Evolution of immune mechanisms in monocots and dicots in response to microbial pathogens and abiotic stressors

An in-depth comparative analysis of the evolutionary features of non-specific immune mechanism formation in mon o cotyledonous ( Triticum aestivum L.) and dicotyledonous ( Helianthus annuus L.) plants has been conducted. The main focus is on the differential role of key protein families – ABC transporters, lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), and wall-associated k i nase receptors (WAKs) – in modulating immune signaling cascades in response to various pathogenic and stress factors. The study demonstrates that winter wheat effectively implements systemic acquired resistance (SAR) mechanisms, particularly through the functioning of ABCG transporters (e.g., Lr34), ensuring long-term, quantitative resistance to a wide range of microbial pathogens. In contrast, sunflower predominantly exhibits a localized immune response (LAR), where ROS signa l ing, activated via WAK receptors, plays a key role, ensuring rapid response to necrotrophic pathogens and abiotic factors. The analysis indicates significant functional divergence of orthologous proteins: in wheat, WAK receptors and LTPs are primarily involved in strengthening physical barriers, whereas in sunflower, WAKs function as primary damage sensors (DAMPs) and activators of local stress pathways, and LTPs participate in signaling processes and membrane stabilization. Different immune strategies correlate with physiological-anatomical features and evolutionary adaptation to dominant p a thogen types. The obtained results underscore the importance of integrating knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of non-specific immunity into breeding programs and biotechnological approaches to create cultivars with enhanced and dur a ble resistance. Unresolved questions, particularly regarding the precise activation mechanisms of WAK receptors, and pro s pects for further research are discussed

Seasonal and environmental variability in leaf anatomical traits of Pistacia lentiscus among different sites in Northwestern Algeria

Leaf anatomical traits such as cuticle, epidermis, palisade parenchyma, and total leaf thickness play a critical role in plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Mediterranean plants, including sclerophyllous species, have evolved these traits to thrive under these fluctuating conditions. The present study investigates the anatomical variations in Pistacia lentiscus L. leaves in response to environmental factors in Northwestern Algeria. Through a comparative analysis across multiple sites and seasons, we evaluated the influence of climatic and edaphic conditions on leaf structural thickness, particularly the cuticle, ep i dermis, and palisade parenchyma. The results indicate that spatial variability is mainly reflected in changes in cuticle and palisade parenchyma thickness, while seasonal variability primarily affects the epidermis and foliar parenchyma. The highest values were recorded in Bouhriz Forest, the most arid site, during winter, while the h ighest values in summer were ob served in Tessala Mou n tains, the site with the highest altitude. However, the values in Beni Saf Forest were moderate, followed by the lowest values in M'Sila Forest. These anatomical adjustments highlight the adaptive capacity of P. lentiscus to the environmental constraints of the Mediterranean climate. This study underscores the importance of abiotic factors in shaping leaf traits and contributes to a better understanding of the adaptive mechanisms of sclerophyllous species in response to climatic and edaphic variations

A hemeroby gradient reveals the structure of bird communities in urban parks

The spatial structure and composition of urban parks play a crucial role in shaping bird communities by determining the availability and quality of suitable sites for nesting, feeding, and shelter. In this study, we investigated bird communities inhabiting urban parks and squares in Dnipro, Ukraine, during the breeding seasons of 2022–2024. Using transect counts, information-logical data analysis, and ecological data classification methods, we analyzed bird species composition and their substrate preferences to identify ecological clusters. Based on substrate preferences and ecological adaptations, we identified 12 distinct clusters, some of which reflect different levels of hemeroby – the degree of anthropogenic impact on ecosystems. Species such as the lesser whitethroat ( Sylvia curruca ), tree pipit ( Anthus trivialis ), icterine warbler ( Hippolais icterina ), and common cuckoo ( Cuculus canorus ) were rarely found in urban parks due to specific habitat requirements, indicating areas of low hemeroby. Conversely, species like the woodpigeon ( Columba palumbus ), common starling ( Sturnus vulgaris ), collared flycatcher ( Ficedula albicollis ), and fieldfare ( Turdus pilaris ) were more prevalent, suggesting areas with moderate to high levels of hemeroby. Moreover, we identified bird species that exhibit remarkable adaptability, thriving both in urban park areas and natural habitats. These include the great tit ( Parus major ), hooded crow ( Corvus cornix ), and chaffinch ( Fringi l la coelebs ). Their widespread presence across diverse environments underscores their ecological versatility and importance in both urban and natural ecosystems. The widespread presence of species such as the tree sparrow ( Passer montanus ) indicates significant ecological transformation within these urban parks. These findings emphasize the importance of specific habitat features in supporting diverse bird communities and reveal varying degrees of species sensitivity to urbanization. The presence of these species in park bird communities allows one to assess the level of anthropogenic landscape transformation and can be used for monitoring the ecological state of urban areas. The results underscore the critical importance of conserving and restoring diverse habitats in urban parks and squares, which will support a wide range of bird species, including those adapted to urban environments and those more sensitive to changes

