Biotic Factors Research Articles

Grafting and Inoculation of Grafted Plants With Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Enhances Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Organic Tomato

Biotic and abiotic stress factors pose significant challenges to organic tomato production in Alabama and the southeastern United States. High temperature, drought, soil, and foliar-borne diseases have rendered it exceedingly difficult for organic tomato growers in Alabama to produce profitable crops. Our objective was to evaluate plant response to imposed biotic (Verticillium dahliae) and abiotic (drought) stress in the popular tomato variety ‘Roma’ through grafting unto the resistant rootstock ‘Maxifort’, and the incorporation of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) B. amyloliquefaciens, to mitigate challenges posed by these stress factors. The research was conducted in a greenhouse in north Alabama where both soilborne pathogens (V. dahliae) and drought stress treatments were applied. The experimental design was a split plot with 4 main plots (Grafting, PGPR, Grafting + PGPR, and Control) and 3 subplots (drought, pathogen, and control) treatments with 4 replications. B. amyloliquefaciens was applied in the rhizosphere of grafted and non-grafted plants at 1 × 108 CFU/ml/plant. Pathogen-treated plants were also inoculated with V. dahliae at 1 × 105 propagules/ml. The study revealed that grafting, and grafting + B. amyloliquefaciens caused a significant increase in stem girth, plant biomass, early flowering, and fruiting of tomatoes compared to the non-grafted and control treatments. Integrating grafting and PGPR could be beneficial in enhancing plant resilience and performance under biotic and abiotic stress conditions.

Gene recognition and role of foodomics in mycotoxin control: A review

Since recognition of toxic and carcinogenic aflatoxins in Brazilian groundnut meal in 1960, much research has been done to prevent and detoxify aflatoxins in foods and feeds, identifying a variety of methods. The research has expanded to other mycotoxins. The biotic and abiotic factors favoring mycotoxin contaminations have been understood through experiments under laboratory conditions and analysis of field data. However, many gaps remain in the knowledge on mycotoxin control at the molecular level that may be useful in addressing mycotoxigenic hazards. Recognition of responsible genes in hosts and fungi and omics methods applying genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to understand mycotoxin biosynthesis at the molecular level may open new avenues to interact with plant-fungi-bacteria cross-talks, apply regulatory mechanisms in biosynthesis, and explore checks and controls addressing abiotic and biotic factors favoring mycotoxin biosynthesis. The new knowledge is expected to generate probable molecular biological mechanisms to eliminate mycotoxin biosynthesis on foods. The current level of omics knowledge requires application of research to achieve deeper understanding, aiming at new methods for mycotoxin controls and applying next-generation technologies. This review examines the current knowledge on the biosynthesis of aflatoxins, fusarium toxins, and patulin in foods and host-fungi interactions at a molecular level.

Evaluation of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Accessions Resistance against Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum)

Aim: Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) is one of the major biotic factors limiting tomato production globally. Research was conducted in three environments to screen and identify Nigeria tomato accessions that are resistant to fusarium wilt. Methodology: Twelve (12) prominent tomato accessions were collected and screened against Fusarium oxysporum by artificial inoculation under field conditions in three diverse environments. The experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data were collected on plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of fruits per plant, and fresh fruits yield per plant (kg) and analyzed using IRRI STAR software. Disease scoring was done using a 0-9 point rating scale in the evaluation trials. Result: The results show some significance levels (P<0.05) in the traits studied within the accessions. The screening result revealed that none of the twelve prominent accessions is highly resistant to the pathogen. One accession was resistant. Three were moderately resistant; three were moderately susceptible and five were highly susceptible. Conclusion: The accessions that were resistant and moderately resistant could be used as a gene donor for breeding for tomato cultivars resistant to Fusarium oxysporum. Moreover, the accessions that have been identified to be resistant and moderately resistant with high yield should be cultivated before improved cultivars that will be resistant to Fusarium oxysporum will be readily available and accessible in rainforest and derived guinea savanna agro-ecological zones of Nigeria.

