Management Of Species Research Articles

Agrobiodiversity and food security: challenges and sustainable solutions

Objective: Agricultural biodiversity, also known as agrobiodiversity, encompasses the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms that are directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. This diversity is the result of millennia of selection, management, and domestication of species, which has allowed societies to adapt to different environmental and cultural conditions. However, in recent decades, the loss of agrobiodiversity, accelerated by industrial agriculture, the expansion of monocultures, and the reduction of varieties, has put global food security at risk. This diversity is crucial to ensuring the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of challenges such as climate change, emerging pests, and the depletion of natural resources. This paper examines the importance of conserving agricultural biodiversity from the perspective of food security. It emphasizes how agrobiodiversity not only contributes to the stability of food production but also improves human diets by diversifying crops and providing essential micronutrients. Design/Methodology/Approach: A search was conducted on the following scientific information platforms: Web of Science database and Google Scholar. A systematic search for publications related to agrobiodiversity systems was carried out in the WoS database and Google Scholar over the last 49 years (1975–2024). Results: Genetic erosion is particularly concerning because genetic diversity is essential for crops to face environmental challenges such as climate change, pests, and diseases. The loss of traditional varieties, which are selected by local farmers to adapt to specific conditions, increases agriculture's vulnerability to external disruptions. These landraces, having been cultivated in genetically diverse mosaics, offer protection against catastrophic losses in the event of crop failures due to extreme conditions or diseases. Findings/Conclusions: Genetic diversity allows for the development of sustainable solutions to pests and diseases, reducing dependence on pesticides and promoting more environmentally friendly farming practices. However, challenges related to biodiversity conservation persist, making it essential to implement public policies that promote agrobiodiversity and address the socioeconomic issues that limit its adoption.

Comparing winter distribution and harvest rates of transmitter‐marked and banded‐only mallards in western Tennessee

AbstractThe miniaturization of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) transmitters is providing insights into the ecology and management of migratory bird species at biologically‐relevant spatial scales. However, transmitters and their attachment methods could bias inferred behaviors, demographic rates, and resulting management decisions. We evaluated the effects of external harness‐style GPS transmitters by comparing direct harvest rates, winter dispersal distances, and subsequent harvest distributions of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) equipped with GPS transmitters (n = 443) to a tarsal banded‐only control group (n = 1,123) captured in western Tennessee during winters 2019–2022. We found that transmitter‐marked mallards had similar harvest rates, winter dispersal distances, and harvest distributions as banded‐only mallards. Time between capture and harvest predicted dispersal distances but there was no effect of marker type. Specifically, the average time from capture to harvest was 30 (SE = 2) and 31 (SE = 3) days for banded‐only and transmitter‐marked mallards, respectively. Harvest rate () was only 2.2% greater for transmitter‐marked mallards compared to banded‐only mallards overall, but GPS transmitters affected harvest susceptibility of juveniles ( = 14.5%). Based on harvest rates and dispersal distances between transmitter‐marked and banded‐only cohorts, we suggest 7‐ to 10‐day data censoring periods may be warranted, especially for juveniles, as mallards acclimate to GPS transmitters. Overall, we concluded that modern harness‐style GPS transmitters provided reliable information of wintering mallard space use, movements, and harvest mortality and can be used to inform ecology and management of wintering mallards and other dabbling ducks. Future studies should evaluate effects of harness‐style GPS transmitters for other species and during different portions of dabbling ducks' life cycle, such as migration or nesting, when they may experience greater adverse effects.

