Highest Number Of Species Research Articles

Bacterial diversity associated with the Hatay yellow strain silkworm (Bombyx mori L.): Isolation, identification and characterization

The Hatay yellow strain silkworm (Bombyx mori L.), which is in danger of extinction, is one of the most important local cultural heritages of Türkiye. Bacterial pathogens of silkworm are highly destructive and cause mostly acute diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial diversity and potential pathogenic bacterial species in infected and dead larvae of Hatay yellow race. A total of 16 bacterial isolates from Hatay yellow race were identified according to their morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. The bacterial isolates isolated from infected and dead larvae of Hatay yellow race were Staphylococcus sp. (BM-1), Staphylococcus xylosus (BM-5), Staphylococcus succinus (BM-7), Bacillus thuringiensis (BM-8), Bacillus subtilis (BM-9), Bacillus sp. (BM-10), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (BM-16, BM-19), Klebsiella sp. (BM-17), Staphylococcus arlettae (BM-18), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BM-20), Enterococcus mundtii (BM-21), Pantoea agglomerans (BM-22), Kluyvera intermedia (BM-23), Serratia sp. (BM-24), Mammaliicoccus sciuri (BM-25). The high bacterial density and number of species indicate that Hatay yellow race is highly susceptible to bacterial diseases. Insecticidal activity studies revealed that species belonging to Bacillus and Staphylococcus genera are important pathogens of hybrid silkworm culture and Hatay yellow race.

Alteration of Gut microbiota during HIV infection

Gut flora is the community of microbial populations that live in the intestine. Approximately 30% of this population is shared by all humans, but the remaining 70% is unique to each individual, hence gut microbiota serves as an identity card. Gut microbiota play numerous functions in the body's defense against invasion, the synthesis of important vitamins, the regulation of immunological marker production, and others. Researchers observed several data when analyzing bacteria species present in HIV-infected individuals using the 16S rRNA sequencing approach, concluding that HIV-infected people had a high number of Prevotella species, while Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Bacteroidaceae were all less. Those microbiota shifts may help explain how gut-related disorders interact with HIV. Researchers have discovered various methods for altering the composition of the gut microbiota in order to achieve a healthy gut. This review will focus on and highlight recent discoveries in Gut microbiota shifts during HIV infection and emphasize the immune response and treatment options.

First records of limnoterrestrial tardigrades (Tardigrada) from Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Moss samples were collected from trees and rocks in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada, and examined for the presence of tardigrades. Specimens from 24 taxa were found in 17 out of the 22 examined samples. New species records for British Columbia are provided and undescribed Grevenius and Crenubiotus species were found; a division in four morphogroups of Grevenius, based on number and presence of placoids, is provided to aid in the future identification. In addition, three specimens of a new species belonging to a potential new undescribed Diploechiniscus species were identified. The finding of Macrobiotus occidentalis occidentalis also provides the occasion to transfer the latter one to the genus Diaforobiotus, for which a new dichotomous key for the identification of its species is given and to redefine the family Richtersiusidae. The DNA sequences of selected taxa are also provided. The high number of tardigrade species collected from a relatively low number of samples highlight how still unexplored is tardigrade diversity, particularly in still-largely insular island systems like Haida Gwaii.

Effects of seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) restoration on nematode biodiversity

Seagrass meadows are hot spots of biodiversity and play a key role in the provisioning of ecosystem goods and services but are often subjected to a regression due to a combination of multiple anthropogenic and climate-induced impacts. The ecological restoration of these habitat-forming species is a priority to reverse biodiversity loss and for the recovery of key ecosystem functions. Here we investigated the effects of seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) restoration action on benthic biodiversity recovery assessed by a time-series analysis carried out for one year. We used nematode assemblages, the most widespread metazoan on global sediments, as a proxy of benthic biodiversity and compared the species richness, expected species number (ES51) and composition in donor and in restored seagrasses and in the adjacent unvegetated sediments. One year after the intervention, nematode biodiversity in restored seagrasses was more similar to that of the donor site than in unvegetated sediments, suggesting a progressive recovery. Overall, the nematode biodiversity of the restored seagrasses resulted in an intermediate level between unvegetated and pristine seagrass meadows, providing evidence that restoration intervention contributed to biodiversity recovery. Pristine and restored seagrass meadows hosted a high number of exclusive species, which resulted in an increase in the overall biodiversity in the investigated location. Our results indicate that the restoration of seagrass meadows has positive effects on benthic biodiversity and contributes to enhance the local biodiversity.

