Search Results (529)

Myrmecochory is a form of seed dispersal mediated by ants. Although this mechanism of dispersal has received less research attention than other dispersal processes, the wide distribution and high biomass of ants mean that it can strongly influence plant dispersal patterns. In particular, the underlying mechanisms and key agents of myrmecochory remain poorly understood in the context of anthropogenic perturbations; furthermore, such research is especially scarce in East Asia. This review aims to elucidate the ecological mechanisms underlying myrmecochory, to explore how this interaction may be affected by urbanization and climate change, and to determine its potential ecological role in disturbed ecosystems. We first review past research on the three major hypotheses proposed for the emergence of ant-mediated seed dispersal—directed dispersal, distance dispersal, and predator avoidance. We then compile taxonomic information on myrmecochorous plants and ants from global databases and regional literature, expanding the checklist of Korean myrmecochorous plants to 130 species and reclassifying them as endangered, rare, or endemic. Our synthesis suggests that invasive ants could threaten myrmecochory by displacing native myrmecochorous ants, increasing seed predation, and facilitating the dispersal of invasive plants. Moreover, the urban heat island effect and habitat fragmentation could disturb the dispersal, germination, and growth of myrmecochorous plants, threats that may be further intensified by climate-driven phenological mismatches. Consequently, in temperate East Asian countries experiencing anthropogenically generated environmental changes, myrmecochory emerges as a pivotal ecological process that underscores ecosystem vulnerability and resilience. Ultimately, incorporating these plant–ant interactions into biodiversity monitoring is essential for predicting ecosystem shifts and designing robust, proactive conservation strategies in changing environments. Full article

Introduction: Professional inland fisheries in Portugal remain poorly characterized despite their ecological, social, and territorial relevance. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the evolution of the biomass catched by inland professional fisheries and determine its economic value. Methodology: This study examines the evolution of declared biomass between 2012 and 2024 and estimates the market relevance of this activity using official catch declarations submitted to the national licensing authority (ICNF). Records were harmonized by species and water body and subsequently aggregated at hydrographic basin level to identify long-term temporal and spatial patterns. Economic estimation was based on a gross production approach combining declared biomass with species-specific price information collected from retail channels and reports from professional fishermen. Changes in species composition were also analyzed to assess whether the observed trends reflect a broader restructuring of freshwater exploitation. Results: The results show a marked interannual variability and a strong spatial concentration of catches, with a limited number of basins (international rivers) accounting for most reported biomass. They also reveal the increasing prominence of non-native taxa in total catches; particularly, the red swamp crayfish, while native migratory species, although represented by lower volumes, maintain high unit prices and make a relevant contribution to total revenue. This contrast suggests that recent changes in freshwater catches are not merely quantitative, but also structural, with implications for ecological status, the growing dependence of the fishery on invasive species, and the territorial distribution of economic returns. Conclusions: By combining official catch declarations with market-based valuation, this study provides an updated overview of the recent evolution of professional freshwater exploitation in Portugal and offers a useful basis for fishery governance, monitoring programmes, and future discussions on conservation, licensing, and basin-scale management. Full article

Non-indigenous or alien macroalgae are increasingly recognized as ecological threats, sources of raw material, and reservoirs of bioactive compounds for industry and agriculture. This review analyses the valorization potential of this biomass, focusing on their antifungal and elicitor activities against phytopathogenic fungi, particularly Mediterranean (De Bary) Whetzel, 1945. The literature published since 2020 was retrieved from Scopus using targeted keyword combinations. Three major topics were examined: (i) invasive and beach-cast macroalgal and their ecological context, (ii) antifungal and elicitor properties of macroalgal extracts, and (iii) the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) for the green extraction of bioactive compounds. Species such as Asparagopsis armata, Rugulopteryx okamurae, and Sargassum muticum have shown promising antifungal and elicitor effects, frequently associated with phenolic compounds and polysaccharides. Extracts from these algae can inhibit the growth of fungi or activate plant defense pathways, providing environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Moreover, DES and natural DES (NADES) offer tunable, biodegradable solvents capable of efficiently extracting these bioactive molecules while reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional organic solvents. Overall, the valorization of this biomass represents a sustainable strategy that simultaneously mitigates ecological and economic impacts and contributes to the development of sustainable inputs in agriculture. Full article