Modelling the Banni social-ecological system using participatory system dynamics for building insights on invasive species management and stakeholder engagement

Invasive species are a significant driver of environmental change in social-ecological systems (SES) globally. Given that SES are inherently complex adaptive systems (CAS), they continuously reorganize themselves and adapt to change, including changes in ecological composition, as well as in associated lives and livelihoods. Decision-making on invasive species management in such systems can be contested and fraught with tradeoffs. The Banni Grasslands in Kutch, India, is one such system where the introduction of Prosopisjuliflora (P.juliflora), an invasive woody species, has over decades resulted in deeply coupled social-ecological change. Removal of P.juliflora for land restoration is as of date a contested policy choice. Through a participatory transdisciplinary process comprising workshops and consultations with the local community (Maldharis), civil society and researchers involved in long term research on Banni, a system dynamics simulation model was developed which synthesizes the SES dynamics as a set of feedback loops. The model was used to simulate ‘what-if’ scenarios of interest up to 2050, to study consequences of restoration and the impact of climate extremes, to generate insights which could be useful in aiding decision making. The runs show how vis-à-vis a Business-As-Usual Scenario, restoration could help Maldharis increase livestock populations and livestock income, although there would still be a limit to the growth, with livestock reaching a higher normal. The runs show how it would also mean a loss in the P.juliflora-dependent charcoal-based income and livelihoods, and the extent of the loss, raising the question of finding alternative livelihoods. In a climate extremes scenario, the system, being more resource-intensive owing to growing livestock population, and loss of the relatively climate proof P.julilfora-based income, counterintuitively shows higher sensitivity to climate change impacts resulting in more pronounced impact on income variation. In order to engage stakeholders via ‘live’ simulation and scenario building, a user-friendly app encoding the simulation model was developed and used to carry out a participatory scenario planning exercise with the community to allow for live appraisal of the scenarios and their implications for decision-making. The paper summarizes insights from the simulation runs and from taking the app back to the community.

Predicting the Potential Distribution of the Endangered Pyrethrum tatsienense in China Using an Optimized Maxent Model Under Climate Change Scenarios.

Climate change can significantly impact the ecological suitability and diversity of species. Pyrethrum tatsienense, a critically endangered species in China, requires a thorough understanding of its habitat distribution and the environmental factors that affect it in the context of climate change. The Maxent algorithm was used to examine the key factors influencing the distribution of P. tatsienense in China, using data from 127 species occurrences and environmental variables from the Last Interglacial (LIG), Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), Mid-Holocene (MH), current, and future scenarios. The Maxent model was optimized utilizing the R package ENMeval, providing the most accurate predictions for suitable habitats across various scenarios. Results show that suitable regions for P. tatsienense encompass approximately 15.02% (14.42 × 105 km2) of China, predominantly on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The mean UV-B of the highest month (UVB3: 39.7%), elevation (elev: 28.7%), and the warmest season of precipitation (Bio18: 17.4%) are the major limiting factors for suitable habitat. The optimal species distribution ranges are identified as > 7500 J m-2 day-1 for UVB3, 2700-5600 m for elev, and 150-480 mm for Bio18. Predictions for the historical climate indicate the presence of refugia at the junction of Sichuan, Tibet, and Qinghai. The MH predictions show an increase in climatic suitability for P. tatsienense compared to the LIG and LGM, with an expansion of suitable areas westward. Future climate change scenarios indicate that the potential suitable habitat for P. tatsienense is expected to increase with increasing radiative forcing, with higher latitude regions becoming new marginally suitable habitats. However, predicted environmental changes in western Tibet may drive the loss of highly suitable habitats in the future. These findings enhance our understanding of how environmental factors impact the habitat suitability of P. tatsienense and provide valuable insights for developing effective management and conservation strategies for this important species.

Microbiome transfer from native to invasive species may increase invasion risk.

In a fast-changing world, understanding how organisms adapt to their environment is a pressing necessity. Research has focused on genetic adaptation, while our understanding of non-genetic modes is still in its infancy. The host-associated microbiome can be considered a non-genetic mode of adaptation, which can strongly influence an organism's ability to cope with its environment. However, the role of the microbiome in host ecological dynamics is largely unexplored, particularly in animal communities. Here, we discuss the following hypothesis: invasive species may rapidly adapt to local conditions by adopting beneficial microbes from similar co-occurring native species. This occurs when the invader's fitness is influenced by adaptation to local conditions that is facilitated by microbes acquired from native microbiomes. We present a minimal mathematical model to explore this hypothesis and show that a delayed acquisition of native microbes may explain the occurrence of an invasion lag. Overall, our results contribute to broadening the conceptualization of rapid adaptation via microbiome transfer and offer insights towards designing early intervention strategies for invasive species management.

