Cosmopolitan Species Research Articles

Typification of the Economically Important Species Thyreophagus entomophagus (Acari: Astigmata: Acaridae) Used for the Industrial Production of Predatory Mites: The Designation of a Neotype with Detailed Morphological and DNA Sequence Data

The mite Thyreophagus entomophagus is a cosmopolitan species of significant economic importance in biocontrol applications, serving as a factitious prey for the mass rearing of predatory mites. This species has been reported from a variety of habitats. However, the taxonomic reliability of its name is questionable due to inconsistencies in historical species identifications, the absence of type specimens, and misidentified GenBank sequences. Here, to address these issues and to standardize the nomenclature, we redescribe Thyreophagus entomophagus based on a commercial culture with known COX1 barcoding sequence data and designate a neotype from this culture. As part of delimiting the species boundaries of Th. entomophagus, the question of whether this species forms heteromorphic deutonymphs is particularly important. While the literature suggests that most populations lack them, at least one population in Germany has been reported to produce heteromorphic deutonymphs. However, after careful examination, we identified this population as a new species, Thyreophagus holda, indicating that previous identifications of this population as Th. entomophagus were incorrect. The absence of the heteromorphic deutonymphal stage is a beneficial trait for mass production, as it simplifies the life cycle by eliminating the energetically costly heteromorphic deutonymph. Our preliminary molecular phylogenetic analyses of Th. entomophagus and other species of Thyreophagus indicate that the loss of heteromorphic deutonymphs and the emergence of asexual reproduction (another beneficial trait for mass production) are derived traits that arose after the divergence of the most recent common ancestor of Thyreophagus. These insights enhance our understanding of the evolutionary traits that increase the effectiveness of Th. entomophagus and related species in biocontrol settings. Our study points to the need for additional bioprospecting efforts to identify new candidate species for biocontrol that possess both asexual reproduction and the absence of heteromorphic deutonymphs.

First record of the subgenus Megachelonus Baker, 1926 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Cheloninae, genus Chelonus Panzer, 1806) for the Afrotropical region (southwestern region of Saudi Arabia), with the description of a new species

The subgenus Megachelonus Baker, 1926 of the cosmopolitan genus Chelonus Panzer, 1806 is recorded for the first time in the Afrotropical region, in a coffee orchard in Jazan (southwestern Saudi Arabia). A new species, Chelonus (Megachelonus) arabicus Soliman & Gadallah, is described and illustrated.

Advancing the Taxonomy of the Diatom Pseudo-nitzschia Through an Integrative Study Conducted in the Central and Southeastern Adriatic Sea.

The marine diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia comprises cosmopolitan phytoplankton species commonly present in the Adriatic Sea. Species within the genus Pseudo-nitzschia have been of significant concern because they produce domoic acid (DA), which can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). In this study, we identified Pseudo-nitzschia species along the Central and Southeastern Adriatic Sea, where monthly sampling carried out from February 2022 to February 2024 allowed for comprehensive species documentation. Pseudo-nitzschia species cell cultures isolated from the study areas were morphologically and molecularly analysed. Morphological analyses were performed using a scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM/STEM), while molecular analyses were conducted, targeting the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, LSU, and rbcL regions, to confirm species identity. This integrative approach led to the identification of eight species: Pseudo-nitzschia allochrona, Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha, Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima, Pseudo-nitzschia fraudulenta, Pseudo-nitzschia mannii, Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata, Pseudo-nitzschia pseudodelicatissima, and Pseudo-nitzschia subfraudulenta. Our findings underscore the value of a combined approach for reliable species identification and contribute to the development of genetic sequence databases that support the advancement of next-generation methods such as metabarcoding. This research emphasises the importance of combined morphological and molecular methods for the differentiation of the cryptic and pseudo-cryptic Pseudo-nitzschia species.

Chromosome-scale telomere to telomere genome assembly of common crystalwort (Riccia sorocarpa Bisch.)

