Biosystems Diversity (E-Journal - Dnipro National University)
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Morphometric differences in ground beetle populations in managed and natural habitats
Get PDFThe impacts of anthropogenic activity and environmental factors on ecosystems are also reflected in the morphometric variable of ground beetles, based on which we can determine the state of habitat quality. During 2020 – 2022, we recorded 1 , 304 individuals belonging to 24 species of ground beetles in forest habitats located in an a grarian landscape and the Dunajské Luhy P rotected L andscape A rea (important European habitats), using pitfall traps. For each individual, we measured the following morphometric characters: head length, head width, pronotum length, pronotum width, right elytra, and left elytra. Using PCA analysis, we confirmed the connection of morphometric characters to study areas belonging to the Dunajské Luhy Protected Landscape Area. Based on the flight ability of ground beetles under different land use conditions, we found that morph o metric variability is greater in agrarian landscape conditions compared to the Dunajské Luhy Protected Lan d scape Area. In habitats exposed to higher anthropogenic impact, ground beetles do not have their food opt i mum, and there is greater variability in morphometric characters. On the contrary, the habitats in the Dunajské Luhy P rotected L andscape A rea provided sufficient food supply and a stable environment, so the variability was lower. We also found higher median values in this area, which indicates larger individuals compared to habitats in the a grarian landscape. For the preservation of habitats of European importance, it is important to determine the interactions between the ecosystem and species from the Carabidae family, which are important bioindicators of the environment
Hericium erinaceus: Combining traditional uses with modern biotechnology to develop nutraceuticals
Get PDFEdible and medicinal macromycetes are capable of synthesizing a unique complex of biologically active metabolites with significant antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective and other properties. Today, mushrooms are recognized as fun c tional foods with significant culinary, nutritional and pharmacological value. Modern biotechnology is actively introducing inn o vative methods for creating therapeutic agents, including those based on mushroom raw materials. Thanks to multi-stage scree n ing and the development of biotechnology, the cultivation of highly productive producer strains with a high ability to synthesize natural pharmacologically active compounds has significantly increased the possibilities of their use in the food industry, pha r macology and medicine. Hericium erinaceus is a valuable edible and medicinal macrofungus, which is considered a promising food product and is increasingly attracting the attention of consumers. The fruiting bodies and mycelial biomass of this species are rich in biologically active substances, particularly polysaccharides, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and glycoproteins. Due to its high levels of essential fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, H. erinaceus is considered a low-calorie product and falls into the category of functional foods. The review presents a comprehensive analysis of the modern literature on H. erinaceus with an emphasis on its mycochemical composition, traditional use, pharmacological potential, in particular, data on the immunomodulatory, anticancer, antioxidant, prebiotic effects of H. erinaceus extracts. However, the main effect that makes this mushroom unique is its neuroprotective, neuroregenerative properties. Data on the pharmacological use of both fruiting bodies and mycelial mass and the possibilities of its further use in the production of functional products are analyzed. Taking into account the nutritional and pharmacological value of this species, the review considers sustainable cultivation strategies, in pa r ticular, maintaining highly productive producer strains, provides a description of the micro- and macromorphological properties, data on the ecology and distribution of the fungus, and presents the results of targeted regulation of biosynthetic activity using the light factor. The analysis of literature data confirms the significant potential of H. erinaceus for obtaining mycelial biomass and valuable metabolites in modern mycobiotechnologies
Bioclimatic and soil determinants of buckwheat cultivation prospects under global warming: A case study of the Ukrainian Polissya and Forest-Steppe
