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Horticultural practices of invasive plants: insights into priorities, awareness, and management among garden owners
No full textOrnamental horticultural plants in domestic gardens can constitute a substantial dispersal pool of potentially invasive species. Understanding garden owners' preferences when selecting plants, their awareness of dispersal pathways and how they manage their gardens is critical for effective invasive species control. This study used a survey to investigate Swedish garden owners' (n = 743) plant selection priorities, awareness of invasive species dispersal pathways, and management methods across three biosphere reserves in different bio-climatic regions in Sweden. Results show that garden owners prioritise aesthetics, practical characteristics, such as habitat suitability, hardiness, and biodiversity benefits, such as pollinator support, over geographical origin when selecting plants. Management methods perceived as effective, such as hand weeding and digging, were used more frequently than methods such as hot water and salt, which were considered less effective or whose efficiency was uncertain to the respondents. Gardening interest was significantly associated with both ecological knowledge and preference for biodiversity-supporting benefits. Our findings suggest the need for targeted communication strategies that account for regional geographical and gardening variations, plant-specific information, and actual management method effectiveness. These insights can lead to effective stakeholder engagement in invasive species management in domestic gardens
ZPBP and fertility-associated proteomes as novel biomarkers: A shotgun proteomics approach in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls' seminal plasma and cryopreserved spermatozoa
No full textComprehensive identification of seminal plasma and spermatozoa proteins is essential to understand sperm biology and the molecular mechanisms underlying bull fertility. In this study, we conducted a quantitative proteomic analysis of seminal plasma and cryopreserved spermatozoa from Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls using a comparative shotgun proteomics approach to identify proteins associated with reproduction. 1,893 and 1,913 proteins were identified in seminal plasma and spermatozoa, respectively. Among these, 232 proteins were selectively identified in both seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Notably, zona pellucida binding protein (ZPBP) was explicitly expressed in spermatozoa, while no reproduction-associated proteins were detected in the seminal plasma proteome. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that most proteins were involved in reproduction-related cellular and metabolic processes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis further indicated that ZPBP is involved in biological processes, including acrosome formation and spermatid development. ZPBP was identified with a low false discovery rate (FDR = 0.0021), underscoring its statistical significance. Several proteins were associated with key reproductive functions, including spermatogenesis, sperm motility, energy metabolism, and cellular stress responses. These findings reveal distinct proteomic signatures with strong potential as candidate biomarkers for assessing bull fertility, supporting more accurate reproductive evaluations, and the strategic selection of genetically and reproductively superior breeding bulls in buffalo reproductive management programs
Physiological and molecular responses to nitrogen-stimulated cambial growth in aspen
No full textNitrogen is vital for tree growth. Recent declines in Swedish forest productivity and a growing interest in forest fertilisation highlight the urgent need to understand the mechanisms governing tree nitrogen uptake and utilisation. While it is well established that nitrogen availability influences the quantity, structure, and chemistry of wood, less is known about the effects of different nitrogen forms, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the short-term nitrogen responses in the developing xylem tissues of forest trees.To investigate the effects of nitrogen, I developed a strategy to systematically vary both the sources and levels of nitrogen supplied to hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × P. tremuloides) trees. In addition, a near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy method was established to characterise the wood’s physical and chemical properties. Controlled nitrogen additions showed that increased nitrogen availability enhances biomass accumulation and radial expansion of xylem cells, while decreasing lignin content and wood density. Among the nitrogen sources tested, nitrate was unique in that it significantly stimulated shoot biomass accumulation and increased the proportion of p-hydroxyphenyl units (H-type lignin) in the wood.Dynamic, time-resolved transcriptome analyses revealed that nitrate is transported in the xylem sap of hybrid aspen stems and taken up into differentiating xylem tissues, rapidly inducing the expression of genes related to xylem cell expansion. Functional assays indicated that nitrate promotes xylem cell expansion via the transcription factor CYTOKININ RESPONSE FACTOR 4 (CRF4). A population-wide analysis of nitrogen transport and metabolism-related gene expression suggested that nitrogen uptake into differentiating xylem tissues has to be tightly regulated, since excessive nitrogen retrieval from the xylem sap seemed to suppress radial tree growth.Altogether, these studies elucidate the mechanisms by which nitrogen—and nitrate in particular—regulates wood formation in Populus trees. They also provide advanced imaging and molecular tools that can be used to optimise nitrogen use and promote forest tree growth
The CYP71A, NIT, AMI, and IAMH gene families are dispensable for indole-3-acetaldoxime-mediated auxin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
