Ecological Conditions Research Articles

Amoebozoan testate amoebae illuminate the diversity of heterotrophs and the complexity of ecosystems throughout geological time

Heterotrophic protists are vital in Earth's ecosystems, influencing carbon and nutrient cycles and occupying key positions in food webs as microbial predators. Fossils and molecular data suggest the emergence of predatory microeukaryotes and the transition to a eukaryote-rich marine environment by 800 million years ago (Ma). Neoproterozoic vase-shaped microfossils (VSMs) linked to Arcellinida testate amoebae represent the oldest evidence of heterotrophic microeukaryotes. This study explores the phylogenetic relationship and divergence times of modern Arcellinida and related taxa using a relaxed molecular clock approach. We estimate the origin of nodes leading to extant members of the Arcellinida Order to have happened during the latest Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic (1054 to 661 Ma), while the divergence of extant infraorders postdates the Silurian. Our results demonstrate that at least one major heterotrophic eukaryote lineage originated during the Neoproterozoic. A putative radiation of eukaryotic groups (e.g., Arcellinida) during the early-Neoproterozoic sustained by favorable ecological and environmental conditions may have contributed to eukaryotic life endurance during the Cryogenian severe ice ages. Moreover, we infer that Arcellinida most likely already inhabited terrestrial habitats during the Neoproterozoic, coexisting with terrestrial Fungi and green algae, before land plant radiation. The most recent extant Arcellinida groups diverged during the Silurian Period, alongside other taxa within Fungi and flowering plants. These findings shed light on heterotrophic microeukaryotes' evolutionary history and ecological significance in Earth's ecosystems, using testate amoebae as a proxy.

Comparative analysis of optional hunting behavior in Cricetinae hamsters using the data compression approach

Research into the hunting behavior in members of the Cricetidae family offers an opportunity to reveal what changes in the predatory behavioral sequences occur when a rodent species shifts from an omnivorous to a predatory lifestyle. The study tests the following hypotheses: are there phylogenetic differences in the divergence of species’ predatory lifestyles in hamsters or do ecological factors lead to shaping their hunting behavior? We applied the data compression approach for performing comparative analysis of hunting patterns as biological “texts.” The study presents a comparative analysis of hunting behaviors in five Cricetinae species, focusing on the new data obtained for the desert hamster Phodopus roborovskii whose behavior has never been studied before. The hunting behavior of P. roborovskii appeared to be the most variable one. In contrast, behavioral sequences in P. campbelli and Allocricetulus curtatus display more significant order and predictability of behavior during hunting. Optional hunting behavior in the most ancient species P. roborovskii displayed similarities with obligate patterns in “young” Allocricetulus species. It thus turned out to be the most advanced hunter among members of the Phodopus genus. Differences in hunting sequences among Phodopus representatives suggest that the hunting behavior of these species, despite its optional mode, was subject to selection during species splitting within the genus. These results did not reveal the role played by phylogenetic differences in the divergence of species’ predatory lifestyles. They suggested that ecological conditions are the main factors in speciation of the hunting behavior in hamsters.

Assessment of sustainability of natural complexes of the Minyarsky physiographic region of the Western slope of the Southern Urals

The article considers the evaluation of sustainability of natural complexes of low-mountain sections of the western slope of the Southern Urals (Minyarsk physical and geographical area) on the basis of analysis of landscape profiles on the indicator of sustainability of natural complexes. Peculiarities of the study area are highlighted: specific climatic conditions, complex geological and geomorphological conditions with ongoing industrial development, as well as a variety of soil and hydrological conditions combined with anthropogenic transformation of the territory. In the course of landscape profiling, as well as the application of methods of assessment of anthropogenic transformation of landscapes (at the level of the terrain), a decrease of diversity in natural complexes on the studied slopes was established, Replacement of typical plant communities by secondary successional communities in lowland areas dominated by horsetail. It has also been established that the aggregate of conditions in natural complexes indicates anthropogenic transformation of slope landscapes, the aggregate leading factor of which is the geochemical position on the element of the slope, Low resistance to external influence of the soil with a rinsing type of water regime defining plant associations. The obtained materials can be used as a basis for analysis of ecological condition of landscapes of the western slope of the Southern Urals, as well as characteristics of slope types of locations. Materials allow to further assess the recreational attractiveness of landscapes and the choice of ways of natural use of the studied area.

