Evolvability Research Articles

Insights into the origin, hybridisation and adaptation of Candida metapsilosis hybrid pathogens.

Hybridisation is a source of genetic diversity, can drive adaptation to new niches and has been found to be a frequent event in lineages harbouring pathogenic fungi. However, little is known about the genomic implications of hybridisation nor its impact on pathogenicity-related traits. A common limitation for addressing these questions is the narrow representativity of sequenced genomes, mostly corresponding to strains isolated from infected patients. The opportunistic human pathogen Candida metapsilosis is a hybrid that descends from the crossing between unknown parental lineages. Here, we sequenced the genomes of five new C. metapsilosis isolates, one representing the first African isolate for this species, and four environmental isolates from marine niches. Our comparative genomic analyses, including a total of 29 sequenced strains, shed light on the phylogenetic relationships between C. metapsilosis hybrid isolates and show that environmental strains are closely related to clinical ones and belong to different clades, suggesting multiple independent colonisations. Furthermore, we identify a new diverging clade likely emerging from the same hybridisation event that originated two other previously described hybrid clades. Lastly, we evaluate phenotypes relevant during infection such as drug susceptibility, thermotolerance or virulence. We identify low drug susceptibility phenotypes which we suggest might be driven by loss of heterozygosity events in key genes. We discover that thermotolerance is mainly clade-dependent and find a correlation with the faecal origin of some strains which highlights the adaptive potential of the fungus as commensal.

Adaptive evolution of stress response genes in parasites aligns with host niche diversity

BackgroundStress responses are key the survival of parasites and, consequently, also the evolutionary success of these organisms. Despite this importance, our understanding of the evolution of molecular pathways dealing with environmental stressors in parasitic animals remains limited. Here, we tested the link between adaptive evolution of parasite stress response genes and their ecological diversity and species richness. We comparatively investigated antioxidant, heat shock, osmoregulatory, and behaviour-related genes (foraging) in two model parasitic flatworm lineages with contrasting ecological diversity, Cichlidogyrus and Kapentagyrus (Platyhelminthes: Monopisthocotyla), through whole-genome sequencing of 11 species followed by in silico exon bait capture as well as phylogenetic and codon analyses.ResultsWe assembled the sequences of 48 stress-related genes and report the first foraging (For) gene orthologs in flatworms. We found duplications of heat shock (Hsp) and oxidative stress genes in Cichlidogyrus compared to Kapentagyrus. We also observed positive selection patterns in genes related to mitochondrial protein import (Hsp) and behaviour (For) in species of Cichlidogyrus infecting East African cichlids—a host lineage under adaptive radiation. These patterns are consistent with a potential adaptation linked to a co-radiation of these parasites and their hosts. Additionally, the absence of cytochrome P450 and kappa and sigma-class glutathione S-transferases in monogenean flatworms is reported, genes considered essential for metazoan life.ConclusionsThis study potentially identifies the first molecular function linked to a flatworm radiation. Furthermore, the observed gene duplications and positive selection indicate the potentially important role of stress responses for the ecological adaptation of parasite species.

End user evaluation of the Canadian Spinal Cord Injury Physical Activity Guidelines: Barriers and facilitators to uptake and dissemination in the United States.