No full textThe auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) governs plant development and environmental responses. Although the indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPyA) pathway is the predominant route for IAA biosynthesis, other pathways have been proposed, such as the indole-3-acetaldoxime (IAOx) pathway. The IAOx pathway has garnered attention due to its supposed activation in auxin-overproducing mutants (e.g. sur1, sur2, ugt74b1) and the auxin-like responses triggered by exogenous application of its proposed intermediates IAOx, indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN), and indole-3-acetamide (IAM). However, despite the supporting evidence for individual steps of the IAOx pathway, its overall physiological relevance remains inconclusive. Here, using a comprehensive genetic approach combined with metabolic and phenotypic profiling, we demonstrate that mutating gene families proposed to function in the IAOx pathway in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) does not result in prominent auxin-deficient phenotypes, nor are these genes required for the high auxin production in the sur2 mutant. Our findings also challenge the previously postulated linear IAOx pathway. Exogenously provided IAOx, IAN, and IAM can be converted to IAA in vivo, but they do not act as precursors for each other. Finally, our findings question the physiological relevance of IAM and IAN as IAA precursors in plants and suggest the existence of a yet-uncharacterized route for IAA production in the sur2 mutant, likely involving IAOx as an intermediate. The identification of the metabolic steps and the corresponding genes in this pathway may uncover another IAA biosynthesis route in plants.Research challenges previously postulated genetic pathways for the conversion of indole-3-acetaldoxime into indole-3-acetic acid in the auxin-overproducing sur2 mutant in Arabidopsis
Population assessment and conservation strategies for the Critically Endangered lichen Sulcaria isidiifera
No full textThe epiphytic lichen Sulcaria isidiifera is a critically imperiled species endemic to the coast of central California, USA, where it occupies just a few patches of old-growth maritime chaparral habitat. S. isidiifera has experienced major habitat loss due to urban development, while facing ongoing threats from wildfires, land conversion, and climate change. In 2019, S. isidiifera was listed on the IUCN Red List. The Red List assessment recommended that the species be monitored to track abundance, reintroduced where extirpated, and listed as an endangered species in the USA. Our study aimed to follow up on recommended conservation actions by characterizing occupied habitat, obtaining comprehensive abundance data, and performing a translocation experiment. Population data collected during our study resulted in estimates of 13841-25064 individuals growing on 3588-7772 host shrubs distributed across a range of 24 km2. S. isidiifera was more abundant in areas exhibiting greater winter-to-summer swings in relative humidity. The foliose lichen Leucodermia leucomelos was identified as an indicator species for S. isidiifera. To determine whether the IUCN recommendation of reintroducing S. isidiifera to previously occupied habitat is feasible, we translocated individuals of S. isidiifera to nearby putative suitable habitat and monitored their health using chlorophyll fluorescence. After 3.5 yr, we report 92% survival of translocated individuals with no notable negative impacts on their health. The population size and restricted range of this species indicate that management activities like translocation, and Endangered Species Act listing are warranted to conserve S. isidiifera
Co-creating multifunctional landscapes - lessons from three case studies
No full textIn the face of overlapping social and environmental challenges, multifunctionality has emerged as an important concept in ecosystem and landscape governance. To operationalize multifunctionality, the governance literature calls for collaborative approaches. Despite the abundant literature on collaborative approaches, there is a gap between rhetoric and practice and a need for more real-world examples. This paper explores the role and value of co-design as a co-creation approach to foster multifunctional landscapes. We analyze three different case studies that have deployed co-creation approaches to support multifunctionality by examining how these processes surfaced and shifted contextual conditions, how this influenced innovations and what the implications are for landscape multifunctionality. Rather than departing from landscape ideals, this paper suggests that supporting multifunctional landscapes through co-creation happens 1) from within the context, 2) over a long period of time, and 3) in 'opposition to' practices or dynamics that prohibit multifunctionality. We furthermore suggest that the role of co-creation in supporting multifunctionality can be understood as facilitating ongoing sense-making that 1) collaboratively identifies and defines the dynamics that hinder multifunctionality, 2) collaboratively identifies and explores implementation pathways to the 'next best possibility' by surfacing and influencing the contextual conditions that enable or hinder its implementation, and 3) reflects and adapts to continuously redefine the undesired and explore emerging possibilities. This paper can thus aid practitioners in implementing co-creation to enable multifunctional landscapes from a bottom-up approach
Biomimetic supramolecular protein matrix restores structure and properties of human dental enamel
