Invertebrate Species Diversity Research Articles

Managing forest residues for biodiversity, bioenergy, and smoke reduction: Insights from a Discrete Choice Experiment in Tasmania, Australia

The management of forest residue following timber harvesting is an important global issue. If forest residues are not managed appropriately, they can increase the risk of catastrophic wildfires, negatively impact wildlife and aesthetic values. These risks can be reduced if forest residues are used for bioenergy production, which can also generate jobs, but using forest residues for bioenergy production may adversely impact biodiversity. We explore public preferences relating to the varied impacts of forest residue management outcomes using data collected for a Discrete Choice Experiment in Tasmania, Australia. On average, respondents were willing to pay AUD 34, AUD 29, and AUD 14 per year, respectively, to reduce smoke emissions, increase the abundance and diversity of invertebrate species, and create employment. This suggests that Tasmanian forest managers may find public support for residue management practices that include the production of at least some bioenergy products. Moreover, the social benefits of the state-wide harvesting of forest residues for bioenergy could be positive even with relatively high costs. WTP varied by age, education, environmental group membership, invertebrate fear, and wildfire exposure. The influence of these factors varies across regions, offering insights into forest residue management for regions with similar socioeconomic and environmental contexts.

Species Evenness and Diversity of Soil Invertebrates at Different Agricultural Lands and a Forest Reserve at Kota Belud, Sabah

Increasing agricultural activities can lead to changes in soil ecosystems, potentially impacting soil invertebrate communities as they are highly responsive to soil disturbances. The composition of soil invertebrates within each agricultural habitat provides insights into how these communities respond to their environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the evenness and diversity of soil invertebrates in agricultural areas of Kota Belud, Sabah. Soil samples were collected from three different agricultural sites, a rubber plantation, an oil palm plantation, and a paddy field, as well as a forest reserve as a control site. Pitfall traps and Berlese-Tullgren funnels were used to collect soil invertebrates. A total of 180 soil samples and 474 individuals of soil invertebrates were collected and analyzed. Physicochemical analyses, including moisture content, soil texture, pH, soil nutrient content, and organic matter, were conducted on all soil samples to assess their influence on the composition of soil invertebrates. Results indicated that Julida, Coleoptera, Gastropoda and Araneae were frequently associated with high organic matter, pH, moisture content and phosphorus. On the other hand, Haplotaxida appeared to be more sensitive to potassium levels. Notably, the Blattodea, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Isopoda, Polydesmida and Diptera, were found to be abundant in areas with lower organic matter and pH in the control site, i.e., forest reserve area. These findings underscore the significance of soil layer activities in influencing the presence and survival of soil invertebrates. Given their vital role in sustaining life, prioritizing the enhancement of soil invertebrate populations is crucial, particularly in Sabah, a prominent food crop-producing state in Malaysia.

The effect of surface orientation on early successional fouling communities in the southern gulf of Maine

Artificial environments have hard surfaces positioned at different orientations that attract a wide diversity of sessile invertebrate species, forming fouling communities. Fouling communities play a large role in the spread of a species introduction, as organisms gain purchase in artificial environments and use them as a stepping-stone into neighboring natural systems. These man-made systems harbor a large diversity of species, and there are often vastly different communities present on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. We used a species abundance dataset at three time periods spanning 30 years, collected from fouling panels in a high tidal flow estuary at the mouth of the Piscataqua River (New Castle, New Hampshire) in the southern Gulf of Maine to measure differences in community composition between horizontal and vertical panels. Early successional communities on settlement panels were photographed one year after installment in late summer to capture the highest diversity seasons. Organisms were then identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and communities on the underside of horizontal and vertical panels were compared. Vertical and horizontal communities from 1980 and 2004 were similar, while those from 2009 statistically differed from one another. Vertical and horizontal surfaces in the 1980s were dominated by the blue mussel Mytilus edulis, which declined in later years, and was replaced by invasive ascidians. Species diversity increased between the 1980 and 2004 sampling, but declined by the 2009 sampling. This study captures changes of species composition in early successional communities on vertical and horizontal surfaces at a single locale from three time periods spanning over 30 years.

