Biosystems Diversity (E-Journal - Dnipro National University)
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Biochemical markers of the functional state of the Stevia rebaudiana and Crambe сordifolia plant-soil ecosystem
Get PDFA traditional approach to the study of plant-soil ecosystems is based on assessing the main physiological functions of plants (photosynthesis, respiration, mineral nutrition, regulation, protection) and main agronomic characteristics of soil. Such an approach is not very informative, and at the same time it is also time-consuming and expensive, which limits the number of objects that can be studied. Therefore, it is important to identify biochemical markers that can reflect the functional state of phytocoenosis in the most informative way. We analyzed the parameters of basic physiological processes, as well as agronomic and biochemical characteristics of soil in terms of their informative values for understanding the functional state of plant-soil ecosystem using the example of the medicinal plants candyleaf (Stevia rebaudiana (Bart.) Bertoni) and heartleaf crambe (Crambe сordifolia Stev.) from the collection of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden. In particular, we measured the contents of photosynthetic pigments, sugars, nitrogen (protein), amino acids, and brassinosteroids (BRs) in the plants. Also, we studied the contents of biogenic elements in the plant tissues and soil. The soil was subjected to allelopathic analysis. The study also considered the course of oxidation-reduction processes and the contents of phenolic compounds in the soil. The results of the analyses were processed using statistical methods of correlation, factor, discriminant, and cluster analyses. The correlation and factor analysis of the research results showed that the highest factor loadings (≥0.8) were observed for the characteristics of concentration of protective biomolecules (chlorophyll b, BRs). For the soil, the highest factor loadings were recorded for the characteristics of the content of free low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds, allelopathic activity, and redox potential, which are related to the root excretory function. The comparison of the metabolic profiles of Crambe cordifolia and Stevia rebaudiana revealed the species-specific features related to the synthesis of sugars and free amino acids (arginine, cysteine, lysine, and methionine). The allelopathic activity of C. cordifolia and S. rebaudiana is mainly due to low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds. Brassinosteroids do not seem to be involved in the allelopathic interactions of the studied species. On the other hand, BRs could be used as a marker for the intensity of assimilation processes in the studied plants
Evaluation of aquatic ecosystem health via benthic macroinvertebrates and physicochemical parameters in the northern Sahara, Algeria
Get PDFThis study aims to assess the ecological integrity of water habitats in the northern Sahara of Algeria, utilizing a multiparametric approach focused on the ecology of benthic macroinvertebrates. To monitor the water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates and physicochemical parameters were analyzed monthly from August 2015 to November 2017 throughout five aquatic ecosystems: Z’mor w adi, Ithel w adi, Djedi w adi, Ayata l ake, and Megarine l ake. The physicochemical analysis results indicate that the pH values at the research sites ranged from mildly alkaline to alkaline. Turbidity and suspended solids were markedly increased in Djedi w adi and Z’mor w adi. The mean BOD 5 values across all examined aquatic systems demonstrated moderate organic pollution levels, with the highest amounts recorded in Djedi w adi, Ithel w adi, and Megarine l ake. In terms of salinity, Djedi w adi exhibited slightly brackish conditions, whereas the remaining sites ranged from brackish to highly brackish. The recorded fauna included 995 individuals, representing 55 genera/taxa across 8 orders and 29 families. The most diverse taxa were Coleoptera (24 taxa), Diptera (14 taxa), and Hemiptera (10 taxa), with Diptera and Coleoptera being the most dominant. Z'mor and Ithel wadi s had the highest biodiversity, with a total richness of 35 taxa and a Shannon score over 2.50. PCA-Biblot and cluster analysis identified three groups, indicating the significance of site typology and environmental factors for the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. The IBGN evaluation classified the hydrobiological quality of water as poor (IBGN score of 5) in Djedi w adi, Ithel w adi, Megarine l ake, and Ayata l ake, but Z’mor w adi demo n strated moderate water quality with an IBGN score of 9
Impact of biologized agrotechnology on brown mustard productivity and resource use efficiency
