Search Results (267)

Progressive climate change has increased the emergence of bark beetle outbreaks, which justifies the need for in-depth research into their response to climatic factors in order to improve forest resource management strategies. A measure of the adaptation of species to changing conditions is provided by the determination of the breadth of their ecological niches. This study proposes a novel, minimally invasive method to estimate the niche breadth of Tomicus piniperda, a representative species in its taxonomic group. EntomologiJcal analyses were carried out on trap trees. The niche of T. piniperda was described by means of stepwise regression, and its niche breadth was found to depend significantly on the bark thickness and gallery density on stems (p < 0.001). The constructed models explained over 80% of the variation in T. piniperda niche breadth on the stems, and the differences between the observed and predicted mean niche breadth were not significant (p > 0.05), with the relative errors for individual trees generally not exceeding 13%. Data on the parameters of niches may be useful in evaluating the possible consequences of changes in climatic factors for organismal fitness, for example, or as a starting point for the construction of models of bark beetle population size. Full article

Optical fiber composite insulators are essential for photoelectric current measurement, yet insulation failure at embedded optical fiber interfaces remains a major challenge to long-term stability. This study proposes a strategy to replace conventional silicone rubber with cycloaliphatic-like epoxy resin (CEP) as the shed-sheathing material. Three optical fibers with distinct outer coatings, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), and epoxy acrylate resin (EA), were evaluated for their interfacial compatibility with CEP. ETFE, with low surface energy and weak polarity, exhibited poor wettability with CEP, resulting in an interfacial tensile strength of 0 MPa, pronounced dye penetration, and rapid electrical tree propagation. Its average interfacial breakdown voltage was only 8 kV, and the interfacial leakage current reached 35 μA after hygrothermal aging. In contrast, TPEE exhibited high surface energy and strong polarity, enabling strong bonding with CEP, yielding an average interfacial tensile strength of approximately 46 MPa. Such a strong interface effectively suppressed electrical tree growth, increased the average interfacial breakdown voltage to 27 kV, and maintained the interfacial leakage current below 5 μA even after hygrothermal aging. EA exhibited moderate interfacial performance. Mechanism analysis revealed that polar ester and ether groups in TPEE enhanced interfacial electrostatic interactions, restricted the mobility of CEP molecular chain segments, and increased charge traps. These synergistic effects suppressed interfacial charge transport and improved insulation strength. This work offers valuable insight into structure–property relationships at fiber–resin interfaces and provides a useful reference for the design of composite insulation materials. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of CO₂ trapping mechanisms in subsurface reservoirs by integrating numerical reservoir simulations, geochemical modeling, and machine learning techniques to enhance the design and evaluation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) strategies. A two-dimensional reservoir model was developed to simulate CO₂ injection dynamics under realistic geomechanical and geochemical conditions, incorporating four primary trapping mechanisms: residual, solubility, mineralization, and structural trapping. To improve computational efficiency without compromising accuracy, advanced machine learning models, including random forest, gradient boosting, and decision trees, were deployed as smart proxy models for rapid prediction of trapping behavior across multiple scenarios. Simulation outcomes highlight the critical role of hysteresis, aquifer dynamics, and producer well placement in enhancing CO₂ trapping efficiency and maintaining long-term storage stability. To support the credibility of the model, a qualitative validation framework was implemented by comparing simulation results with benchmarked field studies and peer-reviewed numerical models. These comparisons confirm that the modeled mechanisms and trends align with established CCS behavior in real-world systems. Overall, the study demonstrates the value of combining traditional reservoir engineering with data-driven approaches to optimize CCS performance, offering scalable, reliable, and secure solutions for long-term carbon sequestration. Full article

In the forest ecosystems of Central European Russia, the influence of forest edges on the spatial distribution of Drosophilidae was studied for the first time. The research was conducted during the period of 2021–2022 in the Republic of Mordovia. Beer traps baited with fermented beer and sugar were used to collect Drosophilidae. Two study plots were selected, differing in their forest edges, tree stands, and adjacent open ecosystems. In both cases, the forest directly bordered an open ecosystem. Edges serve as transitional biotopes, where both forest and meadow (open area) faunas coexist. Knowing that many drosophilid species prefer forest habitats, we designated forest interior sites as control points. Traps were set at heights of 1.5 m (lower) and 7.5 m (upper) on trees. A total of 936 specimens representing 27 species were collected. Nine species were common across all traps, while ten species were recorded only once. At the forest edges, 23 species were captured across both heights, compared to 19 species in the forest interiors. However, the total abundance at the forest edges was 370 specimens, while it was 1.5 times higher in the forest interiors. Both abundance and species richness varied between plots. Margalef’s index was higher at the forest edges than in the forest interiors, particularly at 1.5 m height at the edge and at 7.5 m height in the forest interior. Shannon and Simpson indices showed minimal variation across traps at different horizontal and vertical positions. The highest species diversity was observed among xylosaprobionts (9 species) and mycetophages (8 species). All ecological groups were represented at the forest edges, whereas only four groups were recorded in the forest interiors, with the phytosaprophagous species Scaptomyza pallida being absent. In general, both species richness and drosophilid abundance increased in the lower strata, both at the forest edge and within the interior. Using the R package Indicspecies, we identified Gitona distigma as an indicator species for the forest edge and Scaptodrosophila rufifrons as an indicator for the forest interior in the lower tier for both plots. In addition, Drosophila testacea, D. phalerata, and Phortica semivirgo were found to be indicator species for the lower tier in both plots, while Leucophenga quinquemaculata was identified as an indicator species for the upper tier at the second plot. Full article