Detectability of runs of homozygosity is influenced by analysis parameters and population-specific demographic history.

Wild populations are increasingly threatened by human-mediated climate change and land use changes. As populations decline, the probability of inbreeding increases, along with the potential for negative effects on individual fitness. Detecting and characterizing runs of homozygosity (ROHs) is a popular strategy for assessing the extent of individual inbreeding present in a population and can also shed light on the genetic mechanisms contributing to inbreeding depression. Here, we analyze simulated and empirical datasets to demonstrate the downstream effects of program selection and long-term demographic history on ROH inference, leading to context-dependent biases in the results. Through a sensitivity analysis we evaluate how various parameter values impact on ROH-calling results, highlighting its utility as a tool for parameter exploration. Our results indicate that ROH inferences are sensitive to factors such as sequencing depth and ROH length distribution, and with bias direction and magnitude varying with demographic history and the programs used. Estimation biases are particularly pronounced at lower sequencing depths, potentially leading to either underestimation or overestimation of inbreeding. These results are particularly important for the management of endangered species, as underestimating inbreeding signals in the genome can substantially undermine conservation initiatives. We also found that small true ROHs can be incorrectly lumped together and called as longer ROHs, leading to erroneous inference of recent inbreeding. To address these challenges, we suggest using a combination of ROH detection tools and ROH length-specific inferences, along with sensitivity analysis, to generate robust and context-appropriate population inferences regarding inbreeding history. We outline these recommendations for ROH estimation at multiple levels of sequencing effort, which are typical of conservation genomics studies.

Trends in Tree Species Selection for Urban Street Planting: A Thematic Review

In major cities, street tree failures pose ongoing challenges related to user safety, tree management, and maintenance. This study evaluates trends in urban street tree selection by analysing 45 articles from 2019 to 2024 using keywords such as “street,” “tree species,” and “selection.” The thematic analysis identifies five key themes: species diversity, ecosystem services, climate adaptability, public perception, and management challenges. Findings highlight the need for a multifaceted approach, recommending criteria to reduce conflicts and ensure proper tree placement. The proposed framework aims to enhance urban tree resilience and coexistence with humans by emphasising genetic diversity and ecological benefits. Keywords: Street tree, species selection, urban forestry, thematic review

Predicting the future distribution of the Barbary ground squirrel (Atlantoxerus getulus) under climate change using niche overlap analysis and species distribution modeling.

This study combines niche overlap analysis with species distribution modeling (SDM) to examine the niche dynamics of Atlantoxerus getulus, a ground squirrel native to Morocco and Algeria that has been introduced to the Canary Islands. We compiled 1272 records of A. getulus in its native and exotic ranges and five bioclimatic variables for present and future climate conditions for the years 2050 and 2070. We assessed the ecological niche of the species using exploratory and ordination analyses, followed by the prediction of its distribution using the SpatialMaxent model. Our results showed that the niches of A. getulus exhibited equivalence (p > 0.05) and significant similarity (p < 0.05) between the native and exotic ranges. No observed niche expansion in the exotic area is shown to be associated with complete niche stability. However, 90% of the niche in the Canary Islands remains unfilled, suggesting potential for further invasion. Our results highlighted habitat contractions ranging from 41% (SSP245-2050) to 60% (SSP585-2070), associated with a shift in the centroid of suitable habitat towards the Atlantic coast. These contractions are particularly severe in Algeria, where suitable habitats could disappear by 2050, contrasting with stable habitats maintained in the Canary Islands under all scenarios. Urgent habitat restoration in Algeria is crucial, including efforts to combat poaching. In Morocco, targeted in situ conservation is recommended, while in the Canary Islands, the focus should be on invasive species management and public awareness campaigns to prevent further spread.

