Search Results (254)

National and provincial surveillance of pine wood-boring pests in China is designed to detect damaging taxa, map occurrence, assess risk and loss, and support early warning, zoning and control decisions. Province-scale comparisons of alternative monitoring devices remain rare, especially under the operational conditions required by such programs in climatically and topographically heterogeneous forests. Using data from the 2025–2026 systematic survey of pine wood-boring pests in Yunnan Province, China, we integrated several monitoring datasets to compare baited logs, lure traps, and flight-intercept traps. The harmonized database comprised 2603 standard monitoring subcompartments and 3519 installed sites, including 4080 baited-log piles, 4807 lure-trap units, and 373 flight-intercept traps. Main performance analyses focused on active sites with at least one collection event (570 baited-log sites, 63 flight-intercept sites, and 496 lure-trap sites), whereas installed site summaries were retained to characterize operational coverage. Because the study was observational and the three devices have different sampling mechanisms, we interpreted detection probability as the primary early warning metric, and catch, operational taxon richness, standardized yield, and cost metrics as supporting indicators of diagnostic and operational return. Site-level comparisons were complemented with paired analyses of 21 co-located subcompartments, a more comparable subset defined within county × elevation band × host group strata represented by all three methods, county-clustered regression, and a taxonomic-resolution sensitivity analysis. Lure traps consistently had the highest detection probability (0.73), the greatest cumulative catch (8617 individuals), and the broadest operational taxonomic coverage (45 operational taxa). In county-clustered models, lure traps had higher odds of detection (odds ratio = 11.25, 95% CI: 5.64–22.43) and higher catch rates (incidence rate ratio = 5.97, 95% CI: 2.26–15.76) than baited logs after adjustment for elevation band, host group, and collection effort. The same ranking persisted in the more comparable subset and after exclusion of unresolved family-, subfamily-, genus-, and unknown-level records. Standardized yield peaked at 1500–2200 m. Scenario-based costing showed that lure traps had the lowest cost per captured and resolved captured individual, whereas detection cost estimates were interpreted together with absolute detections and operational taxonomic output. Overall, the results support a tiered surveillance architecture in which lure traps serve as the primary routine early warning tool, baited logs provide targeted complementary information, and flight-intercept traps are reserved mainly for exploratory or faunistic surveys. Full article

Reliable species-level information on elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) in the Arabian Gulf remains limited, despite these fish being among the most threatened marine vertebrates. Taxonomic uncertainty, driven by morphological similarities and incomplete reference datasets, continues to hinder accurate biodiversity assessments in the region. In this study, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (NADH2) gene sequences were analyzed to assess the taxonomic status of elasmobranchs in United Arab Emirates waters, based on 182 specimens representing 31 species (15 sharks and 16 batoids) across 12 families. Shark lineages were consistently recovered and matched closely with published references, indicating a stable taxonomy. Batoids (rays), however, showed greater complexity, including misidentification among morphologically similar taxa, gaps in available reference sequences, and signs of possible cryptic diversity, reflecting persistent challenges in species identification and the need for more comprehensive molecular resources. Our findings highlight the value of genetic approaches in improving taxonomic resolution and establishing robust biodiversity baselines. Expanding reference databases, applying multi-locus genomic approaches, and broadening regional sampling will be essential to refining taxonomic frameworks and informing conservation management for elasmobranchs in the Arabian Gulf. Full article

Halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent a promising strategy for enhancing crop productivity in degraded soils. This study evaluated 51 bacterial strains isolated from the rhizosphere of the Saharan halophyte Phragmites communis L. for their capacity to improve the performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under nutrient-deficient sandy soil conditions. The selection of halotolerant isolates was based on their potential for cross-tolerance, assuming that their adaptive mechanisms against salinity could also mitigate the osmotic and nutritional constraints inherent to nutrient-poor sandy substrates. Two strains, XE-15 and XR-18, were selected based on in vitro screening and tentatively assigned to the genera Pseudomonas and Bacillus, respectively, using 16S rRNA sequencing and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). Greenhouse experiments demonstrated that bacterial inoculation significantly increased plant biomass (up to ~2-fold compared to control) and enhanced pepper fruit yield (0.68 g vs. 0.20 g in control). XR-18 notably increased Fe (up to 198.65 mg kg⁻¹) and P (7.98 mg kg⁻¹) accumulation in wheat, while XE-15 exhibited substantial concentrations of nitrogen (1.08%) and magnesium (4.11 mg kg⁻¹) and zinc (102.3 mg kg⁻¹). Soil properties were also improved, including increased water-holding capacity (~30%) and enhanced micronutrient availability. Zinc showed the most pronounced strain-specific response, increasing by 84% under XE-15 and by more than 160% under XR-18. However, taxonomic resolution remains tentative in the absence of genome-level analyses, and mechanistic insights are primarily inferred from in vitro traits. The simplified greenhouse system further limits ecological interpretation. These findings highlight the potential of halotolerant PGPR in degraded soils while emphasizing the need for genomic validation, mechanistic studies, and field-scale evaluation. Full article

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a multifaceted genus of C4 plants with significant nutritional and agronomic potential, yet it remains underutilized in mainstream agriculture. Despite growing interest in Amaranth, most germplasm studies have used either phenotypic or molecular approaches alone, lacking integration. Multivariate methods have not been systematically applied to identify promising genotypes, and species-specific selection indices for grain Amaranth remain unexplored. To address these gaps, this study comprehensively characterized 84 Amaranth genotypes representing multiple species (A. caudatus, A. cruentus, A. hypochondriacus, A. hybridus, A. spinosus, A. powellii, A. tricolor, and 38 accessions of unknown taxonomic status) using field experiments in a randomized complete block design with three replications and DNA barcoding with chloroplast (psbA-trnH) and nuclear (ITS) markers. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) among genotypes for all six agronomic traits evaluated, confirming substantial genetic variability with grain yield exhibiting the widest variation (CV = 28.55%), ranging from 0.25 to 125.56 g/plant. High broad-sense heritability estimates (0.79–0.99) coupled with high genetic advance, particularly for grain yield (117.54%), indicated that these traits would respond favorably to selection. Path analysis and stepwise regression identified early flowering, long inflorescences, and heavy seeds as the primary determinants of grain yield, collectively explaining 27% of yield variation. Mahalanobis D² analysis identified nine multivariate outliers with distinct phenotypic profiles, among which G39 emerged as the most promising breeding candidate, combining exceptional yield (90.50 g/plant) with desirable architecture, long inflorescence, and large seeds. Principal component analysis further resolved trait complexes, identifying 11 PC1-selected promising genotypes as donors for plant architecture and three PC2-selected promising genotypes as donors for seed size characteristics. Molecular analysis revealed distinct genetic relationships. A. caudatus (kiwicha) exhibited limited haplotype diversity indicating a narrow genetic base, while A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus showed broader diversity, with the nuclear ITS network providing clearer resolution than chloroplast markers due to biparental inheritance. Outlier genotypes, including G82, G83, G13, G10, and G39, occupied unique haplotype positions, confirming that their phenotypic distinctiveness corresponds to genuine genetic differentiation. The novelty of this study lies in integrating multivariate biostatistical techniques (heritability, path analysis, Mahalanobis D², PCA, and stepwise regression) with two complementary DNA barcode systems (chloroplast and nuclear) within a single germplasm collection. This integrated approach provides breeders with well-characterized germplasm, validated selection criteria, and prioritized parental materials for Amaranth improvement. Further multi-location and multi-season evaluations are recommended to ensure the stability and adaptability of these promising germplasm accessions. Full article

