Search Results (372)

Green manure can improve soil fertility by influencing the structure of the soil microbial community and enzyme activity, which in turn affects the main cropping system, and can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thus reducing environmental pollution. In this study, we reviewed the literature on different green manure cropping patterns, focusing on the effects of different green manure cropping patterns on soil microbial communities, soil enzyme activities, soil physicochemical properties, and the main crop diseases, pests, weeds, and agronomic traits, etc. The positive effects produced by green manure are mainly reflected in the following aspects: (1) improving soil physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activities; (2) influencing soil microbial diversity; (3) improving the overall health of the main crop; (4) increasing the yield of the main crop. This study systematically summarizes the green manure planting patterns and their effects on the main crops, and provides a theoretical basis for green manure planting to solve crop succession barriers and enhance soil fertility; in addition, green manure has a positive effect on the conservation of soil microbial diversity, improves soil quality, and enhances agricultural production, which contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture. Accordingly, this review systematically summarizes green manure cultivation patterns and synthesizes available literature concerning the ecological functions of green manures, including their modulating impacts on soil physicochemical characteristics, microbial assemblages, pests, pathogens, weeds, and crop productivity. Moreover, it identifies key research challenges in this field and proposes outlooks for the sustainable utilization and prospective development of green manures within agroecosystems. Full article

Herbicides are widely used in modern agriculture to control weeds and maintain crop productivity, but their persistence in soil raises concerns about unintended effects on non-target organisms. Pendimethalin, a dinitroaniline herbicide extensively applied to cereal and vegetable crops, is designed to target plant microtubules and is generally considered unlikely to pose genotoxic risks to animals. However, information on its sublethal effects on beneficial soil arthropods remains limited. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and histopathological effects of a commercial pendimethalin-based formulation on the ground beetle Pterostichus melas italicus, an ecologically relevant predatory species in agroecosystems. Adult males collected from an organic farm were exposed under laboratory conditions to soil treated at the recommended field dose and maintained for up to 7 days, corresponding to subchronic exposure. Individuals were sampled after 2 and 7 days, and the midgut and Malpighian tubules were analysed using histological and transmission electron microscopy. Exposure induced marked but non-lethal ultrastructural alterations, particularly in the Malpighian tubules, including reduction in the basal labyrinth, cytoplasmic vacuolisation, mitochondrial swelling, increased phagolysosome abundance, and nuclear karyorrhexis. These effects were transient under laboratory conditions and occurred without detectable impacts on survival, highlighting the Malpighian tubules as sensitive targets for the early detection of herbicide-induced physiological disturbances. However, the observed recovery may reflect compensatory physiological processes that could entail energetic costs and, under field conditions characterized by multiple concurrent stressors, potentially compromise physiological performance and predatory efficiency. Consequently, this study underscores the necessity of integrating sublethal ultrastructural biomarkers into environmental risk assessment frameworks for non-target beneficial insects. Full article

Plants have developed several dormancy mechanisms essential for resilience in adverse environments. Understanding these mechanisms allows for the development of weed control strategies and enhances seedling production. This study aimed to investigate the anatomical and ecophysiological mechanisms associated with seed coat impermeability and physical dormancy in Mimosa camporum Benth. and other Amazonian Mimosa L. species, emphasizing their effects on water uptake, germination behavior, and ecological adaptation. For M. camporum, the imbibition curve, seed coat anatomy through scanning electron microscopy, and germination tests of seeds subjected to chemical scarification (H₂SO₄) were determined. Data from 25 Amazonian Mimosa species were compiled for ecological and physiological characterization, with subsequent Multiple Correspondence Analysis. Immersion in H₂SO₄ for 5 min is adequate to break dormancy in Mimosa camporum Benth. seeds. In Mimosa camporum Benth., sulfuric acid scarification effectively promoted water uptake and germination, demonstrating the close relationship between seed anatomy, imbibition behavior, and dormancy regulation. Physical dormancy in Amazonian Mimosa L. species is directly associated with seed coat impermeability, especially the presence of macrosclereids in the palisade layer. In the Amazon, the reproductive success and resilience of Mimosa L. species are related to the physical dormancy and desiccation tolerance of their seeds. Full article

