Southern Florida Research Articles

Molecular Characterization and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum falcatum Causing Red Rot on Sugarcane in Southern Florida

Red rot disease reduces sugarcane yield and impacts the sugar quality, posing an important threat to the sugarcane industry in Florida. Although Colletotrichum falcatum, the causal agent of red rot in Florida, was first reported in 1984 based on morphology, molecular and pathological data have remained limited, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive characterization. Thirteen isolates were obtained from three local sugarcane varieties in Belle Glade, Florida. Phylogenetic analyses of five genetic markers (ITS, ACT, TUB2, GAPDH, and CHS-1) confirmed all the strains as C. falcatum. In addition, the study documented the disease progression at the cellular level and assessed the pathogenicity of representative strains using the leaf sheath and whole-seedling inoculation methods. The varieties CP96-1252 and CP89-2143 showed greater host resistance. These findings represent the first report of C. falcatum causing red rot in southern Florida, offer valuable insights for/into red rot management, and provide a basis for future breeding programs to enhance sugarcane resistance to red rot disease.

Linking fish bioturbation to life history in a eutrophic wetland: An analysis of fish contributions to internal nutrient loading

Abstract Bioturbation (sediment disturbance by animal actions) effects on nutrient cycling and nutrient levels in surface waters are difficult to quantify, in part because the diversity and magnitude of species‐specific influences are poorly understood. These influences may have consequences for the management of the trophic state of freshwater ecosystems. Fish cause bioturbation in freshwater and marine ecosystems by digging in benthic sediments, manipulating periphyton mats while searching for prey and scraping hard substrates while feeding. We used experimental enclosures (2.25 m2) to quantify bioturbation‐mediated phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) regeneration from sediment by three species of fish that differ in interactions with the benthos (largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides; tilapia, Oreochromis spp.; and sailfin catfish, Pterogoplichthys spp.) in shallow eutrophic wetlands in Southern Florida. Tilapia are omnivores that include detritus in their diet (winnowing or ingesting sediments) and dig nests in soft sediments year round, sailfin catfish actively burrow into substrate and consume detritus (digging and ingesting sediments), and largemouth bass are piscivores that do not routinely interact with the benthos when feeding but may dig nests in soft sediment in spawning season (January–April). We quantified the amount of suspended flocculent organic matter and changes in water column nutrients (total phosphorus [TP] and total nitrogen [TN]) in 2‐week trials for each species and estimated the portion of nutrient increases relative to fishless controls that could be attributed to bioturbation‐mediated internal nutrient loading through suspension of organic matter (as opposed to excretion or other sources of nutrient loading). Water column nutrient concentrations increased with increasing biomass for all species, but the bioturbation contribution differed by species. Largemouth bass increased water column nutrient concentrations (TP: 86% and TN: 5% relative to controls) but did not influence water column suspended particulate matter through bioturbation of sediment. Tilapia increased water column nutrients a modest amount (TP: 8%; TN: 15%), of which a small portion was attributed to bioturbation (c. 18% of TP). Sailfin catfish raised water column nutrients substantially (TP: 105%; TN: 46%) and up to 100% of the increased TP was attributed to bioturbation. Sailfin catfish also suppressed algal growth and TP accumulation on the sides of the enclosures and reduced nutrient concentrations of the flocculent sediments. Our results were consistent with our hypothesis that behaviour and foraging traits affect bioturbation contributions to nutrient loading. The results also demonstrated that species with similar net effects like largemouth bass and sailfin catfish, added nutrients via different mechanisms (i.e. excretion vs. bioturbation). Considering the feeding strategies and interactions with the substrate of common fish species may assist managers in meeting nutrient reduction goals for eutrophic wetlands and managed freshwater systems.