Genetic diversity of a flightless dung beetle appears unaffected by wildfire

The wildfires of Australia’s Black Summer in 2019/2020 caused a massive loss of wildlife and habitats, but the effects of the fire on invertebrate species post-burn are unknown. We hypothesised that the fires would negatively affect the genetic diversity of invertebrate species by impeding movement between populations due to habitat loss. We studied the genetic diversity of a flightless dung beetle, Amphistomus primonactus Matthews 1974, to determine the impact of the wildfires on this species. We examined 90 SNPs from 193 individuals across seven localities impacted by the wildfires in north-eastern New South Wales. We used STRUCTURE to determine the overall population structure of the seven localities. We calculated four within-locality genetic diversity measures (observed heterozygosity (Ho), unbiased expected heterozygosity (uHe), Shannon’s Information (1H), and the inbreeding coefficient (FIS). We calculated three between-locality genetic diversity measures (Fixation Index (FST), Hedrick’s G”ST, and Shannon’s Mutual Information (I). We used partial Mantel tests to compare the between-locality genetic diversity measures with the mean fire intensity along each pairwise linear transect, while accounting for genetic variation due to geographic distance. We compared the within-locality genetic diversity measures to the mean fire intensity at each site. STRUCTURE showed a large degree of intermixing between localities. We found no significant effect of fire on any within-locality genetic diversity measure, or on any between-locality genetic diversity measure. We suggest that the genetic diversity of A. primonactus was not significantly affected by the Black Summer wildfires.Implications for insect conservation: Our results show that the 2019/2020 wildfires had a negligible impact on the genetic structure of A. primonactus. This offers a promising outlook for the species in its recovery from the fires.

Effect of nature protection and management of grassland on biodiversity – Case from big flooded river valley (NE Poland)

Agriculturally used meadows are habitats whose biodiversity depends on anthropogenic disturbances such as fertilization or mowing. Intensified agricultural practices (too frequent mowing, use of mineral fertilizers and insecticides) lead to declines in the abundance and species diversity of the biota inhabiting them. The intensification of agricultural production in north-eastern Poland relates primarily to the increase in cattle numbers and the intensification of grassland management, but many areas were included in Natura 2000 network. Our study was aimed at indicating the impact of diverse use of meadows on the species richness and diversity of invertebrates, amphibians, and birds in the grasslands of Narew river valley, Special Bird Protection Area, where the intensification of grassland use was noted in the last decades, and part of the meadows was included in the agri-environmental program. The agri-environmental program is a very good tool for the protection of grassland biotic diversity. The highest taxonomic richness and diversity of the studied animal groups were found in meadows included in these programs with extensive use, while the lowest was in the over- and intensively used meadows fertilized with mineral fertilizers and liquid manure. Only the meadows in the agri-environment program were inhabited by the fire-bellied toad and the tree frog - amphibians from Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. The number of breeding bird species globally threatened (IUCN Red List), listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, and with negative population trend in Europe (SPEC1–3) was highest in meadows included in EU conservation programs. The main factors reducing biotic diversity in the grassland of flooded river valley were the high number of grassland mowing per season, intensive fertilization, especially with liquid manure, the great distance of meadows to the river, low soil humidity, and low share of shrubs and trees in the meadows border zone.

The impact of field margins on biological pest control: a meta-analysis

Floral field margins are known to benefit invertebrate species diversity and abundance within agricultural landscapes, but variation in success limits widespread uptake. Understanding how variation within floral field margins can affect certain entomological groupings is lacking but would allow for a more individualised design of margins to enhance biological control. This meta-analysis aims to answer the question; do floral field margins benefit biological pest control over grassy field margins? We found that floral margins significantly benefit the natural enemy community and biological control services, relative to non-floral grass margins. We confirm that field margin type is linked to higher abundance and diversity of natural enemies, lower numbers of herbivorous invertebrate pests, and reduced crop damage. We consider whether specific characterisations of natural enemies and pest communities vary between these margin types, finding key differences in the abundances of aerial and epigeal enemies, the diversity of parasitoid and predatory enemies and pest abundances found in naturally regenerating and sown floral field margins. The finding here cements the implementation of floral field margins as a legitimate control method for crop pests in the face of losses due to pesticides and highlights design and management considerations for the success of floral margins.

