Biosystems Diversity (E-Journal - Dnipro National University)
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Sustainability of pasture ecosystems: The use of plant-based mixtures in the fight against helminths
Get PDFIn developing countries, cattle grazing is associated with damage from contaminated manure as one of the hazardous types of organic waste. This, in turn, threatens the sustainability of various livestock sectors and causes significant economic losses. Such countries need to develop new sustainable strategies for integrated control of animal helminthiasis. Parasitic nematodes can significantly reduce the productivity and viability of agriculturally important mammals and are very common in human populations where sanitary standards are not met. In recent years, there has been a significant trend of parasite resistance to chemically synthesized veterinary treatment, including broad-spectrum anthelmintics. The chemicals used with anthelmintic properties pollute pasture ecosystems. In order to achieve environmentally sustainable development and mini m ize the impact of these substances on the environment we determined in a laboratory experiment investigating the effects of eugenol, isoeugenol, thymol and carvacrol, individually and in paired mixtures, on Strongyloides papillosus and Haemo n chus contortus larvae and Trichiuris vulpis and Toxocara canis eggs. Mortality of S. papillosus larvae exposed to a 0.01% mixture of isoeugenol and thymol (97.5 ± 1.7%), eugenol and thymol (96.6 ± 2.6%), and thymol and carvacrol (92.0 ± 5.8%) exceeded 90%. Under the influence of a mixture of 0.01% eugenol and isoeugenol (89.1 ± 10.3%), eugenol and carvacrol (88.2 ± 8.5%), mortality was insignificantly reduced. Haemonchus contortus larvae were significantly more resistant to the influence of mixtures of 0.01% of the studied substances: maximum mortality was noted for eugenol and isoeugenol (80.0 ± 10.6%), eugenol and thymol (86.8 ± 9.6%). Under the influence of 0.1% of the studied substances applied separately, morta l ity of T. vulpis eggs reached its maximum for carvacrol (80.2 ± 11.4%), was significantly lower for thymol (55.3 ± 7.5%) and remained at the level of the control group (without influence of either of the substances) for eugenol and isoeugenol. Average mortality of T. vulpis eggs exceeded 90% when exposed to 1.0% thymol, eugenol, and isoeugenol. At this dosage, carvacrol inflicted the lowest mortality of the four substances studied for T. vulpis eggs. Under the influence of mixtures of these substances for 24 hours, larvae subsequently formed in the eggs of Trichiuris vulpis and Toxocara canis in more than 68% of cases. Mortality of eggs of T. vulpis was highest when exposed to a mixture of isoeugenol and carvacrol. Among the studied nematode species, the eggs of T. canis turned out to be the most resistant to the mixtures of the studied substances: the mortality of eggs did not exceed 16%. Our research results show that mixtures of even very low concentrations of eug e nol with thymol can reduce the viability of larvae of nematode species that are important in medicine and veterinary med i cine
Maize response patterns to soil and climate factors form the basis for predicting changes in its growing conditions under climate change
Get PDFThe present study elucidates the mechanisms by which soil and climatic factors determine the suitability of the Poliss i a and Forest-Steppe regions in Ukraine for the cultivation of maize, and present s predictive models of how these conditions will shift under global climate change. Spatial modelling was performed using CROPGRIDS v1.08 data (maize sowing density), the WorldClim v2.1 database (19 bioclimatic indicators), and SoilGrids v2.0 ( nine chemical and physical soil parameters at 5–15 cm depth). The screening of climate variables was conducted through the utilisation of Principal C omponent A nalysis and residual orthogonalisation techniques. By contrast, soil variables underwent a process of normalisation and standardisation. The maize-area response was Box–Cox transformed, and four regr ession approaches were fitted: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Ridge R egres sion, G eneral ised Additive Models (GAM), and a Random-F orest ensemble (RF). The most significant factor was dete r mined to be soil reaction (pH 6.0–7.5), which ensured optimal nutrient availability; values outside this range resulted in element fixation into insoluble forms or leaching. In the context of soil properties, the sand content (30–40 %) was found to regulate dra i nage and mo isture, the silt content (20–35 %) was determined to maintain the water - air balance, the organic carbon (up to ≈30 g / kg) was found to enhance suitability until saturation, and the total nitrogen exhibited a near-linear positive effect. The key climatic predictors included residual components of annual mean temperature, seasonality and diurnal amplitude, and precipit a tion volume (300–600 mm / yr, with optima in both the wettest and driest months). The GAMs captured nonlinear “peak–plateau–decline” responses for pH, texture, and rainfall, whereas RF delivered the highest predictive accuracy (R² = 0.96; RMSE = 14.77; MAE = 6.73) by automatically modelling complex interactions. Linear models (OLS and R idge) explained 60–64 % of the v a riance. Based on the best‐performing models, suitability maps were generated for three future periods (2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080) under low (SSP1-2.6) to high (SSP5-8.5) emission scenarios. Results indicate a mid‐term decline in optimal areas, followed by partial long‐term recovery driven by compensatory climate dynamics and adaptive measures. The practical signifi c ance lies in identifying narrow optimum ranges for soil and climatic factors, enabling targeted agronomic recommendations: localised liming, texture adjustment, sowing‐date optimisation, hybrid selection, and irrigation management. The resulting mo d els and suitability maps provide a scientific basis for evidence‐based planning of adaptive maize‐production strategies in the face of global climate change
Spiders (Araneae) of the urban ecosystems of Kharkiv City (Ukraine)
Get PDFUrbanization is considered a significant driver of changes in ecosystems and a major factor affecting the natural env i ronment. In-depth studies of urban areas are necessary to develop conservation management strategies and foster healthy city environments. We examined spiders, which are abundant and diverse predatory arthropods that can readily inhabit urban spaces and serve as bioindicators. A total of 153 spider species of 24 families were recorded from Kharkiv City and its suburbs. The families Linyphiidae, Gnaphosidae, and Theridiidae were the most species-rich (16.3%, 13.1%, and 9.8% of the araneofauna, respectively). Four species ( Marinarozelotes adriaticus , Sosticus loricatus , Uloborus plumipes , and Zodarion rubidum ) were recorded in the Kharkiv region for the first time, while 32 species were new to Kharkiv’s urban ecosystems. The four species new to Kharkiv region are rare in Ukraine; besides, Kharkiv is the northernmost known locality for M. adriaticus. S. loricatus is synanthropic, while the others are presumably transported with planting material. The spider species richness was highest in Lisopark, a natural forest sector within the city (71 species), and lowest in five small green spaces in the city center (29 species combined) and at a household on the outskirts (27 species). The dominan t complex of ground-dwelling spiders mirrored those in natural and semi-natural habitats: Pardosa alacris was dominant under tree canopies in botanical gardens, P. lugubris on the edges of tree plantations and some open grassy areas, P. fu l vipes and Alopecosa pulverulenta on grassy slopes and park lawns, and Xerolycosa miniata in the most disturbed habitats in households and botanical gardens. Regarding habitat preferences, most of the spider species belonged to forest (29.2%), forest-grassland (20.9%), or grassland (12.2%) elements. Generalists made up 8.5%. This ratio of ecological groups r e flects the city’s geographic position on the border between the forest-steppe and steppe natural zones
Assessing landslide susceptibility in Chefchaouen, Morocco: An application of the landslide numerical risk factor method for sustainable urban development and disaster risk management
Get PDFThis research investigates landslide susceptibility in Chefchaouen, Morocco, using the Landslide Numerical Risk Factor (LNRF) method to inform sustainable urban development and disaster risk management. The study incorporates local factors such as geological characteristics, climatic conditions, land use patterns, and gravitational influences within the LNRF framework. The results demonstrate that slope, altitude, geological complexity, and precipitation are key determinants of landslide susceptibility, with complex geology and high rainfall significantly increasing risk. The research highlights the critical need for forest conservation, reforestation, and responsible land management to mitigate the heightened landslide vulnerability caused by human activities such as deforestation, overexploitation, and urban expansion. The study provides valuable insights for enhancing regional planning and natural resource management to reduce landslide risks effectively
Euonymus nanus (Celastraceae) in Europe and in the Caucasus Mountains: geographi-cal distribution, habitats and modern state of populations
Get PDFThe study of the current state of populations and habitats of rare and threatened species of plants is a relevant task of ecological research. The paper presents the results of investigation of the geographical distribution, habitats and modern state of populations of a rare species of the European and Caucasian floras Euonymus nanus M. Bieb. (Celastraceae), included in the Red Data Books of Ukraine, Moldova, the Russian Federation and the Red List of Romania. The structure of the European and Caucasian parts of its range is described. The natural range of Euonymus nanus includes Romania (the Carpathian Mountains and the Moldavian Plateau), Moldova (the Moldavian Plateau and Southern Podillia Upland), Ukraine (Podillia and Dnieper Uplands and Dnieper Lowlands, Crimean Mountains) and the Russian Federation (North Caucasus). There are near 100 localities