Get PDFThe agricultural landscape of Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, is increasingly challenged by climatic variability and the imperative for resource-use optimization. To enhance the resilience and sustainability of crop production in this region, a two-year field study was conducted over the 2023 – 2024 growing seasons to evaluate the effects of three distinct cultivation technologies ( T rad i tional, B iological, and O rganic) an d three seeding rates (2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 million seeds/ha) on the productive moisture content, nutrient dynamics, and yield of brown mustard ( Brassica juncea ). The r esults indicated a clear superiority of the biologized agr o technological systems. The biological and organic technologies consistently maintained significantly higher productive soil moi s ture reserves throughout the growing season and demonstrated lower average daily water consumption. This translated into sup e rior water-use efficiency, with lower water consumption coefficients (WCC) recorded for the biologized treatments. In addition to water efficiency, these systems exhibited superior nutrient-use efficiency. Regression modeling confirmed a strong relationship between agrotechnology and nitrate uptake (R 2 = 0.72), with b iological (24.5 kg/t) and o rganic (23.6 kg/t) systems requiring significantly less nitrate per ton of yield compared to the traditional approach (29.8 kg/t). The impact on phosphorus uptake was more nuanced (R 2 = 0.39), with the organic system demonstrating the highest efficiency (60.8 kg/t), highlighting the role of long-term soil health in phosphorus cycling. Furthermore, the study confirmed a quadratic relationship between seeding rate and water consumption, underscoring a critical trade-off between plant density and water use. Ultimately, the resource-efficient biological and organi c systems produced significantly higher yields, with top performances reaching 1.57 t/ha of mustard seeds. These findings underscore that biologized practices are not only viable but are superior for optimizing agricultural resources and e n hancing crop productivity in semi-arid environments compared to traditional ones. The adoption of biological and organ ic cult i vation technologies presents a clear pathway for building resilient, high-yield agricultural systems capable of withstanding clima t ic stresses and reducing dependency on external inputs
Anatomical identification and diagnostic characteristics of Tragopogon pratensis (Asteraceae) within the flora of Azerbaijan
Get PDFThe study of plant anatomical structures plays a crucial role in their taxonomic identification and the determination of diagno s tic characteristics. Such research facilitates accurate species recognition, clarification of systematic positions, and contributes to the scientific foundation of floristic studies. Due to the limited anatomical data available for Tragopogon pratensis L. in the flora of Azerbaijan, this study provides a novel contribution to science by identifying specific anatomical criteria for the species' identific a tion. It represents the first comprehensive investigation of the specific anatomical structures of T. pratensis in Azerbaijan and d e termines its diagnostic features. Both generative and vegetative organs of T. pratensis were used as study material. Anatomical, microscopic, histochemical, and biometric methods were employed. Transverse sections from the plant's generative and vegetative organs were treated with reagents, converted into permanent slides, and the results of the microscopic analyses were statistically validated. Anatomical analysis revealed active development of aerenchyma tissue in the bracts, as well as in the leaf blade and leaf base. Distinct types of trichomes were recorded on the abaxial epidermis of both the bracts and the ligules. Specific structural ch a racteristics were analyzed in the stamens and pistils. In the peduncle and stem, well-developed aerenchyma in the pith and schiz o genous secretory cavities in the perimedullary region were observed. Endogenous laticifers were identified in transverse sections of both generative and vegetative organs. Vacuolization of ergastic and constitutional substances was detected in the mechanical, dermal, and ground tissues of T. pratensis . For the first time, a pseudoisolateral leaf structure was identified in this species within the Azerbaijani flora. In the rosette and primary root, the vascular system elements showed a predominantly radial arrangement, with parenchymatous tissues being dominant overall. In the transverse section of the lateral root, pigmentation was observed in the cell walls of the endodermis. The vascular system exhibited a radial arrangement within the central cylinder. This research demo n strates species-specific anatomical criteria for T . pratensis in the Azerbaijani flora and offers both scientific and practical contrib u tions to the field of plant anatomy. Additionally, the findings provide valuable input for the pharmacognostic disciplines of micr o scopy and phytochemistry, serving as significant markers in the formation and standardization of medicinal plant raw material resources
