1
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Marco HG, Glendinning S, Ventura T, Gäde G. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) superfamily across Pancrustacea/Tetraconata: A role in metabolism? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 590:112238. [PMID: 38616035 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather G Marco
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa.
| | - Susan Glendinning
- Centre for BioInnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia; School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Tomer Ventura
- Centre for BioInnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia; School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Gerd Gäde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
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2
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Ma YF, Zhao YQ, Zhou YY, Feng HY, Gong LL, Zhang MQ, Hull JJ, Dewer Y, Roy A, Smagghe G, He M, He P. Nanoparticle-delivered RNAi-based pesticide target screening for the rice pest white-backed planthopper and risk assessment for a natural predator. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171286. [PMID: 38428617 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Vacuolar-type (H+)-ATPase (vATPase) is a conserved multi-subunit eukaryotic enzyme composed of 14 subunits that form a functional complex consisting of an ATP-hydrolytic domain (V1) and a proton-translocation domain (V0). ATP hydrolysis and subsequent H+ translocation rely heavily on a fully assembled V1/V0 complex. Since vATPase is crucial for insect survival, it is a viable molecular target for pest control. However, detailed functional analyses of the 14 subunits and their suitability for pest control have not been fully explored in a single insect species. In this study, we identified 22 vATPase subunit transcripts that correspond to 13 subunits (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, a1, a2, c and d) in the white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera, a major hemipteran pest of rice. RNAi screens using microinjection and spray-based methods revealed that the SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2 subunits are critical. Furthermore, star polymer (SPc) nanoparticles were utilized to conduct spray-induced and nanoparticle-delivered gene silencing (SI-NDGS) to evaluate the pest control efficacy of RNAi targeting the SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2 transcripts. Target mRNA levels and vATPase enzymatic activity were both reduced. Honeydew excreta was likewise reduced in WBPH treated with dsRNAs targeting SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2. To assess the environmental safety of the nanoparticle-wrapped dsRNAs, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter, a major natural enemy of planthoppers, was also sprayed with dsRNAs targeting SfVHA-F, SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2. Post-spray effects of dsSfVHA-a2 and dsSfVHA-c2 on C. lividipennis were innocuous. This study identifies SfVHA-a2 and SfVHA-c2 as promising targets for biorational control of WBPH and lays the foundation for developing environment-friendly RNAi biopesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Feng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Ya-Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Yang-Yuntao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Hong-Yan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Lang-Lang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, 7 Nadi El-Seid Street, Dokki, 12618 Giza, Egypt
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Institute Entomology, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, PR China; Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ming He
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China.
| | - Peng He
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide; Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China.
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3
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van Klink R, Bowler DE, Gongalsky KB, Shen M, Swengel SR, Chase JM. Disproportionate declines of formerly abundant species underlie insect loss. Nature 2024; 628:359-364. [PMID: 38123681 PMCID: PMC11006610 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06861-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Studies have reported widespread declines in terrestrial insect abundances in recent years1-4, but trends in other biodiversity metrics are less clear-cut5-7. Here we examined long-term trends in 923 terrestrial insect assemblages monitored in 106 studies, and found concomitant declines in abundance and species richness. For studies that were resolved to species level (551 sites in 57 studies), we observed a decline in the number of initially abundant species through time, but not in the number of very rare species. At the population level, we found that species that were most abundant at the start of the time series showed the strongest average declines (corrected for regression-to-the-mean effects). Rarer species were, on average, also declining, but these were offset by increases of other species. Our results suggest that the observed decreases in total insect abundance2 can mostly be explained by widespread declines of formerly abundant species. This counters the common narrative that biodiversity loss is mostly characterized by declines of rare species8,9. Although our results suggest that fundamental changes are occurring in insect assemblages, it is important to recognize that they represent only trends from those locations for which sufficient long-term data are available. Nevertheless, given the importance of abundant species in ecosystems10, their general declines are likely to have broad repercussions for food webs and ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel van Klink
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
- Department of Computer Science, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Diana E Bowler
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Crowmarsh Gifford, UK
| | - Konstantin B Gongalsky
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Minghua Shen
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Jonathan M Chase
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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4
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Hancz C, Sultana S, Nagy Z, Biró J. The Role of Insects in Sustainable Animal Feed Production for Environmentally Friendly Agriculture: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1009. [PMID: 38612248 PMCID: PMC11010863 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The growing demand for animal protein, the efficient use of land and water, and the limitations of non-renewable energy sources highlight the global importance of edible insects. This paper provides an overview of the key issues regarding the role of edible insects in sustainable feed production and environmentally friendly agriculture. The indispensable ecological services provided by insects are discussed, as well as the farming, products, and nutritional value of edible insects. A representative selection of the literature reviewing major insect species' chemical compositions and nutritional value is also presented. The use of insect-derived feeds for animal production is presented in detail and discussed for the major terrestrial livestock and aquaculture groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Hancz
- Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Guba S. 40., 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary (S.S.)
| | - Sadia Sultana
- Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Guba S. 40., 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary (S.S.)
| | - Zoltán Nagy
- Research Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Anna-liget 35., 5540 Szarvas, Hungary
| | - Janka Biró
- Research Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Anna-liget 35., 5540 Szarvas, Hungary
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5
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Dalakouras A, Koidou V, Papadopoulou K. DsRNA-based pesticides: Considerations for efficiency and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141530. [PMID: 38401868 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In view of the ongoing climate change and the ever-growing world population, novel agricultural solutions are required to ensure sustainable food supply. Microbials, natural substances, semiochemicals and double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are all considered potential low risk pesticides. DsRNAs function at the molecular level, targeting specific regions of specific genes of specific organisms, provided that they share a minimal sequence complementarity of approximately 20 nucleotides. Thus, dsRNAs may offer a great alternative to conventional chemicals in environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Any low-risk pesticide needs to be efficient and exhibit low toxicological potential and low environmental persistence. Having said that, in the current review, the mode of dsRNA action is explored and the parameters that need to be taken into consideration for the development of efficient dsRNA-based pesticides are highlighted. Moreover, since dsRNAs mode of action differs from those of synthetic pesticides, custom-made risk assessment schemes may be required and thus, critical issues related to the risk assessment of dsRNA pesticides are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Venetia Koidou
- ELGO-DIMITRA, Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, Larissa, Greece; University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliope Papadopoulou
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
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6
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Höglund J, Dias G, Olsen RA, Soares A, Bunikis I, Talla V, Backström N. A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly and Annotation for the Clouded Apollo Butterfly (Parnassius mnemosyne): A Species of Global Conservation Concern. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae031. [PMID: 38368625 PMCID: PMC10901555 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The clouded apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne) is a palearctic butterfly distributed over a large part of western Eurasia, but population declines and fragmentation have been observed in many parts of the range. The development of genomic tools can help to shed light on the genetic consequences of the decline and to make informed decisions about direct conservation actions. Here, we present a high-contiguity, chromosome-level genome assembly of a female clouded apollo butterfly and provide detailed annotations of genes and transposable elements. We find that the large genome (1.5 Gb) of the clouded apollo is extraordinarily repeat rich (73%). Despite that, the combination of sequencing techniques allowed us to assemble all chromosomes (nc = 29) to a high degree of completeness. The annotation resulted in a relatively high number of protein-coding genes (22,854) compared with other Lepidoptera, of which a large proportion (21,635) could be assigned functions based on homology with other species. A comparative analysis indicates that overall genome structure has been largely conserved, both within the genus and compared with the ancestral lepidopteran karyotype. The high-quality genome assembly and detailed annotation presented here will constitute an important tool for forthcoming efforts aimed at understanding the genetic consequences of fragmentation and decline, as well as for assessments of genetic diversity, population structure, inbreeding, and genetic load in the clouded apollo butterfly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Höglund
- Animal Ecology Program, Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG), Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-752 36, Sweden
| | - Guilherme Dias
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
| | - Remi-André Olsen
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna 17165, Sweden
| | - André Soares
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
| | - Ignas Bunikis
- Uppsala Genome Center, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, National Genomics Infrastructure hosted by SciLifeLab, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
| | - Venkat Talla
- Evolutionary Biology Program, Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG), Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-752 36, Sweden
| | - Niclas Backström
- Evolutionary Biology Program, Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG), Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-752 36, Sweden
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7
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Thill A, Cammaerts MC, Balmori A. Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 0:reveh-2023-0072. [PMID: 37990587 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2023-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, insects are declining at an alarming rate. Among other causes, the use of pesticides and modern agricultural practices play a major role in this. Cumulative effects of multiple low-dose toxins and the distribution of toxicants in nature have only started to be investigated in a methodical way. Existing research indicates another factor of anthropogenic origin that could have subtle harmful effects: the increasingly frequent use of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from man-made technologies. This systematic review summarizes the results of studies investigating the toxicity of electromagnetic fields in insects. The main objective of this review is to weigh the evidence regarding detrimental effects on insects from the increasing technological infrastructure, with a particular focus on power lines and the cellular network. The next generation of mobile communication technologies, 5G, is being deployed - without having been tested in respect of potential toxic effects. With humanity's quest for pervasiveness of technology, even modest effects of electromagnetic fields on organisms could eventually reach a saturation level that can no longer be ignored. An overview of reported effects and biological mechanisms of exposure to electromagnetic fields, which addresses new findings in cell biology, is included. Biological effects of non-thermal EMF on insects are clearly proven in the laboratory, but only partly in the field, thus the wider ecological implications are still unknown. There is a need for more field studies, but extrapolating from the laboratory, as is common practice in ecotoxicology, already warrants increasing the threat level of environmental EMF impact on insects.
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Hao Q, Wang L, Liu G, Ren Z, Wu Y, Yu Z, Yu J. Exploring the construction of urban artificial light ecology: a systematic review and the future prospects of light pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:101963-101988. [PMID: 37667125 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29462-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is rapidly growing and expanding globally, posing threats to ecological safety. Urban light pollution prevention and control are moving toward urban artificial light ecology construction. To clarify the need for light ecology construction, this work analyzes 1690 articles on ALAN and light pollution and 604 on ecological light pollution from 1998 to 2022. The development process and thematic evolution of light pollution research are combed through, the historical inevitability of artificial light ecology construction is excavated, and the ecological risks of light pollution to typical animals are summarized. The results show that international research has advanced to the ecological risk factors of light pollution and the related stress mechanisms, the quantification, prediction, and pre-warning by multiple technical means, and the translation of light pollution research outcomes to prevention and control practices. While Chinese scholars have begun to pay attention to the ecological risks of light pollution, the evaluation indicators and prevention and control measures remain primarily based on human-centered needs. Therefore, a more integrated demand-side framework of light ecology construction that comprehensively considers multiple risk receptors is further constructed. Given the development trend in China, we clarified the consistency of the ecological effect of landscape lighting with landsense ecology and the consistency of light ecological risk prevention and control with the concept of One Health. Ultimately, landsense light ecology is proposed based on the "One Health" concept. This work is expected to provide a reference and inspiration for future construction of urban artificial light ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingli Hao
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Lixiong Wang
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Gang Liu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhuofei Ren
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zejun Yu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Juan Yu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China.
