Changes in the Carpathian fauna of Malachiinae beetles (Coleoptera, Melyridae) in the context of temperature increase

Over last century in Europe a tendency of change in species ranges has occurred for insects of different taxonomic groups. We analyzed the changes that have taken place in the distribution of some soft-winged beetles (Malachiinae, Melyridae) species in the Carpathian region. The obtained data are based on a study of museum beetles’ collections and the authors’ collected materials. Data comparison relating to species distribution shows that the Carpathian fauna during the second half of the 20th century increased by 12 species. Some species have significantly changed their ranges. Species of Southern European and Mediterranean (Anthomalachius strangulatus, Clanoptilus spinipennis), Central-East European (Apalochrus femoralis, Clanoptilus falcifer) origin spread to the East Carpathian region. And vice versa, some species (e.g. Malachius scutellaris) from Central European and the Carpathian regions have spread beyond their borders of ranges to the East and North. Malachiinae species are anthophilic insects. Their life cycles, flight period, and distribution depend on the phenology of host plants. Acceleration of phenophases of the host plants and intensification of the metamorphosis processes due to increase in air temperature has caused an earlier appearance of soft-winged beetles in recent years and contributed to expansion of the ranges of some species of them. In our opinion, expansion of the species ranges and penetration of new beetle species into the Carpathian region from surrounding areas are related to the climate changes, in particular to warming. This thesis is confirmed by multiyear air temperature data of the Transcarpathian Centre of Hydrometeorology. On a background of increase in regional air temperature by about 0.8 °C an average air temperature in foothills of Ukrainian Carpathians has increased by 1.7 °C during last 50–60 years

Using normalised difference vegetation index in classification and agroecological zoning of spring row crops

Remote sensing is an important branch of modern science and technology with various applications in different branches of life sciences. Its application in agriculture is focused mainly on crop monitoring and yield prediction. However, the value of remote sensing in the systems of automated crop mapping and agroecological zoning of plant species is increasing. The main purpose of this study is to establish the possibility of using normalised difference vegetation index in the main spring row crops, namely maize, soybeans, sunflower, to precisely classify the fields with each crop, and to evaluate the best agroecological zones for their cultivation in rainfed conditions in Ukraine. The study was carried out using the data on the normalised difference vegetation index for the period May – November 2018 from 750 fields and experimental plots, randomly scattered over the territory of Ukraine with equal representation by every administrative district of the country. The index values were calculated using combined Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 images, with further generalisation for every crop and region. Multiclass linear discriminant analysis and canonical discriminant analysis were applied to determine whether it is possible to distinguish between the studied crops using the values of the normalised difference vegetation index as the only input. As a result, it was established that the best zone for crop cultivation is the west of the country: NDVI values for the growing season averaged to 0.34 for sunflower, 0.36 for soybeans, and 0.36 for maize, respectively. The worst growing conditions, based on the lowest NDVI values, were observed in the east for sunflower (0.26) and maize (0.25), but the minimum NDVI for soybeans (0.27) was observed in the south. Regarding the classification problem, it was found that the highest importance for the classification of crops is attributed to the values of the normalised difference vegetation index, recorded in August. The supervised learning using canonical discriminant function resulted in mediocre predictive performance of the multiple linear function with general classification accuracy of 56.5%. The best accuracy of classification was achieved for sunflower (70.4%), while it is difficult to distinguish between maize and soybeans because these crops have quite similar intra-seasonal dynamics of the vegetation index (classification accuracy was 46.8% and 52.4%, respectively; the total number of incorrectly predicted samples in the “maize-soybeans” group was 134 or 26.8%). The main limitation of this study is its single year basis, notwithstanding the fact that the year of the study was characterized as a typical one for most territory of Ukraine in terms of meteorological conditions. Therefore, more studies are required to clarify the possibility of a classification between maize and soybeans based on remote sensing data

Features of the seasonal dynamics of airborne fungal spore concentrations in Ukraine

