Search Results (32)

The diversity of mating systems in fish is unparalleled among vertebrates. This variability is shaped by a long evolutionary history associated with differences in selection pressures and plasticity within species. However, there is also significant intraspecific variability within species, often related to differences in environments among populations. Herein, I explore how habitat features (temperature, oxygen, turbidity and vegetation) and availability of mates or mating resources (nest sites, population density, sex ratio and alternative mating strategies) can affect the distribution of reproductive success in a population. The literature reviewed here indicates that differences in the intensity of sexual selection and variation in mating-system structure can be directly related to differences in breeding habitat. The way in which habitat affects mating-system structure is complex, with both abiotic and biotic factors interacting to influence different aspects of breeding behavior and success. Thus far, our understanding of variation in mating systems in fishes is based on very well-studied species, and more exploration is needed to provide an overview of habitat and mating-system structure. This is critical as we face human-induced changes in breeding habitats that can alter mating systems and potentially affect variation and viability of fish populations. Full article

Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen with confirmed cases in over 30 countries. Although whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis defined distinct clades during characterization of underlying genetic mechanism behind multidrug resistance, Clade II remains under-evaluated. In this study, a three-level comparative genomic strategy (Global, Clade, Phenotype) was employed by integration of unbiased genome-wide comparative SNP screening (GATK v4.1.9.0), targeted BLAST profiling (BLAST+ v2.17.0), and in silico protein analysis (ColabFold v1.5.5; DynaMut2 v2.0) for systematic evaluation of mechanisms of antifungal resistance in thirty-nine Clade II C. auris clinical isolates and fourteen reference strains. Global and clade-level analyses confirmed that all the clinical isolates belong to Clade II, according to phylogenetic clustering and mating type locus (MTL) conservation. At the phenotype level, a distinct subclade of fluconazole-resistant mutants was identified to have a heterogenous network of mutations in seven key enzymes associated with cell membrane dynamics and the metabolic stress response. Among these, four core mutations (TAC1B, CAN2, NIC96, PMA1) were confirmed as functional drivers based on strict criteria during multitier in silico protein analysis: cross-species conservation, surface exposure, active site proximity, thermodynamic stability, and protein interface interaction. On the other hand, three high-level fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates (≥128 μg/mL) that lacked these functional drivers were subjected to comprehensive subtractive genomic profiling analysis. The absence of coding mutations in validated resistance drivers, yeast orthologs, and convergent variants suggests that there is an alternative novel non-coding or regulatory mechanism behind fluconazole resistance. These findings highlight Clade II’s evolutionary divergence into two distinct trajectories towards the development of a high level of fluconazole resistance: canonical protein alteration versus regulatory modulation. Full article

In Europe, due to reduced availability and efficacy of active ingredients, strategies against grapevine pests based on alternative tools to synthetic pesticides need to be developed. So far, attention has been mainly focused on biological control (arthropod natural enemies and entomopathogens) and mating disruption, but other means can also help keep pests below economic injury levels. This paper aims to review information on the direct effects of farmers’ choices on grapevine pest populations, ranging from vineyard design (e.g., growing habitat, grapevine cultivar, and training system) to annual agronomic practices (e.g., fertilization, irrigation, and pruning), and specific cultural and physical methods. Information was based on the CABI Digital Library, websites and books on grapevine pests. The data presentation is based on control strategies rather than pests, as it was considered more important to focus on the mode of action of different practices and to know which pests they affect simultaneously. The widespread availability of insecticides has long led to the neglect of the potential of cultural practices, which can effectively integrate other pest control tools. Full article

Understanding the movement behaviour of male ruffs (Calidris pugnax) during the breeding season requires integrating recent telemetry data with long-standing theory on conditional reproductive strategies, lek dynamics, and behavioural polymorphism. A large-scale tracking study revealed extensive within-season movements among many males, with individuals visiting 1 to 23 sites, but also documented prolonged residency, with site tenures exceeding 40 days. Such variation is not contradictory but expected in a species whose reproductive system combines genetically fixed alternative strategies, governed by a supergene, with flexible conditional tactics expressed in response to ecological and social cues. Here, I synthesize movement ecology, state-dependent decision models, lekking theory, and previous empirical work to show that spatial behaviour in ruffs reflects a continuum of tactics rather than a homogeneous nomadic mode. Telemetry data thereby enrich our understanding of how individuals navigate fluctuating environments, competitive pressures, and mating opportunities. Embracing behavioural heterogeneity is essential for interpreting movement patterns and for understanding how reproductive diversity evolves and is maintained in lekking systems. Full article

