Reservoirs Of Biodiversity Research Articles

Effects of three pretreatments on seed germination and seedling growth of Mansonia altissima (A. Chev.) in a nursery, a timber species exploited in Cote d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire's forests are a reservoir of biodiversity. Indeed, they offer a diverse ecosystem service. However, they are subject to strong anthropogenic pressures, which have resulted in the disappearance of several plant species. This was the case of Mansonia altissima, a species renowned for the quality of its wood. Given the importance of this species, there is an urgent need to focus on its conservation. It is in this context that this study aims to improve seed multiplication and the growth of M. altissima seedlings with a view to using them in reforestation. To achieve this, three pretreatments were applied to the seeds. These were the control (T0), shelled and unsoaked winged fruit (T1) and winged fruit soaked in cold water for 48 hours and then shelled (T2). Data collected using a data collection form were subjected to statistical analysis. Results showed that T2 treatment recorded the best germination rate (83%). In terms of seedling growth, the pretreatments had a significant effect on seedling diameter (P > 0.05). As for height, which averaged around 8 cm, and number of leaves, which averaged 6 per individual for each pretreatment, no significant effect was observed. However, for a multiplication of the species, the pretreatment (T2) where the winged fruits are soaked in ordinary water for 48 h and then shelled is recommended.

Hidden Urban Biodiversity: A New Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Southwest China.

The genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950, belonging to the family Scincidae, exhibits considerable morphological convergence, complicating species delimitation and resulting in underestimated diversity. Currently, 41 species are formally recognized in this genus, although this figure likely underestimates its true richness. In this study, a new species of the genus Scincella, Scincella chengduensissp. nov., is described from urban and suburban areas of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. Morphological features and phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the new species is distinct from all previously recognized congeners. The new species can be clearly distinguished by a combination of the following unique characters: (1) slender, medium-sized body, snout-vent length 28.4-43.2 mm; (2) infralabials seven, rarely six; (3) supraciliaries six or seven; (4) tympanum deeply recessed without lobules, tympanum diameters equal to or exceeding palpebral disc diameters; (5) midbody scale-row counts 23; (6) dorsal scales smooth, slightly enlarged, paravertebral scale-row counts 57-60, ventral scale-row counts 42-44, gulars 21-22; (7) upper edge of lateral longitudinal stripes relatively straight, four rows of dorsal scales in middle; (8) enlarged, undivided lamellae beneath finger IV 8-9, enlarged, undivided lamellae beneath toe IV 10-12; (9) ventral surface densely covered with dark spots; (10) grayish-brown, irregular dorsal stripes 2-3, black dorsolateral stripes from posterior corner of eye to lateral side of tail. This discovery underscores the underestimated diversity of Scincella in China and highlights the importance of urban habitats as reservoirs of hidden biodiversity. A diagnostic key to the Scincella species of China is also provided.

Twoline Skiffia's Latency to Exit a Refuge and to Locate Food When Socialising With Invaders and Raising Temperatures.

Aquatic ecosystems are reservoirs of biodiversity and are highly threatened. Among the main threats to biodiversity are invasive species and global warming, the later has allowed the establishment of invasive species from originally warmer climates outside their native range by reducing the barriers to their establishment and distribution. Behaviour is the immediate response that species modify to counteract changes in their environment. Latency to respond to certain stimuli is an indicator of different behavioural tendencies associated with boldness, for example, quickly leaving a shelter could lead to benefits like finding a mate or locating food faster. We investigated the latency to exit a refuge and to locate food of the native twoline skiffia (Skiffia bilineata) from central Mexico at three temperatures (18°C, 23°C and 28°C) and in the presence/absence of invasive guppies (Poecilia reticulata). Our results are the first to show native fish could benefit from associating with invaders when emerging from a refuge and locating food under higher temperatures, but they would find themselves at the extreme of their thermal tolerance. Evidence of positive outcomes from biological invasions is increasing; however, further research is needed to understand if potential benefits for natives are temporary, which may make biological invasions less detrimental during the initial stages.

