Native Flora Research Articles

The natural flora plants use by local inhabitants of the historical rural localities in Chernihiv Polesie (Ukraine)

This study is aimed to report and analyze the modern plants use in the historical rural localities of Chernihiv Polesie (Ukraine). The research materials were collected in two stages. At the first stage the main useful of the local natural flora were identified. At the second stage a sociological survey of adult local inhabitants on the plants use was conducted. The main groups of useful plants of the historical localities were established. The modern use of plants was analyzed. It was found that most plants were used by the local inhabitants for their own needs. However, certain edible, fodder and techniacal plants are a source of income for the local inhabitants. In the historical localities of Chernihiv Polesie all the traditional for the region ways of using the natural flora plants have been preserved (but to varying degrees). The degree of modern use of plants is primarily determined by the peculiarities of the vegetation (in particular, the predominance of pine, mixed forests and floodplain meadows) and financial incentives. This primarily applies to Vaccinium myrtillus gathering and laying hay in for the own use and sale. The local inhabitants use the plant resources lesser than the existining resource potential.

Restoration plantings in the Atlantic Forest use a small, biased, and homogeneous set of tree species

Investigating which species are planted in active restoration initiatives is useful for identifying underrepresented species and functional groups, which in turn can inform and improve the practice and policies of forest restoration. The Atlantic Forest is one of the global hotspots for biodiversity conservation and a region where many forest restoration initiatives have been carried out in recent decades. We conducted a taxonomic and functional analysis of a database with 1073 forest restoration plantings implemented from 2002 to 2018 in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We assessed how well restoration plantings represent the dispersal syndromes, successional groups, and the ratio of nitrogen-fixing, and threatened species, based on a comparison with 268 Atlantic Forest remnants. Comparisons were made for the entire biome as well as three subtypes: Atlantic Rainforest, Araucaria Forest and Seasonal Forest. We found 423 tree species planted in the restoration efforts, which represent less than 8 % of the Atlantic Forest tree flora. In comparison with the forest remnants, restoration plantings have a greater proportion of nitrogen-fixing tree species (17 % in plantings vs. 9 % in remnants) but underrepresent non-pioneer (67 % vs. 85 %), animal-dispersed (56 % vs. 74 %), and threatened species (18 species found in plantings vs. 83 in remnants). Our results indicate a bias towards N-fixing, non-animal-dispersed, and pioneer species in restoration plantings and towards using the same set of species across different regions of the Atlantic Forest. We recommend actions to increase the representation of the native tree flora in Atlantic Forest restoration plantings, especially concerning inclusion of animal-dispersed and threatened species and groups of species that are less likely to colonize restoration sites, such as large-seeded animal-dispersed species.

Letting the plants speak: Law, landscape and conservation.

The Botany Wetlands are the contemporary remnant of a formerly extensive coastal freshwater wetland in the inner-urban suburbs of Sydney (Australia). This site supports a range of ecosystem services, including human physical and mental health benefits, filtration of stormwater runoff from a highly urban and industrial catchment, and accommodation space for floodwater. The wetlands also provide habitat to migratory water birds and act as a connective habitat corridor and refuge for native flora and fauna including endangered ecological communities recognised in state and national legislation. Current management strategies and 'on the ground' practices are informed by a hierarchy of laws and management plans that act to create and reinforce a specific narrative in the material landscape. Here we consider the ecological history of the wetlands, derived from paleoecological data, in the context of this complex network of governance entanglements. We argue that the system bears little resemblance to its long-term character and has been made and continually re-made by a portmanteau of inflexible regulatory structures. We suggest that maintaining ecosystem services in such a complex, hybridized sociolegal-biophysical system requires a critical view of both the power relations and physical processes that shape it.

Marvels of Bacilli in soil amendment for plant-growth promotion toward sustainable development having futuristic socio-economic implications.

