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14 pages, 1991 KiB  
Article
Construction of a Bin Genetic Map and QTL Mapping of Red Skin in Interspecific Pear Population
by Xiaojie Zhang, Mengyue Tang, Jianying Peng, Hui Ma and Yuxing Zhang
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080994 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 72
Abstract
Red epicarp in pears is an important trait for breeding. Exploring the genes regulating pear anthocyanin synthesis and developing molecular markers associated with these traits are important for obtaining new varieties of red pears. We performed whole-genome resequencing (WGS) on 127 ‘Yuluxiang ( [...] Read more.
Red epicarp in pears is an important trait for breeding. Exploring the genes regulating pear anthocyanin synthesis and developing molecular markers associated with these traits are important for obtaining new varieties of red pears. We performed whole-genome resequencing (WGS) on 127 ‘Yuluxiang (Pyrus bretschneideri)’ × ‘Xianghongli (Pyrus communis)’ F1 populations and identified a total of 510,179 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites in the population. In total, 1972 bins were screened to form a high-density genetic map with a total map length of 815.507 cM, covering 17 linkage groups with an average genetic distance of 0.414 cM between markers. Three red skin quantitative trait loci (QTLs), located on LG4 and LG5, that explained 18.7% of the phenotypic variance, were detected. The QTL intervals contained 1658 genes, including 94 transcription factors (TF), subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Four key candidate genes (Pspp.Chr05.01969, Pspp.Chr05.01908, Pspp.Chr05.02419, and Pspp.Chr04.01087) that may play a role in promoting pear anthocyanin synthesis were screened and identified by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Overall, our study deepens our understanding of the genetics of red peel traits in pears and accelerates pear breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Color Formation and Regulation in Horticultural Plants)
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13 pages, 724 KiB  
Article
Aquaculture Strategy and Genetic Diversity of Argopecten irradians concentricus in Beibu Gulf, China
by Qishuai Wang, Jie Feng, Yanping Qin and Ying Pan
Biology 2025, 14(8), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081103 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 85
Abstract
Argopecten irradians concentricus has become one of the pillar industries in the aquaculture of the Beibu Gulf since it was introduced into China in 1991. This study examined how stocking density and culture site affects growth in breeding populations, compared their growth performance [...] Read more.
Argopecten irradians concentricus has become one of the pillar industries in the aquaculture of the Beibu Gulf since it was introduced into China in 1991. This study examined how stocking density and culture site affects growth in breeding populations, compared their growth performance and genetic diversity within control populations, and identified optimal culture locations for A. i. concentricus in the Beibu Gulf. The environmental investigation results revealed that among the three aquaculture sites of Beihai (BH), Qinzhou (QZ) and Fangchenggang (FCG), the fluctuation ranges of salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen at the BH site were relatively narrower. The sum of all algal genus abundances of the three sites were 155,370 cells∙L−1, 931 cells∙L−1, and 47,957 cells∙L−1, respectively. Chaetoceros was the sole dominant algal genus in both BH and FCG, while Pleurosigma was the only dominant genus in QZ. The experimental results of growth demonstrated a significant negative correlation between growth rate and stocking density (p < 0.05). The mortalities of the QZ populations were significantly higher than those of the BH and FCG populations (p < 0.05). In comparison with the control populations, the breeding populations exhibited better growth performance but lower genetic diversity. FCG is a suitable location for cultivating the breeding population of A. i. concentricus. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for further understanding of the aquaculture strategy and genetic diversity of A. i. concentricus in the Beibu Gulf, China. Full article
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21 pages, 5741 KiB  
Article
Post-Fledging Survival, Movement, and Habitat Use of Wood Thrushes in a Suburbanized Landscape
by Melanie L. Klein, Scott Schlossberg, Paige S. Warren, Katherine Straley and David I. King
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080589 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 151
Abstract
Suburban forest patches can have important conservation value for birds. This is a hopeful trend because the extent of urbanization is increasing, many avian populations are declining, and urban areas are where most people interact with wildlife. There is evidence that, despite an [...] Read more.