First data on the spider fauna (Arachnida: Aranei) of the Salair National Park and surroundings (Altaisky Krai, Russia)

For the fi rst time, the spider fauna of the Salair National Park and adjacent territories is studied in detail and its zoogeographical characteristics are given. The surveys were carried out in the Togul and Chumysh cluster areas and adjacent territories in 2020–2022. An annotated list has been compiled, including 118 species from 17 families and 77 genera. Twenty seven species of spiders were recorded in the Altai Territory for the fi rst time. The genus Enoplognatha Pavesi, 1880 is new to the region. The family Linyphiidae is the most diverse. At the generic level, small- sized wolf spiders of the genus Pardosa C. L. Koch, 1847 and large orb-web spiders of the genus Araneus Clerck, 1757 are represented by the highest number of species (6 and 5, respectively). The analysis of longitudinal components of the ranges of the collected species showed a signifi cant predominance (more than 70%) of widespread, trans- Palaearctic and trans- Holarctic elements. Twenty percent of species are common to the fauna of Europe and Siberia. The predicted spider species diversity of this region is 300–350 species.

Discovering the diversity of tadpoles in the mid-north Brazil: morphological and molecular identification, and characterization of the habitat.

Brazil stands out for presenting the highest amphibian anuran diversity in the world. However, taxonomic studies that address characteristic of larval stage of anurans are incipient, representing only 62% of known species. We assess the species diversity of tadpoles from eastern Maranhão state, mid-northern region of Brazil based on morphological and molecular identification (i.e., 16S rRNA gene fragment), and we also provide characteristics of the habitats occupied by each species. We carried out 30 field samplings during 13 months in 16 environments along an ecotonal area, over five cities inside the limits of state of Maranhão, between the Maranhão Babaçu Forest and Cerrado ecoregions. We searched for tadpoles in a variety of water bodies, and the tadpoles that reached the developmental stage between 34 to 40 Gosner were morphologically identified. The tadpoles collected herein represent 26 species belonging to five families. The external morphology enabled the identification of 24 species, while the molecular data recognized 22 unique evolutionary units. The most represented family was Hylidae (Hylinae 11 spp., Phyllomedusinae one spp.) followed by Leptodactylidae (Leptodactylinae seven spp., Leiuperinae three spp.), Microhylidae (Gastrophryninae two spp.), and Bufonidae (two spp.). Our results show that oral morphology was the most important character for identifying tadpoles based on morphology, and the specific 16S rRNA primer was suitable for molecular identification. This study pioneers the use of both morphological and molecular data to identify tadpoles in the state of Maranhão. It also provides, for the first-time, habitat characteristic for the species. Our study reveals a high number of anuran species sampled at the larval stage in the region, identifies species that require further taxonomic and systematic attention, and extends the geographic distribution of six species, three of which represent new occurrences for the state. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that the diversity of amphibians from Maranhão is underestimated and highlight the importance of herpetological inventories in poorly sampled areas, decentralizing the knowledge of biodiversity.