Healthcare Utilization and Geographic Distribution of Advanced Therapy in Minority Race and Ethnic Groups With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Biases in healthcare pose challenges for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients from underrepresented races and ethnicities. Our study aimed to assess the quality of and access to care among underrepresented racial and ethnic populations using a diverse database. We used the OneFlorida Data Trust, representing over half of Florida's population. We performed a retrospective study from 2012 to 2020. Advanced IBD therapies included a prescription of at least 1 biologic agent or tofacitinib. Disease activity markers included C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin (Hgb), albumin, and white blood cell (WBC). Regression analyses compared the rates of medication use, healthcare utilization, and disease severity by race and ethnicity. Geographic distribution of advanced IBD therapy was analyzed at the county level. Our study included 10 578 patients. Hispanic patients utilized more biologics than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.3, P<.0001). Non-Hispanic Black patients utilized more steroids than NHW (OR: 1.2, P=.0004). Hispanics had fewer visits to emergency departments (EDs) and fewer admissions compared with NHW (OR: 0.7 and 0.6, respectively; P<.0001). Non-Hispanic Black patients visited ED more frequently than NHW patients (OR: 1.3, P<.0001). Hispanics had lower disease activity markers than NHW based on CRP (OR: 0.5, P=.005), Hgb (OR: 0.4, P<.0001), albumin (OR: 0.7, P<.0001), and WBC (OR: 0.5, P<.0001). Geographic distribution of advanced IBD therapy showed clustered areas in southern and northern Florida. Our data show an improved access to care pattern in Hispanic patients. However, disparities still exist, and this is evident in the healthcare utilization trends observed among non-Hispanic Black patients.

Understanding Observed Precipitation Change and the New Climate Normal from the Perspective of Daily Weather Types in the Southeast United States

Abstract Observed precipitation changes in the Southeast United States (SEUS) are spatially heterogeneous. Most of the inland SEUS and eastern Gulf Coast become drier, and the East Coast north of Charleston, South Carolina, and southern Florida become wetter from the old 30-yr period of 1961–90 to the recent period of 1991–2020. The observed climate change is examined from the perspective of daily weather types (WTs). A k-means clustering analysis has been conducted using daily 850-hPa circulation for 1948–2021. The obtained 10 WTs peak in different seasons, respectively. The frequencies and precipitation intensity of the WTs have been analyzed. A winter WT characterized by a western Appalachian trough (WAT) and a summer WT featuring North Atlantic subtropical high (NASH) have a rising trend of annual frequency from 1948 to 2021. An Appalachian high in the autumn has a decreasing frequency but becomes drier and stronger. Some precipitation intensity change and small location shift have also been observed. The drying up on the eastern Gulf Coast and the inland area of the SEUS is mainly caused by the weakened southwesterly low-level jet (LLJ) on the western flank of the NASH that reduces rain in the spring, the less frequent but stronger and drier Appalachian high in the summer and autumn, and the weaker and more western located Plains trough (PT) in the winter, spring, and autumn. The precipitation increase in the East Coast and southern Florida is majorly due to more frequent, stronger, and rainier troughs along the western Appalachian as well as the East Coast.

First Report of a Phytoplasma Strain in the Elm Yellows Group (16SrV) associated with Virginia Creeper in Maryland, USA.