National Forests in the United States provide a broad range of goods and services, safeguard biological diversity, and contribute to the resilience of ecosystems, societies, and economies. Given differences in land use history and forest management approaches between National Forests and neighboring ownerships, we investigated whether they differ across a spectrum of forest health indicators, from biomass stocking to structural diversity to invasion by non-native plants. We used Nationwide Forest Inventory (NFI) plot data from within National Forest System (NFS) lands across the conterminous United States (~20,000 plots) and from within 25 km of NFS lands on other ownerships (~20,000 plots) to quantify differences in forest health indicators. Controlling for environment, geography and forest composition, we found, nationally and regionally, that NFS forest plots had significantly greater tree species and structural diversity and evenness, basal area and biomass per hectare, and seedling density than neighboring plots. They were also less invaded by non-native plants. Such forest health monitoring results are an initial step toward better understanding the status of forest health indicators for NFS forests. This is particularly important because many disturbance factors threaten the sustainability of National Forests and their capacity to provide socioeconomic and ecological benefits. Systematic monitoring of forest health across broad scales increases our understanding of how these disturbances are changing forest conditions and informs land management and policy decisions. Full article

This article proposes a sustainable approach to producing eco-friendly paper from fibers derived from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an invasive aquatic species with potential high lignocellulose content. The research evaluated the possibility of using its biomass as a non-wood raw material for papermaking through an industrial-oriented processing framework. About 10 groups of water hyacinth samples were analyzed by separating their components (roots, leaves, and stems) to determine moisture content, dry biomass yield, fiber distribution, and performance in papermaking. Mechanical pulping and mild alkaline treatment with sodium hydroxide were compared to evaluate their effects on fiber behavior and paper quality. The results showed a high moisture content in the biomass, averaging approximately 88%, while the remaining dry matter represented the usable fibrous material fraction. After fiber classification, it was revealed that the long fibers predominated over the short fibers and the fine fibers (waste), favoring the hydrogen bonding and structural anchoring during sheet formation. Mechanical quality analyses were conducted using the Corrugating Medium Test (CMT), Concora Crush Test (CCT), Ring Crush Test (RCT), and Short Compression Test (SCT). Untreated water hyacinth paper demonstrated mechanical properties comparable to those of an industrial reference paper, including consistent compression resistance and corrugating performance. In contrast, the alkaline-treated sample showed greater structural uniformity but lower mechanical strength due to fiber fragmentation and increased fine production. Overall, the findings showed that Eichhornia crassipes represents a viable and sustainable alternative to non-wood fibers for paper production, offering potential environmental benefits by serving as an invasive species and reducing dependence on wood-based raw materials. Full article

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is among the world’s most invasive aquatic macrophytes, yet quantitative models of shoreline preference remain absent for Lake Victoria. This study developed a distance-based quantitative framework for spatial distribution and decay modelling to quantify seasonal nearshore accumulation dynamics in Winam Gulf, Kenya, using Sentinel-2 imagery. A Support Vector Machine classifier with polygon-mean feature extraction achieved 94–96% accuracy, supported by strong spectral separability (Jeffries–Matusita distance > 1.9 in six bands). During peak dry season, water hyacinth covered 405.81 km² (27.1% of gulf area) and occurred significantly closer to shore than open water (mean preference = 687.9 m; 95% CI: 616.6–753.7 m; p < 0.001). Water hyacinth was 3.10 times more likely than open water to occur within 100 m of shoreline, with 48% of biomass concentrated within 2 km. A power-law decay model of odds ratio with shoreline distance provided superior fit (R² = 0.870, F = 10.06, p = 0.047) compared to exponential decay (R² = 0.477, p = 0.378). Critically, pronounced nearshore preference occurred only during dry-season conditions (+687.9 m to +1946.6 m), while wet–dry transition periods showed no significant preference (−124.2 m; p = 1.00), supporting wind-driven Stokes drift as the dominant transport mechanism and enabling seasonal prioritization of nearshore management interventions. Full article