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9
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Wyszkowska J, Kobak J, Aonuma H. Electromagnetic field exposure affects the calling song, phonotaxis, and level of biogenic amines in crickets. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93255-93268. [PMID: 37507567 PMCID: PMC10447283 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The electromagnetic field (EMF) is ubiquitous in the environment, constituting a well-known but poorly understood stressor. Few studies have been conducted on insect responses to EMF, although they are an excellent experimental model and are of great ecological importance. In our work, we tested the effects of EMF (50 Hz, 7 mT) on the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus: the male calling song pattern, female mate choice, and levels of biogenic amines in the brain. Exposure of males to EMF increased the number and shortened the period of chips in their calling song (by 2.7% and 5% relative to the control song, respectively), but not the sound frequency. Aged (3-week-old) females were attracted to both natural and EMF-modified male signals, whereas young (1-week-old, virgin) females responded only to the modified signal, suggesting its higher attractance. Stress response of males to EMF may be responsible for the change in the calling song, as suggested by the changes in the amine levels in their brains: an increase in dopamine (by 50% relative to the control value), tyramine (65%), and serotonin (25%) concentration and a decrease in octopamine level (by 25%). These findings indicate that G. bimaculatus responds to EMF, like stressful conditions, which may change the condition and fitness of exposed individuals, disrupt mate selection, and, in consequence, affect the species' existence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wyszkowska
- Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan.
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Jarosław Kobak
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - Hitoshi Aonuma
- Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
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10
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Gandara ACP, Drummond-Barbosa D. Chronic exposure to warm temperature causes low sperm abundance and quality in Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12331. [PMID: 37518578 PMCID: PMC10387475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature influences male fertility across organisms; however, how suboptimal temperatures affect adult spermatogenesis remains understudied. In a recent study on Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis, we observed a drastic reduction in the fertility of adult males exposed to warm temperature (29 °C). Here, we show that males become infertile at 29 °C because of low sperm abundance and quality. The low sperm abundance at 29 °C does not stem from reduced germline stem cell or spermatid numbers, as those numbers remain comparable between 29 °C and control 25 °C. Notably, males at cold 18 °C and 29 °C had similarly increased frequencies of spermatid elongation and individualization defects which, considering the high sperm abundance and male fertility measured at 18 °C, indicate that spermatogenesis has a high tolerance for elongation and individualization defects. Interestingly, the abundance of sperm at 29 °C decreases abruptly and with no evidence of apoptosis as they transition into the seminal vesicle near the end of spermatogenesis, pointing to sperm elimination through an unknown mechanism. Finally, sperm from males at 29 °C fertilize eggs less efficiently and do not support embryos past the first stage of embryogenesis, indicating that poor sperm quality is an additional cause of male infertility at 29 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Caroline P Gandara
- Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Daniela Drummond-Barbosa
- Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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11
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Wang Q, Liu G, Yan L, Xu W, Hilton DJ, Liu X, Pei W, Li X, Wu J, Zhao H, Zhang D, Elgar MA. Short-term particulate matter contamination severely compromises insect antennal olfactory perception. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4112. [PMID: 37433781 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39469-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The consequences of sub-lethal levels of ambient air pollution are underestimated for insects, for example, the accumulation of particulate matter on sensory receptors located on their antennae may have detrimental effects to their function. Here we show that the density of particulate matter on the antennae of houseflies (Musca domestica) collected from an urban environment increases with the severity of air pollution. A combination of behavioural assays, electroantennograms and transcriptomic analysis provide consistent evidence that a brief exposure to particulate matter pollution compromises olfactory perception of reproductive and food odours in both male and female houseflies. Since particulate matter can be transported thousands of kilometres from its origin, these effects may represent an additional factor responsible for global declines in insect numbers, even in pristine and remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qike Wang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Genting Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Liping Yan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Wentian Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Douglas J Hilton
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Xianhui Liu
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Wenya Pei
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Jinbiao Wu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Haifeng Zhao
- Faculty of Architecture, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, China.
| | - Mark A Elgar
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
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12
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Simmons LW, Lovegrove M, Du X(B, Ren Y, Thomas ML. Humidity stress and its consequences for male pre- and post-copulatory fitness traits in an insect. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10244. [PMID: 37404700 PMCID: PMC10316369 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Global declines in insect abundance are of significant concern. While there is evidence that climate change is contributing to insect declines, we know little of the direct mechanisms responsible for these declines. Male fertility is compromised by increasing temperatures, and the thermal limit to fertility has been implicated as an important factor in the response of insects to climate change. However, climate change is affecting both temperature and hydric conditions, and the effects of water availability on male fertility have rarely been considered. Here we exposed male crickets Teleogryllus oceanicus to either low or high-humidity environments while holding temperature constant. We measured water loss and the expression of both pre- and postmating reproductive traits. Males exposed to a low-humidity environment lost more water than males exposed to a high-humidity environment. A male's cuticular hydrocarbon profile (CHC) did not affect the amount of water lost, and males did not adjust the composition of their CHC profiles in response to hydric conditions. Males exposed to a low-humidity environment were less likely to produce courtship song or produced songs of low quality. Their spermatophores failed to evacuate and their ejaculates contained sperm of reduced viability. The detrimental effects of low-humidity on male reproductive traits will compromise male fertility and population persistence. We argue that limits to insect fertility based on temperature alone are likely to underestimate the true effects of climate change on insect persistence and that the explicit incorporation of water regulation into our modeling will yield more accurate predictions of the effects of climate change on insect declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh W. Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Maxine Lovegrove
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Xin (Bob) Du
- Harry Butler InstituteMurdoch UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Yonglin Ren
- Harry Butler InstituteMurdoch UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Melissa L. Thomas
- Harry Butler InstituteMurdoch UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- CSIRO Health and BiosecurityCSIRO Land and WaterFloreatWestern AustraliaAustralia
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13
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Bauer IL. The oral repellent - science fiction or common sense? Insects, vector-borne diseases, failing strategies, and a bold proposition. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 37381000 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-023-00195-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, unimaginable amounts of money have gone into research and development of vector control measures, repellents, treatment, and vaccines for vector borne diseases. Technological progress and scientific breakthroughs allowed for ever more sophisticated and futuristic strategies. Yet, each year, millions of people still die or suffer from potentially serious consequences of malaria or dengue to more recent infections, such as zika or chikungunya, or of debilitating consequences of neglected tropical diseases. This does not seem value for money. In addition, all current vector control strategies and personal protection methods have shortcomings, some serious, that are either destructive to non-target species or unsatisfactory in their effectiveness. On the other hand, the rapid decline in insect populations and their predators reflects decades-long aggressive and indiscriminate vector control. This major disruption of biodiversity has an impact on human life not anticipated by the well-meaning killing of invertebrates. The objective of this paper is to re-examine current control methods, their effectiveness, their impact on biodiversity, human and animal health, and to call for scientific courage in the pursuit of fresh ideas. This paper brings together topics that are usually presented in isolation, thereby missing important links that offer potential solutions to long-standing problems in global health. First, it serves as a reminder of the importance of insects to human life and discusses the few that play a role in transmitting disease. Next, it examines critically the many currently employed vector control strategies and personal protection methods. Finally, based on new insights into insect chemo-sensation and attractants, this perspective makes a case for revisiting a previously abandoned idea, the oral repellent, and its use via currently successful methods of mass-application. The call is out for focused research to provide a powerful tool for public health, tropical medicine, and travel medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmgard L Bauer
- College of Healthcare Sciences, Academy - Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
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14
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Jägerbrand A, Andersson P, Nilsson Tengelin M. Dose-effects in behavioural responses of moths to light in a controlled lab experiment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10339. [PMID: 37365218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37256-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects play a critical role in providing numerous ecosystem services. However, insect diversity and biomass have been declining dramatically, with artificial light being suggested as a contributing factor. Despite the importance of understanding the dose-effect responses of insects to light emissions, these responses have been rarely studied. We examined the dose-effect responses of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.) to different light intensities (14 treatments and a dark control) by observing their behavioural responses in a light-tight box equipped with a LED light source (4070 K) and infrared cameras. Our findings reveal dose-effect responses to light, as the frequency of walking on the light source increased with higher light intensity. Additionally, moths exhibited jumps in front of the light source and jump frequency increased with light intensity. No direct flight-to-light behaviour or activity suppression in response to light was observed. Based on our analysis of the dose-effect responses, we identified a threshold value of 60 cd/m2 for attraction (walking on the light source) and the frequency of jumps. The experimental design in this study offers a valuable tool for investigating dose-effect relationships and behavioural responses of various species to different light levels or specific light sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Jägerbrand
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Science, Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden.