The rapid characterization of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic and technological properties is crucial for functional food design. In this study, fourteen LAB strains belonging to the species Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum, Lentilactobacillus (L.) parabuchneri, and Leuconostoc (L.) mesenteroides were differentiated using Raman spectroscopy. By integrating Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), we achieved a clear inter-generic separation while simultaneously enabling the intra-specific grouping of L. plantarum strains. Our results demonstrate that the Raman spectral fingerprint, coupled with supervised chemometric models, successfully categorized the strains into three distinct clusters based on their macromolecular profiles. Specifically, the analysis provided high-resolution differentiation between genera and, more importantly, allowed for the fine-scale clustering of diverse L. plantarum isolates. This highlights Raman spectroscopy as a robust, non-destructive tool for the rapid identification and taxonomic classification of LAB, offering a high-throughput alternative to traditional molecular methods for strain-level discrimination. Full article

Southeast Asia (SEA) faces persistent gaps in regional understanding and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) despite recent advances (2023–2025). The second international symposium on ticks and TBDs in SEA (Singapore, August 2025), following the inaugural 2023 meeting in Cambodia, served as a catalyst for regional exchange that informed this perspective. SEA’s ecological and host diversity supports complex tick–host–pathogen networks, yet evidence remains fragmented due to uneven sampling that has largely focused on livestock and peri-urban environments. Key constraints include limited taxonomic resolution driven by outdated or incomplete identification keys, under-sampling of soft ticks (Argasidae), and the absence of harmonized, open-access regional reference resources (including DNA barcodes and MALDI-TOF MS spectral databases). While MALDI-TOF MS, proteomics, AI-assisted identification, and next-generation sequencing/metagenomics are increasingly applied, their broader regional uptake is limited by the absence of harmonized, open-access reference resources (including DNA barcodes and MALDI-TOF MS spectral databases). Broad ecological surveys and integrated animal and human surveillance remain limited, and vector competence studies are constrained by the scarcity of SEA-derived tick colonies and cell lines. Regional data and recent findings (2024–2026) confirm circulation of multiple TBPs (including Anaplasma, Babesia, Borrelia, Coxiella, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Theileria) and highlight emerging viral findings, including southward reports of Bandavirus dabieense. Human infestations and non-communicable tick bite outcomes (e.g., tick paralysis and alpha-gal syndrome) are recognized but remain under-reported due to low clinical awareness and limited diagnostics. Importantly, the diagnostic chain is further disrupted by missed/insufficient specimen collection at the point of care, and by constrained capacity to identify (especially immature) ticks to species level—limitations compounded by the absence of harmonized, open-access regional reference resources. The symposium identified six priorities: (1) full completion and regional validation of tick identification keys for adults (in progress) and immatures (to be initiated), plus an open-access DNA barcode library anchored by curated, voucher-based collections from all SEA countries; (2) harmonization of molecular and proteomic diagnostic platforms, including expansion of regional MALDI-TOF MS and NGS protocols and reference databases; (3) development of tick colonies and cell lines from locally prevalent species to support vector competence, vaccine, and acaricide testing; (4) expansion of One Health surveillance with enhanced ecological sampling at wildlife–livestock–human interfaces; (5) establishment of open-access, region-wide data platforms for integrated tick, TBP, and ecological metadata sharing; and (6) sustained investment in human resources, training, and policy advocacy to raise research and public health visibility of ticks and TBDs. Full article

Differences in gut microbiota composition related to diet have been reported in horses, but characterization of specific microbial taxa remains limited, particularly at the species level. The objective of this study was to use long-read sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to provide additional taxonomic insight into the intestinal microbiota in horses. Fecal samples were collected from 12 horses on pasture and from 6 of them after switching to a hay diet. Sequencing yielded low read counts per sample, and the analysis failed to detect statistical differences in alpha- and beta-diversity among dietary groups (p > 0.05). Species-level taxonomic resolution was not substantially enhanced using long-read sequencing, as only 3% of reads were assigned at the species level, and an additional 3% of reads were assigned at the genus level. The majority of reads (49%) were classified at the family level. Accordingly, in this dataset, long-read sequencing did not provide additional biological insight into diet-associated differences in the equine gut microbial community. This limited added value can be explained by the low sequencing depth obtained for several samples and the current incompleteness of reference databases for equine bacterial taxa, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving high-resolution characterization of the equine gut microbiome. Full article

