Plants activate complex defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stressors, where non-specific resistance provides broad-spectrum protection. This study presents a comparative bioinformatics analysis of three membrane protein families-ABC transporters, lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), and wall-associated kinase receptors (WAKs)-in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Using public databases, we identified 150 ABC transporters, 80 LTPs, and 55 WAKs in wheat, and 120 ABC, 65 LTPs, and 40 WAKs in sunflower. Structural analysis confirmed conserved domains, including ABC_NBD, TMD, PR-14, and WAK kinase. Transcriptomic data revealed distinct immune strategies: winter wheat effectively implements systemic acquired resistance (SAR), particularly through ABCG transporters (Lr34/Sr57 type) that modulate hormone balance and defense metabolites. In contrast, sunflower predominantly activates a rapid localized immune response (LAR), characterized by ROS signaling triggered by WAK receptors functioning as damage sensors. Functional divergence was observed: wheat WAKs and LTPs are primarily involved in cell wall remodeling and physical barrier induction, while in sunflower, they focus on signaling and membrane stabilization under oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that the evolutionary adaptation of monocots and dicots led to the functional specialization of conserved immune components according to their distinct pathogen spectra and physiological features. These results provide a molecular basis for understanding the diversity of non-specific immunity mechanisms in strategically important crops.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in calcareous soils limits crop productivity and restricts nutritional quality in edible plant products. This study assessed the effectiveness of Zn-aminochelates, compared with conventional ZnSO₄, applied through various application methods, in improving physiological traits, growth, yield, and seed Zn biofortification in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under calcareous soil conditions. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Zn(glycine)₂ [Zn(Gly)₂], Zn(methionine)₂ [Zn(Met)₂], and ZnSO₄ were applied through seed priming (2% solution), fertigation (4L ha⁻¹ for Zn-aminochelates and 40kg ha⁻¹ for ZnSO₄), and foliar spray (0.2% w/v, 2L ha⁻¹ per application) at key growth stages. Control plots received untreated seeds or water. Compared with ZnSO₄, Zn-aminochelates significantly improved seed yield, biomass production, and Zn accumulation. Foliar application of [Zn(Met)₂] was the most effective treatment, increasing seed yield by approximately 85%, oil yield by about 2.5-fold, and seed Zn uptake by nearly twofold, while also enhancing physiological traits, antioxidant enzyme activities, and protein accumulation. The N/S ratio decreased concomitantly with increased seed oil content. The superior performance of methionine-based Zn chelates is likely linked to their role in sulfur metabolism, enhanced Zn mobility, and improved antioxidant regulation. Overall, foliar application of Zn-aminochelates represents an effective and practical agronomic biofortification strategy for improving productivity and nutritional quality of sunflower grown on calcareous soils.