MACROINVERTEBRATES THE FOOTHILL LAKES OF THE NORTHERN AND NORTHEASTERN ALTAI

The taxonomic composition and abundance of benthic invertebrates in four lakes (Aya, Kireevo, Koksha and Svetloye) of the northern and northeastern Altai were studied in May, July and September 2022. 126 species from 9 classes of invertebrates were identifi ed in the macrozoobenthos of the studied lakes. Lakes Aya and Kireevo are characterized by low species diversity, abundance and biomass of benthic invertebrates. According to the composition and structure of communities of benthic invertebrates, lakes Aya and Kireevo were close to fl atland and low-mountain lakes. High taxonomic diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates in lakes Koksha and Svetloye were noted. The bottom population of these lakes had features of both fl atland and mountain lakes.

Rhinodrilus priscilae and Andiorrhinus (Amazonidrilus) caxiuana (Crassiclitellata, Rcrilidae) two new species from Caxiuanã National Forest

The amazon forest is the habitat of a high species diversity of invertebrates and unfortunately the real richness had been underestimated. Earthworms' inventories had been poor because difficult to describe new species. This study adds new records to eastern amazon of two new species belong Rhinodrilus and Andiorrhinus genera. R. priscilae n. sp. is another rare specimen of the genre having two pair of prostatoid glands. A. (Amazonidrilus) caxiuana differ of other species in size, the intestinal origin is in XXVIII and also has only one glandular mass associated to spermatheca.

Changes in Community Composition and Functional Traits of Bumblebees in an Alpine Ecosystem Relate to Climate Warming

Climate warming has been observed as the main cause of changes in diversity, community composition, and spatial distribution of different plant and invertebrate species. Due to even stronger warming compared to the global mean, bumblebees in alpine ecosystems are particularly exposed to these changes. To investigate the effects of climate warming, we sampled bumblebees along an elevational gradient, compared the records with data from 1935 and 1936, and related our results to climate models. We found that bumblebee community composition differed significantly between sampling periods and that increasing temperatures in spring were the most plausible factor explaining these range shifts. In addition, species diversity estimates were significantly lower compared to historical records. The number of socio-parasitic species was significantly higher in the historical communities, while recent communities showed increases in climate generalists and forest species at lower elevations. Nevertheless, no significant changes in community-weighted means of a species temperature index (STI) or the number of cold-adapted species were detected, likely due to the historical data resolution. We conclude that the composition and functionality of bumblebee communities in the study area have been significantly affected by climate warming, with changes in land use and vegetation cover likely playing an additional important role.

Null and neutral models for explaining spatial variations in intertidal invertebrate species diversity on rocky shores in Antofagasta town (23°S, Chile)

Abstract The intertidal invertebrate community on rocky shores in northern Chile is characterised by a high species richness resulting from the high productivity of this ecosystem. The present study aims to do the first characterisation of invertebrate communities on rocky shores in Antofagasta town and surroundings (23°S), using species co-occurrence and niche-sharing null models, analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). The null model results revealed that species associations are not structured, that the existing species do not have the same ecology, which would result in many repeated species by site, and that specificity in their ecological niches exists. The ANOSIM and NMDS revealed the absence of significant differences between sites with human intervention and without human intervention. The obtained results agree with the literature for northern and central Chilean and southern Peruvian rocky shores, and other coastal marine ecosystems with high productivity.