Restoration of floodplains' natural vegetation of Polissia to reduce the effects of climate change
Get PDFGlobal climate change has a wide range of regional-level consequences. The most sensitive environmental parameters are those related to the water cycle. A t the same time, several natural stabilizers reduce the negative impact of climate change. One of the most prevalent stabilizers is the vegetation of river floodplains. Using geobotanical methods, we surveyed the floodplains of the P ry p i at, Stohid, Horyn, Sluch, Ubort, Slovechna, Noryn, Uzh, Irsha, Teteriv, Dnipro, and Desna rivers and their main tributaries within the Ukrainian Poliss i a. According to Braun-Blanquet's ecological-floristic classification, we found that this vegetation consists of 11 classes, 32 orders, 57 alliances, and 204 associations. Synphytoindicative analysis revealed that these plant communities strongly stabilize climate change and its consequences. These plant communities absorb and accumulate carbon from the atmosphere in the form of phytomass or peat deposits. They also slow the passage of precipitation water, which prevents water erosion and the eutrophication of water bodies. They also create a specific microclimate around water bodies, preventing increased evaporation of moisture from the soil and rivers. However, this vegetation suffers from direct anthropogenic pressure and the same climate changes. If climatic factors deviate from submicrotheral ( mild cold ) , subaridophyt ic -subumbrophyti c ( moderate drought and shading ) , semi oceanic, and subcryophytic ( moderate dryness and cold ) , the functioning of typical floodplain vegetation is suppressed and its recovery is slowed down. Currently, climate change has progressed to a point where floodplain vegetation is unable to fully perform its stabilizing function. Even if we immediately implement measures to restore floodplain vegetation, it will take time to regain its capacity to stabilize the climate. In this regard, it is important to use hydroengineering measures and projects alongside the restoration of natural processes. The success of this combination will have a global impact on the quality and quantity of natural resources, the prese r vation of habitat and species diversity, and the stabilization of climate change
Length–weight relationship and condition factor of roach Rutilus rutilus in lentic waterbodies of Uzbekistan
Get PDFThis study investigates the length–weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor of roach, Rutilus rutilus, from seven lentic water bodies in Uzbekistan, including reservoirs and drainage lakes in the Syrdarya, Zarafshan, and Surkhandarya river basins. These habitats, formed mainly during the large-scale irrigation developments of the late 20th century, now support abundant roach populations that have become commercially significant since the 2000s. Samples were collected from commercial catches in March–April 2024–2025 using gill nets (mesh 16–50 mm). Total length (TL), standard length (SL), and weight (W) were measured. The LWR was modeled using both power and log-transformed equations, and Fulton’s condition factor (K) and rel a tive condition factor (Kn) were calculated. Results revealed strong positive correlations between SL and TL in all stocks. LWR exponents (b) ranged from 2.81 to 3.23, indicating predominantly isometric or slightly positive allometric growth, except for East Arnasay Reservoir (b = 2.81) and Lake Karakir (b = 2.93), which showed slight negative allometry. Fulton’s K averaged 1.14–1.26 across sites, suggesting generally good condition, though roach in Lakes Aydarkul and Tuzkan had lower fatness, likely linked to increasing salinity (8–12‰) and reduced freshwater inflow. Kn values averaged around 1.0 for all populations, indica t ing that observed weights closely matched those predicted by LWR equations and reflecting stable ecological conditions. The findings highlight the adaptability of roach to diverse hydrological conditions, including brackish drainage lakes, and their ability to form sustainable commercial stocks in Uzbekistan’s artificial and semi-natural water systems. The data provide the first d e tailed LWR and condition factor assessments for R. rutilus in the region, offering valuable baselines for fisheries management. Differences in growth patterns and body condition among water bodies likely reflect a combination of environmental factors, including salinity, food availability, and hydrological regime stability. From a management perspective, monitoring K and Kn values over time may serve as an effective tool for detecting shifts in fish health related to climate variability, water quality changes, and anthropogenic pressures. Overall, this study expands the understanding of roach biology in arid and semi-arid i n land water ecosystems, where climatic extremes and human-modified hydrology shape fish population dynamics. The observed capacity of roach to maintain favorable condition factors in most habitats supports their continued role as a key component of Uzbekistan’s inland fisheries, although the ir declining condition in the more saline lakes signals the need for targeted manag e ment actions to sustain productivity