Suburban forest patches can have important conservation value for birds. This is a hopeful trend because the extent of urbanization is increasing, many avian populations are declining, and urban areas are where most people interact with wildlife. There is evidence that, despite an increased density of potential predators, the breeding success of birds in urban or suburban forest patches is comparable to that in rural areas. However, extremely limited data exists on the fledgling life stage of birds in urban or suburban areas, even though it is known that the fledgling stage strongly influences population growth rates. We used radio telemetry to look at the survival, movement, and habitat use of fledgling Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) originating from nests in suburban forest patches and in larger swaths of rural, undeveloped forests in western Massachusetts. We tracked 168 fledglings over four field seasons and found that survival was similar for rural and suburban fledglings. Fledglings had lower mortality as they aged. Force-fledging and being left outside the nest after radio-tagging had a negative effect on survival, and we developed techniques to minimize its occurrence. We also found that rural fledglings moved farther from their natal nests, at any given age, than suburban fledglings. Fledglings in both suburban and rural sites selected denser understory growth, and the use of non-forested land cover increased as they aged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation in Urbanized Ecosystems)
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21 pages, 35033 KiB  
Article
Development of Maize Canopy Architecture Indicators Through UAV Multi-Source Data
by Shaolong Zhu, Dongwei Han, Weijun Zhang, Tianle Yang, Zhaosheng Yao, Tao Liu and Chengming Sun
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081991 - 19 Aug 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Rapid and accurate identification of maize architecture characteristics is important for understanding both yield potential and crop breeding experiments. Most canopy architecture indicators cannot fully reflect the vertical leaf distribution in field environments. We conducted field experiments on sixty maize cultivars under four [...] Read more.
Rapid and accurate identification of maize architecture characteristics is important for understanding both yield potential and crop breeding experiments. Most canopy architecture indicators cannot fully reflect the vertical leaf distribution in field environments. We conducted field experiments on sixty maize cultivars under four planting densities at three different sites, and herein introduce two novel indicators, “kurtosis and skewness,” based on the manually measured leaf area index (LAI) of maize at five different canopy heights. Then, we constructed the LAI, plant height (PH), kurtosis, and skewness estimation models based on unmanned aerial vehicle multispectral, RGB, and laser detecting and ranging data, and further assessed the canopy architecture and estimated yield. The results showed that the fitting coefficient of determination (R2) of cumulative LAI values reached above 0.97, and the R2 of the four indicators’ estimation models based on multi-source data were all above 0.79. A high LAI, along with greater kurtosis and skewness, optimal PH levels, and strong stay-green ability, are essential characteristics of high-yield maize. Moreover, the four indicators demonstrated high accuracy in estimating yield, with the R2 values based on measured canopy indicators at the four planting densities being 0.792, 0.779, 0.796, and 0.865, respectively. Similarly, the R2 values for estimated yield based on estimated canopy indicators were 0.636, 0.688, 0.716, and 0.775, respectively. These findings provide novel insight into maize architecture characteristics that have potential application prospects for efficient estimation of maize yield and the breeding of ideal canopy architecture. Full article
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26 pages, 4308 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Insect Resistance and Ploidy in Hybrid Progeny of Transgenic BtCry1Ac Triploid Poplar 741
by Yan Zhou, Hongyu Cai, Renjie Zhao, Chunyu Wang, Jun Zhang, Minsheng Yang and Jinmao Wang
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162563 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
With the increasing severity of forest pest problems, breeding insect-resistant varieties has become a crucial task for the sustainable development of forestry. The highly insect-resistant triploid Populus line Pb29, genetically modified with BtCry1Ac, served as the maternal parent in controlled hybridization with [...] Read more.
