Taxonomic Changes Research Articles

Nomenclature for human and animal fungal pathogens and diseases: a proposal for standardized terminology.

Medically important pathogenic fungi invade vertebrate tissue and are considered primary when part of their nature life cycle is associated with an animal host and are usually able to infect immunocompetent hosts. Opportunistic fungal pathogens complete their life cycle in environmental habitats or occur as commensals within or on the vertebrate body, but under certain conditions can thrive upon infecting humans. The extent of host damage in opportunistic infections largely depends on the portal and modality of entry as well as on the host's immune and metabolic status. Diseases caused by primary pathogens and common opportunists, causing the top approximately 80% of fungal diseases [D. W. Denning, Lancet Infect Dis, 24:e428-e438, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00692-8], tend to follow a predictive pattern, while those by occasional opportunists are more variable. For this reason, it is recommended that diseases caused by primary pathogens and the common opportunists are named after the etiologic agent, for example, histoplasmosis and aspergillosis, while this should not be done for occasional opportunists that should be named as [causative fungus] [clinical syndrome], for example, Alternaria alternata cutaneous infection. The addition of a descriptor that identifies the location or clinical type of infection is required, as the general name alone may cover widely different clinical syndromes, for example, "rhinocerebral mucormycosis." A list of major recommended human and animal disease entities (nomenclature) is provided in alignment with their causative agents. Fungal disease names may encompass several genera of etiologic agents, consequently being less susceptible to taxonomic changes of the causative species, for example, mucormycosis covers numerous mucormycetous molds.

An update on novel taxa and revised taxonomic status of bacteria isolated from domestic companion and agricultural animals described in 2023.

With the proliferation of abundant bacterial genomic data comes the recognition of new organisms as well as a better understanding of the relatedness of known bacteria. Recognizing the associated taxonomic changes enhances communication and understanding about the significance of novel organisms and deeper understanding of known pathogens. This review addresses the addition of multiple gastrointestinal bacteria that form the normal microbiota in a variety of animals including honeybees as well as novel bacteria from domestic animals including an alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus species from guinea pigs, two Moraxella spp. from cows and goats, a new Capnocytophaga species from cats, a thermophilic Campylobacter species from pigs, and the new Exercitatus genus in Family Pasteurellaceae. Several revisions to the nomenclature also appeared in 2023 including the change of Clostridium spiroforme, which causes anorexia and diarrhea in domestic rabbits, to Thomasclavelia spiroformis comb. nov. and Mannheimia ovis to Mannheimia pernigra.

Pangenome analysis of Paenibacillus polymyxa strains reveals the existence of multiple and functionally distinct Paenibacillus species.

The development of sequencing technologies has led to an exponential increase in microbial sequencing data. Accurately identifying bacterial species remains a challenge because of extensive intra-species variability, the need for multiple identification methods, and the rapid rate of taxonomic changes. A substantial contribution to elucidating the relationships among related bacterial strains comes from comparing their genomic sequences. This comparison also allows for the identification of the "pangenome," which is the set of genes shared by all individuals of a species, as well as the set of genes that are unique to subpopulations. Here, we applied this approach to Paenibacillus polymyxa, a species studied for its potential as a biofertilizer and biocontrol agent and known as an antibiotic producer. Our work highlights the need for a more efficient classification of this bacterial species and provides a better delineation of strains with different properties.

Immature stages of Pleuronota rufosquamosa (Fairmaire, 1893) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae), with notes on its biology

Pleuronota rufosquamosa (Fairmaire, 1893) is a little-known flower beetle from southern China and northern Vietnam, and due to taxonomic changes, the genus Pleuronota Kraatz, 1892 and the species became new records of China. Morphological characteristics of adults are redescribed. Descriptions of the 3rd instar larvae and pupae are also provided, and the morphological differences of the larvae are compared with four genera of the subtribe Taenioderina. All morphological structures are supplemented by photographs. The life history of P. rufosquamosa is briefly summarized based on field observation and artificial breeding.

