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Keywords = large herbivores

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17 pages, 826 KiB  
Review
Mechanisms and Impact of Acacia mearnsii Invasion
by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi and Midori Kato
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080553 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Acacia mearnsii De Wild. has been introduced to over 150 countries for its economic value. However, it easily escapes from plantations and establishes monospecific stands across plains, hills, valleys, and riparian habitats, including protected areas such as national parks and forest reserves. Due [...] Read more.
Acacia mearnsii De Wild. has been introduced to over 150 countries for its economic value. However, it easily escapes from plantations and establishes monospecific stands across plains, hills, valleys, and riparian habitats, including protected areas such as national parks and forest reserves. Due to its negative ecological impact, A. mearnsii has been listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. This species exhibits rapid stem growth in its sapling stage and reaches reproductive maturity early. It produces a large quantity of long-lived seeds, establishing a substantial seed bank. A. mearnsii can grow in different environmental conditions and tolerates various adverse conditions, such as low temperatures and drought. Its invasive populations are unlikely to be seriously damaged by herbivores and pathogens. Additionally, A. mearnsii exhibits allelopathic activity, though its ecological significance remains unclear. These characteristics of A. mearnsii may contribute to its expansion in introduced ranges. The presence of A. mearnsii affects abiotic processes in ecosystems by reducing water availability, increasing the risk of soil erosion and flooding, altering soil chemical composition, and obstructing solar light irradiation. The invasion negatively affects biotic processes as well, reducing the diversity and abundance of native plants and arthropods, including protective species. Eradicating invasive populations of A. mearnsii requires an integrated, long-term management approach based on an understanding of its invasive mechanisms. Early detection of invasive populations and the promotion of public awareness about their impact are also important. More attention must be given to its invasive traits because it easily escapes from cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Adaptation and Survival Under Global Environmental Change)
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13 pages, 2838 KiB  
Article
Differential Effects of Two Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles on the Oviposition of Chilo suppressalis
by Xiaowei Yang, Chang Liu, Xixi Jia, Chen Zhang, Lanzhi Han, Wanlun Cai and Yunhe Li
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2384; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152384 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 188
Abstract
Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are well known for their roles in herbivore deterrence and attraction of natural enemies, but their direct impact on insect reproduction remains largely unexplored. In this study, we provide novel evidence that two representative HIPVs, 2-heptanol and α-cedrene, exert [...] Read more.
Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are well known for their roles in herbivore deterrence and attraction of natural enemies, but their direct impact on insect reproduction remains largely unexplored. In this study, we provide novel evidence that two representative HIPVs, 2-heptanol and α-cedrene, exert opposing effects on the reproduction of Chilo suppressalis, a major rice pest. While both volatiles repelled adults, α-cedrene unexpectedly enhanced oviposition, whereas 2-heptanol significantly suppressed egg laying. To examine these effects, we conducted oviposition assays, preoviposition and longevity tests, combined with qPCR and transcriptome analyses to explore underlying molecular responses. Mechanistically, α-cedrene upregulated Kr-h1, a gene linked to juvenile hormone signaling and vitellogenesis, promoting reproductive investment. Transcriptomic profiling revealed divergent molecular responses: α-cedrene activated reproductive pathways, whereas 2-heptanol induced stress- and immune-related genes, suggesting a trade-off between stress defense and reproduction. These findings demonstrate that HIPVs can exert compound-specific reproductive effects beyond repellency. This work fills a key knowledge gap and highlights the potential of HIPVs as precision tools in pest management strategies that exploit behavioral and physiological vulnerabilities beyond repellency. Full article
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23 pages, 852 KiB  
Article
Does Foraging or the Avoidance of Predation Determine Habitat Selection by Selective Resident Grazers in the Serengeti Woodlands? A Mixed Strategy with Season
by Patrick Duncan and Anthony R. E. Sinclair
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152202 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 242
Abstract
Savanna systems are characterised by a community of large mammal herbivores with up to 30 species; coexistence is based on resource partitioning. In this paper we analyse the features of the landscape and plant structure which lead herbivores to use particular locations, a [...] Read more.