of E. nanus in Europe and 6 localities in the Caucasus Mountains. A phytocoenotical peculiarity of European habitats of E. nanus is their confinement exclusively to deciduous forests. This is their difference from Caucasian habitats, connected with scree slopes and from Asiatic habitats, connected with coniferous forests. Biogeographical and paleontological data and some biological peculiarities of E. nanus (low reproductive potential) confirm its relic nature (Tertiary relic) in Europe. The claim that E. nanus has an alien origin in Europe is insufficiently scientifically substantiated. The current state of E. nanus populations in Europe and in the Caucasus Mountains is shown. Known local populations of E. nanus are few in number, with relatively low densities, and their gradual decline is observed everywhere. Due to the uniqueness of E. nanus populations, it must be included to the European Red List. Modelling of E. nanus populations in cultivated coenoses is an effective method of ex situ conservation for this species
Soil nematodes as a monitoring tool of bioenergy crop production management: The case of Miscanthus giganteus cultivation on different soil types
Get PDFThe cultivation of bioenergy crops helps produce energy sources for industrial and domestic needs with a zero carbon footprint, which is very attractive in the context of efforts to prevent global climate change. However, this creates certain difficulties in terms of competition for agricultural land with crops used to satisfy human needs and produce food. One potential solution is the use of unproductive abandoned land disturbed by open-pit mining and marginal land contaminated with toxic substances for growing bioenergy crops. The subject of the study was to investigate the influence of soil type on nematode communities and related indicators in the cultivation of bioenergy crops for biofuel production in different geographical areas. A solution to the issue of the role of nematode communities in the hierarchical organisation of bioenergy crop management, which includes tactical and strategic levels, is proposed. A total of 44 nematode genera representing different soil types were found in the studied ecosystems. The lowest abundance of communities was found in Chernozem and Glayic Podzols. The highest abundance was found on Arenosols, Haplic Podzols, and Stagnic Fluvisols. The herbivores were represented by 21 genera. The proportion of herbivorous species usually did not exceed 60% of the total number of nematodes. The representatives of the genus Paratylenchus were found in all the studied soils. The results of multidimensional scaling showed that four dimensions could be identified. Dimension 1 proved to be the most sensitive to changes in the trophic structure of the communities, which is largely due to changes in the role of herbivores in the community. Dimension 2 allowed us to differentiate Arenosols from all other soil types. This difference is explained by functional changes in the structure of the nematode community. The Arenosols community is distinguished by an increase in the enrichment index, which is a consequence of an increase in the proportion of semi-endoparasites. Dimension 3 made it possible to differentiate a group of soils, including Haplich Fluvioglacial, Stagnant Fluvioglacial and Haplic Fluvisols, Stagnic Fluvisols, and Haplic Podzols from Glayic Podzols. Glayic Podzols are characterised by an increased total number of the community, mainly due to parasitic nematodes, as evidenced by the increased level of the plant parasitism index. Dimension 4 was able to capture the specific characteristics of the black soil nematode communities. This soil type is characterised by a higher density of nematode communities, which is explained by a higher proportion of bacteriophages and ectoparasites. Growing bioenergy crops has two different aspects: tactical and strategic. The tactical aspect involves the production of biological energy sources. This aspect includes traditional methods of crop management, including elements of plant disease and pest control, to achieve maximum yield. Thus, the object of tactical management is the plant. In contrast, the strategic aspect is concerned with soil reclamation to restore its functions, thereby paving the way for the possibility of using such soils for food production. The object of strategic management is soil. The tactical aspect involves obtaining direct economic benefits from the extraction of energy raw materials. The strategic aspect involves the restoration of disturbed lands and the creation of preconditions for the restoration of their ecosystem services and their inclusion in food production. Nematode communities can provide information for monitoring processes at both the tactical and strategic levels. The risks of parasitic nematodes and plant diseases should be assessed at the tactical level of management. At the strategic level of management, nematode communities should be used to monitor trophic network assessment and the level of stress in the soil system
The rapid response of the ground beetle communities to the meadow steppe habitat loss in West Podillia (Ukraine)