Fungi represent a distinct kingdom of ubiquitous living beings. Most other organisms are constantly in contact with elements of the fungal body. In particular, the widespread vegetation of fungi in the environment, their sporulation and the further spread of spores and mycelia by air currents make the contact of fungal particles with human respiratory organs inevitable. This can lead to the development of sensitization and allergies. Therefore, the aim of the presented study was to determine the taxonomy of airborne fungal spores, the qualitative and quantitative changes in this composition at different times of the year compared with previous sporulation seasons, as well as the prevention of allergic diseases. The study of fungal sporulation was carried out from 2011 to 2021 by volumetric method using Burkard trap of a Hirst type in a 24-hour mode (from February to November). The device was installed on the roof of the chemical building of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya. Reading of the microscopic slides obtained from air samples was carried out using light microscopes with a magnification of 400 and 1000 by the method of 12 vertical transects. It was found that spores of various taxonomic groups of fungi, namely, of Asco- and Basidiomycetes were observed throughout the growing season from March to October with the highest concentrations in mid and late summer. Thus, in June, July and August, peak concentrations of spores of the fungi Ganoderma, Coprinus, Cladosporium were observed; in July, September and October – of Ustilaginales; from July to November – of Alternaria, Epicoccum; in October – of different Basidiospores, and also Periconia, Stemphylium and Uredinales; in September – of Agrocybe. Among all studied micromycetes, concentrations of Cladosporium spores were the highest. However, significant sporulation persisted even in the autumn period, which made fungal spores a specific causative agent of airborne respiratory diseases at this time, especially against the background of low pollen concentrations. Climate change can lead to modification in the length of the fungal growing season. This information should be taken into account when predicting the symptoms of seasonal allergies in the population

Bioecology and hemeroby of flora species in the Northern Steppe Dnipro Region

The information is summarized and an annotated summary of vascular plants of the flora in the Northern Steppe Dnipro Region is represented based on the materials of previous works and on our own more than 40-years research. Bioecological characteristics of the flora species within the studied region were compiled according to the Belgard ecomorph system. For the first time, the paper presented hemerobia of species for the flora in the Northern Steppe Dnipro Region. The current occurrence categories of the plant species in the studied regional flora were given, which allows us to compare changes in their abundance within a territory studied. The occurrence categories and species hemerobicity were established. Rare and endangered vascular plant species were identified using the Red Book of Dnipropetrovsk region, the Red Book of Ukraine, and the European and World Red Lists. Adventive and invasive flora species were noted. A number of vascular plant species new for the region, not previously observed, have been identified. The major families in the studied flora were: Asteraceae, Poaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Scrophullariaceae, Ranunculaceae, Apiaceae, Boraginaceae. As a result of the study, the vascular plant flora in the Northern Steppe Dnipro Region was found to be characterized by significant systematic and bioecological diversity, and a high degree of rarity. It consists of 1,895 species, including 432 rare ones. At the same time, it was characterized by a fairly high degree of adventization, which indicates the modernization of the flora. A significant number of ruderal species, or species that are prone to ruderalization (619 species), and a large number of adventive species (357 species) indicates a significant anthropogenic transformation of the vegetation cover in the region. The paper presents a summary of the vascular plant flora with bioecological characteristics of the species. A detailed analysis of the flora will be presented in a further separate publication

Heavy metal accumulation by Acer platanoides and Robinia pseudoacacia in an industrial city (Northern Steppe of Ukraine)

The role of tree species as a tool for bioaccumulation of heavy metals is an important current issue within the context of the increase of anthropogenic pressure in urban ecosystems. The article presents the results of research on the level of soil contamination with heavy metals and the processes of their accumulation by native and introduced tree species in green spaces of Dnipro city. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb) in soil samples and the assimilation component in trees of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides). The ranges of mean concentrations of heavy metals at different study sites within the city’s green infrastructure were as follows (mg/kg): 30.7–185.5 for Zn, 5.7–22.4 for Cu, 9.0–31.3 for Pb, and 0.213–0.598 for Cd. With respect to all four of these metals, the soils of the Metallurgists Square location were characterized by the highest concentrations of the metals, and the Pridneprovsky Park in the area of the outskirts of Dnipro city was characterized by the lowest ones. Compared to soils, the two investigated tree species had a significantly lower content of all studied metals in leaves. The heavy metal accumulations in the leaves of both R. pseudoacacia and A. platanoides were observed in the following decreasing order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Regarding the migration of heavy metals in the soil-plant system, the concentrations of ecopollutants in the plants were found not to be dependent on their content in the soil environment. The calculated bioaccumulation coefficients of heavy metals for both tree species were < 1. However, the results of heavy metal concentration in leaves of both introduced and native tree species evidenced their special role in heavy metal bioaccumulation. Compared to R. pseudoacacia, such native species as A. platanoides can be considered to be a more “sensitive” bioindicator of environmental pollution caused by heavy metals. Planting fast-growing tree species such as R. pseudoacacia and A. platanoides can in a short time be an environmentally appropriate and cost-effective measure to mitigate the unfavourable effects of heavy metals on the environment

