Urban trees are widely recognized as effective nature-based solutions for urban heat mitigation, yet current design strategies focus predominantly on optimizing summer cooling, leaving their potential for winter thermal regulation understudied. This oversight raises a question: Do tree configurations optimized for summer cooling remain thermally beneficial in winter? To address this issue, this study conducted a parametric study using ENVI-met to evaluate the seasonal thermal performance of urban trees in subtropical coastal city Hong Kong under extreme summer and winter conditions. Multi-scenario simulations were run, incorporating eight urban canyons characterized by discrete sky view factors (SVF=0.1–0.8) from typical morphological categories in previous research, two street orientations (N-S, E-W), and two tree species (evergreen Ficus microcarpa , deciduous Lagerstroemia speciose ). Results indicate that both evergreen and deciduous trees provided comparable cooling in summer, with mean differences of 0.21 °C in PET and 0.35 °C in UTCI. A consistent peak cooling of up to 8 °C in PET and 5 °C in UTCI was observed at SVF = 0.7 for both species. In winter, evergreen trees improved comfort by wind shielding in deep, low-SVF canyons (up to 1 °C in PET; 6 °C in UTCI), while deciduous trees enhanced comfort through solar access in shallow, high-SVF canyons (over 0.3 °C PET; 1 °C in UTCI). For subtropical coastal context, our findings suggest that tree selection and placement should be seasonally adaptive. This study provides a methodological framework and preliminary insights for climate-adaptive planting strategies in urban canyons from a year-round perspective.

Abstract Between May and September 2025, 157 sites along the north‐western coast of Morocco were surveyed to assess diaspidid diversity on agricultural and ornamental plants, including persimmon ( Diospyros kaki ) and ornamental fig, Chinese banyan ( Ficus retusa ). The cyanophyllum scale, Hemiberlesia cyanophylli (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae), was found on leaves, young shoots, branches, and fruits of persimmon at three sites, and on leaves and branches of Chinese banyan at five sites. Cyanophyllum scale, a cosmopolitan tropical and subtropical species, is reported here for the first time from Morocco. F. retusa is also reported as a new host plant record. Macro‐ and microscopic analyses confirmed the species identification. Reliable diagnostic characters to distinguish H. cyanophylli from other armoured scale species present in Morocco are provided. Several natural enemies of the scale were recorded, highlighting their potential role in population regulation. The parasitoids recorded include Aphytis melinus DeBach, and Encarsia citrina (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), and Metaphycus sp. and Plagiomerus diaspidis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Parasitism rates reached 70% on Chinese banyan and 36% on persimmon. Predators of H. cyanophylli included Chilocorus nigritus (Fabricius) and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The findings provide baseline data for the early detection and future integrated pest management of this emerging pest in Morocco.

Abstract Bifurcation is a ubiquitous design principle in nature, shaping the architecture of arteries, veins, airways, and plant branches. For centuries, researchers have sought the “optimal” branching law. As early as 1708, Keill proposed a cross-sectional area ratio of 0.7984 for arteries; later, Hess and Murray, invoking the principle of minimum work, derived a diameter ratio of ratio 2-1/3 = 0.7937. Although their work focused on blood vessels, the underlying principles were extended to other branching systems, including trees, establishing the conceptual foundation for a universal model. From metabolic scaling, Kleiber and Brody suggested ratios of 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. These values, however, remained irreconcilable, with no universally accepted framework. In contrast to existing models which are based on average over large datasets, here, we develop a new unifying theoretical model using dimensional analysis. By constructing similarity numbers that capture flow, gravity, viscosity, and energy constraints, we derive an optimal universal radius ratio of 0.7579, a value that bridges Hess & Murray's theoretical law with Kleiber's quarter-power scaling. A case study of polyfurcated branches in Ficus microcarpa shows that our dimensional analysis predicts measured radii with only 4.7% error, outperforming classical models. This work provides the first mathematically grounded reconciliation of competing bifurcation rules, offering a unified framework applicable to both vascular and botanical branching systems.