Prospects for Oak Cultivation in Europe Under Changing Environmental Conditions and Increasing Pressure from Harmful Organisms

It is assumed that climate change (global warming) worsens the living conditions for conifers and at the same time favours the cultivation of deciduous trees, including oaks. In fact, in Poland, for example, many more oaks are now being planted as forest-forming tree species than in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the monitoring of the health status of European forests (according to the International Co-operation Project) does not confirm these optimistic assumptions, and oak has been cited as one of the most damaged tree species in terms of defoliation in recent decades. The prospects for oak cultivation in European forestry are therefore a combination of abiotic conditions and biotic damage factors. This review article focuses in particular on the new threats posed by pathogenic organisms causing emerging diseases. These include newly identified bacteria responsible for the so-called Acute Oak Decline (AOD), oomycetes (especially those specialised in damaging fine roots, such as Phytophthora quercina T.Jung) and semi-parasites of the genus Loranthus. At the same time, the pressure from commonly observed insects and fungi described in connection with the complex syndrome of oak decline, which is divided into predisposing, inciting, and contributing factors (according to Manion’s disease spiral), has not abated. Therefore, international, interdisciplinary research (such as that proposed in Oakland) is needed, using modern technologies (RS remote sensing) based on the comparison of satellite images (from different years), not only to inventory the most valuable oak stands in Europe (microrefugia) but also to identify trends in changes in their condition and biodiversity. As RS has its limitations (e.g., resolution), aerial monitoring should be complemented by quantitative and qualitative inventory from the ground, e.g., monitoring of the presence of soil microorganisms using effective molecular biological methods (e.g., Next-Generation Sequencing NGS).

Chlorophyll in water and bottom sediments as an indicator of the trophic state of Busse Lagoon (Sakhalin Island)

New associated data on the content of chlorophyll a and its derivatives in the water and bottom sediments of Busse Lagoon (Sakhalin Island) have been obtained. Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll degradation products (Chl a + Ph) in the water column is represented predominantly by the active form (61.4 ± 1.1%), in bottom sediments – by a product of its degradation (84.7 ± 2.5%). The connection between pigments in water and bottom sediments, as well as the abiotic conditions of primary production, has been revealed. For the first time, for a unique reservoir characterized by overgrowth of aquatic vegetation, silt accumulation and regular death of aquatic organisms, the similarity of the average annual sedimentation rate in the lagoon with the ratio of pelagic and benthic pigments was shown. The prevailing importance of the biotic factor in the formation of trophic conditions has been established. Based on the average content of Chl a + Ph in water (4.1 ± 0.8 mg/dm3) and in bottom sediments (13.5 ± 4.0 μg/g d.s.), Busse Lagoon is a mesotrophic reservoir. Trophic state of benthic in the period 2013–2021 is preserved, remaining oligotrophic in the shallow coastal zone and mesotrophic in the central part of the lagoon.

Long‐Term Declines in Body Size of the Invasive Rusty Crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) in Temperate Lakes

ABSTRACT Invasive species often experience phenotypic change during the invasion process. For example, many invasive species are larger in their non‐native than native ranges, but some invasive species experience body size declines with time since invasion. Mechanisms of these phenotypic changes are poorly known, likely due to a paucity of long‐term datasets and complex interactions among abiotic and biotic factors that affect body size over time. We use a long‐term dataset (1980–2020) in 17 lakes of Wisconsin, United States to investigate trends in body size for an invasive species, the rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus). We relate F. rusticus body size to crayfish relative abundance as catch‐per‐unit effort (CPUE) from baited trapping, as well as modelled lake temperatures and pelagic primary productivity, using a structural equation model (SEM). Our use of an SEM allowed us to investigate the direct effect of time on F. rusticus on body size, as well as indirect effects through factors like warming of lakes due to climate change. We found that F. rusticus body size has declined by 10% over the past four decades in our study lakes, from a mean of 36.6 mm total carapace length in 1980 to 32.8 mm in 2020. Faxonius rusticus individuals were larger when lakes were warmer, but the overall effect of time on declining F. rusticus body size was stronger than this predictor. Relative abundance as CPUE had no effect on F. rusticus body size, rejecting a role for density dependence in explaining adult body size of this invasive crayfish. Declining F. rusticus body sizes have accompanied population declines of this invasive crayfish in some Wisconsin lakes, and both trends provide potential for post‐invasion ecosystem recovery. As one example, smaller F. rusticus individuals may be less effective or active predators on fish nests. By contrast, declining F. rusticus body size may also create opportunities for serial or over‐invasion by future crayfish invaders, sustaining a need to discourage crayfish introductions to this region.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity for MYMV Resistance in Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] using SSR Markers