Genetic diversity and footprint of the Ethiopian cattle population, and the application of molecular information on sustainable cattle genetic improvement: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions in Ethiopia. A comprehensive review

AbstractEthiopia has over 70 million cattle, and about 97.4% of the total cattle in the country are local breeds. The remaining are hybrid and exotic breeds, which account for about 2.3% and 0.31%, respectively. The genetic diversity and genomic footprint of Ethiopian cattle populations represent a valuable reservoir of biodiversity with profound implications for sustainable agriculture and food security. The application of molecular information in sustainable cattle breeding improvement presents significant opportunities for Ethiopia's livestock sector. The review explores the genetic diversity, genomic footprint, potential benefits, challenges, and future directions associated with integrating molecular technologies into cattle breeding programs in the country. Molecular tools, such as genomics and marker‐assisted selection, enable the identification and utilization of genetic variation related to desirable traits, including productivity, disease resistance, and adaptation to changing climatic conditions. By utilizing these tools, Ethiopian breeders can accelerate genetic progress, enhance the resilience of cattle populations to climate change, and improve overall productivity. However, several challenges must be addressed to effectively harness the benefits of molecular technologies. These challenges include limited infrastructure and resources for genomic research, inadequate data on cattle genetics and performance, and the need for capacity building among stakeholders involved in breeding programs. By incorporating genetic markers associated with important traits, breeders can identify superior animals at an early age, accelerating genetic progress within the population. Integration of this technology with traditional breeding practices and the identification of selection signatures can lead to more sustainable and effective breeding strategies. In conclusion, the application of molecular information in sustainable cattle breeding improvement offers promising opportunities for Ethiopia's livestock sector. By investing in genomic research, building collaborations, and implementing comprehensive breeding programs, Ethiopia can harness the full potential of molecular technologies to enhance cattle productivity.

Bacteriocin from the Raccoon Dog Oral Microbiota Inhibits the Growth of Pathogenic Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The growing incidence of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens is one of the key challenges of the 21st century. The development of novel technological platforms based on single-cell analysis of antibacterial activity at the whole-microbiome level enables the transition to massive screening of antimicrobial agents with various mechanisms of action. The microbiome of wild animals remains largely underinvestigated. It can be considered a natural reservoir of biodiversity for antibiotic discovery. Here, the Staphylococcus pseudintermedius E18 strain was isolated from the oral microbiome of a raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) using a microfluidic ultrahigh-throughput screening platform. S. pseudintermedius E18 efficiently inhibited the growth of pathogenic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It was established that the main active substance of the S. pseudintermedius E18 strain was a bacteriocin with a molecular weight of 27 kDa. The identified bacteriocin had a high positive charge and an extremely narrow spectrum of activity. Bacteriocin S. pseudintermedius E18 was inactivated by elevated temperature, proteinase K, and EDTA. Further investigation on the structure of the bacteriocin produced by S. pseudintermedius E18 will provide a comprehensive understanding of its mechanism of action, which will open up prospects for developing novel DNA-encoded antimicrobials.

Repeatable patterns in the distribution of freshwater biodiversity indicators across contrasting landscapes

ContextFreshwater biodiversity is declining at unparalleled rates, but fundamental questions remain over how it is distributed at the spatial scales most relevant for conservation management.ObjectivesHere, we test the hypothesis that freshwater biodiversity is distributed across standing waterbody types in a pattern that is reproducible across disparate biota and contrasting landscapes, such that conservation efforts can be aligned across landscapes and taxa.MethodsWe analysed the richness, composition and distribution of macrophytes, molluscs, beetles and odonates from 199 standing waterbodies (lakes, ponds, ditches and canals) nested within UK landscapes with contrasting dominant land use (agricultural, upland and suburban).ResultsWe found a common pattern in the distribution of our biodiversity indicators across waterbody types in all landscapes that was largely repeated across biota; lakes consistently had the highest or equal alpha diversity and supported a greater proportion of the sampled species pool in each landscape (mean = 86%) in comparison to ponds (74%). Landscape-specific waterbody types (ditches and canals) also contributed significantly to the regional species pool (69 and 33% respectively). Each waterbody type contributed uniquely to landscape biodiversity and usually species of conservation concern, rather than simply supporting a subset of ubiquitous species found in lakes.ConclusionsLandscape-wide management strategies that encompass multiple habitats and biota should prove advantageous and generalisable. However, our study landscapes suggest that long-term biodiversity conservation should also recognise lakes as a priority for nature recovery, both to minimise further losses and to maintain the largest reservoir of biodiversity.