The recently described genus Candolleomyces (Basidiomycota, Agaricales, Psathyrellaceae) is now recognized as a distinct taxonomic group separate from Psathyrella. Currently, no fully assembled and accurately annotated genomes of Candolleomyces species are available, limiting our understanding of their physiological traits and biotechnological potential. Numerous tools exist for fungal genome assembly and annotation, each using different algorithms, resulting in substantial variation in gene content and distribution within the same genome. In this work, a hybrid assembly and annotation of the genome of strain CMU-8613 were performed using pipelines that combine different assembly and annotation tools. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the analyzed strain CMU-8613 belongs to Candolleomyces candolleanus. The assembled genome size ranged from 46.8 Mb (NECAT + Racon) to 59.3 Mb (Canu + Coprinellus micaceus genome assembly), depending on the assembly and polishing strategy. The analysis identified 15–25 secondary metabolite gene clusters (BGCs), depending on the genome assembly and the tools used for BGC prediction. In strain CMU-8613, CAZyme-encoding genes varied across assemblies: 494 genes were detected in the Flye assembly and 453 in NECAT; in both cases, the AA (Auxiliary Activities) and GH (Glycoside Hydrolases) families were the most represented. The diversity of CAZymes observed among Candolleomyces species suggests differences in their saprophytic capacities. Analysis of the MAT-A/MAT-B loci revealed that C. candolleanus possesses a tetrapolar mating system. This study provides the first annotated genome of C. candolleanus, highlighting its enzymatic potential to degrade plant biomass and its capacity to synthesize diverse secondary metabolites. The combination of assembly and annotation tools employed here offers robust alternative strategies for characterizing non-model fungi or species lacking high-quality reference genomes. Full article

Neonicotinoid insecticides were initially hailed as safer alternatives to organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides due to their perceived lower toxicity to non-target organisms. However, it has been recently discovered that sublethal exposure to neonicotinoids negatively affects beneficial arthropods that are essential for a functional ecosystem. These beneficial arthropods include pollinators, biological control agents, and decomposers. This review synthesizes current research on the physiological, behavioral, and reproductive consequences of neonicotinoids on non-target arthropods and their broader ecological impact. The chemical and physical properties of neonicotinoids raise concerns about long-term ecological consequences of neonicotinoid use because these chemicals are persistent in plants and soil, which contributes to prolonged exposure risks for organisms. Sublethal doses of neonicotinoids can disrupt the ecological services provided by these organisms by impairing essential biological processes including motor function, odor detection, development, and reproduction in insects, while also altering behavior such as foraging, mating, and nesting. Furthermore, neonicotinoid exposure can alter community structure, disrupting trophic interactions and food web stability. Recognizing the sublethal impacts of neonicotinoids is critical for the development of more sustainable pest management strategies. It is imperative that future research investigates the underlying mechanisms of sublethal toxicity and identifies safer, more effective approaches to neonicotinoid-based pest control to mitigate adverse ecological effects. Incorporating this knowledge into future environmental risk assessments will be essential for protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem functionality. Full article

The genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) includes several agricultural pests that cause major losses in global crop production and threaten food security, notably Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797), an invasive pest that is difficult to manage. Mating disruption through the application of synthetic sexual pheromones has emerged as a viable alternative method for lepidopteran pest management. However, the successful application of this method requires knowledge of the pest under various environmental conditions and the evaluation of pheromone effectiveness. This systematic review aims to highlight advances and knowledge gaps in the genetic characterization and pheromone-based mating disruption of Spodoptera species, with implications for S. frugiperda management. A literature search following PRISMA guidelines identified 4523 articles, of which 107 met the inclusion criteria, 84 focused on genetic analysis, 16 focused on pheromone-based control, and only 7 integrated both approaches. The COI gene is the main genetic marker used for species identification (76%), but inconsistencies remain in the strain identification of S. frugiperda. Pheromone-based control studies reported variable efficacy, with many not evaluating their impact on pest populations or crop damage. Overall, this review highlights the need to standardize pheromone formulations and adapt management strategies tailored to local agroecological conditions. It also underscores the importance of integrating genetic identification to improve our knowledge of pests and support the sustainable management of S. frugiperda. Full article

