The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a globally significant crop with a well-documented domestication history and a critical role in food security. Here, we present the first whole-genome genetic characterization of Cypriot common bean landraces and heirloom varieties, originated from remote mountainous areas, using DArTseq-based SNP genotyping. A total of 13,215 high-quality SNPs were investigated from 50 genotypes, indicating a moderate linkage disequilibrium, high incidences of private and fixed alleles, and an overall low heterozygosity. The comparison of varieties indicated that dry and green bean varieties consisted of genetically distinct clusters, reinforced by phylogenetic and Bayesian structure analyses. A few of the varieties, such as "Gliastro" and "Stringless Blue Lake," demonstrated an intense genetic diversity and/or inbreeding, whereas others showed evidence of admixture. The outcomes highlight the unique genetic make-up of the Cypriot bean germplasm and its worth as a tool for breeding, conservation, and upcoming genomic-assisted improvement programs.

Snake melons have been present for a millennia, despite their present limited use, and host a large degree of genetic and phytochemical diversity. The current study evaluated the genomic and biochemical diversity of Snake melon landraces of Cypriot and Greek origin, revealing significant degrees of genetic and mineral/phytochemical variation. Landraces showed a high potential for improving nutritional quality and a possible contribution to stress resilience. Whole-genome analysis highlighted a high degree of SNPs, InDels, SVs, and CNVs, especially in genotypes like Atzouri and ARI001024, indicating that functional variants influence phenotypic/chemical diversity. Biochemical profiling demonstrated great differences in the concentration of pigments, antioxidants, and minerals, with ARI001024 and ARI00894 exhibiting elevated levels of nutrients/phytochemicals. Hierarchical clustering and PCA analyses established relationships among traits, and reinforced the concept that these genotypes may offer valuable genetic resources for breeding programs under climate-resilient production schemes, emphasizing the need for conservation and further genomic characterization.

Abstract Landings by species and their associated fishing effort are crucial for stock assessment and estimating fishing mortality. While large scale fisheries (LSF) have historically received more attention, interest in standardized data from small scale fisheries (SSF) has increased significantly over the last decade. This study characterizes SSF and ongoing fishing activity data collection across 17 European countries, from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean, using 2019 as a reference year. The analysis reveals that 88% of commercial active fishing vessels are smaller than 15 m in total length and that such SSF (as considered in this study) accounts for over 83% of the total days at sea and 12% of the landed weight. However, fishing activity data collection for SSF is less comprehensive compared to LSF. Vessels larger than 10 m typically report their fishing activities in logbooks and sales notes, whereas for <10 m vessels, only 40% provide additional data sources to sales notes, namely with declarative forms. This results in significant data gaps and inaccuracies, especially regarding fishing effort, gears used, or fishing locations. This is especially true for vessels smaller than 10 m, likely as a product of having comparatively less ongoing requirements put in place, whereas vessels between 10 and 15 m also present fewer data reporting obligations (e.g. large part of this fleet is not covered by geo-localization data especially for the [10–12) m vessels) compared to vessels above 15 m (LSF). In the end, SSF fisheries have not only less data available than LSF, but their provided information is also consequently subject to more inconsistencies and inaccuracies. Therefore, a concerted effort will be needed to improve SSF data quality through coordinated, harmonized, and comparable data collection efforts across countries. Recommendations include enhancing data reporting requirements for smaller vessels, implementing supplementary technological solutions, and conducting cross-checks of census information with sampling data. Additionally, the development and use of geolocation devices and apps are recommended to enhance the accuracy and completeness of SSF fishing activity data collection.