Prospecting Pharmacologically Active Biocompounds from the Amazon Rainforest: In Vitro Approaches, Mechanisms of Action Based on Chemical Structure, and Perspectives on Human Therapeutic Use.

The Amazon rainforest is an important reservoir of biodiversity, offering vast potential for the discovery of new bioactive compounds from plants. In vitro studies allow for the investigation of biological processes and interventions in a controlled manner, making them fundamental for pharmacological and biotechnological research. These approaches are faster and less costly than in vivo studies, providing standardized conditions that enhance the reproducibility and precision of data. However, in vitro methods have limitations, including the inability to fully replicate the complexity of a living organism and the absence of a complete physiological context. Translating results to in vivo models is not always straightforward, due to differences in pharmacokinetics and biological interactions. In this context, the aim of this literature review is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of in vitro approaches in the search for new drugs from the Amazon, identifying the challenges and limitations associated with these methods and comparing them with in vivo testing. Thus, bioprospecting in the Amazon involves evaluating plant extracts through bioassays to investigate pharmacological, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Phenolic compounds and terpenes are frequently identified as the main bioactive agents, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities. Chemical characterization, molecular modifications, and the development of delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, are highlighted to improve therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, the Amazon rainforest offers great potential for the discovery of new drugs; however, significant challenges, such as the standardization of extraction methods and the need for in vivo studies and clinical trials, must be overcome for these compounds to become viable medications.

Rove beetle species diversity and the patterns of interactions with their host plants in primary and secondary tropical forests

In tropical disturbed forests, it is relatively unknown the extent insect communities are experiencing shifts in species diversity and the consequences for ecosystem functions and services. In southern Mexico, we used the rove beetle community associated to Heliconia wagneriana bracts, as a model system, to investigate differences in community attributes and feeding habits between old-growth and human induced secondary forests. We tested if the beta diversity components of rove beetle communities were influenced by forest type and bract traits. Furthermore, we described the topology of individual-based heliconia-rove beetle ecological networks. Overall, we recorded 26 rove beetle species with significantly greater abundance in secondary forests. High compositional dissimilarity between forest types was observed with saprophagous species being more likely detected in old-growth forests; whereas predatory species in secondary forests. Heliconia-rove beetle networks showed a significant nested pattern with incidence data for old-growth forests and incidence and abundance data for secondary forests. Compared to old-growth forests, the rove beetle community in secondary forests showed strong shifts in species composition, diversity and differences in the detection probability of feeding habits, with consequences for ecosystem functioning. We further discuss these findings according to the forest disturbance and phytotelm systems. Implications for insect conservation: Individuals of H. wagneriana represent biodiversity reservoirs for invertebrates, especially in human-modified landscapes.

Impacts of wild herbivores on soil seed banks are explained by precipitation conditions in protected areas across semi‐arid to arid regions

Abstract Protected areas form the backbone of global conservation efforts. Vegetation is the primary foundation for achieving conservation goals, and soil seed banks is a cryptic biodiversity reservoir for recruiting species that may not be represented in above‐ground vegetation. Unfortunately, unmanaged grazing by wild herbivores has led to vegetation degradation in semi‐arid to arid regions. However, experimental evidence on the long‐term impacts of wild herbivores on soil seed banks is largely lacking. Here, with the aim of examining how wild herbivores impact soil seed banks, we investigated the composition of the germinable seed banks in three protected areas (Yathong, Mungo and Boolcoomatta) along a semi‐arid to arid precipitation gradient in south‐eastern Australia. The density and species richness of the soil seed banks increased with increasing aridity, which indicated that the soil seed banks in arid regions is an important biodiversity reservoir. The effects of wild herbivores on soil seed density were strongly dependent on precipitation. Wild herbivores disrupted the soil seed banks at the most arid site but promoted the accumulation of seeds in the soil at the least arid site. Grazing was linked to an increase in the frequency of the seeds of introduced species and decrease in the frequency of the seeds of perennials. Synthesis and applications: Disruption of the soil seed banks by the grazing of wild herbivores could lead to the failure of post‐rain pulses of vegetation growth and hamper efforts to restore vegetation in protected areas. Therefore, suppressing wild herbivore numbers is a strategy that could enhance soil seed bank reserves and revegetation efforts in arid protected areas.