New distribution areas of some species of plants on the southern part of the Caspian coast

Plant species were collected in the botanical-geographic regions of Lankaran-Mughan and Lankaran lowland located on the sou­thern part of the Caspian coast. During the ecological-geobotanical studies we conducted on the southern part of the Caspian coast, we obtained information about the morphological features and systematic taxa of the wild flora of Lankaran-Mugan and Lankaran lowland botanical-geographical regions. In this article we describe the ecology and distribution of Dianthus cyri Fisch. & C. A. Mey, Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd., Trigonella cancellata Deef., Cruciata articulata (L.) Ehrend, Triglochin maritimum L., Crypsis alopecuroides (Pill. et Mitt.) Schard., Poa masenderana Freyn & Sint., Nymphaea alba L., Arabis mollis Stev., Acer hyrcanum Fisch, Tamarix meyeri Boiss., Symphytum pereginum Ledeb., Nonnea decurrens (C. A. Mey.) G. Donfil., Veronica ceratocarpa C. A. Mey., Campanula odontosepala Boiss., Achillea millefolium L., Carduus pystrix C. A. May., Centaurea hyrcanica Bornm. These species are endemic, rare, endangered, and included in the "Red Book of Azerbaijan". In addition to being decorative, they have a certain significance as a raw material for human and veterinary medicine

How much space is needed for biodiversity conservation?

The EU's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework call for 30% coverage of land and sea protected areas and strict protection for 10% of land area to prevent and reverse biodiversity loss. Ukraine has declared its aspiration to integrate into the European Union and must back up its statements with action and do everything to achieve such ambitious conservation goals. Like many European countries, Ukraine faces great challenges on this route. The significant level of anthropogenic transformation of the territories makes it very difficult to find new areas to expand the boundaries of the nature reserve fund. The practical steps to create nature reserves are significantly limited by legal mechanisms that guarantee land users' ownership of the relevant land plots. An important task in nature conservation is to develop indicators that can clearly and easily demonstrate the importance of areas for conservation. Such tools are necessary to convince policy makers and land users of the need to protect the relevant areas. The indicators of importance for biodiversity conservation should be scale-independent, as both large areas and small areas are important for conservation. In this article, we consider the case of a project to expand the boundaries of the Dnipro-Orylskiy Nature Reserve by adding five areas directly adjacent to it. The number of species included in the various Red Data Lists was chosen as an indicator of the conservation value of the territory. The species-area relationship was used to assess the role of scale. The number of species on the Red Lists was considered instead of the classical relationship that considers the total number of species in a community. The normalised deviation from the regression relationship was considered as an indicator of the conservation value of the respective area, which is statistically independent of the area of the site. The different Red Lists are compiled according to different criteria, so the indicator of conservation value for each Red List focuses on the relevant conservation aspect. The results of the conservation value assessment can be presented graphically, which clearly demonstrates the role of the respective areas in the maintenance of biological diversity. The proposed algorithm for assessing conservation value can be applied to a wide range of environmental protection tasks. In terms of further research, it is important to assess the role of ecosystem function assessment in the design of protected areas

Diagnosis of the rainfall-wheat yield relationship in the current and future climate change conditions in Eastern Algeria