Species introductions are widely reported as a major threat to biodiversity conservation in Natura 2000 sites. Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus was introduced in Europe in the late 19th century and is currently listed as Invasive Alien Species of Union concern. To assess its potential impact on the native freshwater communities of Cyprus, we investigated pumpkinseed distribution and diet within 21 Natura 2000 sites. Pumpkinseed occurred in 15 out of the 22 surveyed reservoirs (68.2%), while it was recorded in only four of the 26 investigated rivers (15.4%), likely due to water availability, habitat constraints and physical barriers. Overall, this non-native fish was recorded in 12 Natura 2000 sites (57.1%). Diet analysis showed a preference for chironomid larvae, molluscs, and crustaceans, with evidence of ontogenetic dietary shifts. Fish were a minor prey, while there was no evidence of predation on reptiles or amphibians, suggesting that the impact of pumpkinseed on the conservation of native aquatic vertebrates may be negligible. Surveys also allowed to record several non-native fish species, including some predators, e.g. largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, pikeperch Sander lucioperca and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, the diet and potential impact of which should be carefully assessed. This study highlights the importance of monitoring to mitigate the spread of non-native fish and support conservation within protected areas.

Abstract The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri, Hemiptera: Psyllidae) was first detected in Cyprus in August 2023 in an orchard of Citrus x aurantium var. sinensis (orange trees) in the Phassouri area in Limassol District. Follow‐up monitoring revealed the presence of D. citri in citrus orchards across all districts of the island, namely Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Ammochostos and Paphos. Several demarcated areas were defined, each including an infested zone (the infested citrus orchard) and a buffer zone, encompassing the village, town or community where the infested orchard was located. The measures taken in the infested and buffer zones were mainly the application of chemical insecticides. An extensive awareness campaign was initiated by the NPPO of Cyprus, which included training all plant health inspectors in the identification of D. citri and the symptoms of huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening, a disease caused by three species of bacteria in the genus ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’, vectored by the psyllid. Surveys continue throughout Cyprus, and in March 2024, the parasitoid wasp Tamarixia radiata, a biological control agent, was imported as part of the eradication program. Releases of T. radiata were initiated in April 2024. Citrus fruits are the second most economically important fresh product exported from Cyprus. Citrus trees can be found not only in orchards but also in urban areas, including private gardens, which complicates eradication and control efforts. Additionally, the NPPO has initiated an extensive survey to confirm the absence of huanglongbing.

Amblypygi, commonly known as tailless whip scorpions or whip spiders, is an order of Arachnida noted for its cryptic habits and predominantly tropical and subtropical distribution. Although the group was first mentioned on the island of Cyprus in 1990, no specific taxonomic information was provided at the time. Through a combination of literature review, targeted field surveys and citizen-science contributions, we confirm the presence of Saraxioanniticus (Kritscher, 1959) in Cyprus, representing the first documented record of this species on the island. Following seven years of dedicated searches, a live specimen was collected in 2023 and identified, thereby establishing S.ioanniticus as part of the island's rich fauna. This finding extends the known range of S.ioanniticus within the eastern Mediterranean and underscores the importance of integrating biodiversity research with public engagement to detect elusive or under-reported taxa. Future studies should investigate the species' local distribution, ecological requirements and potential conservation concerns on Cyprus.

Sphecidae sensu lato currently includes more than 10,000 species of which 34 belong to the genus Sceliphron Klug, 1801. In Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, three out of eight species of Sceliphron are alien to the region, including the Asian S. curvatum (Smith, 1870) and S. deforme (Smith, 1856) as well as the Nearctic S. caementarium (Drury, 1773). Up-to-date, only three species of Sceliphron have been reported for Cyprus, S. destillatorium, S. madraspatanum tubifex and S. spirifex, being native to the island. In this publication, S. curvatum is reported for the first time as a new alien mud-dauber to the island. Specimens were first observed in 2020 at Xyliatos (Nicosia) and reared from nests collected in 2023 upon annual surveys. In addition, nests of both S. curvatum and S. spirifex co-existing at the site were opened providing preliminary data on spider prey. A literature investigation compared with the national list of spiders in Cyprus provides an insight into potential spider prey while a dichotomous identification key, including alien S. caementarium and S. deforme yet to be reported from the island, is provided. The number of Sceliphron species known from Cyprus is raised to four. More research is necessary to elucidate the biotic interactions of Sceliphron in Cyprus, the invasiveness and the further spread of S. curvatum on the island.