Integrating rapid habitat mapping with community metrics and functional traits to assess estuarine ecological conditions: A New Zealand case study

Estuarine ecosystems are under pressure from anthropogenic stressors in many parts of the world. In a New Zealand estuary, we integrated rapid habitat mapping, univariate and multivariate benthic community metrics and functional traits-based metrics to provide a holistic assessment of its ecological condition. Our integrative approach identified 11 different habitat classes across the study estuary and revealed how univariate, multivariate, and functional traits-based metrics varied spatially. Variation was driven mainly by sedimentary conditions, particularly, the sediment's organic matter and silt-clay content. Degraded conditions were apparent in several parts of the estuary, which overlapped with areas showing high concentrations of decaying algae, anoxic conditions, and low values of univariate and functional metrics. Our holistic approach, integrating mapping and quantitative community assessments, provided a more complete picture of estuarine conditions and enabled us to identify locations across the estuary with the greatest potential for restoration success.

Different-year structure of the coenopopulations of <i>Dracocephalum ruyschiana</i> L. (Lamiaceae, Magnoliopsida) in the Altai mountains (Russia)

The different-year structure of two coenopopulations (CP 1 and CP 2) of Draco- cephalum ruyschiana L. located in different ecological and cenotic conditions of the Altai Mountains is considered. The monomodality of the ontogenetic spectra with the predominance of mature generative individuals has been established. In the ontogenetic spectra, there is an accumulation of young plants and a reduction in the proportion of old individuals. A density drop in CP 1 from 2004 till 2022 and an increase in CP 2 from 2008 till 2022 were revealed. The calculated demographic indicators and those of the development rate confirm the rejuvenation of the studied CP. According to the delta–omega classification, CP 1 develops from aging to mature, while the type of CP 2 has not changed, it remains mature. Our CP analysis shows a significant vulnerability of demographic indicators from non-simultaneous germination of seeds due to their different dormancy and the amount of precipitation. Also, the changes in the ontogenetic structure and demographic indicators in 2022 are caused by overgrowth of the communities with shrubs, namelt: Caragana arborescens Lam., Spiraea trilobata L., Cotoneaster niger (Ehrh.) Fr. in CP 1, and the presence of plant debris in CP 2.

Ecological characteristics of biotopes and the structure of communities with <i>Globularia</i> L. (Plantaginaceae, Magnoliopsida) within the Eastern European fragment of its range

The paper presents an assessment of the ranges of ecological conditions in which Globularia bisnagarica L. and G. trichosantha Fisch. & С. A. Mey species exist in communities growing in European Russia. Studies were carried out in 25 communities with G. bisnagarica and 4 ones with G. trichosantha, respectively. Our assessment of the ecological regimes of phytocenoses according to D. N. Tsyganov’s scales has shown that both species live in very narrow ranges of climatic, soil factors and lighting, being stenovalent. For G. bisnagarica, the thermoclimatic and light factors were the most limiting ones. Few soil characteristics such as salinity and nitrogen richness were the limiting factors for G. trichosantha. According to the spectrum of ecomorphs, the communities of the two species were similar. The vast majority of species are classified as steppe ones. Hemicryptophytes were the predominant type of biomorphs. In relation to trophicity, more than half of the species was mesotrophic. According to the temperature regime, the meso- therms were the predominant group. The range of moisture regimes in the habitats of communities contributes to the growth of xerophytes and meso-xerophyte species to a greater extent. Due to certain specificity of the habitats of communities with Globularia on open slopes, most species were heliophytes. Our analysis of regularities of changes in the species composition of the com- munities in relation to environmental factors at global scale has shown that temperature factors make the greatest contribution.

Can the Ecological Quality of Several Bays in South Korea Be Accurately Assessed Using Multiple Benthic Biotic Indices?

