Species Groups Research Articles

Quantitative Factors Introduced in the Feasibility Analysis of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Sensitive Triggers.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical for cellular signaling. Various pathophysiological conditions are also associated with elevated levels of ROS. Hence, ROS-sensitive triggers have been extensively used for selective payload delivery. Such applications are predicated on two key functions: (1) a sufficient magnitude of concentration difference for the interested ROS between normal tissue/cells and intended sites and (2) appropriate reaction kinetics to ensure a sufficient level of selectivity for payload release. Further, ROS refers to a group of species with varying reactivity, which should not be viewed as a uniform group. In this review, we critically analyze data on the concentrations of different ROS species under various pathophysiological conditions and examine how reaction kinetics affect the success of ROS-sensitive linker chemistry. Further, we discuss different ROS linker chemistry in the context of their applications in drug delivery and imaging. This review brings new insights into research in ROS-triggered delivery, highlights factors to consider in maximizing the chance for success and discusses pitfalls to avoid.

Preparatory study for carbon sequestration modelling of agroforestry systems in Hungary: The assessment of the yield class distribution of windbreaks

The escalating carbon dioxide emissions leading to global climate change are acknowledged as a paramount environmental challenge in the twenty-first century. The significance of land use systems in stabilising carbon dioxide levels and enhancing carbon sink potential has gained noteworthy attention from both the scientific and political communities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emphasises that agroforestry systems present vital prospects for synergising climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, offering substantial technical mitigation potential. Windbreaks are well-known agroforestry systems in Hungary and form an important part of agricultural landscapes. The improved agroforestry subsidy system in our country makes it relevant to model the carbon sequestration potential of windbreaks. In the framework of the ForestLab project we plan to develop a carbon sequestration model specific for Hungarian agroforestry systems. In this study, as a preparatory step of the model development, we assessed the yield class distribution of Hungarian windbreaks by tree species group and identified variables that had significant effect on yield class based on the data of the National Forestry Database. Our results show that among the examined effects the most important predictor of the yield class of windbreaks was the tree species group, followed by the thickness of the productive soil layer and the hydrology of the site.

The Application Timing of a Cytokinin B-Mo-based Product Affects the Characteristics of Rooted Cuttings and Nonstructural Carbohydrates of Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides cv. Wild Lime) during Adventitious Root Development

A large group of horticulture species are propagated vegetatively through shoot-tip cuttings harvested from stock plants and planted to form adventitious roots. Adventitious rooting leads to establishing a carbohydrate sink in the region of root regeneration that is highly dependent on energy and carbon skeletons. We hypothesized that the timing of exogenous applications of cytokinin (CK) and boron (B)–molybdenum (Mo)-based products during adventitious root development can affect the flow of sugars from leaves to sinks, carbon allocation to the adventitious roots, and the quality of rooted cuttings. During this project, we aimed to determine if the application time of a CK/B-Mo-based product during the adventitious root development of unrooted cuttings would impact the source-to-sink relationship and, hence, affect plug growth and quality. A sink-strengthening commercial product based on cytokinin, B, and Mo was applied at four plug development stages plus a negative control as follows: T1, plants without product (control); T2, sticking stage (starting 24 hours after the sticking); T3, callus formation stage; T4, root development stage; and T5, toning stage. The root and shoot lengths and dry matter, number of leaves, leaf chlorophyll content, root-to-shoot ratio (based on dry matter), and nonstructural carbohydrate contents were measured. The timing of the application of the product impacted the root development, quality of the cuttings, and nonstructural carbohydrate content. Product application during the adventitious root dedifferentiation and induction phases (T2) resulted in the shortest root and shoot lengths, lowest dry matter accumulation, lowest nonstructural carbohydrate contents, and some phytotoxicity. Application during the initiation phase (T3) resulted in greater root length, total dry matter, and total soluble sugar contents compared with the control. Application during the expression phase (T4) resulted in the largest root length and mass and the highest sucrose contents. Applying the product when the roots had grown and reached all the edges of the growing media (T5) did not have any benefits compared with the control. This study provides new insights into the application timing of exogenous CKs, B, and Mo to generate a well-toned rooted coleus cutting and potential explanations in relation to nonstructural carbohydrate metabolism.

