Suitable Climatic Conditions Research Articles

Comparative analysis of jujube and sour jujube gave insight into their difference in genetic diversity and suitable habitat.

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba var. jujuba Mill.) and sour jujube (Z. jujuba var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H.F.Chow.) are economically, nutritionally, and ecologically significant members of the Rhamnaceae family. Despite their importance, insufficient research on their genetics and habitats has impeded effective conservation and utilization. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted plastome sequencing, integrated distribution data from China, and assessed genetic diversity and suitable habitat. The plastomes of both species exhibited high conservation and low genetic diversity. A new-found 23 bp species-specific Indel in the petL-petG enabled us to develop a rapid Indel-based identification marker for species discrimination. Phylogenetic analysis and dating illuminated their genetic relationship, showing speciation occurred 6.9 million years ago, in a period of dramatic global temperature fluctuations. Substantial variations in suitable climatic conditions were observed, with the mean temperature of the coldest quarter as the primary factor influencing distributions (-3.16°C-12.73°C for jujube and -5.79°C to 4.11°C for sour jujube, suitability exceeding 0.6). Consequently, distinct conservation strategies are warranted due to differences in suitable habitats, with jujube having a broader distribution and sour jujube concentrated in Northern China. In conclusion, disparate habitats and climatic factors necessitate tailored conservation approaches. Comparing genetic diversity and developing rapid species-specific primers will further enhance the sustainable utilization of these valuable species.

Use of an Ethanol-powered Motor-generator to Electricity Generation for Countryside Population and Small Isolated Communities

Due to the growing demand in the global energy mix and the constant concern about the use and the scarci ty of fossil fuels, the study of cleaner, cheaper, easy obtaining and environment-friendly alternative fuels has become a matter of general interest. In Brazil, the sugar cane-based ethanol is a good alternative for the use of gasoline, since the country has a land fit for cultivation of this crop, skilled labor and suitable climatic conditions, and has low emissions of greenhouse gases. In this study it was used a four-cylinder Otto-cycle engine powered by gasoline with no adjustments. It was evaluated the system performance, power, voltage, and specific fuel consump tion using mixtures of gasoline and ethanol in the follow ing proportions: E0, E5, E10, E15, E20, E30, E35, E40, E45, E50, E55, E60, E65, E70, E75, E80, E85, E90, E95 e E100. The amount of harmful exhaust gases expelled by the engine (CO2 and NOx), was also analyzed, and it was observed a reduction in the amount of CO2 expelled by the engine due to the increase of ethanol concentration in the mixture. In contrast, the amount of NOx increased due to the fact that the temperature in the combustion chamber is higher for ethanol. As a result it was observed that the motor-generator provides 800 W of power, which is enough to allow the operation of refrigerator, television and electric bulbs in a small home.

COVID 19 and regional entrepreneurship: which regional features can mitigate the devastating effects of COVID-19?

ABSTRACT Given the assumption that entrepreneurship is context-dependent and embedded in spatial features, the severity of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on entrepreneurship may vary significantly across regions. This study, which is the first in the literature, categorizes 81 NUTS III level regions in Türkiye according to their entrepreneurship levels and examines how and to what extent regional characteristics determine entrepreneurship patterns, using MANOVA-ANOVA and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). Inspired by the resilience literature, it tries to reveal which regional attributes are more effective in keeping entrepreneurship resilient against shocks by comparing the pre-crisis (2012) and crisis periods (2020). Revealing critical differences between the pre-crisis and crisis periods, the article shows that population density, positive migration, high education levels, sectoral diversity, government incentives and natural geographical features, such as altitude and precipitation, are vital for regional entrepreneurship to remain resilient against COVID-19. Additionally, high population growth, young population rate, financial capital and income level, developed production, innovation, transportation and communication infrastructure combined with strong international networks and suitable climatic conditions are critical determinants that encourage regional entrepreneurship. On the contrary, specialization in certain sectors appears to be a regional weakness.

Human dirofilariasis: a rare disease or a problem of our time?