Morphological characteristics of the species Gaidropsarus Mediterraneus (Linnaeus, 1758) population from the Romanian Black Sea coast in the year 2023

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the Gaidropsarus mediterraneus (Linnaeus, 1758) species growth pattern from the Romanian Black Sea Coast, in the year 2023. This has been accomplished by studying the length-weight relationship, an important parameter, which helps to know the growth pattern of fish populations, Fulton’s condition factor (kc) (useful index for monitoring feeding intensity) from 180 shore rockling individuals caught by pots. Average lengths and weights were 24.4 ± 2.6 cm and 101.46 ± 38.11 g, respectively, the minimum and maximum values were 18.3 and 33.8 cm, 36 and 319 g in weight. The value of exponent b in the equation is 3.197, indicating that the increasing weight is allometrically positive and mean value of the Fulton was 0.68 ± 0.08, with the minimum and maximum values of 0.47 to 0.90. The obtained results can have useful effects on the stock management of this fish species.

Restricted Dispersal and Phenotypic Response to Water Depth in a Foundation Seagrass.

Species conservation and management benefit from precise understanding of natural patterns of dispersal and genetic variation. Using recent advances in indirect genetic methods applied to both adult plants and dispersed seeds, we find that the mean seed dispersal in a threatened marine foundation plant (the eelgrass Zostera marina) is approximately 100-200 m. This distance is surprisingly more similar to that of wind-dispersed terrestrial seeds (~10s to 100s of meters) than the passive dispersal of marine propagules via currents (~10s to 100s of kilometres). Because nearshore marine plants like Zostera are commonly distributed across strong selective gradients driven by bathymetry (depth) even within these restricted spatial scales, seeds are capable of dispersing to novel water depths and experiencing profound shifts in light availability, temperature and wave exposure. We documented strong phenotypic variation and genome-wide differentiation among plants separated by approximately the spatial scale of mean realised dispersal. This result suggests genetic isolation by environment in response to depth-related environmental gradients as one plausible explanation for this pattern. The ratio of effective to census size (or Ne/Nc) approximated 0.1%, indicating that a fraction of existing plants provides the genetic variation to allow adaptation to environmental change. Our results suggest that successful conservation of seagrass meadows that can adapt to microspatial and temporal variation in environmental conditions will be low without direct and persistent intervention using large numbers of individuals or a targeted selection of genotypes.

Non-adaptedness and vulnerability to climate change threaten Plathymenia trees (Fabaceae) from the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest

Climate change is increasing species extinction risk. The ability of a species to cope with climate change can be quantified by projecting distribution models and by estimating the risk of non-adaptedness using genomic data. The Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest in Tropical South America are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and anthropogenic climate change. This work aims to evaluate the ecological and genomic vulnerability of Plathymenia taxa and its lineages, P. reticulata, a Cerrado species, and P. foliolosa, an Atlantic Forest species, to determine their current and future habitat suitability and the mismatch between current local adaptation with the expected climate changes. The species distribution models predicted a high range loss for the Plathymenia lineages. The genotype-environment association analyses showed that the Plathymenia lineages have populations adapted to different precipitation and temperature seasonality regimes. The genomic offset analyses predict a mismatch between local adaptations and future climate for the Plathymenia indicating a high risk of non-adaptedness, especially in the pessimistic scenario. Our results show an elevated extinction risk of the species due to climate change. We suggest reevaluating the extinction risk and management of the Plathymenia species separately based on their differences in vulnerability to climate change.

A multi-objective approach for timber harvest scheduling to include management of at-risk species and spatial configuration objectives.

