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An enhanced qPCR method for rapid Agrilus planipennis detection and monitoring
No full textEmerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis) represents a serious threat to North American and European ash species (Fraxinus spp.). Spread of EAB westwards, from European Russia and Eastern Ukraine, could lead to dramatic consequences for native European ash populations. Early detection is essential for fast and successful eradication of new populations. In this study we developed a new TaqMan qPCR assay allowing for sensitive and specific detection of EAB. We tested the specificity of the assay against 17 European Agrilus spp., eight buprestid species and nine species belonging to other wood-associated beetle taxa. The qPCR assay provided reliable amplification from samples with DNA concentrations as low as five picograms per reaction. Moreover, DNA could be amplified from different sample types such as egg casings, leaves, feces and bore dust from larval galleries. Robustness of the assay was verified by performing a blind test with four different laboratories. Here we provide a highly specific, robust and sensitive assay which can be used for enhanced surveillance of Agrilus planipennis on the European continent
Functional trait interactions drive seed buoyancy and dispersal strategies in Echinocystis lobata
No full textEchinocystis lobata is an invasive vine species that successfully colonized riverine habitats in Central and Eastern Europe. Although barochory and blastochory have been considered the main mechanisms of its dispersal, increasing evidence indicates an important role of hydrochory, especially nautohydrochory. The study aimed to determine how morphological features of seeds – mass, thickness, surface area, and entrapment status – affect their ability to float. Results obtained from a generalized mixed-effect model assessing the probability of E. lobata seeds sinking showed that seed mass affected their buoyancy depending on thickness and entrapment status: thinner seeds with higher mass were more likely to float. In contrast, heavier, entrapment seeds sank faster. Seed thickness significantly reduced the probability of sink, regardless of other features, while the effect of surface area on buoyancy depends on mass; in the case of lighter seeds, a larger surface area increased the risk of sinking. Trapped seeds differ in the way they are released and the course of dispersion – their structure, despite a more frequent loss of buoyancy with a larger mass, may delay the moment of fruit abandonment and promote colonization during periods of water surges. The observed variability of diaspore features supports a plastic strategy, enabling both hydrochory and barochory, depending on habitat conditions. The ability of seeds to float on water for a long time highlights the important role of morphological and ecological adaptations in the invasive success of E. lobata
A new genus and two new species of Empoascini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) from China
No full textA new genus and two new species of Empoascini from China are depicted in detail in this study: Singulus Yao & Yu, gen. nov., with a new species Singulus furcatus Yao & Yu, sp. nov., and Velu claustrum Yao & Yang, sp. nov. A revised key to males of Chinese species and a checklist of known species of the genus Velu are provided
Synopsis of Chinese Alloperla Banks, 1906 (Plecoptera, Chloroperlidae), with description of a new species
No full textA new species of the genus Alloperla Banks, 1906 (Plecoptera, Chloroperlidae), Alloperla triquetra Rehman, Huo & Du, sp. nov., is described from Liaoning Province, China, with diagnostic features and color images of the adult habitus included. The terminalia of the new species are compared with those of related species, and key similarities and distinguishing characteristics are highlighted. In addition, the male of A. joosti Zwick, 1972 is described from China for the first time, as previous records included only females. Detailed color photographs of the dorsal and ventral views of the epiproct are provided, addressing a gap in the literature where illustrations of the ventral view were previously lacking a critical feature for accurate species identification. Furthermore, color illustrations and supplementary redescriptions of A. mediata (Navás 1925) and A. teleckojensis Šámal, 1939 from Liaoning Province, China are presented. An updated checklist and identification key to males of Chinese Alloperla species are also provided
Overview of hirsutella-like anamorphs in Ophiocordyceps (Sordariomycetes, Ophiocordycipitaceae): introducing two new species and one new record from China
No full textOphiocordyceps, a species-rich genus in Ophiocordycipitaceae, is a holomorphic genus in which most of the species are reported with hirsutella-like anamorphs. In this study, we introduce two new species of hirsutella-like anamorphs from lepidopteran larvae (viz., Ophiocordyceps tielingensis sp. nov. and Ophiocordyceps keqinii sp. nov.). Ophiocordyceps radiata (syn. Hirsutella radiata), a new combination, exhibits a pathogenic association with a fly, and it is reported as a new geographic record from China, based on integrated morphological and molecular analyses. We provide a checklist of Ophiocordyceps species with hirsutella-like anamorphs and comprehensively review their characteristics of anamorphs and teleomorphs. These definitive findings establish a foundation for the classification and diversity of Ophiocordyceps species with hirsutella-like anamorphs
Three new species of Carlosrosaea (Trimorphomycetaceae, Tremellales) from China
No full textCarlosrosaea is a genus of plant-associated yeasts within the family Trimorphomycetaceae of the order Tremellales. Currently, eight species have been described and accepted as members of the genus Carlosrosaea. In this study, six Carlosrosaea strains were isolated from the surface of leaves of the genera Camellia, Distylium, Glechoma, and Glochidion, collected in Fujian, Guizhou, Hainan, and Henan provinces. Based on phylogenetic analyses and phenotypic characterization, these strains were identified as three new Carlosrosaea species: C. camelliae sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33566T), C. glechomae sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33632T), and C. wuzhiensis sp. nov. (holotype GDMCC 2.526T). Descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic data of these new taxa are provided. This study enhances knowledge of Carlosrosaea species diversity in China and provides a foundation for future taxonomic and ecological research
Naar een wettelijke status voor de Richtlijnen voor de jaarverslaggeving?