Microorganisms are integral components of ecosystems, exerting profound impacts on various facets of human life. The recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Science Summit emphasized the critical importance of comprehending the microbial world to address global challenges, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In agriculture, microbes are pivotal contributors to food production, sustainable energy, and environmental bioremediation. However, decades of agricultural intensification have boosted crop yields at the expense of soil health and microbial diversity, jeopardizing global food security. To address this issue, a study in West Bengal, India, explored the potential of a novel multi-strain consortium of plant growth promoting (PGP) Bacillus spp. for soil bioaugmentation. These strains were sourced from the soil's native microbial flora, offering a sustainable approach. In this work, a composite inoculum of Bacillus zhangzhouensis MMAM, Bacillus cereus MMAM3), and Bacillus subtilis MMAM2 were introduced into an over-exploited agricultural soil and implications on the improvement of vegetative growth and yield related traits of Gylcine max (L) Meril. plants were evaluated, growing them as model plant, in pot trial condition. The study's findings demonstrated significant improvements in plant growth and soil microbial diversity when using the bacterial consortium in conjunction with vermicompost. Metagenomic analyses revealed increased abundance of many functional genera and metabolic pathways in consortium-inoculated soil, indicating enhanced soil biological health. This innovative bioaugmentation strategy to upgrade the over-used agricultural soil through introduction of residual PGP bacterial members as consortia, presents a promising path forward for sustainable agriculture. The rejuvenated patches of over-used land can be used by the small and marginal farmers for cultivation of resilient crops like soybean. Recognizing the significance of multi-strain PGP bacterial consortia as potential bioinoculants, such technology can bolster food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and mitigate the adverse effects of past agricultural activities.

Aristolochia manshuriensis and Aristolochia contorta in the collection of the Botanical Garden-Institute FEB RAS

Ex situ is a reliable way to conservation rare plants of native flora outside of populations. There are two species of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) in the collection of the Botanical Garden-Institute of the Far East Branch RAS. Aristolochia manshuriensis is included in the Red Data Book of Russian Federation and the Red Data Book of the Primorsky Krai. Aristolochia contorta is included in the Red Data Book of the Primorsky Krai and the Red Data Book of the Jewish Autonomous Region. To assess the introduction success we studied individual and seasonal development, flowering, productivity, and reproduction. A. manshuriensis begins to bloom and bear the fruit in 6-8 years, A. contorta in 3-4 years after sowing the seeds. Seasonal development cycle is terminated by fructification. Fruits are produced each year. Life duration of individual flower is 7-9 days. The long life of the flower and the long flowering period of the individual increase the chance of cross-pollination. The high factual seed set on the fruit has A. manshuriensis - from 76 ± 14 to 134 ± 10, more 80% of them are great vitality, freshly-harvested seed germination is 80-85 %. The factual seed set on the fruit of A. contorta is 129 ± 22 seeds of which intact and capable to germinate about 50 %. When sowing seeds in autumn, the germination is 40 ± 3 %. The studied species are perspective for reproduction and conservation in culture.

Naturalizations have led to homogenization of the Malesian flora in the Anthropocene

AbstractAimWorldwide, floras are becoming homogenized at global scales, but regional patterns vary. Here, we present the first assessment for the Malesian phytogeographical region in terms of the timing of introductions, direction, magnitude and drivers of floristic change due to alien plant naturalizations.LocationMalesian phytogeographic region, including Southeast Asia and the Pacific.TaxonTracheophyta (vascular plants).MethodsWe compiled data on first records of naturalized plants in Malesia to investigate temporal trends in the rate and origin of introductions. We then calculated β‐diversity (including turnover and nestedness) for the native, naturalized and Anthropocene (native + naturalized) floras for each pair of island groups (36 pairs), and a homogenization index for the native and Anthropocene floras, using presence/absence data for 31,580 plant species. Mantel tests were used to investigate the geographic, climatic and anthropogenic correlates of dissimilarity and homogenization.ResultsAround 75% of all naturalized species documented to date were already reported for the first time within Malesia prior to 1950. This has led to homogenization between the historic (native) and contemporary (Anthropocene) floras for all island group pairs. Turnover was the most important process for driving compositional dissimilarity between island groups in Malesia in the native and Anthropocene floras, but homogenization resulted from decreases in nestedness and turnover. Differences in average taxonomic homogenization for island groups were associated with differences in their level of anthropogenic modification.Main ConclusionsThis study improves current understanding of the direction and drivers of floristic homogenization in one of the world's most diverse tropical regions. Alien plant introductions carry a long historical legacy in Malesia, and naturalizations of these plants have led to overall taxonomic homogenization of the region's flora. Expected increases in the magnitude of human modification, without appropriate policy, will likely lead to further reductions in the floristic uniqueness of island groups.