Riccia sorocarpa Bisch., commonly known as common crystalwort, is a plant belonging to the Marchantiales order with a cosmopolitan distribution among a wide range of habitats: fields, gardens, waste ground, on paths, cliff tops, and thin soil over rocks or by water bodies. However, research into the genetic aspects of this species is limited. In this study, the chromosome-scale telomere-to-telomere genome of R. sorocarpa was assembled exclusively by Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing and Pore-C technology. A high-quality chromosomal-scale assembly was obtained with a final genome size of 376.690 Mbp, contig N50 of 49.132 Mbp and 97.02% of the assembled contigs associated with the eight chromosomes. Genome assembly completeness was confirmed by BUSCO analysis accounting 91.8%. Among 27,626 total genes, 23,562 (85.29%) were functionally annotated. Moreover, collinearity of Marchantiales was analyzed as well as gene family evolution and DNA methylation profile. The availability of this genome, which is the second telomere-to-telomere liverwort assembly, opens up new avenues for in-depth analysis of R. sorocarpa genetic diversity and genomic characteristics.

Pseudocercospora fengxinensis, a new species causing sooty spot of kiwifruit in China.

Pseudocercospora is a large cosmopolitan genus of plant pathogenic fungi that are commonly associated with leaf and fruit spots as well as blights on a wide range of plant hosts. P. actinidiae is a member of this genus, causing sooty spot on kiwifruit worldwide. With the expansion of kiwifruit cultivation, the incidence of sooty spot has become severe in Fengxin County, Jiangxi Province, China. Based on a survey conducted in 2022 across nine kiwifruit cultivars in six local orchards, the results showed that the disease incidence was higher in 'Donghong', 'Jinyan', 'Jinkui', 'Fenghuang No. 1' and 'Jinguo'. In contrast, it was lower in 'Gold3' and 'Hongshi No. 2'. No lesions were observed on 'Kuilv' and 'Miliang No. 1'. 31 fungal strains were isolated from infected leaves using single-spore isolation. Phylogenetic analysis of combined sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA (ITS), partial actin (actA), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2) sequence data, using maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI), revealed their taxonomic placement within Pseudocercospora. Both morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis supported Pseudocercospora fengxinensis as a new taxon within Pseudocercospora. Pathogenicity tests confirmed P. fengxinensis as the causal agent of sooty spot on kiwifruit. This study is the first report of P. fengxinensis causing sooty spot of kiwifruit worldwide, enriching our understanding of Pseudocercospora diversity in China and providing a foundation for improved disease management strategies.

First morphological and molecular description of the ciliate protozoa Buxtonella sulcata (Ciliophora, Vestibuliferida) in cattle in Chile.

Buxtonella sulcata is an intestine ciliate protozoa whose presence in the cattle intestine has been associated with diarrhea episodes. Despite its cosmopolitan distribution, it has yet to be reported in previous studies on cattle in Chile. This study aimed to morphologically and molecularly identify cysts of Balantoides coli-like found in seven cattle samples admitted for parasitological analysis to the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary and Livestock Sciences, University of Chile, as the ciliate Buxtonella sulcata. Seven fecal samples from three individuals from the Chimbarongo district, O'Higgins region of Chile, and four individuals from the South Campus of the University of Chile, La Pintana district, Metropolitan Region of Chile, were analyzed by sedimentation technique. Then, DNA was extracted from the positive samples, and a PCR was performed, amplifying the ITS1-5.8S-rRNA-ITS2 region. The resulting sequences were aligned with reported sequence variants for this molecular marker and other sequences available in public databases to generate a phylogenetic tree. Our result showed structures compatible with cysts of ciliate organisms in all analyzed samples. The DNA of six out of seven samples was amplified and sequenced. The nucleotide sequences obtained from the isolates correspond to B. sulcata, confirming its presence in Chile. Polymorphisms associated with sequence variants A and B of the ITS1-5.8S-rRNA-ITS2 region were identified. The phylogenetic tree showed that all isolates in the present study were similar and clustered in the same clade. Thus, the present study represents the first molecular detection of the protozoan B. sulcata in cattle in Chile.

Dietary Shifts Among the Developmental Stages of the Ectoparasite, Argulus japonicus (Crustacea; Branchiura), Mirror Ontogeny as Shown Through Differences in Stable Isotope Ratios of Carbon (δ13C) and Nitrogen (δ15N).