Dendrons, also named dendritic wedges, are a kind of molecular tree, having a branched structure linked to a functional core. The functional core can be used in particular for the functionalization of materials. Different types of dendrons are known, synthesized either by a convergent process, from the external part to the core, or by a divergent process from the core to the external part. Polyphosphorhydrazone (PPH) dendrons are always synthesized by a divergent process, which enables a fine-tuning of both the core function and the external functions. They have been used for the functionalization of diverse materials such as silica, titanium dioxide, gold, graphene oxide, or different types of nanoparticles. Nanocomposites based on materials functionalized with PPH dendrons have been used in diverse fields such as catalysts, chemical sensors, for trapping pollutants, to support cell cultures, and against cancers, as will be emphasized in this review. Full article

Due to the potential role of Auchenorrhyncha in the transmission of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa in a wide variety of cultivations, during recent years in Europe, many studies have focused on species composition, abundance and seasonal appearance of Auchenorrhyncha. However, females and nymphs are difficult to identify, as species-level identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology. Sampling was conducted over four years in olive fields in Lesvos Island, in the Northeast Aegean, Greece, using sweep nets and Malaise traps. Both adults and nymphs were collected, with males identified to species level, while females and nymphs were separated on different morphotypes. Representatives from each morphotype and identified adults were sequenced using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Using a classical morphological approach, 58 species were identified to species level, and using DNA barcoding, nymph morphotypes and females were successfully identified within the families Cicadellidae, Aphrophoridae, Delphacidae and Issidae. A phylogenetic tree was generated, clustering nymphs together with the corresponding adults. Our results demonstrate the utility of combining morphological and molecular methods for accurate species identification and highlight the importance of enriching online databases with additional species records. Full article

Traditional path-planning algorithms for robotic manipulators typically focus on end-effector planning, often neglecting complete collision avoidance for the entire manipulator. Additionally, many existing approaches suffer from high time complexity and are easily trapped in local extremes. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a goal-biased bidirectional artificial potential field-based rapidly-exploring random tree* (GBAPF-RRT*) algorithm, which enhances both target guidance and obstacle avoidance capabilities of the manipulator. Firstly, we utilize a Gaussian distribution to add heuristic guidance into the exploration of the robotic manipulator, thereby accelerating the search speed of the RRT*. Then, we combine the modified repulsion function to prevent the random tree from trapping in a local extreme. Finally, sufficient numerical simulations and physical experiments are conducted in the joint space to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm. Comparative results indicate that our proposed method achieves a faster search speed and a shorter path in complex planning scenarios. Full article

Araucaria araucana is one of the longest-living Chilean trees. Recently, Araucaria Leaf Damage disease, which causes damage to branches and crowns, was detected. Sinophloeus porteri, a bark beetle affecting A. araucana, could be associated with foliar damage. However, little is known about their ecological and chemical interactions. This study examined the olfactory response of S. porteri to volatiles emitted from A. araucana. Branches and weevils were collected from a national park, and volatiles were trapped from both healthy and unhealthy branches. Thirty terpenes were identified, some of which were reported for the first time in A. araucana. Healthy branches emitted large amounts of myrcene (>360 ng g⁻¹ day⁻¹), and unhealthy branches showed high hibaene emanations (>140 ng g⁻¹ day⁻¹). Olfactory assays verified that S. porteri was attracted to the volatile blends of branches, regardless of the health condition of the branches, but preferred the blend of unhealthy branches. Moreover, myrcene was repellent to these weevils, and hibaene acted as an attractant, suggesting that A. araucana might use myrcene for defense against S. porteri, and hibaene could stimulate host selection by beetles. Full article