A hemeroby gradient reveals the structure of bird communities in urban parks
Get PDFThe spatial structure and composition of urban parks play a crucial role in shaping bird communities by determining the availability and quality of suitable sites for nesting, feeding, and shelter. In this study, we investigated bird communities inhabiting urban parks and squares in Dnipro, Ukraine, during the breeding seasons of 2022–2024. Using transect counts, information-logical data analysis, and ecological data classification methods, we analyzed bird species composition and their substrate preferences to identify ecological clusters. Based on substrate preferences and ecological adaptations, we identified 12 distinct clusters, some of which reflect different levels of hemeroby – the degree of anthropogenic impact on ecosystems. Species such as the lesser whitethroat ( Sylvia curruca ), tree pipit ( Anthus trivialis ), icterine warbler ( Hippolais icterina ), and common cuckoo ( Cuculus canorus ) were rarely found in urban parks due to specific habitat requirements, indicating areas of low hemeroby. Conversely, species like the woodpigeon ( Columba palumbus ), common starling ( Sturnus vulgaris ), collared flycatcher ( Ficedula albicollis ), and fieldfare ( Turdus pilaris ) were more prevalent, suggesting areas with moderate to high levels of hemeroby. Moreover, we identified bird species that exhibit remarkable adaptability, thriving both in urban park areas and natural habitats. These include the great tit ( Parus major ), hooded crow ( Corvus cornix ), and chaffinch ( Fringi l la coelebs ). Their widespread presence across diverse environments underscores their ecological versatility and importance in both urban and natural ecosystems. The widespread presence of species such as the tree sparrow ( Passer montanus ) indicates significant ecological transformation within these urban parks. These findings emphasize the importance of specific habitat features in supporting diverse bird communities and reveal varying degrees of species sensitivity to urbanization. The presence of these species in park bird communities allows one to assess the level of anthropogenic landscape transformation and can be used for monitoring the ecological state of urban areas. The results underscore the critical importance of conserving and restoring diverse habitats in urban parks and squares, which will support a wide range of bird species, including those adapted to urban environments and those more sensitive to changes
Volatile oils of Thymus serpyllum and Artemisia absinthium: GS-MS analysis and insecticidal activity against Culiseta longiareolata
Get PDFCuliseta longiareolata (Macquart, 1838) (Diptera, Culicidae) is one of the important mosquito species distributed in Algeria. It acts as a vector of avian malaria, tularemia, Malta fever (brucellosis), and several arboviruses, such as West Nile fever and western encephalitis virus. To eliminate undesirable insect vectors of pathogens, botanical-based insecticides are increasingly recommended. This research was focused on the analysis of the chemical composition of essential oils from Artemisia absinthium (Asteraceae) and Thymus serpyllum (Lamiaceae) obtained by hydrodistillation using gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Furthermore, these oils were tested for the first time for their larvicidal activity against fourth-instar larvae of C. longiareolata. In the Th. serpyllum essential oil, linalool (25.40%) was the major constituent, followed by camphor (19.75%) and α-pinene (11.25%). In the A. absinthium essential oil, the major compound was camphor (39.01%), followed by chamazulene (14.51%). Our study found significant larvicidal effects against the fourth-instar larvae, with a direct correlation among the larval mortality rate, applied concentrations, and duration of exposure to the treatment, where the mortality increased over time. Also, the results indicated a significant difference in the mortality rate between the two samples of essential oils. The essential oil extracted from A. absinthium was highly effective against mosquito larvae, achieving the LC50 values of 10.42, 6.19 and 3.82 ppm at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, while the essential oil from Th. serpyllum achieved the LC50 values of 12.16, 7.79, and 6.88 ppm. Based on the current results, both the plants could be used as new alternatives for mosquito control
Helminths of domestic and wild artiodactyls (Mammalia, Artiodactyla) in Uzbekistan