Savanna systems are characterised by a community of large mammal herbivores with up to 30 species; coexistence is based on resource partitioning. In this paper we analyse the features of the landscape and plant structure which lead herbivores to use particular locations, a key to resource partitioning. The processes involved, top-down versus bottom-up, are well known for large species and small ones but not for medium-sized ones. We use two resident, medium-sized species, topi (Damaliscus lunatus jimela) and kongoni, (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokei) in the central woodlands of the Serengeti; selection of habitat by the residents is important for predator-prey interactions and for interactions among the grazers. Using Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Regression we develop highly predictive models which show that resource availability is the critical determinant of habitat selection in the dry season; and reduction in predation risk appears to be important in the wet season. These results show for the first time that habitat selection by the medium-sized herbivores is driven by different strategies in the two seasons. This contributes to understanding the processes involved in the dynamics of this globally important savanna system, a necessary foundation for management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)
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23 pages, 1480 KiB  
Article
Intercropping Enhances Arthropod Diversity and Ecological Balance in Cowpea, Hemp, and Watermelon Systems
by Ikponmwosa N. Egbon, Beatrice N. Dingha, Gilbert N. Mukoko and Louis E. Jackai
Insects 2025, 16(7), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070724 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 461
Abstract
This study investigates arthropod assemblage in cowpea, hemp, and watermelon grown both as monocrops and intercrops using three sampling techniques: direct visual counts, sticky cards, and pan traps. A total of 31,774 arthropods were collected, spanning two classes [Arachnida (0.07%) and Insecta (99.93%)], [...] Read more.
This study investigates arthropod assemblage in cowpea, hemp, and watermelon grown both as monocrops and intercrops using three sampling techniques: direct visual counts, sticky cards, and pan traps. A total of 31,774 arthropods were collected, spanning two classes [Arachnida (0.07%) and Insecta (99.93%)], 11 orders, and 82 families representing diverse functional groups. Arachnids were represented by a single family (Araneae). Among insects, the composition included Diptera (36.81%), Thysanoptera (24.64%), Hemiptera (19.43%), Hymenoptera (11.58%), Coleoptera (6.84%), Lepidoptera (0.076%) and Blattodea, Odonata, Orthoptera, Psocodea (≤0.005%). Roughly 10% of the total arthropods were pollinators, while the remainder were primarily herbivores and predators. Apidae were abundant in all treatments except for watermelon monocrops. Intercropping supported more pollinators, particularly Apidae, Halictidae, and Sarcophagidae. However, herbivores dominated (>50%) in each system, largely due to high presence of thrips and cicadellids. Predators accounted for approximately 30%, with dolichopodids (Diptera) being the most dominant. Watermelon yield increased by 30–60% in the intercrop systems. While intercropping increases overall arthropod abundance, it also creates a more balanced community where beneficial organisms are not heavily outnumbered by pests and contributes to enhanced ecological resilience and crop performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)
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23 pages, 5108 KiB  
Review
The Invasive Mechanism and Impact of Arundo donax, One of the World’s 100 Worst Invasive Alien Species
by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi and Midori Kato
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142175 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 360
Abstract
Arundo donax L. has been introduced in markets worldwide due to its economic value. However, it is listed in the world’s 100 worst alien invasive species because it easily escapes from cultivation, and forms dense monospecific stands in riparian areas, agricultural areas, and [...] Read more.