Get PDFThe spatial restructuring of agricultural production under climate change necessitates a detailed understanding of crop-specific responses to both climatic and edaphic conditions. Buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), known for its short growing season, low input requirements, and high nutritional value, is a promising candidate for climate-resilient agriculture in Eastern Europe. The present study undertakes an evaluation of the present and future suitability of land for buckwheat cultivation across two primary agroecological zones in Ukraine: Polissya and the Forest-Steppe. This evaluation is conducted utilising integrated spatial modelling techniques. Historical yield data from the CROPGRIDS v1.08 dataset, 19 bioclimatic predictors from WorldClim, and nine soil parameters from SoilGrids were harmonized at 2.5 arc-minute resolution. To reduce multicollinearity among predictors, a combined approach of principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering was applied, followed by multiple linear regression using Box–Cox transformation to normalize skewed distributions. The model explained 65% of the variance in harvested area and revealed that buckwheat yield was positively associated with mean diurnal temperature range (BIO2), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (BIO8), and soil bulk density (bdod), and negatively associated with annual precipitation (BIO12), low winter temperatures (BIO11), and high soil nitrogen content. These results underscore buckwheat's preference for temperate, moderately dry climates and well-structured, moderately fertile soils. Projections made under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), ranging from SSP1-2.6, a sustainability-focused pathway, to SSP5-8.5, a high-emission scenario, have consistently shown a northward shift in suitability between 2021 and 2080. However, the total suitable area is projected to decline, particularly under pessimistic scenarios, with the steepest reductions observed under SSP3–7.0 and SSP5–8.5. Despite improved thermal conditions in Polissya, soil limitations such as acidity and low humus content restrict the expansion of buckwheat cultivation. Analysis of variance showed that SSP scenario choice accounted for 13% of the variation in predicted suitability, time period for 6%, and their interaction for 2%, while the majority (79%) was attributed to local spatial heterogeneity. These findings confirm that while global climate pathways shape the overall trajectory of change, local soil and landscape factors remain dominant in determining actual suitability. The observed reduction in spatial variability and increasing homogeneity of negative changes indicate rising vulnerability of buckwheat agroecosystems. The study highlights the need for anticipatory adaptation strategies, including the spatial reallocation of buckwheat crops, soil improvement in emerging zones, diversification of crop portfolios, and expansion of agro-insurance mechanisms. It demonstrates the value of geospatial mode l ling as a decision-support tool for regional planning and agricultural resilience. Without targeted interventions, the cumulative effects of climate change and edaphic constraints may significantly reduce buckwheat’s role in future food systems, despite its ecological and nutritional advantages. Spatially explicit adaptation pathways should therefore integrate climate projections, soil data, and socioeconomic considerations to ensure sustainable development of buckwheat production under global change
Gradient of decline of epigeic arthropods depending on ecotone distance and seasonal dynamics in agriculturally used land
Get PDFEpigeic arthropods participate in the regulation of pest populations, the decomposition of organic ma t ter, and the maintenance of soil structure and quality, thus playing an important role in the functioning of vineyards. During 2021–2023, we analysed the spatial dispersion of epigeic arthropods in different types of vineyard habitats (semi-intensive vineyard, intensive vineyard, abandoned vineyard and meadow). During the investigation, a total of 56,726 individuals belonging to 23 taxa were recorded. The highest number s of taxa w ere recorded in traps located in the ecotone, while the number of taxa decreased toward the interior of each of the studied habitat s . The redundancy analysis confirmed the significant influence of habitat type on the spatial distribution of taxa. We confirmed statistically significant differences in the abundance of individuals between individual seasons and traps in all studied habitats. Linear regression showed a strong to moderate relationship between the distance of pitfall traps from the field edge and the abundance of individuals, while we predicti ed a trend of decreasing number s of individuals another 20 m into the field. The results point to the importance of ecotones for epigeic arthropods in the assessment of biodiversity in agroecosystems