Food web architecture and trophic interactions between organisms can be studied using ratios of naturally occurring stable isotopes of carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N). Most studies, however, focused on free-living organisms, but recently, there has been growing interest in understanding trophic interactions of parasites. The crustacean ectoparasite Argulus japonicus is a well-studied parasite of freshwater teleost fish, which has low host specificity and a cosmopolitan distribution. Little is known about the trophic interactions between various developmental stages of this parasite and its host. This study compares stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) among developmental stages of A. japonicus. It was hypothesised firstly that stable isotopes would vary among the developmental stages of the parasite with differences matching ontogenetic development of the parasite. Secondly, fractionation patterns among developmental stages would relate to different fish tissues and particles, such as algae, ingested by the parasite. Goldfish, Carassius auratus, were infected with A. japonicus, and different developmental stages of the parasite were isolated and prepared for stable isotope analysis. Differences in stable isotope enrichment correlated with the ontogenetic development of the parasite. In adult parasites, δ15N was higher than in the host's tissues, whereas stage two larvae showed the lowest δ15N values. Infection by A. japonicus alters δ13C ratios between infected and uninfected hosts, where the latter group showed lower δ13C compared to uninfected hosts. Source contribution comparison showed that algae was not incorporated into the diet of A. japonicus and tissues of the host served as the only dietary source of nourishment. These results further suggest that the diet of the parasite is mixed and correlates to the ontogenetic development of A. japonicus.

Functional leaf and plant use by leafcutter bees: Implications for management and conservation.

Wild solitary bees face a host of challenges from the simplification of landscapes and biodiversity loss to invasive species and urbanization. Pollinator researchers and restoration workers thus far gave much attention to increase flower cover to reduce the impact of these anthropogenic pressures. Over 30% of bee species need nonfloral resources such as leaves and resin for their survival and reproduction. However, the importance of leaves in bee ecology, particularly for leafcutter bees, has received very little attention. Leafcutter bees have global distribution and cut leaves for constructing brood chambers. We have very little information for (a) what bees use and do not use for foraging leaves and (b) what leaf and plant traits and plant community traits drive plant preference and plant usage. To fill this gap and recommend plants for leafcutter bee conservation, we examined 13,062 plants of 612 species and 107 families distributed in 165 plant communities of nine towns/cities of four south Indian states. The plant community of nine locations and four states was quite dissimilar, but had similar proportion of native and exotic plants. The probability of a plant foraged for leaf is governed by its clade, family, nativity, and leaf dimension, particularly the leaf width. Bees have a clear preference for plants of common families, such as Fabaceae, Phyllanthaceae, and Meliaceae for foraging leaves, but bees going to plants of distant lineages, including rare species and families is not rare. At the same time, bees also avoided plants of several cosmopolitan families, such as Apocynaceae, Moraceae, Sapotaceae, and Asteraceae, among others. Bees preferred exotic plants more to native plants. The plant usage in communities is predicted by species richness, proportion of Fabaceae plants in communities, and proportion of herbs; plant diversity and abundance are not crucial drivers. Our study suggests that the bees' preference for leaf-foraging plants is not random, but governed by leaf, plant, and plant community traits. The preference for exotic plants is helpful for planning urban and homestead greening projects as they are dominated by exotics.

Global distribution pattern and conservation of the cosmopolitan cold-water coral species Desmophyllum dianthus under climate change.

Global climate change impacts marine ecosystems differently across oceanic regions and depths. Thus, understanding how widespread key species adapt globally and locally to multidimensional climate change is crucial for targeted conservation. This study focuses on the cosmopolitan cold-water coral (CWC) Desmophyllum dianthus using ecological niche models (ENMs) to explore climate adaptation and conservation strategies. The findings indicated that D. dianthus occupied a broad ecological niche but had low ecological niche overlap across populations, suggesting local adaptations and supporting population-level ENMs. The models predicted that over 80% of D. dianthus suitable habitats would persist under SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios by the 2100s, potentially increasing to 95% as new habitats emerge, demonstrating its robust adaptability. However, localized environmental shifts could precipitate habitat losses in areas like the Reykjanes Ridge, Rockall Plateau, Mediterranean Sea, and Patagonian Shelf. We also applied Linkage Mapper to identify potential ecological corridors that intertwined nearshore macrohabitat patches with deep-sea stepping-stone habitats such as escarpments, seamounts, and ridges, maintaining population connectivity. Despite this, the habitats and ecological corridors of D. dianthus remained largely unprotected, with vulnerable portions lying outside of marine protected areas (MPAs), thus underscoring the urgent need for more MPA. These spatial-temporal predictions provide essential insights for the conservation and management of cosmopolitan CWC D. dianthus and serve as a benchmark for the adaptive survival of similar taxa.

Genome-wide analyses provide insights into genetic variation, phylo- and co-phylogenetic relationships, and biogeography of the entomopathogenic nematode genus Heterorhabditis.