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia [L.] Planch.) is a deciduous flowering vine in the Vitaceae family. Native to eastern North America, it is often used ornamentally as a climbing vine or as ground cover due to its rapid growth and foliage color in the fall. In July of 2022, along exterior walls of a private property in Lanham, MD, two Virginia creeper (VC) vines were observed displaying symptoms of yellow mottling and premature reddening of leaves. To investigate the cause of these symptoms, two symptomatic leaf samples and one asymptomatic leaf samples from a third vine in the same vicinity were collected for further analysis. A Qiagen DNeasy Plant Mini Kit was used to extract total DNA from leaf tissues according to the manufacturer's instructions. A phytoplasma-specific real-time PCR (Hodgetts et al. 2009) was used to test the DNA extracts, which detected the presence of phytoplasmas in the two DNA samples derived from symptomatic vines. The near full-length of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was then amplified by seminested PCR from these samples with primers P1/16S-SR followed by P1A/16S-SR (Deng, and Hiruki 1991; Lee et al. 2004) and Sanger sequenced using primers P1A and 16S-SR. Analysis of the obtained 16S rDNA sequences revealed no variation between the two plant samples, and one sequence was deposited in GenBank representing the phytoplasma strain named VC-MD1 (GenBank PP746981). A BLASTn search of the 16S rRNA gene sequence in the NCBI nucleotide database, showed 99.93% sequence identity with the phytoplasma strain AldY-WA1 (GenBank MZ557341) from red alder in Washington, a phytoplasma associated with VC plants in southern Florida (GenBank AF305198) (Harrison et al. 2001), and other strains detected in grapevines in Europe described as "flavescence dorée" phytoplasma (GenBank AF176319) (Davis, and Dally 2001). The virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern derived from iPhyClassifier (Zhao et al. 2009), indicated that VC-MD1 is indeed a member of the 16SrV-C phytoplasma subgroup. To confirm the identification, the partial spc operon and the partial tuf gene were amplified as previously described (Lee et al. 2010; Makarova et al. 2012). Specifically, the spc operon region was amplified using a nested PCR approach with primer set L15F1A-a/MapR1 followed by L15F1A-b/MapR1A-b. Sequence data obtained from the two loci were deposited to GenBank with accession numbers PP746982 (spc) and PP746983 (tuf). BLAST searches querying the nucleotide sequences of the spc operon and tuf gene showed 95.39% and 99.05% identity, respectively, to the corresponding loci of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma rubi' strain RS (GenBank CP114006) and hemp dogbane yellows phytoplasma strain HD1 (GenBank FR686506). Phylogenetic analysis based on secY and tuf gene sequences suggest that the VC-MD1 strain is evolutionary closest to 16SrV-C phytoplasma strains detected in various hosts in the United States, including HD1 and AldY-WA1. These North American strains cluster together on a distinct branch within the elm yellows group phytoplasmas. For the State of Maryland, this detection represents the first report of a phytoplasma strain member of the16SrV-C subgroup infecting VC plants. A phytoplasma of the same subgroup was previously detected in Florida in asymptomatic VC vines (Harrison et al. 2001). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two VC phytoplasma strains are nearly identical, differing by just a single nucleotide. The disease transmission vectors of the VC-MD1 strain and the prevalence of the disease in the region remains undetermined.

Ecological function maintained despite mesomammal declines

Mid-sized mammals (i.e., mesomammals) fulfill important ecological roles, serving as essential scavengers, predators, pollinators, and seed dispersers in the ecosystems they inhabit. Consequently, declines in mesomammal populations have the potential to alter ecological processes and fundamentally change ecosystems. However, ecosystems characterized by high functional redundancy, where multiple species can fulfil similar ecological roles, may be less impacted by the loss of mesomammals and other vertebrates. The Greater Everglades Ecosystem in southern Florida is a historically biodiverse region that has recently been impacted by multiple anthropogenic threats, most notably the introduction of the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus). Since pythons became established, mesomammal populations have become greatly reduced. To assess whether these declines in mesomammals have affected two critical ecosystem functions—scavenging and frugivory—we conducted experiments in areas where mesomammals were present and absent. We did not observe significant differences in scavenging or frugivory efficiency in areas with and without mesomammals, but we did observe significant differences in the communities responsible for scavenging and frugivory. Despite the observed evidence of redundancy, the changes in community composition could potentially lead to indirect consequences on processes like seed dispersal and disease dynamics within this ecosystem, emphasizing the need for further study.

Description of Babesiacoryicola sp. nov. from Florida pumas (Puma concolor coryi) from southern Florida, USA

Previously, a high prevalence of piroplasms has been reported from Florida pumas (Puma concolor coryi) from southern Florida. In the current study, we describe the biological characteristics of a novel Babesia species in Florida pumas. Ring-stage trophozoites were morphologically similar to trophozoites of numerous small babesids of felids including B. leo, B. felis, and Cytauxzoon felis. Parasitemias in Florida pumas were very low (<1%) and hematologic values of 25 Babesia-infected Florida pumas were within normal ranges for P. concolor. Phylogenetic analysis of near full-length 18S rRNA gene, β-tubulin, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, cytochrome c oxidase subunit III, and cytochrome b gene sequences indicated that this Babesia species is a member of the Babesia sensu stricto clade and is related to groups of Babesia spp. from carnivores or ungulates, although the closest group varied by gene target. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1 region sequences from this Babesia sp. from 19 Florida pumas were 85.7–99.5% similar to each other and ∼88% similar to B. odocoilei. Similarly, an ITS-2 sequence from one puma was 96% similar to B. bigemina and 92% similar to a Babesia sp. from a red panda (Ailurus fulgens). Infected pumas were positive for antibodies that reacted with B. odocoilei, B. canis, and B. bovis antigens with titers of 1:256, 1:128, and 1:128, respectively. No serologic reactivity was noted for Theileria equi. No molecular evidence of congenital infection was detected in 24 kittens born to 11 Babesia-infected female pumas. Pumas from other populations in the United States [Louisiana (n = 1), North Dakota (n = 5) and Texas (n = 28)], British Columbia, Canada (n = 9), and Costa Rica (n = 2) were negative for this Babesia sp. Collectively, these data provide morphologic, serologic, genetic, and natural history data for this novel Babesia sp. which we propose the name Babesia coryicola sp. nov. sp. This is the first description of a felid-associated Babesia species in North America.