In this study, we investigated how substrate moisture content affects the growth performance and adaptive responses of Myriophyllum aquaticum. Through a controlled simulation experiment, we systematically analyzed the morphological characteristics and physiological responses of plants under five moisture levels: 0–15%, 15–30%, 30–45%, 45–60%, and 60–75%. The results indicate that optimal growth of M. aquaticum occurred at a substrate moisture content of 60–75%, with significant increases in plant height, branching ability, and biomass. A drought acclimation response was triggered at moisture levels ≤45%, characterized by shortened root length, increased total senescent internode length, biomass allocation shift toward aboveground parts, decreased chlorophyll a content, and elevated accumulation of malondialdehyde. Plants died at moisture levels ≤15%. However, they survived at 15–30% moisture, although their biomass continued to decline. A key finding was that under conditions where the sediment surface lacked water but the substrate moisture remained at 60–75%, plants achieved efficient water utilization and canopy reconstruction through rapid root extension and stem node proliferation, and the relative growth rate was significantly higher than that of the drought group (≤45% moisture). This strong adaptive capacity under specific water conditions, combined with its dehydration tolerance, suggests that M. aquaticum could potentially have a competitive advantage over native submerged plants that rely on stable water bodies, particularly in hydrologically fluctuating habitats. This study revealed that morpho-physiological plasticity driven by water gradients may be a key mechanism contributing to the invasive potential of M. aquaticum, providing new insights into its possible expansion potential in zones with fluctuating water levels. Full article

The Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an invasive species widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea, causing significant ecological and economic impacts. Despite its low commercial value and the limited utilization of undersized and non-marketable specimens, whole blue crab biomass represents a promising resource for the production of value-added compounds within a circular bioeconomy framework. In this study, whole blue crab biomass, including undersized individuals and non-marketable fractions, was directly valorized through enzymatic hydrolysis for the production of protein hydrolysates. Three commercial proteases (Alcalase, Neutrase, and Papain) were comparatively evaluated for protein hydrolysate production, and the hydrolysis conditions were assessed based on soluble matter yield. The evaluation of hydrolysis conditions identified pH 8, 50 °C, enzyme-to-substrate ratio of 2500 U g⁻¹, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:4, and a reaction time of 8 h as the most effective conditions for protein solubilization. Under these conditions, maximum soluble matter yields of 57.69% for Alcalase, 51.64% for Neutrase, and 48.44% for Papain were obtained. The obtained hydrolysates were subsequently characterized in terms of protein content and degree of hydrolysis (DH), both of which were significantly affected by enzyme type, following the order Alcalase (64.59 ± 0.75%) > Neutrase (62.29 ± 0.82%) > Papain (58.88 ± 0.65%). A similar trend was observed for degrees of hydrolysis (DH) of the products (43.20 ± 1.24%, 40.29 ± 1.05%, 37.26 ± 1.13%) respectively. Techno-functional properties of the hydrolysates were also enzyme-dependent and closely related to the extent of hydrolysis. Alcalase produced hydrolysates with higher DH, favoring the formation of smaller and more hydrophilic peptides, which enhanced water solubility (98.18 ± 0.51%) and antioxidant activity (77.08 ± 1.06%). In contrast, Papain-derived hydrolysates showed lower hydrolysis extent, likely preserving larger peptide structures and hydrophobic domains associated with higher emulsifying activity (16.10 ± 0.46 m² g⁻¹) and foaming capacity (30.47 ± 1.40%). Neutrase displayed intermediate behavior across most parameters. Overall, the results demonstrate that enzymatic hydrolysis of whole blue crab biomass is an effective valorization strategy, and that enzyme selection plays a key role in modulating hydrolysis efficiency and techno-functional properties. This approach provides a sustainable pathway for the management of invasive species while generating functional ingredients for food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Background: The invasive macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae poses severe environmental challenges but presents an opportunity as a sustainable source of valuable carbohydrates. This study develops an eco-friendly method to extract monosaccharides from this biomass. Methods: Ultrasound-assisted extraction (with sonotrode) using water as the solvent was optimized with Design of Experiments, and the time, power and mass:solvent ratios were evaluated. The monosaccharide composition was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF). Results: The analytical method was validated for accurate monosaccharide quantification using oximes and silylation, achieving a fast time of analysis (<20 min). The optimized UAE (1:15 mass:solvent ratio, 70% power, 30 min) yielded a total monosaccharide concentration of 210 mg mL⁻¹, significantly outperforming traditional acidic hydrolysis. Compared to the extraction of monosaccharides from the well-known seaweed Ulva ohnoi (31 mg mL⁻¹), it is far superior. Mannitol comprised 95% of the total extract. Conclusions: This scalable and green UAE methodology valorizes this seaweed by achieving high yields of simple sugars, offering a sustainable resource for industrial applications while mitigating the environmental impact of this invasive species. Full article