The ornamental plant Ficus microcarpa produces diverse bioactive triterpenoids. We functionally characterized eight oxidosqualene cyclases (FmOSC1-8), which together generate eight distinct triterpenol skeletons, underpinning the species chemical diversity. FmOSC1 was identified as a rare multifunctional ψ-taraxasterol synthase, the first of its kind in Moraceae. Key residues differentiating FmOSC1 from the α-amyrin-predominant FmOSC2 were pinpointed. Furthermore, a chromosomally linked gene pair (FmOSC3/FmCYP716A520) was shown to sequentially produce lupane-type derivatives. This cytochrome P450 (FmCYP716A520) exhibited broad substrate flexibility, processing intermediates from FmOSC1, FmOSC2, and FmOSC6 to form ψ-taraxastane-, ursane-, and oleanane-type products, respectively. Remarkably, CYP716A homologues from five other plant species could also utilize the FmOSC1 product, yielding oxidized derivatives and revealing conserved catalytic versatility within this enzyme subfamily. Our findings provide fundamental genetic insights into triterpenoid biosynthesis in F. microcarpa and offer valuable biocatalytic tools for synthetic biology applications.

Large old trees (LOTs) are important living monuments with historical significance, landscape esthetics, and ecological functions. Understanding LOT diversity, spatial distribution, and conservation status is critical for implementing effective targeted protection measures. However, although there are numerous LOTs across Chinese provinces, a comprehensive analysis of LOTs' diversity and distribution of LOTs in Guangxi Province is lacking. Using publicly available government data and field surveys, we assessed the taxonomy, species, spatial distribution, and conservation status of LOTs aged > 500 years in Guangxi Province. We identified 2630 LOTs belonging to 149 species, 105 genera, and 48 families. Members of the Ficus (Moraceae), Camphora (Lauraceae), and Castanopsis (Fagaceae) genera were the most common, with Ficus virens, Camphora officinarum, and Ficus microcarpa representing the predominant species. A latitudinal gradient in the richness and diversity of LOTs was observed across 14 prefecture-level cities, with a progressive decline toward lower latitudes. This pattern likely reflects the influence of climatic conditions, historical land use, and urbanization intensity. Comparative health assessments demonstrated superior vitality in villages and farmlands (85.47%), scenic spots (90.3%), and wooded areas and plant nurseries (89.42%) compared to residential districts (78.94%). We recommend establishing an integrated ecological-cultural management strategy for LOT conservation in Guangxi, strengthening insitu protection of underrepresented LOTs, prioritizing the management of culturally unaffiliated taxa, and implementing habitat-specific strategies to ensure optimal conservation outcomes.

Abstract Natural fiber composites (NFCs) have attracted considerable interest due to their sustainability, environmental advantages, lightweight nature, and cost effectiveness. Indian laurel fiber, a largely underutilized natural material, and Prosopis juliflora pod (PJP), an agricultural waste product, were the focus of this study. The research aimed to develop a novel NFC by combining these two materials, utilizing the hand layup method for fabrication. This study investigated performance of composites made from Indian laurel fiber and PJP powder with varying fiber and filler concentrations. Mechanical tests revealed that E30IL/10PJP formulation exhibited the highest performance, achieving 60 MPa in tensile strength, 120 MPa in flexural strength, and 12 MPa in impact strength. Water absorption and biodegradation tests showed that increasing Indian laurel fiber content increased water uptake and accelerated mass loss, with E50IL absorbing up to 40% water and experiencing over 65% mass loss after 60 days. Conversely, the addition of PJP reduced water absorption and degradation rates, with E30IL/30PJP showing the lowest water uptake (10%) and mass loss (30%). Overall, the E30IL/10PJP composite offered the best balance of mechanical strength, durability, and environmental stability, making it a promising candidate for sustainable applications.

Under the background of global climate change, frequent drought events have significantly impacted plant-insect interaction. This study focuses on Ficus microcarpa, an important landscaping and urban greening tree species in tropical and subtropical regions, and its primary herbivorous pest, Perina nuda, by applying the age-stage, two-sex life table theory to systematically evaluate the effects on the life history traits and population dynamics of P. nuda reared on F. microcarpa subjected to different levels of drought stress. The results demonstrated that reared on drought-stressed F. microcarpa significantly altered multiple life history traits of P. nuda. All drought treatments significantly shortened the larval development period. Under both light and severe drought conditions, adult lifespan was prolonged, the total pre-oviposition period was reduced, fecundity per female increased, and generation time (T) was shortened. However, significant increases in pupal weight, intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) were observed only under light drought stress. The population prediction results indicate that both light and severe drought stress lead to obviously higher population growth rates and larger population sizes at 200 days compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the population fitness of P. nuda is enhanced under light and severe drought stress, potentially increasing the probability of pest outbreaks. This study provides an important theoretical basis and practical advice on forecasting population dynamics and implementing integrated management strategies for P. nuda in the context of climate change.