To engage U.S. end users to (1) gather information on facilitators and barriers to awareness and adoption of the Canadian Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Physical Activity (PA) guidelines; (2) inform potential adaptations to the presentation and messaging of the guidelines; and (3) develop recommendations for targeted dissemination strategies to promote awareness in the United States. Multi-method. Working groups conducted remotely via Zoom and online surveys. Individuals with lived SCI experience (n = 5), providers/clinical researchers (n = 7), and members of SCI professional or community organisations (n = 6). N/A. N/A. Participants highlighted the need for centralised, credible sources of information on PA. While participants generally viewed the guidelines as appropriate, useable, and acceptable, some questioned their credibility, as they were developed explicitly for Canadians with SCI rather than Americans. To enhance reach and effectiveness, participants suggested dissemination strategies that target specific audiences (i.e. level of functioning, level of injury, current level of PA). They also recommended collaborations with existing trusted community SCI organisations. Findings underscore the need for accessible, centralised, and credible information sources on PA tailored to the needs of the SCI community. Findings also suggest that while the guidelines do not require redevelopment for a U.S. context, they do need customised presentation, such as removing Canadian symbols from the materials, to better suit U.S. audiences. Effective dissemination will benefit from targeted strategies that leverage trusted organisations to reach and engage specific groups, ultimately supporting greater guideline awareness, acceptance, and application across the SCI population.

Integrative molecular and physiological insights into the phytotoxic impact of liquid crystal monomer exposure and the protective strategy in plants.

Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs), the integral components in the manufacture of digital displays, have engendered environmental concerns due to extensive utilization and intensive emission. Despite their prevalence and ecotoxicity, the LCM impacts on plant growth and agricultural yield remain inadequately understood. In this study, we investigated the specific response mechanisms of tobacco, a pivotal agricultural crop and model plant, to four representative LCMs (2OdF3B, 5CB, 4PiMeOP, 2BzoCP) through integrative molecular and physiological approaches. The findings reveal specific impacts, with 4PiMeOP exerting the most pronounced effects, followed by 2BzoCP, 5CB, and 2OdF3B. LCM exposure disrupts the photosynthetic apparatus, exacerbating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in leaves, which in turn triggers the upregulation of antioxidative enzymes and the synthesis of antioxidant substances. Additionally, LCMs strongly stimulate the expression of genes involved in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and signalling pathways. The AI-assisted meta-analysis implicates ABA as a critical regulator in the tobacco response to LCMs. Notably, exogenous application of ABA alleviates LCM-induced toxicities, highlighting the pivotal role of ABA in stress amelioration. Our study provides novel insights into the toxicity and tolerance mechanisms of LCMs in plants, shedding light on both their harmful effects on the ecosystems and potential adaptation responses. This is crucial to develop sustainable agricultural systems by reducing the negative environmental impacts caused by emerging organic pollutants.

A Comparative Study on Drought Stress Response In Vitro and In Vivo Propagated Fragaria vesca Plants

The evaluation of plant responses to water deficit in the substrate, particularly in the context of intensifying climate change, represents a critical factor for ensuring stable agricultural production, economic resilience, and food security. The primary objective of this study was to compare the physiological and biochemical responses to water deficit in conventional cultivation of Fragaria vesca plants propagated both in vitro and in vivo. The research encompassed measurements of gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll “a” fluorescence, photosynthetic pigment and proline content in leaves, leaf relative water content index, total fruit yield, single fruit weight, fresh and dry mass of the root system, as well as the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mo. Additionally, the ratio of monovalent to divalent cations in leaves, roots, and crowns was analyzed. The results revealed significant differences between the experimental variants under optimal conditions and their respective responses to drought stress. Plants derived from in vitro cultures, despite exhibiting initially lower physiological trait values, demonstrated higher yield potential (no significant difference in the yield of fresh fruit mass compared to a 78% reduction). However, a long-term lack of water caused greater damage to their photosynthetic system—a reduction in physiological traits to 80% was observed, compared to a maximum decrease of 40% in plants derived from seedlings. The results highlight that environmental conditions and the acclimatization process of plants derived from in vitro cultures can significantly influence their adaptive potential and productivity.

Phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. across diverse rangelands in northeastern Ethiopia

IntroductionProsopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. substantially threatens dry rangelands due to its invasive attributes, exacerbated by climate change, land-use practices, and anthropogenic activities. Despite the urgent need to understand its ecological impacts, comprehensive studies examining the relationship between its functional traits and reproductive fitness across diverse habitats and land-use scenarios are lacking. This study investigated the functional traits and fitness of Prosopis juliflora in the Afar region of Ethiopia, focusing on three land-use types: dry-season grazing lands, wet-season grazing lands, and wildlife reserves.MethodsPlant samples were collected from 192 plots to assess their adaptive potential and genetic variation, alongside relevant physiographic and climatic data. This approach aims to elucidate the contributions of these factors to the observed variation and plasticity of Prosopis juliflora across three rangeland types differing in land use intensity. Generalized linear mixed models and co-occurrence networks were employed to analyze the complex interaction.ResultsOur findings revealed significant variation in fruiting onset and duration, with wet-season grazing lands demonstrating a shorter duration compared to dry-season grazing lands and wildlife reserves. Genetic variation was significant for total seed mass and number, indicating robust adaptability. The relative growth rate was higher in wildlife reserves compared to dry-season grazing lands, highlighting adaptive advantages in nutrient-rich environments. Additionally, climatic and physiographic analysis identified soil type as a critical factor influencing trait performance.ConclusionsThis study underscores the urgent need for targeted management strategies to mitigate the ecological impacts of Prosopis juliflora, emphasizing the critical role of soil nutrients in reproductive fitness. Our findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of invasive species in dry ecosystems and inform conservation efforts.

Cropland expansion links climate extremes and diets in Nigeria.

Climate change threatens smallholder agriculture and food security in the Global South. While cropland expansion is often used to counter adverse climate effects despite ecological trade-offs, the benefits for diets and nutrition remain unclear. This study quantitatively examines relationships between climate anomalies, forest loss from cropland expansion, and dietary outcomes in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country. Combining high-resolution data on forest cover and climate variables within random forest and panel regression models, we find that 25 to 31% of annual forest loss is linked to climate variability. Using georeferenced household survey data, we then find that changes in forest cover have a significant positive association with changes in child diet diversity-a key proxy of nutritional adequacy-while cropland expansion does not, suggesting that such forest conversions may be an ineffective climate adaptation strategy for improving nutrition. Our findings highlight the potential of nutrition-sensitive climate adaptation to enhance yields, promote nutritious cropping choices, and protect remaining forests.

Emerging carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a tertiary care hospital in Lima, Peru.

The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) poses a significant public health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited surveillance and treatment options. This study examines the genetic diversity, resistance patterns, and transmission dynamics of 66 CRKP isolates recovered over 5 years (2015-2019) after the first case of CRKP was identified at a tertiary care hospital in Lima, Peru. Our findings reveal a shift from blaKPC-2 to blaNDM-1 as the dominant carbapenemase gene after 2017. Lineage ST45 was the most prevalent and persisted for multiple years, followed by high-risk clones ST11 and ST147. The blaNDM-1 gene was carried almost exclusively by a Tn125-like transposon, similar to the one reported in previous studies from two Peruvian hospitals. Long-read sequencing revealed nearly identical blaNDM-carrying plasmids across the four assessed lineages. A comparative analysis of 1,023 South American CRKP genomes confirmed a unique pattern in Peru, where blaNDM-1 (81.4%) outpaced blaKPC-2, which remained dominant (59.4%) elsewhere. In addition, emerging clones ST45 and ST348 found in Peru were rarely found elsewhere in South America, suggesting potential regional adaptation. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive picture of the intra-hospital dynamics of these emerging pathogens and provides a framework for studying their genomic diversity in the understudied South American region.IMPORTANCEThis study provides novel insights into the transmission and genetic diversity of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacteria responsible for severe infections, with limited treatment options. By examining isolates recovered over 5 years at a major hospital in Lima, Peru, we demonstrated a shift from one type of resistance gene, blaKPC, to another, blaNDM, which is more challenging to treat. Our findings reveal that specific bacterial lineages carrying the blaNDM gene in a specific plasmid are emerging in Peru, including well-known high-risk strains and others rarely found elsewhere in South America. This pattern highlights an urgent need for targeted surveillance and infection control as these strains pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems. Our study provides crucial data on Klebsiella pneumoniae in Peru, contributing to broader efforts to monitor and control antibiotic-resistant infections in South America and globally.