The genus Orthogalumna (Oribatida: Galumnidae) has been recognized for its phytophagous associations with aquatic plants, particularly its potential role in the biocontrol of the invasive weed Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Despite its ecological significance, this genus remains poorly studied in terms of its micromorphological architecture, phylogenetics, and genomic resources. In this study, we report Orthogalumna cf. terebrantis from China, providing the first comprehensive characterization of an Orthogalumna species by integrating morphology, phylogeny, and transcriptomics. This record represents the first documented occurrence of O. cf. terebrantis in China, pending confirmation by voucher-based morphological comparison and molecular data. This work provides critical microstructural evidence to complement traditional morphological identification and establishes a foundational molecular dataset for future studies on the systematics, comparative genomics, and environmental adaptation of oribatid mites. Full article

The study evaluated the effect of intercropping Paulownia (Paulownia spp.) with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. KWS Thalis) on selected components of agroecosystem biodiversity under Polish conditions. A field experiment established in 2019 compared an alley cropping system with barley monoculture during the 2025 growing season. Weed infestation, soil microbial communities, mesofauna abundance, and crop yield were assessed. Weed abundance was lower in the intercropping system than in monoculture, reaching 5.6 vs. 15.6 plants m⁻² at BBCH 21 and 21 and 22.8 vs. 35.6 plants m⁻² at BBCH 75. Bacterial alpha diversity was significantly higher under intercropping conditions, with Shannon index values ranging from 5.12 to 5.25, compared with 4.98–5.09 in monoculture. Fungal diversity showed moderate differences between systems, whereas the abundance of Collembola and Acari was influenced mainly by seasonal variation rather than by cultivation system. No significant reduction in barley yield was observed under intercropping conditions. The results suggest that Paulownia-based alley cropping may reduce weed pressure and support selected soil biological properties without negatively affecting crop productivity. However, the observed responses varied depending on the analyzed parameter and sampling period, indicating the preliminary and context-dependent character of the results. Further long-term studies are required to better understand the ecological mechanisms operating in such agroforestry systems. Full article

This study examined the effect of east–west orientation of willow tree (Salix alba L.) rows on soil biological activity and weed dynamics in a temperate maize (Zea mays L.) intercropped agroforestry (AF) system in Eastern Hungary. The experiment evaluated how the year (2022, 2023), location (distance from the rows), and irrigation (IR) influenced spatial patterns of earthworm (EW) parameters and weed cover. The study aimed to assess how willow-based AF systems influence soil biological and weed community dynamics under varying IR and row spacing, in comparison with monoculture cropland (MC) systems, and to evaluate their potential role in climate change adaptation in arable farming. Both soil sampling for the EW survey and vegetation studies were conducted along perpendicular transects extending from the tree rows to measure EW abundance and biomass, as well as total weed cover. Experimental results revealed clear spatial gradients in EW distribution and weed abundance near the tree rows, driven by litter input, shading, moisture, and reduced disturbance. These effects were intensified under IR at narrower row spacings. No significant differences were observed between AF-South (shaded), AF-Center, and MC plots; however, significantly higher EW abundance and biomass were found on the AF-North (sunny) side. As for the location, significantly greater total EW abundance was found at AF-North (105.0 individual m⁻²) compared with the MC plots. AF systems enhance soil biological activity and shape weed dynamics through spatial ecological gradients influenced by tree row spacing and irrigation, supporting their role as sustainable land-use systems while emphasizing the need for site-specific management and further long-term optimization. Full article

Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae), a globally invasive weed native to the Americas, is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions and is listed as invasive alien species in many countries. Despite its ecological hazards, it possesses a long history of traditional use and substantial resource potential that remains incompletely synthesized. This review systematically compiles ethnobotanical records from 15 countries, documenting 60 traditional medicinal indications across 14 disease categories spanning Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. A structured cross-referencing analysis reveals that 26 (43.33%) of these traditional applications are supported by 17 verified pharmacological mechanisms, mediated by 19 classes of bioactive compounds, principally flavonoids, polyacetylenes, and phenolic acids. Among these, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities are the most consistently validated. Moreover, this review synthesizes four non-medicinal utilization pathways: dietary use, animal feed, environmental remediation, and industrial raw materials. The resource value of B. pilosa has been independently recognized in the native and introduced ranges alike. Building on this evidence, we propose a “control-through-utilization” framework. To mitigate potential risks in practical exploitation, three targeted strategies are put forward, including timely harvesting, on-site processing and heavy metal safety inspection. This review supports the sustainable management of B. pilosa and offers methodological references for resource exploitation and control of other invasive plants. Full article