ABSTRACT There are many ancient and famous trees in Fuding City. Studying resource composition, geographical distribution characteristics, and the relationships among ancient and famous trees is of great significance for their protection. ArcGIS, nuclear density analysis, and standard deviation ellipse were used to understand the distribution characteristics of these trees. The regression relationships of tree height, chest circumference, average crown width, elevation and slope were simulated using a geographically weighted regression model (GWR). The relationship between these factors and the age and distribution of ancient trees was explored. The dominant species include Liquidambar formosana, Ficus microcarpa, Distylium racemosum, Cinnamomum camphora, Taxus wallichiana, and Cryptomeria japonica. The height of the ancient trees mainly ranges between 10 and 20 m, with the majority having a chest circumference above 80 cm, and crown width is less than 10 m. Approximately 94.71% of the ancient trees exhibit standard growth patterns. According to nuclear density analysis, standard deviation ellipse analysis and geographic-weighted regression, the spatial distribution is related to altitude and topography. Tree height, average crown amplitude and slope are positively correlated with tree age. The outcomes of this study can serve as a valuable reference for the investigation of long-lived ancient trees.

Abstract Nitrogen (N) availability critically limits plant productivity in nutrient-depleted coral island ecosystems, necessitating substantial inputs of exogenous N fertilizer. However, excessive or unbalanced fertilization poses risks to environmental sustainability. In this study, we assessed how three N fertilizer forms, ammonium (NH4+-N), nitrate (NO3−-N) and amide nitrogen (NH2-N), affect soil properties and plant performance in coral sand environments. A 15N-labeled greenhouse experiment was conducted using two island-adapted species, Ficus microcarpa and Terminalia catappa. Results showed that NO3−-N markedly enhanced nitrogen retention, microbial biomass nitrogen and overall plant growth, while NH4+-N promoted microbial biomass carbon. Ficus microcarpa and T. catappa both exhibited superior growth under NO3−-N, although T. catappa achieved higher leaf nutrient concentrations with NH2-N, reflecting differences in nutrient uptake preferences. Isotopic tracing revealed greater nitrogen retention in soils than in plant tissues, with NO3−-N fertilization yielding the highest nitrogen recovery efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of nitrogen form in shaping soil–plant interactions in sandy, alkaline soils and offer mechanistic insights for designing targeted, sustainable fertilization strategies for coral island ecosystems.

Plants are rich sources of bioactive secondary metabolites with well-established antioxidant and therapeutic properties. Nalpamaram, a classical Ayurvedic formulation composed of the barks of four Ficus species—Ficus racemosa, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa—is traditionally credited with cooling, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Despite its long-standing use in Ayurvedic medicine, its hepatoprotective potential has not been scientifically validated. Since hepatic disorders are closely associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals in Nalpamaram suggests possible liver-protective effects. In this study, the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Nalpamaram (NMAE) was evaluated using human hepatoma (Hep G2) cells, an established in-vitro model for screening hepatoprotective agents. Hep G2 cells retain key biochemical and morphological characteristics of normal hepatocytes and are suitable for assessing cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and protective effects of medicinal plant extracts. The present investigation assessed the ability of NMAE to protect Hep G2 cells from ethanol-induced toxicity by examining changes in cell viability, apoptosis and oxidative stress markers. The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the hepatoprotective potential of NMAE and highlight the need for further mechanistic and in-vivo evaluations to substantiate its therapeutic relevance.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and cholinergic dysfunction. This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of Ficus microcarpa leaf extract via a multidisciplinary approach that integrates phytochemical profiling, in silico analysis, and in vivo validation. LC‒MS analysis revealed key bioactive compounds, including fortunellin, thalsimine, and vocalristine, which are flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, that are known for their neuroprotective effects. Drug-likeness and toxicity evaluations via SwissADME and ProTox-II revealed favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Network pharmacology and KEGG enrichment analyses identified AChE, APP, and GSK3β as central AD-related targets. Molecular docking (AutoDock 4.2) revealed strong binding affinities of fortunellin (-9.2kcal/mol) and donepezil (-9.0kcal/mol) with AChE, which was supported by active site interactions. Molecular dynamics (200ns, GROMACS) confirmed the complex stability via RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bond analyses. The MM-PBSA calculations further validated the binding stability. In vivo studies revealed that F. microcarpa (100 and 200mg/kg, po) and donepezil (3mg/kg, po) administered for 21 days significantly reversed scopolamine-induced (2mg/kg, ip) memory deficits in Wistar rats, as assessed by the Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, and novel object recognition tests. Biochemical analysis revealed reduced oxidative stress, increased antioxidant enzyme levels, and the restoration of cholinergic function. Histopathological studies revealed that the integrity of the hippocampus was preserved. Overall, these findings support F. microcarpa, particularly fortunellin, as a promising multitarget candidate for AD therapy, meriting further pharmacological investigation.