Since its introduction into the USA, the spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) has spread across the landscape relatively unchecked. With a wide host range, it is considered a serious pest of native forest species, as well as agricultural crops. Circle traps placed on Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae) are passive traps collecting SLF as they walk up and down the tree trunk. These traps are successful at detecting new populations of SLF, but this can be challenging to implement at a large scale due to costs and host availability. To improve and facilitate SLF trapping practices, we investigated three key trapping components: improved collection containers, placement on alternative hosts, and lure (methyl salicylate) impact. In initial trials comparing collection jars to removable plastic bags, the adult SLF catch was four times higher using the bag design. In a multi-state survey at varying population densities, the bag traps were comparable to the jar traps but were significantly more effective than BugBarrier^® tree bands, especially during the adult stage. Catch and detection in circle traps placed on alternative hosts, Acer spp. L. (Sapindales: Sapindalaceae) and Juglans nigra L. (Fagales: Juglandaceae), were comparable to those placed on the preferred host A. altissima, especially in the earlier life stages. Additionally, detection rates of methyl salicylate-baited traps on all three hosts were comparable to those on non-baited traps. These results suggest that circle traps fitted with bags provide higher trap catch and an improvement in sample quality. In addition, circle traps were equally effective when placed on maple and black walnut, while methyl salicylate lures do not enhance trap catch or detection. Full article

Pinus radiata D. Don is planted in South Central Chile on a wide range of sites using genetically improved genotypes for timber production. As drought events are expected to increase with ongoing climatic change, the variability in gas exchange, which could impact growth and water use, needs to be evaluated. In this study, we assessed the genotypic variability of leaf-level light-saturated photosynthesis (A_sat), stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration (E), intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), and Chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP-test parameters) among 30 P. radiata genotypes (i.e., full-sib families) from third-cycle parents at age 6 years on three sites in Central Chile. We also evaluated tree height (HT), diameter at breast height (DBH), and stem index volume (VOL). Families were ranked for HT as top-15 and bottom-15. In the OJIP-test parameters we observed differences at the family level for the maximum quantum yield of primary PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), the probability that a photon trapped by the PSII reaction center enters the electron transport chain (ψ_Eo), and the potential for energy conservation from photons captured by PSII to the reduction in intersystem electron acceptors (PI_ABS). Fv/Fm, PI_ABS, and ψ_Eo ranged from 0.82 to 0.87, 45 to 95, and 0.57 to 0.64, respectively. Differences among families for growth and not for leaf-level physiology were detected. DBT, H, and VOL were higher in the top-15 families (12.6 cm, 8.4 m, and 0.10 m³, respectively) whereas A_sat, g_s, E, and iWUE were similar in both the top-15 and bottom-15 families (4.0 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, 0.023 mol m⁻² s⁻¹, 0.36 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and 185 μmol mol m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively). However, no family by site interaction was detected for growth and leaf-level physiology. The results of this study suggest that highly improved genotypes of P. radiata have uniformity in leaf-level physiological rates, which could imply uniform water use at the stand-level. The family variation found in PI_ABS suggests that this parameter could be incorporated to select genotypes tolerant to environmentally stressful conditions. Full article

Heortia vitessoides Moore (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the dominant outbreak defoliator of Aquilaria sinensis (Myrtales: Thymelaeaceae, the agarwood-producing tree), poses a severe threat to the sustainable development of the agarwood industry. Current research has preliminarily revealed its biological traits and gene functions. However, significant gaps persist in integrating climate adaptation mechanisms, control technologies, and host interaction networks across disciplines. This review systematically synthesizes the multidimensional mechanisms underlying H. vitessoides outbreaks through the logical framework of “Fundamental Biology of Outbreaks—Environmental Drivers—Control Strategies—Molecular Regulation—Host Defense.” First, we integrate the biological characteristics of H. vitessoides with its climatic response patterns, elucidating the ecological pathways through which temperature and humidity drive population outbreaks by regulating development duration and host resource availability. Subsequently, we assess the efficacy and limitations of existing control techniques (e.g., pheromone trapping, Beauveria bassiana application), highlighting the critical bottleneck of insufficient mechanistic understanding at the molecular level. Building on this, we delve into the molecular adaptation mechanisms of H. vitessoides. Specifically, detoxification genes (e.g., HvGSTs1) and temperature stress-responsive genes (e.g., HvCAT, HvGP) synergistically enhance stress tolerance, while chemosensory genes mediate mating and host location behaviors. Concurrently, we reveal the host defense strategy of A. sinensis, involving activation of secondary metabolite defenses via the jasmonic acid signaling pathway and emission of volatile organic compounds that attract natural enemies—an “induced resistance–natural enemy collaboration” mechanism. Finally, we propose future research directions: deep integration of gene editing to validate key targets, multi-omics analysis to decipher the host–pest–natural enemy interaction network, and development of climate–gene–population dynamics models. These approaches aim to achieve precision control by bridging molecular mechanisms with environmental regulation. This review not only provides innovative pathways for managing H. vitessoides but also establishes a paradigm for cross-scale research on pests affecting high-value economic forests. Full article