Arundo donax L. has been introduced in markets worldwide due to its economic value. However, it is listed in the world’s 100 worst alien invasive species because it easily escapes from cultivation, and forms dense monospecific stands in riparian areas, agricultural areas, and grassland areas along roadsides, including in protected areas. This species grows rapidly and produces large amounts of biomass due to its high photosynthetic ability. It spreads asexually through ramets, in addition to stem and rhizome fragments. Wildfires, flooding, and human activity promote its distribution and domination. It can adapt to various habitats and tolerate various adverse environmental conditions, such as cold temperatures, drought, flooding, and high salinity. A. donax exhibits defense mechanisms against biotic stressors, including herbivores and pathogens. It produces indole alkaloids, such as bufotenidine and gramine, as well as other alkaloids that are toxic to herbivorous mammals, insects, parasitic nematodes, and pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. A. donax accumulates high concentrations of phytoliths, which also protect against pathogen infection and herbivory. Only a few herbivores and pathogens have been reported to significantly damage A. donax growth and populations. Additionally, A. donax exhibits allelopathic activity against competing plant species, though the allelochemicals involved have yet to be identified. These characteristics may contribute to its infestation, survival, and population expansion in new habitats as an invasive plant species. Dense monospecific stands of A. donax alter ecosystem structures and functions. These stands impact abiotic processes in ecosystems by reducing water availability, and increasing the risk of erosion, flooding, and intense fires. The stands also negatively affect biotic processes by reducing plant diversity and richness, as well as the fitness of habitats for invertebrates and vertebrates. Eradicating A. donax from a habitat requires an ongoing, long-term integrated management approach based on an understanding of its invasive mechanisms. Human activity has also contributed to the spread of A. donax populations. There is an urgent need to address its invasive traits. This is the first review focusing on the invasive mechanisms of this plant in terms of adaptation to abiotic and biotic stressors, particularly physiological adaptation. Full article
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24 pages, 2803 KiB  
Review
Mammal Fauna Changes in Baltic Countries During Last Three Decades
by Linas Balčiauskas, Valdis Pilāts and Uudo Timm
Diversity 2025, 17(7), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070464 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 653
Abstract
We examined three decades of changes in the mammal fauna of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the context of climate variability, land use transformation, and anthropogenic pressures. We compiled distributional, abundance, and status data from publications, atlases, official game statistics, and long-term monitoring [...] Read more.
We examined three decades of changes in the mammal fauna of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the context of climate variability, land use transformation, and anthropogenic pressures. We compiled distributional, abundance, and status data from publications, atlases, official game statistics, and long-term monitoring programs, and we evaluated trends using compound annual growth rates or temporal indices. Our review identified losses such as regional extinctions of garden dormice and European mink, declines in small insectivores (e.g., pond bats and shrews) and herbivores (e.g., Microtus voles), and the contraction of boreal specialists (e.g., Siberian flying squirrels). However, we also identified gains, including increases in ungulate numbers (e.g., roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, moose, and wild boars before African swine fewer outbreak) and the recovery of large carnivores (e.g., wolves and lynxes). Invasions by non-native species (e.g., American mink, raccoon dog, and raccoon) and episodic disturbances, such as African swine fever and the “anthropause” caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, have further reshaped community composition. The drivers encompass climatic warming, post-socialist forest succession, intensified hunting management, and rewilding policies, with dispersal capacity mediating the responses of species. Our results underscore the dual legacy of historical land use and contemporary climate forcing in structuring the fauna dynamics of Baltic mammal communities in the face of declining specialists and invasive taxa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2025)
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21 pages, 11870 KiB  
Review
Evolution of the Defense Compounds Against Biotic Stressors in the Invasive Plant Species Leucaena leucocephala
by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi and Midori Kato
Molecules 2025, 30(11), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112453 - 3 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 950
Abstract
Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit is listed in the world’s 100 worst alien invasive species because of the risks it poses to native plant communities. Life history traits, such as high growth and reproductive rates, and a high capacity to adapt to different [...] Read more.
Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit is listed in the world’s 100 worst alien invasive species because of the risks it poses to native plant communities. Life history traits, such as high growth and reproductive rates, and a high capacity to adapt to different environmental conditions may contribute to its invasive properties. Biotic stressors, such as herbivores, pathogens, and competing plant species are known to exert significant selective pressure on the plant’s survival, distribution, and abundance. L. leucocephala has been reported to contain several compounds involved in the defense functions against these biotic stressors. A large amount of L-mimosine, a non-protein amino acid, was found in all plant parts of L. leucocephala, including its flowers. L-Mimosine is toxic to herbivorous mammals and insects, parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi, and neighboring competing plant species by inactivating various essential enzymes and blocking DNA replication, and/or inducing oxidative stress conditions. Several flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds, and/or derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids are toxic to parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and competing plant species by disrupting plasma membrane structures and functions, and various metabolic processes. These compounds may represent the invasive traits of L. leucocephala that have undergone natural selection during the evolution of the species. They may contribute to the defense functions against the biotic stressors, and increase its survival, distribution, and abundance in the introduced ranges. This is the first review to focus on the compounds involved in the defense functions against biotic stressors. Full article
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15 pages, 1113 KiB  
Article
Reactivity of Z-3-Hexenal with Amino Groups Provides a Potential Mechanism for Its Direct Effects on Insect Herbivores
by Jurgen Engelberth and Marie Engelberth
Insects 2025, 16(6), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16060582 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 516
Abstract
Green leaf volatiles (GLV) have been shown in the past to significantly affect herbivore performance in plants by activating direct and indirect defense measures. At the same time, insect herbivores have developed multiple mechanisms to reduce the quantities of Z-3-hexenal, the first product [...] Read more.
