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Effect of nitrophos fertilizer on pollinator dynamics and onion seed yield /
No full textThe yield of flowering crops depends on multiple factors, with pollination and the availability of nutrients being particularly crucial. However, fewer studies have explored the combined effects of nutrients and insect-mediated pollination on onions (Allium cepa L.). Here, we studied how different levels of insect pollination (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) and nitrophos fertilizer application (188, 375, and 750 kg/hectare) affect onion seed yield. We found that pollination benefits to yield were maximum at intermediate levels of nitrophos availability. A higher pollinator abundance was recorded at a high nitrophos level, followed by intermediate and low levels. Syrphid flies and honey bees were the most abundant insect pollinators. The abundance of honey bees was higher at a low nitrophos level, while syrphid flies were more abundant at a higher nitrophos level. Moreover, the umbel weight and seed number were higher at the intermediate fertilizer level. Also, single visits by insect pollinators were observed, and the highest umbel weight was found at the intermediate fertilizer level with a single visit from A. florea. This finding provides evidence that resource and pollination availability have interactive, nonlinear effects on seed production. Our results also support ecological intensification as a reliable strategy for sustainable agro-ecosystem management
First report of Sarcocystis halieti in Asia: the genetic confirmation in muscles of the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) from Iran /
No full textPrevious studies showed that the Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (Linnaeus, 1758) acts as the definitive host of the Sarcocystis halieti (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) Gjerde, Vikøren et Hamnes, 2017. Herein, we report macrocysts of S. halieti in the pectoral muscle of a Sparrowhawk in the west of Iran. Between September 2019 and December 2023, a total of 55 wild birds belonging to 8 orders, 9 families, 18 genera, and 21 species were examined in Hamedan province, western Iran. In one Eurasian sparrowhawk, macroscopic cysts resembling rice grains were observed in the breast muscle of the bird. None of the other examined birds were infested with macrosarcocysts. DNA extracted from sarcocysts was molecularly characterized at four nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers (the 18 S rRNA, 28 S rRNA, cox1 genes, and the ITS1 region). Sequence analysis confirmed the identity of the macrosarcocysts as Sarcocystis halieti. This is the first report of S. halieti in Asia. Sparrowhawk proved to act as both the definitive and intermediate host of Sarcocystis halieti. The phenomenon of the same species of Sarcocystis serving as both hosts is extremely rare among birds and needs to be studied further
Tracking the morphological trends in Apodemus flavicollis: Evidence from a five-decade study /
No full textWe examined long-term trends in the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) in Lithuania using data collected from 1980 to 2024. Over 10,000 individuals were captured and 5666 were necropsied to measure standard morphometric traits, including body mass, length, and appendage dimensions. Temporal trends revealed an increase in the proportion of A. flavicollis within small mammal communities, from 6.5% in the 1980s to 28.2% in the 2020s, particularly in forest and grassland habitats. Sexual dimorphism was confirmed, with males generally larger than females in all traits, although age influenced the degree of size difference. Morphometric traits showed a consistent increase from the 1980s to the 2010s, followed by significant declines in body mass, body length, and ear length in the 2020s. Declines were most pronounced in males across all age groups. These findings are consistent with our previous findings in the field vole (Microtus agrestis) from the Baltic region, and the global patterns of body size reduction in small mammals due to climate warming and habitat change. This study highlights the importance of integrating sex- and age-based analyses to understand the ecological and evolutionary responses of mammals to environmental pressures. Future research is essential to explore the broader implications of these trends for ecosystem dynamics and species survival
Phenolic compounds and pharmacological potential of Lavandula angustifolia extracts for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases /
No full textThe search for neuroprotective compounds in lavender is driven by its traditional use for brain health, with antioxidant activity serving as a key mechanism in reducing oxidative stress and supporting cognitive function. Lavender’s potential to protect neurons is based on its calming, anti-stress properties, which increase the brain’s resistance to neurodegeneration. Although lavender is not a traditional medicinal plant in Ukraine, it is increasingly recognised for its medicinal properties and is widely cultivated in the country. Lavender use in Ukraine is influenced by both global herbal practices and local medical traditions. The aim of this study was to optimise the preparation of lavender herb extracts, perform chemical profiling and evaluate their antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. The study focused on Lavandula angustifolia cultivated in Lviv, Ukraine. Modern analytical methods were used, including HPLC, spectrophotometry, molecular docking, lyophilisation and pharmacological testing. The selection of the optimal conditions for obtaining lavender herb