With the increasing severity of forest pest problems, breeding insect-resistant varieties has become a crucial task for the sustainable development of forestry. The highly insect-resistant triploid Populus line Pb29, genetically modified with BtCry1Ac, served as the maternal parent in controlled hybridization with three paternal Populus cultivars. Hybrid progenies were obtained through embryo rescue and tissue culture. Results showed that 4 °C storage was favorable for pollen preservation, with 84K poplar exhibiting superior pollen viability and embryo germination rates. All progenies displayed significantly lower seedling height and ground diameter growth than the maternal parent (p < 0.05), with some showing leaf shape and branching variations. Among the three crosses, the 84K-sired progeny exhibited the best growth performance but the highest variability. PCR analysis confirmed stable inheritance of the BtCry1Ac and Kan genes from Pb29, showing tight linkage. Progenies carrying BtCry1Ac exhibited detectable gene transcription and toxic protein accumulation, though expression levels varied due to copy number, insertion sites, and potential co-suppression effects. Ploidy analysis suggested all hybrids were aneuploid, with lower survival rates than the maternal parent. Insect-feeding assays confirmed high resistance in all BtCry1Ac-inheriting progenies, with an average larval mortality rate of 97.03%. Mortality rates and death indices significantly correlated with transcript abundance and toxin protein levels. These results demonstrate that BtCry1Ac insect resistance is stably inherited through hybridization. Transgene expression appears co-modulated by copy number, insertion sites, and ploidy status. Simultaneously, it was found that the aneuploid progeny derived from triploid hybridization exhibited growth disadvantages. This provides an important basis for subsequent poplar improvement breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)
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13 pages, 1885 KiB  
Article
The Silent Conquest of Aedes albopictus in Navarre: Unraveling the Unstoppable Advance of the Tiger Mosquito Invasion in Progress
by Miguel Ángel González-Moreno, Estrella Miqueleiz-Autor, Itsaso Oroz-Santamaría, Miguel Domench-Guembe and Irati Poveda-Urkixo
Insects 2025, 16(8), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080852 - 17 Aug 2025
Viewed by 390
Abstract
Background: Aedes albopictus, the tiger mosquito, is an invasive exotic species native to Southeast Asia, currently established in Europe, including Spain and the region of Navarre. This vector poses an emerging public health threat due to its ability to transmit dengue, Zika, [...] Read more.
Background: Aedes albopictus, the tiger mosquito, is an invasive exotic species native to Southeast Asia, currently established in Europe, including Spain and the region of Navarre. This vector poses an emerging public health threat due to its ability to transmit dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, which cause diseases in humans. This study presents novel findings by documenting the progression of the invasion of Aedes albopictus in the Navarre region in northern Spain, tracing its status from initial absence to its definitive establishment in certain areas. Methods: Surveillance in Navarre within the LIFE-IP NAdapta-CC project was conducted through a network of strategically placed ovitraps and adult traps to collect eggs and adult mosquitoes. Awareness campaigns and outreach events were organized to inform local authorities and the public about monitoring results and preventive measures. Results: Monitoring confirms Aedes albopictus’ expansion across Navarre despite training, information dissemination, and control efforts, including entomological containment in targeted areas. Conclusions: Eliminating breeding sites remains the most effective strategy to limit its spread. Complete eradication is unlikely given its invasive nature, and the species is expected to expand and colonize at least part of the region in the coming years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)
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12 pages, 313 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of the Health and Production Effects of Local Anaesthetic and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs with and Without Xylazine Sedation for Calf Disbudding
by Tom R. Angel, Ben Barber, Rachel Hayton and Sophie A. Mahendran
Dairy 2025, 6(4), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6040047 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Use of sedation for disbudding is common practice in a number European countries, with United Kingdom (UK) practices adopting its use. This study assessed the effects of disbudding with and without xylazine sedation on growth rates and calf health on a UK calf [...] Read more.
Use of sedation for disbudding is common practice in a number European countries, with United Kingdom (UK) practices adopting its use. This study assessed the effects of disbudding with and without xylazine sedation on growth rates and calf health on a UK calf rearing unit. Data was collected from 485 dairy crossed with beef breed calves between April and August 2024 from a single calf rearing unit in England. Calves were purchased from multiple farms across the UK and arrived on site at approximately 21 days of age. Calves were disbudded—and, in the case of male calves, surgically castrated—at approximately three weeks after arrival on farm. Pens of calves were assigned to undergo disbudding with (SED, n = 238) or without (CTL = 234) xylazine sedation at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg administered intramuscularly. Calves from both groups were provided with local anaesthetic (procaine hydrochloride) as a cornual nerve block and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (meloxicam). While other studies have demonstrated some behavioural and physiological indicators of pain to be reduced with sedation, this study found that calves in the SED group had a reduced daily liveweight gain (DLWG) of 0.14 kg/day in the short term (mean 20 days) following disbudding (p < 0.001), but there was no difference in growth rates in the medium-term (mean 43 days) post-disbudding (p = 0.30). Some of this difference could be explained by the slightly higher DLWG pre-disbudding in the CTR group, and it is likely that the physiological impacts of sedation accounted for the rest of this difference. This initial reduction in DLWG following disbudding with sedation should be considered by vets, especially on farms where growth rates may already be compromised. In the sedated calves, 19.3% exhibited either some movement or entry into sternal recumbency. Specifically, a light plane of sedation with calves entering sternal recumbency was associated with a reduction in DLWG of 0.89 kg/day compared to 0.98 kg/day for those that remained in lateral recumbency throughout (p = 0.008). The light plane of sedation may have created additional calf stress, impacted feeding behaviours, and impinged welfare, with further work needed to establish the reasons for insufficient sedation. There was no difference in the number of post-disbudding treatment outcomes between calves disbudded with and without sedation (p = 0.97). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dairy Animal Health)
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20 pages, 7041 KiB  
Article
The Metabolome in Different Sites of Gut Tract Regulates the Meat Quality of Longissimus Dorsi Muscle
by Binlong Chen, Tingting Zheng, Xue Bai, Weihua Chang, Yi Zhang, Shizhong Yang, Hao Li, Diyan Li and Tao Wang
Animals 2025, 15(16), 2399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162399 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 169
Abstract
Meat quality is influenced by genetic, nutritional, and microbial factors, with increasing attention on the role of gut-derived metabolites. In this study, we conducted untargeted metabolomics of 10 gut tract sites and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of longissimus dorsi muscles in Meigu goats and [...] Read more.