HaEXLA2 and HaEXLB2 enhance drought tolerance but suppress lignin defense, increasing broomrape susceptibility, revealing a trade-off in sunflowers. Expansins modulate cell wall dynamics to mediate plant stress responses. This study presents the first genome-wide analysis of the expansin gene-family in the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana) pathosystem, identifying 51HaEXPand 23OcEXPgenes. Phylogenetic classification placed them into four canonical subfamilies: expansin A (EXPA), expansin B (EXPB), expansin-like A (EXLA), and expansin-like B (EXLB). The family's expansion was primarily driven by tandem duplication events under strong purifying selection. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed a high abundance of stress-responsive elements, predicting roles in ABA, JA, and hypoxia signaling. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR validation demonstrated that HaEXLA2andHaEXLB2were distinctly upregulated in resistant sunflowers during earlyO. cumanaparasitization. Contrary to expectations, functional characterization revealed that their transient overexpressionsuppressed the phenylpropanoid pathway, downregulating key lignin biosynthetic genes (PAL1, 4CL2, COMT, and CAD1) and reducing lignin accumulation. This suppression of lignin-based defensesignificantly increased the susceptibilityof otherwise resistant sunflower cultivars to broomrape. In parallel, heterologous expression ofHaEXLA2andHaEXLB2in yeast enhanced drought tolerance by modulating cell wall properties. Our findings reveal a critical trade-off:HaEXLA2andHaEXLB2enhance abiotic stress adaptation while simultaneously suppressing lignin-based biotic defense against a root parasite. This dual functionality suggests them as potential targets for engineering stress resilience, though their negative impact on parasite resistance must be addressed in applied breeding programs.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a major oilseed crop, and systemic seed-applied pesticides are widely used to protect seedlings from early-season pests and diseases. However, their combined effects on agronomic performance and oil quality remain insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the effects of metalaxyl-M, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin on sunflower morphological traits, yield components, and seed fatty acid composition under field conditions during two consecutive growing seasons (2021–2022) in western Türkiye. The Sanbro MR hybrid was used, with untreated seeds serving as the control. Morphological and yield traits were analysed using analysis of variance, and principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to explore relationships among treatments and traits. Fatty acid composition was determined to assess potential impacts on oil quality. Significant effects of year, treatment, and their interaction were detected for several traits, indicating that environmental conditions strongly influenced plant responses.In 2021, neonicotinoids, particularly thiamethoxam and clothianidin, were associated with increased plant height, head weight, and single-plant yield. In contrast, in 2022, metalaxyl-M was more strongly linked to increases in plant height and thousand-seed weight, suggesting improved seed filling. PCA results indicated that different active ingredients were associated with distinct trait groups. Seed treatments also caused significant, treatment-specific changes in fatty acid composition. Thiamethoxam promoted a shift toward a higher oleic acid profile, while metalaxyl-M was associated with increased saturated fatty acids, particularly stearic acid. Overall, these findings demonstrate that systemic seed treatments influence both agronomic performance and oil quality, emphasizing the importance of considering biochemical responses alongside yield in sunflower production.

Endophytic bacteria are usually found within plant tissues. They enhance plant growth, with potential agricultural and environmental applications. They might enhance the plant tolerance to abiotic stresses and inhibit the metal toxicity within metal hyperaccumulator plants. The majority of endophytic bacteria possess plant growth-promoting features. They secrete secondary metabolites that improve plant growth and physiological functions. Twelve endophytic bacteria strains were isolated from the root, stem and leaves of Helianthus annuus plant grown in contaminated soil with the heavy metals lead, zinc and chromium. The isolates were identified and characterized by colony morphology, biochemical tests including gram, spore staining, catalase, starch hydrolysis, hydrogen cyanide and auxin production, phosphate solubilization and nitrogen fixation, along with 16S rRNA gene-based molecular identification of bacteria. Five bacterial isolates showed positive results in all Plant growth-promoting traits. The molecular identification through amplification of bacteria's 16S rRNA using PCR has shown eight Bacillus spp., with two Acinetobacter spp., Providencia vermicola and Enterobacter cloacae. The findings highlight the diversity of endophytic bacteria associated with the COH3 variety of Helianthus annuus plant grown in HM-contaminated soil and evaluate their plant growth-promoting and heavy metal tolerance under in vitro conditions. Further studies are required to evaluate their efficiency under field conditions.

Summer cover crops can improve soil fertility and contribute to nitrogen (N) supply in temperate cropping systems, yet the effects of mixture composition and sowing timing remain insufficiently documented. This study evaluated biomass production and N accumulation of five multispecies cover crop mixtures grown in Estonia during 2024–2025 under two sowing dates per year. Aboveground biomass, botanical composition, and carbon (C) and nitrogen concentrations were measured to assess productivity, species contributions, and residue quality. Earlier sowing was generally associated with higher biomass and N accumulation, with first-sown mixtures producing, on average, 38.7% more biomass than later-sown mixtures. Mixture performance was strongly shaped by species composition and competitive hierarchies. Total N accumulation of the cover crop mixtures ranged from 42 to 275 kg N ha−1 depending on mixture composition and sowing time, with mixtures dominated by common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) achieving the highest values. Oat (Avena sativa) dominated and contributed substantially to biomass in mixtures lacking competitive legumes, whereas sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and maize (Zea mays) performed less well under delayed sowing. Low-growing species such as Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum) produced little biomass when grown with highly competitive species. Legumes exhibited lower C:N ratios than non-legumes, while mixture-level values remained moderate, suggesting residue quality with potential for favourable decomposition and nutrient release in summer cover crop systems under temperate conditions.