Background: Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is among the most significant edible legume crops and consumed in various parts of the world. Among different biotic factors, mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) affects this crop. The objective of the present investigation was to assess genetic variability among mungbean genotypes for MYMV resistance using simple sequence repeat markers. Methods: The present research was conducted to assess the genetic diversity among selected mungbean genotypes from field screening of 303 genotypes with an emphasis on resistance against MYMV. The field screening was done at Seed Breeding Farm, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during summer 2022, kharif 2022 and summer 2023. Thirty SSR markers have been utilized to measure genetic variation among the 32 studied genotypes. Result: Marker MB-SSR033 stands out as the most informative locus with the greatest PIC and gene diversity value. The cluster analysis, classified the 32 genotypes into two major groups and maximum distance was noted between PDM 139 and IC 314523. The SSR markers CEDG293 (10.14%) and DMBSSR008 (9.11%) were found considerably linked to MYMV resistance. Harnessing multiple sources of resistance gives a good possibility to boost the resistance and production of mungbean cultivars.

Influence of Varied Nutrient Management Strategies on Yield, Nutrient Absorption and Grain Protein Content in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Chickpea is an important global legume crop, known for high protein content and ability to fix atmospheric N. Achieving optimal chickpea yields in Bundelkhand region is often limited by various biotic and abiotic factors, including nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Thus, proper nutrient management, through inorganics and organics, is a prerequisite for obtaining better yields and quality produce in chickpea. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi during rabi season 2022-2023 on different nutrient managements in chickpea. The field experiment was done in a completely randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice viz, control (T1), 100% RDF (T2), 75% RDF (T3), 100% RDF + 5 t ha-1 FYM (T4), 75% RDF + 5 t ha-1 FYM (T5), 100% RDF + 5 t ha-1 vermicompost (T6), 75% RDF + 5 t ha-1 vermicompost (T7), 100% RDN through FYM (T8) and 100% RDN through vermicompost (T9). Result: Yield and total uptake of N, P and K were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in T6 followed by T4, whereas total S uptake was highest in T4. Grain protein content and protein yield were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in T4 followed by T6. It was concluded that combined application of inorganic and organic inputs can lead to dual benefits: increased crop yield and improved protein content in harvested chickpea grains.

Germination Strategies and Seed Quality of Colobanthus quitensis: Implications for Sustainable Antarctic Ecosystems and Ex Situ Plant Conservation

The conservation of the Antarctic ecosystem is linked to scientific and tourism activities. The Colección Activa de Plantas Vasculares Antárticas at the Universidad de Concepción aims to help conserve the region’s vascular flora to support scientific research while minimizing anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems. Colobanthus quitensis is the only native dicotyledonous plant native to Antarctica and, as an extremophilic plant, is capable of withstanding extreme abiotic conditions. This species has potentially important use as a biological model to study the physiological deterioration of dormant seeds and other traits, some of which may contribute to vegetation development in Antarctica. Although studies have addressed the reproduction and germination of C. quitensis, there is no recent synthesis of information regarding its reproductive biology and seed traits that could support its conservation. This work synthesizes and critically analyzes the current knowledge of C. quitensis reproduction in natural and controlled environments, identifying factors that contribute to the decline in seed quality. We propose that growth conditions, seed morphology, and interactions with endophytic fungi influence germination and seedling establishment. We also highlight critical knowledge gaps that must be addressed to better understand the species’ phenology, the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on its development, strategies for seed conservation, and biotechnological applications.