Tropical forests are facing escalating deforestation, while forest degradation, driven by a complex interplay of human-induced factors, emerges as an additional and compounding threat. In this context, regulated selective logging persists as an alternative to conciliate forest protection and economic development. This study synthesizes current knowledge on the impacts of logging, focusing on research trends, geographic distribution, ecological topics, and key variables like logging intensity, time since logging, and number of logging cycles. Since the 1970s, 641 papers listed on the Scopus platform have demonstrated a sharp increase in publication activity over the past five years, followed by a tendency toward stabilization. Papers were concentrated in Brazil and Malaysia, with few papers coming from other countries, particularly from Africa. Notably, 47% of the studies did not report logging intensity, and one-third focused almost exclusively on its impacts on forest physical structure, damage, or biomass—leaving a wide range of other topics largely unexplored until 2022. We refer to 13 topics with less than 20 studies in total, such as nutrient cycling, non-timber forest products, biological invasion, and key biological taxa. Herbs, epiphytes, fishes and amphibians were among the least investigated taxa across the regions. Furthermore, when controlling variables like region and logging intensity, most ecological topics had fewer than five dedicated studies. Research remains largely restricted to similar scenarios: first-cycle logging in old-growth forests, leaving substantial knowledge gaps. As logging operations are expected to increase, we argue for (1) mandatory long-term monitoring in logging regulations; (2) public access to monitoring data, reports and information related to regulated logging; (3) a global platform to exchange experience such as long-term monitoring, better practices, silvicultural approaches and sustainability assessment; (4) alignment among regulatory and certification agencies on sustainability standards; (5) capacity building initiatives; and (6) long-term experiments devoted to logging sustainability and better practices. Full article

Hakea sericea is one of the most aggressive invasive shrubs in Mediterranean ecosystems, producing large quantities of lignocellulosic residues during control operations. This study evaluates thermochemical liquefaction as a valorisation route for this biomass, linking biomass conversion with invasive species management. Whole-plant material was liquefied through acid-catalysed reactions using 2-ethylhexanol as the solvent and p-toluenesulfonic acid as the catalyst. A response surface methodology design was used to assess the effects of temperature, reaction time, and catalyst loading on conversion efficiency. The biomass contained 35.92% cellulose, 32.29% hemicellulose, and 17.36% lignin. Liquefaction yields ranged from 15.59% at 120 °C for 30 min to 82.7% at 160 °C for 90 min, with conversions above 70% achieved within 30 min at higher catalyst concentrations. The regression model explained 87.5% of the variability in liquefaction performance. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses confirmed extensive depolymerisation of lignocellulosic polymers and the formation of an aliphatic-rich bio-oil, with 57.5% of proton signals located in the alkane region of the ¹H NMR spectrum. The bio-oil exhibited a higher heating value of 31.91 MJ kg⁻¹, corresponding to an energy recovery of about 85%. Microscopic observations showed strong structural disruption of plant fibres. Overall, the results demonstrate efficient conversion of H. sericea biomass into energy-dense liquid products, supporting its use in invasive species control strategies. Full article

Nitrogen forms and native plant traits jointly regulate the competitive ability of invasive plants. This study investigated the invasive species Amaranthus retroflexus and the native species Portulaca oleracea and Medicago sativa. Using a pot experiment, we analyzed their competitive effects under NO₃⁻-N, NH₄⁺-N, CO(NH₂)₂-N and mixed nitrogen (Mix-N) treatments. The results showed that nitrogen addition had no significant effect on the relative yield of A. retroflexus but significantly increased the relative yield of P. oleracea, thereby weakening the competitive advantage of A. retroflexus. In contrast, nitrogen addition had no significant effect on the relative yield of M. sativa but significantly increased the relative yield of A. retroflexus, thereby enhancing the competitive advantage of A. retroflexus. The effect of NO₃⁻-N treatment varied markedly between the two mixed-culture systems: it strengthened the advantage of A. retroflexus when grown with M. sativa yet weakened the advantage when grown with P. oleracea. Further analysis revealed that the competitive advantage of A. retroflexus was associated with the optimization of its photosynthetic traits and nitrogen absorption efficiency. Specifically, it included greater leaf number, leaf area, SPAD value, and leaf biomass. In summary, the competitive performance of invasive plants is not a fixed attribute but rather a dynamic outcome jointly regulated by the interplay between native plant traits and soil nitrogen forms. This provides new insight into the invasion mechanism of alien plants and aids in formulating targeted control strategies. Full article