No full textTooth enamel is characterised by an intricate hierarchical organization of apatite nanocrystals that bestows high stiffness, hardness, and fracture toughness. However, enamel does not possess the ability to regenerate, and achieving the artificial restoration of its microstructure and mechanical properties in clinical settings has proven challenging. To tackle this issue, we engineer a tuneable and resilient supramolecular matrix based on elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) that imitates the structure and function of the enamel-developing matrix. When applied as a coating on the surface of teeth exhibiting different levels of erosion, the matrix is stable and can trigger epitaxial growth of apatite nanocrystals, recreating the microarchitecture of the different anatomical regions of enamel and restoring the mechanical properties. The study demonstrates the translational potential of our mineralising technology for treating loss of enamel in clinical settings such as the treatment of enamel erosion and dental hypersensitivity
Fungal pretreatment of hardwood for cellulosic ethanol production: Formation of by-products and the potential effects on downstream bioconversion processes
No full textShiitake mushroom cultivation could effectively reduce the recalcitrance of hardwood, facilitating cellulosic ethanol production. However, the shiitake pretreated spent mushroom substrates (SMS) have exhibited significant variations in enzymatic saccharification and fermentation efficiencies in previous studies. Parallel with shiitake cultivation, significant increases in extractives mass were observed in the SMS. This highlights the need to examine the formation of pretreatment by-products and their potential impact on downstream bioconversion processes. In this study, shiitake cultivation resulted in 42.6-47.6 % degradation of lignocellulosic components, with continuous generation of various small molecules. Shiitake demonstrated extensive and selective utilization of these degradation products during fructification. Consequently, non-utilized molecules, including (L)-dehydroascorbic acid, triglochinic acid, and 5-hydroxy-2-methylchromone, accumulated in SMS extractives as pretreatment by-products. The SMS cellulose showed 58.8 % digestibility upon enzymatic saccharification. The resulting hydrolysate was fermented to ethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae rendering 83.4 % of the theoretical yield. Although water extraction effectively minimized the by-products accumulation in SMS and hydrolysate, no improvement of enzymatic saccharification and fermentation efficiencies were observed. In contrast to thermochemical pretreatment methods, the by-products derived from shiitake pretreatment had limited inhibitory effects on downstream bioconversion processes. This study provides valuable indications for further optimization of shiitake pretreatment towards industrial implementation
Resultat från övervakningen av kustfisk
No full textI den här rapporten redovisas resultat från provfisket i Råneå. Fisket i Råneå är en del av den regionala miljöövervakningen av kustfisk och har utförts årligen i augusti sedan 2002. Provfisket utförs med Nordiska kustöversiksnät, och fångstens artsammansättning, samt fiskens storlek och antal studeras. I samband med provfisket noteras även omgivningsvariabler. Åldersbestämning av abborre utförs efter genomfört provfiske. I provfiskeområdet Råneå har totalt 14 arter påträffats under den studerade tidsperioden (2002– 2024). De dominerande arterna i fångsten är abborre, mört och braxen. Att just braxen är vanligt förekommande skiljer sig från närliggande provfiskeområden. Även karpfiskarten stäm brukar vara ovanlig i provfisken längs kusten men förekommer här. Antalet fångade fiskar och fisksamhällets struktur i Råneå har varierat mellan år men det förekommer ingen signifikant trend över tid varken i fångstens storlek, antalet fångade arter, diversitet eller trofisk medelnivå. Detta indikerar att det inte har skett några tydliga förändringar i fisksamhället under provfiskeperioden. Olika temperaturer vid provfisketillfällena kan till stor del förklara variationen i storleken på fångst mellan åren, eftersom många arter är mer aktiva vid högre temperaturer. Storleken hos abborrarna vid åldern 1, 3 och över 7 år har ökat under 2006–2024 och fler äldre abborrar (8 till 16 år) har fångats de senaste åren. Även storleken på de största abborrarna (L90) har ökat medan konditionen hos abborre har minskat. Antalet mört i fångsten har samtidigt minskat vilket kan indikera en interaktion mellan de två arterna
Commodity risk assessment of Prunus spp. plants from United Kingdom
No full textThe European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by: grafted potted plants up to 15 years old or bundles of grafted bare root plants up to 3 years old or graftwood up to 2 years old of Prunus armeniaca, P. cerasifera, P. domestica, P. incisa or P. persica imported from the United Kingdom (UK), taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the UK. All pests associated with the commodities were evaluated against specific criteria for their relevance for this opinion. Two quarantine pests, Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia-related strains (Pear decline Taiwan II, Crotalaria witches' broom phytoplasma, Sweet potato little leaf phytoplasma) and Scirtothrips dorsalis, two protected zone quarantine pests, Bemisia tabaci (European population) and Erwinia amylovora, and two non-regulated pests, Eulecanium excrescens and Colletotrichum aenigma, that fulfilled all relevant criteria were selected for further evaluation. The risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical Dossier from the UK were evaluated, taking into account the possible limiting factors. For these pests, expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom, taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The degree of pest freedom varied among the pests evaluated, with E. amylovora being the most frequently expected pest on the imported potted plants. The expert knowledge elicitation indicated with 95% certainty that between 9956 and 10,000 potted plants per 10,000 would be free from the above-mentioned bacterium