The article presents the current state of the problem of dirofilariasis. Helminth infection caused by nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria is mainly a disease of carnivores from the canine and feline families. Humans are considered occasional hosts in which Dirofilaria spp., more commonly D. repens, rarely reach sexual maturity. The climatic conditions of the territory are one of the determining factors for the spread of vector-borne diseases. Due to the fact that in recent years there has been a tendency to increase average temperatures everywhere, these changes lead to a shift and expansion of the ranges of many organisms, including pathogens and vectors of various diseases. The clinical picture of human dirofilariasis caused by D. repens most often manifests itself in one of two clinical forms -subcutaneous and ocular, although, according to the literature, there are cases of damage to other localizations. Due to the fact that damage to the organs of vision occurs most often in humans, the clinical case presented by us is relevant. The patient, in our clinical case, permanently lived in one of the districts of the Ryazan region. The landscape and natural complex of this region, taking into account the presence of a large number of wetlands, an abundance of water bodies and suitable climatic conditions, creates a favorable environment for the development of insects of the Culicidae family (mosquitoes of the genera Anopheles, Culex, etc.), which are transmissible carriers of various human and animal diseases, including dirofilariasis. The complex cycle of the parasite, the possibility of migration in the body can lead to multiple organ damage. Scientific publications describe cases of finding dirofilaria in the lungs, heart, and genitourinary system. In this regard, the awareness of doctors and patients about this disease is very relevant, and will reduce the likelihood of prolonging the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Monitoring of species’ genetic diversity in Europe varies greatly and overlooks potential climate change impacts

Genetic monitoring of populations currently attracts interest in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity but needs long-term planning and investments. However, genetic diversity has been largely neglected in biodiversity monitoring, and when addressed, it is treated separately, detached from other conservation issues, such as habitat alteration due to climate change. We report an accounting of efforts to monitor population genetic diversity in Europe (genetic monitoring effort, GME), the evaluation of which can help guide future capacity building and collaboration towards areas most in need of expanded monitoring. Overlaying GME with areas where the ranges of selected species of conservation interest approach current and future climate niche limits helps identify whether GME coincides with anticipated climate change effects on biodiversity. Our analysis suggests that country area, financial resources and conservation policy influence GME, high values of which only partially match species’ joint patterns of limits to suitable climatic conditions. Populations at trailing climatic niche margins probably hold genetic diversity that is important for adaptation to changing climate. Our results illuminate the need in Europe for expanded investment in genetic monitoring across climate gradients occupied by focal species, a need arguably greatest in southeastern European countries. This need could be met in part by expanding the European Union’s Birds and Habitats Directives to fully address the conservation and monitoring of genetic diversity.

Climate change effect on the widely distributed Palearctic plant bug species (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae).

Insects are poikilothermic organisms and temperature increase usually accelerates their development rates, population and distribution area growth. Therefore, it is assumed that global warming can be beneficial for the pests and other widespread species at least in the relatively cool temperate zones. However, climate change's effect on the widespread species in the Palearctic remains poorly studied. This work was performed on three plant bug species (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae), at present inhabiting Europe and Asia. Liocoris tripustulatus is known from the Western Palearctic, Lygocoris pabulinus occupies the territories from Western Europe to South Asia, Lygus punctatus is distributed from Northern Europe to the Far East. In this paper, it is tested whether temperature rise is positively connected with the area of preferred climatic conditions for those species, and explores the particular climatic variables which can be limiting for the distribution of those species. Maxent software was used for the environmental niche modeling and to find the variables with significant contribution to the climatic models for the studied species. Based on those models, areas with preferred climatic conditions over different periods were calculated in QGIS. Principal component analysis and logistic regression were performed to find the variables highly contributing to the differences between the species. The results contradict the assumption that temperature growth alone can be a predictor for the widespread species and pest distribution range change. All species differ in suitable climatic conditions and their area dynamics in time, and the temperature affects each species differently. Only Liocoris tripustulatus might significantly expand its distribution area by 2070 due to the climate change. The areas in Asia and above the polar circle will be more suitable by that time for all three species than now. However, conditions in Europe might be less suitable for Lygocoris pabulinus and Lyguspunctatus in the future. Both, temperature and precipitation variables, can be important for shaping distribution of Liocoris tripustulatus and Lygocoris pabulinus. Mean annual temperature and temperature in winter, most probably, limit the distribution of at least Liocoris tripsutulatus and Lygus punctatus, but changes in this variable affect those two species differently.