Review of One Health in the Galápagos Islands (Part 1): historical perspective, invasive species, and emerging infectious diseases

The Galápagos archipelago is a vast reservoir of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, owing in large part to its relatively recent volcanic genesis and colonization by humans. This unique ecological system is particularly susceptible to human, animal, and environmental impacts. Climate change, globalization, and the blurring of human-domestic animal-wildlife interfaces are poised to bring new threats and challenges to the region. A One Health perspective that simultaneously considers human, animal, and environmental health is imperative in assessing and mitigating the challenges facing the Galápagos Islands. In Part I of this review, we provide the historical context for biodiversity in the archipelago; discuss the role of invasive species in habitat destruction, fragmentation, and competition with endemic species; and summarize the established and emerging infectious disease threats. We also discuss the imperative to implement research, surveillance, and preventative measures to identify and manage future threats from a One Health perspective, with a specific emphasis on implications for wildlife health. In Part II of this review, we outline the socioeconomic context of life in the Galápagos Islands, evaluate the current and predicted effects of climate change, and discuss direct anthropogenic factors affecting Galápagos biodiversity, such as tourism, fishing, pollution, and the illegal wildlife trade. We also examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. We build a cohesive picture of One Health in the Galápagos Islands by integrating past work, current needs, and emerging threats. We also consider overarching goals for conservation, ecosystem management, and socioeconomic sustainability that have been previously defined by both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, and we identify discrete, implementable, and interdisciplinary recommendations that will facilitate achievement of those goals.

Drying out fish ponds, for an entire growth season, as an agroecological practice: maintaining primary producers for fish production and biodiversity conservation.

Agroecology largely focusses on terrestrial agroecosystems, but it can also be applied to fish farming. Indeed, ponds are typically used for fish production in Europe, but are also important reservoirs of biodiversity. Numerous studies demonstrate that both fish production and biodiversity are strongly determined by human management. One key practice in extensive fish farming, although more rare in Europe, is to dry out ponds. They are left dry for a complete year after several years of fish production. However, the extent to which this practice affects the functioning of the ecosystem, its biodiversity and fish production remain unclear. We investigated data from 85 fish ponds in the Dombes region, France, sampled between 2007 and 2014. We related variation in key abiotic characteristics to the time since last dry out. The dataset included organic matter content in pond sediments and concentrations of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in the water column, and biotic components such as macrophytes cover and richness, phytoplankton concentration and richness, macroinvertebrates density, and fish yield. Our results show that drying out facilitates the mineralization of organic matter in sediments and results in higher concentrations of inorganic nitrogen in the water column. Macrophytes cover is highest during the first year after drying out, and gradually declines after at the expense of increasing phytoplankton concentration. The diversity of both is highest in the first year after drying out and declines rapidly, especially for macrophytes. Fish yield is at its maximum in the second year. Drying out fish ponds appears to be an important agroecological practice in extensive fish farming with an application every three to four years. By nutrient recycling, this practice has a positive impact on the balance between primary producers and indirectly on the whole food web during two years. It optimizes fish production and allows biodiversity conservation.

New species and records of limpets (Mollusca, Gastropoda) from the Pacific Costa Rica Margin.