Bays are extensively impacted by human activities, and an accurate assessment of ecological quality is crucial for the environmental management and protection of bays. Most studies indicate that evaluating the ecological quality of bays using a single index presents challenges. In our study, we used five benthic biotic indices and a composite index to assess the ecological quality of three bays in South Korea. Our results revealed disparities in the ecological quality status assessment using five benthic biotic indices. The composite index performed better than the other benthic biotic indices in a principal coordinate analysis. Significant differences were observed between the values classifying stations as having an acceptable or unacceptable final ecological quality in terms of species indices (except for the Pielou’s evenness index) and the abundance of opportunist species (p < 0.05). Consequently, we advocate for using a composite index to assess the ecological quality of the bays of the West Sea of South Korea. Furthermore, our study provides valuable information for marine ecological management and policy formulation in Korea and offers recommendations for using the composite index in future research.

Conditions of Decision-Making Related to Implementation of Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles in Urban Transport: Case Study of Poland

The changes in geopolitical and ecological conditions brought about the need to use environmentally friendly sources of vehicle power. This impacted the accelerated activities related to the use of hydrogen fuel in transport means. Based on the observations carried out in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, it was found that the process of implementing hydrogen-powered vehicles in public transport is connected with difficulties faced by transport companies with regard to the purchase of these transport means. This study aims to analyse the conditions for making decisions regarding the implementation of hydrogen-powered buses in urban transport. A case study was considered, and the factors influencing the decisions related to the application of hydrogen-powered buses in Poland were analysed. The survey method was used to carry out the research. A questionnaire was developed, and the survey was conducted among representatives of transport companies that provide public transport services in Polish cities. As a result of the research, it was found that city authorities play a key role in deciding on the implementation of hydrogen-powered buses. The highest ranks among the proposed criteria influencing the decision on the purchase of hydrogen-powered buses were the economic ones. The concerns and benefits resulting from the potential purchase of hydrogen-powered buses were also examined. It was revealed that the decision to buy buses is most influenced by factors such as ensuring access to hydrogen and its price. The recommendations for transport companies and city authorities were formulated.

Restructuring agricultural land use in Ukraine. Directions for development

The intensity of agricultural land use in Ukraine was analyzed based on soil quality and the values of the land-use intensity (LUI) index and the land-use capacity (LUC) index. In the administrative districts of Cherkasy region, the LUI index ranged from 0.07 to 1.0, and the LUC index ranged from 0.01 ha per 1000 UAH of gross output to 0.19 ha per 1000 UAH, which points to considerable difference in land-use intensity and agricultural land-use capacity. New approaches should be sought to improve the management and use of agricultural land. Functional land use areas should be restructured, in particular, by implementing non-traditional methods of agricultural land use. The results of the study indicate that land-use functions should be modified over an area of 5,343,900 ha, where 2,049,900 ha should be converted to crop rotations for soil protection, 208,000 ha – to protective forest margins; and 2,878,000 ha – to non-traditional forms of agricultural land use. Motives: The purpose of the article was to propose a methodological approach for assessing the intensity of agricultural land use and to suggest directions for land-use restructuring to improve its ecological status. Aim: In the proposed methodical approach, the intensity of agricultural land use was assessed with the land-use intensity (LUI) index and the land-use capacity (LUC) index. To reduce plowing and increase land-use intensity, the functions of degraded arable land should be modified over an area of 5,343,900 ha, where 2,049,900 ha should be converted to crop rotations for soil protection, 208,000 ha – to protective forest margins; and 2,878,000 ha – to non-traditional forms of agricultural land use. Results: The article substantiates the need to modify the functions of arable land over an area of 5,343,900 ha, where 2,049,900 ha should be converted to crop rotations for soil protection, 208,000 ha – to protective forest margins; and 2,878,000 ha – to non-traditional forms of agricultural land use.