Genetic Foundation of Leaf Senescence: Insights from Natural and Cultivated Plant Diversity

Leaf senescence, the final stage of leaf development, is crucial for plant fitness as it enhances nutrient reutilization, supporting reproductive success and overall plant adaptation. Understanding its molecular and genetic regulation is essential to improve crop resilience and productivity, particularly in the face of global climate change. This review explores the significant contributions of natural genetic diversity to our understanding of leaf senescence, focusing on insights from model plants and major crops. We discuss the physiological and adaptive significance of senescence in plant development, environmental adaptation, and agricultural productivity. The review emphasizes the importance of natural genetic variation, including studies on natural accessions, landraces, cultivars, and artificial recombinant lines to unravel the genetic basis of senescence. Various approaches, from quantitative trait loci mapping to genome-wide association analysis and in planta functional analysis, have advanced our knowledge of senescence regulation. Current studies focusing on key regulatory genes and pathways underlying natural senescence, identified from natural or recombinant accession and cultivar populations, are highlighted. We also address the adaptive implications of abiotic and biotic stress factors triggering senescence and the genetic mechanisms underlying these responses. Finally, we discuss the challenges in translating these genetic insights into crop improvement. We propose future research directions, such as expanding studies on under-researched crops, investigating multiple stress combinations, and utilizing advanced technologies, including multiomics and gene editing, to harness natural genetic diversity for crop resilience.

Unveiling wind-thrown trees: Detection and quantification of wind-thrown tree stems on UAV-orthomosaics based on UNet and a heuristic stem reconstruction

Severe storm events cause significant biomass losses in European forests. In addition to direct storm damage, biotic, abiotic, and market-related factors contribute to further damage with far-reaching effects on forest and nature conservation. These subsequent damages can be minimized if the amount of damaged timber and its spatial distribution are known and can be used to plan salvage operations. Traditional methods and satellite-based remote sensing can only delineate affected areas and estimate the amount of damaged timber. Aerial remote sensing can determine the spatial distribution of tree trunks with a detection rate of up to 92%, but it cannot quantify the volume of individual trunks. Newer UAV approaches are promising, but a methodology for quantifying fallen trees has not yet been published. This work addresses this gap by using UAVs orthomosaics and a hybrid heuristic and deep learning approach to capture the spatial distribution of tree trunks and estimate their volume while even reconstructing occluded stem parts. For the training of the deep learning model, high-resolution orthomosaics were used, in which 760 trunks were manually outlined and labeled. The method achieved an average stem detection rate DR25 of 92.6%. while an average classification error rate (CE) of 1.6% and a reconstruction error rate of 0.2% were reported. In the consecutive quantification of the stem volume, a relative bias rbias of −4.35% was reported for 560 reference stems at 15 investigation sites, whereas the result differ between the site (rbias= [−22.44%, 9.06%]) due weather conditions during the flight, stand parameters and the wind-throw pattern itself. The proposed method provides additional information for the management of wind-throw areas and the monitoring of biomass and carbon cycles, supports the understanding of wind-throw dynamics, and promotes the development of sustainable management strategies.

Biodiversity and anthropogenic disturbances predominantly drive carbon sequestration rates across temporal scales in temperate forests

Addressing the escalating challenges of climate change necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing carbon sequestration rates (CSRs) in forest ecosystems. Although the impact of various biotic factors, environmental, and anthropogenic factors on CSRs over different time scales is well recognized, their precise roles remain poorly defined. This study aims to clarify the mechanistic relationships between CSRs and these factors in large-scale natural temperate forests in northeastern China. We employed linear mixed-effects models and piecewise structural equation models were to analyze data from 310 vegetation plots, assessing the effects of biotic factors (including multidimensional diversity, structural diversity, and community-weighted mean (CWM) trait values) and abiotic factors (climate, topography, and anthropogenic disturbances) across different forest types and successional stages. Our analysis tested a series of hypotheses to identify the principal drivers of forest CSRs. The results indicate that while functional composition and standard environmental factors such as mean annual temperature and slope are significant, their influence is markedly less than that of biodiversity (encompassing multidimensional and structural diversity) and anthropogenic disturbance (as measured by the Human Modification Index). These findings support the dominance of the niche complementarity theory and the moderate disturbance hypothesis, with their importance increasing over time. Furthermore, this study advocates for forest management strategies that are specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of mixed and dense forests at different stages of succession. By elucidating the complex relationships between ecological variables and CSRs, our findings provide critical insights for the development of effective strategies aimed at optimizing forest carbon sequestration. This study underscores the necessity of integrating sustainable forest management with the conservation of ecological biodiversity.