Green leaf volatiles (GLV) have been shown in the past to significantly affect herbivore performance in plants by activating direct and indirect defense measures. At the same time, insect herbivores have developed multiple mechanisms to reduce the quantities of Z-3-hexenal, the first product of the pathway. Among the various measures is the abundance of a molecule named hexenal trapping molecule (HALT), which appears to bind large quantities of freshly produced Z-3-hexenal (Z3al). Functional groups like -NH2 within HALT may be responsible for the binding of Z3al. To test for this potential interaction, we tested different amino acids in various binding assays for their capacity to bind Z3al. We found a significant reduction in Z3al production in the presence of these amino acids, presumably through Schiff base formation. In a feeding assay with beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), we found a significant impact of a Z3al- or E2al-spiked artificial diet on growth and development. Together, these data indicate that the presence of Z3al in a diet can harm insect herbivores, which may help to further explain the efforts insect herbivores undertake to suppress the biosynthesis of this compound. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Plant Responses to Insect Herbivores)
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65 pages, 5560 KiB  
Article
Mobility Confers Resilience in Red Kangaroos (Osphranter rufus) to a Variable Climate and Coexisting Herbivores (Sheep, Goats, Rabbits and Three Sympatric Kangaroo Species) in an Arid Australian Rangeland
by David B. Croft and Ingrid Witte
Diversity 2025, 17(6), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17060389 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
In a 1975 review, red kangaroos in the arid rangelands of Australia were said to be favoured with an anomalous prosperity following the introduction of ruminant livestock. In the western and central locations reviewed, this was not sustained, but in the sheep rangelands [...] Read more.
In a 1975 review, red kangaroos in the arid rangelands of Australia were said to be favoured with an anomalous prosperity following the introduction of ruminant livestock. In the western and central locations reviewed, this was not sustained, but in the sheep rangelands of Southern Australia, it is often claimed that such prosperity continues. Here, as elsewhere, the marsupial herbivore guild (kangaroos, wallabies, bettongs and bandicoots) has been simplified by the extinction of the smaller species (the anomaly), while large kangaroos remain abundant. However, the mammalian herbivore guild has gained complexity with not only the introduction of managed ruminant livestock, some of which run wild, but also game like rabbits. We studied the population dynamics, habitat selection and individual mobility of red, western and eastern grey kangaroos, common wallaroos, Merino sheep, feral goats and European rabbits at Fowlers Gap Station in far northwestern New South Wales, Australia. This site is representative of the arid chenopod (Family: Chenopodiaceae) shrublands stocked with sheep, where sheep and red kangaroos dominate the mammalian herbivores by biomass. The study site comprised two contiguous pairs of stocked and unstocked paddocks: a sloping run-off zone and a flat run-on zone, covering a total area of 2158 ha. This three-year study included initial rain-deficient (drought) months followed by more regular rainfall. Red kangaroos showed avoidance of sheep when given the opportunity and heightened mobility in response to localized drought-breaking storms and dispersion of the sheep flock at lambing. Western grey kangaroos were sedentary and did not dissociate from sheep. These effects were demonstrated at the population level and the individual level through radio-tracking a small cohort of females. The other kangaroo species and goats were transient and preferred other habitats. Rabbits were persistent and localized without strong interactions with other species. The results are discussed with a focus on the red kangaroo and some causes for its resilience in the sheep rangelands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Evolution and Conservation of Marsupials)
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22 pages, 4857 KiB  
Article
eDNA Metabarcoding Reveals the Depth-Structured Variation of Coral Reef Fish
by Jinfa Zhao, Lin Lin, Yong Liu, Teng Wang, Yu Liu, Yayuan Xiao, Jianzhong Shen, Hongyu Xie, Hai Huang and Qiuying Han
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050209 - 2 May 2025
Viewed by 872
Abstract
Global coral reef ecosystems face various levels of disturbance pressure. Understanding the depth-structured variation in coral reef fish communities can help us to better grasp and predict the adaptive changes of the ecosystem under different stressors. This study applied eDNA metabarcoding technology to [...] Read more.