The dynamics of the taxonomic composition of the alien fraction of the urban flora in the Kyiv urban area, Ukraine

Abstract This article presents the results of an investigation into the recent taxonomic composition of the alien fraction of the urban flora in the Kyiv urban area (KUA). Its main dynamic tendencies over the last 20 years have been highlighted, along with the most probable phytoinvasive threats. The obtained linear regression equation allowed forecasting for the growth in the abundance of alien plant species against the background of the enlargement of the Kyiv urban area (r=0.53) and its human population numbers (r=0.87). The alien fraction of the urban flora of the KUA contains 717 taxa of vascular plants (668 species, 41 subspecies, 6 varieties, 1 form and 1 nothoform). In the past 20 years, the number of species of the urban flora of the KUA has increased by at least 166 alien taxa, some of which are representatives of new genera, families, and orders for our flora. This enrichment of the taxonomic structure of the alien fraction in the urban flora of the KUA has caused changes in the ratio of life forms, ecotypes, invasiveness of species, and other features. We specified probable invasive threats, conditioned by the formation of the group of new woody species, hydrophytes capable of rapidly accumulating their phytomass, some genera complexes involving alien and local species, which are inclined to hybridization.

Variability and ecological relevance of alternative group structures in food webs

Broad-scale interaction patterns among species in food webs can be identified using the group model, which identifies groups of species, sharing similar sets of predators and prey from other groups. These shared relationships are relevant for the functionality of species. The group model originates from stochastic block models, meaning the obtained group structures of the same food web can differ in multiple runs and the single best partition may miss relevant information, and a consensus solution may blur complementary communities. Hence, it is highly relevant to analyze the full solution landscape while searching for the optimal partitioning of species. In particular, a narrow solution landscape would highlight the reliability of the identified groups. Here, using five empirical food webs, we analyze their respective solution landscape based on multiple group model runs of the same network. By analyzing the solution landscapes, we aim to explain the differences between solutions and what they entail, structurally and ecologically. Our results show that the overall general group structures remain intact across different iterations. While some food webs vary more, differences are commonly limited to a smaller number of groups with seemingly similar species roles. Our results suggest that while the stochastic process of the group model can generate alternate solutions for the same food web, these differences generally involve weaker distinctions of species in a small number of groups rather than a large structural turnover.

Genetics of flight in spongy moths (Lymantria dispar ssp.): functionally integrated profiling of a complex invasive trait

BackgroundFlight can drastically enhance dispersal capacity and is a key trait defining the potential of exotic insect species to spread and invade new habitats. The phytophagous European spongy moths (ESM, Lymantria dispar dispar) and Asian spongy moths (ASM; a multi–species group represented here by L. d. asiatica and L. d. japonica), are globally invasive species that vary in adult female flight capability—female ASM are typically flight capable, whereas female ESM are typically flightless. Genetic markers of flight capability would supply a powerful tool for flight profiling of these species at any intercepted life stage. To assess the functional complexity of spongy moth flight and to identify potential markers of flight capability, we used multiple genetic approaches aimed at capturing complementary signals of putative flight–relevant genetic divergence between ESM and ASM: reduced representation genome–wide association studies, whole genome sequence comparisons, and developmental transcriptomics. We then judged the candidacy of flight–associated genes through functional analyses aimed at addressing the proximate demands of flight and salient features of the ecological context of spongy moth flight evolution.ResultsCandidate gene sets were typically non–overlapping across different genetic approaches, with only nine gene annotations shared between any pair of approaches. We detected an array of flight–relevant functional themes across gene sets that collectively suggest divergence in flight capability between European and Asian spongy moth lineages has coincided with evolutionary differentiation in multiple aspects of flight development, execution, and surrounding life history. Overall, our results indicate that spongy moth flight evolution has shaped or been influenced by a large and functionally broad network of traits.ConclusionsOur study identified a suite of flight–associated genes in spongy moths suited to exploration of the genetic architecture and evolution of flight, or validation for flight profiling purposes. This work illustrates how complementary genetic approaches combined with phenotypically targeted functional analyses can help to characterize genetically complex traits.