Unpleasant Souvenir: Imported Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Türkiye.

Each year, approximately 125 million people visit malaria-endemic countries. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of imported Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections in Türkiye. The study included patients diagnosed with P. falciparum malaria between 1996 and 2022. A retrospective evaluation was conducted on whole blood samples and/or blood smears, as well as detailed medical histories, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings. A total of 131 imported cases of P. falciparum were included in the study. Among the patients, 121 were male. Of these, 101 had traveled to Africa, while 30 had visited Asia. Among the patients, 109 were returned travelers, and 22 were refugees/migrants. Early trophozoites were observed in all patients, while gametocytes were detected in 30 patients. Cerebral malaria developed in 15 patients, resulting in the death of two individuals. Additionally, 10 patients received preventive chemoprophylaxis. Turkey is situated on migration routes that connect two continents to Europe, where more than 95% of the global malaria burden exists. The importation of malaria through returned travelers poses a risk of malaria reintroduction in our country, given the presence of suitable vectors, climate conditions, and environmental factors. Importantly, 30 patients (22.9%) exhibited gametocyte forms of P. falciparum, which have the potential to infect Anopheles species, thus establishing a basis for local malaria transmission.

Modelling the Distribution of the Little Owl Athene noctua in Bulgaria

The Little owl Athene noctua (Scopoli 1769) is believed to be widespread in Bulgaria but its actual distribution and ecology are insufficiently studied. Historical records and unpublished information on its abiotic requirements, habitat preferences, breeding biology and distribution were analyzed to generate an Ecological Niche Model and documented that A. noctua is found across 90.8% of Bulgaria. We also estimated its potential distribution and ecological requirements within part of its range using Maxent. The Environmental Niche Model has a high degree of predictability. The climate changes are affecting the distribution. Our results revealed that the vertical distribution of the species expands by 100 m a.s.l. In Bulgaria, the main factors which determine the status of the population are elevation, type of land use, human population density and demographic structure which seem to account for most of the variation in suitable climatic conditions, and climatic factors – Annual Mean Temperature and Mean, Driest Quarter. Threats to the Little owl in Bulgaria include habitat loss, destruction of breeding sites, vehicle collisions, poisoning, predation, and persecution due to negative stereotypes or beliefs. Bulgaria, with a high number of breeding pairs as compared to elsewhere in Europe has an opportunity and obligation to preserve the species. The results of this study will help inform conservation decisions and efforts to maintain Little owl populations in Bulgaria.

The development of foliar fungal communities of nursery-grown Pinus sylvestris seedlings

ABSTRACT In forest nurseries, foliar fungi play a key role in the health of tree seedlings. The aim of this study was to study the diversity and the development of foliar fungal species associated with nursery-grown Pinus sylvestris, and to evaluate the effect of two biological control products and two growth-stimulating products on seedling growth and disease control, as well as seedling associated fungal community. The study was conducted at four Swedish forest nurseries. Fungal communities were assessed from non-symptomatic needles using high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 rRNA region. The fungal pathogens Cladosporium sp. (15.1%), Phoma herbarum (14.5%), and Alternaria alternata (5.5%) were among the most abundant fungi. Results showed that the nurseries and the development of fungal communities influenced the occurrence of dominant fungal taxa. Disease prevalence was low and microbial treatments had no significant impact on seedling growth and survival, nor on the number of fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs), species diversity, and species evenness (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results showed a dynamic change in foliar fungal community structure over the growing season. With appropriate nursery management strategies and under suitable climatic conditions, nursery seedlings can remain healthy even in the presence of fungal pathogens.