The ocean remains a reservoir of unknown biodiversity, particularly in the deep sea. Chemosynthesis-based ecosystems, such as hydrothermal vents and hydrocarbon seeps, host unique and diverse life forms that continue to be discovered and described. The present study focuses on patelliform gastropods (limpets) collected from Pacific Costa Rica Margin hydrocarbon seeps during three research cruises from 2017 to 2019. Genetic and morphological analyses revealed the presence of several new lineages within the genera Bathyacmaea Okutani, Tsuchida & Fujikura,1992, Cocculina Dall, 1882, Paralepetopsis McLean, 1990, and the family Lepetodrilidae McLean, 1988: Bathyacmaealevinae sp. nov., Paralepetopsisvariabilis sp. nov., Pseudolepetodriluscostaricensis gen. et sp. nov., and Cocculinamethana sp. nov. These investigations also expanded the known ranges of the species Pyropeltacorymba McLean, 1992 and Lepetodrilusguaymasensis McLean, 1988 to the Costa Rica Margin. This research highlights the uniqueness of gastropod fauna at the Costa Rica Margin and contributes to our understanding of the biodiversity at chemosynthesis-based deep-sea ecosystems in the face of global biodiversity loss and increased commercial interest in deep-sea resources.

Exploring the organic nature, morphological plasticity and ecological significance of Aster like nanoparticles.

The smallest entities in aquatic ecosystems, i.e., femtoplankton, are certainly the largest reservoir of uncharacterized biodiversity. Among them, the discovery of mysterious Aster like nanoparticles has raised many questions about their nature, origin and ecology. Here, we highlight the original nature of this new model, organic and composed of enriched-calcium carbohydrates, with no detection of nucleic acids or proteins. The biosynthesis of these entities seems to be associated with a host in their 11 arms' form prior to their release into the environment. An intriguing aspect of their mode of development is their ability, once free, to change form and maintain their abundance autonomously without metabolism being detected, resulting in an unexpected polymorphism. Their remarkable capacity for massive in situ development and their links with prokaryotes and other microbes suggest a major role in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. There's no doubt that these new entities are a source of new knowledge not only in the sciences of organic nanoparticles, but also in their ecological importance for aquatic ecosystems.

Environmental DNA reveals spatial and temporal variation in fish communities before the 10-year fishing ban in the Poyang Lake Basin

Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China, and its unique ecosystem is an important biodiversity reservoir. Fish play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem of Poyang Lake. Accurate assessment of fish species diversity and community composition is essential for studies of fish ecology and conservation management. In this study, environmental DNA metabarcoding was used to analyze fish diversity and community structure in different habitats and seasons in the Poyang Lake Basin. A total of 52 fish species were identified, and limnicolous fish were the most abundant; most fish were omnivorous and small. The fish diversity index was highest in the spring and in the main lake area of Poyang Lake. Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed significant differences in fish community structure among habitats. Water temperature and pH were the main environmental factors affecting fish community structure in the Poyang Lake Basin. Non-invasive environmental DNA monitoring methods could provide an important auxiliary method for monitoring fishery resources during the 10-year fishing ban period. This study provides basic information on the fish resources in the Poyang Lake Basin and has implications for fishery management and the development of ecological protection policies.

Linking soil health and carbon dynamics to conservation measures: Evidence from nematode communities in Souss-Massa National Park, Morocco

Global environmental policies have effectively designated 17 % of the Earth's surface as protected areas and implemented robust measures to address climate change. However, the importance of soils as critical reservoirs of biodiversity and carbon is often overlooked in global policy making. In the present study, we used nematodes as indicators to assess the impact of conservation strategies on soil food web connectance. We explored nematode metabolic footprints and their carbon budget, and evaluated soil health by identifying factors that influence nematode functional diversity. We collected 180 soil samples from three zones in the Souss Massa National Park in Morocco: transitional zone (organic cropping and grazing activities), buffer zone (grazing activity), core zone (strictly protected area), and a nearby intensively farmed non-protected area. We noted a consistent decline in diversity within all trophic groups from the core zone (56 taxa) to the non-protected zone (18 taxa). A notable increase in total nematode abundance and herbivore diversity was observed in the organic soils of the transitional zone. In contrast, nematode abundance and diversity were lower in non-protected zones. Meloidogyne, a sedentary endoparasite, was prevalent in conventional crops outside the park but was not reported within the park. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were the major soil parameters affecting nematode food webs. The functional metabolic footprints of nematodes were enhanced by nature conservation, highlighting the crucial role of nematodes in generating carbon influxes in protected areas. Our results show that 3.11× 1012 nematodes (with a total biomass of 330.47 tonnes) inhabit surface soils across the park, which is 14.38 times greater than the same area in the non-protected zone. Daily production and storage of biomass and carbon budget were 43.85 and 48.93 % higher in the park top soils than in the non-protected zone, respectively. This knowledge is significant for decision makers when formulating nature conservation programs, planning sustainable land use strategies, and addressing the challenges of rising CO2 emissions.