Integrating Genetic and Cytogenetic Data: A Diversity Study of Astyanax and Psalidodon (Characidae) Species from the Paraná River Basin.

Astyanax is one of the most specious fish groups in the Neotropical region, with many cryptic species, which represents a challenge for correct identification through traditional taxonomic methods. Psalidodon is a recently resurrected genus group of species previously belonging to Astyanax, specifically those with extensive chromosomal variation of the A. scabripinnis and fasciatus complexes. In the present study, the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), mitochondrial ATP synthase 6 and 8 (ATPase 6/8), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) were used in conjunction with chromosomal data to characterize molecularly and cytogenetically populations of Astyanax and Psalidodon from rivers and streams of the Ivaí River Basin (Paraná Basin). The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the integrative use of molecular and cytogenetic techniques, with the confirmation of at least three species for the sampled sites: A. lacustris, P. paranae, and P. fasciatus, which showed inter- and intrapopulation karyotype variations. In addition, extensive haplotypic variation can be observed for these species within the Ivaí River Basin and throughout the Paraná River Basin. The data demonstrate a hidden diversity among the species analyzed, enrich the ichthyofaunistic knowledge of small rivers and streams, and contribute to future conservation projects in these areas.

New World dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) colonization of a recent Miocene insular territory: The case of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica emerged from the seas as a new geological territory during the Miocene as an insular archipelago. It later became part of a continental area once it became a segment of Central America. Two dung beetle genera that colonized this new territory from South and North America, Canthidium and Onthophagus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae), are here studied, in the first analysis of a volcanic paleo-archipelago, colonized from its emergence, and then later becoming terra firma. To assess their biodiversity distribution patterns, we analyzed the effect of biogeography, ecosystem origins, and body size on their altitudinal distribution patterns in three geographic basins of Costa Rica. Based on 32 years of collecting representing more than 158,000 specimens from 1017 localities, we undertook Generalized Linear Models of the two dung beetle genera to assess the effects of biodiversity and biogeographical distribution patterns. Canthidium and Onthophagus species ranged from 0 to 3000 m a.s.l., with an abrupt diversity decline at altitudes above 1500 m. Endemic species tended to show a higher altitudinal mean with a narrow altitudinal band distribution than non-endemic dung beetle species. Although there was a trend of decreasing species body size with the increase in altitude, such a trend depended on the distribution pattern of the species group. This possible insular-mediated endemicity mechanism has generated baffling biodiversity levels, considered the highest worldwide per unit area. Costa Rica is an expanse represented by a geographic overlap of two or more temporally disjunct areas and is not part of a natural transition zone. The effect of the insular Miocene origin of Costa Rica still pervades today, reflected by different insular syndromes shown by the dung beetle fauna. The importance of geological origins in generating biodiversity seems to have been an underrated criterion for conservation biology practices and should be considered ex officio.

A review of Coelopoetinae (Lepidoptera, Gelechioidea, Pterolonchidae), a moth subfamily confined to western North America, with descriptions of seven new species