Sustainable forestry typically involves integration of several economic and ecological objectives which, at times, may not be compatible with one another. Multi-objective prioritization via harvest scheduling programs can be used to elucidate these relationships and explore solutions. One such program is a spatially explicit harvest scheduler that adopts the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to iteratively find management solutions to achieve multiple objectives (Habplan). Although this program has been used to address forest management scheduling and simulation-based tasks, its utility is constrained by time-intensive data preparation and challenges with incorporating spatial configuration objectives. To address these shortcomings, we introduce an open-source software package, HabplanR, streamlines data preparation, sets parameters, visualizes results, and assesses spatial components of ecological objectives. We developed four example objectives to incorporate into a multi-objective management problem: habitat quality indices for three species "types" (open, closed, and intermediate-canopy-associated species), and harvested pine pulpwood (revenue). We demonstrate the utility of this package to find management schedules that can accommodate potentially conflicting habitat needs of species, while achieving economic targets. We produced 100 software runs and prioritized individual objectives to select four management schedules for further comparisons. We compared outcome differences of the four schedules, including a spatial comparison of two high performing schedules. The software package makes costs and benefits of different schedules explicit and allows for consideration of the spatial configuration of management outcomes in decision-making.

Combining graph theory and spatially-explicit, individual-based models to improve invasive species control strategies at a regional scale

ContextInvasive species cause widespread species extinction and economic loss. There is an increasing need to identify ways to efficiently target control efforts from local to regional scales.ObjectivesOur goal was to test whether prioritizing managed habitat using different treatments based on spatial measures of connectivity, including graph-theoretic measures, can improve management of invasive species and whether the level of control effort affects treatment performance. We also explored how uncertainty in biological variables, such as dispersal ability, affects measures performance.MethodsWe used a spatially-explicit, individual-based model (sIBM) based on the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), a globally pervasive invasive species. Simulations were informed by geographic data from part of the American bullfrog’s non-native range in southeastern Arizona, USA where they are known to pose a threat to native species.ResultsWe found that total bullfrog populations and occupancy declined in response to all treatments regardless of effort level or patch prioritization methods. The most effective spatial prioritization was effort-dependent and varied depending on spatial context, but frequently a buffer strategy was most effective. Treatments were also sensitive to dispersal ability. Performance of treatments prioritizing habitat patches using betweenness centrality improved with increasing dispersal ability, while performance of eigenvalue centrality improved as dispersal ability decreased.ConclusionsWith the careful application of connectivity measures to prioritize control efforts, similar reductions in invasive species population size and occupancy could be achieved with less than half the effort of sub-optimal connectivity measures at higher effort rates. More work is needed to determine if trait-based generalities may define appropriate connectivity measures for specific suites of dispersal abilities, demographic traits, and population dynamics.

Development of an assay for the detection of the federally threatened Florida eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) using soil eDNA

AbstractAccurate information on species range contraction is the cornerstone of effective biodiversity conservation. The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) is an apex predator in Florida and, similar to many species native to Florida, is threatened by widespread habitat destruction. Environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) monitoring of this elusive snake would provide a non‐invasive approach to improve our knowledge of the species' range and distribution. We designed and tested an eDNA assay that can detect the presence of D. couperi from soil samples from their natural scrub habitat in Florida. We validated our assay in silico, in vitro, and in situ. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of temperature and humidity on the degradation rate of eDNA over time. We successfully amplified the cytochrome b gene for D. couperi at concentrations as low as 3 × 10−3 ng/μL and successfully detected the presence of D. couperi in 2 of 30 in situ field soil samples. The degradation experiment resulted in detectable DNA for 10 days. Interestingly, temperature and humidity had no effect on the degradation rate of eDNA in our experimental conditions. This study provides support for soil eDNA applications to detect the presence of a federally threatened species in their natural environment bolstering our ability to monitor the conservation and management of imperiled species. Environmental DNA provides an additional conservation tool to quickly and effectively monitor species range shifts driven by multiple anthropogenic stressors to promote the persistence of imperiled species.