Indigenous university students' perceptions regarding nature, their daily lives and climate change: a photovoice study

BackgroundClimate change has severe health impacts, particularly for populations living in environmentally sensitive areas such as riversides, slopes, and forests. These challenges are exacerbated for Indigenous communities, who often face marginalisation and rely heavily on the land for their livelihoods. Despite their vulnerability, the perspectives of Indigenous populations on climate change and its impacts remain underexplored, creating a critical gap in the literature. This study explored the perceptions of Indigenous Brazilian university students on how climate change affects their daily lives and gathered their insights on potential adaptations to mitigate climate change-related impacts.MethodsUsing a participatory arts-based approach, participants captured photographs reflecting their lived experiences with climate change. Follow-up interviews provided a narrative framework for qualitative analysis, enabling participants to articulate the strengths and concerns of their communities while transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.ResultsThe study revealed key themes, including (1) the fragility of ecosystems critical to Indigenous livelihoods, (2) the erosion of traditional knowledge systems due to environmental and social disruptions, and (3) the need for community-driven strategies to protect territories and preserve cultural identities. Participants highlighted the interconnectedness of their cultural values with environmental stewardship, emphasising the importance of maintaining these relationships as a form of resilience.ConclusionThis study underscores the importance of protecting Indigenous territories and respecting their cultural identities to safeguard their survival and traditions. The voices of Indigenous university students provided valuable insights into community-based adaptations and strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Response of garden strawberry cultivars to damage by the two-spotted spider mite

Garden strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) is an important commercial berry crop. Its productivity depends on the adaptive potential of the cultivar and is limited by the degree of exposure to unfavorable abiotic and biotic factors characteristic of a particular climatic zone. The present work studies the resistance of garden strawberry cultivars with diff erent ripening periods to damage by the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch.) when grown under simulated conditions of a climatic chamber. Cultivars were observed to respond differently to simulated extreme growing conditions such as simulate d ground frost, waterlogged soil, or soil moisture defi cit combined with damage from mite spread and exposure. The cultivars Festivalnaya, Solovushka, Solnechnaya Polyanka were the least resistant to the impact of a complex of abiotic and biotic factors. For them, the extent of mite damage was up to 100 %. Moreover, a signifi cant number of dead plants were observed. The Bereginya, Nashe Podmoskovye, and Alpha cultivars are able to adapt to adverse environmental conditions. Also, they are more resistant to damage by the two-spotted spider mite.

Fluence rate-dependent kinetics of light-triggered liposomal doxorubicin assessed by quantitative fluorescence-based endoscopic probe.

Liposomal doxorubicin (Dox), a treatment option for recurrent ovarian cancer, often suffers from suboptimal biodistribution and efficacy, which might be addressed with precision drug delivery systems. Here, we introduce a catheter-based endoscopic probe designed for multispectral, quantitative monitoring of light-triggered drug release. This tool utilizes red-light photosensitive porphyrin-phospholipid (PoP), which is encapsulated in liposome bilayers to enhance targeted drug delivery. By integrating diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy, our approach not only corrects the effects of tissue optical properties but also ensures accurate drug delivery to deep-seated tumors. Preliminary results validate the probe effectiveness in controlled settings, highlighting its potential for future clinical adaptation. This study sets the stage for in vivo applications, enabling the exploration of next-generation treatment paradigms for the management of cancer by optimizing chemotherapy administration with precision and control.

Response of Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur L.) to Adverse Environmental Conditions in Genetic and Dendrochronological Studies.