Spatial and Temporal Variation in the Fish Diversity in Dianchi Lake and the Influencing Factors

The survey of fish diversity is an important part of the protection of the ecological health of rivers and lakes. Environmental DNA technology is a new tool to improve the accuracy of traditional morphological surveys of biodiversity and to monitor the amount of diversity. At present, there are few studies on monitoring fish diversity in lake inlets using eDNA technology. In this study, we used various types of estuaries in the Dianchi basin as the research object, used environmental DNA technology to monitor the fish diversity in typical estuaries, and analyzed the temporal and spatial changes and the relationship between environmental factors and fish diversity. In the Dianchi basin, we identified a total of 63 fish species belonging to 8 different orders, 21 families, and 51 genera across two seasons. The Carpidae family had the highest number of species, with Carassius auratus being the most prevalent species. The Shannon index analysis yielded a p-value of 0.0018 (<0.05), suggesting significant seasonal variations in the fish community structure within the typical estuaries of the Dianchi basin. Furthermore, the β-diversity accounted for 59.6% and 57% of the variations in fish communities among the various estuary types in March and July, respectively. Fish species varied considerably between estuaries, with Carassius auratus, Cyprinus carpio, Rhodeus sinensis, Acheilognathus chankaensis, and Coilia nasus all occurring at various points. The agricultural estuary differed substantially from the urban, suburban, and lake areas. Redundancy analysis revealed that the fish community structure during the dry period was primarily influenced by total phosphorus, pH, total nitrogen (TN), and chlorophyll. Conversely, during the rich period, the fish community structure was mainly influenced by dissolved oxygen and TN. This study demonstrated the utilization of environmental DNA technology in assessing the ecological health of rivers and lakes, specifically highlighting its effectiveness in exposing the ecological condition of a representative Dianchi estuary.

Coupling chemical lumping to data-driven optimization for the kinetic modeling of dimethoxymethane (DMM) combustion

The kinetic mechanisms describing the combustion of longer-chain fuels often have limited applicability due to the high number of species involved in their oxidation and decomposition paths. This work proposes a combined methodology for developing compact but accurate kinetic mechanisms of these fuels and applies it to dimethoxymethane (DMM), or oxymethylene ether 1 (OME1). An automatic chemical lumping procedure, performed by grouping structural isomers into pseudospecies, was proposed and applied to a detailed kinetic model of DMM pyrolysis and oxidation, built from state-of-the-art kinetic sub-models. Such a methodology proved particularly efficient in delivering a compact kinetic mechanism, requiring only 11 species instead of 35 to describe DMM sub-chemistry. The obtained lumped kinetic model was then improved through a data-driven optimization procedure, targeting data artificially generated by the reference detailed mechanism. The optimization was performed on the physically-constrained parameters of the modified-Arrhenius rate constants of the controlling reaction steps, identified via local sensitivity analyses. The dissimilarities between the predictions of the detailed and lumped models were minimized using a Curve Matching objective function for a comprehensive and quantitative characterization. Above all, the optimized mechanism was found to behave comparably to the starting detailed one, throughout most of the operating space and target properties (ignition delay times in shock tubes, laminar flame speeds, and speciations in stirred and flow reactors). The successful application of the proposed methodology to the DMM chemistry paves the way for its extensive use in the kinetic modeling of longer OMEs as well as heavier fuels, for which the computational advantages are expected to be even higher.

Phylogenetic relationships and biogeography in Hedysarum (Hedysareae, Fabaceae) with a focus on Central Asian taxa