Systematics and taxonomy of the gelechioid subfamily Coelopoetinae are reviewed. Following the current classification, this group is considered to form its own monotypic subfamily in Pterolonchidae with one recognized genus, Coelopoeta, after a convoluted and, in part, arguably conjectural, historical systematic treatment. On morphological basis (appearance, male genitalia) and with support from DNA barcodes, the genus is divided into two discrete units probably meriting recognition as separate genera. The species groups are informally treated as the nominate C. glutinosi species group, and the C. fissurina species group. In the absence of knowledge of females or the biologies of any of the species of the C. fissurina group, species of both groups are here provisionally included in Coelopoeta. In total, 10 species are recognized, seven of which are here described as new: C. glutinosi species group: C. alboflava Kaila, sp. nov., C. aprica Kaila, sp. nov., C. aurora Kaila, sp. nov., C. fulminea Kaila, sp. nov. and C. sariae Kaila, sp. nov.; C. fissurina species group: C. fissurina Kaila, sp. nov. and C. valalbui Kaila, sp. nov. The three previously known species, C. glutinosi Walsingham, 1907, C. maiadella Kaila, 1995 and C. phaceliae Kaila, 1995 are redescribed. All three of these species belong to the glutinosi species group. A lectotype is designated for C. glutinosi Walsingham, 1907. Some southwestern Coelopoeta species are potentially under threat of decline or even extinction due to the apparently increasingly intense and frequent forest fires. This threat is significant as the species with known life histories spend their entire life cycles above ground in low vegetation.

Phylogenetic diversity of the Pristimantis anaiae species group, with a description of a new species of Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from Cerro Candelaria, Tungurahua, Ecuador

Continuous field work on mountains in the upper Pastaza watershed, showed an unexpected cryptic diversity in the recently described Pristimantis anaiae species group. Based on molecular and morphological characters we describe a new frog species from the central region of the eastern Ecuadorian Andes. We present an updated phylogeny for the Pristimantis anaiae species group, based on widely used, ubiquitous, and available genes, three mitochondrial genes (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, ND1) and RAG1 nuclear gene. Our phylogenetic hypothesis increases genetic diversity of the species group and shows two well-supported subclades. We show the relationships of the new species and include for the first time Pristimantis maryanneae, belonging to a clade related to P. resistencia + P. glendae. Our phylogeny shows that new species, from Cerro Candelaria, is more closely related to P. kunam from Sangay National Park and differs from it by having a less conspicuous dorsolateral row of enlarged tubercles, and sacral oval marks surrounded by thin white pale lines. The new species and two additional undescribed species occur on the south side of the Rio Pastaza Valley, at Cerro Candelaria within the Llanganates – Sangay Ecological Corridor, reflecting the high importance of this area for conservation and understanding of evolution processes in the area, suggesting a probably adaptive radiation zone for the P. anaiae species group.

Inhibition of Atm and Atr kinases affects embryo development and the DNA damage response in sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)

Embryo development is regulated by numerous interconnected pathways that direct cell fate, differentiation, and genetic stability. During development, these pathways can be altered by exogenous factors, such as pollutants, or endogenous factors, such as replication stress. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (Atm) and ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (Atr) kinases play critical roles in regulating the cell cycle, the DNA damage response (DDR), DNA repair, checkpoint activation, and apoptosis. In cells with damaged DNA, these kinases can slow the cell cycle to provide the necessary time and ability for DNA repair. In this study, we investigated the roles of Atm and Atr in embryo development and DDR in the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus). Sterlets belong to the Acipenseridae family, one of the most threatened groups of species. Thus, understanding their genetics, biology, embryogenesis, and conservation is crucial. Furthermore, the sterlet is a significant aquaculture species that represents an intriguing model for studying polyploidy and genome plasticity. In our research, we examined the effects of chemical inhibition of Atm and Atr on sterlet embryo development in the absence and presence of the genotoxicant camptothecin (CPT). Our findings indicated that in the absence of genotoxic challenge, Atr autophosphorylation increases between 1 and 3 days post-fertilization (dpf) and decreases by 5 dpf, illustrating the involvement of Atr in the response to replication stress in rapidly differentiating tissues during the early stages of embryo development. Conversely, Atm inhibition was associated with a dose-dependent reduction in embryo viability, highlighting its importance in normal embryo development. When sterlet embryos were exposed to CPT, both Atm and Atr were involved in DDR and the activation of apoptosis. Notably, when both kinases were inhibited simultaneously, the embryos lost their ability to induce apoptosis and mitigate DNA damage, resulting in 100% embryonic mortality. These results suggest that Atm and Atr have distinct functions during normal embryo development, but they can partially complement each other in DDR.