The Fijian genus Nesobasis Selys, 1891 Part 2: Revision in comparison to Nikoulabasis Ferguson et al., 2023 with particular emphasis on Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Koro and erection of 10 new species and one subspecies (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

The present monograph reviews all the available material collected as specimens presently classified under two genera Nesobasis Selys, 1891 and Nikoulabasis Ferguson et al., 2023. It was initially planned as a second part of the taxonomic study published by Donnelly (1990) on Nesobasis from the so-called Southern islands of Fiji (Viti Levu, Ovalau and Kadavu), however, the time passed between the two parts resulted in many new additions to the fauna of the whole of the archipelago. The taxonomic and nomenclature changes required us to incorporate old records from the first part in Donnelly (1990), add unpublished data and summarize all available information in the present monograph. Our results suggest that is it plausible to erect 10 new hypotheses at species level (Nesobasis albistigma sp. nov., Nesobasis auricularis sp. nov., Nesobasis latistyla sp. nov., Nesobasis polhemusi sp. nov., Nesobasis rubra sp. nov., Nesobasis seidenbuschi sp. nov., Nesobasis tillyardi sp. nov., Nesobasis viridis sp. nov., Nikoulabasis crassa sp. nov., Nikoulabasis furcifer sp. nov.) and one at subspecies level (Nikoulabasis furcifer perlmani ssp. nov.) which brings the total of the known species (all members are endemic to Fiji) up to 28 (Nesobasis) and 10 (Nikoulabasis). Further we describe (by opposition) the opposite sexes of Nesobasis pedata Donnelly, 1990 and N. caerulecaudata Donnelly, 1990 (both females), suggest a probable new ergotaxonomy for the two genera and propose future studies to evaluate the status of taxa hypothesized at the moment as separate: N. caerulecaudata—N. longistyla Selys, 1891 as well as Nikoulabasis comosa (Tillyard, 1924)—N. heteroneura (Tillyard, 1924).

A specimen-based database of small-eared shrews (Mammalia, Eulipotyphla, Cryptotis) in the Neotropical Region.

This database compiles comprehensive occurrence information, based on voucher specimens of small-eared shrews, genus Cryptotis, that occur from México to Peru. The database integrates the information obtained from four main sources: natural history museums, public databases, fieldwork and scientific literature. It contains 3,639 records from 53 species in 12 countries. Of the total, 83.54% have collecting dates, 51.36% of the specimens are sexed and 84.56% have decimal degrees coordinates. By generating this database and making it publicly available, we hope to improve the biological knowledge of this group of small mammals still poorly studied in the region. It aims to be a valuable resource for students, researchers, conservationists and decision-makers. The dataset contains information on all species of the genus Cryptotis in the Neotropical Region (namely from México to Peru), incorporating the most updated taxonomic and nomenclatural changes. The database includes records in regions and countries that are poorly represented in currently available data repositories. Most records have verified temporal and spatial information.

Aphids of Iran: their host plants and distribution

A reviewed checklist of aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphidomorpha) species recorded in Iran is presented as a catalogue in alphabetical order considering recent taxonomic changes. In total, 572 species along with 29 subspecies within 148 genera, belonging to 13 subfamilies, 3 families and 3 superfamilies of Aphidomorpha are presented. In addition, the list of host plants and distribution of the aphid species in Iran and the related references are provided.

Evolutionary palaeoecology of European rhinocerotids across the Oligocene-Miocene transition.

The Oligocene-Miocene transition witnessed great environmental and faunal changes, spanning from late Oligocene to early Miocene (MP28-MN3). Its drivers and consequences on mammals are, however, poorly understood. Rhinocerotoids are among the most affected taxa, reflected by great taxonomical and morphological changes. However, potential associated changes in ecology have not been explored. Here, we investigated the palaeoecology of 10 rhinocerotid species coming from 15 localities across Western Europe and ranging from MP28 to MN3. We explored evolutionary trends for diet, physiology and habitat via dental wear, hypoplasia, body mass and stable isotopy. All rhinocerotids studied were C3 feeders, whether browsing or mixed-feeding, but clear dietary differences were observed at some localities and between Oligocene and Miocene rhinocerotids. The prevalence of hypoplasia was low (less than 10%) to moderate (less than 20%), but there were great differences by loci, species and localities. Body mass covaried with hypoplasia prevalence, suggesting that larger species might be more susceptible to stresses and environmental changes. We reconstructed similar warm conditions at all localities except Gaimersheim, but found greater variations in precipitation. Indeed, a clear shift in δ13C values was noticed at the end of the Oligocene, consistent with climatic and vegetation changes reported at that time.