Meat quality is influenced by genetic, nutritional, and microbial factors, with increasing attention on the role of gut-derived metabolites. In this study, we conducted untargeted metabolomics of 10 gut tract sites and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of longissimus dorsi muscles in Meigu goats and Liangshan black sheep raised under standardized conditions. Results showed that goat muscle contained significantly higher levels of essential amino acids (e.g., methionine) and specific fatty acids (e.g., C18:3_N6, C20:4_N6), suggesting improved nutritional quality. Transcriptomic analysis identified 3133 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), among which ADCY1 and SLC38A4 were upregulated in goats and strongly associated with meat traits. Using integrative correlation analysis, we uncovered 17 genes and 19 gut metabolites that were significantly correlated with more than eight meat quality parameters across multiple gut sites. Notably, these metabolites included bioactive compounds such as L-tyrosine ethyl ester and pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, while genes were enriched in pathways related to amino acid transport, cAMP signaling, and muscle development. Together, these findings highlight a potential gut–muscle axis involving metabolite-mediated modulation of muscle gene expression, contributing to breed-specific differences in meat composition and quality. This study provides a valuable framework for improving ruminant meat quality through integrative multi-omics analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)
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21 pages, 4415 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Universal Stress Protein (USP) Family Members in Lycium barbarum and Transcriptional Pattern Analysis in Response to Salt Stress
by Jintao Lu, Mengyao Bai, Jianhua Zhao, Dong Meng, Shanzhi Lin, Yu Xiu and Yuchao Chen
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080960 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Lycium barbarum is a traditional medicinal and edible plant species in China, exhibiting notable salt tolerance that enables cultivation in salt-affected soils. However, intensifying soil salinization has rendered severe salt stress a critical limiting factor for its fruit yield and quality. Universal stress [...] Read more.
Lycium barbarum is a traditional medicinal and edible plant species in China, exhibiting notable salt tolerance that enables cultivation in salt-affected soils. However, intensifying soil salinization has rendered severe salt stress a critical limiting factor for its fruit yield and quality. Universal stress proteins (USPs) serve as crucial regulators for plant abiotic stress responses through developmental process modulation. Nevertheless, the characteristics and functional divergence of USP gene family members remain unexplored in L. barbarum. Here, we performed genome-wide identification and characterization of the USP gene family in L. barbarum, revealing 52 members unevenly distributed across all 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified these LbUSP members into four distinct groups, demonstrating the integration of the conserved USP domain and diverse motifs within each group. Collinearity analysis indicated a stronger synteny of LbUSPs with orthologs in Solanum lycopersicum than with other species (Arabidopsis thaliana, Vitis vinifera, and Oryza sativa), demonstrating that gene duplication coupled with functional conservation represented the primary mechanism underlying USP family expansion in L. barbarum. In silico promoter screening detected abundant cis-acting elements associated with abiotic/biotic stress responses (MYB and MYC binding sites), phytohormone regulation (ABRE motif), and growth/development processes (Box-4 and G-box). Transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR validation revealed tissue-specific differential expression patterns of LbUSP8, LbUSP11, LbUSP12, LbUSP23, and LbUSP25 in roots and stems under salt stress, identifying them as prime candidates for mediating salt resistance in L. barbarum. Our findings establish a foundation for the functional characterization of LbUSPs and molecular breeding of salt-tolerant L. barbarum cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Protected Horticulture Stress)
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16 pages, 11159 KiB  
Article
Stage-Specific Impacts of Climate Change on Greater White-Fronted Geese Along the East Asian Flyway
by Chunxiao Wang, Shaoxia Xia, Xiubo Yu, Houlang Duan and Guang Qi
Biology 2025, 14(8), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081050 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 300
Abstract
Migratory flyways sustain waterbird populations by linking critical habitats across their annual cycle. However, stage-specific impacts of climate change on these habitats remain poorly understood. We integrated species distribution models with annual migration data from 30 Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons frontalis [...] Read more.