Multigene, genus-wide phylogenetic studies have uncovered the limited taxonomic resolution power of commonly used gene markers, particularly of rRNA genes, to discriminate closely related species of the nematode genus Heterorhabditis. In addition, conflicting tree topologies are often obtained using the different gene markers, which limits our understanding of the phylo- and co-phylogenetic relationships and biogeography of the entomopathogenic nematode genus Heterorhabditis. Here we carried out phylogenomic reconstructions using whole nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, and whole ribosomal operon sequences, as well as multiple phylogenetic reconstructions using various single nuclear and mitochondrial genes. Using the inferred phylogenies, we then investigated co-phylogenetic relationships between Heterorhabditis and their Photorhabdus bacterial symbionts and biogeographical patterns. Robust, well-resolved, and highly congruent phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using both whole nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Similarly, whole ribosomal operon sequences proved valuable for phylogenomic reconstructions, though they have limited value to discriminate closely related species. In addition, two mitochondrial genes, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox-1) and the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (nad-4), and two housekeeping genes, the fanconi-associated nuclease 1 (fan-1) and the serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 4 regulatory subunit 1 (ppfr-1), provided the most robust phylogenetic reconstructions compared to other individual genes. According to our findings, whole nuclear and/or mitochondrial genomes are strongly recommended for reconstructing phylogenetic relationships of the genus Heterorhabditis. If whole nuclear and/or mitochondrial genomes are unavailable, a combination of nuclear and mitochondrial genes can be used as an alternative. Under these circumstances, sequences of multiple conspecific isolates in a genus-wide phylogenetic context should be analyzed to avoid artefactual species over-splitting driven by the high intraspecific sequence divergence of mitochondrial genes and to avoid artefactual species lumping driven by the low interspecific sequence divergence of some nuclear genes. On the other hand, we observed that the genera Heterorhabditis and Photorhabdus exhibit diverse biogeographic patterns, ranging from cosmopolitan species to potentially endemic species, and show high phylogenetic congruence, although host switches have also occurred. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the biodiversity and phylo- and co-phylogenetic relationships of an important group of biological control agents and advances our efforts to develop more tools that are compatible with sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

CIMEX LECTULARIUS L. (HEMIPTERA: CIMICIDAE) – RETURN IN ROMANIA

Cimex lectularius is an ectoparasitic species with a cosmopolitan distribution adapted to a temporarily obligate hematophagous lifestyle. Common presence throughout the world until the beginning of the 1950s, the bed bug has no longer been reported in the following decades as a result of its populations being managed with DDT, Romania becoming the largest producer of this insecticide at the European level. If the first reports regarding the recent return of the species in Europe date back to the end of the 90s, the reports are more recent in Romania. An analysis of the YouTube platform regarding bed bugs in our country revealed the first record in 2013. In Pitesti, the species was recorded for the first time in 2019, with an increase in the number of infestation cases in recent years. The increase of tourism and international trade, the main factors favouring the spread of the species, call for new measures necessary to prevent and control the spread of the bed bug, and ensure public health.

Repeat competition and ecological shifts drive the evolution of the mobilome in Rhynchospora Vahl. (Cyperaceae), the holocentric beaksedges.

Genomic changes triggered by polyploidy, chromosomal rearrangements, and/ or environmental stress are among factors that affect the activity of mobile elements, particularly Long Terminal Repeats Retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) and DNA transposons. Because these elements can proliferate and move throughout host genomes, altering the genetic, epigenetic and nucleotypic landscape, they have been recognized as a relevant evolutionary force. Beaksedges (Rhynchospora) stand out for their wide cosmopolitan distribution, high diversity (~400 spp.) and holocentric chromosomes related to high karyotypic diversity and a centromere-specific satDNA Tyba. This makes the genus an interesting model to investigate the interactions between repetitive elements, phylogenetic relationships, and ecological variables. Here, we used comparative phylogenetic methods to investigate the forces driving the evolution of the entire set of mobile elements (mobilome) in the holocentric genus Rhynchospora. We statistically tested the impact of phylogenetic relationships, abundance of holocentromeric satDNA Tyba, diversity of repeatome composition, ecological variables, and chromosome number in mobile element diversification. Tyba abundance was found to be inversely correlated with LTR-RT content. Decrease of LTR abundance and diversity was also related to increase in chromosome number (likely due to fission events), and colonization of dry environments in the northern hemisphere. In contrast, we found constant LTR insertions throughout time in species with lower chromosome numbers in rainier environments in South America. A multivariate model showed that different traits drive LTR abundance, especially repeat diversity and Tyba abundance. Other mobile elements, such as non-LTR RTs and DNA transposons had insufficient abundance to be included in our models. Our findings suggest that LTR evolution is strongly impacted by the holocentric characteristics of Rhynchospora chromosomes, correlating with species diversification and biome shifts, and supporting a holokinetic drive model of evolution and a competitive scenario with Tyba. Altogether, our results present evidence of multi-trait influence on LTR-RT dynamics and provide a broader understanding of TE evolution in a macroevolutionary context.