Future projections indicate that rain-fed agriculture in North Africa is among the most vulnerable in the world in the context of future climate change. This article aims to diagnose the relationship between rainfall and wheat yield in both current and future climatic situations in a semi arid agro-climatic conditions represented by the region of Bordj Bou Arreridj. For the current situation, we used 15 years (1995–2009) of recorded rainfall and durum wheat yield series. Future rainfall projections (2071–2100) were generated by the MED-CORDEX climate model version CCLM4-8-19 under RCP 6.0 scenario. Simulated data over the observed period and that of the future on the maximum evapotranspiration (ETM) of durum wheat and the water deficit (WD) accumulated over the cycle as well as future yields are obtained using a simple agro meteorological crop simulation model, previously validated. In both current and future situations, precipitations, ETM, WD and yields data are first analyzed, then yields are related by regression to three components of rainfall: annual rainfall, cumulative rainfall over the crop cycle (November–June) and cumulative rainfall during spring (March–May). In the observed climate, annual precipitation averages 382.3 ± 96.3 mm, cumulative rainfall over the crop cycle (November–June) averages 278.3 mm and cumulative rainfall during spring is 101.9 mm. These last decrease to 303.7 ± 99.4, 232.3 and 83.3 mm in the future situation. Observed yields (1995–2009) averages1.9 ± 0.64 q/ha in the observed situation and decrease to 15.5 ± 0.54 q/ha in future climate. ETM are low and WD values are high in the current climate, with a worsening of the situation in the future climate, particularly during spring. The correlation between yields and précitations is always positive in both weather conditions, but the best R2 are 0.65 and 0.82 and concern spring rains. In semi-arid regions, cumulative rainfall towards the end of the growing season is currently impacting the grain yield of durum wheat and will become more decisive in the context of future climate change

Comprehensive review of morphological adaptations and conservation strategies of cactiform succulents: A case study of Euphorbia species in arid ecosystems

Cactiform succulents, belonging to the Euphorbia genus, are distinctive species found in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of Macaronesia and the Arabian Peninsula. Resembling cacti in appearance, they exhibit unique morphological characteristics, such as succulent, green-stemmed structures with ribs, accompanied by a pair of stipular spines. These plants have evolved to thrive in well-draining substrates, including both surface and rocky soils, potentially as an adaptive strategy to combat edaphic drought conditions. Although initially associated solely with arid and desert environments, it is important to note that these cactiform succulents are not exclusively specialized for prolonged dry periods. Rather, they demonstrate morphological adaptations that help them endure arid conditions. The primary objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date synthesis of knowledge concerning cactiform succulents within the Euphorbia genus. It aims to underscore their capacity to flourish in both arid and semi-arid zones, while underscoring the pressing conservation challenges that threaten these plants with degradation and potential extinction. The prevailing climatic conditions, marked by extended and recurrent droughts exacerbated by escalating temperatures, climate fluctuations, and escalating human impact, collectively pose a formidable obstacle to conserving these cactiform succulents and their respective ecosystems. All these threats jeopardize these invaluable natural resources, which hold multifaceted significance spanning environmental, socio-economic, and medicinal domains

Distribution and status of Posidonia oceanica meadows on the North-Western coast of Algeria

Posidonia oceanica is an endemic species of the Mediterranean Sea that in pristine coastal waters forms extensive meadows, which are, actually, exposed to natural and anthropogenic pressures, causing their regression throughout the basin. The aim of our study is to summarise and evaluate current knowledge about the characterisation of Posidonia oceanica along the Western Algerian coast, in order to provide new evidence about the distribution and health status this species. To realize our objectives, we combined extracted data from published articles, theses, results of project reports, in situ observations and laboratory analysis. The results show the presence of the meadows in fifteen coastal zones of Western Algeria, mainly located in shallow surface waters from 0.5 to 18 metres depth.The mean leaf length across all sites ranged from 153 to 667 mm. The mean number of leaves/shoot ranged between 4.7 ± 0.9 and 6.0 ± 0.5 leaves/shoot. Leaf length showed a highly significant difference between the cold and hot season. The data analysis shows that the leaf biometric values and the shoot densities of the P. oceanica are greater than those of Mediterranean samples although these measures tend to decrease deeply. The analyses carried out on structural features of P. oceanica show that the Western Algerian meadows are, globally, in good health status according to standardised scale. The available data on P. oceanica summarised in this article represent an important starting point to build effective plans for understanding levels of environmental threats and for supporting conservation strategies for these important ecosystems. Conversely, the limited information available on this seagrass along the Western Algerian costs only allows the description of some structural features, and permits us to draw overall conclusions on its general health status