Standard 16S rRNA V3–V4 sequencing encounters primer mismatch issues and insufficient taxonomic resolution, hindering the accurate quantification of specific, low-abundance taxa, such as administered probiotic strains. Therefore, we empirically compared outcomes between the standard V3–V4 method and high-resolution targeted species sequencing (TSS) to assess bias and establish reliability metrics for probiotic efficacy assessments. A longitudinal pilot study was conducted over nine weeks in older participants receiving synbiotic supplementation; their fecal samples were collected and analyzed. V3–V4 analysis successfully captured a significant transient reduction in alpha-diversity with multidirectional genus-level fluctuations. However, taxonomic overlap between these two methods was high at the phylum level and sharply declined to 6.7% at the species level. Notably, compared with V3–V4 sequencing, TSS could successfully quantify the abundance of administered Bifidobacterium animalis. This study empirically demonstrated that 16S rRNA V3–V4 sequencing introduces substantial quantitative bias, limiting its suitability for monitoring specific probiotic strains and compromising the reliability of clinical efficacy assessments. Therefore, we recommend a dual-sequencing framework that integrates the broad ecological screening capabilities of V3–V4 with the precise species-level quantification of TSS to establish the necessary scientific rigor for assessing probiotic efficacy. Full article

Tulipa scardica (Balkan endemic) was last recorded in Greece in 1896, possibly attributed to longstanding taxonomic ambiguity, as it has frequently been considered as conspecific with T. gesneriana or T. undulatifolia. In the present study we aimed to investigate the historical Greek locality of T. scardica and to reassess its taxonomic status in comparison with the closely related T. undulatifolia (also native to Greece and member of T. scardica complex). Targeted field surveys were conducted to verify the presence of T. scardica in Greece. The newly identified tulip population was subjected to an integrated analytic approach, including qualitative and quantitative morphological assessment, seed micromorphology, DNA barcoding, karyological investigation, and habitat/soil properties analyses. These datasets were comparatively evaluated against four reference populations of T. undulatifolia. Molecular data did not provide consistent species-level resolution, whereas morphological and karyological evidence statistically supported their distinction. Mitotic metaphase chromosomes of T. scardica were documented herein for the first time, while first-time scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the presence of different types of stomatal complexes in seed coats of both taxa. In addition, soil parameters differed between the examined taxa, and those of the rediscovered population were consistent with habitat preferences of T. scardica. Although both taxa exhibited considerable variability, the combined evidence derived from the present study strongly supported the rediscovery of T. scardica in Greece after approximately 130 years, unless proven otherwise in a wider context across its Balkan range. Full article

Deposit-feeding sea cucumbers ingest sediment-like particles, making substrate-associated exposure pathways ecologically relevant in coastal aquaculture. In this study, a sea mud feed matrix was used to evaluate short-term dietborne/substrate-linked glyphosate exposure in Apostichopus japonicus over 72 h, with the aim of characterizing early residue formation, short-term sublethal biomarker responses, and gut microbiota shifts under a benthic feeding scenario. Analytical verification confirmed a clear glyphosate gradient in the prepared feed matrices, with no glyphosate detected in the control matrix and measured concentrations of 8.66 ± 1.59 mg/kg, 1330 ± 390 mg/kg, and 6960 ± 1710 mg/kg in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, respectively. No mortality or obvious external lesions were observed during the exposure period. Tissue analysis confirmed measurable internal glyphosate residues and compartment-specific distribution, indicating successful internal exposure under the matrix-linked route. Most digestive and immune/antioxidant biomarkers remained relatively stable within the 72 h window; however, amylase showed a marked response in the low-dose group, and superoxide dismutase showed dose-associated changes in the medium- and high-dose groups, indicating selective sensitivity among enzyme endpoints. Gut microbiota analysis revealed a dominance-structured community with limited alpha-diversity variation among groups, whereas community composition showed subtle treatment-related shifts that were more evident at finer taxonomic resolution. Predicted functional profiles remained broadly similar across treatments. Overall, the 72 h exposure design was effective for identifying early internal exposure and short-term biological responses under a sea mud-associated feeding route, while host physiological responses remained largely buffered over this time scale and the gut microbiota provided a more sensitive interface-level signal of exposure-associated change. These findings support the value of a route-specific, gut-centered framework for evaluating early herbicide exposure responses in benthic mariculture species and suggest that matrix-associated feeding conditions may modify the apparent magnitude of short-term responses. Full article

Microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) pollution has emerged as a pervasive and still insufficiently quantified pressure on terrestrial ecosystems, yet its consequences for wild herbivores remain incompletely understood. As key links between primary producers and higher trophic levels, wild herbivores occupy a critical ecological position and may serve both as exposed receptors and as biological vectors of plastic contamination. This manuscript presents a narrative review that synthesizes recent advances in understanding the physiological, behavioural, and ecological implications of MP and/or NP exposure in free-ranging herbivorous mammals, integrating evidence from field surveys, experimental studies, ecological modelling, and supportive mechanistic findings from livestock and experimental mammalian systems. Available evidence indicates that MPs and NPs are consistently detected in wild herbivores from both human-modified and protected landscapes, demonstrating widespread terrestrial exposure. Reported biological effects include oxidative stress, digestive dysfunction, inflammatory and immune responses, altered gut microbial communities, impaired nutrient assimilation, and organ-level damage, although much of the mechanistic evidence derives from controlled laboratory or livestock-based studies rather than direct wildlife investigations. Behavioural responses remain comparatively underexplored, particularly in large-bodied herbivores, with limited evidence for altered foraging, habitat use, and stress-related behaviours. At the ecosystem level, emerging studies suggest that herbivores may contribute to the landscape-scale redistribution of MPs and NPs through movement and faecal deposition, with potential downstream effects on soil processes, nutrient cycling, and plant–herbivore interactions. However, the current evidence base is constrained by major methodological and conceptual limitations, including the lack of standardized detection and reporting protocols, limited ecological realism in exposure studies, taxonomic and geographic biases, and poor resolution of long-term population-level and food-web consequences. Overall, the available literature indicates that MP and NP pollution represent a multifaceted and emerging risk to wild herbivores and the ecosystems they inhabit. Future research should prioritize standardized contamination-controlled monitoring, non-invasive faecal surveillance, ecologically realistic chronic exposure studies, and integrated conservation frameworks that recognize wild herbivores as sentinel species for terrestrial plastic pollution. Full article

The Con Dao archipelago hosts the oldest MPA in Vietnam and is recognized as a regional marine biodiversity hotspot. Here, we applied environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to assess coastal fish diversity across four major habitat types: coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and a harbour in the Con Dao archipelago. Using MiFish-U 12S primers at eight stations, we detected 282 operational taxonomic units, corresponding to 144 fish taxa. Fish assemblages exhibited strong habitat structuring: community composition differed markedly among habitats, with minimal overlap. Only three species were shared across all habitats. Multivariate analyses confirmed that habitat type, rather than spatial distance among sites, was the primary driver of community differentiation. Mangrove and seagrass supported distinct assemblages that were underrepresented in existing species checklists and MPA management frameworks. Notably, eDNA detected cryptic and non-commercial species overlooked by conventional survey methods. These results substantially expand the known fish diversity of the Con Dao Archipelago and highlight the need to incorporate habitat heterogeneity, particularly non-reef ecosystems, into MPA design and monitoring. Although eDNA metabarcoding is subject to amplification biases and limited taxonomic resolution in reference databases, it offers a powerful complement to traditional surveys for characterizing under-sampled habitats. Full article