Assessment of fish diversity in the East China Sea hairtail national aquatic germplasm resources conservation zone using DNA barcoding

Based on the fishery resource survey data from 2019 to 2022, the species composition and taxonomic diversity of fish in the East China Sea hairtail national aquatic germplasm resources conservation zone (ECSHZ) were studied through the analysis of 185 COI sequences. The results showed that the 185 fish samples collected belonged to 105 species, 21 orders, 46 families, and 89 genera in terms of their taxonomic status. There are discrepancies between morphological identification and genetic identification results for four fish species. The intraspecific genetic distance ranged from 0 % to 1.0 %, with an average value of 0.3 %. Meanwhile, the interspecies within genus distance ranged from 5.3 % to 22.7 %, with an average of 14.5 %. The outcomes of the division using Automatic Barcoding Gap Discovery (ABGD) and Bayesian phylogenetics and phylogeography (BPP) were concordant, identifying a total of 105 species groups. ABGD and BPP have shown that there was no overlap between intra-species variation and inter-species variation, supporting the existence of a barcoding gap. The results demonstrate the superiority of DNA barcoding in species identification. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method based on the COI gene, which revealed certain limitations of COI in representing phylogenetic relationships at the genus and higher taxonomic levels. Another phylogenetic tree was constructed using 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes with more genetic information, allowing for a better study of evolutionary relationships of ECSHZ fish species. The tree supported that Carangidae, Polynemidae, Paralichthyidae, Pleuronectidae, Sphyraenidae, and Cynoglossidae were clustered in an independent clade, with Priacanthidae and Lobotidae separating from Perciformes. This study offers DNA barcodes for ECSHZ fish species, providing crucial data support for conserving fish diversity.

A new species of the genus Hyalesthes Signoret, 1865 (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Cixiidae) from the Russian Black sea coast – Western Mediterranean faunal element in the Caucasus

AbstractA new species, Hyalesthes (Homalesthes) sagittus sp. n., of the family Cixiidae (Cixiinae, Pentastirini) is described from the Krasnodar Territory. The new species belongs to the Hyalesthes productus species group known from the Western Mediterranean and the Middle East. Natural disjunctive Western Mediterranean – Caucasian distribution as well as unintentional introduction of Auchenorrhyncha taxa are discussed.

Revisions of the clavipes and pruni species groups of the genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 (Diptera, Syrphidae)

This study focuses on the avidus–nigritarsis lineage within the genus Merodon, exploring morphological, genetic, and distributional aspects of two related assemblies within this lineage: the clavipes and pruni species groups. An integrative taxonomic approach was followed to ensure comprehensive species identification and validation, using adult morphology, wing geometric morphometrics, and genetic analysis of the mtDNA COI gene. In the clavipes group, seven species were identified, including three new species: M. aenigmaticus Vujić, Radenković & Likov, sp. nov., M. latens Vujić, Radenković & Likov, sp. nov., and M. rufofemoris Vujić, Radenković & Likov, sp. nov. In the pruni group, our revision revealed a new species, M. aequalis Vujić, Radenković & Likov, sp. nov., and the revalidation of Merodon obscurus Gil Collado, 1929, stat. rev.Merodon pallidus Macquart, 1842 is redescribed. Diagnoses, identification keys to species, and distribution maps are provided, and neotypes for Syrphus clavipes Fabricius, 1781 and Merodon quadrinotatus (Sack, 1931) are designated. Additionally, the following new synonyms are proposed: M. clavipes albussyn. nov., M. clavipes atersyn. nov., M. clavipes nigersyn. nov., and M. splendenssyn. nov. are junior synonyms of M. clavipes; and M. velox armeniacussyn. nov. and M. velox anathemasyn. nov. are junior synonyms of M. velox.