The global risk of infectious disease emergence from giant land snail invasion and pet trade

BackgroundPathogen outbreaks mostly originate from animals, but some species are more likely to trigger epidemics. The giant land snail (Lissachatina fulica) is a widespread invader, a popular exotic pet, and a notorious vector of the rat lungworm, causing eosinophilic meningitis in humans. However, a comprehensive assessment of the risks of disease outbreak associated with this species is lacking.MethodsWe assessed and mapped the risk of disease transmission associated with the invasion and pet trade of L. fulica. First, we conducted a review of the scientific literature to list all known L. fulica parasites and pathogens and query host–pathogen databases to identify their potential mammalian hosts. Then, to assess the potential for L. fulica to spread globally, we modelled its suitable climatic conditions and tested whether, within climatically suitable areas, the species tended to occur near humans or not. Finally, we used social media data to map L. fulica possession as an exotic pet and to identify human behaviours associated with increased risk of disease transmission.ResultsLissachatina fulica can carry at least 36 pathogen species, including two-thirds that can infect humans. The global invasion of L. fulica is climatically limited to tropical areas, but the species is strongly associated with densely populated areas where snails are more likely to enter in contact with humans. In temperate countries, however, climatic conditions should prevent L. fulica's spread. However, we show that in Europe, giant snails are popular exotic pets and are often handled with direct skin contact, likely increasing the risk of pathogen transmission to their owners.ConclusionsIt is urgent to raise public awareness of the health risks associated with L. fulica in both tropical countries and Europe and to regulate its trade and ownership internationally. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for multiple types of human-wildlife interactions when assessing risks of infectious disease emergence. Furthermore, by targeting the species most likely to spread pathogens, we show that it is possible to rapidly identify emerging disease risks on a global scale, thus guiding timely and appropriate responses.Graphical

Distribution ofDrepanaphis acerifoliae– aphid pest of Acer trees – faced with global climate change

The genusDrepanaphisdel Guercio currently includes 16 species, all of which are found in North America. Representatives of this genus are narrow oligophages associated mainly with plants of the genusAcer.Previous studies have focused only on the morphology of selected species, while not considering their geographical distribution. Among all species, the painted maple aphidDrepanaphis acerifoliaedeserves particular attention, because it represents the broadest range in North America and is the only species of this genus to be found outside of its natural range, i.e. in Europe. Thanks to suitable niche modelling based on a maximum entropy model, we were able to present maps with the potential distribution ofD.acerifoliaein its natural range. In North America, its distribution coincides with the natural range of the host plants (native to the eastern part), as well as the areas where they are planted (the western part). An extrapolation of these results to the area of Europe allowed for the designation of places where the aphids can find suitable climatic conditions for developing and expanding their spatial distribution. The model indicated the Mediterranean basin, almost all of Italy, excluding mountainous areas, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the western part of Germany, the southeast and central part of Great Britain, Hungary and the Balkan Peninsula. In a more continental view, the model pointed to areas stretching from the middle of eastern Ukraine, including Crimea, through Russia, to northern parts of Kazakhstan along the border with Russia. Additionally, the impact of climate change on the spread of the species within the next 80 years was analysed, both in North America and Europe. Models considering the potential future climate changes indicate thatD.acerifoliaemay find suitable niches further north of its current ranges. In North America, this is mostly areas of eastern Canada, while in Europe it includes the central and eastern part and the Asian part of Russia.

Geography, climate and shifts in host plants distribution explain the genomic variation in the cactus moth

Landscape heterogeneity and the host plant use are factors suggested to play determinant roles in shaping the evolutionary history of herbivorous insects. However, the role of the reconfiguration of host plants distributions linked to Quaternary climate oscillations as drivers of contemporary population genetic structure is still poorly understood. Here, we formally examine the relative contribution of such factors on intraspecific diversification using the South American cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, an herbivore insect specialized in the use of cacti as host plants. We assessed genomic variation using genome-wide SNPs and mitochondrial data in populations sampled across a broad geographical gradient where moths feed on different cactus species. We integrated demographic simulations and ecological niche modeling into a landscape genomics framework, to test alternative hypotheses of past and current population connectivity for both C. cactorum and its host plants. Regions exhibiting higher genomic diversity were evaluated for congruence with areas where suitable climatic conditions remained stable through time. Our results revealed that past spatial configuration of suitable habitat conditions and shifts of host plants distributions are the factors that better explain the intraspecific diversification. Genomic data also supported the hypothesis that areas of long-term habitat stability served as refugia for C. cactorum, enabling the maintenance of high levels of genetic diversity over time. Overall, our study highlights the importance of integrating inter-specific interactions and their spatio-temporal dynamics to better understand the relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors driving the diversification processes in herbivorous insects with broad geographical and restricted host ranges.