Above- and belowground habitat complexity created by emergent and submerged vegetation drives the structure of benthic assemblages

The contrast in habitat complexity between emergent (EMV) and submerged vegetation (SUV) zones in aquatic ecosystems results from the differences in the structure of plant above- and belowground parts, subject to seasonal changes. Comparative studies on the influence of habitat complexity created by vegetation on benthic macroinvertebrates in coastal areas are scarce. In order to fill this knowledge gap, we performed a study on a seasonal basis in the brackish Vistula Lagoon (southern Baltic Sea) in two zones: EMV, dominated by a dense belt of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud, and SUV, with scattered stands of Potamogeton perfoliatus L. We assumed the following: i. Species richness, diversity, and density of invertebrates are higher in the EMV zone due to greater and less seasonally variable structural complexity than in the SUV zone, ii. High belowground complexity in the EMV zone due to the presence of the rhizome/root matrix, much more robust and denser than in the SUV zone limits the vertical distribution of macroinvertebrates. Both hypotheses were supported. Overall, our results pointing to higher animal diversity and density in more complex aquatic habitats are consistent with other studies, inferred mostly from comparative surveys of bare bottom and that covered with submerged vegetation. The results of this study highlight potentially far-reaching implications for benthic invertebrate fauna and their role in the aquatic ecosystem in the context of increasingly rapid loss of aquatic vegetation due to multiple anthropogenic stressors.

Some cryptic Korean karst creatures: revalidation of the pseudoscorpion genus Spelaeochthonius (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) and description of two new species from Korea

South Korea is a country with more than 1000 caves that support a high diversity of invertebrate species. Here we review the pseudoscorpion genus Spelaeochthonius Morikawa, 1954 (family Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) that is exclusive to caves in Japan and South Korea and reinstated here as a valid taxon. Based on recent field collections, three species in this genus are described from South Korea: S. dentifer (Morikawa, 1970), comb. nov., S. cheonsooi sp. nov., and S. seungsookae sp. nov. Based on present-day knowledge about range sizes and morphological variability in this fauna, three Japanese taxa currently classified as subspecies are elevated to species rank: Pseudotyrannochthonius kobayashii akiyoshiensis (Morikawa, 1956) = Spelaeochthonius akiyoshiensis Morikawa, 1956, stat. nov., Pseudotyrannochthonius kobayashii dorogawanesis (Morikawa, 1956) = Spelaeochthonius dorogawaensis Morikawa, 1956, stat. nov.; and Pseudotyrannochthonius undecimclavatus kishidai (Morikawa, 1960) = Spelaeochthonius kishidai (Morikawa, 1960), stat. nov. We emphasize that no epigean Spelaeochthonius have ever been found despite considerable search effort in the forests of Japan and Korea, and that past glacial cycling may have resulted in the total extirpation of surface species in this lineage. We also note that all species are narrow-range endemics that may require conservation management.

The impact of a Reno mattress installation on an adjacent seagrass meadow and its macrofauna in a South African estuary

Armouring of coastlines and the banks of estuaries to protect property against erosion can have a negative impact on natural habitats and their communities. Within estuaries, one of the most threatened habitats is seagrass meadows. The impact of newly installed Reno mattresses on an adjacent Zostera capensis meadow and associated fauna was investigated in the Keurbooms Estuary, South Africa. The impact on Z. capensis was studied by determining percentage cover and the length of blades before and after placement of Reno mattresses. At the impact site, percentage cover and blade length decreased during the installation phase, however, recovered shortly after installation was completed. At the control site no changes in eelgrass percentage cover were noted. Invertebrate and fish species richness, diversity and abundance were compared in the eelgrass meadows before and after the installation. Whilst invertebrate species richness increased significantly after the installation at the Impacted site, there was no significant difference at the Control site. There was also no significant difference in invertebrate diversity and fish species richness and diversity at the Control and Impacted sites before and after installation. This suggests that the installation had no net negative impact at the Impacted site. Within a month of installation, the Reno mattresses were colonised by two invertebrate species (Amphibalanus amphitrite and Littoraria sp.). Although the introduction of Reno mattresses at the study site created a hybrid habitat that continued to provide a habitat for fish and invertebrates, we suggest that the use of these artificial structures should be in combination with natural vegetation (e.g. as a hybrid habitat) and not one that replaces natural habitat. There is limited information regarding the ecological impacts of using Reno mattresses in estuaries and this study provides new information on their ecological efficacy thus providing valuable insights in future coastal erosion control practices.