| | | | - Maria Nilsson Tengelin
- Department of Measurement Science and Technology, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden
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15
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Zharkov D, Nizamutdinov T, Dubovikoff D, Abakumov E, Pospelova A. Navigating Agricultural Expansion in Harsh Conditions in Russia: Balancing Development with Insect Protection in the Era of Pesticides. INSECTS 2023; 14:557. [PMID: 37367373 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
As the world's population continues to increase, ensuring food security becomes a major problem. This often leads to the expansion of agricultural production, even in harsh conditions and becomes a key problem for many countries, including Russia. However, such expansion may entail certain costs, including the potential loss of insect populations, which are vital for ecological balance and agricultural productivity. The development of fallow lands in these regions is necessary to increase food production and increase food security; it is important to balance this with protection from harmful insects and sustainable farming methods. Research into the effects of insecticides on insects is an ongoing challenge, and new, sustainable farming methods are needed to ensure that protection from harmful insects and sustainable development can coexist. This article discusses the use of pesticides to protect the well-being of mankind, the problems of studying the effects of pesticides on insects and the vulnerability of insects to pesticides in regions with harsh conditions. It also discusses successful methods of sustainable agriculture and the importance of the legal framework governing the use of pesticides. The article emphasises the importance of balanced development with insect protection to ensure the sustainability of agricultural expansion in harsh conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Zharkov
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Timur Nizamutdinov
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Dmitry Dubovikoff
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Evgeny Abakumov
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Alena Pospelova
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Perm State National Research University, Perm 614068, Russia
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16
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Macrì M, Gea M, Piccini I, Dessì L, Santovito A, Bonelli S, Schilirò T, Bonetta S. Cabbage butterfly as bioindicator species to investigate the genotoxic effects of PM 10. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:45285-45294. [PMID: 36705823 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25510-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric pollution poses a serious threat to environment and human health, and particulate matter (PM) is one of the major contributors. Biological effects induced by PM are investigated through in vitro assays using cells and by in vivo tests with laboratory model animals. However, also the estimation of adverse effects of pollutants, including airborne ones, on wild animals, such as insects, is an essential component of environmental risk assessment. Among insects, butterflies are sensitive to environmental changes and are important wild pollinators, so they might be suitable as environmental bioindicator species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a wild cabbage butterfly species (Pieris brassicae) as a bioindicator organism to assess the genotoxic effects of PM10 collected in different sites. PM10 was collected from April to September in urban, suburban, and rural sites. P. brassicae larvae were reared in laboratory under controlled conditions on cabbage plants and exposed to PM10 organic extracts or dimethyl sulfoxide (controls) through vaporization. After exposure, larvae were dissected, and cells were used for comet assay. All PM extracts induced significant DNA damage in exposed larvae compared to controls and the extract collected in the most polluted site caused the highest genotoxic effect. In conclusion, the study suggested that butterflies, such as P. brassicae, could be applied as sensitive and promising bioindicators to investigate air quality and PM genotoxicity. Indeed, the use of these organisms allows the detection of genotoxic effects induced by PM sampled also in low-polluted areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Macrì
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Gea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 Bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Irene Piccini
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Dessì
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Alfredo Santovito
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Simona Bonelli
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 Bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 Bis, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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17
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Das S, Mishra AJ. Climate change and the Western Himalayan community: Exploring the local perspective through food choices. AMBIO 2023; 52:534-545. [PMID: 36480087 PMCID: PMC9735043 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01810-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The local belief systems are crucial for climate change adaptation. Even climate experts are unanimous about the fundamental association between local beliefs and climate change adaptation strategies. However, the local perspective is missing from the significant policy dialog platforms. The local beliefs can potentially serve as both objective and psychological refuge for local societies during climate-related emergencies. Similarly, only limited studies have acknowledged the significance of local food choices, providing a model for global responses to climate change. The objective of the study is (i) to explore the local community's insights and awareness of climate change and (ii) to assess the impact on local food choices affecting their food security in the face of climate change in the Western Himalayan Region, India. The study is based on 210 in-depth household interviews and surveys in 10 villages of Uttarakhand, India. The exploratory factor and thematic analysis results highlight the significance of local perception of climatic variabilities, food choices, and beliefs in climate change adaptation policies. Hence, the current study's outcomes emphasize on the integration and promotion of both scientific methods and local knowledge for inclusive climate change adaptation and food security policies in the Himalayan Region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Das
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667 India
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18
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Powell KE, Oliver TH, Johns T, González‐Suárez M, England J, Roy DB. Abundance trends for river macroinvertebrates vary across taxa, trophic group and river typology. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:1282-1295. [PMID: 36462155 PMCID: PMC10107317 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
There is mounting evidence that terrestrial arthropods are declining rapidly in many areas of the world. It is unclear whether freshwater invertebrates, which are key providers of ecosystem services, are also declining. We addressed this question by analysing a long-term dataset of macroinvertebrate abundance collected from 2002 to 2019 across 5009 sampling sites in English rivers. Patterns varied markedly across taxonomic groups. Within trophic groups we detected increases in the abundance of carnivores by 19% and herbivores by 14.8%, while we estimated decomposers have declined by 21.7% in abundance since 2002. We also found heterogeneity in trends across rivers belonging to different typologies based on geological dominance and catchment altitude, with organic lowland rivers having generally higher rates of increase in abundance across taxa and trophic groups, with siliceous lowland rivers having the most declines. Our results reveal a complex picture of change in freshwater macroinvertebrate abundance between taxonomic groups, trophic levels and river typologies. Our analysis helps with identifying priority regions for action on potential environmental stressors where we discover macroinvertebrate abundance declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Powell
- UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingfordUK
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Tom H. Oliver
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | | | | | | | - David B. Roy
- UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingfordUK
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19
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Marques da Fonseca A, Freire da Silva A, Barbosa da Silva FL, Caluaco BJ, Gaieta EM, Nunes da Rocha M, Colares RP, Sobczak JF, Marinho GS, Dos Santos HS, Marinho ES. Isolation, characterization and in silico study of propenamide alkaloids from Hymenoepmecis bicolor poison against active μ-opioid receptor. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14621-14637. [PMID: 36815273 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2183043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Some insects produce venoms to defend against predators and directly interact with opioid receptors. In the present study, it was identified two alkaloids in the wasp venom species Hymenoepimecis bicolor. It was demonstrated that these could act as potential inhibitors of opioid receptors through their robust affinity to the receptors. The interaction profile was given to opioid receptors (μOR), with 60% of targets similar to alkaloid 1, with 0.25 probability, and 46.7% of targets similar to alkaloid 2, with a probability 0.17 of affinity as a target, which is considered signaling macromolecules and can mediate the most potent analgesic and addictive properties of opiate alkaloids. Notably, both alkaloids showed -7.6 kcal/mol affinity to the morphine agonies through six residues, Gly124, Asp147, Trp293, Ile296, Ile322, and Tyr326. These observations suggest further research on opioid receptors using in vitro studies of possible therapeutic applications.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aluísio Marques da Fonseca
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Nature, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção, CE, Brazil
| | - Ananias Freire da Silva
- Institute of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia, Redenção, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco Lennon Barbosa da Silva
- Institute of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia, Redenção, CE, Brazil
| | - Bernardino Joaquim Caluaco
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Nature, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção, CE, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Menezes Gaieta
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Nature, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção, CE, Brazil
| | - Matheus Nunes da Rocha
- Faculty of Philosophy Dom Aureliano Matos, State University of Ceará, Limoeiro do Norte, CE, Brazil
| | - Regilany Paulo Colares
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Nature, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção, CE, Brazil
| | - Jober Fernando Sobczak
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Nature, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção, CE, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Silva Marinho
- Faculty of Philosophy Dom Aureliano Matos, State University of Ceará, Limoeiro do Norte, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Faculty of Philosophy Dom Aureliano Matos, State University of Ceará, Limoeiro do Norte, CE, Brazil
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20
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Chen S, Luo X, Nanda S, Yang C, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. RNAi-Based Biopesticides Against 28-Spotted Ladybeetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Does Not Harm the Insect Predator Propylea japonica. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3373-3384. [PMID: 36762732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated control of the notorious pest Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is an emerging environment friendly research area. However, the characterization of key target genes in H. vigintioctopunctata is crucial for this. Additionally, assessing the risk of RNAi to nontarget organisms (NTOs) is necessary for environmental safety. In this study, the potential of RNAi technology in controlling H. vigintioctopunctata infestation has been investigated by the oral delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The results revealed that the silencing of six genes, including HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k, was highly lethal to H. vigintioctopunctata. The LC50 values of the dsRNAs used to silence these six genes were found to be less than 13 ng/μL. Moreover, the use of the bacterially expressed dsRNAs caused high mortality in the lab and field populations of H. vigintioctopunctata. Further, administration of HvHel25E and HvSrp54k dsRNAs in the predatory lady beetle Propylea japonica confirmed no transcriptional or organismal levels effects. This risk-assessment result ensured no off-target RNAi effects on the NTOs. Overall, the findings of the study suggested that HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k can be novel promising molecular targets with high specificity for H. vigintioctopunctata management with negligible effects on the NTOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xuming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi 761200, India
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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21
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Hassenbach C, Buchner L, Haug GT, Haug C, Haug JT. An Expanded View on the Morphological Diversity of Long-Nosed Antlion Larvae Further Supports a Decline of Silky Lacewings in the Past 100 Million Years. INSECTS 2023; 14:170. [PMID: 36835743 PMCID: PMC9966087 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lacewings have been suggested to be a relict group. This means that the group of lacewings, Neuroptera, should have been more diverse in the past, which also applies to many ingroups of Neuroptera. Psychopsidae, the group of silky lacewings, is one of the ingroups of Neuroptera which is relatively species-poor in the modern fauna. Larvae of the group Psychopsidae, long-nosed antlions, can be easily identified as such in being larvae of antlion-like lacewings without teeth in their stylets (=compound structure of mandible and maxilla), with empodia (=attachment structures on legs) and with a prominent forward-protruding labrum. Therefore, such larvae can also be recognised in the fossil record. An earlier study demonstrated a decline in the morphological diversity of long-nosed antlion larvae over the past 100 million years. Here, we report several dozen new long-nosed antlion larvae and expand the earlier quantitative study. Our results further corroborate the decline of silky lacewings. Yet, a lack of an indication of saturation indicates that we have still not approached the original diversity of long-nosed antlions in the Cretaceous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Hassenbach
- Faculty of Biology, Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Laura Buchner
- Faculty of Biology, Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gideon T. Haug
- Faculty of Biology, Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Carolin Haug
- Faculty of Biology, Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- GeoBio-Center at LMU, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim T. Haug
- Faculty of Biology, Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- GeoBio-Center at LMU, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 Munich, Germany
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22