Subtracting the background by reducing cell-free DNA’s confounding effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis quantitation and the sputum microbiome

DNA characterisation in people with tuberculosis (TB) is critical for diagnostic and microbiome evaluations. However, extracellular DNA, more frequent in people on chemotherapy, confounds results. We evaluated whether nucleic acid dyes [propidium monoazide (PMA), PEMAX] and DNaseI could reduce this. PCR [16S Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (Mtb) qPCR, Xpert MTB/RIF] was done on dilution series of untreated and treated (PMA, PEMAX, DNaseI) Mtb. Separately, 16S rRNA gene qPCR and sequencing were done on untreated and treated sputa before (Cohort A: 11 TB-negatives, 9 TB-positives; Cohort B: 19 TB-positives, PEMAX only) and 24-weeks after chemotherapy (Cohort B). PMA and PEMAX reduced PCR-detected Mtb DNA for dilution series and Cohort A sputum versus untreated controls, suggesting non-intact Mtb is present before treatment-start. PEMAX enabled sequencing-based Mycobacterium-detection in 7/12 (58%) TB-positive sputa where no such reads otherwise occurred. In Cohort A, PMA- and PEMAX-treated versus untreated sputa had decreased α- and increased β-diversities. In Cohort B, β-diversity differences between timepoints were only detected with PEMAX. DNaseI had negligible effects. PMA and PEMAX (but not DNaseI) reduced extracellular DNA in PCR and improved pathogen detection by sequencing. PEMAX additionally detected chemotherapy-associated taxonomic changes that would otherwise be missed. Dyes enhance microbiome evaluations especially during chemotherapy.

Synopsis of the genus <i>Polystemma</i> (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) and recognition of three new species

Background: Polystemma is characterized by a mixed indumentum of glandular trichomes that turn white, rotate to rotate-campanulate corollas, a gynostegial corona with filiform appendages, and fusiform follicles. The taxon has undergone numerous taxonomic changes in recent years. In current phylogenies, Polystemma has been recovered as paraphyletic and many of its species require a new combination. In this study, we propose the corresponding changes and describe, map, and illustrate three new species within this genus. Questions: Do morphological data support the transfer of Matelea species to Polystemma? Are the plants of Polystemma collected in Durango, Jalisco, and Sinaloa different species? Studied species: Polystemma. Study site and dates: United States, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua y Costa Rica, between 2022 and 2024. Methods: More than 3,000 specimens from 20 herbaria and virtual databases were reviewed. Distribution maps were generated, and risk categories were proposed. The cohesive species concept was proposed as an explanatory hypothesis for taxon recognition. Results: A total of 27 species of the genus were recognized, these distributed from the southeastern United States of America to Costa Rica. Eleven new combinations and three lectotypifications are made, and three new species for science are proposed. Identification key, nomenclatural type information, synonyms, habitat, images of all species and distribution maps are also included. Conclusions: The review of this genus allowed for updating and improving the systematics within the subtribe Gonolobinae. Likewise, it highlights Mexico as the center of diversity and endemism for Polystemma.

Gastrointestinal-inert prebiotic micro-composites improve the growth and community diversity of mucosal-associated bacteria.

The process of microencapsulation and the development of microparticle-based drug formulations have gained increased pharmaceutical interest, particularly for drug delivery and bacterial-encapsulation purposes for probiotic delivery. Existing studies have examined microcomposite (MC) responses to gastrointestinal (GI) conditions with the aim of controlling disintegration, and thus release, across the small and large bowel. However, the delivery of MCs which remain intact, without degrading, could act as bacterial growth scaffolds or materials providing a prebiotic support, conferring potentially beneficial GI health properties. This present study employs prilling as a method to produce a portfolio of MCs using a variety of biopolymers (alginate, chitosan, pectin and gellan gum) with a range of MC diameters and density compositions. Fluorescent probes are co-encapsulated within each MC to enable flow-cytometry directed release profile assessments following exposure to chemical simulated gastric and intestinal digestion conditions. We observe that MC size, gel-strength, density, and biopolymer material all influence response to gastric and intestinal conditions. Gellan gum (GG) MCs demonstrated complete resistance to disintegration throughout GI-simulation in the stomach and small intestine. Considering these MCs could reach the colon intact, we then examined how such MCs, doped with prebiotic growth supporting carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polymers, could impact microbial communities using a bioreactor model of the colonic microbiome. Following supplementation with GGCMC MCs, mucosal bacterial diversity (using 16 s rRNA sequencing and Shannon entropy and observed feature diversity metrics) and taxonomic composition changes were observed. Concentrations of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites were also found to be altered. This is the first study to comprehensivelyexamine how MC physicochemistry can be manipulated to tailor MCs to have the desired GI release performance and subsequently, how GI-resistant MCs could have influential microbial altering properties and be adopted in novel prebiotic strategies.