Global coral reef ecosystems face various levels of disturbance pressure. Understanding the depth-structured variation in coral reef fish communities can help us to better grasp and predict the adaptive changes of the ecosystem under different stressors. This study applied eDNA metabarcoding technology to analyze the spatial distribution of the coral reef fish at various depths (0 m, 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 30 m, 40 m, 50 m, and 60 m) within the Xisha Islands of China. The results indicated that the eDNA technology detected a total of 213 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), including 33 species that were not identified using traditional methods. Herbivorous fish generally dominated in relative abundance across different depths. Moreover, the similarity among depth groups was largely absent, and significant differences existed in fish assemblages across depth gradients, consistent with the unique depth preferences of fish microhabitats. Importantly, our findings revealed distinct depth-structured variation among different functional groups of coral reef fish. Large carnivorous fish initially increased and then decreased along the depth gradient from 0 to 60 m, with a turning point around 20 m, while large herbivorous fish displayed the opposite trend. Small carnivorous and small herbivorous fish consistently declined along the same depth gradient. Additionally, the Margalef index (D) and Function richness (FRic) both displayed a consistent downward trend with increasing depth, while the Shannon–Wiener index (H′), Pielou index (J′), Quadratic entropy (RaoQ), Functional dispersion (FDis), and Functional evenness (FEve) initially increased and then decreased, peaking around 20 m. This study revealed that eDNA metabarcoding is an effective tool for evaluating coral reef fish biodiversity, community composition, and spatial distribution. It enhances our understanding of distribution dynamics and offers valuable insights for coral reef conservation and restoration efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Population Genetics of Fishes)
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20 pages, 3471 KiB  
Article
Interactive Effects of Climate and Large Herbivore Assemblage Drive Plant Functional Traits and Diversity
by Maggie Klope, Ruby Harris-Gavin, Stephanie Copeland, Devyn Orr and Hillary S. Young
Plants 2025, 14(8), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14081249 - 20 Apr 2025
Viewed by 478
Abstract
Large herbivore communities are changing globally, with populations of wild herbivores generally declining while domestic herbivore populations are increasing, influencing ecosystem function along with the impacts of climate change. Manipulative experiments have rarely captured the interaction between patterns of large herbivore assemblage change [...] Read more.
Large herbivore communities are changing globally, with populations of wild herbivores generally declining while domestic herbivore populations are increasing, influencing ecosystem function along with the impacts of climate change. Manipulative experiments have rarely captured the interaction between patterns of large herbivore assemblage change and climatic conditions. This interaction may affect the functional traits and functional diversity of herbaceous communities; this requires investigation, as these metrics have been useful proxies for ecosystem function. We used a large herbivore exclosure experiment replicated along a topo-climatic gradient to explore the interaction between climate and herbivore assemblage on community-level functional traits and the functional diversity of herbaceous plant understories. Our findings demonstrate interacting effects between large herbivore assemblages and climate. We found a shift from drought-tolerant traits to drought-avoidant traits with increasing aridity, specifically with regard to plant leaf area and specific leaf area. We also determined that plant community responses to grazing changed from an herbivore avoidance strategy at drier sites to a more herbivore-tolerant strategy at wetter sites. We observed that the effects of herbivores on community-level traits can sometimes counteract those of climate. Finally, we found that cattle and large wild herbivores can differ in the magnitude and direction of effects on functional traits and diversity. Full article
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22 pages, 8217 KiB  
Review
Cellulosome Systems in the Digestive Tract: Underexplored Enzymatic Machine for Lignocellulose Bioconversion
by Jiajing Qi, Mengke Zhang, Chao Chen, Yingang Feng and Jinsong Xuan
Catalysts 2025, 15(4), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15040387 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 694
Abstract
Cellulosomes are sophisticated multi-enzyme complexes synthesized and secreted by anaerobic microorganisms, characterized by intricate structural components and highly organized modular assembly mechanisms. These complexes play a pivotal role in the efficient degradation of lignocellulosic biomass, significantly enhancing its bioconversion efficiency, and are thus [...] Read more.