ABSTRACT The seed-to-seedling transition critically determines stand establishment and yield stability in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), as early growth variability often limits uniformity and productivity. This study evaluated whether biologically active seed priming, combined with a buffered establishment environment, could enhance early metabolic activation and translate into improved crop performance. A two-year, replicated field experiment was conducted to assess two establishment environments – micropot-mediated buffered establishment and direct soil sowing – alongside eight priming strategies, including hydro-, solid matrix-, osmotic-, halo-, hormonal-, vermi-, and bio-priming. Buffered establishment accelerated phenological progression and enhanced vegetative growth, indicating improved developmental synchrony. Bio- and vermi-priming significantly increased α-amylase and peroxidase activities, reflecting enhanced reserve mobilization and antioxidative capacity during early growth. The integrated buffered establishment × bio-priming treatment achieved the highest reproductive performance, resulting in marked improvements in seed yield, oil content, and protein accumulation across seasons. Multivariate analyses revealed strong positive associations between early enzymatic activation and yield-related traits, supporting a functional link between seed enhancement and field productivity. Across two growing seasons, these results confirmed that the establishment environment modulated the persistence of priming benefits and yield expression. Integrating biologically active priming with buffered establishment represents a practical and environmentally responsive strategy for improving sunflower productivity and yield stability under variable field conditions.

Plants adapt to abiotic stresses by a variety of physiological and molecular mechanisms, among which the root plays important roles via responding to underground and soilborne signals. Fructan is a polysaccharide involved in energy metabolism and stress adaptation. Orobanche cumana is a holo-parasitic plant that mainly attaches to the root of the host sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Oc6-FEH, a fructan 6-exohydrolase from O. cumana, is involved in both fructan metabolism and flooding responses. Expression of Oc6-FEH is induced by flooding and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Oc6-FEH possesses fructan catabolism activity and is associated with fructose release. Overexpression of Oc6-FEH in the host sunflower reduces malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, boosts the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and enhances photosynthetic performance. The expression level of Oc6-FEH was found to be positively associated with the flooding tolerance of invading O. cumana, which is connected to the host root. Furthermore, IAA treatment also improved the flooding tolerance of O. cumana. In summary, the metabolism of fructan and the activity of Oc6-FEH were demonstrated to ameliorate waterlogging stress. Oc6-FEH provides a promising genetic target for the improvement of flooding tolerance in crops.

Sustainable use of Vinasse as a Foliar Amendment to Enhance Growth, Physiology, and Yield of Sunflower Crops (Helianthus annuus L.)