No full textDeze bijdrage gaat in op de status van de Richtlijnen voor de jaarverslaggeving en betoogt na afweging van argumenten pro en contra dat de status van de Raad voor de Jaarverslaggeving moet worden verzwaard en dat de RJ als gedelegeerde wetgever moet worden benoemd. Het essay begint met een (wets)historische verhandeling over het ontstaan en doel van de RJ, waarna ook de strategiewijzingen van de RJ in zijn bijna 45-jarig bestaan worden besproken. Dit essay beoogt met nadruk een aansporing te geven om de plaats van de Richtlijnen in ons maatschappelijk bestel te heroverwegen
Conservation and propagation of Pyrus L. species in the greater Caucasus: integrating biodiversity strategies with “Green Economy” principles
No full textPlant biodiversity in the Greater Caucasus is under increasing pressure from climate change and human activity. This study investigates propagation and conservation strategies for horticultural crops, with a special focus on Pyrus L. species native to Azerbaijan. The purpose of study was to identify effective Pyrus L. species in situ and ex situ propagation/conservation approaches that support long-term preservation. Wild and cultivated Pyrus L accessions were collected from multiple regions of Azerbaijan. Tissue-culture protocols, morphological trait analyses, and pollen-fertility assessments were applied to evaluate propagation efficiency and adaptive variation. Laboratory assays identified fungal pathogens, while controlled-environment trials measured plant responses to key abiotic stressors. Field observations documented anthropogenic impacts on rare tree species.Tissue culture accelerated disease-free propagation of key horticultural crops, while ex situ collections safeguarded their broad genetic diversity and reinforced in situ conservation efforts. Meanwhile, analyses of morphology and pollen fertility in Pyrus L. exposed adaptive divergence to local environmental pressures and underscored the genetic separation between wild and cultivated populations. An integrated conservation framework — combining optimized tissue-culture techniques, detailed morphological and fertility assessments, and coordinated in situ/ex situ measures—offers the most effective route to protect Pyrus L. diversity and other threatened tree species in Azerbaijan. Future work should refine propagation protocols, deepen genomic analyses, and develop strategies that bolster plant resilience amid accelerating climatic and human-induced change
Management of sunflower powdery mildew through varieties and fungicides application in Debub Ari and Salamago districts of South Omo, Southern Ethiopia
No full textPowdery mildew incited by Erysiphe cichoracearum is one of the vital diseases of sunflower causing significant yield losses. Thus, the study was conducted to evaluate fungicides ability interaction with sunflower varieties to decrease diseases epidemics of powdery mildew. Three fungicides (Propiconazole 25%EC, wettable shulpur 80% and Mancozeb 80%) and two sunflower varieties (Russian black and Local) were evaluated in randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement in three replication under field conditions. The present study depicted that improved Russian black variety treated with Propiconazole 25%EC two times reduced percent severity by 90.6% in comparison with untreated sunflower Local variety. And also, plots treated Russian black with wettable sulphur 80% two times reduced percent severity by 86.3% and Propiconazole 25%EC one times by 81.6% in comparison with untreated local variety. The highest yield from plots treated through propiconazole 25%EC two times with Russian black (2869.8 kg/ha), propiconazole one time (2781.0 kg/ha), Wettable Sulphur 80% two times Russian black variety 2841.3 kg/ha and 2834.9 kg/ha one time and two times respectively in Salamago district of South Omo Zone and closely similar trends were traced on Debub Ari district. The highest net returns from plots treated through Propiconazole 250EC one times with Russian black variety followed by Propiconazole 25EC two times with the same variety. Therefore, application of propiconazole 250EC with improved Russian black variety has been recommended to the farming communities for management of the powdery mildew of sunflower in study areas
Renewable Energy Transition and Life Expectancy in the BRICS Countries
No full textThis study aims to investigate the impact of disaggregated renewable energy sources on life expectancy in the BRICS nations from 1990 to 2023, using linear, non-linear and non-parametric models. This research challenges long-held beliefs about the impact of renewable energy on human health. It reveals the intricate links between different energy sources and life expectancy in the BRICS countries. Based on the QPNARDL results, hydropower is found to harm life expectancy. Based on the PNARDL model, its impact varies across countries. Based on the SQR and PCSE models in the BRICS nations, however, it appears to have a positive impact on life expectancy. According to the QPNARDL, SQR and PCSE models, wind energy reduces life expectancy in BRICS nations. However, the PNARDL model shows that wind energy has a positive impact on life expectancy in Brazil and China, and a negative impact in India and Russia. Other Renewables, including bioenergy, boost life expectancy in the BRICS nations based on the SQR and PCSE models, while hurting life expectancy based on the QPNARDL and PNARDL models. The results suggest that the impact of renewable energy sources on life expectancy varies between countries and models. These findings have significant implications for policymakers managing the transition to renewable energy; they emphasise the importance of informed, evidence-based decision-making. The study recommends promoting hydropower, wind energy and other renewable energy sources, such as bioenergy, in the BRICS countries to increase life expectancy