Cellulosomes are sophisticated multi-enzyme complexes synthesized and secreted by anaerobic microorganisms, characterized by intricate structural components and highly organized modular assembly mechanisms. These complexes play a pivotal role in the efficient degradation of lignocellulosic biomass, significantly enhancing its bioconversion efficiency, and are thus regarded as invaluable enzymatic molecular machines. Cellulosomes are not only prevalent in anaerobic bacteria from soil and compost environments but are also integral to the digestive systems of herbivorous animals, primates and termites. The cellulosomes produced by digestive tract microbiota exhibit unique properties, providing novel enzymes and protein modules that are instrumental in biomass conversion and synthetic biology, thereby showcasing substantial application potential. Despite their promise, the isolation and cultivation of digestive tract microorganisms that produce cellulosomes present significant challenges. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive genetic and biochemical studies has impeded a thorough understanding of these cellulosomes, leaving them largely underexplored. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the digestive tract cellulosome system, with a particular focus on the structural and functional attributes of cellulosomes in various animal digestive tracts. It also discusses the application prospects of digestive tract cellulosomes, highlighting their potential as a treasure in diverse fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering)
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18 pages, 1712 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Nocturnal Insect Communities in Semi-Arid Regions: A Case Study at the Habahu National Nature Reserve of Ningxia, China
by Kang Lou, Dian Yu, Caihua Zhang and Houhun Li
Forests 2025, 16(4), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040659 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
To explore the spatiotemporal niche characteristics and changing regularities of insect communities under lamps in a semi-arid region, this paper analyzed Levins’ niche breadth index and the Pianka niche overlap index of 10 orders and 19 selected common families or superfamilies of insect [...] Read more.
To explore the spatiotemporal niche characteristics and changing regularities of insect communities under lamps in a semi-arid region, this paper analyzed Levins’ niche breadth index and the Pianka niche overlap index of 10 orders and 19 selected common families or superfamilies of insect communities under lamps from April to September 2018 at six vegetation sites in the Habahu National Nature Reserve, a rare desert grassland–wetland reserve in China. The results indicated the following: (1) Different taxa possess varying spatiotemporal, temporal, and spatial niche breadths, suggesting that insects effectively utilized resources in the Habahu Nature Reserve. (2) Among these groups, in terms of the orders aspect, Lepidoptera had the largest temporal niche breadth, the Hemiptera had the largest spatial niche breadth, and Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera had relatively large spatiotemporal niche breadths, while Odonata had the smallest niche breadth in all three aspects. The orders of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera had the largest spatiotemporal niche overlap value, while Odonata and Diptera had the smallest. (3) In terms of the common families (superfamilies) aspect, Noctuidae had the largest temporal niche breadth and spatiotemporal niche breadth, while Hydrophilidae had the smallest. The spatial niche breadth of Sphingidae was the largest, while Corixidae was the smallest. Noctuidae and Pyraloidea had the largest spatiotemporal niche overlap value among these herbivore groups, Miridae and Chrysopidae, among the herbivore to predatory groups, and Noctuidae and Braconidae, among the herbivore to parasitic groups. This lays a theoretical foundation for developing Chrysopidae and Braconidae as biological control taxa in the Habahu Nature Reserve. Full article
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20 pages, 1457 KiB  
Article
Variation in Odour Profiles of Cauliflower, Curly Kale and Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) Cultivars Is Affected More by Genotype Rather than Herbivore Feeding
by Raimondas Mozūraitis, Peter Hambäck, Anna-Karin Borg-Karlson and Richard James Hopkins
Plants 2025, 14(7), 1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071014 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Volatile plant compounds are essential for host plant selection by herbivores and particularly important for the behaviour of parasitoids seeking larvae in which to lay eggs. Headspace extracts were collected from intact plants of four Brassica oleracea genotypes, as well as from plants [...] Read more.
