemical control options and enhanced biological control, are urgently needed to mitigate this growing pest problem.

RevDate: 2025-11-21
CmpDate: 2025-11-21

Feng D, Cheng J, Tian Z, et al (2025)

A long-term common garden experiment reveals geocytotype-dependent succession of plant community invaded by Solidago canadensis.

Journal of plant research, 138(6):1005-1016.

Invasive alien plants can act as "drivers", actively modifying plant community succession, or as "passengers", passively persisting without significantly affecting vegetation dynamics. Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is considered a 'passenger' species, transiently dominating old-field communities in Europe, while research in Asia indicates that different geo-cytotypes of S. canadensis influence succession in a cytogeography-dependent manner, with introduced polyploids acting as drivers. However, whether these effects are temporary or long-lasting remains unclear, necessitating long-term observation. We conducted a 10-year common garden experiment to investigate the impact of different geo-cytotypes of S. canadensis on succession in old-field plant communities. Both diploid and native polyploid populations subjected to regular mowing, gradually disappeared, while herbaceous plant communities transitioned to woody communities by the fourth year. In contrast, introduced polyploid S. canadensis co-dominated alongside woody plants until the eighth year. By the tenth year, all communities, including those initially dominated by introduced polyploids, were primarily composed of woody species. While the geo-cytotype influenced the rate of succession, it did not alter its course. These findings suggest that, regardless of geo-cytotype, S. canadensis ultimately functions as a passenger in the long-term succession of invaded plant communities.

RevDate: 2025-11-20

Bhuiyan MKA, Godoy O, González-Ortegón E, et al (2025)

Invasion dynamics and management of the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in a European salt marsh: Evidence from the Bay of Cádiz, Spain.

Marine pollution bulletin, 223:118972 pii:S0025-326X(25)01448-1 [Epub ahead of print].

Biological invasions are reshaping coastal ecosystems, yet invader performance in aquaculture-influenced salt marsh habitats remains poorly resolved. We conducted an 18-month survey (January 2023-July 2024) at two contrasting salt marsh sites in the Bay of Cádiz, Spain, to compare the invasive Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) with the native European green crab (Carcinus maenas). Monthly fyke-net sampling was paired with concurrent prey assessments and water-column measurements. We captured 168 C. sapidus and 1086 C. maenas individuals. Mean abundance (individuals net[-1] 24 h[-1]) was higher for C. sapidus at the Fish site (1.83 ± 0.36) and for C. maenas at the Oyster site (16.28 ± 1.91). Biomass (ash free dry mass, g) was higher for C. sapidus at the Fish site (11.63 ± 2.08 vs 4.58 ± 1.15 at the Oyster site) and for C. maenas at the Oyster site (10.53 ± 1.22 vs 1.12 ± 0.43 at the Fish site). Body sizes mirrored these patterns (C. sapidus at Fish site: +14.5 mm carapace width, +5.9 mm carapace length relative to Oyster site; C. maenas at the Oyster site: +2.7 mm carapace width, +2.3 mm carapace length versus the Fish site; p < 0.05). Seasonal peaks differed (C. sapidus: late spring-early summer; C. maenas: winter-spring), with a winter non detection of C. sapidus. Linear mixed-effects models showed that C. sapidus abundance increased under warmer, macroinfauna-rich conditions, whereas C. maenas was more abundant in cooler, more turbid waters with higher availability of fish and hyperbenthic prey. These patterns suggest thermal-prey pathways in aquaculture-modified salt marshes and provide cues for targeted monitoring, removal, and future management.

RevDate: 2025-11-20

Krushelnycky PD, Melzer MJ, JW Tay (2025)

Evaluation of non-target bait attraction by pollinating insects when using water-storing granules for invasive ant management.

Pest management science [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Water-storing granules (WSGs) such as hydrogels are a promising management tool for invasive pest ants because they present attractive sugar-water bait in easily dispersible granular form. However, the attraction of pollinators and other non-target insects to such granules is a concern. We evaluated this non-target risk through staged video observations of baits and field broadcast of protein immunomarked baits using three types of WSG.