Bioprospecting a mountain-derived phosphorus-solubilizing bacterium: Bacillus thuringiensis B3 as a plant-growth promoter in lettuce and tomato horticultural crops

The biogeographic and climatic conditions of islands like Cuba generate distinctive ecosystems as reservoirs of microbial biodiversity. This study explores the potential of the B3 strain, isolated from the Guamuhaya Mountain in Cuba, in Cuban urban horticulture, where the soil phosphorus availability poses a significant challenge to crop productivity. The B3 strain demonstrates remarkable phosphorus solubilization capabilities, along with nitrogen fixation and nutrient mobilization, production of growth regulators, siderophores, lipases, and both volatile and diffusible antimicrobial compounds. The strain's multifaceted functionalities indicate its potential to limit phytopathogen proliferation, contributing to plant health. The strain showed Bacilli morphological characteristics, confirmed through MALDI-ToF MS and MLSA, classify it as Bacillus thuringiensis. The strain's safety profile, demonstrated by negative results in hemolysis and DNA degradation tests, underscores its suitability for agricultural applications. The Bacillus thuringiensis B3 significantly enhanced germination of lettuce and tomato seeds, root structure and early plant growth, confirming its value in horticultural production. The integration of this strain into Cuban urban horticulture represents a step forward in sustainable agriculture with low environmental impact.

Impacts of spatiotemporal urban expansion on the species richness and functional traits of adults and sapling woody trees and shrubs of urban remnant forest patches

Remnant urban forests, or scattered patches of forest within urban areas, serve as crucial biodiversity reservoirs. Investigating how urban environments influence biodiversity within these forests is essential for enhancing conservation strategies. This study examined data from 15 remnant forest patches in Guiyang, China, to assess the impacts of spatiotemporal urban expansion on species richness and functional traits across different life forms and ontogenetic stages in both interior and edge habitats of these patches. Employing generalized linear regression models, we examined variables including the intensity of urban expansion, road density, type of expansion, compound terrain complexity, and the interplay between urbanization levels and the timeframe of urban development. Our results indicated that increased urban expansion intensity positively affected the species richness of shrubs, yet negatively influenced tree richness. Furthermore, high urbanization levels were associated with lower species richness in adult trees and the species in the sapling and shrub layers with high seed mass traits when the duration of urbanization was prolonged. Additionally, we observed that edge-expansion type urban growth notably increased the risk of losing species with resource-conservation traits compared to leapfrog growth patterns. These outcomes highlight the detrimental effects of intensive urban expansion and edge-expansion growth on the conservation of woody plants, especially those characterized by resource conservation traits. They also draw attention to the delayed impacts of urbanization on plant diversity. In response, we advocate for the reduction of urban expansion intensity and control over edge-expansion growth patterns to protect plant diversity in remnant forests. It is also critical to prioritize the conservation of remnant forest patches located in areas that have undergone extensive urbanization for prolonged periods, as these are particularly vulnerable to biodiversity loss.