extracts was determined on the basis of the results of the total yield of phenolic compounds in each extract, where it was found that the raw material–solvent ratio (1:10) in water and 50% ethanol gave the highest yield of substances; the preferred extraction time was 20 min, and the temperature was 60–70 °C, especially for water extraction. Further HPLC analysis identified marker compounds including rosmarinic acid (28.31 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (1.64 mg/g) and luteolin (0.23 mg/g) in the lyophilised ethanol extract, which were previously recognised as neuroprotective markers by molecular docking. The water extract showed higher antioxidant (total 50.85 mg/g) and neuroprotective activity, probably due to synergistic interactions among the components. Behavioural tests further demonstrated the neuroprotective potential of lavender herb. These results demonstrate the potential neuroprotective activity of lavender herb and open new possibilities for its use in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases
Identification of Sarcocyst species in cattle muscles: Experience of Kazakhstan /
No full textThe paper presents the results indicating the spread of bovine sarcocystosis in the Kostanay region, Kazakhstan. Muscle samples from 358 cattle carcasses were examined for sarcocysts. The neck muscles in bulls from the eastern zone and the skeleton and diaphragm muscles in cows from the western zone were severely infected. The least infected were the neck muscles in bulls from the northern zone and the skeletal muscles in the southern zone. The extent of the infection equaled 77.4% of the studied livestock. Based on the molecular genetic analysis and comparison of cytochrome-c-oxidase (cox1) sequences, three types of bovine sarcocysts were identified for the first time in the Kostanay region: S. cruzi, S. bovifelis, and S. dehongensis. This study highlights the significant prevalence of sarcocystosis in the Kostanay region, demonstrating the utility of cox1 gene sequencing in identifying different Sarcocystis species. These findings underline the need for improved control and prevention strategies to mitigate the impact on cattle health and productivity
Assessment of the status of Cephalanthera longifolia populations in Lithuania derived from a single-census study /
No full textThe study of plant demography is important for identifying ongoing population processes and trends. While single-census studies have limited ability to capture long-term dynamics, they are crucial for establishing baseline data on the status of plant populations. In 2022, four populations of Cephalanthera longifolia (Orchidaceae) in Lithuania were studied using a standardised sampling plot method. Within each population, 20 plots were established along a transect. All plant species within each plot were recorded, and their coverage was estimated. Additionally, the height of the plants, the cover of plant debris, and the amount of bare soil in the sampling plot were assessed. Vegetative individuals of C. longifolia were dominant across all populations, comprising between 58.7% and 85.1% of all individuals. Combining data from all populations revealed that vegetative individuals accounted for 71.8% of the total population, while generative individuals accounted for the remaining 28.2%. The mean density of individuals in the studied populations ranged from 3.8 ± 2.3 to 11.1 ± 4.3 individuals per square metre. A comparison of plant traits (plant height, inflorescence length, number of flowers in inflorescence, number of fruits set, and number of leaves) was performed between populations. Increased cover of plant debris was found to have the strongest negative effect on the number of individuals. We believe that the demographic type of a population (dynamic, normal or regressive) should be assessed in the context of the life cycle of certain species and their ecological traits, rather than mechanistically. Under reduced light availability, most individuals remained in a vegetative state. Therefore, the ratio of generative to vegetative individuals reflects current habitat conditions rather than long-term population trends
Spatio-temporal variability in coastal sediment texture in the vicinity of hydrotechnical structures along a sandy coast: southeastern Baltic Sea (Lithuania) /
No full textHydrotechnical structures reshape sandy coasts by altering hydrodynamics and sediment transport, yet their long-term effects on sediment texture remain underexplored, particularly in the Baltic Sea. This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations in sediment grain size near two ports (Šventoji and Klaipėda) on the sandy Baltic Sea coast, considering the influence of jetties, nourishment, and geological framework. A total of 246 surface sand samples were collected from beach and foredune zones between 1993 and 2018. These samples were analyzed in relation to shoreline changes, hydrodynamic data, and geological context. The results show that sediment texture is most affected within 1–2 km downdrift and up to 4–5 km updrift of port structures. Downdrift areas tend to contain coarser, poorly sorted sediments because of erosion and the exposure of deeper strata, while updrift zones accumulate finer, well-sorted sands via longshore transport. In the long term, the geological framework controls sediment characteristics. In the medium term, introduced material that differs in grain size from natural beach sediments may alter the texture of the sediment, either coarsening or refining it. The latter slowly returns to its natural texture. Short-term changes are driven by storm events. These findings highlight the importance of integrating structural interventions, nourishment practices, and geological understanding for sustainable coastal management