Parasites of fish in the water bodies of Uzbekistan
Get PDFTh is work studies communities of parasites of fish in water bodies in three regions of Uzbekistan with a varying env i ronmental background. In each region the research was conducted during the fishing seasons. The team of researcher s identified 116 species of parasites in 10 classes. The protists are represented by the following families : Trypanosomatidae ( Tripanosoma carassi , T. percae , T. scardini ), Bodonidae ( Ichthyobodo ne c ator ), Cryptobiidae ( Cryptobia cyprini , C. branchialis ), Caliptosporidae ( Goussia leucisci ), Eimeriidae ( Eimeria esoci , E. gasterostei , E. percae ), Myxidiidae ( Myxidium macrocapsulare , M. pfeifferi , M. rhodei , Zschokkella nova ), Myxobilatidae ( Myxobilatus legeri ), Myxosom a tidae ( Myxosoma acutum , M. multiplicatum ), Myxobolidae ( Myxobolus bramae , M. carassi , M. dispar , M. mülleri , M. musculi , Henneguya lobosa ), Amphileptidae ( Hemiophrys branchiarum , H. disciformis ), Chilodonellidae ( Chilodonella piscicola ), Tri cho phry i dae ( Capriniana piscium ), Trichodinidae ( Trichodina acuta , T. esocis , T. mutabilis ). Monogenoidea shows the highest species diversity and is represented by 30 species : Dactylogyridae ( Dactylogyrus auriculatus , D. anch o ratus , D. borealis , D. cordus , D. crassus , D. crucifer , D. difformis , D. falcatus , D. formosus , D. intermedius , D. micraca n thus , D. nanus , D. mallus , D. parvus , D. ramulosus , D. similis , D. tuba , D. vastator ), Ancyrocephalidae ( Silurodiscoides siluri , S. obscurus ), Gyrodactylidae ( Gyrodactylus cyprini , G. elegans , G. carassii , G. montanus , G. vicinus ), Diplozoidae ( Diplozoon paradoxum , D. hamaion , D. nipponicum , Diplozoon megan ). Cestoda ( Khawia rossittensis , Kh . sinensis , Triaenophorus nodulosus , T . crassus , Bothriocephalus opsariichthydis , Diphyllobothrium latum , D. ditremum , Schistoc e phalus pungitii , Ligula intestinalis , L . colymbi , Digramma interrupta , Proteocephalus cernuae , Proteocephalus osculatus , Proteocephalus torulosus , Gryporhynchus pusillus , Paradilepis scolecina ) , Trematoda ( Ornithodiplostomum scardini , Posthodiplostomum brevicaudatum , Diplostomum helviticum , D. spathaceum , D. rutili , Hysteromorpha triloba , Tylode l phus clavata , Apharingostrigea cornu , Apatemon fuligulae , Cotylurus pileatus , Tetracotyle sogdiana , Bucephalus pol y morphis , Ripidocotyle campanula , Azygia lucii , Sanguinicola inermis , Echinochasmus coaxatus , Petasiger neocomense , Allocreadium siluri , Metorchis xanthosomus , Phyllodistomum elongatum ) and Nematoda ( Pseudocapillaria tomentosa , Dioctophyme renale , Eustrongylides excisus , Eu . mergorum , Raphidascaris acus , Contracaecum microcephalum , Porr o caecum reticulatum , Camallanus lacustris , Phylometra ovata , Ph . rishta , Phylometroides sanguinea , Rhabdochona den u data , Streptocara crassicauda , Desmidocercella numidica , Gnathostoma hispidum ) are represented by 18, 20 and 15 species, respectively. Only 2 species were identified within the class Acanthocephala ( Acanthocephalus anguillae , Po m phorhynchus laevis ) . 10 species and 7 genera were recorded for the first time in Uzbekistan. Bodies of water within the Syr Darya basin proved the most abundant in endoparasites (55 species), with a slightly smaller number of helminths from this group (48 species) registered in the Amu Darya bodies of water. Bodies of water in the Zeravshan basin are characterised by the smallest number of species of parasitic worms (28). Our research established that endoparasites use fish as their definitive (41.8%), intermediate (50.8%), and reservoir hosts (7.2%). The material suggests a rather complex rel a tionship between endoparasites and fish. This biocoenotic relationship has probably developed over a long period of time, resulting in the formation of the modern endoparasitic fauna in Uzbekistan
Procrustean analysis of the set of spectral indices reveals the transformations in plant community hemeroby and functional structure induced by anthropogenic disasters