Migratory flyways sustain waterbird populations by linking critical habitats across their annual cycle. However, stage-specific impacts of climate change on these habitats remain poorly understood. We integrated species distribution models with annual migration data from 30 Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) to assess changes in habitat suitability, distributional shifts, and suitability fluctuations across breeding, stopover, and wintering stages under mid-century (2040–2060) climate scenarios. Suitability fluctuations were quantified as the coefficient of variation (CV) in habitat suitability between current and future projections. Projected habitat responses varied markedly across stages: breeding areas contracted by 29.9%, wintering areas expanded by 62.7%, and stopover sites showed minimal net change. Centroids of all habitats are projected to shift northward by mean distances of 125–492 km under future climate scenarios. Breeding habitats exhibited the greatest suitability fluctuations (CV=30–45; ~50% area affected under SSP585), followed by stopover and wintering grounds (CV ≈ 11), with 35.8% and 23.3% of their areas falling within high-fluctuation zones. These findings highlight the urgent need to prioritize breeding habitats, implement stage-specific conservation strategies, and enhance international cooperation to ensure the protection of waterbirds along the East Asian Flyway. Full article
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36 pages, 1587 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Noninvasive Genetic Monitoring Guides Recovery of the Endangered Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)
by Stacey A. Nerkowski, Paul A. Hohenlohe, Janet L. Rachlow, Kenneth I. Warheit, Jonathan A. Gallie and Lisette P. Waits
Genes 2025, 16(8), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16080956 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Loss and fragmentation of habitat from agricultural conversion led to the near extirpation of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis Merriam, 1891) population in the Columbia Basin (CB) of Washington, USA. Recovery efforts began in 2002 and included captive breeding, translocations from [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Loss and fragmentation of habitat from agricultural conversion led to the near extirpation of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis Merriam, 1891) population in the Columbia Basin (CB) of Washington, USA. Recovery efforts began in 2002 and included captive breeding, translocations from other regions for genetic rescue, and reintroduction into native habitat in three sites: Sagebrush Flat (SBF), Beezley Hills (BH), and Chester Butte (CHB). Methods: We used noninvasive and invasive genetic sampling to evaluate demographic and population genetic parameters on three translocated populations of pygmy rabbits over eight years (2011–2020). For each population, our goal was to use fecal DNA sampling and 19 microsatellite loci to monitor spatial distribution, apparent survival rates, genetic diversity, reproduction, effective population size, and the persistence of CB ancestry. Over the course of this study, 1978 rabbits were reintroduced as part of a cooperative conservation effort between state and federal agencies. Results: Through winter and summer monitoring surveys, we detected 168 released rabbits and 420 wild-born rabbits in SBF, 13 released rabbits and 2 wild-born in BH, and 16 released rabbits in CHB. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) values ranged from 0.62–0.84 (SBF), 0.59–0.80 (BH), and 0.73–0.77 (CHB). Allelic richness (AR) ranged from 4.67–5.35 (SBF), 3.71–5.41 (BH), and 3.69–4.65 (CHB). Effective population (Ne) within SBF varied from 12.3 (2012) to 44.3 (2017). CB ancestry persisted in all three wild populations, ranging from 15 to 27%. CB ancestry persisted in 99% of wild-born juveniles identified in SBF. Apparent survival of juvenile rabbits differed across years (1–39%) and was positively associated with release date, release weight, and genetic diversity. Survival of adults (0–43%) was positively influenced by release day, with some evidence that genetic diversity also positively influenced adult apparent survival. Conclusions: Noninvasive genetic sampling has proven to be an effective and efficient tool in monitoring this reintroduced population, assessing both demographic and genetic factors. This data has helped managers address the goals of the Columbia Basin recovery program of establishing multiple sustainable wild populations within the sagebrush steppe habitat of Washington. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Genetics in Wildlife Conservation and Management)
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16 pages, 2114 KiB  
Article
Impaired Reproductive Performance of Waterbirds in Metal-Contaminated Tropical Rice Agroecosystems: Evidence from Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta)
by Hanxun Qiu, Xin Huang, Chuanbiao Xu and Jiliang Zhang
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080676 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in rice fields is a major concern; however, little research has addressed its exposure and risk to waterbirds inhabiting rice fields. We investigated the accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, and Zn) in sediment, water, food, feces, [...] Read more.