The role of agroforestry in solving the agricultural landscapes vulnerabilities in the Po Plain district

AbstractThe current trend of biodiversity deterioration in rural systems is a complex issue that operates across multiple spatial scales. Agroforestry practices have the potential to positively contribute towards addressing these trends by shaping the structure of agricultural landscapes and their underlying ecological functions. This study aims to test a multi-scale analytical approach to understand and account for these processes. Specifically, the study seeks to assess the contributions that agroforestry practices at the farm scale can make towards supporting biodiversity, in response to the wider-scale landscape eco-mosaic structural and functional challenges and requirements (both at the local and extra-local landscape systems). To achieve this, a series of landscape ecology analyses are conducted on an agroforestry-based rice farm located in the western Po Plain region of Northern Italy. These analyses examine various landscape structural traits (such as matrix composition, patch size, shape complexity, and diversity indices) and functional traits (including connectivity and bionomic indices), with different levels of detail for each scale of analysis. This allows for the evaluation of the current ecological status of both the extra-local and local scale landscape systems (including drivers of vulnerability and resilience) and the assessment of the farm's current contributions to biodiversity support. Based on these findings, strategic agroforestry interventions are identified at the farm scale to enhance its capacity to address the wider-scale ecological gaps. Two design scenarios are assessed, wherein functional ecological traits such as landscape diversity, connectivity, and ecological stability are improved. The results confirm the role of farm scale agroforestry management as a buffering tool, demonstrating how it contributes to the restoration of broader-scale landscape vulnerabilities. The applied approach provides cost-effective assessments of biodiversity-related ecological processes, with the accuracy of the findings dependent on the comprehensive multi-scale analysis conducted.

Preparation of copper glycinate and study of its effect on the germination of winter barley seeds

We analyzed the encrustation of winter barley seeds, which includes its preliminary treatment with cuprum glycinate, with the purpose of increasing yield and biochemical indicators of grain, and also improving the ecological condition of the soil. The objective of the research was to select methods for the synthesis of cuprum glycinate, study its chemical composition and the possibility of using this compound as a chelated micro-fertilizer for pre-sowing encrustation of winter barley seed as part of a tank mixture. Two well-known synthesis methods were used to obtain cuprum glycinate. The first method was the interaction between CuO with a solution of glycine during heating, during which pink metallic copper inclusions were noticed in the mixture of reaction products. It was found that it is expedient to synthesize the glycine complex of cuprum by the reaction of a suspension of Cu2CO3(OH)2 with glycine during heating (the yield is 97%), since a complex compound Cu(NH2CH2COO)2•H2O of sufficient purity is formed. The composition of the synthesized substance and the confirmation of the formula of the compound Cu(NH2CH2COO)2•H2O were obtained by determining the infrared and the atomic absorption spectrum of the aqueous solution. Based on the obtained differences in the atomic absorption spectra of the synthesized copper sulfate and copper glycinate the formation of the latter was confirmed. The IR spectrum confirms the formula of the complex compound and the formation of strong covalent bonds between the metal cation and the ligands. The study of the effect of cuprum glycinate on the germination of winter barley Tutankhamun seeds was carried out in comparison with the similar effect of a complex compound of cuprum with ethylenediaminetetraacetate. The study of the influence of cuprum glycinate on the germination of winter barley revealed positive results in which the germination exceeded the control by 9–27%. Winter barley seeds treated with distilled water served as a control. Treatment of winter barley seeds with an aqueous solution of cuprum glycinate in the amount of 20 g of cuprum per 1 ton of grain led to better germination than pre-treatment of seeds with a twice concentrated corresponding solution. Treatment with a complex compound of copper with ethylenediaminetetraacetate had no significant effect on the germination and characteristics of sprouts. The results of laboratory studies confirmed the feasibility of using complex compounds of biometal copper with organic chelating ligands as microfertilizers for pre-sowing seed encrustation, as they have high stability and sufficient solubility in water, are non-toxic, are better absorbed by plants and are considered cost-effective and environmentally safe.

Preparation of copper glycinate and study of its effect on the germination of winter barley seeds