Is the general threatened status of four mammal groups affected by taxonomic changes over time?

The geographic range is a critical factor in assessing species’ threatened status on the IUCN Red List. A smaller geographic range increases the likelihood of a species being classified as threatened. Taxonomic revisions, which can split a widely distributed taxon into multiple smaller-range species, may elevate the threatened status for these newly recognized species. While taxonomic splitting is thought to increase the perceived threatened status of species, data on birds suggest the opposite, with newly recognized species being less threatened. No similar analysis has been conducted for mammals until now. This study compares the relationship between the number of recognized and threatened species in four mammalian orders (Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Chiroptera, and Rodentia) between 2005 and 2022. It was found that increases in species numbers due to taxonomic revisions correlated with increases in threatened species, particularly in Primates and Cetartiodactyla. The overall threatened status of these groups changed over time, with Primates and Cetartiodactyla becoming more threatened, while Rodentia became less threatened. We emphasize the need for consistent criteria in IUCN assessments to avoid biases, and we recommend that changes in the threatened status should only occur with robust evidence.

Notes on the natural history and identity of the pelagic sea snake Hydrophis platurus (Serpentes: Elapidae) from Golfo Dulce, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Introduction: The pelagic sea snake Hydrophis platurus has the broadest distributional range of all the snakes and is the only sea snake of tropical waters off the west coast of the Americas. Within the variation in the color pattern of this species, completely yellow specimens were considered very rare or occasional. However, a yellow pattern dominates a population established in the interior of the Golfo Dulce in the Southern Pacific of Costa Rica. Objective: We studied the abundance, activity patterns, morphometry, and feeding behavior of the yellow H. platurus within the Golfo Dulce. Methods: Between February 2009 and July 2018, we conducted surveys for sea snakes from a boat within the perimeter of the Golfo Dulce. Results: Adults from the gulf population are smaller than the bicolor oceanic population, with females having larger bodies. Sea snakes within the gulf float and move with surface currents without being linked to drift lines and debris. These snakes are mainly found in clean, calm waters with little turbulence. They feed on a wide diversity of small fish, which they capture using passive stalking predatory behaviors floating on the surface. Prey are quickly captured and swallowed alive. This species has an almost total absence of predation, a pattern that extends to this yellow population. Conclusions: The characteristics of the gulf and the direction and strength of the surface currents at its entrance might restrict the transit of this yellow population to the outside and the entry of the bicolored snakes of the oceanic population. We do not consider making taxonomic changes in this Golfo Dulce population prudent. This yellow population is relatively common within the basin. However, the high tourist traffic and other activities are risk factors for its conservation. Protection policies must be created to preserve and protect this small population of yellow sea snakes unique within this species' distribution range.

The Genus Ravenelia: Insights on Taxonomy, Diversity and Distribution.

Ravenelia is the third largest rust genus of the order Pucciniales with more than 200 described species. It is an important rust genus that has undergone tremendous taxonomic changes. This genus produces teliospores united into a head on a compound pedicel composed of two to several hyphae with autoecious, macro-, demi- to hemi-, and, more rarely, microcyclic modes of their life cycle which provide it a unique identity and have proved helpful in the identification of the genus. The current understanding of the taxonomy, history, diversity and distribution of this genus is discussed in this paper. Both online and offline resources were searched to gather data of the published literature. The data thus obtained were analyzed for numerical and graphical summaries to provide the diversity and distribution of the genus. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS and nLSU DNA sequence data available in GenBank and the published literature was performed to examine the taxonomic placement of different species within the genus. The genus was reported to be distributed over 53 countries of the world. Around 51 plant genera belonging to four plant families, viz., Fabaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Asphodelaceae and Zygophyllaceae were found to be infected with these rust fungi. The phylogenetic analysis based on LSU and ITS sequence data revealed the polyphyletic nature of the genus. A table of 248 species of this genus is also provided with all information of host, distribution and cited reference that can be helpful for mycologists to find all information at one place. Future perspectives for the advancement of this genus are also discussed.