As a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers, rock dusting is an emerging agroecological strategy to improve soil health and nutrient availability. This study aimed to quantify the effects of basalt powder (BP) application on the chemical attributes of a Ferralsol and the morphological responses of young Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) plants. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five BP doses (0, 3.8, 7.6, 15.2, and 30.4 Mg ha⁻¹), where resulting soil and plant parameters were statistically analyzed. Results demonstrated that BP significantly increased available calcium, magnesium, and silicon in the soil (p ≤ 0.05) without altering pH or potassium levels. This soil enrichment directly correlated with a significant increase in the number of leaves per plant (p ≤ 0.01), which was strongly associated with soil Mg²⁺ (r = 0.73) and Si (r = 0.40). However, no significant effects were observed on plant height or stem diameter. We conclude that basalt powder acts as an effective slow-release source of Ca, Mg, and Si, primarily stimulating leaf development rather than immediate plant structural growth. This finding is consistent with the gradual nutrient release from silicate rocks and suggests that BP is a viable tool for enhancing soil fertility in yerba mate systems, although long-term evaluation is essential to understand its full agronomic potential. Full article

Insect pests impose major economic, agricultural, and public health burdens, damaging crops and transmitting pathogens such as dengue, malaria, and Zika. Conventional chemical control is increasingly ineffective due to insecticide resistance and environmental concerns, prompting a search for innovative strategies. The insect microbiome—comprising both obligate symbionts and environmentally acquired microbes—emerges as a key driver of host physiology and behavior. Microbes influence nutrient acquisition, immunity, reproduction, and chemosensory processing, often to promote their own transmission. By modulating olfactory and gustatory pathways, microbiota can alter host-seeking, mate choice, foraging, and oviposition patterns, reshaping ecological interactions and vector dynamics. These effects are shaped by microbial acquisition routes, habitat conditions, and anthropogenic pressures such as pesticide use, pollution, and climate change. Understanding these multi-directional interactions offers opportunities to design highly specific, microbe-based insect control strategies, from deploying microbial metabolites that disrupt host sensory systems to restoring beneficial symbionts in threatened pollinators. Integrating microbiome ecology with insect physiology and behavior not only deepens our understanding of host–microbe coevolution but also enables the development of sustainable, targeted alternatives to chemical insecticides. This review synthesizes current evidence linking microbiomes to insect biology and explores their potential as tools for pest and vector management. Full article

The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), a globally invasive pest, poses a major economic threat to tomato production. Although chemical control remains the primary management method, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. Sex pheromone communication is critical for moth courtship and mating, with pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) playing a key role in this process. In this study, we identified a PBP gene, TabsPBP2, from the T. absoluta transcriptome. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that TabsPBP2 is highly expressed in the antennae, with a strong male-biased expression pattern. Ligand-binding assays demonstrated that TabsPBP2 has the highest affinity for the sex pheromones (3E, 8Z, 11Z)-tetradecatrienyl acetate (TDTA) and (3E, 8Z)-tetradecadienyl acetate (TDDA). It also demonstrated a moderate-to-strong binding affinity to several tomato volatiles, including 2-carene, myrcene, α-pinene, cis-3-hexen-l-ol, methyl salicylate, sabinene, and α-terpinene. Molecular docking suggested that hydrophobic interactions predominantly stabilize the TabsPBP2–ligand complexes, with PHE118, PHE12, LEU90, LEU68, and ALA73 identified as key interacting residues. Electroantennogram (EAG) and Y-tube olfactometer assays confirmed that TDTA and TDDA act as strong attractants for male T. absoluta. This study enhances our understanding of the pheromone recognition in T. absoluta and provides a foundation for developing novel, pheromone-based pest control strategies. Full article

This literature-based review draws on studies of thirty-four fish species; most are from northern temperate regions. Fish have flexible and indeterminate growth, and often they do not reach their growth and size potential. They may become stunted with impaired growth and early maturity, chiefly as a phenotypically plastic reaction. The main causes of stunted growth are negatively density-dependent food availability and keen intraspecific competition leading to environmental stress. Typically, their growth levels off early in life as energy consumptions approach energy costs of maintenance. Females typically attain maturity soon after the energy surplus from feeding starts to decrease. Males are often more variable in size at maturity owing to alternative mating strategies, and their size at maturity depends on both species-specific mating behaviours and environmental opportunities. In polyphenic/polymorphic populations, one phenotype may be stunted and the other phenotype non-stunted; stunted individuals do not perform the required ontogenetic niche shift needed to grow larger. The adult morphology of stunted fish is typically like the morphology of juveniles. Their secondary sexual characters are less pronounced, and they phenotypically retain adaptation to their early feeding niche, which is different from that of large-growing individuals. There are open questions regarding to what extent genetics and epigenetics regulate the life histories of stunted phenotypes. Full article