Heavy metal pollution in rice fields is a major concern; however, little research has addressed its exposure and risk to waterbirds inhabiting rice fields. We investigated the accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, and Zn) in sediment, water, food, feces, feathers, and eggshell samples collected from different nesting sites (Chongwei Village and Wuji Village) of little egrets (Egretta garzetta) on Hainan Island, China, and compared the differences in their breeding parameters and eggshell quality. Higher levels of heavy metals were observed in all samples except feces from Wuji Village compared to those from Chongwei Village. As, Cd, and Pb exhibited little bioaccumulation in all feather and eggshell samples, whereas Cr concentrations in feather samples from both heronries and eggshell samples in Wuji Village exceeded the toxicity threshold in birds, indicating that the high maternal Cr was transferred to eggs in Wuji Village. Significantly lower hatching and breeding success rates were observed in Wuji Village than in Chongwei Village, which may be closely related to Cr contamination. This study revealed that waterbirds breeding in rice fields are under threat from heavy metal contamination and highlighted the suitability of bird feathers and eggshells as biomonitors of the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)
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17 pages, 799 KiB  
Article
Temporally Determinate, but Spatially Consistent Breeding Performance of Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) Along the Southern Periphery of Its Distribution
by Dimitar Demerdzhiev, Dobromir Dobrev, Atanas Delchev, Mihail Iliev, Georgi Georgiev, Nikolay Terziev, Ivaylo Angelov and Volen Arkumarev
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080566 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 267
Abstract
Breeding performance encompasses offspring production, their survival rate, fertility, overall reproductive outcome, timing of reproduction, and breeding frequency. It varies in raptor species, being affected by different biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors. The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a monogamous, long-lived, slowly reproducing raptor, [...] Read more.
Breeding performance encompasses offspring production, their survival rate, fertility, overall reproductive outcome, timing of reproduction, and breeding frequency. It varies in raptor species, being affected by different biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors. The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a monogamous, long-lived, slowly reproducing raptor, characterized by site-fidelity and strongly territorial behavior. In this study, we examined data collected over a 10-year period, highlighting the eagles’ main breeding parameters, analyzing whether any of them demonstrated significant trends or spatial or temporal differences over the study period. We also searched for a strict correlation between species breeding density and breeding performance. We found out that the mean occupancy rate of the territories marginally decreased β2 = −0.64 ± 0.27, p = 0.047, as this process was clearly visible in Sakar Mnt. (β2 = −0.66 ± 0.27, p = 0.038), where in 2022, only 67% of the monitored territories were occupied. The overall mean productivity, breeding success, and breeding frequency did not indicate any trend over the years (p > 0.05). Of all tested breeding parameters, occupancy rate (β2 = 0.29 ± 0.14, p = 0.04) and breeding success (β2 = −0.12 ± 0.06, p = 0.04) varied yearly, while productivity (β2 = 0.25 ± 0.12, p = 0.03) and breeding frequency (β2 = 0.27 ± 0.12, p = 0.03) were influenced by density. None of the tested indicators demonstrated significant regional differences, which indicated a temporally determinate, but spatially consistent pattern of breeding performance of the species in this part of its distribution. Recently, the landscape pattern in the south-eastern part of the country was marked by spectacular habitat loss, driven by human activities and natural phenomena, with entire biodiversity facing an uncertain future. Prompt action and urgent decisions are needed to prevent the negative consequences of these imminent threats to the species. Conservation efforts should be focused on the restoration of breeding and foraging habitats. Further research on the response of eagles to the effect of natural (fires) and anthropogenic (habitat transformation) factors, as well as the relationship between breeding performance and different drivers of reproduction, such as diet, weather, habitat features, and presence of intra- and interspecific competitors, would be of crucial significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Ecology of Raptors—2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 7207 KiB  
Article
Stay-Green Trait Enhances Grain Yield, Nutritional Quality, and Seed Germination Ability in Oat (Avena sativa L.) on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
by Huimin Duan, Lingling Liu, Wenhu Wang, Sida Li, Zhenghai Shi, Guoling Liang and Wenhui Liu
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2500; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162500 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Oat is a dual-purpose crop valued for both grain and forage. The stay-green (SG) trait, which delays leaf senescence and prolongs photosynthesis, has been shown to increase yield and quality in several crop species, yet its performance across diverse environments in oats remains [...] Read more.