We analyzed the encrustation of winter barley seeds, which includes its preliminary treatment with cuprum glycinate, with the purpose of increasing yield and biochemical indicators of grain, and also improving the ecological condition of the soil. The objective of the research was to select methods for the synthesis of cuprum glycinate, study its chemical composition and the possibility of using this compound as a chelated micro-fertilizer for pre-sowing encrustation of winter barley seed as part of a tank mixture. Two well-known synthesis methods were used to obtain cuprum glycinate. The first method was the interaction between CuO with a solution of glycine during heating, during which pink metallic copper inclusions were noticed in the mixture of reaction products. It was found that it is expedient to synthesize the glycine complex of cuprum by the reaction of a suspension of Cu2CO3(OH)2 with glycine during heating (the yield is 97%), since a complex compound Cu(NH2CH2COO)2•H2O of sufficient purity is formed. The composition of the synthesized substance and the confirmation of the formula of the compound Cu(NH2CH2COO)2•H2O were obtained by determining the infrared and the atomic absorption spectrum of the aqueous solution. Based on the obtained differences in the atomic absorption spectra of the synthesized copper sulfate and copper glycinate the formation of the latter was confirmed. The IR spectrum confirms the formula of the complex compound and the formation of strong covalent bonds between the metal cation and the ligands. The study of the effect of cuprum glycinate on the germination of winter barley Tutankhamun seeds was carried out in comparison with the similar effect of a complex compound of cuprum with ethylenediaminetetraacetate. The study of the influence of cuprum glycinate on the germination of winter barley revealed positive results in which the germination exceeded the control by 9–27%. Winter barley seeds treated with distilled water served as a control. Treatment of winter barley seeds with an aqueous solution of cuprum glycinate in the amount of 20 g of cuprum per 1 ton of grain led to better germination than pre-treatment of seeds with a twice concentrated corresponding solution. Treatment with a complex compound of copper with ethylenediaminetetraacetate had no significant effect on the germination and characteristics of sprouts. The results of laboratory studies confirmed the feasibility of using complex compounds of biometal copper with organic chelating ligands as microfertilizers for pre-sowing seed encrustation, as they have high stability and sufficient solubility in water, are non-toxic, are better absorbed by plants and are considered cost-effective and environmentally safe.

Classical and Molecular Methods of Identification as well as Estimating Nematodes: A Comparative Review

Changing climatic scenarios accompanied with harsh ecological conditions are forcing various groups of organisms to evolve and adapt in different dimensions. Predominantly in the field of agriculture and crop science, several categories of new pests along with diseases are emerging voraciously causing havoc and causing panic-stricken situations for the farmers. Among the pests, nematode is one of the unnoticed categories contributing significantly to economic loss to the farmers. Due to monotonous crop protection practices in some of the areas as well as drastic changes in the environmental factors, new species of nematode are evolving and attacking economically important crop species. For that, we have to understand the pattern of feeding, oviposition site, life cycle, host searching behaviour, parasitic stages and susceptible host stage for attacking in order to form proper management practices. For understanding its mechanisms and behaviour, our prime concern will be its identification and taxonomic classification by various conventional as well as molecular approaches. Molecular approaches are turning out to be a useful and vigorous tool for the identification of the phylum Nematoda replacing conventional ones.

Classical and Molecular Methods of Identification as well as Estimating Nematodes: A Comparative Review

Changing climatic scenarios accompanied with harsh ecological conditions are forcing various groups of organisms to evolve and adapt in different dimensions. Predominantly in the field of agriculture and crop science, several categories of new pests along with diseases are emerging voraciously causing havoc and causing panic-stricken situations for the farmers. Among the pests, nematode is one of the unnoticed categories contributing significantly to economic loss to the farmers. Due to monotonous crop protection practices in some of the areas as well as drastic changes in the environmental factors, new species of nematode are evolving and attacking economically important crop species. For that, we have to understand the pattern of feeding, oviposition site, life cycle, host searching behaviour, parasitic stages and susceptible host stage for attacking in order to form proper management practices. For understanding its mechanisms and behaviour, our prime concern will be its identification and taxonomic classification by various conventional as well as molecular approaches. Molecular approaches are turning out to be a useful and vigorous tool for the identification of the phylum Nematoda replacing conventional ones.