The effect of forest habitats on the traits and demographic structure of (Cardamine bulbifera) (Brassicaceae) populations /
No full textThe conservation of plant species requires detailed knowledge of their reproductive behaviour and population demographic structure. This is particularly important for species such as Cardamine bulbifera, which depend on old-growth forest habitats and rely predominantly or entirely on vegetative reproduction through axillary bulbils. Although C. bulbifera has a wide native range, little is known about its population structure and dynamics. The aim of this study was to assess the demographic composition, density and main traits of C. bulbifera individuals in six populations occurring in three types of forest habitats in southern Lithuania: Fennoscandian hemiboreal natural old broadleaved deciduous forests, Fennoscandian herb-rich forests with Picea abies and Galio-Carpinetum oak–hornbeam forests. Field studies were conducted in 2023, during which a total of 20 sampling plots (each 1 m2) were analysed in each population, arranged in a transect. The study revealed an absolute dominance of young (juvenile and immature) individuals in the populations (89.2%), whereas mature individuals comprised only a small fraction (10.8%). The proportion of mature individuals was significantly larger in hornbeam forests than in the other two forest types. The highest density of individuals was recorded in broadleaved forest, while the lowest density was found in spruce forest habitat. Mature C. bulbifera individuals in hornbeam habitats were significantly taller and had longer inflorescences than those in other habitats. The highest mean number of bulbils was produced by individuals of the studied species in spruce habitats, while bulbil production was lowest in hornbeam habitats. The strongest negative contribution to the number of C. bulbifera individuals was the area of bare soil in the sampling plot, whereas herb cover had the strongest positive effect. These results highlight habitat-specific differences in C. bulbifera population structure and suggest that the long-term viability of its populations is closely associated with forest type, as well as stability of the habitat and plant community. The optimum habitat conditions for C. bulbifera are found in old broadleaved forests, and habitats with natural succession are the most favourable for its growth and conservation
Variation in odour profiles of cauliflower, curly kale and broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) cultivars is affected more by genotype rather than herbivore feeding /
No full textVolatile plant compounds are essential for host plant selection by herbivores and particularly important for the behaviour of parasitoids seeking larvae in which to lay eggs. Headspace extracts were collected from intact plants of four Brassica oleracea genotypes, as well as from plants damaged by larvae of Mamestra brassicae or Pieris rapae. In total, 52 volatiles present in the headspaces of four genotypes were selected for multivariate analyses. The most abundant groups of volatiles were terpenes and esters, represented by 20 and 14 compounds, respectively. The qualitative and quantitative differences in odour profiles between the four genotypes were sufficient to differentiate between groups using multivariate analysis techniques. The most distinct volatile blends originated from curly kale, followed by cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Multivariate analysis revealed that genotypes affected the composition of the volatile blends to a large extent compared to the herbivore damage by the different species tested. In curly kale, broccoli and cauliflower, the differences in odour bouquets were more expressed between plants with and without active feeding, independent of the herbivore identity, while in cabbage, larger differences were observed between odour profiles with different herbivore feedings, independent of whether the herbivore was present or removed
Assessing local distribution of alien Ponto-Caspian mysids in Lithuanian waters, the Baltic Sea basin: Do sampling method and time matter? /
No full textAlien Ponto-Caspian mysids Paramysis lacustris, Limnomysis benedeni and Hemimysis anomala were introduced into Lithuanian waters from Ukraine’s water reservoirs in the early 1960s. Their expansion from the primary introduction site in the Kaunas Reservoir, located on the Nemunas River, proceeded through secondary introductions and natural dispersal. The two species, P. lacustris and L. benedeni, are currently quite widespread in Lithuanian waters, whereas H. anomala has been observed exclusively in the Kaunas Reservoir until recently. Here, we present data from the most recent comprehensive survey of Ponto Caspian mysids and analyze the impact of sampling method on the likelihood of species detection. The results clearly indicate that the detection of larger-sized, more mobile species with good swimming abilities, such as P. lacustris, requires, in addition to conventional macroinvertebrate sampling, the use of devices designed to capture active nektobenthic animals. For this purpose, an epibenthic dredge or sledge is recommended. In contrast, the detection probability of the smaller-sized L. benedeni was not affected by the sampling method. The recent detection of the bloody-red mysid H. anomala near the Nemunas Delta suggests it may now be well-established in the area. However, due to its nocturnal lifestyle, the effective detection of this mysid requires dusk or nighttime sampling using equipment appropriate for capturing nektobenthic fauna