Remote sensing delineation of wildfire spatial extents and post-fire recovery along a semi-arid climate gradient

Understanding the wildfire extent and post-fire vegetation recovery is critical for fire and forest management. Remote sensing imagery is widely used in wildfire detection because it provides continuous and large-scale surface monitoring capability. In this study, we apply and evaluate the performance of the LandTrendr algorithm in wildfire detection across a semi-arid climate region with a marked precipitation gradient. The aims are to compare the performance of four spectral indices for the burned areas and post-fire recovery detection for different climate conditions and investigate the relationship between suitable model parameters and climate conditions. The results show that NDVI outperforms other indices, including NBR, in burned area detection for drier areas (annual precipitation <400 mm). Disturbance signal-to-noise ratio can serve as an indicator for suitable index selection for semi-arid areas. Although the performance in the detection of burned pixels varies among different indices, they are all suitable for delineating post-fire recovery except for the wet site (annual precipitation of 575 mm) where NBR displays the best performance. Parameter optimization results along the climate gradient show that climate conditions have a significant impact on suitable parameter selection. These findings provide guidance on vegetation wildfire detection in arid and semi-arid climates to support wildfire risk and forestry management.

Antifungal activity of Terminalia chebula extract against wilt fungi Fusariumoxysporum an important plant pathogen

Terminalia chebula, a deciduous plant, endogenous to India has medicinal value. Its fruits are known for its cure to many ailments in human beings. This study is to test the Biological activity of these compounds tested against plant pathogenic fungai Fusarium oxysporum which cause wilt in economically important crops. Wilt is a devastating disease whichdestroys the infected plant and cause economic loss to farmers. Panama disease in bananas is a type of wilt disease which is very prevalent in India. This fungai has broad host range from tomato, cotton etc. Outbreak reported in many parts of India. Standard culture of Fusarium oxysporum ITCC -6246, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri ITCC 3636 and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici MTCC 10270 were used to detect the potential chemical compound in dried fruitby macro-dilution.Each organic solvent (Water, Ethanol, Chloroform, Benzene) has different extraction capacity based on the polarity of chemical compound in plants. These chemical compounds extensively studied for their antioxidant property and preliminary screening of chemical compound constituents in all extract. Mycelium growth inhibition tested on solid medium and inhibition measured in mm diameter. Spores of Fusarium sp. present in soil for many months in dormant form. Under suitable climatic conditions this will germinate and cause infection in plants. Rate of spore germination inhibition in liquid medium measured and calculated for every solvent extract. Rate of inhibition was calculated and analysed statistically by t test. The efficient solvent extract determined for bulk extraction of biologically active compound from seeds.

Antifungal activity of Terminalia chebula extract against wilt fungi Fusarium oxysporum an important plant pathogen

Terminalia chebula, a deciduous plant, endogenous to India has medicinal value. Its fruits are known for its cure to many ailments in human beings. This study is to test the biological activity of these compounds tested against plant pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum which cause wilt in economically important crops. Wilt is a devastating disease which destroys the infected plant and cause economic loss to farmers. Panama disease in bananas is a type of wilt disease which is very prevalent in India. This fungi has broad host range from tomato, cotton etc. Outbreak reported in many parts of India. Standard culture of Fusarium oxysporum ITCC -6246, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri ITCC 3636 and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici MTCC 10270 were used to detect the potential chemical compound in dried fruit by macro-dilution. Each organic solvent (Water, Ethanol, Chloroform, Benzene) has different extraction capacity based on the polarity of chemical compound in plants. These chemical compounds extensively studied for their antioxidant property and preliminary screening of chemical compound constituents in all extract. Mycelium growth inhibition tested on solid medium and zone of inhibition measured in mm diameter. Spores of Fusarium sp. present in soil for many months in dormant form. Under suitable climatic conditions this will germinate and cause infection in plants. Rate of spore germination inhibition in liquid medium measured and calculated for every solvent extract. Rate of inhibition was calculated and analysed statistically by t test. The efficient solvent extract determined for bulk extraction of biologically active compound from seeds.