A New Aspect of Predator–Prey Dynamics: The Case of a Livestock Guardian Dog Predating upon an Invasive Coypu in Lake Kerkini, Greece

Invasive alien species frequently encounter limited natural predation pressure in their non-native ranges, which can contribute significantly to their unchecked proliferation and adverse ecological impacts. Here, we document a novel instance of a livestock guardian dog preying upon an adult coypu (Myocastor coypus) in Lake Kerkini, Greece—a significant observation given the coypu’s status as a prominent invasive species with few natural predators in Europe. The coypu’s presence in the region, coupled with the absence of effective predation among others, has allowed it to establish a robust population and exert considerable pressure on local ecosystems. This novel observation not only highlights an unusual predator–prey interaction involving a domestic mammal traditionally used for livestock management but also provides insights into understanding how domestic animals might inadvertently influence the dynamics of invasive species, potentially serving as a complementary tool in conservation management. By demonstrating that domestic dogs could play a role in controlling invasive species populations, our findings introduce a previously unconsidered aspect of invasive species management with conservation implications.

Candida guilliermondii fungemia: a 12-year retrospective review of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns at a reference laboratory and tertiary care center.

Our study addresses a significant knowledge gap in the clinical management of this non-Candida albicans species. Our retrospective review includes comprehensive AST data for 112 Candida guilliermondii isolates, which is the largest number of isolates reported from the United States to date. Susceptibility data are supplemented by clinical outcomes, where isolates were identified for patients treated at Mayo Clinic. Key findings from our study include the observation that a notable proportion of C. guilliermondii isolates exhibit non-wild-type profiles for various triazoles. Importantly, all isolates remained susceptible to echinocandins, suggesting their efficacy as first-line therapy in the absence of timely susceptibility results. Furthermore, our study highlights the high mortality associated with C. guilliermondii fungemia in immunocompromised patients, emphasizing the urgent need for optimized treatment strategies.

Analyzing the distribution patterns and dynamic niche of Magnolia grandiflora L. in the United States and China in response to climate change.

Magnolia grandiflora L. (southern magnolia) is native to the southeastern coastal areas of the United States, from North Carolina to eastern Texas (USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 8). It is currently widely cultivated in Zones 5-10 in the U.S. and in southern Yangtze River regions in China. Limited studies have examined the effects of climate change and human activities on the geographical distribution and adaptability of M. grandiflora during its introduction to China. We selected 127 occurrence points in the U.S. and 87 occurrence points in China, along with 43 environmental variables, to predict suitable habitat areas for M. grandiflora using present climate data (1970-2000) and projected future climate data (2050-2070) based on a complete niche ensemble model (EM) using the Biomod2 package. We also predicted the niche change of M. grandiflora in both countries using the 'ecospat' package in R. The ensemble models demonstrated high reliability, with an AUC of 0.993 and TSS of 0.932. Solar radiation in July, human impact index, and precipitation of the wettest month were identified as the most critical variables influencing M. grandiflora distribution. The species shows a similar trend of distribution expansion under climate change scenarios in both countries, with predicted expansions towards the northwest and northeast, and contractions in southern regions. Our study emphasizes a practical framework for predicting suitable habitats and migration of Magnoliaceae species under climate change scenarios. These findings provide valuable insights. for species conservation, introduction, management strategies, and sustainable utilization of M. grandiflora.