Uniqueness of tree stand composition and soil microbial communities are related across urban spruce-dominated forests

ContextUrban forest soils represent significant reservoirs of biodiversity in cities. Retaining this diversity under urban land-use change requires understanding on how species richness, community assembly and uniqueness of species assemblages are related to local forest characteristics and surrounding landscape structure.ObjectivesOur aim was to assess the significance and relative importance of logging history, tree species composition and urbanization in shaping soil microbial communities across urban spruce-dominated forest landscapes. We investigated responses of microbial diversity from three complementary viewpoints: local diversity, community assembly patterns and community uniqueness.MethodsWe collected soil bacterial and fungal metabarcoding data from 73 spruce-dominated forest sites distributed in three urban centers across southern Finland. We related these data to measurements of logging intensity, tree species composition and degree of urbanization.ResultsLogging intensity, tree species composition and urbanization affected site-scale microbial diversity, but the effects varied between microbial groups. Only logging intensity had a significant imprint on microbial assembly, and this effect was restricted to bacteria. Relative uniqueness of microbial assemblages at the landscape-scale was coupled with the uniqueness of tree species composition in all microbial groups, and further affected by tree diversity in saprotrophic fungi and urbanization in ectomycorrhizal fungi.ConclusionsIn the context of urban spruce-dominated forests, locally diverse tree stands are not necessarily the same as those that contribute the most to landscape-scale diversity. Identifying and preserving contrasting tree stand structures, which support distinctive soil microbial assemblages, may be the winning strategy in maintaining a wide range of soil microbial diversity.

The impact of land-use changes and management intensification on bacterial communities in the last decade: a review.

In the last decade, advances in soil bacterial ecology have contributed to increasing agricultural production. Brazil is the world leading agriculture producer and leading soil biodiversity reservoir. Meanwhile, there is still a significant gap in the knowledge regarding the soil microscopic life and its interactions with agricultural practices, and the replacement of natural vegetation by agroecosystems is yet to be unfolded. Through high throughput DNA sequencing, scientists are now exploring the complexity of soil bacterial communities and their relationship with soil and environmental characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the progress of bacterial ecology studies in Brazil over the last 10 years, seeking to understand the effect of the conversion of natural vegetation in agricultural systems on the diversity and structure of the soil microbial communities. We conducted a systematic search for scientific publication databases. Our systematic search has matched 62 scientific articles from three different databases. Most of the studies were placed in southeastern and northern Brazil, with no records of studies about microbial ecology in 17 out of 27 Brazilian states. Out of the 26 studies that examined the effects of replacing natural vegetation with agroecosystems, most authors concluded that changes in soil pH and vegetation cover replacement were the primary drivers of shifts in microbial communities. Understanding the ecology of the bacteria inhabiting Brazilian soils in agroecosystems is paramount for developing more efficient soil management strategies and cleaner agricultural technologies.

How to survive on Mediterranean coastal cliffs: tolerance to seawater in early life-cycle stages in Brassica incana Ten. (Brassicaceae).

Mediterranean coastal cliffs are reservoirs of plant biodiversity, hosting vulnerable plant species particularly exposed to the risk of local extinction due to extreme abiotic conditions and climate changes. Therefore, studies aiming to understand the tolerance of cliff plant species to abiotic stresses are important to predict their long-time persistence or to highlight inherent threats. We used an integrative approach including anatomical, physiological and phenotypic analyses on (a) seeds, (b) cotyledons of seedlings; and (c) young plants to assess whether the cliff species Brassica incana, can tolerate exposure to different seawater (SW: 25%, 50% and 100%) concentrations during the early stages of its life cycle. Seeds could germinate when exposed to up to 50% SW. Seeds did not germinate in 100% SW, but could resume germination after washing with freshwater. Seed germination rate also decreased with increasing SW concentration. Exposure to SW decreased stomatal size and stomatal index of cotyledons and caused long-lasting and severe damage to the photochemical reactions of photosynthesis. Photochemistry was also sensitive to SW in young plants, but the effect was lower than in cotyledons. This may involve a remodulation of chloroplast dimensions and activation of cellular metabolism. However, photochemical reactions limited photosynthesis at100% SW even after recovery from SW exposure. Our data show that B. incana has strong tolerance to seawater and shows clear signs of halophytic adaptation. Whilst seeds and juvenile plants are able to withstand SW, the seedling stage appears to be more sensitive.