RESULTS: Granules staged on the ground attracted few insects from common pollinating groups, which together comprised < 8% of non-ant visitors. However, baits placed near flowers elicited 3.8 times higher visitation rates with > 90% being common pollinators. Broadcast plots that tested small-scale bait application scenarios revealed low rates of insect interaction with WSGs, likely because most granules fell to the ground. Less than 10% of pollinators and approximately 10% of all flying insects captured were marked, although several taxa had substantially higher rates of marking.

CONCLUSION: Ant management using hydrogels or other WSG baits should pose relatively low risk to pollinating insects in the shrubland ecosystems studied. However, higher mortality among some non-target species from direct bait consumption may occur, species-specific effects may be challenging to predict, and indirect risks from pesticide residues should also be considered. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

RevDate: 2025-11-19

Vattiato M, Landro SM, Spaccesi FG, et al (2025)

Tolerance of the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata to individual and combined exposures of the pyrethroid cypermethrin and the tetramic acid spirotetramat.

Chemosphere, 393:144766 pii:S0045-6535(25)00714-3 [Epub ahead of print].

This study evaluated the sensitivity of the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata to the insecticides cypermethrin (CYP), a type II pyrethroid, and spirotetramat (STM), a new-generation tetramic acid. Initially, the LC50 values were determined for adult male and female snails, revealing a high tolerance to both compounds, with values of 65.6 mg/L for CYP and 12.8 mg/L for STM. Subsequently, female snails were exposed to sublethal concentrations of both pesticides individually and in combination for ten days. Several biomarkers, including biochemical parameters and histopathological changes, were studied in the digestive gland. The two-factor ANOVA analysis showed that of all the biochemical parameters evaluated, only total protein, uric acid, glutathione S-transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activity were affected by individual CYP treatment (0.1 mg/L) compared to the control. Additionally, lactate dehydrogenase activity was affected by individual and combined STM treatments, showing a hormesis pattern. Triacylglycerol content showed no differences between the control and the different treatments. However, the 0.1 mg/L CYP +0.1 mg/L STM treatment resulted in the highest triacylglycerol accumulation. Semi-quantitative analysis of the histopathological index (HI) revealed that the exposure of both CYP and STM led to a significantly higher HI than in controls. However, no dose-dependent pattern was observed, suggesting a high sensitivity of the digestive gland. The integrated biomarker index (IBRv2) analysis showed that CYP caused greater damage than STM. The combined treatment exhibited an antagonistic interaction between CYP and STM. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the high tolerance of P. canaliculata to pesticides from different chemical groups. This remarkable adaptability may explain its success in adverse environmental conditions, establishing it as one of the world's most damaging invasive species. The study also reinforces the value of histopathological changes as the most appropriate and sensitive biomarker for assessing pesticide contamination in this organism.

RevDate: 2025-11-20
CmpDate: 2025-11-20

Yin W, Zhou H, Wu M, et al (2025)

Reassociation of specialist herbivores with an invasive plant selects for reduced allocation to soil mutualists.

The New phytologist, 248(6):3240-3255.

Invasive plants often escape specialist herbivores and can evolve to reallocate resources to growth from defense, but reunion with specialists can reverse this evolutionary trade-off. It remains unclear whether specialist-triggered changes affect soil mutualisms, which can also promote invasion success. Here, we investigate colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in roots of the invasive Ambrosia artemisiifolia from populations that vary in duration of reassociation with the specialist herbivore Ophraella communa. We then investigated chemically mediated changes in AMF colonization and plant defenses after reassociation with O. communa. Ambrosia artemisiifolia populations with a longer reassociation history had lower AMF colonization rates than populations with shorter or no reassociation history. We detected a genetically based increase in resistance to herbivores but decreased AMF colonization in A. artemisiifolia populations after the reassociation. These changes in antagonisms and mutualisms corresponded with increasing leaf tannins but decreasing fatty acid concentrations in roots and root exudates. These results suggest that reassociation with specialist herbivores may trigger shifts in resource allocation back to herbivore defense and away from plant-AMF mutualisms, providing new insights into links between enemy release and enhanced mutualism, with potential ramifications for the long-term effects of classical biological control programs.

RevDate: 2025-11-20
CmpDate: 2025-11-20

Policelli N, MA Nuñez (2025)

Invasive ectomycorrhizal fungi: belowground insights from South America.