Drivers of denitrification and nitrification in a dryland agroecosystem: The role of abiotic and biotic factors

Agricultural practices such as tillage and fertilization impact soil nitrogen (N) cycling processes, but how they alter the coupling between the activity, abundance and diversity of N-cycling microbes remains to be understood. Here, we used a fifteen-year trial in a dryland agroecosystem on the Loess Plateau of China (two tillage regimes crossed with six fertilization treatments) to understand how (de)nitrification potentials are determined by soil abiotic conditions and the abundances and compositions of the (de)nitrifier communities. We measured the abundances of bacterial (AOB) and archaeal (AOA) ammonia oxidizers and nirK- and nirS-nitrite reducers, their community compositions, potential nitrification (PNA) and denitrification (PDA), and soil abiotic conditions. PNA and PDA across the 12 treatments were positively correlated to AOB abundance and nirS abundance, respectively. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed the presence of dominant ecological modules of (de)nitrifiers sensitive to agricultural treatments, and more complex network under no-tilled than tilled conditions as well as under multiple fertilizers than unfertilized conditions. Path analysis and random forest analysis both showed that PNA was explained by AOB abundances and the relative abundance of one module of (de)nitrifiers driven by soil ammonium concentration, while PDA was most related to soil organic carbon concentration, pH and to a lesser extent nirS abundance. These findings demonstrate that, in agricultural soils, the potential of denitrification –a facultative activity for denitrifiers– is mainly predicted by abiotic conditions, while the potential of nitrification –an obligate activity for nitrifiers– is determined by biotic variables, here AOB abundances and a particular cluster of microbial populations.

Biotic and abiotic drivers of seedling density in Polylepis rugulosa forests across east- and west-facing slopes in the Peruvian Andes

ABSTRACT Background Polylepis forests are highly endangered tropical high Andean ecosystems. P. rugulosa has had the most significant decrease in spatial distribution compared to other Polylepis species and requires adequate restoration measures. Aims This study evaluated the relationship between P. rugulosa seedling density and biotic and abiotic factors across east- and west-facing slopes to identify optimum conditions for the regeneration and restoration of the species. Methods We assessed structural, edaphic, and topographic variables in 58 plots of 600 m2, microsite characteristics in 204 quadrats of 1 m2 and related them observed to P. rugulosa seedling density. Results The density and basal area of P. rugulosa adults were higher on west-facing slopes than on east-facing slopes. On both aspects, seedling density was positively related to the height and basal area of the adult trees and negatively related to sand content and the cover of ground vegetation (shrubs and herbs). Seedling density on east-facing slopes was positively related to soil organic matter content, and it was negatively related to it on west-facing slopes. Regarding microsite characteristics, the height of the nearest adult tree and litter cover were positively related to seedling density. Conclusions Restoration of P. rugulosa should consider the contrasting effects of abiotic and biotic factors on seedling density on east- vs. west-facing slopes to optimise the recruitment and growth.

Are urbanization, biotic and social factors associated with the song frequency and song entropy attributes of three urban syntopic passerines?

Are urbanization, biotic and social factors associated with the song frequency and song entropy attributes of three urban syntopic passerines?