Diversity and dispersal of aquatic invertebrate species from surface and groundwater: Development and application of microsatellite markers for the detection of hydrological exchange processes

Groundwater is one of our most important resources, however groundwater ecosystems are among the most understudied habitats of the planet earth. Studies on groundwater organisms are hampered by the difficult accessibility of species, the lack of morphological differentiation and the limitation for laboratory cultures. One important approach to overcome these shortcomings is to provide sensitive genetic methods to unravel patterns of biodiversity, population structure and gene flow in natural populations. In this study we present five sets of microsatellite markers developed for the isopods Asellus aquaticus and Proasellus slavus, the cyclopoides Paracyclops fimbriatus and Acanthocyclops sensitivus and the harpacticoide Bryocamptus echinatus (Crustacea). Two of these species were subjected to detailed population genetic analyses: We studied 501 specimens of Asellus aquaticus from four different regions in Northern Germany using nine microsatellite markers and 70 specimens of Bryocamptus echinatus using nine microsatellite markers from three different sampling sites in South-Western Germany. Our results show that genetic diversity is high (A. aquaticus: 10 to 20 and B. echinatus: 4 to 18 alleles per locus) among populations of aquatic invertebrates, populations are highly differentiated (FST > 0.2) and genetic differentiation was associated with geographic patterns. Applications of molecular genetic methods and their use for the detection of hydrological exchange processes relevant for drinking water suppliers are demonstrated and discussed.

Формування фауни безхребетних гідробіонтів у водоймі Домбровського кар’єру в період 2014-2018 років

The aquatic invertebrate community of Dombrovskyi pit lake was investigated during 2014–2018. 25 species were recorded there. The only permanent component of plankton in the community is rotifer Brachionus plicatilis Müller, 1786; of benthos and neuston is hemipteran Sigara lateralis (Leach, 1817), beetle Hydrobius fuscipes (Linnaeus, 1758), flies Aedes sp., Ochlerotatus lepidonotus (Edwards, 1920), Culicoides salinarius Kieffer, 1914, Ephydra glauca Meigen, 1830 are permanent components of benthos and neuston. The main diversity of invertebrates is concentrated in littoral zone up to 2 m of depth. This is primarily due to the desalination of these areas by surface runoff. Over the last decade the mineralization of the surface water layer has decreased from 120–138 to 25–28 g/l. Combined with the desalination of water, the increase of species diversity of aquatic invertebrates was noticed in spring seasons (from 7 to 17 taxa). The freshwater taxa, which are not tolerant even to low water salinity, appeared in the community in 2018 (7–25 % of the species diversity), among them Hydrometra stagnorum (Linnaeus, 1758), Rhyacophila tristis Pictet, 1834, Coelambus impressopunctatus (Schaller, 1783), Enochrus coarctatus (Gredler, 1863), Hydrophilus caraboides (Linnaeus, 1758). The role of freshwater taxa, which are tolerant to low water salinity (up to 5 g/l), increased from 0–10 % of the species diversity in 2014–2015 to 22–35 % in 2018. Among them Eucyclops serrulatus (Fischer, 1851), Candona sp., Cypris pubera O. F. Müller, 1776, Cloeon dipterum (Linnaeus, 1760), Libellula depressa Linnaeus, 1758, Sympecta fusca Vander Linden, 1820, Paracorixa concinna (Fieber, 1848) was noted in 2018 for the first time. On the contrary, the number of saltwater taxa decreased from 20–29 % (2014–2015) to 5–14 % (2018). The saltwater aquatic invertebrate community of this pit lake has transformed into brakish-freshwater one over time. 83 % taxa of aquatic invertebrate communities from freshwater puddles near reservoir coast are noted in the Dombrovska reservoir. The introduction of species from protective canals of the reservoir is unlikely, as only 5 % of taxa from there are marked in it. The main way of the forming communities of invertebrates in this reservoir is the periodical flooding of freshwater coastal puddles.