Land use composition, water level fluctuations (WLFs), and biogeographical factors are recognized as key drivers of phytoplankton dynamics in reservoir ecosystems. This two-year study presents the first assessment of the combined effects of catchment land use, WLFs, and geographical distance on phytoplankton biomass and community composition across twelve Mediterranean reservoirs in Cyprus, which serve primarily for drinking water supply and irrigation. The results show that higher phytoplankton biomass was recorded in reservoirs whose catchments had >30% coverage by developed land (urban and agricultural), suggesting that increased anthropogenic pressures may lead to nutrient enrichment and elevated productivity. However, despite elevated biomass, no consistent spatial patterns were observed in phytoplankton community composition. The geographical distance between reservoirs had only a minor effect on species distribution, implying that other factors—such as water residence time or hydrological variability—play a more prominent role in shaping community structure. Phytoplankton biomass maxima were most often recorded during periods of elevated water levels and were typically dominated by Chlorophyta, Dinoflagellata, Bacillariophyta, and Charophyta. The pronounced temporal variability in species composition across all reservoirs points to a highly dynamic system, where environmental fluctuations strongly influence community assembly. This study provides the first comprehensive data on phytoplankton in Cyprus reservoirs, highlighting the importance of land use and hydrological regulation for water quality management in similar settings. Importantly, this baseline dataset can support the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) by contributing to the definition of ecological status classes, establishing reference conditions, and guiding future monitoring and assessment efforts. Expanding such datasets through coordinated, basin-wide monitoring initiatives is essential to improve our understanding of phytoplankton dynamics and their role in ecosystem functioning under the pressures of climate change and intensified land use in this Mediterranean “hot spot”.

There is no detailed and comprehensive study to determine the seroprevalence of zoonotic infections that cause abortion in sheep in Northern Cyprus. The study was conducted in the 3 districts with the highest sheep population in Northern Cyprus. This cross-sectional study aimed to serologically determine Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydia abortus, which are the agents of zoonotic abortion in sheep and to investigate the seroprevalence rate in these 3 regions. A total of 450 serum samples were collected from 45 farms located in the districts of Lefkoşa, Vadili and Ziyamet, where the sheep population is highest in Northern Cyprus. Serum samples were taken from 10 sheep in 15 farms, in each of the three districts for a total of 450 samples, and exposure to Brucella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydia abortus were investigated. Brucellosis was found negative in all serum samples with the complement fixation test. With the ELISA test, 96 (21.33%) sheep were detected as Toxoplasma gondii positive, 175 (38.88%) sheep as Coxiella burnetii positive and 14 (3.11%) sheep sera were detected as Chlamydia abortus positive. With the eradication studies implemented in Northern Cyprus, it was determined that Brucellosis was no longer a problem in this region, that T. gondii, C. burnetii and C. abortus pathogens were detected in Northern Cyprus, and that the zoonotic abortion problem in this region could be reduced by taking biosecurity measures.

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is increasingly being adopted across Europe to enhance water security in semiarid regions, with over 230 operational sites. The Akrotiri MAR system in Limassol, Cyprus, comprises 17 recharge ponds operating since 2016 to counteract saltwater intrusion. This study evaluates MAR effectiveness by analyzing spatial and temporal variations in water quality from 2016 to 2020. Parameters analyzed include nutrients, metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, fecal indicators, physicochemical characteristics, recharge and pumping volumes, and groundwater levels. The results show that soil aquifer treatment (SAT) generally improves groundwater quality but certain boreholes exhibited elevated nitrate (range 12.70–31 mg/L), electrical conductivity (range 936–10,420 μs/cm), and chloride concentrations (range 117–1631 mg/L), attributed to recharge water quality, seawater intrusion, and nearby agricultural activities. Tertiary treated wastewater used for recharge occasionally exceeds permissible limits, particularly in E. coli (up to 2420/100 mL), chloride (up to 385 mg/L), and nitrogen (up to 41 mg/L). Supplementing recharge with dam-supplied freshwater improves groundwater quality and raises water levels. These findings underline the importance of continuous monitoring and effective management, adopting sustainable farming practices, and the strict control of recharge water quality. The study offers valuable insights for optimizing MAR systems and supports integrating MAR into circular water management frameworks to mitigate pollution and seawater intrusion, enhancing long-term aquifer sustainability.