The influence of biostimulations on the yield and quality of Brassica oleracea hybrids in the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation

Relevance. It is necessary to search for methods for obtaining environmentally friendly products and reducing the pesticide load on agrobiocenoses. Biostimulants can influence the increase in the yield of vegetable crops and improve their quality, which is confirmed by numerous studies. Stimulating effects depend on a combination of various biotic and abiotic factors. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of biostimulants on the yield and quality of Brassica Oleracea in the conditions of the Central Non-Chernozem zone on heavy loamy sod-podzolic soils.Methodology. A field experiment was carried out in the conditions of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation on sod-podzolic soil in 2019-2021. In an experiment with two hybrids of Brassica Oleracea: F1 Zarnitsa (mid-early) and F1 Mechta (late-ripening), biostimulants Agrofil and MBK-BIS were studied for soaking seeds, seedlings and foliar treatment. The control variants were without fertilizer (absolute control) and the N90P120K150 background.Results. The effect of mineral fertilizers on both hybrids was characterized by an increase in the weight of heads of cabbage by 11.7 and 23.5%, respectively. When treating seeds, the weight of heads of cabbage increased by 15-18% compared to the background. Additional treatment with stimulants for soaking seedlings in Agrofil and foliar treatment with the MBK-BIS preparation increased the weight of heads of cabbage in comparison with the background in the F1 Zarnitsa hybrid by 21.4 and 23.3%, F1 Mechta - by 21.4 and 25.4%. The contribution of biostimulants to the yield of the used cabbage hybrids is more pronounced in the late-ripening hybrid, which directly depends on the amount of precipitation during the growing season. The studied biostimulants contribute to an increase in the content of vitamin C, fiber, and the amount of sugars in cabbage heads.Conclusion. Biostimulants MBK-BIS and Agrofil are effective for increasing the yield and improving the biochemical composition of the studied Brassica oleracea hybrids in the conditions of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia.

Disentangling the response of species diversity, forest structure, and environmental drivers to aboveground biomass in the tropical forests of Western Ghats, India

Tropical forests are crucial to the global carbon cycle, but a significant knowledge gap in the precise distribution patterns of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) hinders our ability to formulate effective conservation efforts. A key unresolved issue is the lack of understanding of how forest AGB interacts with biotic and abiotic factors on large spatial scale. To address this, we used Structural Equation Modeling to disentangle the direct and indirect effects of environmental, anthropogenic, structural diversity species diversity and edaphic factors on AGB of trees, lianas and regenerating communities using the data from 96 1-ha plots in the central Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India. We hypothesized that the effect of structural attributes overrides AGB distribution, with relative contributions varying among plant communities. The landscape-level mean AGB was 245.12 ± 19.74 Mg ha−1, with SEM explaining 68–85 % of variations across the three vegetation communities. Structural diversity emerged as the primary mediator of the positive effects of taxonomic diversity on AGB in the regeneration community, whereas canopy cover and stem density linked diversity to AGB in adult tree and liana communities. Further, AGB showed a positive association with soil organic carbon in adult tree and regeneration communities, underscoring the significance of belowground resource availability on AGB. The results indicate that structural features were consistently the strongest AGB predictors at all levels of data aggregation, indicating the predominant role of niche complementarity and efficient space utilization in driving AGB, albeit differently across the plant communities. Our study emphasizes the importance of maintaining high structural features and managing taxonomic diversity while promoting soil fertility and minimizing disturbances to support AGB in tropical forests. We recommend testing the effects of predictor variables on biomass of vegetation communities independently to better understand the ecological principles of forest functioning.

Helminths Parasite Communities in Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in the Sô River (Benin, West Africa) : A Prelimanary Study

Heterotis niloticus, the african bonytongue, is a fish species living in shallow waters. Its feeding ecology makes it an omnivorous species capable of reaching large sizes. It is a rare species in the catches except from well-known areas and seasons. A total of 39 H. niloticus individuals from Sô river were subjected to parasitological examination in order to identify the diversity of parasites. Physicochemical water parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (O2), Nitrite (NO2), Electrical Conductivity (EC), turbidity and total dissolved solids (TDS) were recorded. The sex and the size of any fish were reported. Indices characterizing the parasitic infracommunity and the component community were determined. Total prevalence was 97.43%, with five parasite species identified, comprising 3 heterogenous parasites and 2 monoxenous parasites and a community of 529 individuals. Male fish were more infested than females (P < .05) while the mean abundance and intensity were largely in favor of acanthocephalans (P < .05). There was no significant correlation (P > .05) between the physicochemical parameters and the parasite prevalence. The physico-chemical profile revealed therefore an acceptable living ecosystem for fish. However, the high presence of heterogenous parasites suggests that further investigations over a longer sampling period could highlight the biotic or abiotic factors favorable to this multiplication of each recorded parasite group.