Two new species and a new record of Hypoxylaceae (Xylariales, Ascomycota) from Mexico.

The family Hypoxylaceae has a cosmopolitan distribution with greater diversity in tropical regions, its growth habit is saprotrophic, endophytic and potentially phytopathogenic. From the revision of herbarium specimens and field collections from the Yucatan Peninsula, two new species were described: Annulohypoxylonfusisporum, characterized by having fusiform spores and Hypoxylonxmatkuilense which is distinguished by having stromata vinaceous and dark brown KOH-extractable pigments. The species are described based on morphological characters and Bayesian Inference analyses of four molecular markers (ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TUB2). In addition, one new record from Mexico is presented: Hypoxylonbellicolor. The presence of Daldiniaeschscholtzii, H.lenormandii, H.lividipigmentum and Entonaemaliquescens is confirmed with molecular data.

DNA Barcoding Reveals Species Diversity and Host Associations of Dryinidae Wasps (Insecta, Hymenoptera): A Case Study from the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea.

Dryinidae is a cosmopolitan wasp family, with over 1900 species found worldwide [...].

The terrestrial isopod Porcellionides pruinosus as a facultative ant guest along foraging trails and inside Messor ebeninus nests in the Negev Desert

AbstractWe report field observations of the cosmopolitan terrestrial isopod species Porcellionides pruinosus both inside the nest and following foraging trails of the seed harvester ant Messor ebeninus in the spring of 2022 and 2023. The isopods inside the nest either traveled to deeper tunnels or joined foraging trails. The density of isopods along foraging trails was as high as 60 individuals along one 22-m foraging trail. The results from 12 preliminary homing assays revealed that the distance isopods were displaced did not affect whether they returned to the trail. Two of the four isopods introduced into a foraging trail of a new nest continued walking on the foreign trail. The isopods were met with minimal aggression from the ants along the trail, and there were no instances of nest guarding observed. The presence of P. pruinosus as a facultative associate inside M. ebeninus nests could be driven by a need for thermal refuge and access to subterranean granaries. The known ability of isopods to cue into ant pheromones is a plausible mechanism for allowing isopods to follow foraging trails. The benefit of trail following behavior needs further investigation. We hypothesize a benefit to walking on a path clear of obstacles, and efficient detection of patchy desert food sources.

The relative effects of climatic drivers and phenotypic integration on phenotypic plasticity of a globally invasive plant.

Understanding the constraints of phenotypic plasticity can provide insights into the factors that limit or influence the capacity of an organism to respond to changing environments. However, the relative effects of external and internal factors on phenotypic plasticity remain largely unexplored. Phenotypic integration, the pattern of correlations among traits, is recognized as an important internal constraint to plasticity. Phenotypic plasticity is critical in facilitating the acclimation of invasive species to the diverse environments within their introduced ranges. Consequently, these species serve as ideal models for investigating phenotypic plasticity and its underlying determinants. Here, we collected seeds of a global salt marsh invader Spartina alterniflora from seven invasive populations covering the entire latitudinal range in China. These populations were cultivated in two common gardens located at the southern and northern range margins, respectively. We quantified plasticity and variation therein for plant height, shoot density, first flowering day and inflorescence biomass (on a per capita basis). These traits have direct or indirect effects on invasiveness. We examined the relationships between traits plasticity with climatic conditions at site of origin (external factor) and phenotypic integration (internal factor). We found that plasticity differed according to the trait being measured, and was higher for a trait affecting fitness. Phenotypic variance increased with latitude and temperature at the site of origin was the primary factor affecting phenotypic variation. These results indicated that external abiotic factors directly affected the selection on phenotypic plasticity of S. alterniflora. Our study provides a unique viewpoint on assessing the importance of identifying influential factors and mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity. Understanding these factors and mechanisms is a critical indicator for invasive and other cosmopolitan species' responses, establishment, persistence, and distribution under climate change.