Some fig species introduced outside of their native range have become invasive when colonized by their obligate pollinating wasps, but how these pollinators migrated and adapted to novel environments are less studied. Here, we focus on Eupristina verticillata, the obligate pollinating wasp of an invasive fig tree species (Ficus microcarpa), to uncover its demography and the molecular basis for adaptations to novel environments. We find that only one of the three cryptic species colonized in the sampling locations outside of its native range. This dominant cryptic species migrated simultaneously from the native range to the Americas and to the Mediterranean c. 130 years ago. Moreover, selective sweep analyses reveal several positively selected genes associated with adaptations to the nonnative range. Genome-wide association detect a nonsynonymous substitution in a dopamine N-acetyltransferase gene significantly linked with brood size. Our study outlines the route to colonization and genetic adaptations of an invasive mutualism.

The plant genus Ficus (Moraceae) includes keystone tree species in tropical ecosystems, providing essential resources for a wide range of animals. Due to their ornamental value, fig trees have been introduced beyond their native ranges, often accompanied by their natural pollinators, which in some cases has led to ecological invasions. This study documents, for the first time, the presence of several pollinating and non-pollinating fig wasps (Chalcidoidea) on the Iberian Peninsula, focusing on three exotic Ficus species: Ficus microcarpa L.f., 1782, F. rubiginosa Desf. ex Vent., 1805 and F. macrophylla Pers., 1807. Through syconia sampling and dissection, we identified six fig wasp species: the pollinators Eupristina aff. verticillata (Waterston, 1921) and Pleistodontes imperialis Saunders, 1882, the gall-formers Eufroggattisca okinavensis Ishii, 1934, Josephiella microcarpae Beardsley & Rasplus, 2001, Walkerella microcarpae Bouček, 1993, and the parasitoid Philotrypesis okinavensis Ishii, 1934. Additionally, we documented several cases of non-native Ficus species reproducing spontaneously in urban areas, suggesting a significant ecological establishment and invasive spread through sexual reproduction. This spread poses potential risks to urban infrastructure, as the robust root systems of fig trees can damage buildings, pavements, urban trees, and heritage sites. Finally, we observed urban native and non-native bird species consuming mature fig syconia, which likely assist in the dispersal of these plants. Our findings underscore the need for further studies on the ecological impact of introduced Ficus species in non-native regions, their long-term economic consequences for urban heritage, and the continued monitoring of pollinator fig wasp populations.