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is widely distributed across Europe and serves critical ecological, economic, and recreational functions. Investigating its responses to stressors such as drought, extreme temperatures, pests, and pathogens provides valuable insights into its capacity to adapt to climate change. Genetic and dendrochronological studies offer complementary perspectives on this adaptability. Tree-ring analysis (dendrochronology) reveals how Q. robur has historically responded to environmental stressors, linking growth patterns to specific conditions such as drought or temperature extremes. By examining tree-ring width, density, and dynamics, researchers can identify periods of growth suppression or enhancement and predict forest responses to future climatic events. Genetic studies further complement this by uncovering adaptive genetic diversity and inheritance patterns. Identifying genetic markers associated with stress tolerance enables forest managers to prioritize the conservation of populations with higher adaptive potential. These insights can guide reforestation efforts and support the development of climate-resilient oak populations. By integrating genetic and dendrochronological data, researchers gain a holistic understanding of Q. robur's mechanisms of resilience. This knowledge is vital for adaptive forest management and sustainable planning in the face of environmental challenges, ultimately helping to ensure the long-term viability of oak populations and their ecosystems. The topics covered in this review are very broad. We tried to include the most relevant, important, and significant studies, but focused mainly on the relatively recent Eastern European studies because they include the most of the species' area. However, although more than 270 published works have been cited in this review, we have, of course, missed some published studies. We apologize in advance to authors of those relevant works that have not been cited.

Forecasting Range Shifts in Terrestrial Alpine Insects Under Global Warming.

Anthropogenic planetary heating is disrupting global alpine systems, but our ability to empirically measure and predict responses in alpine species distributions is impaired by a lack of comprehensive data and technical limitations. We conducted a comprehensive, semi-quantitative review of empirical studies on contemporary range shifts in alpine insects driven by climate heating, drawing attention to methodological issues and potential biotic and abiotic factors influencing variation in responses. We highlight case studies showing how range dynamics may affect standing genetic variation and adaptive potential, and discuss how data integration frameworks can improve forecasts. Although biotic and abiotic factors influence individual species responses, most alpine insects studied so far are shifting to higher elevations. Upslope shifts are often accompanied by range contractions that are expected to diminish species genetic variation and adaptive potential, increasing extinction risk. Endemic species on islands are predicted to be especially vulnerable. Inferences drawn from the responses of alpine insects, also have relevance to species in other montane habitats. Correlative niche modelling is a keystone tool to predict range responses to planetary heating, but its limited ability to consider biological processes underpinning species' responses complicates interpretation. Alpine insects exhibit some potential to respond to rising temperatures via genetic change or phenotypic plasticity. Thus, future efforts should incorporate biological processes by using flexible hybrid niche modelling approaches to enhance the biological realism of predictions. Boosting scientific capability to envisage the future of alpine environments and their associated biota is imperative given that the speed and intensity of heating on high-mountain ecosystems can surpass our ability to collect the empirical data required to guide effective conservation planning and management decisions.

Heat-tolerant subtropical Porites lutea may be better adapted to future climate change than tropical one in the South China Sea.

Coral reefs are degrading at an accelerating rate owing to climate change. Understanding the heat stress tolerance of corals is vital for their sustainability. However, this tolerance varies substantially geographically, and information regarding coral responses across latitudes is lacking. In this study, we conducted a high temperature (34°C) stress experiment on Porites lutea from tropical Xisha Islands (XS) and subtropical Daya Bay (DY) in the South China Sea (SCS). We compared physiological levels, antioxidant activities, and transcriptome sequencing to explore heat tolerance mechanisms and adaptive potential. At 34°C, both XS and DY corals experienced significant bleaching and the physiological/biochemical index decreased, with XS corals exhibiting greater changes than DY corals. Transcriptome analysis revealed that coral hosts respond to heat stress mainly by boosting metabolic activity. The subtle transcriptional responses of zooxanthellae C15 underscored the host's pivotal role in thermal stress responses. DY coral hosts showed lower bleaching, stronger physiological plasticity, and higher temperature tolerance thresholds than XS, indicating superior heat tolerance. This superiority is linked to negative feedback transcriptional regulation strategies, including active environmental stress response and genetic information damage repair. The differences in thermal adaptability between tropical and subtropical P. lutea in the SCS may be attributed to their genetic differences and native habitat environments, suggesting that subtropical P. lutea may have the potential to adapt to future climate change. This study provides novel insights for predicting the fate of corals at different latitudes in terms of global warming and provides instructive guidance for coral reef ecological restoration.