The New phytologist, 248(6):2714-2721.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) are essential for nutrient cycling and plant symbiosis, yet their invasions remain understudied, particularly in South America. Large-scale forestry introductions have spread non-native EMF across the continent. Although definitions vary, EMF are invasive when they disperse, colonize new environments, and overcome natural barriers. Invasive EMF alter soil biogeochemistry and local microbial and plant communities, sometimes preceding plant invasions. Despite their importance, invasive EMF remain poorly documented, with major knowledge gaps. Research must strengthen local networks, expand access to molecular tools, and integrate traditional knowledge. In turn, unregulated commercial inoculants pose risks, requiring policy intervention. South America offers a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration and regional research to help elucidate and prevent future EMF invasions while guiding conservation.

RevDate: 2025-11-20
CmpDate: 2025-11-20

LeFevre G, Estes D, E Rehm (2025)

Better reproductive success of an invasive thistle than its native relative under pollinator exclusion.

Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany), 27(7):1488-1496.

Invasive plants often can self-pollinate and have higher reproductive outputs than native counterparts. Pollinator declines may exacerbate disparities in reproductive output by negatively impacting native plants more than invasives. To determine how pollinator availability affects reproductive success of two species (one native, one invasive), we conducted a pollinator exclusion experiment for two functionally similar species: the invasive musk thistle Carduus nutans and native field thistle Cirsium discolour. We manipulated pollinator access to flowers by partially or completely excluding pollinators and evaluated how pollinator visitation rates and community composition influenced reproductive success. Both thistle species received pollinators from all seven functional groups that we considered, but pollinator community composition differed by thistle species and treatment. Sweat bees and butterflies were important drivers in community differences between the Ca. nutans and the Ci. discolour flower heads. Complete pollinator exclusion resulted in a higher probability of total reproductive failure; 55% of total pollinator exclusion flowers failed while <7% failed in other treatments. When flower heads produced at least one viable achene, any level of pollinator exclusion resulted in lower seed output, but germination success did not differ from the control. Overall, Ca. nutans had higher reproductive success per flower head than native Ci. discolour in control and partial pollinator exclusion due to higher seed output rather than higher germination rates. While pollinator loss will be detrimental to reproduction of both species, our study provides evidence that reproductive losses in invasive Ca. nutans will be lower than the native Ci. discolour.

RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Chen Y, Zhang S, Zang W, et al (2025)

Balancing selection of climate adaptive loci underlies the success of introduction of Eurasian Tree Sparrows.

Science advances, 11(47):eadw3797.

Human-mediated introductions have enabled species to colonize beyond their native ranges, yet the mechanisms underlying successful establishment remain unclear. We combined genomic and ecological analyses to investigate parallel introductions of the Eurasian Tree Sparrow across continents. Our analyses of genetic structure and demography revealed that introduced populations in North America (European origin) and Australia (Chinese origin) experienced founder effects, with resulting bottlenecks, reduced genetic diversity, and increased inbreeding. Despite the genome-wide loss of diversity, we identified conserved regions of high genetic variation in the introduced populations, potentially maintained through balancing selection of ancestral polymorphisms. Genotype-climate association and genetic offset modeling demonstrated that climate-adaptive genetic variants retained similar frequencies across the native and introduced ranges, likely maintaining similar interactions of genetic components with climate niches. Our findings highlight how retention of adaptive polymorphism facilitates establishment success in the introduced populations, providing a framework for predicting invasion potential through genomic signatures of adaptation.

RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Warren RJ (2nd) (2025)

Environmental resistance mediates propagule pressure in a novel plant community.

Oecologia, 207(12):192.