Get PDFThe article discusses some features of the helminthofauna of domestic and wild artiodactyls in Uzbekistan, represented by the families Suidae, Cervidae , and Bovidae. The total of 14 species turned out to be hosts to helminths. The prevalence ranged 75.5 % to 100 .0 %. Our research team identified 103 helminth species , belonging to the classes Cestoda (13 species), Trematoda (10), Acanthocephala (1) , and Nematoda (79). The highest parasite species diversity was recorded in the domestic animals: 48 species in sheep, 34 in goats, and 40 in cattle. The number of helminth species in wild artiodactyls varied from 13 to 28. Most of the recorded helminths parasitise d different parts of the artiodactyls' bodies, causing serious diseases. They we re found in almost all organs. The most widespread helminths in the animals studied include d the representatives of the class Cestoda – Moniezia expansa , M. benedeni , Avitellina centripunctata , and Echinococcus granulosus . From the class Trematoda, these include d Fasciola hepatica , F. gigantica , Gastrothylax crumenifer , Calicophoron erschowi , Dicrocoelium dendriticum , and Schistosoma turke s tanicum . The class Nematoda in this regard wa s represented by Trichocephalus ovis , Chabertia ovina , Dictyocaulus filaria , Metastrongylus elongatus , Ostertagia occidentalis , Marshallagia marshalli , Nematodirus helvetianus , Tel a dorsagia circumcincta , Gongylonema pulchrum , Parabronema skrjabini , and Setaria labiatopapillosa . Of the total number of helminths species of artiodactyls , a number of species are of interest from the point of view of medical parasitology. According to their life cycle, the helminths can be divided into two groups: homoxenous and heteroxe n ous. The first one , homoxenous , consists of parasites that do not change hosts throughout their life. According to our materials, this group included nematodes from the genera Trichocephalus , Strongyloides , Bunostomum , Chabertia , Oesophagostomum , Trichostrongylus , Haemonchus , Marshallagia , Nematodirus , Ostertagia , Dictyocaulus , Skrjab i nema , Ascaris, and Neoascaris . The second, he heteroxenous, group was formed by all representatives of the classes Cestoda, Trematoda, and Acanthocephala, and also some Nematoda species. We identified oligochaetes, molluscs, and insects as intermediate hosts. The artiodactyls of Uzbekistan were also determined as intermediate hosts to par a sites from the family Taeniidae, class Cestoda. The hosts and their parasites exerted close topical (in relation to biosy s tems) and trophic relationships, which ensures contacts with components of the parasitic system and contributes to the formation of the helminthofauna and the circulation of parasites in the wild of Uzbekistan
Effects of cypermethrin on the taxonomic diversity of soil and litter invertebrates in the agrocoenoses of Lithuania
Get PDFWe assessed the degree to which cypermethrin impacts the taxonomic diversity of non-target groups of soil and litter invertebrates in the agrocoenoses of Kėdainiai District, Lithuania. The studies were conducted in three agrosystems, two of which have been farmed conventionally, with the use of insecticides (cypermethrin), and one where no chemical means had been applied. It was the first time that a modern graphic analysis was conducted for the distribution of the invertebrates depending on their average body length and their total abundance in an agrocoenosis. By number of species and their abundance, the most diverse group in all the examined agrocoenoses was Coleoptera, with a significant dominance of Carabidae. The dominant species of invertebrates in the studied agrocoenoses were Nebria rufescens, Loricera pilicornis, Metallina lampros, Poecilus cupreus, P. versicolor, Pterostichus melanarius, Amara aenea, A. communis, A. convexiuscula, Calathus ambiguous, C. fuscipes, Anchomenus dorsalis, Harpalus griseus, H. rufipes, H. distinguendus, Coccinella septempunctata, Lasius niger, and Pardosa lugubris. The conventionally farmed agrocoenoses of rapeseed and wheat were characterized by impoverished taxonomic compositions, with prevalence of several eudominant and dominant species (Pterostichus melanarius, Poecilus versicolor, and Calathus fuscipes). The size structure was significantly uneven. Most of the species recorded in these plots were zoophages, represented by flying and non-flying forms. In the ecologically farmed wheat agrocoenosis, which had not been treated with insecticides, we observed a relative eveness in the size structure, absence of eudominant species, and increase in the taxonomic diversity due to the distribution of non-target groups of arthropods that are more sensitive to cypermethrin (Porcellionidae, Lithobiidae, Tetrigidae, Acrididae, Coreidae, Lygaeidae, Cydnidae, Pentatomidae, Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, and Thomisidae). The percentages of zoophages declined, while the shares of phytophages and polyphages that are able to fly increased