Oat is a dual-purpose crop valued for both grain and forage. The stay-green (SG) trait, which delays leaf senescence and prolongs photosynthesis, has been shown to increase yield and quality in several crop species, yet its performance across diverse environments in oats remains underexplored. In this study, multi-location field trials were conducted in Ledu, Huangzhong and Haiyan, Qinghai Province, China, to comprehensively evaluate the performance of stay-green oat lines. The traits evaluated included grain yield components, nutritional quality, and seedling establishment traits. A TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution) model, coefficient of variation (CV) and G × E (genotype × environment) visualization were used to assess adaptability, stability, and genotype × environment interactions. On average, the stay-green lines exhibited an 16.00% increase in plot yield and a 22.93% increase in thousand-grain weight compared to controls. Notable improvements were also observed in the starch (7.58% LN_SG in HZ and HY) and protein (3.58%, QY5_SG all the sites) contents, as well as multiple seedling establishment indices, with the seedling vigor indices increasing by more than 50%. Stability analysis further showed that the stay-green lines were stable in spike length, thousand-grain weight, water-soluble carbohydrates, and seed and seedling vigor. TOPSIS analysis identified ‘LN_SG’ as the top-performing and most adaptable genotype across all environments. Overall, stay-green oat lines demonstrated superior performance in grain yield, nutritional quality, and seedling establishment. These findings highlight their potential for field application and their value as parental materials in oat breeding programs enhancing environmental adaptability and stability. Full article
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29 pages, 2717 KiB  
Article
SNP-Based Genetic Analysis of Dimensional Stability and Wood Density in Eucalyptus pellita F.Muell. and Hybrids
by Oluwatosin Esther Falade, Benoit Belleville, Antanas Spokevicius, Barbara Ozarska, Gerd Bossinger, Listya Mustika Dewi, Umar Ibrahim and Bala Thumma
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081301 - 9 Aug 2025
Viewed by 385
Abstract
Dimensional stability is a key trait for structural wood applications such as flooring, yet its genetic basis in Eucalyptus pellita F.Muell. and its hybrids remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap is essential for improving processing efficiency and product quality through targeted breeding. This [...] Read more.
Dimensional stability is a key trait for structural wood applications such as flooring, yet its genetic basis in Eucalyptus pellita F.Muell. and its hybrids remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap is essential for improving processing efficiency and product quality through targeted breeding. This study assessed variation in shrinkage and density, their relationships with growth and chemical traits, and associated genetic markers. Wood samples from E. pellita, E. pellita × E. urophylla S.T.Blake, and E. pellita × E. brassiana S.T.Blake were collected from two plantation sites in northern Australia. Radial and tangential shrinkage and density were measured alongside growth and chemical traits. SNP genotyping was conducted to identify markers linked to these physical properties. Significant differences were observed among hybrid types. E. pellita × E. urophylla recorded the lowest tangential unit shrinkage (0.06%), while E. pellita × E. brassiana had the highest basic density (651 kg/m3). Shrinkage and density showed moderate to strong correlations with growth and chemical traits. Several SNPs were associated with these properties; all were located in the intergenic region near Eucgr.A00211. Among these, only one SNP exceeded the −log10(p) significance threshold. These results provide early genetic insights and potential candidate markers for improving wood quality in Eucalyptus breeding programs. This exploratory study, constrained by a small sample size (n = 58), identifies putative SNPs for future validation in broader, multi-environment trials. Full article
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