The introduction of Paulownia (<i>Paulownia tomentosa</i> Steud.) and the prospects of its use in the conditions of Stavropol

Paulownia tree are one of the plants that have the property of extremely rapid accumulation of plant mass. In this regard, interest in this tree culture has increased significantly in recent years. The purpose of this work is to study the adaptive capabilities of P. tomentosa in the conditions of Stavropol and the prospects for its further use for economic purposes and landscaping of the region. The object of the study was the plants of the collection of the Stavropol Botanical Garden (SBG). Archival data and accounting documentation were used to review the history of the introduction of Paulownia. Biometric measurements of plants were performed according to N.P. Anuchin (1982). The integral assessment of the prospects for the introduction of Paulownia plants was carried out according to the scale of P.I. Lapin and S.V. Sidneva (1973), modified and supplemented by M.A. Koltsova (1983). P. tomentosa has been introduced into the SBG since 1984. Currently, there are several groups of adult Paulownia specimens of various origins in the SBG. The height of adult trees in them varies from 4.3 to 9.0 m, the trunk diameter is from 2.7 to 19.5 cm. The growth of annual shoots reaches 120 cm. The article presents the timing of flowering and fruiting of Paulownia, the peculiarities of the development of culture when grown under different conditions. The methods of reproduction are described: seed and vegetative. P. tomentosa belongs to thermophilic plants — it starts and ends the growing season late. The lignification of annual shoots does not take place fully, as a result of which they are damaged by frosts. Young plants need winter shelter, and in the summer they need sufficient moisture. According to the conducted integral assessment, P. tomentosa belongs to the group of less promising species in the conditions of the SBG, but can be grown as a solitare and in a little groups.

Identification of main variables in forest management for recovery of endemic species habitat in burned areas of southern Chile

Wildfires are among the most serious disturbances that affect forest biodiversity, damaging both flora and fauna. In some burned areas, vegetation recovery is a long and complex process that requires the support of restorative actions. This study evaluated changes in forest structural features after a fire that affect habitat suitability for Rhinocryptids, an endemic group of bird species that are indicators of biodiversity in the temperate forests of South America. The study area was the Malleco National Reserve, Chile, where the main ecosystems are temperate forests. Four species from the Rhinocryptidae family of birds were used as bioindicator species. This group of species is endemic to temperate forests in South America. After fires occurred in 2002 and 2015, affecting temperate forests dominated by several Nothofagus species, two field inventories were carried out in 2016 and 2018. These inventories recorded the presence of Rhinocryptids and some forests structural features. Differences between the two stages of forest regeneration were assessed using statistical tests (T-test and Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test) and a classification model was proposed to determine the presence of Rhinocryptidae species. The statistical analysis of forest structural features showed that the variables more relevant in the habitat recuperation are vertical stratification (p-value < 0.001) and understory cover (p-value = 0.053). The trained decision tree to predict the presence of Rhinocryptidae species had an accuracy of 65.22%. This model showed that the coexistence of more than one Rhinocryptidae species occurs when vertical stratification is not mono-stratified and the density is lower than 335 trees ha−1. Our results can help forest managers to consider forest structure as a suitable habitat for certain major wildlife species when implementing post-fire recovery plans.

Insights into the Crystallinity-Dependent Photochemical Productions of Reactive Oxygen Species from Iron Minerals.