Get PDFThis study presents an integrated remote sensing approach for assessing the ecological consequences of the destruction of the Kakhovka Reservoir in Southern Ukraine. The methodology combines spectral vegetation indices, principal component analysis, and Procrustean analysis to evaluate spatial and functional transformations in vegetation cover following a large-scale anthropo genic disaster. The approach was applied to floodplain ecosystems on Khortytsia Island and adjacent areas using satellite imagery from the Sentinel-2 mission for the years 2022 and 2024. A set of twenty-nine spectral indices, sensitive to vegetation density, pigment composition, water conditions, and soil properties, was employed to identify patterns in plant community dynamics and environmental change. Principal component analysis was utilized to identify the dominant axes of spectral variability, while Procrustean rotations facilitated the detection of significant spatial shifts over time. The results demonstrated strong correlations between changes in vegetation patterns and key ecological indicators, including hemeroby, naturalness, species richness, and functional diversity. Two primary ecological trends were identified. The first trend is associated with ecosystem degradation due to anthropogenic pressure, characterized by increasing hemeroby, a decline in naturalness, and reductions in both functional evenness and functional divergence. The second trend reflects the internal reorganization of plant communities under near-natural conditions, where increases in projective cover and species richness occur alongside a decrease in functional richness. Spectral ind ices, such as the normalized difference vegetation index, the normalized difference chlorophyll index, the red-edge vegetation index, the normalized difference tillage index, and the normalized difference water index, have proven particu larly effective in detecting both degradation and successional processes. This study demonstrates that satellite-based spectral indices can serve as reliable proxies for assessing the functional structure and ecological condition of vegetation. The proposed methodology provides an effective tool for spatially explicit and timely environmental monitoring, thereby supporting evidence-based decision-making in post-disaster landscape management, including the question of restoring water bodies or conserving newly formed floodplain ecosystems. This approach has broad applicability for long-term ecological monitoring, restoration planning, and adaptive ma n agement in regions impacted by significant anthropogenic transformations
The impact of strike UAV explosions on soil acidity and vegetation dynamics
Get PDFThe article studies the predicted changes in vegetation self-regeneration vectors caused by soil acidity changes resul t ing from the explosion of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In the area s where the UAVs exploded , the pH range for active soil acidity is 6.62–7.41, with an average of 7.14; for exchangeable soil acidity, it is 6.68–7.28, with an average of 7.02. The decrease in acidity is likely due to the release of carbonate parent rocks from the blast crater. Within this range of acidity, communities of herbaceous, segetal, and ruderal vegetation in the early stages of autogenous succession exist. According to the Br aun -Blan quet system from the “EcoDBase 5g” database, these communities belong to eight classes, nine orders, ten unions, and eleven associations of higher vascular plant communities. In most observed cases, synatropiz a tion of the flora in the affected area is high. This leads to the formation of several types of anthropotolerant plant commun i ties. Areas where the upper fertile soil layer is partially or fully preserved are covered with Stellarietea mediae vegetation. Poo compressae-Tussilaginetum farfarae communities (class Artemisietea vulgaris ) most often form at the bottom of deep sinkholes with exposed bedrock or transitional rocks. This occurs within one to two growing seasons after the explosion. The vegetation of the Agropyretum repentis association (class Artemisietea vulgaris ) forms at sites of disturbance in the absence of an impermeable horizon. This is the most widespread variant. It occurs during primary tillage, spontaneous turf disturbance, overgrowth of fallow land, and mining operations. It also occurs in ecosystems that have been disturbed by military operations, such as the movement of heavy tracked vehicles, the construction of fortifi cations, and the formation of explosive craters. Once natural vegetation communities are established, their subsequent dynamics are less dependent on the impact of the explosion. This occurs due to biogenic and abiotic transformations of the edaphic environment, changes in microrelief caused by water and wind erosion, and structural transformations of ecosystems. If UAVs use thermobaric charges in areas where the seed bank is depleted, human intervention in the self-regeneration process is nece s sary. This intervention