AbstractCentral Asia, especially the Tian‐Shan and Pamir‐Alay, is a biodiversity hotspot for Hedysarum (Fabaceae) with a high number of endemic species. However, to date, studies of the genus Hedysarum based on molecular data have included only a few species distributed in this region. To fill this gap, we analysed 110 Hedysarum species, 36 of which were from the Tian‐Shan and Pamir‐Alay Mountains of Central Asia. We performed phylogenetic analyses, divergence time estimates, and biogeographic analyses using both the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA ITS) and three plastid DNA (cpDNA) sequences (trnL‐trnF, matK, psbA‐trnH). Our phylogenetic analysis grouped the species of Hedysarum into three sections: H. sect. Hedysarum, sect. Multicaulia, and sect. Stracheya, which are largely consistent with previous phylogenetic classifications. Accordingly, most of the Central Asian species we studied (28 spp.) were placed in H. subsect. Crinifera within H. sect. Multicaulia. Our divergence time and biogeographic analyses indicate that Hedysarum likely originated in West Asia and/or East Asia during the Early Miocene or Middle Miocene and subsequently dispersed to adjacent areas of Eurasia, as well as North America via the Bering Land Bridge. The likely area of origin for H. sect. Multicaulia is West Asia, while East Asia appears to be the center of origin for H. sect. Hedysarum and sect. Stracheya. In addition, we suggest that the rapid radiation of the species of H. subsect. Crinifera occurred in the Tian‐Shan and Pamir‐Alay Mountains, as well as the Turkish‐Iranian Plateau, and that geological and climatic changes were the main causes of speciation in Hedysarum.

Can immature stages be ignored in studies of forest leaf litter arthropod diversity? A test using Oxford Nanopore DNA barcoding

Abstract Forest soil and leaf litter support diverse arthropod mesofauna for which diversity dynamics is challenging to study due to the high number of species and specimens, small body size and limited taxonomic knowledge. Immature stages (larvae) are even harder to identify than adults, as their morphology is largely unknown. Therefore, larvae are often ignored, even though they may form a substantial proportion of specimens collected, are less mobile than adults and their exclusion may provide an incomplete diversity profile. Here, we use Oxford Nanopore DNA barcoding to investigate whether the inclusion of larvae provides a more complete taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity profiles in leaf litter beetles (Coleoptera) from a subtropical forest in Taiwan. Our results indicate that larvae represent up to 38% of beetle specimens per sample, but most of them belong to 2–3 common species. Larvae of most beetle species are rarely collected repeatedly or in multiple specimens, possibly due to special habitat requirements or high seasonality. Taxonomic, phylogenetic and incidence‐based functional diversity measures were not affected by the exclusion of larvae in the Staphylinidae dataset but were strongly biased in all‐beetle dataset, especially when only common or abundant species were considered. Taxonomic beta diversity was not affected by the omission of larvae. Our results indicate that immature stages may be omitted in ecological studies of arthropods in case both adults and larvae co‐occur in the same habitat, and the sites are sampled repeatedly. Caution is needed (1) in groups in which larvae and adults do not inhabit the same environment or strongly differ in biology, (2) when rare species are omitted or (3) when functional diversity is calculated from abundance data.

Chironius scurrula, the correct nomen for Chironius scurrulus (Squamata, Serpentes, Colubridae), with a list of the correct spellings of specific epithets currently in use in this genus

The correct epithet of the snake species so far known as Chironius scurrulus Wagler in Spix, 1824 is shown to be scurrula, as it is not an adjective but a noun in apposition to the generic substantive, therefore invariable. This case prompted us to review the grammatical status of the epithets of the 23 species currently considered valid in the genus Chironius Fitzinger, 1826. Only about 56.5 % of these epithets turned out to be adjectives agreeing in gender with the generic nomina with which they are combined. Although this proportion will be very variable from one zoological genus to another, it is likely that in genera with a high number of species (10‒20 or more), some epithets will not agree in gender with the genus nomina. In order to avoid subsequent corrections in the spellings of epithets (and therefore ‘nomenclatural instability’), taxonomists are therefore encouraged to pay attention to this question. As a consequence of this survey, we also provide new information on a few miscellaneous questions: the author of the type species designation for Chironius; the author, date, type specimen and type locality of the nominal taxon Chironius flavolineatus; and the etymology and status of the epithets of the bionomina Chironius foveatus and Chironius leucometapus.