Defining and validating regenerative farm systems using a composite of ranked agricultural practices

Background: Ongoing efforts attempt to define farms as regenerative to aid marketers, policymakers, farmers, etc. The approach needs to balance precision with function, and must be transparent, simple, scalable, transferable, incorruptible, and replicable. Methods: We developed practice-based scoring systems to distinguish regenerative cropland and rangeland, and validate them based on whether these scores scaled with regenerative goals on actual farm operations. Study systems included cornfields of the Upper Midwest, almond orchards of California, and rangeland systems of the Northern Plains. Response variables included soil carbon and organic matter, soil micronutrients, water infiltration rates, soil microbial communities, plant community structure, invertebrate community structure, pest populations, yields, and profit. Results: Regenerative outcomes were strongly correlated with our approach to farm scoring. Soil organic matter, fine particulate organic matter, total soil carbon, total soil nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium and sulfur all increased alongside regenerative matrix scores in one or both of the cropping systems. Water infiltration rates were significantly faster in more regenerative almond orchards. Soil bacterial biomass and Haney soil health test scores were higher as cropland incorporated more regenerative practices. Plant species diversity and biomass increased significantly with the number of regenerative practices employed on almonds and rangelands. Invertebrate species diversity and richness were positively associated with regenerative practices in corn, almonds, and rangelands, whereas pest populations and almond yields were unaffected by the number of regenerative practices. Corn yields were negatively associated with more regenerative practices, while almond yields were unaffected by the number of regenerative practices. Profit was significantly higher on more regenerative corn and almond operations. Conclusions: Our scoring system scaled positively with desired regenerative outcomes, and provides the basis for predicting ecosystem responses with minimal information about the farming operation. Natural clusters in the number of regenerative practices used can be used to distinguish regenerative and conventional operations.

The impact of Moringa oleifera on the composition and diversity of invertebrate species, with a focus on ants as an indicator group

The impact of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> on the composition and diversity of invertebrate species, with a focus on ants as an indicator group

Defining and validating regenerative farm systems using a composite of ranked agricultural practices.

Background: Ongoing efforts attempt to define farms as regenerative to aid marketers, policymakers, farmers, etc. The approach needs to balance precision with function, and must be transparent, simple, scalable, transferable, incorruptible, and replicable. Methods: We developed practice-based scoring systems to distinguish regenerative cropland and rangeland, and validate them based on whether these scores scaled with regenerative goals on actual farm operations. Study systems included cornfields of the Upper Midwest, almond orchards of California, and rangeland systems of the Northern Plains. Response variables included soil carbon and organic matter, soil micronutrients, water infiltration rates, soil microbial communities, plant community structure, invertebrate community structure, pest populations, yields, and profit. Results: Regenerative outcomes were strongly correlated with our approach to farm scoring. Soil organic matter, fine particulate organic matter, total soil carbon, total soil nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium and sulfur all increased alongside regenerative matrix scores in one or both of the cropping systems. Water infiltration rates were significantly faster in more regenerative almond orchards. Soil bacterial biomass and Haney soil health test scores were higher as cropland incorporated more regenerative practices. Plant species diversity and biomass increased significantly with the number of regenerative practices employed on almonds and rangelands. Invertebrate species diversity and richness were positively associated with regenerative practices in corn, almonds, and rangelands, whereas pest populations and almond yields were unaffected by the number of regenerative practices. Corn yields were negatively associated with more regenerative practices, while almond yields were unaffected by the number of regenerative practices. Profit was significantly higher on more regenerative corn and almond operations. Conclusions: Our scoring system scaled positively with desired regenerative outcomes, and provides the basis for predicting ecosystem responses with minimal information about the farming operation. Natural clusters in the number of regenerative practices used can be used to distinguish regenerative and conventional operations.