Using a baited imaging sonar (BISON) to quantify the density, size, and detection range of fishes in a shallow, nearshore habitat

AbstractMethods that supplement optical instruments with bait, such as baited remote underwater video (BRUV), are used worldwide to detect and quantify marine life. Optical instruments only detect targets within visible range, such that BRUVs may underestimate fishes in light‐limited habitats, especially fishes that respond to the bait at ranges beyond visibility. Alternatively, light‐independent instruments (e.g., imaging sonars) can detect and quantify fishes regardless of visibility. This study presents the first application of a baited imaging sonar (BISON), deployed to survey fishes around a small, shallow artificial habitat in a turbid embayment in southern Florida. To establish the influence of bait on fish detection, BISON trials were alternately conducted alongside deployments of an unbaited control, with a high‐definition camera integrated to ascertain visibility and inform species composition. For fishes of two size classes, larger (&gt; 30 cm) and smaller (10–30 cm), maximum density (MaxD) and range of detection were quantified. Although the densities of larger and smaller fishes quantified by the BISON and unbaited control did not differ, over 55% of larger fishes were detected at ranges beyond maximum visibility, with asymptotes in fish density on the BISON identified at 15–20 min and 5–10 min for larger and smaller fishes, respectively. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of BISONs as both a complementary and alternative method to BRUVs for quantifying fishes, especially in habitats of limited visibility. Future applications of BISONs in other habitats will further demonstrate its value as a tool to detect and enumerate aquatic assemblages.

Screening Subtropical Lettuce Accessions for Heat Tolerance by Incorporating Accelerated Shelf Life Testing

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is grown worldwide, from temperate to subtropical climates. Spring season production in humid, subtropical regions, such as southern Florida, is characterized by rising ambient temperatures that can stress lettuce to prematurely bolt and lose shelf life. The objectives of this research were 1) to identify genetic variability in heat tolerance and shelf life among lettuce types and accessions grown under humid, subtropical conditions, and 2) to understand the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction to estimate shelf life of these lettuce accessions. Five lettuce types (romaine, crisphead, butterhead, leaf, and Latin) were grown under commercial conditions in the Everglades Agricultural Area near Belle Glade, FL, USA, for five field experiments over two seasons. Lettuce heads were evaluated at harvest, and subsets were transported to a local commercial grower/shipper for vacuum-cooling and storage at 15 °C according to previously determined protocols for accelerated shelf life testing. Visual appearance ratings were made across harvests and storage time points to segregate lettuce accessions with an estimated marketable shelf life &gt;14 days. The breeding lines tested in this research had head weight and marketability comparable to commercial cultivars. Notably, the crisphead accessions 50113, 60157, 60159, and H1098 had the highest estimated and actual shelf life of more than 21 days, with no presence of bolting or tipburn. Meanwhile, romaine, butterhead, leaf, and Latin types had accessions with estimated and actual shelf life ranging from 14 to 28 days and no presence of bolting or tipburn. A G × E analysis indicated that this interaction is significant; therefore, breeders should consider analyzing G × E when developing new cultivars with good horticultural characteristics, longer shelf life, and most importantly, adaptation to warmer humid, subtropical conditions.