Invasive species success in novel habitats is shaped by the interplay between propagule pressure and environmental resistance. Although high propagule pressure often drives invasion, establishment can fail when strong resistance limits new recruits. Disturbance may reduce resistance by disrupting resident communities and increasing resource availability especially for fast-growing species. To test the generality of these dynamics, Oxalis stricta L. was used as a model invader and turfgrass assemblages as generalized low-diversity systems common in anthropogenic landscapes. In a controlled glasshouse experiment, O. stricta and manipulated environmental resistance were introduced through variation in plant cover, soil moisture, and nutrients. Despite producing more than 400,000 seeds in 17 weeks, O. stricta was almost entirely excluded from vegetated trays (< 2% cover, no reproduction), whereas cover in bare soil often approached 100%. After colonization, seedpod production plateaued at ~ 75% cover, consistent with negative density dependence. Supplemental watering increased O. stricta growth in bare soil, whereas fertilization had little direct effect but shifted turfgrass competition which further suppressed invasion. These results suggest that even extreme propagule pressure is insufficient to overcome strong environmental resistance. At the same time, the ability of O. stricta to self-pollinate and persist in disturbed microsites indicated that minimal founder populations may still establish under fluctuating conditions.

RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Abba A, Sankarannair S, Ibrahim Y, et al (2025)

A participatory approach to water hyacinth management: Enhancing livelihoods and ecosystem sustainability.

Environmental management, 76(1):3.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a highly invasive aquatic species that significantly impacts ecosystems and livelihoods, particularly in rural communities reliant on fisheries and agriculture. The study investigates the impact of water hyacinth proliferation on the livelihoods of communities in coastal Kerala, India, by utilizing the potential of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) for developing sustainable management strategies. Employing qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and PRA tools such as resource mapping and seasonal calendars, the research gathered data from farmers, fishermen, and community leaders to explore community-led intervention strategies for sustainable water hyacinth management. The findings reveal that water hyacinth proliferation disrupts water transportation, depletes fish stocks, increases agricultural labor costs, and degrades water quality, leading to biodiversity loss and hindering economic activities, particularly in agriculture and fishing. The study found that 85% of community members identified the impact on fisheries (reduced catch and income) as a primary concern, while 70% reported water transportation disruption due to dense hyacinth mats. Water quality degradation, including increased turbidity and reduced dissolved oxygen levels, was reported by 65% of respondents. The study demonstrates that the utilization of water hyacinth as biofertilizer resulted in a 20% increase in crop yield over a four-month trial period. These findings align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 8, 11, and 15 by promoting sustainable water management, economic growth, and ecosystem restoration.

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In the early 1990's, Robert Robbins was a faculty member at Johns Hopkins, where he directed the informatics core of GDB — the human gene-mapping database of the international human genome project. To share papers with colleagues around the world, he set up a small paper-sharing section on his personal web page. This small project evolved into The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.

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In 1995, Robbins became the VP/IT of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. Soon after arriving in Seattle, Robbins secured funding, through the ELSI component of the US Human Genome Project, to create the original ESP.ORG web site, with the formal goal of providing free, world-wide access to the literature of classical genetics.

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Although the methods of molecular biology can seem almost magical to the uninitiated, the original techniques of classical genetics are readily appreciated by one and all: cross individuals that differ in some inherited trait, collect all of the progeny, score their attributes, and propose mechanisms to explain the patterns of inheritance observed.

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This is a must read book for anyone with an interest in invasion biology. The full title of the book lays out the author's premise — The New Wild: Why Invasive Species Will Be Nature's Salvation. Not only is species movement not bad for ecosystems, it is the way that ecosystems respond to perturbation — it is the way ecosystems heal. Even if you are one of those who is absolutely convinced that invasive species are actually "a blight, pollution, an epidemic, or a cancer on nature", you should read this book to clarify your own thinking. True scientific understanding never comes from just interacting with those with whom you already agree. R. Robbins

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Papers in Classical Genetics

The ESP began as an effort to share a handful of key papers from the early days of classical genetics. Now the collection has grown to include hundreds of papers, in full-text format.

Digital Books

Along with papers on classical genetics, ESP offers a collection of full-text digital books, including many works by Darwin and even a collection of poetry — Chicago Poems by Carl Sandburg.

Timelines

ESP now offers a large collection of user-selected side-by-side timelines (e.g., all science vs. all other categories, or arts and culture vs. world history), designed to provide a comparative context for appreciating world events.

Biographies

Biographical information about many key scientists (e.g., Walter Sutton).

Selected Bibliographies

Bibliographies on several topics of potential interest to the ESP community are automatically maintained and generated on the ESP site.

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