Sorghum halepense is widely recognised as one of the most aggressive invasive perennial grasses affecting agricultural ecosystems worldwide. This systematic review synthesises existing scientific evidence on the ecological invasion dynamics, origin, distribution patterns, impacts on both biodiversity and livestock, and management strategies. A systematic literature review approach was employed to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Relevant studies were retrieved from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate, using predefined search terms related to S. halepense, invasion, impact on native plants and livestock, and possible control measures. Articles were screened based on relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the objectives of the review. The results showed that Johnsongrass is making a gradual invasion in South Africa through seed production and rhizome systems. Sorghum halepense alters native species composition, subsequently reduces biodiversity, and outcompetes native species. Although it may provide forage under certain conditions, its accumulation of cyanogenic compounds and nitrates poses serious poisoning risks to herbivores. Management strategies such as mechanical, burning, and chemical methods vary in terms of effectiveness. Some of these measures are influenced by the genetic make-up of the plant, costs associated with each control measure and other environmental factors. This review highlights the need for integrated management approaches that balance invasive weed control with sustainable forage production. This review emphasises the importance of adopting integrated management strategies that effectively control both seed production and underground stems. Future research should prioritise climate-responsive management approaches, improved understanding of invasion ecology, and the development of cost-effective control measures. Bringing together policy makers and specialists in weed science, natural conservation science, and animal health will be essential for reaching consensus on the actions required to curb the expansion and reduce the economic losses associated with the abundance of Sorghum halepense in our ecosystems. Full article

Begomoviruses are among the most destructive plant viruses, causing substantial yield losses across diverse cropping systems. Their epidemiological success is driven by high genetic plasticity, broad host range, and efficient transmission by the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci. Traditional epidemiological models based on the classical disease triangle (virus–host–vector) fail to fully capture the ecological and evolutionary complexity of begomovirus pathosystems. Increasing evidence highlights the critical role of non-cultivated plants, particularly weeds, as persistent reservoirs that maintain viral populations during off seasons, facilitate recombination, and act as primary inoculum sources for subsequent outbreaks. Here, we propose the Begomovirus Disease Tetrahedron, an integrative framework that expands the disease triangle by incorporating weeds as a fourth essential component. We synthesize current knowledge on begomovirus adaptive evolution, including genome plasticity, noncanonical protein functions, and virus–vector mutualism, alongside key ecological drivers such as seasonal dynamics, agricultural intensification, and landscape connectivity. By integrating molecular, ecological, and epidemiological perspectives, this framework provides a comprehensive understanding of begomovirus emergence and persistence, offering new insights for the development of sustainable and ecologically informed disease management strategies. Full article

(1) Background: The rapid spatial expansion of the ruderal weed Chenopodium hybridum L. poses a potential challenge to agricultural production and regional ecosystems in China. However, the spatial evolution characteristics of its potential geographic distribution remain unclear under the compound scenarios of global warming and intensified human activities. (2) Methods: Utilizing an optimized MaxEnt model (regularization multiplier (RM) = 0.5, feature combination (FC) = LQ), this study integrated bioclimatic, topographic, soil, and Human Footprint (Hfp) data to predict the potential suitable habitats of C. hybridum in China under current conditions and four future Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) emission scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585) for the 2050s and 2070s. Additionally, spatial turnover rate and centroid migration analyses were incorporated to elucidate its spatiotemporal dynamics. (3) Results: The results indicate that the optimized model exhibited robust predictive performance (Area Under the Curve (AUC) = 0.928). The Human Footprint (Hfp) was the environmental factor most prominently associated with the macro-spatial distribution of C. hybridum, with a relative contribution of 58.4%—significantly higher than any single natural geographic factor. Currently, potential suitable habitats are primarily concentrated in North, Central, and Southwest China, totaling approximately 205.59 × 10⁴ km². Under future climate scenarios, the highly suitable core habitats exhibit a consistent contraction trend, whereas the marginal suitable habitats shift spatially toward the arid inland regions of the northwest and the high-altitude areas of the southwest. By the 2070s under the higher-emission scenario (SSP585), the spatial turnover rate reaches a peak value (16.23%), and the distributional centroids of the potential suitable habitats exhibit localized directional shifts. (4) Conclusions: The spatial expansion trajectory of C. hybridum exhibits a high degree of spatial congruence with human activity corridors, reflecting a distinct macro-ecological niche spatial response characterized by shifts toward higher latitudes and elevations. It must be emphasized that the projections of this study reflect potential habitat suitability rather than definitive future actual distributions. The three-tier spatial management framework proposed herein—encompassing transport regulation, ecological management in core areas, and early warning in marginal zones—can serve as a scientific basis for the early monitoring and spatial management of this species under climate change. Full article