Volatile plant compounds are essential for host plant selection by herbivores and particularly important for the behaviour of parasitoids seeking larvae in which to lay eggs. Headspace extracts were collected from intact plants of four Brassica oleracea genotypes, as well as from plants damaged by larvae of Mamestra brassicae or Pieris rapae. In total, 52 volatiles present in the headspaces of four genotypes were selected for multivariate analyses. The most abundant groups of volatiles were terpenes and esters, represented by 20 and 14 compounds, respectively. The qualitative and quantitative differences in odour profiles between the four genotypes were sufficient to differentiate between groups using multivariate analysis techniques. The most distinct volatile blends originated from curly kale, followed by cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Multivariate analysis revealed that genotypes affected the composition of the volatile blends to a large extent compared to the herbivore damage by the different species tested. In curly kale, broccoli and cauliflower, the differences in odour bouquets were more expressed between plants with and without active feeding, independent of the herbivore identity, while in cabbage, larger differences were observed between odour profiles with different herbivore feedings, independent of whether the herbivore was present or removed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Ecology of Plant and Insect Pests)
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27 pages, 3451 KiB  
Article
Fisheries Sustainability Eroded by Lost Catch Proportionality in a Coral Reef Seascape
by Timothy Rice McClanahan, Jesse Kiprono Kosgei and Austin Turner Humphries
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2671; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062671 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1577
Abstract
Coral reef and their ecological services of food production and shoreline protection are threatened by unsustainable use. To better understand their status, multiple approaches to estimating fisheries sustainability were compared, namely fisheries-independent stock biomass and recovery rates, fisheries-dependent landed catches, balanced harvest and [...] Read more.
Coral reef and their ecological services of food production and shoreline protection are threatened by unsustainable use. To better understand their status, multiple approaches to estimating fisheries sustainability were compared, namely fisheries-independent stock biomass and recovery rates, fisheries-dependent landed catches, balanced harvest and gear use metrics, and fish length measurements. A community biomass recovery was established over a 45-year no-fishing stock recovery time series from seven fisheries reserves and compared to catch- and length-based estimates of sustainability. The logistic production rates (r = 0.09 ± 0.06 95% confidence interval (CI)) and maximum equilibrium total biomass (~150 ± 30 tons/km2) indicated a broad range of potential maximum sustainable yields, with a likely range of 1.1 to 3.9 (95% CI; mean = 3.8) tons/km2/year. In contrast, the mean annual linear biomass growth rates in reserves were lower but less variable than logistic surplus production estimates, ranging from 2.1 to 3.5 (mean = 2.8 tons/km2/year). Realized catches at landing sites were lower still, ranging from 1.43 to 1.52 (mean = 1.48 ± 0.2 tons/km2/y). Differences between production estimates and capture were largely attributable to changes in taxonomic composition and an imbalance in the estimated proportionality of production potential versus actual capture rates. Lost potential capture was likely due to differences in the vulnerability of taxa to fishing and a lack of compensatory increased production among fishing-resistant taxa. Large proportional losses of catch were measured among snappers, unicorn fish, sweetlips, goatfish, and soldierfish, while smaller proportional gains in the catch samples were found among resident herbivorous rabbitfish, parrotfish, and groupers. Many of these declining taxa have vulnerable schooling life histories that are likely to require special habitat and reserve characteristics. Evaluations of sustainability from length measurements found 17 or 7% of total and 12% of caught species had sample sizes minimally sufficient for evaluation (>30 individuals from 413 catches, 2284 captured individuals composed of 144 species) of length and spawning metrics of sustainability. Seven of these species met length-based and three met spawning potential ratio thresholds for sustainability. Consequently, length-based evaluations had poor species coverage and therefore we were unable to evaluate the sustainability of the larger fish community. Recommendations for future research include a better understanding of the consequences of variability in spillover and proportionality of production potential for sustainability. Management recommendations are to focus management on the recovery of species abundant in unfished locations but not contributing to fisheries yield. Full article
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