Stomatal morphology and distribution exhibit remarkable diversity across monocot and dicot species, reflecting their evolutionary adaptations to varied ecological niches. This study investigates the stomatal diversity in selected taxa, highlighting its taxonomic significance and functional implications. In monocots, the presence of brachyparacytic stomata in Acorus calamus represents a primitive trait, while the tetracytic condition in Kaempferia galanga and Tradescantia spathacea suggests advanced gas exchange mechanisms. Hypostomatic species like Costus speciosus and Tradescantia spathacea indicate adaptations for water conservation, whereas amphistomatic taxa such as Acorus calamus, Caladium bicolour, Dracaena marginata, and Kaempferia galanga thrive in humid environments. Dracaena marginata and Polianthes tuberosa exhibit anomocytic stomata, linking them to basal monocot lineages. The unique dumbbell-shaped guard cells of Cynodon dactylon exemplify Poaceae’s optimization of transpiration control. Dicot species exhibit a spectrum of stomatal adaptations aligned with their ecological conditions. Bryophyllum calycinum demonstrates anisocytic stomata along with CAM metabolism, enhancing water-use efficiency. Calotropis procera displays diverse stomatal types, suggesting specialized xeric adaptations. Anomocytic stomata in Euphorbia neriifolia, Rauwolfia serpentina, and Tabernaemontana divaricata indicate a basal evolutionary trait balancing transpiration. Hypostomatic conditions in Ficus microcarpa and Rauwolfia serpentina promote water conservation, while sunken stomata in Nerium oleander and Ficus microcarpa reduce transpiration. Additionally, stomatal multiplicity in both dicots and monocots were observed. Novel types, including laterocytic, stephanocytic, diacytic, cyclocytic, amphipseudoholoparacytic, stomata were also reported. Scanning electron microscopy revealed sunken stomata and non-contiguous stomatal clusters. These findings underscore the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in stomatal development. Further molecular and physiological studies will help us to understand how stomatal diversity evolved and adapted. This will improve our knowledge of plant responses to climate change and water-use efficiency.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a serious invasive pest of the family Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) that poses a significant threat to global crop production, with poaceae crops being particularly affected. Previous studies have indicated that, as a voracious insect, the fall armyworm possesses the potential for food source diversification. However, to date, limited research has been conducted on whether plants other than maize (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) can serve as potential food resources for the pest. In Yunnan Province, China, the distribution ranges of the fall armyworm and Ficus plants show a significant degree of overlap. Ficus species, including the widely distributed Ficus microcarpa L. f., commonly grow within or near cornfields. Our previous field studies have documented instances of fall armyworms in cornfields exhibiting feeding behavior on F. microcarpa. In this study, maize and F. microcarpa were selected as food resources for fall armyworms to compare larval feeding preferences, development time, survival rate, and reproductive capacity. The results demonstrated that when both maize and F. microcarpa were available simultaneously, fall armyworm larvae consumed both plant species. Further analysis revealed that larvae feeding on F. microcarpa exhibited a significantly longer developmental period from the third stage to pupation (14.08 ± 0.44 d) compared to those feeding on maize (9.21 ± 0.14 d). Moreover, the pupae size, pupae weight, and egg count were reduced by approximately 10%, 30%, and 30%, respectively, in larvae that fed on F. microcarpa. Despite these physiological challenges, our research findings indicated that, despite F. microcarpa not being the primary food source for fall armyworms under natural conditions, fall armyworms feeding on F. microcarpa were still capable of completing the life cycle from the third instar to the second generation when relying solely on F. microcarpa. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen the observation and monitoring of fall armyworm populations feeding on F. microcarpa and implement targeted control strategies according to specific circumstances, thereby preventing F. microcarpa from acting as a potential host.

Heritage trees, as vital bioresources, enhance urban ecosystems and cultural heritage in Lingshui, Hainan, China. Yet, urbanization and environmental shifts threaten their persistence, necessitating detailed studies for conservation. From 2023 to 2024, the authors surveyed 133 heritage trees across 18 species, 14 genera, and 10 families. Tamarindus indica L. dominated (importance value 37.60), followed by Ficus microcarpa L. f. (14.37) and Bombax ceiba L. (12.55), comprising 64.52% of the total importance value. Diversity varied across twelve towns, with Yingzhou showing the highest despite fewer trees. Most trees, aged 100-150 years with 60-150 cm diameters, indicated an aging population. Kernel density mapping revealed central-eastern distribution hotspots, hinting at historical or environmental influences. Termite infestation (45.1%) and trunk decay (36.4%) were primary threats, with pests and diseases less impactful (6.8%). Compared to other Hainan cities, Lingshui’s lower tree diversity reflects topography, typhoons, and human pressures including urbanization and agriculture. Targeted conservation addressing biological and socioeconomic factors is critical to sustain these bioresources, which support biodiversity through microhabitats, ecological continuity, and genetic diversity in urbanizing landscapes.

Constructing a scientific health risk assessment system for ancient trees is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and tree resources. As Fuzhou’s city tree, ancient banyan trees (Ficus microcarpa) with expansive canopies and aerial roots have shaped local ecology and history over millennia. However, urbanization-induced habitat loss and structural vulnerabilities (e.g., root damage and branch injuries) increasingly threaten their health. Current generic tree evaluation standards inadequately address banyan trees’ unique aerial root physiology. This study developed a tailored assessment model using 140 ancient banyan trees from Fuzhou’s urban core and Minhou County. The researchers analyzed 12 tree health indicators (crown, trunk, visible roots, etc.) and two environmental factors through structural equation modeling (SEM) and cluster analysis. Key findings: (1) The SEM demonstrated strong data fit (CMIN/DF = 1.575, RMSEA = 0.064, TLI = 0.927, and CFI = 0.945), validating model reliability. (2) Mechanical damage to the visible root system (weight = 0.135) most significantly impacted health, while canopy closure (0.036) and crown saturation (0.034) showed minimal effects. (3) The site environment strongly correlated with trunk and visible root system health but not crown conditions. (4) In total, 60.71% of the sampled trees were healthy/sub-healthy, while 39.29% exhibited poor health. This methodology provides a replicable framework for ancient tree conservation, emphasizing species-specific evaluation criteria and environmental management strategies. The weighted indicator system enables precise health diagnostics and prioritized protection measures for vulnerable heritage trees.