Survey and detection of the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), rely either on traps that exploit the insect’s behavior as it navigates its environment, or on visual surveys of either its mobile life stages or egg masses. A recently described egg mass trap, coined the “lampshade” trap, can assist with early detection in newly infested areas, provide egg masses for researchers, and potentially facilitate spotted lanternfly population reduction by removal of egg masses from the environment. Here, we describe a modified lampshade trap, the sconce trap, that uses less material, can be pre-cut prior to deployment, and can be deployed by one person, representing potential cost, labor, and time savings. Both traps were comparable at detecting populations of spotted lanternflies, and while females deposited more eggs on the larger lampshade traps, they deposited more eggs on sconce traps as a function of trap area. Full article

In recent decades, a significant decline in arthropods’ abundance and biodiversity, as a consequence of intensive agricultural practices and reductions in their natural environments, has been observed. While landscape-scale biodiversity studies are well documented in the literature, the impact of field-level agricultural management remains less understood. To address this gap, a sampling of diversity was carried out through Malaise traps on five agricultural surfaces with different management schemes: two characterized by the presence of trees (Populus L. spp. and Eucalyptus spp.), two herbaceous fields in different development stages (flowering Carthamus tinctorius L. and stubble of Triticum aestivum), and one mixed system (an agroforestry plantation composed of Populus L. spp. and Carthamus tinctorius L.). Data collection focused on evaluating the total animal biomass (weight and number) and the richness and evenness components of diversity using Shannon and Simpson indices at the Order level. The sampled arthropods belonged to six Orders of Insecta and one Order of Arachnida. The agroforestry system had a higher total animal biomass, in terms of weight, than the other treatments (61.24% higher than in the eucalyptus system, 58.91% higher than in the wheat stubble, 42.63% higher than in the flowering safflower system, and 11.63% higher than in the poplar plantation), with the number of total arthropods following a similar trend. The results demonstrated that the biomass, richness, and evenness of the collected arthropods varied according to the management practices applied, and higher values were recorded in the agroforestry system. Although preliminary, the findings suggest the suitability of mixed systems for sustaining higher diversity than traditional monoculture management schemes. Full article

The invasive Delottococcus aberiae is one of the most harmful mealybugs on citrus in Spain, since it causes deformations and the premature falling of fruits in citrus orchards. To improve control strategies, this study evaluates its population above- and belowground, their distribution in the soil in addition to identifying natural enemies. The distribution in the soil of emerged males varies significantly with the distance to the tree trunks with an annual average number of 0.95 males/trap/day at 0.5 m, and ranging between 0.25 and 0.32 at 1 m, 1.5 m and 2 m. There is a consistent emergence of males throughout the year, both above- and belowground, with four distinct peaks, the first two occurring in February and April. This observation is essential to manage fruit damages that follows between March and June. Among the natural enemies detected belowground the following are highlighted: Bdellidae mites (52%), Hymenoptera parasitoids (16%) and spiders (11%). When implementing IPM strategies, emphasis should be placed on adequate soil management (crops, mulching, or the release of natural enemies) and to the appearance of first generation. We propose a belowground population sampling method as a simple and practical tool to quantify this pest’s the winter and spring populations, which remain undetectable using current methodologies. Full article

Avocado, a fruit consumed worldwide and essential for countries like Mexico and Chile, faces significant postharvest challenges, particularly during prolonged storage and transportation periods, where Botryosphaeriaceae and Glomerellaceae genera cause fruit rots that can generate substantial economic losses. This study investigated three Hass avocado orchards in the Valparaíso region of Chile to identify spore dispersion peaks, analyze the aerial dynamics of fungal inoculum, and evaluate the association with climatic conditions, as well as the incidence (I) and damage index (DI) of fruit rots. Spore traps were installed in symptomatic trees and monitored weekly over 13 months. Meteorological data were collected in parallel. Fruits from these orchards were sampled to evaluate postharvest rots, physiological maturity, and disease severity using molecular techniques, including DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of isolated pathogens. The results revealed that spore peaks for both fungal families were closely associated with increased rainfall and high relative humidity, particularly from June to mid-September (winter season). The Santo Domingo orchard exhibited the highest disease pressure, with stem-end rot reaching an I of 44% and a DI of 17.25%, and anthracnose reaching an I of 23% and a DI of 12.25%. This study provides the first long-term, field-based evidence of airborne spore dynamics of Botryosphaeriaceae and Glomerellaceae in Chilean avocado orchards and their statistical relationship with environmental variables. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating climatic indicators—such as rainfall thresholds and humidity levels—into monitoring and early-warning systems to optimize fungicide application timing, reduce unnecessary chemical use, and improve postharvest disease management in avocado production. Full article