Floristic and phytosociological analysis of the tree and shrub component of Clementino Procópio square, Campina Grande, PB

Squares are of great importance for the sociability of a population and the configuration of a city. This research aimed to carry out a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the tree and shrub components of Clementino Procópio square in the city of Campina Grande (PB). Specimen data collection was carried out through a census and analysis was carried out using phytosociological parameters and multivariate analysis. It was found that exotic species are more predominant. Fabaceae, Arecaceae and Bignoniaceae were the families with the highest number of species. The species F. retusa and H. heptaphyllus had more number of specimens, more density and dominance, more importance and coverage. The tree density indices, Shannon-Winer and Pielou, showed that the square has enough number of trees, high species diversity and high equitability.

A new species of the Drosophila tripunctata group (Diptera: Drosophilidae) associated with fallen flowers of six Lecythidaceae species in the Amazon Rainforest.

The tripunctata group falls under the subgenus Drosophila Falln, 1823 of the genus Drosophila Falln, 1823, and is composed of four subgroups and 17 species not assigned to subgroups. This group is widely distributed throughout tropical regions and is predominantly found in preserved forest environments. With a predicted high number of cryptic species, the occurrence of intraspecific morphological polymorphisms made it difficult to establish lines in the laboratory. The capture of males for comparison of the terminalia makes it hard to identify and delimit species; however, these difficulties can be overcome through the use of techniques such as searching for species in naturally occurring places, establishing isofemale lines in the laboratory, or using molecular techniques. In this work, we search for imagoes of species of the tripunctata group over present fallen flowers of the Lecythidaceae on the ground of the Amazon rainforest. The collected individuals were morphologically and molecularly analyzed. This species is described here under the binomial Drosophila lecythus sp. nov.

Reptiles and Amphibians along the Coastal Area of the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Thirty-two species of amphibians and reptiles were reported during this study, including 16 families (Ranidae, Geoemydidae, Cheloniidae, Gekkonidae, Sphaerodactylidae, Phyllodactylidae, Agamidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, Varanidae, Trogonophidae, Boidae, Colubridae, Psammophiidae, Viperidae and Elapidae). Family Geckkonidae was represented by the highest number of species (8), followed by families Agamidae and Scincidae (four species for each). Trachylepis tessellata is reported for the first time to the herpetofauna of Saudi Arabia.

The Remarkable Diversity of Parasitic Flowering Plants in Colombia

Parasitic plants have evolved independently in 12 Angiosperm orders. Nine of them (Boraginales, Cucurbitales, Ericales, Lamiales, Laurales, Malvales, Santalales, Solanales, and Zygophyllales) are represented in Colombia by 17 families, 44 genera and 246 species, including facultative (37) and obligate (187) hemiparasites, holoexoparasites (19) and holoendoparasites (3). Cladocolea coriacea (Loranthaceae) is reported for the first time in Colombia. One genus (Sanguisuga, Cytinaceae) and 69 species (28.04%) are endemic to the country. Endemism decreases with elevation, ranging from 26 species (37.68%) below 1000 m, to one species (1.44%) above 4000 m. Speciation in Aetanthus, Psittacanthus and Tristerix (Loranthaceae), Dendrophthora and Phoradendron (Viscaceae), and Castilleja and Neobartsia (Orobanchaceae) was likely prompted by the Andean uplift. The highest number of species (169) are found in the Andean Region, whereas the Orinoco Region contains the lowest number (29). Dry forests and thickets, and coastal vegetation of the Caribbean Region are the preferred ecosystems for Krameria (Krameriaceae), Sanguisuga, Acanthosyris (Cervantesiaceae), Maracanthus (Loranthaceae), Ximenia (Ximeniaceae), Lennoa (Ehretiaceae), and Anisantherina (Orobanchaceae). Orobanche minor, recently introduced to the country, is the only potential weed for crops between 2500 and 3200 m in the Eastern Cordillera. Convergent lifeforms include: the obligate, twining stem holoparasitic Cassytha (Lauraceae) and Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae); the root holoexoparasitic Sanguisuga, Mitrastemon (Mitrastemonaceae), all Balanophoraceae, and Lennoa; and the root obligate hemiparasitic Krameria, Gaiadendron (Loranthaceae), and all Cervantesiaceae, Opiliaceae, Schoepfiaceae, Strombosiaceae and Ximeniaceae. Holoendoparasitism occurs only in Apodanthaceae, whereas root facultative hemiparasitism is restricted to the Orobanchaceae.