Introducción. Por su practicidad y confiabilidad, los indicadores ‘condición de copa’ y ‘daños al arbolado’ han servido para determinar, de manera rápida, el estado de salud del arbolado en zonas urbanas. Objetivo. Determinar el estado de salud de los árboles de Ficus microcarpa L. f. mediante los indicadores ‘condición de copa’ y ‘daños al arbolado’ en Cuernavaca, Morelos. Materiales y métodos. En 387 árboles de F. microcarpa se midieron las variables proporción de copa viva (PCV), densidad de copa, muerte regresiva y transparencia de follaje, así como la presencia de daños bióticos, abióticos y antropogénicos. Resultados y discusión. En la ciudad de Cuernavaca predominan árboles de Ficus microcarpa con alturas de 3 a 5 m y diámetro entre los 20 y 40 cm, catalogados como árboles jóvenes-maduros. El estado de salud del arbolado se considera bueno con una media de PCV de 70 %, diámetro de copa de 65 % y muerte regresiva de 5 %, a excepción de la transparencia del follaje con 35 %, la cual clasificó a los árboles en una categoría de salud moderada. Los daños al arbolado más frecuentes fueron el espacio vital reducido (55.21 %) y la poda topiaria (18 %). Solo se registraron 32 árboles muertos (8.26 %). Conclusión. Los indicadores de condición de copa y daños al arbolado contribuyeron a determinar la salud de F. microcarpa. La transparencia del follaje es un indicador de estrés temprano que puede atribuirse a los agentes de daño, en su mayoría, de origen abiótico y antropogénico.

The disposal of urban tree litter as waste has significant implications for material cycles, energy flows, and global climate change within urban ecosystems. However, the species-specific contributions of urban trees to atmospheric CO2 emissions through soil respiration (RS) remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of litter management on RS dynamics in urban green spaces, focusing on six common species (Mangifera indica, Ficus microcarpa, Cinnamomum camphora, Bauhinia purpurea, Triadica sebifera, and Celtis sinensis) in Fuzhou, China. Three litter treatments—litter retention (CK), litter removal (RL), and litter doubling (DL)—were established to monitor monthly RS fluctuations. Results indicate that DL significantly increased RS rates, while RL reduced them. The increase in RS due to litter addition was more pronounced than the decrease caused by litter removal for most species. RS rates exhibited a unimodal seasonal pattern, peaking in summer. Furthermore, litter treatments influenced the temperature sensitivity coefficient (Q10), with F. microcarpa showing the highest average Q10 (4.16) and M. indica the lowest (1.88). This study underscores the critical role of litter input in modulating RS in urban green spaces and highlights the joint but asymmetric effects of soil temperature and moisture on RS dynamics.

The number of alien species continues to climb uninterrupted with a proportion of them becoming invasive, impacting native biodiversity and socioeconomic parameters. Many alien species are plants, transported outside their native range, sometimes alongside their associated insects hitching a ride to new destinations. Ficus microcarpa L. (Moraceae) is a common ornamental plant in the Mediterranean, which has been found to host a large ecological network of associated chalcid wasps (also called fig wasps). Amongst them, the plant’s pollinator Eupristina verticillata Waterston (Agaonidae), enhances the plant’s successful pollination and subsequent germination, thus allowing it to establish viable populations and even become invasive in some parts of the world. Other associated wasps, also called non-pollinating fig wasps, have likewise followed and these are parasitoids, inquilines or gallers. These species can be either beneficial or injurious to F. microcarpa, with some even proposed as potential biological control agents mitigating the plant’s spread. Seven fig wasp species have been reported from Greece, hitherto. Here, we present the first national survey of fig wasp fauna for Greece. We found 13 species, with six representing new records for the country (Eufroggattisca okinavensis Ishii, Micranisa degastris Chen, Philotrypesis okinavensis Ishii, Philotrypesis taiwanensis Chen, Odontofroggatia quinifuniculus Feng & Huang, Sycophila curta Chen) and two (O. quinifuniculus, S. curta) being reported outside their native range for the first time. Philotrypesis emeryi is removed from previous checklists upon molecular characterization of specimens as being Philotrypesis okinavensis. We discuss the distribution, introduction period and ecology of these fig wasps. Further, we present records of seedlings for F. microcarpa and discuss the potential implications of the fig wasp fauna for the establishment and control of this alien plant species.