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Kasiske T, Dauber J, Harpke A, Klimek S, Kühn E, Settele J, Musche M. Livestock density affects species richness and community composition of butterflies: A nationwide study. ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS 2023; 146:109866. [PMID: 36777177 PMCID: PMC9904221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.109866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Extensively managed grasslands are globally recognized for their high biodiversity value. Over the past century, a continuous loss and degradation of grassland habitats has been observed across Europe that is mainly attributable to agricultural intensification and land abandonment. Particularly insects have suffered from the loss of grassland habitats due to land-use change and the decrease in habitat quality, either due to an increase in livestock density, higher mowing frequency, and an increase in nitrogen fertilization, or by abandonment. However, only a few studies have used nationwide datasets to analyse the effects of land cover and land-use intensity on insects. It further remains largely unexplored how these effects are modulated by species traits, i.e. habitat specialisation and mobility. Using nationwide butterfly data originating from the German Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, we investigated the effect of three indicators related to land cover and agricultural land-use intensity on species richness as well as trait composition of butterfly communities. Based on agricultural census data at the municipality scale, we calculated the share of permanent grasslands (measure of habitat availability), the total livestock density (proxy for organic fertilization) and the livestock density of domestic herbivores (proxy for management intensity in grasslands) within a 2 km buffer surrounding each butterfly transect. To analyse the relationships between butterflies and indicators of land cover and land-use intensity, we applied generalised linear mixed effect models. We found a negative relationship between butterfly species richness and the livestock density of domestic herbivores. Further, the ratio of butterfly generalist to specialist species shifted towards generalists and the size of butterflies increased with higher herbivore livestock density, indicating a shift in communities towards mobile habitat generalists. Our results are in accordance with previous studies carried out across smaller geographic extents, highlighting the importance of low herbivore livestock densities to halt the loss of pollinating insects and safeguard biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. We here demonstrate that indicators based on livestock distribution data at the municipality scale can provide insights into processes and spatial diversity patterns of butterflies at the national level. Further, we highlight potentials and limitations of using agricultural census data to quantify and assess effects of land cover and land-use intensity on butterflies, and make recommendations for further research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Kasiske
- Thünen-Institute of Biodiversity, Braunschweig, Germany
- Biodiversity of Agricultural Landscapes, Institute of Geoecology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jens Dauber
- Thünen-Institute of Biodiversity, Braunschweig, Germany
- Biodiversity of Agricultural Landscapes, Institute of Geoecology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Alexander Harpke
- Department of Community Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Halle, Germany
- Department of Conservation Biology and Social-Ecological Systems, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Halle, Germany
| | | | - Elisabeth Kühn
- Department of Conservation Biology and Social-Ecological Systems, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Halle, Germany
| | - Josef Settele
- Department of Conservation Biology and Social-Ecological Systems, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Halle, Germany
- iDiv - German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Martin Musche
- Department of Conservation Biology and Social-Ecological Systems, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Halle, Germany
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23
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Nessel MP, Konnovitch T, Romero GQ, González AL. Decline of insects and arachnids driven by nutrient enrichment: A meta-analysis. Ecology 2023; 104:e3897. [PMID: 36217891 PMCID: PMC10078409 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have documented global declines in insects and their relatives, but the exact mechanisms explaining these patterns are not fully understood. A potential driver underlying arthropod population declines is increases in anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Here, we synthesize the effects of N, P, and combined N + P enrichment on the abundance of hexapods (insects and collembola) and arachnids from 901 experiments reported in 84 studies. We found that N and combined N + P enrichment caused significant decreases in the abundance of these groups overall. While arthropod responses to nutrient enrichment across aquatic and terrestrial habitats and in temperate as well as tropical climatic zones differed in magnitude, our results suggest that arthropods are decreasing similarly in response to nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment. Further, despite previously shown differences in the nutrient demands of different insect metamorphosis groups, we found consistent negative effects of N + P enrichment on all groups. Our results also showed that the negative effects of nutrient additions are stronger for aquatic insects that are considered more sensitive to changes in physical-chemical parameters in their environments, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT), compared with other aquatic insects. In addition, N + P enrichment reduced the abundance of above-ground and below-ground arthropods, suggesting that a similar mechanism driving arthropod community change is acting on both groups. These findings suggest that changes in elemental cycles are a potential cause of the ongoing global decline of arthropods and underscore the serious effects of nutrient enrichment on ecological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Nessel
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Theresa Konnovitch
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA.,Biology Department, La Salle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gustavo Q Romero
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angélica L González
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA.,Biology Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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24
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Harvey JA, Tougeron K, Gols R, Heinen R, Abarca M, Abram PK, Basset Y, Berg M, Boggs C, Brodeur J, Cardoso P, de Boer JG, De Snoo GR, Deacon C, Dell JE, Desneux N, Dillon ME, Duffy GA, Dyer LA, Ellers J, Espíndola A, Fordyce J, Forister ML, Fukushima C, Gage MJG, García‐Robledo C, Gely C, Gobbi M, Hallmann C, Hance T, Harte J, Hochkirch A, Hof C, Hoffmann AA, Kingsolver JG, Lamarre GPA, Laurance WF, Lavandero B, Leather SR, Lehmann P, Le Lann C, López‐Uribe MM, Ma C, Ma G, Moiroux J, Monticelli L, Nice C, Ode PJ, Pincebourde S, Ripple WJ, Rowe M, Samways MJ, Sentis A, Shah AA, Stork N, Terblanche JS, Thakur MP, Thomas MB, Tylianakis JM, Van Baaren J, Van de Pol M, Van der Putten WH, Van Dyck H, Verberk WCEP, Wagner DL, Weisser WW, Wetzel WC, Woods HA, Wyckhuys KAG, Chown SL. Scientists' warning on climate change and insects. ECOL MONOGR 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Harvey
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen The Netherlands
- Department of Ecological Sciences Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Kévin Tougeron
- Earth and Life Institute, Ecology & Biodiversity Université catholique de Louvain Louvain‐la‐Neuve Belgium
- EDYSAN, UMR 7058, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, CNRS Amiens France
| | - Rieta Gols
- Laboratory of Entomology Wageningen University Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Robin Heinen
- Department of Life Science Systems, School of Life Sciences Technical University of Munich, Terrestrial Ecology Research Group Freising Germany
| | - Mariana Abarca
- Department of Biological Sciences Smith College Northampton Massachusetts USA
| | - Paul K. Abram
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada, Agassiz Research and Development Centre Agassiz British Columbia Canada
| | - Yves Basset
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Panama City Republic of Panama
- Department of Ecology Institute of Entomology, Czech Academy of Sciences Ceske Budejovice Czech Republic
| | - Matty Berg
- Department of Ecological Sciences Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Carol Boggs
- School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment and Department of Biological Sciences University of South Carolina Columbia South Carolina USA
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Gothic Colorado USA
| | - Jacques Brodeur
- Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Département de sciences biologiques Université de Montréal Montréal Québec Canada
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Jetske G. de Boer
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Geert R. De Snoo
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Charl Deacon
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Jane E. Dell
- Geosciences and Natural Resources Department Western Carolina University Cullowhee North Carolina USA
| | | | - Michael E. Dillon
- Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Grant A. Duffy
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Marine Science University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Lee A. Dyer
- University of Nevada Reno – Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Reno Nevada USA
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Sciences Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Anahí Espíndola
- Department of Entomology University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
| | - James Fordyce
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Tennessee, Knoxville Knoxville Tennessee USA
| | - Matthew L. Forister
- University of Nevada Reno – Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Reno Nevada USA
| | - Caroline Fukushima
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | | | | | - Claire Gely
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Cairns Queensland Australia
| | - Mauro Gobbi
- MUSE‐Science Museum, Research and Museum Collections Office Climate and Ecology Unit Trento Italy
| | - Caspar Hallmann
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Thierry Hance
- Earth and Life Institute, Ecology & Biodiversity Université catholique de Louvain Louvain‐la‐Neuve Belgium
| | - John Harte
- Energy and Resources Group University of California Berkeley California USA
| | - Axel Hochkirch
- Department of Biogeography Trier University Trier Germany
- IUCN SSC Invertebrate Conservation Committee
| | - Christian Hof
- Department of Life Science Systems, School of Life Sciences Technical University of Munich, Terrestrial Ecology Research Group Freising Germany
| | - Ary A. Hoffmann
- Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Joel G. Kingsolver
- Department of Biology University of North Carolina Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Greg P. A. Lamarre
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Panama City Republic of Panama
- Department of Ecology Institute of Entomology, Czech Academy of Sciences Ceske Budejovice Czech Republic
| | - William F. Laurance
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Cairns Queensland Australia
| | - Blas Lavandero
- Laboratorio de Control Biológico Universidad de Talca Talca Chile
| | - Simon R. Leather
- Center for Integrated Pest Management Harper Adams University Newport UK
| | - Philipp Lehmann
- Department of Zoology Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- Zoological Institute and Museum University of Greifswald Greifswald Germany
| | - Cécile Le Lann
- University of Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)] ‐ UMR 6553 Rennes France
| | | | - Chun‐Sen Ma
- Climate Change Biology Research Group, State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing China
| | - Gang Ma
- Climate Change Biology Research Group, State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing China
| | | | | | - Chris Nice
- Department of Biology Texas State University San Marcos Texas USA
| | - Paul J. Ode
- Department of Agricultural Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Sylvain Pincebourde
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7261, CNRS Université de Tours Tours France
| | - William J. Ripple
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society Oregon State University Oregon USA
| | - Melissah Rowe
- Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Department of Animal Ecology Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Michael J. Samways
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Arnaud Sentis
- INRAE, Aix‐Marseille University, UMR RECOVER Aix‐en‐Provence France
| | - Alisha A. Shah
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Department of Integrative Biology Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
| | - Nigel Stork
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - John S. Terblanche
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Madhav P. Thakur
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution University of Bern Bern Switzerland
| | - Matthew B. Thomas
- York Environmental Sustainability Institute and Department of Biology University of York York UK
| | - Jason M. Tylianakis
- Bioprotection Aotearoa, School of Biological Sciences University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Joan Van Baaren
- University of Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)] ‐ UMR 6553 Rennes France
| | - Martijn Van de Pol
- Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Department of Animal Ecology Wageningen The Netherlands
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Wim H. Van der Putten
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Hans Van Dyck
- Earth and Life Institute, Ecology & Biodiversity Université catholique de Louvain Louvain‐la‐Neuve Belgium
| | | | - David L. Wagner
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Wolfgang W. Weisser
- Department of Life Science Systems, School of Life Sciences Technical University of Munich, Terrestrial Ecology Research Group Freising Germany
| | - William C. Wetzel
- Department of Entomology, Department of Integrative Biology, and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
| | - H. Arthur Woods
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula Montana USA
| | - Kris A. G. Wyckhuys
- Chrysalis Consulting Hanoi Vietnam
- China Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing China
| | - Steven L. Chown
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
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25
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Pislak Ocepek M, Glavan G, Verovnik R, Šimenc L, Toplak I. First Detection of Honeybee Pathogenic Viruses in Butterflies. INSECTS 2022; 13:925. [PMID: 36292873 PMCID: PMC9604290 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Several pathogens are important causes of the observed pollinator decline, some of which could be transmitted between different pollinator species. To determine whether honeybee viruses can be transmitted to butterflies, a total of 120 butterflies were sampled at four locations in Slovenia. At each location, butterflies from three families (Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Hesperiidae/Lycenidae) and Carniolan honeybees (Apis mellifera carnica) were collected. The RNA of six honeybee viruses, i.e., acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), deformed wing virus A (DWV-A), Sacbrood bee virus (SBV), and Lake Sinai virus 3 (LSV3), was detected by a specific quantitative method (RT-PCR). The presence of ABPV, BQCV, LSV3, and SBV was detected in both butterflies and honeybees. All butterfly and bee samples were negative for CBPV, while DWV-A was detected only in honeybees. The viral load in the positive butterfly samples was much lower than in the positive bee samples, which could indicate that butterflies are passive carriers of bee viruses. The percentage of positive butterfly samples was higher when the butterflies were collected at sampling sites with a higher density of apiaries. Therefore, we believe that infected bees are a necessary condition for the presence of viruses in cohabiting butterflies. This is the first study on the presence of pathogenic bee viruses in butterflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metka Pislak Ocepek