M. micrantha is a highly destructive invasive weed causing severe ecological and economic damage in invaded regions. Conventional control methods remain insufficient, highlighting the need for targeted management strategies. NAC transcription factors, a plant-specific family, play key regulatory roles in growth, secondary metabolism, and stress responses. Here, we performed a genome-wide identification and characterization of the NAC gene family in M. micrantha using bioinformatic approaches based on Arabidopsis thaliana NAC sequences and the M. micrantha whole-genome assembly. A total of 76 MmNAC genes were identified from M. micrantha, and these members were classified into 13 subfamilies and one unclassified clade, with subdomains C and D being the most conserved. Five conserved motifs were identified; motifs 1 and 2 were present in over 94% of members. Chromosomal mapping showed 68 genes distributed unevenly across 18 of 19 chromosomes. Tissue expression analysis revealed that NAP and AtNAC3 subfamilies are highly expressed in seeds, while NAM and NAC2 subfamilies predominate in floral tissues, suggesting potential subfamily–tissue expression patterns. These findings provide a basis for understanding NAC functions in M. micrantha and identifying targets for its control. Full article

Urbanisation has led to dramatic alterations in pre-existing natural environments, resulting in several subsequent phenomena, such as the disappearance of habitats suitable for many plant and animal species and the concurrent arrival of generalist and non-native species, contributing to environmental homogenisation. Towns and cities serve as crossroads for transport, people, and animals, making them susceptible to colonisation by many types of plant species, dispersed either intentionally or unintentionally by these biotic vectors. Abiotic vectors, such as wind and water, also influence the composition of vegetation assemblages. Urban spontaneous vegetation occurs in (1) undisturbed areas, including brownfield sites, commons, and marginal lots, and (2) disturbed sites, such as green areas, parks, lawns (not subject to weeding), ancient monuments and walls, peripheral and industrial areas, and railways. When disturbance occurs, vegetation remains at early successional stages. Within this framework, with the aim of comparing existing contradictions and identifying knowledge gaps, we reviewed the literature on the characteristics of spontaneous plants and vegetation in urban areas, the different habitats in which they grow, the ecosystem services they provide, and management strategies, considering human perception. Our results highlight that studies on spontaneous plants are well-developed in terms of botany and ecology; however, some gaps remain, particularly regarding their integration into urban design and maintenance practices. Concerning public perception and acceptance, cultural and geographical differences emerged that deserve further investigation. In conclusion, spontaneous plants can represent a valuable heritage for cities, helping to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis. Full article