Exploring Eco-tourism Treasure of North-eastern States of India: A Sustainability Perspective

The North-eastern states of India are blessed with beautiful natural landscapes, flora and fauna, folk music, mountains, mysterious clouds, cuisines, and tribal culture, making it unique for eco-tourism. The region has enormous scope for the growth of eco-tourism, with many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, local arts and crafts, and fairs and festivals that can attract more tourists from home and abroad. This beautiful region abounds with adventurous activities like jungle safari, trekking, pilgrimage tours, mountaineering, tea garden tours, and ornithological tours are also available. However, transportation, accessibility, security threats, tourist facilities, hygienic food, accommodation, tourist information systems, system of permission, and brand image are the basic challenges before its tourism sector. Through a descriptive analysis, this paper discusses the opportunity and scope of sustainable eco-tourism in the North-Eastern states of India.

Exploring Eco-tourism Treasure of North-eastern States of India: A Sustainability Perspective

The North-eastern states of India are blessed with beautiful natural landscapes, flora and fauna, folk music, mountains, mysterious clouds, cuisines, and tribal culture, making it unique for eco-tourism. The region has enormous scope for the growth of eco-tourism, with many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, local arts and crafts, and fairs and festivals that can attract more tourists from home and abroad. This beautiful region abounds with adventurous activities like jungle safari, trekking, pilgrimage tours, mountaineering, tea garden tours, and ornithological tours are also available. However, transportation, accessibility, security threats, tourist facilities, hygienic food, accommodation, tourist information systems, system of permission, and brand image are the basic challenges before its tourism sector. Through a descriptive analysis, this paper discusses the opportunity and scope of sustainable eco-tourism in the North-Eastern states of India.

Eastern Redcedar: A United States Native Tree That Ranges from Useful, to a Nuisance, and Even Invasive in Certain Environments

Invasive and nuisance plants, both introduced as well as native, have negatively impacted native flora and fauna and altered hydrological processes. Economic damage estimates range from $1.4 trillion globally to as high as $120 billion in the United States. Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is native to at least 37 states in the United States. A medium-sized tree, eastern redcedar is commonly used as a landscape ornamental given its ability to grow in a wide range of conditions and its tolerance to many environmental pollutants. A tenacious conifer, eastern redcedar is valued for its landscape value and other uses, including wildlife habitat, lumber, medicines, and more. However, with wildfires suppressed and prescribed fires often discouraged, eastern redcedar has grown outside its original habitat and is an example of the term “range change.” This species’ predisposition to be opportunistic has allowed it to encroach on both abandoned and cultivated fields as well as grasslands. When the tree exhibits nuisance tendencies, control measures are warranted including prescribed fire, mechanical control, and herbicides. Ultimately, integrated control measures culminate in the best long-term results. The objective of this article was to describe eastern redcedar’s desirable ornamental features as well as landscape and utilitarian uses for humans and animals but also outline that it can be weedy to invasive depending on several factors discussed herein.

Territory heterogeneity study on the «number of species – area» curve to research its floristic structure (the Inza physical-geographical area)

The Inza high-plain forested area of the upper plateau is located in the Volga region. It stretches from south to north along the western border of Ulyanovsk Region. The floristic heterogeneity of the area was analyzed at the level of species composition according to the «number of species – area» curve. The zones of the most massive influx of species can be considered as a different floristic region with a different species composition. Taking into account the geographical configuration of the Inza area, the study was carried out in the latitudinal direction: from south to north and from north to south. In addition to tracking the increase in the total species composition, the change in the position of the leading families with an increase in the number of species across the territory is considered. The initial data on the flora of the area are lists of species compiled for individual geographical points. It has been established that the increase in the species composition occurs unevenly in both directions: in addition to the first stage, two subsequent ones are noticeable. The heterogeneity of the flora of the Inza area is confirmed by changes in the arrangement of the leading families of the head part of the total flora spectrum with the accumulation of species composition. The middle part of the area has a pronounced Fabaceae type. In the northern and southern parts, the proportions of the families Fabaceae and Rosaceae are close with a slight predominance of Rosaceae. This is especially noticeable when excluded from the general list of adventitious species. In the composition of the native flora, the Brassicaceae family reduces its share, while Cyperaceae, on the contrary, rises up the spectrum. The role of sedges is somewhat greater in the northern part of the area. In the Inza area, three local floras are identified and considered, which are characterized by the Fabaceae type. However, the gap between Fabaceae and Rosaceae in abundance differs greatly. It is the largest in the local flora in the tract Akulovskaya steppe. In its composition, the proportion of the genus Astragalus is noticeably higher, which increases the contribution of legumes to the flora. The spectrum of the complete composition of the flora of the Inza area is Rosaceae type. In this regard, it is also possible to assume that the three local floras considered do not exhaust the entire diversity of the studied area.