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gordana Glavan
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rudi Verovnik
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Laura Šimenc
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Toplak
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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26
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Castellanos NL, Smagghe G, Taning CNT, Oliveira EE, Christiaens O. Risk assessment of RNAi-based pesticides to non-target organisms: Evaluating the effects of sequence similarity in the parasitoid wasp Telenomus podisi. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154746. [PMID: 35337872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides are promising novel pest management products that might reduce environmental impacts compared to other pesticides. Their sequence-guided mode of action facilitates a high species-selectivity, preventing harm on non-target organisms. However, there is currently no consensus on the minimum needed sequence similarity for efficient RNAi in insects and studies have shown that adverse effects in non-targets cannot always be ruled out a priori. This study investigates the effects of exposing the parasitoid wasp Telenomus podisi to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) which is lethal to its host, the Neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros. Feeding T. podisi with wasp-specific dsRNA targeting the vATPase A and actin-2 genes led to 76.4 ± 9.9% and 76.7 ± 8.8% mortality respectively, demonstrating that dietary RNAi is functional in T. podisi. When feeding T. podisi with E. heros-specific dsRNA targeting the same genes, no lethal or sublethal effects were observed. To link sequence similarity to potential gene silencing effects in the parasitoids, the expression of genes showing the highest degree of similarity (17-21 nucleotide matches) with these two target genes was monitored and was found unaffected by the E. heros-specific dsRNA. Our study confirms that RNAi was in this case highly specific and that for E. heros, RNAi-based pesticides can be used complementary to biological control in an integrated pest management context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly L Castellanos
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Eugênio E Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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27
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Abstract
The economic and social development evaluation system with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the leading indicator is no longer applicable to the current social progress in China. It is essential to carry out an assessment of the Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) to integrate ecological benefits into the economic and social evaluation system and promote sustainable socio-economic development. This study took Guangxi, an important province in South China, as the study area. We used four periods of land use and land cover data (LULC), meteorological data, soil data and yearbook statistics to construct a GEP assessment framework based on geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) technologies. We accounted for the provisioning services, regulating services, and tourism services provided by Guangxi in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 and analyzed the region’s and municipalities’ spatial–temporal pattern characteristics and trends of change in GEP. In addition, this study also discusses the relationship between GEP and GDP. The results showed that many important products and services provided by natural ecosystems in Guangxi had enormous economic benefits. GEP had increased from CNY 15,657.37 billion in 2005 to CNY 36,677.04 billion in 2020, and the distribution of GEP showed obvious spatial heterogeneity. The value of ecosystem regulation services was about 65–89% of GEP, which is the main component of GEP. From 2005 to 2020, natural ecosystem protection and socio-economic development have achieved coordinated development in Guangxi. GEP and GDP showed upward trends in general. Although Guangxi is relatively backward in terms of economic development, the scientific quantification of the unrealized value of the services provided by the ecosystem through GEP accounting makes it possible to transform ecological advantages into economic advantages. It could help the local government and people to re-recognize the value of ecological resources and realize the beautiful vision of lucid waters and lush mountains as invaluable assets.
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28
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Blaise C, Mazzia C, Bischoff A, Millon A, Ponel P, Blight O. Vegetation increases abundances of ground and canopy arthropods in Mediterranean vineyards. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3680. [PMID: 35256651 PMCID: PMC8901849 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The decline of arthropod populations observed in many parts of the world is a major component of the sixth mass extinction with intensive agriculture being one of its main drivers. Biodiversity-friendly farming practices are taking centre stage in the recovery process. In vineyards, vegetation cover is commonly used for production purposes, to reduce soil compaction by machinery use and soil erosion. Here we examined the effects of vegetation cover and soil management on the abundance of ground- (spiders, beetles, Hemiptera and harvestmen) and canopy-dwelling (wild bees, green lacewings, beetles and Hemiptera) arthropods in three categories of vineyards: (i) vineyards with no vegetation, (ii) partially vegetated (every second inter-row is vegetated) and (iii) all inter-rows are vegetated. We recorded a general positive effect of a decrease in soil perturbation intensity and corresponding higher vegetation cover on arthropod abundance. Plant species richness was the most important vegetation parameter, with a positive effect on spiders, harvestmen, hemipterans and beetles (ground and canopy) abundances. Using a path analysis, we also highlighted the central role of inter-row vegetation management in trophic and non-trophic relationships between vegetation and arthropods, and between arthropod groups. Our results demonstrate the benefits of a softer soil management preserving a diverse vegetation cover for the conservation of arthropods in Mediterranean vineyards.
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29
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Gandara ACP, Drummond-Barbosa D. Warm and cold temperatures have distinct germline stem cell lineage effects during Drosophila oogenesis. Development 2022; 149:274368. [PMID: 35156684 PMCID: PMC8959152 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite their medical and economic relevance, it remains largely unknown how suboptimal temperatures affect adult insect reproduction. Here, we report an in-depth analysis of how chronic adult exposure to suboptimal temperatures affects oogenesis using the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. In adult females maintained at 18°C (cold) or 29°C (warm), relative to females at the 25°C control temperature, egg production was reduced through distinct cellular mechanisms. Chronic 18°C exposure improved germline stem cell maintenance, survival of early germline cysts and oocyte quality, but reduced follicle growth with no obvious effect on vitellogenesis. By contrast, in females at 29°C, germline stem cell numbers and follicle growth were similar to those at 25°C, while early germline cyst death and degeneration of vitellogenic follicles were markedly increased and oocyte quality plummeted over time. Finally, we also show that these effects are largely independent of diet, male factors or canonical temperature sensors. These findings are relevant not only to cold-blooded organisms, which have limited thermoregulation, but also potentially to warm-blooded organisms, which are susceptible to hypothermia, heatstroke and fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Caroline P Gandara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daniela Drummond-Barbosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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30
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Steward AL, Datry T, Langhans SD. The terrestrial and semi-aquatic invertebrates of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1408-1425. [PMID: 35229438 PMCID: PMC9542210 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES), which cease flow and/or dry at some point, are the most abundant waterways on earth, and are found on every continent. They can support a diverse, and often abundant, terrestrial and semi‐aquatic invertebrate (TSAI) fauna, which has been poorly explored due to its position at the fringe between aquatic and terrestrial disciplines. TSAIs can inhabit a variety of habitat types, including the shoreline, the surface of exposed gravel bars, unsaturated gravels, dry riverbeds, riparian zones, and floodplains. Much less is known about the species composition and ecological roles of TSAIs of IRES than their aquatic counterparts, with TSAIs being largely overlooked in conceptual models, legislation, policy, and ecological monitoring. Herein we review the TSAI literature that has increased substantially over the last decade and present conceptual models describing how TSAIs respond to hydrological changes in IRES. Then, we test these models with data collected during wet and dry phases in IRES from Australia and France. These generic models can be utilised by water managers and policy makers, ensuring that both wet and dry phases are considered in the management and protection of IRES. IRES should be viewed as a habitat continuum through time, with taxa from a pool of aquatic, semi‐aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates inhabiting at any hydrological stage. We call for collaboration among terrestrial and aquatic ecologists to explore these invertebrates and ecosystems further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha L Steward
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane, QLD, 4001.,Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD, 4111
| | - Thibault Datry
- INRAE, UR RIVERLY, centre de Lyon-Villeurbanne, 5 rue de la Doua CS70077, Villeurbanne cedex, 69626, France
| | - Simone D Langhans
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, 9220, Denmark
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31
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Georgiadis NM, Dimitropoulos G, Avanidou K, Bebeli P, Bergmeier E, Dervisoglou S, Dimopoulos T, Grigoropoulou D, Hadjigeorgiou I, Kairis O, Kakalis E, Kosmas K, Meyer S, Panitsa M, Perdikis D, Sfakianou D, Tsiopelas N, Kizos T. Farming practices and biodiversity: Evidence from a Mediterranean semi-extensive system on the island of Lemnos (North Aegean, Greece). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 303:114131. [PMID: 34838379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The management of agroecosystems affects biodiversity at all levels from genetic to food-web complexity. Low-input farming systems support higher levels of genetic, species and habitat diversity than high-input, industrial ones. In Greece, as in other Mediterranean countries, the role of traditional farming practices has been underlined in studies concerning conservation in agricultural landscapes. With this study, we aim to provide evidence for the potential of semi-extensive farming for biodiversity conservation at landscape-scale, focusing on Lemnos, a medium-sized island in the North Aegean. Evidence was gathered by species- and community-level local-scale surveys on various trophic levels (vascular plants, arthropods, birds). The surveys took place in 2018 and 2019 in 25 sampling areas comprising 106 plots of 100 m2 (vascular plants, arthropods) and 57 points where bird species were recorded. The plots were classified into three landscape types: mosaic agriculture, mixed rangelands and uniform rangelands. The relevés of Lemnos farmlands were assigned to plant communities of 18 phytosociological alliances, grouped into 12 classes. The most abundant arthropods were Coleoptera, Chilopoda, and Hymenoptera, followed by Opiliones and Isopoda, while 133 different bird species were recorded in total, including the recording for the first time on the island of five species. Farming on Lemnos is rather extensive compared to most agricultural landscapes of Europe. Our approach has demonstrated that, given the geographic characteristics of the area, the measured data reveal very high biodiversity. Our explorative findings suggest that moderate seasonal grazing, the mixed habitat mosaic with ecotones, fallow and stubble fields at the landscape scale, and the small size of fields, the kinds of crop, and farm-scale crop diversification, like mixed cultivation and crop rotation, are key practices supporting this diversity. These explorative findings are considered as a first step providing the baseline for future assessments. A wider effort, for systematic evaluation of the impacts of farming practices to biodiversity, is required, as part of a subsidized agri-environmental scheme and/or through a market-oriented product certification system for the area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Dimitropoulos
- Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA), 10671, Athens, Greece.
| | - Kalliopi Avanidou
- University of the Aegean, Department of Geography, University Hill, Mytilini, 81100, Greece.
| | - Penelope Bebeli
- Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Iera Odos 75, Athens, 11855, Greece.
| | - Erwin Bergmeier
- University of Goettingen, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute of Plant Sciences, Department Vegetation and Phytodiversity Analysis, Untere Karspüle 1a, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Sofia Dervisoglou
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55, Athens, Greece.
| | - Thymios Dimopoulos
- Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA), 10671, Athens, Greece.
| | | | - Ioannis Hadjigeorgiou
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Athens, 11855, Greece.
| | - Orestis Kairis
- Laboratory of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Athina, 118 55, Greece.
| | - Eletherios Kakalis
- University of Patras, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, GR-26504, Rio, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Kosmas
- Laboratory of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Athina, 118 55, Greece.
| | - Stefan Meyer
- University of Goettingen, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute of Plant Sciences, Department Vegetation and Phytodiversity Analysis, Untere Karspüle 1a, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Maria Panitsa
- University of Patras, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, GR-26504, Rio, Greece.
| | - Dionisios Perdikis
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55, Athens, Greece.
| | - Danae Sfakianou
- Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA), 81400, Lemnos, Greece.
| | - Nikos Tsiopelas
- Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS), Themistokleous 80, GR 10681, Athens, Greece.
| | - Thanasis Kizos
- University of the Aegean, Department of Geography, University Hill, Mytilini, 81100, Greece.