The marine cartilaginous fishes and sturgeons of the Sea of Marmara: an updated and annotated checklist

A revised checklist of sharks, batoids, and sturgeons in the Sea of Marmara, Turkey encompasses 41 species across 18 families. It provides a concise historical context and addresses issues related to problematic reports. Furthermore, the paper delves into the analysis of taxonomic changes in other literature reports, aiming to provide a framework for upcoming ichthyological surveys and ecological studies, while also presenting relevant data on the economic significance of select species.

Substituting Refined Sugars With Maple Syrup Decreases Key Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Individuals With Mild Metabolic Alterations: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Crossover Trial

BackgroundMaple syrup, a minimally transformed sweetener rich in polyphenols, can exert a action and improve metabolic parameters in animal models. However, no randomized clinical trial has investigated this. ObjectivesThis study aims to determine whether replacing refined sugars with an equivalent quantity of maple syrup could decrease key cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with mild metabolic alterations. MethodsIn a randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial with 42 overweight adults with mild cardiometabolic alterations, participants were instructed to substitute 5% of their total caloric intake from added sugars with either maple syrup or an artificially flavored sucrose syrup for 8 wk. The primary outcome included changes in glucose homeostasis, whereas secondary outcomes were changes in other cardiometabolic risk factors such as blood pressure, anthropometric indices, and blood lipid profiles. Exploratory outcomes involved analyzing changes in gut microbiota composition. ResultsReplacing refined sugars with maple syrup over 8 wk decreased the glucose area under the curve when compared with substituting refined sugars with sucrose syrup, as determined during the oral glucose tolerance test, leading to a significant difference between the intervention arms (−50.59 ± 201.92 compared with 29.93 ± 154.90; P < 0.047). Substituting refined sugar with maple syrup also significantly decreased android fat mass (−7.83 ± 175.05 g compared with 67.61 ± 206.71 g; P = 0.02) and systolic blood pressure (−2.72 ± 8.73 mm Hg compared with 0.87 ± 8.99 mm Hg; P = 0.03). No changes in the blood lipid profile were observed. As an exploratory outcome, we further observed that substituting refined sugars with maple syrup promoted selective taxonomic changes in the gut microbiota such as a significant reduction in the abundance of Klebsiella species and decreased microbial functions associated with bacterial-induced cytokine response, when compared with substitution with sucrose syrup. ConclusionsSubstituting refined sugars with maple syrup in individuals with mild metabolic alterations result in a significantly greater reduction of key cardiometabolic risk factors compared with substitution with sucrose syrup, in association with specific changes in gut microbiota. The role of the gut microbiota in these effects remains to be further explored.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04117802.

Contextualizing wild cereal harvesting at Middle Palaeolithic Ghar-e Boof in the southern Zagros

A stratigraphic sequence from Ghar-e Boof, a cave site in Iran, covering a period of c. 80,000–30,000 BP and containing more than 20,000 seed and chaff remains, allows a detailed study of the use of annual seed species of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherer groups and its evolution under the influence of changing environmental conditions. Taxonomic changes in the archaeobotanical assemblage and the stable carbon isotope data of pistachio support a considerable change in environmental conditions over the sequence from MIS 5a to MIS 3. The exceptional dominance of wild ancestors of modern crop species, including glume wheat and large-seeded legumes from Middle Palaeolithic layers AH VI (OSL ranges 72–81 ka BP), coincides broadly with the transition from MIS 5a to MIS 4. With the beginning of MIS 4 these taxa are strongly reduced, corresponding with a strong decrease in global CO2 concentrations and in the Δ13C values of Pistacia khinjuk/atlantica from the site. Wild glume wheat completely disappears after Middle Palaeolithic AH Vb and never reappears at the site. We hypothesize that the Middle Palaeolithic niche that allowed the harvesting and consumption of wild cereals and legumes ended with a destabilization of the vegetation in early MIS 4.