Antarctic terrestrial photosynthetic biota is dominated by cryptogamic communities, which are largely restricted to scarce ice-free areas. Among these, nunataks constitute habitats of remarkable biogeographical interest, as they may harbor distinctive biotic assemblages worthy of investigation. This work presents a comprehensive assessment of lichen diversity on Antarctic nunataks. The lichen flora of four nunataks on the Hurd Peninsula (Livingston Island, maritime Antarctica) was investigated. Specimens were identified using an integrative approach combining morphological assessment and DNA barcoding. This survey revealed a high and potentially underestimated species richness, with 39 confidently identified and several additional taxa requiring further taxonomic resolution. A review of published records of lichen occurrence in nunatak and non-nunatak environments throughout Antarctica was used to evaluate patterns in taxonomic, biogeographical, and morphotype composition. This synthesis showed that nunataks support lower species richness than other ice-free environments. Most of their taxa occur in non-nunatak areas, consistent with patterns observed locally on the Hurd Peninsula. Floristic overlap seems greater in continental Antarctica, suggesting a stronger influence of nunatak-associated environmental constraints in the maritime region. These results underscore the ecological significance of nunataks as environmentally filtered habitats and highlight their relevance for understanding biodiversity patterns and community assembly in Antarctica’s terrestrial ecosystems. Full article

High-quality genomic DNA extraction remains a major bottleneck for fungal genomics, particularly for worldwide aerobic and non-photosynthetic mushroom species that rely on their rigid cell walls, interference between metabolites, polysaccharides, etc., and complex genomes. This study systematically compares five DNA extraction protocols involving four distinct sample preparation procedures (fresh (A), filtered (B), frozen (C) and cryogenic mycelium (D)) across mycelial cultures of eight Tunisian fungal strains representing Ascomycota and Basidiomycota to identify the optimal combination for genomic DNA extraction from mycelium. The eight phylogenetically diverse fungal species were analyzed using short-read (MiSeq and NextSeq550) and/or long-read (MinION Mk1C) sequencing technologies, giving a depth coverage between 3.7× and 83×. The generation and quality of the assemblies were assessed within the Galaxy platform, which revealed a gap percentage of 0–0.509%. Taxonomic characterization and phylogenetic inference were performed with SANGER technology using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and D1/D2 region of the 26S rRNA gene, assigning the species to our eight different strains: Clitopilus baronii (BS6), Porostereum spadiceum (BS200), Trametes versicolor (BS22-9), Schizophyllum commune (BS23-13), Gloeophyllum abietinum (BS23-14), Irpex laceratus (BS100), Trichoderma asperellum (GC9) and Trichoderma harzianum (S3). The optimized DNeasy Plant Pro Kit protocol with cryogenic biomass treatment presents a safe and cost-effective method for fungal genome sequencing and taxonomic resolution. This integrated comparative evaluation of extraction for sequencing identifies an optimal Qiagen-based extraction strategy combined with cryogenic treatment for eight diverse Tunisian fungal species, guiding method selection based on specific cell wall characteristics rather than proposing a universal protocol limited by unequal replication and strain numbers. Full article

Hydrological fluctuations drive community dynamics in floodplain lakes, yet their integration into water resource management remains limited. Here, we integrated environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding with hydroacoustic surveys to investigate vertebrate community assembly in China’s largest freshwater lake (Poyang Lake) during the winter dry season. We detected 65 vertebrate species, with Cypriniformes dominating. Beta-diversity partitioning revealed that turnover dominated taxonomic and functional dissimilarity, while phylogenetic beta diversity was characterized by nestedness, which is consistent with environmental filtering. Functional richness declined with water depth, coinciding with hydroacoustic vertical size stratification, indicating niche partitioning along depth gradients. Null model analysis showed stochastic processes (ecological drift) dominated regional assembly (72.97%), whereas joint species distribution modeling attributed explained variation to environmental factors (28.9%, notably water depth) and species associations (29.7%) at local scales. This hierarchical framework, regional stochasticity shaping the species pool and local deterministic filtering structuring communities, reframes environmental flow conceptualization: effective management must preserve the full spectrum of hydrological variability and maintain bathymetrically diverse habitats that support functional niche differentiation. The integrated eDNA-hydroacoustic approach offers a non-invasive, high-resolution toolkit for biological assessment within regulatory water quality frameworks. Full article