The messy ethics of household biogas in Tanzania: ambivalence and aesthetics in energy‐from‐waste

AbstractHousehold biogas is an off‐grid energy technology that converts human, animal, and agricultural waste into fuel. This article analyses the emergence and use of household biogas technologies in Tanzania to theorize energy ethics in a postcolonial world. It engages Jane Bennett's theorization of the ‘energetics’ and aestheticization of ethics to ask how people assert and think through their own notions of good energy in postcolonial Africa. It documents two distinct registers people use to evaluate the ethics of biogas. The ‘circle of life’ register mobilizes popular environmental aesthetics of circle, cycle, and reuse as well as neoliberal and socialist political aesthetics of self‐containment and self‐reliance to enchant biogas with an ethical aura. The ‘excremental ambivalence’ register, alternately, disenchants biogas through referencing the polyvalent semiotics of shit and the sedimentation of racial and economic inequalities that condition the propagation of biogas. People engage both registers in the context of specific political economic and ecological conditions that also affect biogas uptake or refusal. The article thus argues that political economy, materiality, and aestheticization all play a role in people's ethical orientation to biogas and that ambivalence is a defining feature of energy transition in the Global South.

The messy ethics of household biogas in Tanzania: ambivalence and aesthetics in energy‐from‐waste

AbstractHousehold biogas is an off‐grid energy technology that converts human, animal, and agricultural waste into fuel. This article analyses the emergence and use of household biogas technologies in Tanzania to theorize energy ethics in a postcolonial world. It engages Jane Bennett's theorization of the ‘energetics’ and aestheticization of ethics to ask how people assert and think through their own notions of good energy in postcolonial Africa. It documents two distinct registers people use to evaluate the ethics of biogas. The ‘circle of life’ register mobilizes popular environmental aesthetics of circle, cycle, and reuse as well as neoliberal and socialist political aesthetics of self‐containment and self‐reliance to enchant biogas with an ethical aura. The ‘excremental ambivalence’ register, alternately, disenchants biogas through referencing the polyvalent semiotics of shit and the sedimentation of racial and economic inequalities that condition the propagation of biogas. People engage both registers in the context of specific political economic and ecological conditions that also affect biogas uptake or refusal. The article thus argues that political economy, materiality, and aestheticization all play a role in people's ethical orientation to biogas and that ambivalence is a defining feature of energy transition in the Global South.

Laetiporus sulphureus in the mid-hills of Central Nepal: ecology, ethnomycology and present status

Laetiporus sulphureus is a well-known edible mushroom with a high medicinal value. It is reported from different places in Nepal, particularly from mid-hill areas. However, the ecology and ethnomycology of L. sulphureus were poorly known in Nepal. We aimed to study the ecology, ethnomycology, and present status of L. sulphureus from the mid-hills of Dolakha district, central Nepal. The habitat of L. sulphureus in the six different sites of the study area was surveyed to find out the dominant tree species and microclimatic conditions. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted to document ethnic knowledge and the status of L. sulphureus. We found dominance of tree species such as Tsuga dumosa, Quercus semicarpifolia, and Rhododendron arboreum in the habitat of L. sulphureus. Dead and decayed logs/trunk of these tree species were found to support L. sulphureus growth. Regarding microclimatic conditions, an average temperature of 20 °C, a light intensity of 1000–2000 lux, and relative humidity of 65–80% were recorded under the canopy where L. sulphureus was growing. Fruitbodies of L. sulphureus were found to be collected by local people for food and medicinal purposes. Local people were found to use dried L. sulphureus powder for the treatment of aliments such as diarrhea and hematochezia. The availability of L. sulphureus was found to be declining due to overharvesting, logging of the host tree, and the removal of coarse wood debris. Collection of L. sulphureus fruitbodies and logging of host tree should be regulated for its conservation in wild habitat. This study provides valuable information about the possible substrate types and environmental conditions that could be used for the successful domestication of L. sulphureus at the study sites and similar locations.

Laetiporus sulphureus in the mid-hills of Central Nepal: ecology, ethnomycology and present status