Variation in Composition of Biologically Active Substances in Flowers and Leaves of Achillea asiatica Serg. Plants Depending on the Region of Habitat

Composition of biologically active substances in methanol extracts from the flowers and leaves of Achillea asiatica Serg. plants was examined in representatives of native flora from Siberia and Kazakhstan growing in different regions of Russia (Kemerovo and Khakasiya) and Kazakhstan. Gas chromatography integrated with mass spectrometry and used for analysis of the extracts from flowers and leaves showed considerable differences in the composition and content of mono-, sesqui-, and oxygen-containing terpenoid compounds associated with the region of occurrence. In the examined samples, antioxidant activity in the extracts from flowers of A. asiatica was much greater than in the extracts from leaves. Antioxidant efficiency of the extracts predominantly depends on phenol compounds that do not belong to terpenes. Phytochemical analysis of three samples of A. asiatica taken from different natural habitats showed a pronounced variation in the composition of biologically active substances and their antioxidant activity. This may account for a different medicinal effect of collected A. asiatica grass.

Features of the anatomical structure of <i>Juniperus foetidissima</i> Willd. needles in the conditions of the Crimean Peninsula

Currently, the natural flora of Crimea includes 5 species of junipers, the smallest of which is J. foetidissima. The anatomical structure of needles is an important diagnostic feature that allows one to assess the intraspecific variability of rare species and the stability of their tree stands. In the conditions of the Crimean Mountains, extensive intercellular spaces are clearly visualized on a cross section of J. foetidissima needles. Such a feature of the anatomical structure of the needles of the species under study has not been described previously. The proportion of intercellular spaces varies from 5,36% to 20,89%, on average, their area is 0,018 ± 0,002 mm². Intercellular spaces are located in the central part of the needles between the vascular bundle and the resin canal, and sometimes on both sides of it. The mesophyll is very loose here. Along the periphery, the dense mesophyll consists of 3–5 rows of elongated oval cells. In addition, there is one fairly large resin channel. Its area can occupy up to 15% of the total cross-sectional area of the needles. The correlation dependences of the parameters of the anatomical structure of the needles of J. foetidissima are similar to those of J. deltoides, which, in turn, has a needle-shaped needle type. The drought resistance coefficient of the studied species made it possible to classify them as mesophytes.

Effect of different face washes on the bacterial pathogens of skin

Pathogens like Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Candida species are kept at bay by the skin's natural flora. There are face washes and cleansers on the market now that eliminate specific skin germs and keep healthy skin infection-free. Each volunteer's face was used to take a sample, the sample was taken by gently scraping every surface of the participant's face, including the popped-up Acne, using a sterile swab dipped in normal saline. The gathered samples were cultured on Nutrient Agar, and the organisms that had developed there were recognised by Gram staining and the appropriate biochemical identification and placedin different levels. The organism was then put to the test against several isolated organisms using a sensitivity test (Kirby-bauer Method) using diluted versions of 5 different face washes. Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus spp., Bacillus spp., E. coli, and Klebsiella spp., were among the predominant strains among the 40 different strains that were recovered from the 40 different volunteers .The antimicrobial effects of five commercially available face washes Vicco, Cetaphil, Himalayas, Neem and Tulsi and Ponds were tested on the isolated organisms at dilutions of 1:10. When compared to other face washes, HIMALAYA has the strongest antibacterial activity and the second- highest maximum zone of inhibition against the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococci spp., and Klebsiella spp., According to the experiment, face washes PONDS and CETAPHIL have the least antibacterial activity, no zone of inhibition, and are resistant to all five detected organisms.

Human Impacts on the Vegetation of the Juan Fernández (Robinson Crusoe) Archipelago