Fine-Scale Genetic Structure of Small Fish Populations in Islands: The Case of Brook Charr Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814) in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (France).

Island ecosystems, particularly vulnerable to environmental challenges, host many endangered native species. Diadromous fish, in particular, are threatened throughout their marine and freshwater habitats. The conservation of these species requires an in-depth understanding of their genetic diversity and structure, to better understand their adaptive potential. We investigated fine-scale population diversity and structure in native brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) by genotyping 10 microsatellite loci in 244 individuals at three spatial scales in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, France. We found limited genetic variability across the archipelago, with particularly low genetic diversity in one island, Langlade. A significant difference in allelic richness was also detected among the three islands, indicating a difference in genetic composition across the archipelago, probably induced by historical stocking actions on both Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Finally, a strong genetic structure was detected across the archipelago among hydrosystems (overall F ST = 0.19) and even within several of them. The presence of predominant interisland gene flow combined with complete genetic isolation from certain hydrosystems suggests that this contemporary genetic structure is the result of both natural demographic processes during the species postglacial colonization and recent restocking actions. The complex genetic structure of such isolated brook charr subpopulations highlights the importance of considering fine-scale genetic structure in conservation management.

Navigating Host Immunity and Concurrent Ozone Stress: Strain-Resolved Metagenomics Reveals Maintenance of Intraspecific Diversity and Genetic Variation in Xanthomonas on Pepper.

The evolving threat of new pathogen variants in the face of global environmental changes poses a risk to a sustainable crop production. Predicting and responding to how climate change affects plant-pathosystems is challenging, as environment affects host-pathogen interactions from molecular to the community level, and with eco-evolutionary feedbacks at play. To address this knowledge gap, we studied short-term within-host eco-evolutionary changes in the pathogen, Xanthomonas perforans, on resistant and susceptible pepper in the open-top chambers (OTCs) under elevated Ozone (O3) conditions in a single growing season. We observed increased disease severity with greater variance on the resistant cultivar under elevated O3, yet no apparent change on the susceptible cultivar. Despite the dominance of a single pathogen genotype on the susceptible cultivar, the resistant cultivar supported a heterogeneous pathogen population. Altered O3 levels led to a strain turnover, with a relatively greater gene flux on the resistant cultivar. Both standing genetic variation and de novo parallel mutations contributed toward evolutionary modifications during adaptation onto the resistant cultivar. The presence of elevated O3, however, led to a relatively higher genetic polymorphism, with random and transient mutations. Population heterogeneity along with genetic variation, and the promotion of interdependency are mechanisms by which pathogen responds to stressors. While parallel mutations may provide clues to predicting long-term pathogen evolution and adaptive potential. And,a high proportion of transient mutations suggest less predictable pathogen evolution under climatic alterations. This knowledge is relevant as we study the risk of pathogen emergence and the mechanisms and constraints underlying long-term pathogen adaptation under climatic shifts.

Habitat fragmentation increases the risk of local extinction of small reptiles: A case study on Phrynocephalus przewalskii.