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an industrial crop cultivated worldwide with intensive management systems that include continuous cropping, conventional tillage and high use of agrochemicals. The increasing concerns about environmental and economic sustainability call for innovative practices to maintain yield while managing weeds and enhancing soil fertility. Our research investigated the effect of green manure or cover crops coupled with minimum tillage on Kentucky tobacco production and the level of control of weeds. Six integrated management systems were tested in a four-year trial in Tuscany, Italy: (TS1) conventional farming management as defined above; (TS2) reduction in fertilizers and compost application; (TS3) rotation of tobacco–leguminous green manure and reduction in fertilizers; (TS4) rotation of tobacco–leguminous green manure and compost application without fertilizers; (TS5) rotation of tobacco–mixture of cover crops, minimum tillage before tobacco transplant, reduction in fertilizers; (TS6) as in TS5 but with a compost amendment addition. The different farming practices represented an ecological filter for the weed communities. The combination of conventional tillage, compost application and green manure was sufficient to control weed development. On the other hand, cover crop termination via roller crimper and minimum tillage did not reduce weed pressure, thereby negatively affecting tobacco production. Further studies are needed to improve the effectiveness of mulching and minimal tillage on weed levels not detrimental to tobacco development. It would be advisable to alternate different weed management strategies to prevent community specialization, mitigate negative effects on crops and enhance biodiversity at the farm scale. Full article

Herbicides considered selective to rice are generally evaluated based on their direct crop safety and weed suppression effects, yet it remains unclear whether they may also trigger indirect or context-dependent effects on rice under rice–barnyardgrass co-cultivation. To address this question, we compared rice performance and associated microbial dynamics under six conditions: rice–barnyardgrass co-cultivation and rice monoculture, each treated with a water spray control or sublethal doses of propanil (Pro, 66.7 mg a.i. L⁻¹) or cyhalofop-butyl (Cyh, 5.86 mg a.i. L⁻¹). Barnyardgrass exhibited visible injury and stronger leaf-level oxidative stress responses, whereas rice displayed no discernible phytotoxic symptoms. Nevertheless, under co-cultivation, herbicide treatment significantly suppressed rice growth, with up to 17.8% lower root lengths and 24.8% lower shoot fresh weights, with reductions varying by herbicide and trait. By contrast, comparable suppression was not observed under herbicide exposure or co-cultivation alone, identifying this response as an emergent, context-dependent negative effect. Microbiota reassembly emerged as an early and stage-specific component of the herbicide-associated response under co-cultivation, with the most pronounced changes detected on day 5 and occurring primarily in bacterial communities. Moreover, bacterial community variation was negatively correlated with root length (ρ = −0.664), and urease activity declined under herbicide treatment. Together, these findings indicate that in paddy fields, herbicides act not only on individual plants but also as an external disturbance to the coupled rice–barnyardgrass system, for which microbiota reorganization represents a key component of the ecological response. Our results suggest that herbicide selectivity should be interpreted within a crop–weed–microbiome context, rather than being inferred solely from their direct crop safety and weed suppression effects. Full article

Intensive pesticide application sustains global agriculture but poses poorly characterized risks to complex soil ecosystems. Here, we quantitatively evaluated pesticide residues and utilized high-resolution environmental DNA (eDNA) metagenomics to decode multi-trophic community responses across a typical major grain-producing region located in China. Among 39 targeted pesticides, 26 were detected with total concentrations ranging from 27.9 to 478.8 ng/g. While herbicides and fungicides dominated the residual mass, insecticides posed the most severe ecological threat. Notably, the neonicotinoid imidacloprid exhibited high-risk levels (RQ = 1.78 ± 1.49) at >61.1% of the sampling sites. eDNA profiling and Procrustes analyses revealed a clear trophic-dependent sensitivity gradient (p < 0.01). Lower-trophic microbial communities were significantly altered in composition; pesticide stress was strongly associated with profound non-target suppression on keystone plant-beneficial bacteria (e.g., Nocardioides). Concurrently, the fungal eDNA profiles indicated that the soil mycobiome harbored an alarming 34.7% of potential phytopathogenic fungi (e.g., Aspergillus and Colletotrichum), intrinsically driving the massive fungicide reliance. In contrast, higher-trophic soil metazoa (Rotifera, 40.4%) and weed communities (e.g., Digitaria sanguinalis) exhibited significant spatial stability, reflecting robust environmental buffering and herbicide-driven ecological escapes. Furthermore, co-occurrence networks decoupled target from non-target toxicities, uniquely revealing that persistent herbicide metabolites (desethylatrazine) induce prolonged legacy toxicities on specific soil fauna. Collectively, this study unveils the deep, cross-kingdom ecological disruptions caused by current pesticide regimes, underscoring the urgency of integrating eDNA biomonitoring to guide precision pest management and safeguard soil health in vital agricultural hubs. Full article