The human footprint on marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the planet has been substantial, largely due to the increase in the human population with associated activities and resource utilization. Oceanic islands have been particularly susceptible to such pressures, resulting in high levels of loss of biodiversity and reductions in the numbers and sizes of wild populations. One archipelago that has suffered from human impact has been the Juan Fernández (Robinson Crusoe) Archipelago, a Chilean national park located 667 km west of Valparaíso at 33° S. latitude. The park consists of three principal islands: Robinson Crusoe Island (48 km2); Santa Clara Island (2.2 km2); and Alejandro Selkirk Island (50 km2). The latter island lies 181 kms further west into the Pacific Ocean. No indigenous peoples ever visited or lived on any of these islands; they were first discovered by the Spanish navigator, Juan Fernández, in 1574. From that point onward, a series of European visitors arrived, especially to Robinson Crusoe Island. They began to cut the forests, and such activity increased with the establishment of a permanent colony in 1750 that has persisted to the present day. Pressures on the native and endemic flora increased due to the introduction of animals, such as goats, rats, dogs, cats, pigs, and rabbits. Numerous invasive plants also arrived, some deliberately introduced and others arriving inadvertently. At present, more than three-quarters of the endemic and native vascular species of the flora are either threatened or endangered. The loss of vegetation has also resulted in a loss of genetic variability in some species as populations are reduced in size or go extinct. It is critical that the remaining genetic diversity be conserved, and genomic markers would provide guidelines for the conservation of the diversity of the endemic flora. To preserve the unique flora of these islands, further conservation measures are needed, especially in education and phytosanitary monitoring.

Notulae to the Italian native vascular flora: 16

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of native vascular flora in Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, and exclusions to the Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrigenda are provided as supplementary material.

Reproductive biology of the introduced red-swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae) in western Japan

Abstract The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) has been responsible for negative impacts on native benthic fauna and flora in invaded freshwater ecosystems around the world, including Japan. We need to clarify the reproductive biology in the invaded habitats as basic information to effectively control the introduced populations, but the reproductive biology of P. clarkii in Japan (especially in western Japan) has not been well studied. We conducted monthly samplings of P. clarkii from November 2015 to November 2016 in a pond (which does not freeze, even in winter) in Okayama, western Japan, both by using shrimp cage traps and by hand nets to examine aspects of the reproduction, including a form alternation (i.e., Form I and II). We also reared spawning females in the laboratory and calculated the accumulated water temperature during the period to Stage-3 juveniles after spawning. The total number of individuals caught throughout the study period was 6,319 (2,601 males and 2,777 females, with eight of unknown sex and 933 juveniles). The males were all Form I with a breeding status from September to November 2016. We first found ovigerous females in July 2016 and females carrying hatchlings in October 2016, even in January 2016. The form alternation in males was confirmed not only in the cheliped length, but in the hook length. In laboratory observations, approximately 52 days with approximately 1,222 °C degree-days of the accumulated water temperature were necessary to Stage-3 juveniles after spawning. Our results indicate that P. clarkii can reproduce within approximately five months of hatching.

Marine actinomycete Streptomyces variabilis S26 as a biocontrol agent for vibriosis in shrimp larval rearing systems.

Indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant microbes and the loss of natural flora in aquaculture systems necessitating the ban of many of these chemotherapeutants in aquaculture. Actinobacteria play a profound role in the biogeochemical cycling in the marine environment and represent the principal source of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial property. In the present study, 98 marine-derived actinomycete isolates were screened for antimicrobial activity against the common aquatic pathogens. A potent actinomycete isolate S26, identified as Streptomyces variabilis based on 16 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing was then checked for the production of antibiotic in five different fermentation media and the one which showed maximum production was chosen for further study. Optimization of the fermentation medium for secondary metabolite production was carried out by response surface methodology (RSM) using DESIGN EXPERT. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the quadratic regression model demonstrated that the model was highly significant for the response concerned that is, antimicrobial activity as evident from the Fisher's F- test with a very low probability value [(P model>F) = 0.0001]. Of the 10 different solutions suggested by the software, the most suitable composition was found to be starch, 1.38%; soy powder, 0.88%; ammonium sulfate, 0.16% and salinity, 27.76‰. S. variabilis S26 cultured in the optimized production medium was applied in the Penaeus monodon larval rearing system and the total Vibrio count and survival rate were estimated. S. variabilis S26 treatment showed a significant reduction in vibrios and conferred better protection to P. monodon in culture system compared with control.