Laetiporus sulphureus is a well-known edible mushroom with a high medicinal value. It is reported from different places in Nepal, particularly from mid-hill areas. However, the ecology and ethnomycology of L. sulphureus were poorly known in Nepal. We aimed to study the ecology, ethnomycology, and present status of L. sulphureus from the mid-hills of Dolakha district, central Nepal. The habitat of L. sulphureus in the six different sites of the study area was surveyed to find out the dominant tree species and microclimatic conditions. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted to document ethnic knowledge and the status of L. sulphureus. We found dominance of tree species such as Tsuga dumosa, Quercus semicarpifolia, and Rhododendron arboreum in the habitat of L. sulphureus. Dead and decayed logs/trunk of these tree species were found to support L. sulphureus growth. Regarding microclimatic conditions, an average temperature of 20 °C, a light intensity of 1000–2000 lux, and relative humidity of 65–80% were recorded under the canopy where L. sulphureus was growing. Fruitbodies of L. sulphureus were found to be collected by local people for food and medicinal purposes. Local people were found to use dried L. sulphureus powder for the treatment of aliments such as diarrhea and hematochezia. The availability of L. sulphureus was found to be declining due to overharvesting, logging of the host tree, and the removal of coarse wood debris. Collection of L. sulphureus fruitbodies and logging of host tree should be regulated for its conservation in wild habitat. This study provides valuable information about the possible substrate types and environmental conditions that could be used for the successful domestication of L. sulphureus at the study sites and similar locations.

Population genetic structure of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in different types of climatic zones in China

BackgroundCulex tritaeniorhynchus is widely distributed in China, from Hainan Island in the south to Heilongjiang in the north, covering tropical, subtropical, and temperate climate zones. Culex tritaeniorhynchus carries 19 types of arboviruses. It is the main vector of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), posing a serious threat to human health. Understanding the effects of environmental factors on Culex tritaeniorhynchus can provide important insights into its population structure or isolation patterns, which is currently unclear.ResultsIn total, 138 COI haplotypes were detected in the 552 amplified sequences, and the haplotype diversity (Hd) value increased from temperate (0.534) to tropical (0.979) regions. The haplotype phylogeny analysis revealed that the haplotypes were divided into two high-support evolutionary branches. Temperate populations were predominantly distributed in evolutionary branch II, showing some genetic isolation from tropical/subtropical populations and less gene flow between groups. The neutral test results of HNQH (Qionghai) and HNHK(Haikou) populations were negative (P < 0.05), indicating many low-frequency mutations in the populations and that the populations might be in the process of expansion. Moreover, Wolbachia infection was detected only in SDJN (Jining) (2.24%), and all Wolbachia genotypes belonged to supergroup B. To understand the influence of environmental factors on mosquito-borne viruses, we examined the prevalence of Culex tritaeniorhynchus infection in three ecological environments in Shandong Province. We discovered that the incidence of JEV infection was notably greater in Culex tritaeniorhynchus from lotus ponds compared to those from irrigation canal regions. In this study, the overall JEV infection rate was 15.27 per 1000, suggesting the current risk of Japanese encephalitis outbreaks in Shandong Province.ConclusionsTropical and subtropical populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus showed higher genetic diversity and those climatic conditions provide great advantages for the establishment and expansion of Culex tritaeniorhynchus. There are differences in JEV infection rates in wild populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus under different ecological conditions. Our results suggest a complex interplay of genetic differentiation, population structure, and environmental factors in shaping the dynamics of Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The low prevalence of Wolbachia in wild populations may reflect the recent presence of Wolbachia invasion in Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

Exploring the ecological security evaluation of water resources in the Yangtze River Basin under the background of ecological sustainable development

The Yangtze River (hereafter referred to as the YZR), the largest river in China, is of paramount importance for ensuring water resource security. The Yangtze River Basin (hereafter referred to as the YRB) is one of the most densely populated areas in China, and complex human activities have a significant impact on the ecological security of water resources. Therefore, this paper employs theories related to ecological population evolution and the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to construct an indicator system for the ecological security of water resources in the YRB. The report evaluates the ecological security status of water resources in each province of the YRB from 2010 to 2019, clarifies the development trend of its water resource ecological security, and proposes corresponding strategies for regional ecological security and coordinated economic development. According to the results of the ecological population evolution competition model, the overall indicator of the ecological security of water resources in the YRB continues to improve, with the safety level increasing annually. Maintaining sound management of water resources in the YRB is crucial for sustainable socioeconomic development. To further promote the ecological security of water resources in the YRB and the coordinated development of the regional economy, this paper proposes policy suggestions such as promoting the continuous advancement of sustainable development projects, actively adjusting industrial structure, continuously enhancing public environmental awareness, and actively participating in international ecological construction and seeking cooperation among multiple departments.