Get PDFGround beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) stand out as one of the most diverse families not just among insects but also among all living organisms on Earth. They have emerged as essential bioindicators of environmental disturbance, reflecting changes in ecosystems due to agricultural, forestry, and urbanization practices. The presence, abundance, and species composition of carabid communities serve as reliable indicators of habitat quality and ecosystem health. We conducted a comprehensive study of the meadow-steppe habitats, utilizing ground beetles as sensitive ecological indicators. We delineated four distinct groups of species based on ecological preferences and habitat affinities: I) steppe xerothermophilic stenobionts; II) steppe and ruderal xero- and mesophilic eurybionts; III) meadow and ruderal meso- and hygrophilous eurybionts; and IV) forest meso- and hygrophilous steno- and eurybionts. Our findings elucidate a distinct response of ground beetle species groups to transformation processes occurring within meadow steppes. Species belonging to group I (Brachinus crepitans, Ophonus rupicola, O. puncticollis, Leistus ferrugineus) expanded notably in distribution under conditions characterized by xerophilization and elevated temperatures. Conversely, species within group II (Harpalus atratus, H. caspius, H. hospes, H. solitaris, Ophonus azureus) and group III (Amara aenea, A. familiaris, Calathus fuscipes, Carabus cancellatus, C. convexus, Cylindera germanica, Harpalus affinis, H. latus, H. rubripes, H. xanthopus, Pterostichus atrorufus, P. cupreus, P. strenuus) showed a comparable response to the habitat, with a preference for higher soil moisture. Species within group IV (Abax carinatus, A. parallelepipedus, A. parallelus, Carabus arvensis, C. glabratus, C. linnei, C. nemoralis, C. ulrichii, C. variolosus, Cychrus caraboides, C. semigranosus, Leistus piceus, Limodromus assimilis, Molops piceus, Pterostichus melanarius, P. niger, P. oblongopunctatus) demonstrated an association with markedly different environmental conditions, characterized by significant moisture levels and relatively lower soil temperatures conducive to their existence. Steppe species (group I) were observed in only 12 out of 27 sample plots of meadow steppes, while a significant presence of species from groups II and III was evident in most cases, indicating mesophilization due to shrub and tree vegetation expansion. Forest species of ground beetles (group IV) were prevalent in the majority of meadow steppe sample plots, reflecting disruption of plagioclimax likely resulting from the cessation of traditional economic practices. Despite the presence of the meadow-steppe vegetation, steppe species of ground beetles were entirely absent, suggesting their potential as early indicators of ongoing changes in the meadow-steppe habitats
Chelated forms of trace elements improve antioxidant properties and nodulation potential of soybean-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis under insufficient water conditions
Get PDFThe development of new nanotechnological approaches and the appearance of preparations with low concentrations of microelements can serve as a basis for promising solutions aimed at increasing stress-protective properties and tolerance to the adverse factors effects. The aim of the study is to show the effectiveness of seed inoculation with nodule bacteria modified by chelate forms of trace elements germanium, ferrum and molybdenum to stimulate antioxidant properties and improve the functioning of the Glycine max (L.) Merr. – Bradyrhizobium symbiosis in insufficient water supply conditions. For this, the symbiotic systems of soybean with active virulent Bradyrhizobium japonicum B1-20 were used with the addition of chelated forms of ferrum, germanium and molybdenum in a dilution of 1:1000 to the culture medium. The chelator was citric acid. At the phenological stages during active nitrogen fixation by soybeans, two models of plant watering regimes were created ̶ optimal at the level of 60% of the full field capacity and insufficient/water stress at the level of 30% of the full field capacity. Microbiological, physiological, and biochemical methods of plant testing were used. It was found that the addition of rhizobia, chelated forms of germanium or ferrum to the culture medium, induces an increase in the antioxidant properties of plants by activating the key enzymatic complexes of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase in soybean nodules and leaves under water stress. The use of chelated forms of ferrum or germanium led to the stimulation of the Bradyrhizobium nodulation potential, which was accompanied by the optimization of the water status and growth processes of soybean plants in insufficient moisture supply conditions. It was shown that inoculation with rhizobia containing chelated forms of molybdenum induced soybean plants sensitive to water deficit, as evidenced by an unstable reaction of enzyme activity, decrease or increase, in nodules and leaves. It inhibits nodulation processes on soybean roots and at the same time disrupts the water status of plants with insufficient water supply. It was concluded that the addition of chelated forms of germanium or ferrum to the rhizobia culture medium is a promising solution for stimulating the protective antioxidant properties of soybeans, which helps to optimize the physiological state of plants under insufficient water conditions