Mediterranean springs: Keystone ecosystems and biodiversity refugia threatened by global change

AbstractMediterranean spring ecosystems are unique habitats at the interface between surface water and groundwater. These ecosystems support a remarkable array of biodiversity and provide important ecological functions and ecosystem services. Spring ecosystems are influenced by abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors such as the lithology of their draining aquifers, their climate, and the land use of their recharge area, all of which affect the water chemistry of the aquifer and the spring discharges. One of the most relevant characteristics of spring ecosystems is the temporal stability of environmental conditions, including physicochemical features of the spring water, across seasons and years. This stability allows a wide range of species to benefit from these ecosystems (particularly during dry periods), fostering an unusually high number of endemic species. However, global change poses important threats to these freshwater ecosystems. Changes in temperature, evapotranspiration, and precipitation patterns can alter the water balance and chemistry of spring water. Eutrophication due to agricultural practices and emergent pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides, is also a growing concern for the preservation of spring biodiversity. Here, we provide a synthesis of the main characteristics and functioning of Mediterranean spring ecosystems. We then describe their ecological value and biodiversity patterns and highlight the main risks these ecosystems face. Moreover, we identify existing knowledge gaps to guide future research in order to fully uncover the hidden biodiversity within these habitats and understand the main drivers that govern them. Finally, we provide a brief summary of recommended actions that should be taken to effectively manage and preserve Mediterranean spring ecosystems for future generations. Even though studies on Mediterranean spring ecosystems are still scarce, our review shows there are sufficient data to conclude that their future viability as functional ecosystems is under severe threat.

Molecular identification and in vitro propagation of the endangered medicinal Cleome droserifolia plant of Saint Katherine

The protectorate of Saint Katherine considers one of the biggest protected areas in Egypt characterized by a unique location and environment. It supports a high number of rare and endangered species. Cleome droserifolia (Rorida droserifolia) is an endangered plant found in Saint Katherine, Sinai, Egypt. It has been known for its medicinal uses so it becomes rare due to over-grazing and over-collection for use in traditional medicine, research and trade home use. DNA barcoding analysis and in vitro culture tools were conducted for saving the plant. This research supports the goal number 15 of the United Nations Sustainable Development (SDGs); aimed at preserving, restore and reinstate sustainable usage of terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity deterioration. Two pairs primers of three DNA markers: [ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL), maturase K (matK) and trnH-psbA] were used for PCR amplification and sequencing. BLAST results and phylogenetic analysis proved a correct authentication of Cleome droserifolia on both; species and genus levels and confirms the involvement of Cleome droserifolia in Cleome genus. For in vitro propagation, cotyledonary node explants of germinated seedlings were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 0.27 µM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 2.32 µM of kinetin (Kin). The highest mean number of axillary shoots was 8.16 shoots/explant. 85% of multiple shoots were successfully rooted on ¼ MS medium fortified with 7.42 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The successfully rooted plants were transferred to a mixture of sand, soil, and peat moss (1: 1: 1) and efficiently acclimatized in the greenhouse.