Shoot branching, as an important architectural trait, influences the number of flower heads and the pattern of flowering in sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.). However, the main genetic factors leading to extensive branching throughout the plant were not clearly understood. In this study, we analyzed branching inheritance and identified a significant locus using an F2 population (n = 660) from a cross between the non-branched line 150A and the highly branched line PT326. The branching phenotypes varied from having no branches to complete plant branching, with segregation fitting a 3:1 ratio (χ2 = 2.916, p > 0.05), suggesting that a single major gene controls this trait, with the non-branched phenotype being dominant. Using bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and whole-genome resequencing, a strong and consistent signal was identified on chromosome 10 across three separate statistical analyses, pinpointing a primary candidate interval of approximately 3.40 Mb, named qBr10. Through the use of 10 developed Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers and recombinant screening, qBr10 was restricted to a 388.5 kb (Chr10:13,422,378–13,780,875). Analysis of this interval identified 21 genes, among which WRKY21 and MTB3 were prioritized as candidate genes for further functional validation. Our findings identified qBr10 as a strong candidate for cloning and offer closely associated markers to aid in marker-assisted improvement of branching and capitulum number in sunflower breeding.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of kraal abandonment dration on fodder crop performance and soil fertility in semi-arid Namibia. Five crops—Cenchrus ciliaris, Medicago sativa, Vigna unguiculata, Zea mays, and Helianthus annuus—were cultivated at kraal sites abandoned for 5 years (K05) and 10 years (K10), alongside non-kraaled control sites (K00). The findings indicate that K05 sites exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compared to both K00 and K10 sites. Correspondingly, K05 sites demonstrated enhanced seed germination rates, accelerated seedling emergence and increased biomass production. The duration of kraal abandonment also influenced soil texture, resulting in increased sand content and decreased proportions of silt and clay, while magnesium and pH levels rose, and calcium levels declined over time. Collectively, these results suggest that a 5-year abandonment period is more advantageous than a 10-year period for the repurposing of kraal sites for fodder crop production and optimizing fertility benefits. Nevertheless, the varying responses of different crops underscore the significance of species selection. These findings provide critical insights for the sustainable repurposing of abandoned kraals for fodder production in semi-arid regions of southern Africa.

Abstract Root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne incognita ) causes a significant reduction in the production of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) globally. The paper assessed the nematicidal activity of ascorbic acid and glutamic acid and their ability to trigger systemic resistance in sunflower within controlled conditions. Laboratory evaluations proved that both compounds significantly suppressed egg hatch to 29.5% (from 92.3% in control) and elevated juvenile mortality to 62.1% (from 6.0% in control) in a concentration-dependent manner, with ascorbic acid (2 mg/ml) showing the strongest effects. Experiments in greenhouses found that pre- and post-inoculation foliar application of these acids suppressed nematode root galling by up to 59% and population density by up to 57%, while boosting shoot fresh weight by 21.1% and root fresh weight by 24.8% compared to inoculated controls. Treated plants also showed increased the activities of major defense enzymes, such as peroxidase (POX), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, (PAL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Pre-inoculation treatments were more efficient, which demonstrates the role of priming in the activation of defense. Our results indicate that ascorbic and glutamic acid have a combination of direct nematicidal activity with induction of host defense systems, which is promising as a safe means of managing nematode infestation in sunflower farming.

The growth and yield of Helianthus annuus (sunflower) are severely constrained by the root-parasitic plant Orobanche cumana in China. Translocated RNAs from stocks via heterografting can act as mobile signals to modulate physiological processes in scions, including defense and stress responses. Because the interaction between parasitic plants and their host plants can be seen as a form of 'perfect graft', it is necessary to investigate the trans-species movement of RNAs between O. cumana and its host sunflower, to understand their interaction in search for new strategies to control this parasitic weed. Using RNA sequencing and functional analyses, we demonstrated dynamic, stage-specific RNA transfer during key parasitic stages (haustorium penetration and vascular connection). A significant proportion of reads (≤5.4% from O. cumana to sunflower and 1.8% in reverse) were identified as mobile, with enriched functional categories such as translation, protein folding and translational elongation. Gene silencing of OcPar1-a highly abundant mobile gene derived from O. cumana-in sunflower led to a reduction in infection, whereas overexpression of this gene enhanced the parasitism of O. cumana on sunflower, demonstrating the critical role of mobile transcripts during the invasion of O. cumana into sunflower. Additionally, mobile lncRNAs were identified, and the function of the O. cumana-originated lncRNAs in sunflower was predicted, suggesting cross-species regulatory potential. These findings reveal that trans-species RNA mobility is not merely passive, but a regulated process with functional significance, shaping both parasitic adaptation and host defense mechanisms. This study provides foundational insights into RNA-mediated communication between parasitic and host plants, offering potential strategies for controlling parasitic weeds. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sunflower [Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae)] is a crop of considerable significance in agricultural production. This study was conducted during the 2023 growing season in Tokat Province to identify harmful Lepidoptera species associated with sunflower and their natural enemies. Preimaginal stages were periodically collected from sunflower fields at various phenological stages of the plant. These specimens were then reared under controlled laboratory conditions (25±2°C and 60±5% relative humidity) in containers containing sunflower leaves, and their development was monitored. The emerged adult Lepidoptera and parasitoids were subsequently identified. Taxonomic diagnoses revealed that the lepidopteran species was Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), and its associated parasitoid was Diadromus subtilicornis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Based on these findings, sunflower was recorded as a new host plant for P. xylostella. Furthermore, P. xylostella was documented as a new faunistic record for Tokat Province. Additional information is provided regarding the host range, geographic distribution in Turkey and globally, and known parasitoids of P. xylostella.