First Report of the Thermophilic Thalassoma Pavo (Linnaeus, 1758) on the Central Adriatic Coast of Italy, in Abruzzo

The Trabocchi Coast in the Chieti district of the mid-Adriatic (Italy) is one of the few rocky areas within the General Fisheries Commission GSA 17, alongside Mount Conero (Ancona 43°00′01″ N 13°52′13″ E) and the small San Nicola Rock (Ascoli Piceno; 43°32′0″ N 13°36′0″ E). This coastline is known for its biodiversity-rich bays, inlets, and submerged cliffs. Since 2015, annual biodiversity surveys have been conducted in the area, focusing on marine species richness and the identification of non-native species. In September 2024, a juvenile ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) was documented for the first time in the middle Adriatic during an underwater visual survey at Trabocco Punta Torre, a key site along the Trabocchi Coast near artificial and biogenic reefs. This record extends the known distribution of T. pavo, a thermophilic species previously reported only along the southern Adriatic coast of Puglia. This is the first confirmed sighting on the middle and northern Adriatic coast of Italy. The discovery highlights the importance of ongoing biodiversity monitoring to track changes in marine ecosystems, particularly as the Adriatic Sea faces environmental shifts linked to climate warming. The presence of T. pavo in this area suggests the potential for the species to establish populations in previously uninhabited northern regions. Further research is needed to explore the role of biotic and abiotic factors—such as water temperature, current patterns, and habitat availability—in the survival and potential reproduction of T. pavo in the middle Adriatic. The observation contributes to the broader understanding of the meridionalization process in the Adriatic Sea, where rising water temperatures are facilitating the northward expansion of thermophilic species. Continuous monitoring is recommended to assess the long-term viability of T. pavo populations in the Adriatic Sea and better predict the impacts of ongoing climate change on marine biodiversity.

Генетические ресурсы семечковых культур в Никитском ботаническом саду

Annotation. Based on many years of work with collections of pome fruits, data on the main economically valuable characteristics of apple, pear and quince varieties were collected and analyzed. The article provides information on the composition and ecological and geographic origin of genetic resources of pome fruits of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. The collection of apple trees is represented by 1783 varieties, pears – 1348, quinces – 227. The working hybrid fund of these crops includes about 4 thousand hybrids. The purpose of the research is to study the varietal collection of apple, pear and quince trees in order to identify new sources of economically valuable signs of their use in breeding programs. As a result of long-term research from the gene pool collection of apple, pear and quince, the sources of the main breeding-significant traits of interest for use in breeding programs have been identified. For breeding, the most interesting varieties are those that combine a complex of economically valuable characteristics (early fruitfulness, low tree growth, late flowering, very early and late fruit ripening, high commercial and taste qualities, high yield capacity, resistance to biotic and abiotic environmental factors). According to the pear, such varieties include: Diva, Biryuzovaya, Nadezhda Stepi, Kel'menchanka, Mariya, Zhak Tel'ye, Desertnaya, Yakimovskaya, Tavricheskaya, Konferentsiya, Noyabr'skaya, Izumrudnaya, Izyuminka Kryma, Veresneve Divo, Rada, Oliv'ye de Serr, Kirgizskaya zimnyaya, Nezabudka; according to the apple tree – Ayvaniya, Akane, Auraliya, Boskopskaya Krasavitsa, Vil'yams Prayd, Grinslivz, Zarya Alatau, Kal'vil' Letniy, King Devid, Medeya, Predgornoye, Rozotsvet, Skifiya, Tavriya, Edera; according to quince – Gladkoplodnaya, Desertnaya, Zoloto Tavridy, Konservnaya Pozdnyaya, Mir, Novoselovskaya, Stepnaya, Osenniy Suvenir, Yantarnaya. Key words: collection, apple, pear, quince, breeding, variety, valuable signs