Influence of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Chaenomeles leaf extracts on pathogenic microorganisms Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Fusarium culmorum
Get PDFHerein, we report for the first time the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaf extracts of Chaenomeles Lindl. (Rosaceae) plants and its spectral characteristics, as well as antifungal and antibacterial activity. Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles on the base of aqueous plant extracts and silver nitrate solution was carried out by an ecofriendly and cost-effective approach. UV-Vis spectroscopy was applied to validate the plant-mediated biosynthesis of AgNPs colloidal solutions by the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) bands in the region of 450–500 nm, characteristic of polycrystalline silver nanoparticles. Scanning microscopy (SEM) revealed a wide variation in range 5–58 nm and a close to spherical shape of plant-derived AgNPs. Raman scattering spectroscopy revealed the suitability of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles as the substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy with the highest efficiency of AgNPs, biosynthesized from leaf extract of Ch. × superba, which enhanced the Rhodamine 6G dye applied at a concentration of 10–7 M. Assay of antifungal activity performed by well diffusion method revealed the dose-dependent effect of all AgNPs against the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium culmorum. The most effective AgNPs (Ch. speciosa-AgNPs, Ch. cathayensis-AgNPs, and Ch. japonica-AgNPs) achieved a 1.42–1.63 times greater zone of inhibition of the F. culmorum colonies’ growth compared to the corresponding doses of the known chemical fungicide "Quadris". Micro preparations of the zones of incomplete growth inhibition presented changes in the mycelium morphology of F. culmorum due to the action of nanoparticles, such as deformation (curvature, expansion), and a decrease in the hyphae length and density compared to the control sample. Disc-diffusion assay showed notable species-specific antibacterial activity of AgNPs both against Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) strains. Summarizing, the results indicate the undeniable suitability of aqueous leaf extracts of the genus Chaenomeles species for the successful biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with many useful properties, whose diverse applications require further research
Characteristic of the dried-up zone formed as a result of the breach of the Kahovka dam
Get PDFThe explosion at the Kahovka dam led to formation of new dried-up areas at the bottom of the Kahovka Reservoir, which have specific relief and mechanical composition of soil. Vegetation that has been forming in those dried-up areas for over one year now is already undergoing the first stages of succession and is characterized by high spatial non-uniformity. The study consisted of three main stages: analysis of dynamics of outflow from the reservoir and development of a scheme of hydrographic network at the site of the reservoir’s bed, analysis of soil cover, and analysis of formation of vegetative cover. We analyzed the possibility of combined use of the data of ground monitoring and remote sensing of the course and consequences of the drying. According to the reports of the Ukrainian Hydro-Meteorological Center of the State Service of Ukraine, a chronology of the emptying of the Kahovka Reservoir was created. The hydrological regime of the newly formed territory was identified using a series of satellite images. The dataset was compiled from Level-2 images from Landsat 8 and 9. Sentinel 2 was used as an additional resource. The images were processed using the Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP). We found the effect which the debris of the Kahovka dam has had on the flood level in the area. We observed recovery of the streambed network of the Dnipro River to its state before construction of the Kahovka dam. The hydraulics of the formed floodplains is complex. There are streams with signs of yet uncompleted meandering and many arms. Clustering of spectral characteristics and interpretation of the normalized NDCI and NDWI indices revealed that the spatial non-homogenous structure of the soil cover of dried-up bed of the reservoir is formed by four types of soil: eutric relictigleyic fluvisols, eutric gleyic fluvisols, eutric fluvic gleysols, eutric fluvic subaquatic gleysols. The soils are characterized by diverse granulometric composition (sand, sandy loam, loam, and clay) and various degrees of soil moisture. In the reservoir’s bed, the commonest soils were found to be eutric gleyic fluvisols. We determined the effect of granulometric composition and soil moisture content on the intensity of overgrowth of the reservoir’s bed. We analyzed the general dynamics of the overgrowth of the reservoir’s bed