Abiotic stressors, such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals, induce physiological changes, nutritional imbalances, molecular alterations, and oxidative stress in plants, which significantly reduce productivity. However, the secondary transporters, multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) proteins, transport substrates and metabolites. Accordingly, in response to abiotic stressors, these proteins strengthen plants' immune systems, detoxify toxins, and enhance growth and development. Although the roles of MATE proteins responding to abiotic stresses have been investigated in several plants, their functions in sunflower have not yet been discovered. Therefore, this study identified 74 MATE proteins in sunflower (HanMATE) based on phylogenetic analysis, which were distributed into four subgroups. Their MATE-like properties were then validated using the domain, motif, gene structure, gene duplication, and physicochemical analysis. The HanMATE proteins in various cell organelles play a crucial role in abiotic stress tolerance, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and regulating transcription. Subsequently, Most HanMATE genes are enriched with biological processes and molecular functions that transport micro- and macro-molecules, drugs, negatively charged ions, organic anions, and citrate. The important Cis-regulatory elements (CREs), abscisic acid-, light-, and MeJA-responsive elements in HanMATE genes regulate plants' growth and development in stress conditions. The synteny analysis indicated that 41 HanMATE proteins exhibit over 75% sequence similarity with 40 established stress-responsive (SR) MATE proteins from various plant species, suggesting their potential SR characteristics. Furthermore, this study identified 136 microRNAs linked to 58 HanMATE proteins, including 19 major hub microRNAs and 31 hub HanMATE proteins, which may enhance sunflower agronomic traits and abiotic stress resistance. The HanMATE proteins are conserved in other species that contribute to detoxification and have stable binding affinity with flavonoids and citric acid, validated from 3D structural modeling, molecular docking (MD), dynamic simulation, and functional prediction. These findings demonstrate that HanMATE genes are essential for sunflower abiotic stress tolerance (AST), and genetic engineering can be applied to develop more robust sunflower.

This study presents the draft genome sequences of two bacterial strains, Pseudomonas protegens M4 and Citrobacter braakii M34, isolated from the roots of Helianthus annuus (sunflower). Genome assembly yielded 6,900,000 bp for M4 with an N50 of 810,200 bp and 4,900,000 bp for M34 with an N50 of 2,700,000 bp.

This study investigates the effect of four vegetable oils (VOs) in mitigating ionising radiation (IR)-induced damage in Tetrahymena pyriformis. At concentrations up to 200 µg/mL, the VOs exhibited no cytotoxicity; however, at higher doses, garlic (Allium sativum L.) and argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) oils significantly reduced cell viability. IR exposure reduced cell viability by 55.5%, whereas treatment with VOs significantly improved post-irradiation survival. Binary oil combinations enhanced radioprotection, with the garlic and argan combination restoring cell numbers by 14.28%, restoring cell numbers to levels comparable to non-irradiated controls. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced by the garlic-argan and the argan-avocado (Persea americana Mill.) combinations. The VOs also enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and restored metabolic enzyme function post-irradiation. Sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus L.) exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.21 ± 0.06 mg/mL).