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Schroer S, Austen K, Moczek N, Kalinkat G, Jechow A, Heller S, Reinhard J, Dehn S, Wuthenow CI, Post-Stapelfeldt M, van Grunsven RHA, Pérez Vega C, Schumacher H, Kaanaa L, Saathoff B, Völker S, Hölker F. Towards Insect-Friendly Road Lighting-A Transdisciplinary Multi-Stakeholder Approach Involving Citizen Scientists. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121117. [PMID: 34940205 PMCID: PMC8706979 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Road lighting is a service provided at night, mainly to ensure the secure and safe passage of humans. However, lighting at night can have adverse effects on insects or ecosystems, which are not yet considered in planning. Here, we introduce a comprehensive approach for the design and implementation of a novel insect-friendly road luminaire. The lighting design provides an optimized radiation geometry that avoids emissions at the trajectory height of insects, reduces the attraction of insects and the fragmentation of their habitats, and at the same time provides adequate night-time illumination in residential areas. The effects of the new design on insect behavior and night sky brightness will be evaluated two years before and two years after the change of the road luminaires and additionally in a direct comparison, as some luminaires of the old design will remain as controls. Citizen scientists are involved in the identification of insects and the measurement of night sky brightness. A broad public engagement program also highlights discussions about the competing interests of different stakeholders in lighting design, explicitly including the effects of illumination on insect fauna and biodiversity. Abstract (1) The project “Tatort Streetlight” implements an insect-friendly road light design in a four year before–after, control–impact (BACI) approach involving citizen scientists. It will broaden the stakeholder interests from solely anthropogenic perspectives to include the welfare of insects and ecosystems. Motivated by the detrimental impacts of road lighting systems on insects, the project aims to find solutions to reduce the insect attraction and habitat fragmentation resulting from roadway illumination. (2) The citizen science approach invites stakeholders to take part and join forces for the development of a sustainable and environmentally friendly road lighting solution. Here, we describe the project strategy, stakeholder participation and motivation, and how the effects of the alternative road luminaire and lighting design can be evaluated. (3) The study compares the changes in (a) insect behavior, (b) night sky brightness, and (c) stakeholder participation and awareness. For this purpose, different experimental areas and stakeholders in four communities in Germany are identified. (4) The project transfers knowledge of adverse effects of improperly managed road illumination and interacts with various stakeholders to develop a new road lighting system that will consider the well-being of street users, local residents, and insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Schroer
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-306-4181-717
| | - Kat Austen
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Nicola Moczek
- PSY: PLAN Institute for Architectural and Environmental Psychology, 10245 Berlin, Germany;
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gregor Kalinkat
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Andreas Jechow
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Stefan Heller
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Johanna Reinhard
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
| | - Sophia Dehn
- NABU RV Westhavelland e.V., Milower Land, 14715 Brandenburg, Germany;
| | - Charis I. Wuthenow
- Umweltzentrum Fulda-Zentrum für Nachhaltigkeit, Gartenkultur und Tierpädagogik e.V., 36041 Fulda, Germany;
| | | | | | - Catherine Pérez Vega
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Schumacher
- Chair of Lighting Technology TU Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (L.K.); (B.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Leena Kaanaa
- Chair of Lighting Technology TU Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (L.K.); (B.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Birte Saathoff
- Chair of Lighting Technology TU Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (L.K.); (B.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Stephan Völker
- Chair of Lighting Technology TU Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (L.K.); (B.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Franz Hölker
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany; (K.A.); (G.K.); (A.J.); (S.H.); (J.R.); (C.P.V.); (F.H.)
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Genoud AP, Williams GM, Thomas BP. Continuous monitoring of aerial density and circadian rhythms of flying insects in a semi-urban environment. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260167. [PMID: 34793570 PMCID: PMC8601533 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although small in size, insects are a quintessential part of terrestrial ecosystems due to their large number and diversity. While captured insects can be thoroughly studied in laboratory conditions, their population dynamics and abundance in the wild remain largely unknown due to the lack of accurate methodologies to count them. Here, we present the results of a field experiment where the activity of insects has been monitored continuously over 3 months using an entomological stand-off optical sensor (ESOS). Because its near-infrared laser is imperceptible to insects, the instrument provides an unbiased and absolute measurement of the aerial density (flying insect/m3) with a temporal resolution down to the minute. Multiple clusters of insects are differentiated based on their wingbeat frequency and ratios between wing and body optical cross-sections. The collected data allowed for the study of the circadian rhythm and daily activities as well as the aerial density dynamic over the whole campaign for each cluster individually. These measurements have been compared with traps for validation of this new methodology. We believe that this new type of data can unlock many of the current limitations in the collection of entomological data, especially when studying the population dynamics of insects with large impacts on our society, such as pollinators or vectors of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien P. Genoud
- Department of Physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Gregory M. Williams
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Benjamin P. Thomas
- Department of Physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
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Nessel MP, Konnovitch T, Romero GQ, González AL. Nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment cause declines in invertebrate populations: a global meta-analysis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2617-2637. [PMID: 34173704 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Human-driven changes in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs are modifying biogeochemical cycles and the trophic state of many habitats worldwide. These alterations are predicted to continue to increase, with the potential for a wide range of impacts on invertebrates, key players in ecosystem-level processes. Here, we present a meta-analysis of 1679 cases from 207 studies reporting the effects of N, P, and combined N + P enrichment on the abundance, biomass, and richness of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Nitrogen and phosphorus additions decreased invertebrate abundance in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with stronger impacts under combined N + P additions. Likewise, N and N + P additions had stronger negative impacts on the abundance of tropical than temperate invertebrates. Overall, the effects of nutrient enrichment did not differ significantly among major invertebrate taxonomic groups, suggesting that changes in biogeochemical cycles are a pervasive threat to invertebrate populations across ecosystems. The effects of N and P additions differed significantly among invertebrate trophic groups but N + P addition had a consistent negative effect on invertebrates. Nutrient additions had weaker or inconclusive impacts on invertebrate biomass and richness, possibly due to the low number of case studies for these community responses. Our findings suggest that N and P enrichment affect invertebrate community structure mainly by decreasing invertebrate abundance, and these effects are dependent on the habitat and trophic identity of the invertebrates. These results highlight the important effects of human-driven nutrient enrichment on ecological systems and suggest a potential driver for the global invertebrate decline documented in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Nessel
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, 201 S. Broadway, Camden, NJ, 08103, U.S.A
| | - Theresa Konnovitch
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, 201 S. Broadway, Camden, NJ, 08103, U.S.A.,Biology Department, La Salle University, 1900 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, U.S.A
| | - Gustavo Q Romero
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), CP 6109, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Angélica L González
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, 201 S. Broadway, Camden, NJ, 08103, U.S.A.,Biology Department, Rutgers University, Science Building, 315 Penn Street, Camden, NJ, 08102, U.S.A
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Bordbar A, Parvizi P. Species diversity and spatial distribution of CL/VL vectors: assessing bioclimatic effect on expression plasticity of genes possessing vaccine properties isolated from wild-collected sand flies in endemic areas of Iran. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:455. [PMID: 34011276 PMCID: PMC8136226 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06129-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is one of the ten most important neglected tropical diseases worldwide. Understanding the distribution of vectors of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis (VL/CL) is one of the significant strategic frameworks to control leishmaniasis. In this study, the extent of the bioclimatic variability was investigated to recognize a rigorous cartographic of the spatial distribution of VL/CL vectors as risk-maps using ArcGIS modeling system. Moreover, the effect of bioclimatic diversity on the fold change expression of genes possessing vaccine traits (SP15 and LeIF) was evaluated in each bioclimatic region using real-time PCR analysis. Methods The Inverse Distance Weighting interpolation method was used to obtain accurate geography map in closely-related distances. Bioclimatic indices were computed and vectors spatial distribution was analyzed in ArcGIS10.3.1 system. Species biodiversity was calculated based on Shannon diversity index using Rv.3.5.3. Expression fold change of SP15 and LeIF genes was evaluated using cDNA synthesis and RT-qPCR analysis. Results Frequency of Phlebotomus papatasi was predominant in plains areas of Mountainous bioclimate covering the CL hot spots. Mediterranean region was recognized as an important bioclimate harboring prevalent patterns of VL vectors. Semi-arid bioclimate was identified as a major contributing factor to up-regulate salivary-SP15 gene expression (P = 0.0050, P < 0.05). Also, Mediterranean bioclimate had considerable effect on up-regulation of Leishmania-LeIF gene in gravid and semi-gravid P. papatasi population (P = 0.0109, P < 0.05). Conclusions The diversity and spatial distribution of CL/VL vectors associated with bioclimatic regionalization obtained in our research provide epidemiological risk maps and establish more effectively control measures against leishmaniasis. Oscillations in gene expression indicate that each gene has its own features, which are profoundly affected by bioclimatic characteristics and physiological status of sand flies. Given the efficacy of species-specific antigens for vaccine production, it is essential to consider bioclimatic factors that have a fundamental role in affecting the regulatory regions of environmentally responsive loci for genes used in vaccine design. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06129-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Bordbar
- Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69 Pasteur Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Parvizi
- Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69 Pasteur Ave, Tehran, Iran.