Changes and relationship of climate and late-rice yield in chenzhou city of south hunan province of CHINA

The changes and relationship of climate parameters and late-rice yield per unit area during the growth periods of late-rice from 2010 to 2019 were quantitatively analyzed in order to provide scientific guidance for countermeasures against climate change and sustainable production of late-rice. The climate parameters include cumulative daily sunshine hours (S), mean daily temperature (T), cumulative daily precipitation (P), mean daily relative humidity (H), daily highest and lowest temperatures (Th and Tl), days of high temperatures (DT ≥ 30℃ and DTh ≥ 35℃) and low temperature (DTl &lt; 15℃). Results showed that: (i) Late-rice yield was significantly increased quadratically from 5621.33 kg hm2 in 2010 to 6333.65 kg hm2 in 2019 with a mean of 5959.2 kg hm2. (ii ) According to the suitable climate conditions for growth of late-rice, T and P were low but H was suitable in the whole field growth period of late-rice, T was suitable in the transplanting-tillering stage, but was low in the booting-heading and milk ripening-mature stage. DT ≥ 30℃, DTh ≥ 35℃ and DTl &lt; 15℃ was meanly 7.7, 7.5 and 6.4 d, respectively, which showed possible occurrence of the damages to late-rice due to high and low temperatures. iii) Only T, Th and Tl in the booting-heading stage showed significant positive correlation with year, and the optimal regression models were in quadratic and exponential types. The climate parameters of S, T and Th in the boot-heading stage were significantly positively correlated with late-rice yield, and the optimal regression models were all in quadratic types. Daily highest temperature (Th) affected late-rice yield most (61.04%), followed by T (36.50%), and S affected least (2.46%). Considering the current conflict in the field planting periods between tobacco and late-rice, late rice varieties needs to be bred with short growth period and high tolerance to both high and low temperatures. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 639-647, 2023 (June) Special

Changes and relationship of climate and late-rice yield in chenzhou city of south hunan province of CHINA

The changes and relationship of climate parameters and late-rice yield per unit area during the growth periods of late-rice from 2010 to 2019 were quantitatively analyzed in order to provide scientific guidance for countermeasures against climate change and sustainable production of late-rice. The climate parameters include cumulative daily sunshine hours (S), mean daily temperature (T), cumulative daily precipitation (P), mean daily relative humidity (H), daily highest and lowest temperatures (Th and Tl), days of high temperatures (DT ≥ 30℃ and DTh ≥ 35℃) and low temperature (DTl &lt; 15℃). Results showed that: (i) Late-rice yield was significantly increased quadratically from 5621.33 kg hm2 in 2010 to 6333.65 kg hm2 in 2019 with a mean of 5959.2 kg hm2. (ii ) According to the suitable climate conditions for growth of late-rice, T and P were low but H was suitable in the whole field growth period of late-rice, T was suitable in the transplanting-tillering stage, but was low in the booting-heading and milk ripening-mature stage. DT ≥ 30℃, DTh ≥ 35℃ and DTl &lt; 15℃ was meanly 7.7, 7.5 and 6.4 d, respectively, which showed possible occurrence of the damages to late-rice due to high and low temperatures. iii) Only T, Th and Tl in the booting-heading stage showed significant positive correlation with year, and the optimal regression models were in quadratic and exponential types. The climate parameters of S, T and Th in the boot-heading stage were significantly positively correlated with late-rice yield, and the optimal regression models were all in quadratic types. Daily highest temperature (Th) affected late-rice yield most (61.04%), followed by T (36.50%), and S affected least (2.46%). Considering the current conflict in the field planting periods between tobacco and late-rice, late rice varieties needs to be bred with short growth period and high tolerance to both high and low temperatures. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 639-647, 2023 (June) Special