Species diversity of Annonaceae in the four selected protected areas in the Bicol Region, Philippines

Abstract. Retuerma-Dioneda A, Alejandro GJD. 2023. Species diversity of Annonaceae in the four selected protected areas in the Bicol Region, Philippines. Biodiversitas 24: 5428-5438. An explorational survey of four selected protected areas (PAs) was conducted in the Bicol region for Annonaceae. The study aimed to provide species diversity of Annonaceae with an account of their endemicity and distribution. The four PAs were the Abasig-Matogdon-Mananap Natural Biotic Area (AMMNBA), Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (BVNP), Mt. Isarog Natural Park (MINP), and Mt. Mayon Volcano Natural Park (MMVNP). Thirty samples were collected and identified, 16 species belonging to 13 genera, namely Annona, Artabotrys, Cananga, Drepananthus, Goniothalamus, Fissistigma, Friesodielsia, Meiogyne, Monoon, Phaeanthus, Polyalthia, Popowia, and Uvaria. Miliuseae is the most species-rich tribe with 7 species (43.75%), followed by Uvarieae with 4 species (25%), Annoneae with 2 species, Canangeae with 2 species (12.5% each), and Xylopieae with 1 species (6.25%). A key of all Annonaceae species collected in the four PAs is provided here. Five Philippine endemic species were identified, namely G. elmeri in the four PAs; P. luzonensis in three PAs; F. lanceolata, and P. lanceolata in AMMNBA; and U. valderramensis in BVNP. AMMNBA has the highest number of species (43%). The species identified comprises 10.88% of the 147 recorded Philippine Annonaceae species. The results highlight the presence and occurrence of Annonaceae essential for management and conservation policy.

Weed Population Dynamics under Organic, Bio-dynamic, Conventional Bt and Non-Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Aim: In order to compare the weed seed bank and population dynamics under organic, biodynamic, Bt-conventional, and non-Bt conventional management systems of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), a field experiment was carried out.
 Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD)
 Place and Duration of Study: bioRe-FiBL research trails, bioRe Association, Kasrawad, Khurgone, Madhya Pradesh during the kharif season of 2020-21.
 Methodology: Five distinct crop management techniques were used in the field experiment, each duplicated four times, and the experiment was set up using a randomized block design. The treatments were distributed at random to different plots. The five management treatments were Absolute Control (no fertilizers), Conventional management of non-Bt cotton, Conventional management of Bt cotton, Bio-dynamic and Organic management of cotton. For the duration of the experiment, four 1 m × 1 m (1 m2) quadrats were randomly placed on each experimental plot's four sides, and different biometric observations were recorded from each quadrant according to its treatment. For the purpose of collecting the necessary observations, two of these quadrants were regularly weeded every 20 days, while the other two were left unweeded for the duration of the experiment.
 Results: The dominant weed species includes Panicum dichotomiflorum, Cyperus rotundus, Paspalum dilatatum, Euphorbia hirta, Acalypha indica and Digeria arvensis. Poaceae was the dominant family in terms of composition. There was very less variation in the weed flora between the treatments. Significantly higher weed seed bank, weed species, weed density and weed dry weight were observed in Organic and Biodynamic cotton than in the Conventional cotton. Weed control efficiency was found to be maximum in the Conventional cotton compared to the Organic and Biodynamic cotton.
 Conclusion: From the experiment, it can be concluded that the Conventional cotton especially Conventional management Bt Cotton was found to be most efficient among all the treatments. However, the Organic cotton was observed with high number of overall plant species and best in conserving the plant species biodiversity.

Taxonomic inventory of the edible insects of India, a review of the current situation and future perspectives

Abstract In this article we present a taxonomic analysis of edible insects from India. Twelve orders of insects are reported with the follow number of families registered: Ephemeroptera (2), Odonata (6), Orthoptera (5), Mantodea (1), Blattodea (4), Isoptera (2), Hemiptera-Heteroptera (18), Coleoptera (14), Lepidoptera (11), Diptera (3), Hymenoptera (3) and Plecoptera (2), comprises a total of 277 genera and 473 species. In relation to the number of genera, the best represented orders are Coleoptera (82), Orthoptera (53) and Hemiptera-Heteroptera (52). The orders with the highest number of species are: Coleoptera (143), Orthoptera (89) Hemiptera-Heteroptera (79) and Hymenoptera (62). The current status also of this line of research is discussed, with special note on the importance of them as a renewable natural resource for the various Indian ethnic groups that consume these insects.