Habitat fragmentation represents a multifaceted global conservation threat, exerting both direct and indirect effects on individual animals and communities. Reptiles, particularly smaller species with limited migratory abilities, are especially vulnerable to these changes. This study examines how small reptiles adapt their life history strategies in fragmented habitats and determines whether their responses are primarily due to phenotypic plasticity or genetic adaptation. We focused on Phrynocephalus przewalskii, analyzing body size, reproductive strategies, genetic structure, and diversity across three habitats with varying degrees of fragmentation. This study investigated the response of P. przewalskii to varying degrees of habitat fragmentation in Wuhai City, Inner Mongolia. The study compared morphological characteristics, reproductive investment, genetic diversity, and fluctuating asymmetry of P. przewalskii individuals from the sampling areas. Results showed that individuals in highly fragmented areas exhibited smaller body size, higher reproductive investment, and lower genetic diversity. Genomic analyses revealed significantly fewer SNPs, INDELs, and SVs in the highly fragmented area compared to others, with the slowest linkage disequilibrium decay rate, indicating strong environmental pressure. Furthermore, individuals in the highly fragmented area had significantly higher fluctuating asymmetry, serve as an important ecological and biological indicator reflecting habitat fragmentation. These findings demonstrated that habitat fragmentation negatively impacts the survival and reproduction of P. przewalskii, reducing its genetic diversity and adaptive potential, and increasing the risk of local extinction. This study provides crucial data for understanding the mechanisms of animal adaptation to fragmented habitats and aids in assessing species extinction risks and developing conservation strategies.

The timing and pattern of chill and heat exposure affect the estimation of agroclimatic requirements and adaptability potential in Prunus cultivars

The timing and pattern of chill and heat exposure affect the estimation of agroclimatic requirements and adaptability potential in Prunus cultivars

Phytoremediation and genetic adaptation potential of Jatropha curcas on heavy metals enriched mine tailings

BackgroundPhytoremediation is aninexpensive green method that uses metal-tolerant plants to extract these contaminants and restore the soil. MethodsThe phytoremediation potential and genomic DNA/genetic adaptability nature of Jatropha curcas was investigated by 90 days of greenhouse experiment.The genomic DNA stability was determined through RAPD analysis. Soil characterization results the magnesite mine tailing physicochemical parameters (pH, Total carbon, Total hardness, NPK, Cr, Pb, Mn, and Cd) were beyond the acceptable limits. Thus, the mine soil diluted with fertile soil (group a-f) to create different treatment groups. Significant FindingsThe results stated that soil diluted with maximum quantity of fertile soil showed maximum growth and considerably extracted the metals from the soil compared to undiluted (group e) soil and other groups. The BAF and TF values strongly suggests that the J.curcas is suitable candidature with phytoextraction potential. The RAPD analysis on whole genomic DNA revealed that the plan possesses considerable metal adaptation potential under metal stress condition confirmed by GTS and DNA polymorphism analyses through RAPD and also TSP analyses. Hence, this J. curcas can be employed as considerable plant with phytoextraction (as hyperaccumulator) potential to remove the heavy metals from the soil.

Limited Effect of Future Land‐Use Changes on Human Heat Stress and Labor Capacity

AbstractTo achieve the 1.5°C target of the Paris agreement, rapid, sustained, and deep emission reductions are required, which often includes negative emissions through land‐based mitigation. However, the effects of future land‐use change on climate are often not considered when quantifying the climate‐induced impacts on human heat stress and labor capacity. By conducting simulations with three fully coupled Earth System Models, we project the effects of land‐use change on heat stress and outdoor labor capacity for two contrasting future land‐use scenarios under high‐ambition mitigation. Achieving a sustainable land‐use scenario with increasing global forest cover instead of an inequality scenario with decreasing forest cover in the Global South causes a global cooling ranging between 0.09°C and 0.35°C across the Earth System Models. However, the effects on human heat stress are less strong, especially over the regions of intense land‐use change such as the tropics, where biogeophysical effects on near‐surface specific humidity and wind speed counteract the cooling effect under warm extremes. The corresponding influence on outdoor labor capacity is small and inconsistent across the three Earth System Models. These results clearly highlight the importance of land‐use change scenarios for achieving global temperature targets while questioning the adaptation potential for reduction in heat stress.