should involve planting trees, shrubs, and other flora typical of this stage of succession. If the level of nitrates and ammonium salts exceeds the threshold, vegetation dynamics shift towards forming nitrophilic phytoco e noses. Vegetation self-regeneration is an effective method of restoring disturbed ecosystems. However, the changes that occur in the edaphic environment due to explosions, along with the destruction of niches, create favorable conditions for invasive species to enter these areas. The presence of these species leads to dynamic changes in vegetation. Sometimes, this results in a catastrophic climax. Controlling invasive species during the self-regeneration of vegetation after distu r bances is one of the main tasks of postwar reconstruction of natural ecosystems
The interactions between nematode and microbial communities offer significant insights into the impact of organic amendments on the productivity of Miscanthus × giganteus cultivated on marginal lands
Get PDFThe investigation is devoted to the analysis of the impact of organic fertilisers, in particular biochar derived from sewage sludge, on the productivity of the energy crop Miscanthus × giganteus and soil health on marginal lands. The results of long-term observations show that among organic additives, biochar demonstrates the most pronounced stabilising effect on the structure of the nematode community, although its impact on the total number of nematodes is limited. The application of biochar increased the diversity of trophic groups and modified the soil trophic network, which was dose-dependent. The experiment also revealed a significant impact of organic additives on the ecological indicators of nematode communities. In particular, the use of biochar significantly increased the Maturity Index (MI) and the Structural Index (SI), which indicates an improvement in the stability and complexity of the soil ecosystem. Reducing the number of migratory endoparasites and other plant-parasitic nematodes, such as Pratylenchus spp. was crucial in increasing the yield of M. × giganteus. The most pronounced changes were observed when biochar was applied at 10% (BD2). The field trial also assessed the impact of organic amendments on soil microbiological characteristics. Although the total number of bacteria and fungi did not change significantly, there was an increase in the number of Pseudomonas bacteria in the biochar-treated samples. This confirms the role of biochar as a stimulator of the growth of beneficial microorganisms and improvement of soil microbial activity. At the same time, the activity of dehydrogenase, which is an indicator of microbial activity, did not change significantly under the influence of additives. The test findings indicate that the addition of biochar has a beneficial effect on the yield of M. × giganteus, contributing to an increase in green mass at harvest. The impact of organic amendments was long-lasting, demonstrating the potential to increase the productivity of energy crops on marginal lands. Reducing the number of plant-parasitic nematodes, especially migratory endoparasites, was a key factor in improving yields. The outcomes of the study confirm the significance of an integrated approach to the application of organic amendments to improve soil health and increase the productivity of energy crops. The dose-dependent effects of biochar indicate the need to adapt application strategies to specific agroecosystems. Further research should focus on analysing the long-term effects of organic fertilisers on the functioning of trophic networks and microbiological processes in the soil
Antibacterial activity of etanolic extracts of insects and spiders
Get PDFDespite the fact that preparations made from insects and spiders can be used against microorganisms that are pathogenic to humans and animals, their potential in this relation has not been explored fully. We studied the effects of ethanolic extracts of 12 insects belonging to the families Tettigoniidae, Oecanthidae, Acrididae, Forficulidae, Pyrrhocoridae, Pentatomidae, Carabidae, Coccinellidae, Erebidae, and Vespidae and four spiders of the families Araneidae and Lycosidae. Growth inhibition zones that exceeded six millimeters were produced by the following ethanolic extracts: the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus against five species of microorganisms ( Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Proteus mirabilis , Bacillus subtilis , and Candida albicans ), caterpillars of Euproctis chrysorrhoea against four species ( Proteus mirabilis , Shigella flexneri , Enterococcus faecalis , and Clostridium perfringens ), imagoes of Chorthippus dorsatus against