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Identification of Flying Insects in the Spatial, Spectral, and Time Domains with Focus on Mosquito Imaging. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21103329. [PMID: 34064829 PMCID: PMC8151584 DOI: 10.3390/s21103329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Insects constitute a very important part of the global ecosystem and include pollinators, disease vectors, and agricultural pests, all with pivotal influence on society. Monitoring and control of such insects has high priority, and automatic systems are highly desirable. While capture and analysis by biologists constitute the gold standard in insect identification, optical and laser techniques have the potential for high-speed detection and automatic identification based on shape, spectroscopic properties such as reflectance and fluorescence, as well as wing-beat frequency analysis. The present paper discusses these approaches, and in particular presents a novel method for automatic identification of mosquitos based on image analysis, as the insects enter a trap based on a combination of chemical and suction attraction. Details of the analysis procedure are presented, and selectivity is discussed. An accuracy of 93% is achieved by our proposed method from a data set containing 122 insect images (mosquitoes and bees). As a powerful and cost-effective method, we finally propose the combination of imaging and wing-beat frequency analysis in an integrated instrument.
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The decline of butterflies in Europe: Problems, significance, and possible solutions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2002551117. [PMID: 33431566 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002551117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We review changes in the status of butterflies in Europe, focusing on long-running population data available for the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium, based on standardized monitoring transects. In the United Kingdom, 8% of resident species have become extinct, and since 1976 overall numbers declined by around 50%. In the Netherlands, 20% of species have become extinct, and since 1990 overall numbers in the country declined by 50%. Distribution trends showed that butterfly distributions began decreasing long ago, and between 1890 and 1940, distributions declined by 80%. In Flanders (Belgium), 20 butterflies have become extinct (29%), and between 1992 and 2007 overall numbers declined by around 30%. A European Grassland Butterfly Indicator from 16 European countries shows there has been a 39% decline of grassland butterflies since 1990. The 2010 Red List of European butterflies listed 38 of the 482 European species (8%) as threatened and 44 species (10%) as near threatened (note that 47 species were not assessed). A country level analysis indicates that the average Red List rating is highest in central and mid-Western Europe and lowest in the far north of Europe and around the Mediterranean. The causes of the decline of butterflies are thought to be similar in most countries, mainly habitat loss and degradation and chemical pollution. Climate change is allowing many species to spread northward while bringing new threats to susceptible species. We describe examples of possible conservation solutions and a summary of policy changes needed to conserve butterflies and other insects.
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Schwendenmann L, Michalzik B. Impact of Phytophthora agathidicida infection on canopy and forest floor plant nutrient concentrations and fluxes in a kauri-dominated forest. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:4310-4324. [PMID: 33976812 PMCID: PMC8093678 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Kauri dieback, caused by Phytophthora agathidicida, is a biotic disturbance that poses a recent threat to the survival of kauri (Agathis australis) forests in New Zealand. Previous studies have shown that throughfall and stemflow play an important role in the kauri forests' internal nutrient cycle. However, the effects of P. agathidicida infection on canopy and forest floor nutrient fluxes in kauri forests remain unknown. Here, we measured throughfall, stemflow and forest floor water yield, nutrient (potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, silicon, sulfur, sodium, iron) concentrations and fluxes of ten kauri trees differing in soil P. agathidicida DNA concentration, and health status. We did not observe an effect of soil P. agathidicida DNA concentration on throughfall, stemflow, and forest floor water yield. Throughfall and forest floor nutrient concentrations and fluxes decreased (up to 50%) with increasing soil P. agathidicida DNA concentration. We found significant effects on potassium and manganese fluxes in throughfall; calcium and silicon fluxes in forest floor leachate. A decline in canopy and forest floor nutrient fluxes may result in soil nutrient imbalances, which in turn may negatively impact forest productivity and may increase the susceptibility of trees to future pathogen infection in these ecologically unique kauri forests. Given our findings and the increasing spread of Phytophthora species worldwide, research on the underlying physiological mechanisms linking dieback and plant-soil nutrient fluxes is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beate Michalzik
- Soil ScienceInstitute of GeographyFriedrich Schiller University JenaJenaGermany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigLeipzigGermany
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Duffus NE, Christie CR, Morimoto J. Insect Cultural Services: How Insects Have Changed Our Lives and How Can We Do Better for Them. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12050377. [PMID: 33921962 PMCID: PMC8143511 DOI: 10.3390/insects12050377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Insects—as many other organisms—provide services for our societies, which are essential for our sustainable future. A classic example of an insect service is pollination, without which food production collapses. To date, though, there has often been a generalised misconception about the benefits of insects to our societies, and misunderstandings on how insects have revolutionised our cultures and thus our lives. This misunderstanding likely underpins the general avoidance, disregard for, or even deliberate attempts to exterminate insects from our daily lives. In this Perspective, we provide a different viewpoint, and highlight the key areas in which insects have changed our cultures, from culinary traditions to architecture to fashion and beyond. We then propose a general framework to help portray insects—and their benefits to our societies—under a positive light, and argue that this can help with long-term changes in people’s attitude towards insects. This change will in turn contribute to more appropriate conservation efforts aimed to protect insect biodiversity and the services it provides. Therefore, our ultimate goal in the paper is to raise awareness of the intricate and wonderful cultural relationships between people and insects that are fundamental to our long-term survival in our changing world. Abstract Societies have benefited directly and indirectly from ecosystem services provided by insects for centuries (e.g., pollination by bees and waste recycling by beetles). The relationship between people and insect ecosystem services has evolved and influenced how societies perceive and relate to nature and with each other, for example, by shaping cultural values (‘cultural ecosystem services’). Thus, better understanding the significance of insect cultural services can change societies’ motivations underpinning conservation efforts. To date, however, we still overlook the significance of many insect cultural services in shaping our societies, which in turn likely contributes to the generalised misconceptions and misrepresentations of insects in the media such as television and the internet. To address this gap, we have reviewed an identified list of insect cultural services that influence our societies on a daily basis, including cultural services related to art, recreation, and the development of traditional belief systems. This list allowed us to formulate a multi-level framework which aims to serve as a compass to guide societies to better appreciate and potentially change the perception of insect cultural services from individual to global levels. This framework can become an important tool for gaining public support for conservation interventions targeting insects and the services that they provide. More broadly, this framework highlights the importance of considering cultural ecosystems services—for which values can be difficult to quantify in traditional terms—in shaping the relationship between people and nature.
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Haan NL, Iuliano BG, Gratton C, Landis DA. Designing agricultural landscapes for arthropod-based ecosystem services in North America. ADV ECOL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hakami AR, Khan KA, Ghramh HA, Ahmad Z, AL-zayd AAA. Impact of artificial light intensity on nocturnal insect diversity in urban and rural areas of the Asir province, Saudi Arabia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242315. [PMID: 33259480 PMCID: PMC7707546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous urban developments have resulted in increased demand for street furniture, one of which is street light columns. Artificial light at night (ALAN) pose significant impacts on insect diversity in urban and rural areas. The ALAN is a significant driver of decline in insect diversity. This study evaluated the impact of light intensity and sky quality at night on insect diversity in rural and urban areas of the Asir province, Saudi Arabia. Insect traps were installed in both areas during night. Light intensity of nearby road lamps was measured using light meter, while sky quality was measured using sky quality meter. Rural areas exhibited low light intensity (10.33 flux/f.candle) and good sky quality (18.80 magnitude/arcsec2). Urban areas exhibited intense light (89.33 flux/f.candle) and poor sky quality (15.49 magnitude/arcsec2). Higher insect diversity was recorded for rural areas where insects belonging to seven orders (i.e., Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Neuroptera, and Dermaptera) were collected. However, insects of four orders (i.e., Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Neuroptera) were found in urban areas indicating low diversity. Lepidopteran insects were frequently recorded from rural areas indicating they are attracted to artificial light. It is concluded that excessive ALAN and poor sky quality at night disrupt insect biodiversity. Therefore, ALAN and sky quality must be considered responsible for decline in insect biodiversity along with other known factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahim Refdan Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Ali Khan
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail:
| | - Hamed A. Ghramh
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zubair Ahmad
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, King Khalid University, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Saudi Arabia
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Ramos DL, Cunha WL, Evangelista J, Lira LA, Rocha MVC, Gomes PA, Frizzas MR, Togni PHB. Ecosystem Services Provided by Insects in Brazil: What Do We Really Know? NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 49:783-794. [PMID: 32462421 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-020-00781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insects are the most abundant and diverse organisms on Earth and provide essential ecosystem services. However, Brazilian society rarely consider the importance of insects in their diverse country. Therefore, in this review, we provide an overview of ecosystem services provided by insects in Brazil. A database search returned 136 articles, published in English or Portuguese, on ecosystem services provided by insects in Brazil. The first article was published in 1982, and majority of the studies were conducted in the Atlantic Forest or the Cerrado biomes. The most frequently studied insect-provided ecosystem services were pollination, decomposition, and biological control of pests. The studies focused primarily on natural and anthropic ecosystems, and most followed an experimental approach. We noted that the term "ecosystem services" was not used frequently in studies on insects in Brazil. The information available was mostly taxon-biased. We discuss the implications of these findings in relation to reconciling economic interests and the need for insect conservation for continued provision of ecosystem services in a broader perspective. In conclusion, we argue that the scientific community should focus on understanding the ecosystem services provided by insects other than those strictly related to economic activities, and on improving communication with policymakers and citizens. As a tropical and megadiverse country, Brazil has the potential to become a protagonist in conserving and using the ecosystem services provided by insects, both locally and internationally, by providing scientific information to policymakers and citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Univ de Brasília - UnB, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - W L Cunha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Univ de Brasília - UnB, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - J Evangelista
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Univ de Brasília - UnB, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - L A Lira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Univ de Brasília - UnB, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - M V C Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Univ de Brasília - UnB, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - P A Gomes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Univ de Brasília - UnB, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - M R Frizzas
- Depto de Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Univ de Brasília - UnB, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brasil.