The genus Cortinarius should not (yet) be split

The genus Cortinarius (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) is one of the most species-rich fungal genera, with thousands of species reported. Cortinarius species are important ectomycorrhizal fungi and form associations with many vascular plants globally. Until recently Cortinarius was the single genus of the family Cortinariaceae, despite several attempts to provide a workable, lower-rank hierarchical structure based on subgenera and sections. The first phylogenomic study for this group elevated the old genus Cortinarius to family level and the family was split into ten genera, of which seven were described as new. Here, by careful re-examination of the recently published phylogenomic dataset, we detected extensive gene-tree/species-tree conflicts using both concatenation and multispecies coalescent approaches. Our analyses demonstrate that the Cortinarius phylogeny remains unresolved and the resulting phylogenomic hypotheses suffer from very short and unsupported branches in the backbone. We can confirm monophyly of only four out of ten suggested new genera, leaving uncertain the relationships between each other and the general branching order. Thorough exploration of the tree space demonstrated that the topology on which Cortinarius revised classification relies on does not represent the best phylogenetic hypothesis and should not be used as constrained topology to include additional species. For this reason, we argue that based on available evidence the genus Cortinarius should not (yet) be split. Moreover, considering that phylogenetic uncertainty translates to taxonomic uncertainty, we advise for careful evaluation of phylogenomic datasets before proposing radical taxonomic and nomenclatural changes.

The Lasiocampidae (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampoidea) of Maputo Special Reserve, Mozambique: a provisional checklist with descriptions of three new species and taxonomic notes

A preliminary checklist of 39 species of lappet moths (Lasiocampidae) is provided for Maputo Special Reserve in southern Mozambique of which three are new to science, Diapalpus smithi sp. n., Eutricha giustii sp. n. and Rhinobombyx maputoensis sp. n., and a further ten are new country records. Several taxonomic changes are implemented in this paper: the synonymy of Sena prompta plusioides (Walker, 1862) syn. rev. with Sena prompta (Walker, 1855) is revived, Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) pallida Joannou &amp; Krüger, 2009 syn. n. is synonymised with B. (B.) nigrovittata Aurivillius, 1927, and Lebeda mustelina Distant, 1899 is transferred to Leipoxais Holland, 1893 comb. n. Additionally, it is shown that the neotype designation by Zolotuhin &amp; Gurkovich (2009) for Lebeda morosa Walker, 1865 is invalid although a new neotype is not selected as the original type may still be extant. All species, forms and both sexes where present are figured, as are the genitalia in the case of the new species and the comparative material examined.

Taxonomic and functional changes in wheat rhizosphere microbiome caused by imidazoline-based herbicide and genetic modification

Genetically modified (GM) crop cultivation has received a lot of attention in recent years due to the substantial public debate. Consequently, an in-depth investigation of excessively used GM herbicide-tolerant crops is a vital step for the biosafety of genetically modified plants. Several studies have been conducted to study the impact of transgenic GM crops on soil microbial composition; however, research into the effects of non-transgenic GM crops is inadequate. In the current work, high-throughput sequencing was used to evaluate the impact of the acetolactate synthase (ALS)-mutant (WK170B), its control (YN19B), and the imazamox (IM) herbicide on the wheat rhizobiome. Under normal growth conditions, our work revealed a minimal impact of ALS-mutant WK170B on the rhizosphere microbiome compared to the control YN10B, except for some cyanobacterial microorganisms that showed a significant increase in abundance. This suggests that the gene mutation could potentially have a beneficial impact on the bacterial communities present in the rhizosphere. Following IM exposure, taxonomic analysis revealed a significant reduction in the relative abundance of Ralstonia pickettii and an unidentified member of the genus Ancylothrix 8 PC. Analyses of both alpha and beta diversity revealed a statistically significant increase in both microbial richness and species diversity. IM-induced relative abundance modulation was also evident through Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), MetaStat, and heatmap analyses. The SIMPER analysis revealed that the microbial taxa Massilia, Limnobacter, Hydrogenophaga, Ralstonia, Nitrospira, and Ramlibacter exhibited the highest vulnerability to IM exposure. The functional attributes analysis revealed that the relative abundance of genes associated with the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, which is responsible for structural support and stress response, increased significantly following IM exposure. Collectively, our study identifies key microbial taxa in the wheat rhizobiome that are sensitive to IM herbicides and provides a foundation for assessing the environmental risks associated with IM herbicide use.