four species ( Escherichia coli , Proteus mirabilis , Shigella flexneri , and Enterococcus faecalis ), and the spider Lycosa singoriensis against four species ( Escherichia coli , Proteus mirabilis , Clostridium perfringens , and Candida albicans ). During our study of antibacterial and antifungal activities, these insects and spiders turned out to be the most promising for further studies on in vivo antibacterial activity. At the same time, the least encouraging results were produced by Calathus fuscipes , Harmonia axyridis , Coccinella septempunctata , Forficula auricularia , and Araneus marmoreus . The ethanolic extracts of the insects Pyrrhocoris apterus , Chorthippus dorsatus , Tettigonia viridissima , and Oecanthus pellucens , and also the spider Lycosa singoriensis had the highest inhibitory activity against E. coli . A moderate inhibition of the growth of E. coli was demonstrated by the extracts derived from Forficula auricularia , Palomena prasina , and Araneus diadematus . A significant activity toward the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae was displayed by the extracts of P. apterus and T. viridissima , and a moderate activity was demonstrated by the Harpalus rufipes extract. Proteus mirabilis was observed to be highly sensitive to the extracts of Eu. chrysorrhoea , P. gallicus , Ch. dorsatus , P. apterus , T. viridissima , and Oe. pellucens and the extract of L. singoriensis . The bacterium P. mirabilis was moderately sensitive to two extracts from the ground beetles, H. rufipes and C. fuscipes . The most intense inhibition of the growth of the bacterium Shigella flexneri was produced by the extracts from the insects Eu. chrysorrhoea , Ch. dorsatus , C. septempunctata , and also the spider Argiope bruennichi . No ethanolic extracts of the insects and spiders inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes . A high antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis was exhibited by the extracts of the insects P. gallicus , Eu. chrysorrhoea , Ch. dorsatus , P. prasina , and Oe. pellucens , and also the ethanolic extracts of the spiders A. bruennichi and A. diadematus . The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus was low-sensitive to the alcohol extracts of three insects and one spider. Only the alcohol extract of P. apterus effectively inhibited the growth of the colonies of Bacillus subtilis . A notable inhibitory action toward the bacterium Clostridium perfringens was displayed by the extracts of Eu. chrysorrhoea , P. prasina , A. diadematus , and L. singoriensis . Of all the tested samples of alcohol extracts of insects and spiders, a fungicidal activity against Candida albicans was exerted by Eu. chrysor r hoea , P. prasina , P. apterus , A. marmoreus , A. diadematus , and L. singoriensis
Molecular identification and phylogenetic positioning of nematodes Toxocara canis, T. cati (Ascarididae) and Toxascaris leonina (Toxocaridae) from domestic and wild carnivores in the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan
Get PDFParasitic nematodes of the superfamily Ascaridoidea infect various vertebrate groups, with certain species, partic u larly Toxocara , presenting significant zoonotic risks. This study aims to identify and characterize ascarid species in wild canines and felines in Namangan region, Uzbekistan. Ascarid samples were collected from 18 stray dogs, 3 jackals, and 12 stray cats between February 2023 and March 2025. Adult roundworms were examined using light microscopy and subjected to molecular analysis through PCR amplification of the partial ITS1-5,8S-ITS2 region of ribosomal DNA. Morphological examination identified the nematode samples from dogs and ja c kals as Toxocara canis and from dogs as Toxascaris leonina , while the sample from the cat was identified as Toxocara cati . The nucleotide sequences of ITS were analyzed for similarity using BLAST, which showed that these parasites are 99 – 100% identical to the species T. canis , T. cati and T. leonina . Phylogenetic relationships were also assessed using maximum likelihood analysis with the inclusion of additional sequences from GenBank (NCBI). Phylogenetic analysis showed that T. canis clustered with sequences from wild canids, while T. cati was associated with felids. Notably, T. leonina was divided into subclades depending on the host origin, suggesting the presence of a complex associated with host infectivity. Further confirm a tion is needed by increasing sample sizes and comparing a wider range of morphological and genetic data. This study provides new molecular data on the identification and epidemiological significance of ascarids in wild and domestic dogs and cats in Uzbekistan