| | - P H B Togni
- Depto de Ecologia, Univ de Brasília - UnB, Brasília, DF, Brasil
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Redhead JW, Powney GD, Woodcock BA, Pywell RF. Effects of future agricultural change scenarios on beneficial insects. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 265:110550. [PMID: 32292173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insects provide vital ecosystem services to agricultural systems in the form of pollination and natural pest control. However, there are currently widespread declines in the beneficial insects which deliver these services (i.e. pollinators and 'natural enemies' such as predators and parasitoids). Two key drivers of these declines have been the expansion of agricultural land and intensification of agricultural production. With an increasing human population requiring additional sources of food, further changes in agricultural land use appear inevitable. Identifying likely trajectories of change and predicting their impacts on beneficial insects provides a scientific basis for making informed decisions on the policies and practices of sustainable agriculture. We created spatially explicit, exploratory scenarios of potential changes in the extent and intensity of agricultural land use across Great Britain (GB). Scenarios covered 52 possible combinations of change in agricultural land cover (i.e. agricultural expansion or grassland restoration) and intensity (i.e. crop type and diversity). We then used these scenarios to predict impacts on beneficial insect species richness and several metrics of functional diversity at a 10km (hectad) resolution. Predictions were based on species distribution models derived from biological records, comprising data on 116 bee species (pollinators) and 81 predatory beetle species (natural enemies). We identified a wide range of possible consequences for beneficial insect species richness and functional diversity as result of future changes in agricultural extent and intensity. Current policies aimed at restoring semi-natural grassland should result in increases in the richness and functional diversity of both pollinators and natural enemies, even if agricultural practices remain intensive on cropped land (i.e. land-sparing). In contrast, any expansion of arable land is likely to be accompanied by widespread declines in richness of beneficial insects, even if cropping practices become less intensive (i.e. land-sharing), although effects of functional diversity are more mixed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Redhead
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Natural Environment Research Council, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AS, UK.
| | - Gary D Powney
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Natural Environment Research Council, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Ben A Woodcock
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Natural Environment Research Council, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Richard F Pywell
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Natural Environment Research Council, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
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Morimoto J. Addressing global challenges with unconventional insect ecosystem services: Why should humanity care about insect larvae? PEOPLE AND NATURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Morimoto
- School of Biological Sciences University of Aberdeen Aberdeen UK
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Ferreira PMA, Andrade BO, Podgaiski LR, Dias AC, Pillar VD, Overbeck GE, Mendonça MDS, Boldrini II. Long-term ecological research in southern Brazil grasslands: Effects of grazing exclusion and deferred grazing on plant and arthropod communities. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227706. [PMID: 31931512 PMCID: PMC6957338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Grazing exclusion may lead to biodiversity loss and homogenization of naturally heterogeneous and species-rich grassland ecosystems, and these effects may cascade to higher trophic levels and ecosystem properties. Although grazing exclusion has been studied elsewhere, the consequences of alleviating the disturbance regime in grassland ecosystems remain unclear. In this paper, we present results of the first five years of an experiment in native grasslands of southern Brazil. Using a randomized block experimental design, we examined the effects of three grazing treatments on plant and arthropod communities: (i) deferred grazing (i.e., intermittent grazing), (ii) grazing exclusion and (iii) a control under traditional continuous grazing, which were applied to 70 x 70 m experimental plots, in six regionally distributed blocks. We evaluated plant community responses regarding taxonomic and functional diversity (life-forms) in separate spatial components: alpha (1 x 1 m subplots), beta, and gamma (70 x 70 m plots), as well as the cascading effects on arthropod high-taxa. By estimating effect sizes (treatments vs. control) by bootstrap resampling, both deferred grazing and grazing exclusion mostly increased vegetation height, plant biomass and standing dead biomass. The effect of grazing exclusion on plant taxonomic diversity was negative. Conversely, deferred grazing increased plant taxonomic diversity, but both treatments reduced plant functional diversity. Reduced grazing pressure in both treatments promoted the break of dominance by prostrate species, followed by fast homogenization of vegetation structure towards dominance of ligneous and erect species. These changes in the plant community led to increases in high-taxa richness and abundance of vegetation-dwelling arthropod groups under both treatments, but had no detectable effects on epigeic arthropods. Our results indicate that decision-making regarding the conservation of southern Brazil grasslands should include both intensive and alleviated levels of grazing management, but not complete grazing exclusion, to maximize conservation results when considering plant and arthropod communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M. A. Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução da Biodiversidade, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Bianca O. Andrade
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luciana R. Podgaiski
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Amanda C. Dias
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Valério D. Pillar
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gerhard E. Overbeck
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Milton de S. Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ilsi I. Boldrini
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Svanberg I, Berggren Å. Ant schnapps for health and pleasure: the use of Formica rufa L. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to flavour aquavit. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2019; 15:68. [PMID: 31856874 PMCID: PMC6921441 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between humans and insects goes long back and is important. Insects provide a multitude of ecosystem services for humans, e g. by pollinating crops and decomposing matter. Our current knowledge about the cultural ecosystem services that insects provide is limited and not much examined. METHOD Scattered ethnographical descriptions and folklore records from pre-modern Sweden and other Scandinavian countries give us insights into local knowledge and use of insects among the peasantry in various parts of the country. These data have been analysed and critically reviewed. Source pluralism has been used as a method. RESULTS The mound-building red wood ant, Formica rufa L., is one of the species that were used in Sweden for their healing properties. It was a widespread belief that the formic acid could be used to cure various diseases, especially gout and rheumatism. Both anthills and the ants themselves were used for that purpose. It was also common to flavour distilled liquor (brännvin) with ants; a remedy used for medicinal purposes. However, already in the eighteenth century, this was also used as schnapps. The cultural services provided by this species stretches throughout history and still exists today. CONCLUSION While the use of ants in medicine has vanished, the custom of making homemade ant flavoured alcoholic beverage survives in Sweden. Nowadays it is a hobby among people who flavour their own aquavit. It is appreciated as a tasty and interesting drink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvar Svanberg
- Institute for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Uppsala University, Box 514, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åsa Berggren
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7070, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Wills BD, Kim TN, Fox AF, Gratton C, Landis DA. Reducing Native Ant Abundance Decreases Predation Rates in Midwestern Grasslands. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 48:1360-1368. [PMID: 31713603 PMCID: PMC6894410 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvz127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Diverse and robust predator communities are important for effective prey suppression in natural and managed communities. Ants are ubiquitous components of terrestrial systems but their contributions to natural prey suppression is relatively understudied in temperate regions. Growing evidence suggests that ants can play a significant role in the removal of insect prey within grasslands, but their impact is difficult to separate from that of nonant predators. To test how ants may contribute to prey suppression in grasslands, we used poison baits (with physical exclosures) to selectively reduce the ant population in common garden settings, then tracked ant and nonant ground predator abundance and diversity, and removal of sentinel egg prey for 7 wk. We found that poison baits reduced ant abundance without a significant negative impact on abundance of nonant ground predators, and that a reduction in ant abundance decreased the proportion of sentinel prey eggs removed. Even a modest decrease (~20%) in abundance of several ant species, including the numerically dominant Lasius neoniger Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), significantly reduced sentinel prey removal rates. Our results suggest that ants disproportionately contribute to ground-based predation of arthropod prey in grasslands. Changes in the amount of grasslands on the landscape and its management may have important implications for ant prevalence and natural prey suppression services in agricultural landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Wills
- Department of Entomology and DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - T N Kim
- Department of Entomology and DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - A F Fox
- Department of Entomology and DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - C Gratton
- Department of Entomology and DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - D A Landis
- Department of Entomology and DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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Gibson DR, Rowe L, Isaacs R, Landis DA. Screening Drought-Tolerant Native Plants for Attractiveness to Arthropod Natural Enemies in the U.S. Great Lakes Region. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 48:1469-1480. [PMID: 31701140 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvz134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods provide a variety of critical ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes; however, agricultural intensification can reduce insect abundance and diversity. Designing and managing habitats to enhance beneficial insects requires the identification of effective insectary plants that attract natural enemies and provide floral resources. We tested the attractiveness of 54 plant species with tolerance to dry soils, contrasting perennial forbs and shrubs native to the Great Lakes region to selected non-native species in three common garden experiments in Michigan during 2015-2016. Overall, we found 32 species that attracted significantly more natural enemies than associated controls. Among these, Achillea millefolium and Solidago juncea were consistently among the most attractive plants at all three sites, followed by Solidago speciosa, Coreopsis tripteris, Solidago nemoralis, Pycnanthemum pilosum, and Symphyotrichum oolantangiense. Species which attracted significantly more natural enemies at two sites included: Asclepias syriaca, Asclepias tuberosa, Monarda fistulosa, Oligoneuron rigidum, Pycnanthemum virginianum, Dasiphora fruticosa, Ratibida pinnata, Asclepias verticillata, Monarda punctata, Echinacea purpurea, Helianthus occidentalis, Silphium integrifolium, Silphium terebinthinaceum, Helianthus strumosus, and Symphyotrichum sericeum. Two non-native species, Lotus corniculatus, and Centaurea stoebe, were also attractive at multiple sites but less so than co-blooming native species. Parasitic Hymenoptera were the most abundant natural enemies, followed by predatory Coleoptera and Hemiptera, while Hemiptera (Aphidae, Miridae, and Tingidae) were the most abundant herbivores. Collectively, these plant species can provide floral resources over the entire growing season and should be considered as potential insectary plants in future habitat management efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Gibson
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, East Lansing, MI
- Jensen Ecology, Madison, WI
| | - Logan Rowe
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, East Lansing, MI
- Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan State University Extension, Lansing, MI
| | - Rufus Isaacs
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, East Lansing, MI
| | - Douglas A Landis
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, Center for Integrated Plant Systems, East Lansing, MI
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Knuff AK, Winiger N, Klein A, Segelbacher G, Staab M. Optimizing sampling of flying insects using a modified window trap. Methods Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Knuff
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Nathalie Winiger
- Wildlife Ecology & Management University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Staab
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
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Willow J, Silva A, Veromann E, Smagghe G. Acute effect of low-dose thiacloprid exposure synergised by tebuconazole in a parasitoid wasp. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212456. [PMID: 30794624 PMCID: PMC6386243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Agricultural practices often involve tank-mixing and co-application of insecticides with fungicides to control crop pests. However, natural methods relying on biological control agents such as hymenopteran parasitoids have been shown to be highly effective in suppressing crop pest populations. The current body of insecticide risk assessment data accounting for fungicide co-application is very small, the present study being the first to examine this in a parasitoid wasp. Through low-dose exposure to dry residues of the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid, we examined its mortal and knockdown effect on Aphelinus abdominalis when co-applied with increasing doses of the fungicide tebuconazole. Both of these acute effects of thiacloprid were synergised (toxicity increased to a greater-than-additive effect) by tebuconazole, resulting in significant mortality from low-dose co-applications of tebuconazole, and significant knockdown even without co-applied tebuconazole, the effect increasing as tebuconazole concentration increased. We show the highly toxic effect that a low dose of thiacloprid imposes on A. abdominalis populations, and a synergistic toxicity when co-applied with low doses of tebuconazole. Our work suggests a need for updating pesticide risk assessment methods, accounting for pesticide mixtures, in order to make these risk assessments more field relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Willow
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana Silva
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Eve Veromann
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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