Iron minerals are widespread in earth's surface water and soil. Recent studies have revealed that under sunlight irradiation, iron minerals are photoactive on producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), a group of key species in regulating elemental cycling, microbe inactivation, and pollutant degradation. In nature, iron minerals exhibit varying crystallinity under different hydrogeological conditions. While crystallinity is a known key parameter determining the overall activity of iron minerals, the impact of iron mineral crystallinity on photochemical ROS production remains unknown. Here, we assessed the photochemical ROS production from ferrihydrites with different degrees of crystallinity. All examined ferrihydrites demonstrated photoactivity under irradiation, resulting in the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radical (•OH). The photochemical ROS production from ferrihydrites increased with decreasing ferrihydrite crystallinity. The crystallinity-dependent photochemical •OH production was primarily attributed to conduction band reduction reactions, with the reduction of O2 by conduction band electrons being the rate-limiting key process. Conversely, the crystallinity of iron minerals had a negligible influence on photon-to-electron conversion efficiency or surface Fenton-like activity. The difference in ROS productions led to a discrepant degradation efficiency of organic pollutants on iron mineral surfaces. Our study provides valuable insights into the crystallinity-dependent ROS productions from iron minerals in natural systems, emphasizing the significance of iron mineral photochemistry in natural sites with abundant lower-crystallinity iron minerals such as wetland water and surface soils.

Culture-based diversity of endophytic fungi of three species of Ferula grown in Iran

A total of 1,348 endophytic fungal strains were isolated from Ferula ovina, F. galbaniflua, and F. persica. They included Eurotiales (16 species), Pleosporales (11 species), Botryosphaeriales (1 species), Cladosporiales (2 species), Helotiales (6 species), Hypocreales (31 species), Sordariales (7 species), Glomerellales (2 species), and Polyporales (1 species). F. ovina had the richest species composition of endophytic fungi, and the endophytic fungi were most abundant in their roots compared to shoots. Chao, Margalef, Shannon, Simpson, Berger–Parker, Menhinick, and Camargo indices showed that F. ovina roots had the most endophytic fungal species. The frequency distribution of fungal species isolated from Ferula spp. fell into the log-series model, and F. ovina roots had the highest Fisher alpha. The dominance indices showed that there are no dominant species in the endophytic fungal community isolated from Ferula spp., indicating community stability. Evenness values were 0.69, 0.90, 0.94, and 0.57 for endophytic fungi isolated from F. ovina roots, F. ovina shoots, F. galbaniflua roots, and F. persica roots, respectively, indicating a species distribution that tends toward evenness. The fungal species community isolated from each of F. ovina roots, F. ovina shoots, F. galbaniflua roots, and F. persica roots was a diverse species group originating from a homogeneous habitat. Their distribution followed a log-normal distribution, suggesting that the interactions of numerous independent environmental factors multiplicatively control species abundances. Principal component analysis showed that the highest species diversity and dominance were observed in the endophytic fungal community isolated from F. ovina and F. persica roots, respectively.

Description of Trypoxylonsicklum sp. nov. from Vietnam and a key to species in the Trypoxylonfulvocollare group (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae).

Trypoxylon Latreille, 1796 (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae) consists of 633 known species worldwide and the genus is divided into numerous species groups. In Vietnam, 19 species of Trypoxylon have been recorded to date. In this study, a new species, Trypoxylonsicklum Pham and Antropov sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam. The new species is the second member of the Trypoxylonfulvocollare species group. A key to species in the Trypoxylonfulvocollaris group is presented. Trypoxylonsicklum Pham and Antropov sp. nov., is described as a new species and is the second member of the Trypoxylonfulvocollare species group. A key to species in the Trypoxylonfulvocollaris group is presented.

Psychotria pendens (Rubiaceae, Psychotrieae), a new ultramafic species from Central Palawan, Philippines

Psychotria pendens from the lowland ultramafic forest of Mt. Victoria, Palawan Island, Philippines is herein described as a new species of Rubiaceae. The new species is morphologically similar to P. rubiginosa (Gitingensis species group) by having monochotomous inflorescence and oblanceolate to oblong-elliptic leaves but is distinguished by its large, leaf-like, valvate stipules with biattenuate to biacuminate tips, pendent inflorescence, glabrous abaxial leaf surface, narrowly triangular bracts, and glabrous calyx. Molecular analysis revealed that this newly discovered species belongs to the Pacific Psychotria clade, and is allied to the Philippine species P. luzoniensis and Hawaiian species P. mariniana. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.