Dual clumped isotopes (Δ47 and Δ48) reveal non-equilibrium formation of freshwater cements

Low-Mg calcite, precipitating from meteoric fluids, is a common mineral that forms in a variety of near-surface diagenetic environments. However, recent studies, based on a combination of analyses of δ18O and Δ47 values, have suggested that this mineral might form in disequilibrium and consequently yield kinetic bias in Δ47-derived temperatures and fluid δ18O values. Here, we use dual clumped isotope proxies (Δ47 and Δ48) to investigate the influence of kinetic isotope effects within different meteoric diagenetic zones of Holocene and Pleistocene carbonates from the southern Florida and the Dominican Republic. In the Miami Oolite, the primary aragonite ooids and secondary low-Mg calcite cements in the bulk sample were separated from each other and their isotopic compositions (δ13C, δ18O, Δ47 and Δ48 values) were measured. The Δ47 and Δ48 values of the separated aragonite are consistent with the modern ooid sediments and in approximate equilibrium with the surface seawater. In contrast, the low-Mg calcite cement shows the higher Δ48 and lower Δ47 values, than expected, with the disequilibrium arising as a result of CO2 degassing in the vadose zone. Such deviations of Δ47 and Δ48 values are also observed in low-Mg calcite vadose cements in the Dominican Republic. While low-Mg calcites formed in the lower freshwater phreatic zone in the Dominican Republic have the Δ47- and Δ48-derived temperatures close to expected, the same mineral forming near the water-table and upper phreatic zone shows much higher Δ48-derived temperatures (up to ∼ 90 °C). The possible origin of such elevated temperatures can be attributed to non-equilibrium processes caused by changes in pH and pCO2, mediated by microbial sulfate reduction. Such differential kinetic behavior of Δ48 values between vadose and phreatic zones could be used as a proxy marker for the presence and the location of a water-table. This study demonstrates the great potential of dual clumped isotopes in the investigation of meteoric diagenesis and will help understand the alteration of ancient sequences and the interpretation of stable C isotope trends that they contain.

A Review of Bell Pepper Production and Price Trends from 2010 to 2022

In the United States, bell peppers are cultivated for both fresh and processed markets, with California, Florida, and Georgia producing most of the crop. Production varies across states, and, in Florida, bell pepper production varies by region within the state with growing seasons ranging from July to March for northern Florida and August to February for southern Florida. This publication provides information on conventional bell pepper acreage, volume, and pricing for the top three producing states: California, Florida, and Georgia. It will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in trends concerning specialty crop commodities. It serves as a single location where important information about the specialty crop market and production trends can be found.

Revision of Sapindus sect. Sapindus (Sapindeae, Sapindoideae, Sapindaceae), including the description of three new species

Revision of Sapindus sect. Sapindus (Sapindeae, Sapindoideae, Sapindaceae), including the description of three new species

Asian swamp eels (Synbranchidae, Monopterus) in Florida: distribution, spread, and range of hydrologic tolerance over twenty-seven years (1997–2023)

Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus/javanensis) were first reported as introduced to Florida waterbodies in 1997 near Tampa and Miami; a third population was recorded by 1999 in Homestead. Initial assessments, published soon after swamp eels in southern Florida were first recorded in wetlands beyond canals and ponds (in 2007), concluded there was little threat to Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. Long-term data now suggest they precipitated population crashes of crayfishes and small fishes in the eastern Everglades. We used records from continuous long-term monitoring programs, sporadic monitoring studies, and online databases to reconstruct swamp eel presence across Florida. Monitoring studies provided wetland hydrologic variables to assess limits for swamp eels. From 1997–2007, populations in southern Florida remained restricted to canals; initial spread from 2007–2017 across southern Everglades National Park proceeded slowly and the two populations covered ~1500 km2 of southern Florida. From 2017–2022, the rate of spread increased as they spread west and north (~5800 km2 range). Through 2014, the Tampa population occurred only along southern/eastern Tampa Bay (~60 km2) but has since spread south along the Gulf Coast, east into central Florida, and south along the Lake Wales Ridge (~11,000 km2). We found evidence of two potentially new introductions, in Palm Beach County and Orlando. There was no clear evidence of limitation of wetland drying on swamp eel occurrence in the Everglades; they were captured in marshes that dried for 1–5 months during the previous dry season, but short-hydroperiod wetlands may have slowed spread. In the Everglades, evidence suggests swamp eels may have been inadvertently spread into marshes from canals used to deliver water for flood control and hydrologic restoration. Swamp eels are currently spreading unchecked across Florida, and there should be great concern about continued spread in this region and their establishment and spread elsewhere.