Invasive alien plants in South Asia: Impacts and management

South Asia is home to an immense diversity of flora and fauna, which makes it one of the global biodiversity hotspots. Plant invasions are one of several factors that threaten South-Asian biodiversity. This review lists problematic invasive plant species, analyses their negative impacts, and summarises management methods implemented in South Asia using data obtained from research articles and relevant databases (CABI, GISD, GloNAF). The data was used to evaluate the research trends over time, knowledge of the impacts of invasive plants, and management measures aimed at the invasive species. In total, 392 currently invasive vascular plant species were recorded in South Asia. Of these, 41 species are widely distributed in South Asia, occurring in at least three countries, and 20 species that are listed as invasive in South-Asian countries by the book Invasive Plant Species of the World are considered as the most problematic. For a subset of the most problematic species where such information is available, we present management measures that are in place in individual countries. The number of studies on invasive species in South Asia has been increasing, with more than half (53%) represented by local and regional inventories. Among the countries in South Asia, India has the highest number of invasive (145) and naturalized plant species (471). However, the percentage contribution of invasive and naturalized species to the native flora is the highest in the Maldives Islands. Studies on impacts are limited to those on native plants and agriculture; there is a lack of research on impacts on ecosystems and hydrology, as well as on economic costs and human health. Moreover, impacts have been quantified for very few species. Currently, the management of invasive plants is mostly done by physical or mechanical methods; research into opportunities for biological control is inadequate. Our review highlights the urgent need to quantify the impacts of all prevalent and problematic invasive species in South Asia as a crucial step in allocating resources for their management and addressing the knowledge gap in this region.

Assessing Galleria mellonella as a preliminary model for systemic Staphylococcus aureus infection: Evaluating the efficacy and impact of vancomycin and Nigella sativa oil on gut microbiota

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause various infections. The Galleria mellonella has been used as a preliminary test for infection model. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of G. mellonella as a microbiome model and compare the efficacy of vancomycin and antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa (NS) on the gut flora. MethodsG. mellonella larvae were subjected to metagenomic analysis. The larvae's guts were collected, homogenized in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and the gut contents isolated for bacterial DNA extraction. Larvae were assigned into the following groups: negative control (PBS only); positive control (MRSA only); vancomycin treated group; NS oil treated group and combination (vancomycin and NS oil) treated group. Larvae were cultured, inoculated with S. aureus, and treated with vancomycin and NS oil. Larval activity, cocoon formation, growth, melanization, and survival were monitored. The toxicity of vancomycin and NS oil was tested, and S. aureus burden and natural microbiota were determined. Hemocyte density was measured. Statistical analysis was conducted using R. ResultsEnterococcus related species dominated approximately 90 % of the gastrointestinal tract of the larvae. The survival rate following treatment was 85 % with vancomycin, 64 % with NS oil, and 73 % with a combination of both. The count of Enterococcus Colony Forming Units (CFUs) was significantly lower in the vancomycin treatment group (8.14E+04) compared to those treated with NS oil (1.97E+06) and the combination treatment (8.95E+05). Furthermore, the S. aureus burden was found to be lower in the NS oil (1.04E+06) and combination treatment groups (9.02E+05) compared to the vancomycin treatment group (3.38E+06). Hemocyte densities were significantly higher in the NS oil (8.29E+06) and combination treatment groups (8.18E+06) compared to the vancomycin treatment group (4.89E+06). ConclusionsThe study supported the use of G. mellonella model as a preliminary test to assess the effect of different antimicrobials against S. aureus and gut microbiota. NS oil showed more selectivity against S. aureus and protectiveness for the natural Enterococcus gut flora.

Zoonotic Microparasites in Invasive Black Rats (Rattus rattus) from Small Islands in Central Italy.

Invasive species have a detrimental impact on native populations, particularly in island ecosystems, and they pose a potential zoonotic and wildlife threat. Black rats (Rattus rattus) are invasive species that disrupt native flora and fauna on islands and serve as potential competent reservoirs for various pathogens and parasites. Microparasites screening was conducted in rat populations from small islands in central Italy (the Pontine Islands and Pianosa) with the aim of assessing the role of rats in maintaining infections, particularly in cases where key reservoir hosts were scarce or absent. We focused on microparasites of zoonotic and veterinary relevance. A total of 53 rats was kill-trapped and target tissues were analysed with molecular techniques. We observed the absence or very low prevalence of Anaplasma spp., while Babesia was found in rats from all locations, marking the first recorded instance of Babesia divergens in wild rats. Data from Pianosa strongly suggest the presence of an autochthonous Leishmania infantum cycle in the Tuscan archipelago islands. Neospora caninum was absent from all islands, even in areas where dogs, the main reservoirs, were present. Toxoplasma gondii was only recorded on the Pontine Islands, where genotyping is needed to shed light on infection dynamics. This study confirms that invasive species, such as rats, may be responsible for maintaining an increased parasitological threat to fauna and human communities in certain ecosystems.