Evaluation of management options for climate-change adaptation of threatened species: a case study of a restricted orchid

Context Global climate is changing rapidly, necessitating timely development of specific, actionable species conservation strategies that incorporate climate-change adaptation. Yet, detailed climate-change adaptation planning is noticeably absent from species management plans. This is problematic for restricted species, which often have greater extinction risk. Aims Focusing on the restricted and endangered Tarengo leek orchid (Prasophyllum petilum), we aimed to adapt and test a framework for producing strategies for its management under climate change. Methods We used expert elicitation to estimate the severity of threats and assess potential management actions to mitigate threat impacts. We created a conceptual model detailing ecology, threats and likely impacts of climate change on the species, including the interactions between components. Key results Although climate change-related threats will affect the species, the most severe threats were non-climate threats including grazing, weeds, and habitat degradation. Fire management was deemed highly beneficial but had low feasibility for some populations. Without management, experts estimated up to a 100% decrease in one P. petilum population, and up to 50% decrease if management remained unchanged. Conclusions Management actions with the highest benefit and feasibility addressed the non-climate threats, which, in turn, can give the species the best opportunity to withstand climate-change impacts. Experts highlighted the difficulty of addressing climate threats with such limited knowledge; therefore, further research was recommended. Implications This adapted framework enabled a structured analysis of threats, and informed selection of priority adaptation options. We recommend its use for other restricted species for efficient and robust decision-making in climate-change management.

Bibliometric Analysis of a Decade Orchidaceae Research: A Comprehensive Study in the Agriculture Field

Orchidaceae is a family of flowering plants esteemed in numerous countries globally, so they are a promising subject for further exploration. The evolution of Orchidaceae research over the past decade is a foundation for identifying areas warranting deeper investigation. bibliographic analysis based on the Scopus database was used to elucidate the advancements in research over a decade. We brought data on an increasing number of publications between 1943 to 2023. About 7139 documents were found about orchid research, and 59% were in agriculture filtered by subject area, from around 2013 until 2023. America and Asia have the most significant number of Orchidaceae species, approximately 12000. However, China stands out with many publications with a high citation rate. Regarding the organization that publishes the journal, from 16204 organizations, the University of Chinese Academy is a prominent contributor characterized by substantial collaboration in advancing orchid research. Furthermore, the co-occurrence and all keywords indicating genetics, biodiversity, and taxonomy have been used as basis research topics in the last ten years. With additional analyses and reviews, this bibliometric analysis demonstrates that the research on Orchidaceae, specifically in agriculture, thrives every decade. Hence, we recommend future orchid conservation and research that should focus on the current gaps in knowledge and practice, including species distributions, management of species, and threats of extinction for developing or creating new cultivars to intensify a high potential commercial value.

Impacts of land use and abiotic factors on fruit, seed, and leaf morphology of the desert date Balanites aegyptiaca in Benin: Implications for management

Preserving intraspecific phenotypic variation within socio-economically important but declining species is fundamental in the current context of rapid change in land use and environmental conditions. Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile is a valuable seed oil tree species native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa. Notable morphological variations within the species are recognized by local communities, who often select trees with preferred traits for preservation in croplands. This study compared phenotypic variation in B. aegyptiaca based on sixteen phenotypic traits of fruits, seeds, and leaflets between trees in a strictly protected area and those in croplands. Furthermore, the relative role of land use, soil characteristics, bioclimatic variables, elevation, and slope in the observed variation was analysed. Student t-test, principal component analysis, redundancy analysis, and variance partitioning were used for data analysis in R software. Results showed that, after accounting for tree variation, significant differences were observed in only two traits: seed ratio, and leaflet dry weight, with mean values in cropland being 1.470 (higher), and 0.943 (lower) times that of wild trees, respectively. Furthermore, principal component analysis showed great overlap between ellipses of cropland and wild trees. The variance partitioning analysis showed that bioclimatic variables explained 18 % of the total variation followed by soil characteristics (11 %), and land use (9 %). These findings collectively suggest weak impacts of croplands and a lack of domestication syndrome in B. aegyptiaca in Benin, potentially due to persisting gene flow between wild and cropland trees, inadvertent species management, or low intensity of selection pressures. Future studies should explore organoleptic properties, physico-chemical characteristics of the pulp and seed oil and discern the extent to which observed differences are attributable to genetic factors and biotic factors (pest attacks, plant-plant interactions, etc.).