Two case reports of the parasitism of Ophionyssus natricis (Gervais, 1844) (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae) in captive Epicrates crassus (Cope) (Squamata: Boidae) in Brazil.

There are more than 200 species of Macronyssidae parasitizing reptiles, birds, and mammals worldwide. While most species are found on wild animals, show some degree of geographic, and host group specificity, Ophionyssus natricis thrives on captive snakes and lizards and as a result of the pet trade, has a cosmopolitan distribution. In this study, we are providing new host records for this species for the state of São Paulo, as well as SEM images and the first partial sequences of Brazilian specimens.

Curvature Analysis of Seed Silhouettes in the Euphorbiaceae

The Euphorbiaceae is a large, diverse, and cosmopolitan family of monoecious or dioecious trees, shrubs, herbs, and lianas. Their name comes from Euphorbia, one of the largest genera in the Angiosperms, with close to 2000 species and a complex taxonomy. Many of their members have an economic interest in multiple applications, including pharmaceutical, nutritional, and others. The seeds of the Euphorbiaceae develop in schizocarps and have a diversity of shapes that have proven useful for species identification and classification. Nevertheless, analytical quantitative methods can be the subject of further development for the application of seed morphology in the taxonomy of this family. With this objective, measurements of size (area, perimeter, length, and width) and shape (circularity, aspect ratio, roundness, and solidity) in seed images of 230 species representative of the main taxonomic groups of Euphorbiaceae are presented, and curvature analysis is applied to 19 species. Seed images corresponding to many species of this family present a tetragonal pattern with a curvature peak in the apical pole and three in the basal pole. The results of the curvature analysis are discussed in relation to other morphological properties, revealing new aspects of seed morphology of taxonomic application.

Repeatome Analysis and Satellite DNA Chromosome Patterns in Hedysarum Species.

The cosmopolitan genus Hedysarum L. (Fabaceae) is divided into sections Hedysarum, Stracheya, and Multicaulia. This genus includes many valuable medicinal, melliferous, and forage species. The species taxonomy and genome relationships within the sections are still unclear. We examined intra- and interspecific diversity in the section (sect.) Hedysarum based on repeatome analyses using NGS data, bioinformatic technologies, and chromosome FISH mapping of 35S rDNA, 5S rDNA, and the identified satellite DNA families (satDNAs). A comparison of repeatomes of H. alpinum, H. theinum, and H. flavescens revealed differences in their composition. However, similarity in sequences of most satDNAs indicated a close relationship between genomes within sect. Hedysarum. New effective satDNA chromosomal markers were detected, which is important for karyotype analyses within Hedysarum. Intra- and interspecific variability in the chromosomal distribution patterns of the studied markers were revealed, and species karyograms were constructed. These results provided new insight into the karyotype structures and genomic diversity within sect. Hedysarum, clarified the systematic position of H. sachalinense and H. arcticum, and confirmed the distant genomic relationships between species from sections Hedysarum and Multicaulia. Our findings are important for further comparative genome studies within the genus Hedysarum.

Myxobiota of the İskenderun Gulf (Mediterranean Sea/Türkiye) and its Environment

This study aims to determine the myxobiota of the İskenderun Gulf and its environment. This study was carried out on samples collected from 9 different stations in the İskenderun Gulf district in 2019-2022. Myxomycetes samples were collected from leaves, tree bark, and decayed and non-rotting plant materials. This aim is to detect both the myxobiota of this region and the halophytic myxomycetes species. The collected samples have developed myxomycete sporophores by using the moist chamber technique. In addition, myxomycetes which were developed in their natural environment were collected. As a result of the field and laboratory studies, 161 samples from different localities were collected and processed and 111 myxomycete samples were obtained from these samples. 41 species belonging to 6 ordo, 12 families, and 20 genera have been defined. 3 species were obtained only from the natural environment, 30 species were obtained only from moist chamber culture, and 8 species were obtained from both moist chamber culture and natural area. Arcyria cinerea, Didymium difforme, D. squamulosum, and Physarum pusillum were determined as abundant. While the number of species is rare in the seaside regions, it was observed that the further away from the sea, the number of species increased, especially in forest areas. A. cinerea, D. difforme, and D. dubium are the most common species on the beach and near the seaside. While cosmopolitan species were observed in abundance, Physarida members were found to be common in this results area. This study has contributed to the myxobiota of Türkiye.