First in situ observations of the consumption of brittle stars by the rare shrimp Phyllognathia simplex Fujino, 1973 in Indonesia and its possible presence in the western Atlantic (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)

Abstract The first evidence of the predation of brittle stars, Ophiothela sp. (Ophiotrichidae), by the palaemonid shrimp Phyllognathia simplex Fujino, 1973 (Palaemonidae), is presented based on a single observation accompanied by in situ photographs taken while scuba diving in Bali, Indonesia, also being the first ever observation of the feeding behaviour in this uncommon shrimp species. In addition, in situ photographs of three ovigerous females tentatatively identified as P. cf. simplex from southern Florida, U.S.A., suggest that P. simplex or a closely related species may be present in the western Atlantic. This is the first photographic evidence of the presence of the genus Phyllognathia Borradaile, 1915 in this part of the world.

Flooding-induced failure of an invasive Burmese Python nest in southern Florida

Flooding-induced failure of an invasive Burmese Python nest in southern Florida

Host-Feeding Behavior of Mosquitoes in the Florida Everglades.

Background: West Nile virus (WNV), Everglades virus (EVEV), and five species of Orthobunyavirus were isolated from mosquitoes collected in the Everglades in 2016-2017. Prior studies of blood meals of mosquitoes in southern Florida have related findings to acquisition and transmission of EVEV, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and WNV, but not the Orthobunyavirus viruses associated with the subgenus Melanoconion of the genus Culex. Materials and Methods: In the present study, blood-fed mosquitoes were collected in the Everglades in 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2022, and from an industrial site in Naples, FL in 2017. Blood meals were identified to host species by PCR assays using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Results: Blood meals were identified from Anopheles crucians complex and 11 mosquito species captured in the Florida Everglades and from 3 species collected from an industrial site. The largest numbers of blood-fed specimens were from Culex nigripalpus, Culex erraticus, Culex cedecei, and Aedes taeniorhynchus. Cx. erraticus fed on mammals, birds, and reptiles, particularly American alligator. This mosquito species could transmit WNV to American alligator in the wild. Cx. nigripalpus acquired blood meals primarily from birds and mammals and frequently fed on medium-sized mammals and white-tailed deer. Water and wading birds were the primary avian hosts for Cx. nigripalpus and Cx. erraticus in the Everglades. Wading birds are susceptible to WNV and could serve as reservoir hosts. Cx. cedecei fed on five species of rodents, particularly black and hispid cotton rats. EVEV and three different species of Orthobunyavirus have been isolated from the hispid cotton rat and Cx. cedecei in the Everglades. Cx. cedecei is likely acquiring and transmitting these viruses among hispid cotton rats and other rodents. The marsh rabbit was a frequent host for An. crucians complex. An. crucians complex, and other species could acquire Tensaw virus from rabbits. Conclusions: Our study contributes to a better understanding of the host and viral associations of mosquito species in southwestern Florida.

Seawater flooding of calcareous soils: Implications for trace and alkaline metals mobility

Developing management strategies to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability requires a comprehensive understanding of the solubility and mobility of trace and alkaline metals in the event of seawater flooding. This study investigated the effects of seawater flooding, along the duration of flooding, on the release of trace and alkaline metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ca, K, and Mg) in two calcareous soils (Krome and Biscayne) located in southern Florida. Seawater flooding experiments involved two soil types and four flooding durations (1, 7, 14, and 28 days) replicated three times. Freshwater flooding experiments were also conducted for comparison. After each flooding experiment, soil samples were collected at three depths (15, 30, and 45 cm), and analyzed for selected elements. Comparative analysis revealed significant releases of Mn, Fe, and Zn in both soils flooded by seawater compared to freshwater. In most cases, significant increments were evident as early as 1-day exposure to seawater flooding, which further increased with flooding duration. However, the impacts of seawater flooding had notable differences between the two soils. Seawater flooding in Krome soil for 28 days, resulted in higher Mn, Fe, and Zn contents by 58, 340, and 510% compared with freshwater flooding, while corresponding increases in Biscayne soil were 3.3, 130, and 180%, respectively. Comparable marginal increases in Cu content were observed for both soils. Similarly, seawater flooding increased K, Mg, and Na contents from single-day flooding. The interplay between soil type, column depth, flooding duration, and their interactions proved influential factors in determining Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn releases, with peak levels typically observed on the 28th day of flooding and at bottom depths. Overall, these findings highlight the release of these elements, raising concerns about potential plant toxicity and groundwater or surface water contamination due to leaching and runoff.