Abstract The biosynthesis of tocopherol is controlled by a complex genetic pathway that involves several key genes, including HPPD (hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase), which is the primary enzyme in the initial stage. Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient that plays a role in various physiological and molecular processes in plants, including the synthesis of secondary metabolites. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of boron fertilization on the expression of the HPPD (4- hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase ) gene in sunflowers ( Helianthus annuus L.) variety HA-15 at three stages of development, namely the flower bud stage (R2), the anthesis stage (R6), and the physiological maturity stage (R9). The study was conducted in the field with two treatments: non-boron and a 4 kg/Ha boron application. Gene expression was analyzed using the qPCR method with the UNK2 reference gene, while morphological parameters (Capitulum diameter (cm) and Seed fresh weight (g)) were observed to assess the phenotypic response. The results showed that HPPD gene expression increased significantly in plants treated with boron throughout the flowering phase, with the highest expression peak reaching 55.59 times at optimal seed filling and just before harvest (R9). Interestingly, while no significant differences were found in morphological parameters between treatments, our findings suggest that boron fertilization can activate HPPD gene expression specifically, without directly affecting the phenotype. This discovery opens up the potential for HPPD to be used as a molecular biomarker to monitor plant responses to boron fertilization, particularly in precision fertilization strategies focused on efficiency and yield quality.

Herbicides, including Super Gallant (Haloxyfop-R-Omethylester), play a vital role in chemical weed control but can have detrimental effects on plant physiology and biochemistry. This study investigated the impact of Super Gallant-induced stress and the protective effects of Rhizophagus irregularis (previously known as Glomus intraradices) on the proline, protein, soluble sugar, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the shoots and roots of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The activities of antioxidant enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), were also assessed. The results revealed that AM fungi mitigated the adverse effects of Super Gallant by enhancing the antioxidant system and increasing the accumulation of proline and soluble sugars, thereby improving the plant's defense mechanisms. ACCase activity was elevated in AM-inoculated plants, and soluble protein accumulation was observed as an adaptive response under chemical stress. However, MDA levels, a marker of oxidative damage, increased with higher herbicide concentrations, indicating limitations in the protective role of AM fungi under certain conditions. This study highlights the critical role of AM fungi in enhancing the physiological responses of sunflower to chemical stress and demonstrates that AM fungi can serve as a sustainable strategy for managing chemical stress in agricultural systems. These findings provide a foundation for future research aimed at optimizing the use of AM fungi and other biotic agents to address environmental stress challenges effectively.

Agricultural expansion has created mosaic landscapes that are crucial for migratory birds, yet these anthropogenic habitats intensify challenges like interspecific competition. Understanding how sympatric species coexist through nutritional niche adjustments is a critical knowledge gap for conservation. We studied the wintering Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) and Common Crane (G. grus) in an agro-wetland system in southwest China, where seasonal resource decline is expected to drive niche differentiation. Using fecal DNA metabarcoding, we reconstructed and compared their plant-based diets throughout the winter. The two species employed divergent foraging strategies. Black-necked Cranes were conservative generalists, maintaining high dietary richness and consistently relying on a core set of natural food sources (e.g., Poaceae, Solanaceae, and Cyperaceae), using crops only as supplements. Conversely, Common Cranes were dynamic specialists, exhibiting a complete turnover of preferred foods and opportunistically concentrating on the most energy-dense crops available in each period (e.g., Fagopyrum esculentum, Helianthus annuus). This strategic divergence resulted in a continuous decrease in NO, from high initial similarity to complete partitioning by the pre-migration stage, while ND increased correspondingly, reflecting progressive trophic niche separation. We conclude that this dynamic niche partitioning, driven by distinct responses to seasonal resource availability, is the primary mechanism facilitating the coexistence of these two large congeneric species. Our findings reveal profound dietary plasticity and offer a scientific basis for managing anthropogenic landscapes to support multispecies conservation goals.