This review provides an in-depth analysis of argatroban as an alternative anticoagulant in cardiac surgery, with a focus on its use in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We examine argatroban’s pharmacokinetics and dosing regimens and the challenges associated with cosnventional monitoring methods—such as activated clotting time (ACT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)—to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in high-risk surgical settings. Drawing on data from multiple case reports and series, our review highlights both the potential benefits and limitations of argatroban, including complications such as clot formation in extracorporeal circulation systems and prolonged postoperative coagulopathy. In addition to the literature review, we present a detailed clinical case of urgent HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device implantation in a patient with advanced heart failure and active HIT. In this case, despite targeting an ACT above 400 s, intraoperative complications such as clot formation in the heart–lung machine and difficulty achieving hemostasis highlight the need for improved monitoring and dosing protocols. Our findings call for refined anticoagulation strategies and advanced monitoring techniques to optimize argatroban use in cardiac surgery, offering valuable insights for clinicians managing complex scenarios where conventional heparin therapy is contraindicated. Full article

The use of insect sex pheromones as an alternative technology for pest control in agriculture and forestry offers a promising solution. The development of a novel technology for the biological production of pheromones through yeast fermentation significantly lowers production costs, enabling the adoption of sustainable pest control practices in field crops, a strategy previously reserved for high-value crops. Over three years of monitoring and mating disruption trials in Greek cotton fields, focusing on the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), it was confirmed that yeast-derived pheromones exhibit equal efficacy compared to their chemically synthesized counterparts. For the mating disruption of H. armigera, a biodegradable, flowable, and paraffin-based matrix was developed. The matrix adheres to plants, protects the labile pheromone molecules (Z)-11-hexadecenal and (Z)-9-hexadecenal, and controls their gradual release into the environment. These biodegradable polymer blobs act as non-retrievable dispensers and can be deployed manually or via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ensuring efficient and accurate application. This precise, time-efficient, and economically sound technology aligns with European Commission initiatives, such as the Green Deal’s Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy, contributing to food sustainability while respecting biodiversity. Full article

Railway catenary maintenance vehicles are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of electrified railway systems. The implementation of pre-optimized speed profiles significantly reduces the energy consumption while improving key operational performance metrics, such as ride comfort, punctuality, and safety. This study introduces a novel multi-objective optimization method that optimizes the speed profile in scenarios in which railway catenary maintenance vehicles are performing operations on line sections. Initially, a multi-objective optimization model is developed based on a four-stage operational strategy. Subsequently, the enhanced selection strategy of the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (ESS-NSGA-III) algorithm is proposed to refine the mating and environmental selection processes. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated using the Huoqiu-Caomiao section of the Fuyang-Lu’an Railway in China. A comparative analysis demonstrates that the ESS-NSGA-III algorithm outperforms NSGA-III and NSGA-II in terms of the diversity and convergence of the solution set. Specifically, the Hypervolume (HV) index improves by 0.77% and 4.12% compared to NSGA-III and NSGA-II, respectively. Moreover, the results highlight the advantages of the proposed method based on a comparison of three alternative operational strategies. Compared to the minimum running time strategy, the punctual and delayed strategies achieve energy consumption reductions of 29.51% and 52.86%, respectively. These results validate the algorithm’s capability to provide valuable insights for practical applications. Full article

Bagrada hilaris (known as painted bug) is a pest native to India, Southeast Asia, and middle and central Africa and was reported as invasive in the southwestern USA, Hawaii, Mexico, South America, and two Mediterranean islands. The feeding activity results in extensive damage to economically important Brassicaceae crops. Among sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is considered a promising strategy because it relies on the release of competitive sterile males that can reduce the pest reproduction. In this study, the efficacy of different doses of gamma irradiation (60, 80, and 100 Gy) was evaluated to identify the treatment that would ensure high sterility without compromising the competitiveness of the treated males. Observational tests showed that the doses of 60 Gy and 80 Gy showed no difference in mating times compared to non-irradiated males, in contrast to 100 Gy. Thus, 80 Gy was identified as the most promising dose. For further investigation, tests were conducted under choice and no-choice conditions at 80 Gy for three days. The results showed that irradiated males had a comprehensive higher mating rate than non-irradiated males, and under choice conditions, they were often preferred by females, confirming that SIT has potential as an environment-friendly method for controlling B. hilaris. Full article