A quantitative assessment of the status of reef fish communities from a large-scale probability survey in southern Florida

Numerous reef fish monitoring programs worldwide produce the data necessary to describe the status and trends of coral reefs; however, quantitative description of status at ecosystem scales has been challenging. Our goal was to use southern Florida's coral reefs as the template to complete a holistic, ecosystem-scale evaluation of reef fish community status using large-scale diver surveys that sampled across a spatial gradient of human urbanization, exploitation, and fishery protection. Key aspects of the analysis were: (1) identification of a low human impact reference area as the basis for quantifying resource condition; (2) selection of indicator variables that helped discriminate two classes of impacts: habitat quality and fishing; (3) application of estimation methods that facilitated distinguishing anthropogenic impacts from inherent productivity of different habitats; and (4) use of a sustainability benchmark to gauge the resource condition of the reference area. The reference-centering analysis approach reduced reliance on qualitative judgements by an expert panel and produced results on a scale that was informative and could be easily interpreted by a variety of audiences. Our findings identified habitat quality issues in the most urbanized region, southeast Florida, and pervasive fishing issues throughout the ecosystem, including the remote Dry Tortugas region.

The Reef Visual Census: a review of an essential long- term data source for reef-fish management in Florida

The Reef Visual Census is a collaborative effort that conducts standardized reef fish surveys on coral reefs and hardbottom habitats across southern Florida. The combined efforts of multiple agencies and organizations have resulted in a program with a strong sampling methodology, broad spatial coverage, the ability to maintain a long time series of data, and the versatility to be used in a variety of ways. The Reef Visual Census has provided an essential data set for reef fish management in Florida since 2003. We present the importance of this data set using case studies that cover stock assessments, marine protected areas, and emerging management uses. This review highlights the utility of the Reef Visual Census, demonstrates the benefits of a long-term collaborative partnership, outlines appropriate applications for the data, and suggests future uses.

Chloroidium phycobionts (Watanabeales, Trebouxiophyceae) partner with lecanoralean mycobionts in foliicolous lichen communities of Tenerife (Canary Islands) and Navarra (Iberian Peninsula), Spain

Abstract While the diversity of foliicolous lichen-forming fungi has been explored in substantial depth, relatively little attention has been paid to their algal symbionts. We studied the unicellular green phycobionts of the lecanoralean lichens Bacidina (Ramalinaceae), Byssoloma, Fellhanera and Tapellaria (Pilocarpaceae) and graphidalean Gyalectidium (Gomphillaceae) from two extratropical foliicolous communities in continental Spain and the Canary Islands. We examined the pyrenoids of algal symbionts within thalli using TEM, and obtained several algal nrSSU and rbcL sequences from whole thalli, and also from cultures isolated from some of these lichens. Pyrenoid structure and molecular sequence data provided support for recognizing Chloroidium (Watanabeales, Trebouxiophyceae) as phycobiont in thalli of Byssoloma subdiscordans and Fellhanera bouteillei (Pilocarpaceae) in both communities. Bacidina apiahica (Ramalinaceae) and Tapellaria epiphylla (Pilocarpaceae) likewise appeared to partner with Chloroidium based on the presence of the same pyrenoid type, although we were able to obtain a phycobiont sequence only from a culture isolate of the latter. These results contrast with those obtained previously from a foliicolous lichen community in southern Florida, which revealed only strains of Heveochlorella (Jaagichlorella) as phycobiont of foliicolous Pilocarpaceae and Gomphillaceae. On the other hand, the pyrenoid we observed in the phycobionts associated with Gyalectidium setiferum and G. minus corresponded to that of Heveochlorella (Jaagichlorella). However, the poor quality of the phycobiont sequence data obtained from G. minus, probably due to the presence of epibiontic algae, could not provide additional perspective on the pyrenoid structure observations. Nonetheless, clear differences in pyrenoid ultrastructure can allow Chloroidium and Heveochlorella phycobionts to be distinguished from each other in TEM. Our results indicate a greater diversity of unicellular green-algal symbionts in foliicolous communities from Spain than previously observed in other geographical areas, and suggest that further studies focused on symbiont pairing in these communities might reveal distinctive and varied patterns of phycobiont preference.