Physicochemical characteristics, animal species diversity and oxidative stress responses in dominant fish from an impacted site on the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

The evaluation of biomarkers in resident fisheries of aquatic ecosystems is important for risk assessment of such ecosystems. In this study, surface water and sediment physicochemical characteristics, macrobenthic invertebrate and fish species diversity and oxidative stress of dominant fish were evaluated at an anthropogenic-impacted site (Iddo) as well as a reference site (after the Third Mainland Bridge) of the Lagos lagoon, Nigeria, over a period of three (3) months. Surface water analysis result showed that the Total dissolved solids (TDS) (5.54±2.85 mg/L), Salinity (5.09±2.56 o/oo), Conductivity (6.51±4.54 µS/cm), Nitrates (4.70±1.49 mg/L), Phosphates (3.03±0.60 mg/L), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (18.62±3.77 mg/L) and Chemical oxygen demand (COD) (463.44±65.83 mg/L) were significantly higher at the test site compared to the reference site. The COD of the sediment were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) at the test site compared to the reference while the other sediment physicochemical parameters except pH were higher at the test site compared to the reference site. Macrobenthic invertebrate species diversity were slightly higher (1.70) at the reference site compared to the test site (1.66) while species richness were higher at the test site (1.43) compared to the reference site (1.26). Fish species diversity (1.95) and richness (1.79) were higher at the test site compared to the reference site. Dominant fish species at the test and reference sites were Ethmalosa fimbriata (Bonga shad) and Sarotherodon melanotheron (Blackchin Tilapia) respectively. There were increased levels of antioxidant enzymes and biomolecules- glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the gills and liver of E. fimbriata indicative of oxidative stress. Further studies on biomarkers at lower levels of biological organisation are recommended for holistic evaluations and evidence-based intervention if necessary. This will support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (life below water).

The potential for wildflower interventions to enhance natural enemies and pollinators in commercial apple orchards is limited by other management practices

Modern fruit production has successfully increased yields and fruit quality to meet market demands mainly through intensification and the use of Plant Protection Products (PPPs). Due to the associated environmental impacts and consumers increasingly demanding food produced more sustainably, the tree fruit sector is seeking to reduce its reliance on PPPs. Despite intensification, apple production is still highly dependent on ecosystem services, including pest regulation and pollination. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of natural enemies and pollinators in commercial apple orchards to the provision of a wildflower habitat. It was hypothesised that the abundance and diversity of beneficial invertebrate species would be enhanced leading to an increased control of apple pests and enhanced pollination of apple blossom. We also investigated the effect of orchard pesticide toxicity on natural enemies and pest regulation services and how responses varied between apple cultivars (Jazz and Braeburn). The study was carried out in five orchards of each apple variety across Kent (UK), using a split-plot experimental design. At each site, a one-hectare orchard plot was established with wildflower strips in alleyways between rows of trees and compared with a one-hectare control plot where alleyways were managed conventionally with regular cutting. Responses of natural enemies and pollinators were recorded over a period of three and four years, respectively. The presence of wildflower strips did not contribute significantly towards the delivery of natural pest regulation or pollination services. However, hoverfly diversity and species richness were greater in orchards with wildflower strips, and whilst this was not associated with increased rates of pest regulation, such a response could potentially provide more resilient pest regulation and pollination services. Braeburn orchards had higher bee abundance, and pest predation rates, which were associated with a greater abundance of earwigs, compared to Jazz orchards. Of key significance for growers is that high values of cumulative pesticide toxicity negatively affected natural enemy populations, especially earwigs. If growers want to support natural enemies and wild pollinators in modern apple orchards following the principles of ecological intensification, they need to consider both the types and frequency of pesticide sprays used, in conjunction with interventions aimed at promoting beneficial invertebrates.