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of wet biomass faces a fundamental tradeoff between higher heating value (HHV) and energy recovery (ER), where conditions that enhance carbon densification often reduce solid-phase energy retention. This study investigates whether co-biomass selection combined with citric acid (CA) catalysis can overcome this tradeoff in HTC of water hyacinth (WH), an invasive aquatic feedstock. WH was co-processed with wheat straw (WS), rice husk (RH), and chicken manure (CM) at 240–270 °C, with CA-assisted experiments performed at 240 °C. Individual feedstock HTC confirmed the HHV–ER tradeoff, and co-HTC without catalysis failed to resolve it. CA addition improved carbon densification but reduced ER when applied to WH alone. The WH–CM–CA system uniquely achieved a concurrent HHV of 21.3 MJ kg⁻¹ and ER of 95.8%, with synergistic effects of 50.0% and 29.7%, respectively. FTIR and elemental analysis indicated that Maillard-type condensation between WH-derived sugars and CM-derived amino acids drove preferential solid-phase carbon retention. These findings demonstrate that resolving the HHV–ER tradeoff requires coupling CA catalysis with biochemical complementarity between carbohydrate-rich and protein-rich feedstocks. This approach provides a practical route for hydrochar production with high energy density and recovery for waste-to-energy applications, supporting circular and low-carbon valorization of invasive aquatic biomass and livestock waste streams. Full article

The growing demand for renewable energy, together with the need to mitigate climate change and promote more sustainable agriculture systems, has stimulated interest in energy crops. In this context, invasive alien plant species (IAPS), which have progressively colonized abandoned farmland, degraded ecosystems, and marginal areas, represent a key bioresource. IAPS have a dual nature combining high ecological invasiveness and fast growing rate with notable energetic potential. These aspects have generated a still ongoing debate among farm managers, ecologists, and policymakers regarding their role within the future bioeconomy. The present study provides a review of the IAPS black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) on its real benefits as a source of bioenergy, ecological impact, and the management strategies adopted. We examine the trade-offs between containment efforts and use for renewable bioenergy production, particularly in marginal areas where few alternatives exist. This review highlights the need for stratified site-specific approaches that balance biodiversity conservation with bioresource exploitation. Finally, this study also contributes to the ongoing discussion on whether IAPS should be regarded primarily as a management challenge or a multifunctional bioresource, as in the production of bioenergy. Full article

The population of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus is rapidly expanding in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is causing increasing ecological and economic impacts. However, biological information from recently colonised areas remains limited. This study combined controlled experiments and reproductive analyses to investigate the key biological traits of C. sapidus in the northern Adriatic Sea. Feeding trials were conducted under controlled conditions to assess prey consumption and feeding behaviours using Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) and Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), offered as monospecific and mixed diets. The results showed that, while the number of prey items consumed did not differ markedly between species, mussels provided a significantly higher edible biomass, indicating greater energetic profitability. Handling and consumption times were comparable between prey types, suggesting compensatory differences between opening and feeding phases. Food intake was strongly influenced by temperature, with peak consumption observed between 25 and 28 °C and reduced feeding at both lower and higher temperatures. Reproductive analysis of ovigerous females revealed high fecundity, with a mean of 1.63 ± 0.53 million eggs per individual and a positive relationship between fecundity and body size. Overall, the results confirm that C. sapidus combines trophic flexibility with high reproductive output—traits that support its invasive success. These findings improve the understanding of the blue crab’s ecological role in the northern Adriatic, providing useful insights for assessing its impact on shellfish aquaculture and developing management strategies. Full article