Cost analysis of a blueberry producing farm in the Cundiboyacense highlands, Colombia: A case study

The blueberry industry is growing significantly in Colombia. For investors, cost analysis plays a key role in project planning for any agribusiness. This paper is an exploratory study, with a descriptive scope to identify components of establishment and production costs of growing blueberries in Colombia. Data were collected and analyzed from a project aimed at establishing a 1 ha blueberry crop in Zipaquirá and 18 blueberry small farms in the Cundiboyacense highlands. Components were applied to estimate the capital investment and to identify the establishment, production, and maintenance costs of this project. Decision investment analysis, including discount rates for the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), were used to compute the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and the return on investment (ROI). Production costs are still expensive due to the Colombian peso (COP) exchange rate compared to the US dollar (USD). Results show advantages for promoting the establishment of blueberry crops because of suitable climatic conditions for continuous production throughout the year in Colombia. Labor costs and utilities are cheaper compared to other countries and represent a competitive advantage in the investment. Intermediation suppliers affect establishment costs for commercial reasons. Blueberry production cost analysis in Colombia may facilitate agribusinesses to promote projects in Colombian agriculture.

Identifying climate change refugia for South American biodiversity.

Refugia-based conservation strategies offer long-term effectiveness and minimize uncertainty on strategies for climate change adaptation. Here, we use distribution modelling to identify climate change refugia for 617 terrestrial mammals and quantify the role of protected areas in safeguarding these zones across South America. Moist tropical forests located in high-elevation areas with complex topography concentrated the highest local diversity of species refugia, although regionally important refugia centers were also found elsewhere. Andean Amazon forests were revealed as "Anthropocene museums", hosting climate change refugia for more than half the continental species' pool and up to 87 species locally (17×17 km2 grid cell). The highland zones of the Southern Atlantic Forest also included megadiverse refugia, safeguarding up to 76 species per cell. Almost half of the species that may find refugia in the Atlantic Forest will do so in a single region - the Serra do Mar and Serra do Espinhaço. Most of the refugia highlighted here, however, are not covered by protected areas, which may shelter less than 6% of the total area of climate change refugia, leaving 129 to 237 species with no refugia inside the territorial limits of protected areas of any kind. Those results reveal a dismal scenario on the level of refugia protection in some of the most biodiverse regions of the world. Nonetheless, because refugia areas tend to be located in high-elevation, topographically complex and remote areas, with lower economic pressure, formally protecting them may require a comparatively modest investment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The dispersal patterns of a migratory insect are driven by biotic interactions

AbstractAimThe distribution of a species in an area depends on the presence of suitable climatic conditions, suitable biotic interactions and species dispersal capabilities. Studies of species migration usually do not include all these factors due to a lack of detailed ecological information or appropriate methods. Here, we present simulations that consider all those factors for the study of the migratory patterns of Urania boisduvalii by incorporating environmental suitability, biotic interactions with its host plants (Omphalea spp.), and the moth dispersal capacity.LocationCuba.TaxonUrania and Omphalea.MethodsOur approach considers changes in the palatability of plants resulting from foraging by moths, as the novel mechanism driving their dispersal. Here, the state of each cell is determined by climate, dispersal, presence of edible food plants and change in food plant palatability.ResultsUrania dispersal occurs among sites with both edible food plants and suitable climates within the dispersal capacity of the moths. The number of isolated clusters of suitable patches decreased with larger dispersal capacities. All simulations where the palatability recovery is faster than palatability loss, lead to an oscillatory pattern of a local nature, while the other ones lead to a steady occupancy or extirpation of the moth species.Main ConclusionsOur results provide theoretical support for the hypothesis that the palatability of food plants drives the pattern of movement of the moths and predict that the relationship between toxic and non‐toxic periods is critical to determining steady occupancy, oscillatory occupancy or extirpation of the moth from the host plant patches. The conceptual framework we used is directly based on classic literature and the methods we used are implemented as an R package. Therefore, our approach is suited to model, in a practical way, invasive species, emerging diseases or migratory species.