Effects of cypermethrin on the taxonomic diversity of soil and litter invertebrates in the agrocoenoses of Lithuania

We assessed the degree to which cypermethrin impacts the taxonomic diversity of non-target groups of soil and litter invertebrates in the agrocoenoses of Kėdainiai District, Lithuania. The studies were conducted in three agrosystems, two of which have been farmed conventionally, with the use of insecticides (cypermethrin), and one where no chemical means had been applied. It was the first time that a modern graphic analysis was conducted for the distribution of the invertebrates depending on their average body length and their total abundance in an agrocoenosis. By number of species and their abundance, the most diverse group in all the examined agrocoenoses was Coleoptera, with a significant dominance of Carabidae. The dominant species of invertebrates in the studied agrocoenoses were Nebria rufescens, Loricera pilicornis, Metallina lampros, Poecilus cupreus, P. versicolor, Pterostichus melanarius, Amara aenea, A. communis, A. convexiuscula, Calathus ambiguous, C. fuscipes, Anchomenus dorsalis, Harpalus griseus, H. rufipes, H. distinguendus, Coccinella septempunctata, Lasius niger, and Pardosa lugubris. The conventionally farmed agrocoenoses of rapeseed and wheat were characterized by impoverished taxonomic compositions, with prevalence of several eudominant and dominant species (Pterostichus melanarius, Poecilus versicolor, and Calathus fuscipes). The size structure was significantly uneven. Most of the species recorded in these plots were zoophages, represented by flying and non-flying forms. In the ecologically farmed wheat agrocoenosis, which had not been treated with insecticides, we observed a relative eveness in the size structure, absence of eudominant species, and increase in the taxonomic diversity due to the distribution of non-target groups of arthropods that are more sensitive to cypermethrin (Porcellionidae, Lithobiidae, Tetrigidae, Acrididae, Coreidae, Lygaeidae, Cydnidae, Pentatomidae, Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, and Thomisidae). The percentages of zoophages declined, while the shares of phytophages and polyphages that are able to fly increased

Effects of organic pollutants on the locomotor activity of Rossiulus kessleri (Diplopoda, Julida)

Rossiulus kessleri (Lochmander, 1927) is one of the commonest Diplopoda species in the moderate climate zone of Eurasia. This millipede is often subject to numerous industrial pollu-tants, but their effects on this species have not been studied so far. For laborat o ry studies, we made a 150 cm-long and 10 cm-wide experimental chamber, with marks every 10 cm. In the middle of the chamber, we placed 60 individuals that had an opportunity to move toward the source of odor or away from it. The behavior of the millipedes was recorded on video, and the direction in which each individual moved was observed for 5 minutes. In the experiments, we used 30 organic compounds: butyl acetate, diethyl oxalpropionate, butyl acrylate, diethyl ma-lonate, ortho-xylene, thymol, α-methylbenzylamine, carvacrol, hexane, pentane, biphenyl, cyclohexane, 2-methylfuran, 5-methylfurfural, furfuryl alcohol, 2-methyl butanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, isovaleric acid, tert-butylacetic acid, propionic acid, 4-methyl-2-pentanol, 3-methyl-2-butanone, 2-pentanone, methyl acetoacetate, ethyl pyruvate, isobutyraldehyde, 2-ethoxyethanol, potassium sulfite, calcium sorbate, and sodium diacetate. These compounds are used in various industrial spheres, construction, agriculture, and food industry. With industrial waste, they are released into the environment and can potentially affect populations of R. kessleri . Of the 30 compounds, 23 had no significant effect on the locomotor activity of R. kessleri . The strongest repellent activity was exerted by isobutyraldehyde (the attractant coefficient measured 0.43 ± 0.40) and biphenyl (0.49 ± 0.11). A weak repellent effect on R. kessleri was displayed by th y mol (the attractant coefficient equaled 0.66 ± 0.26), pentane (0.73 ± 0.43), tert-butylacetic acid (0.82 ± 0.72), and cyclohexane (0.88 ± 0.34). A weak attractant effect on R. kessleri was produced by 2-methylbutanoic acid (the attractant coefficient measuring 1.32 ± 0.48). Therefore, seven of the 30 compounds that are broadly used in industries and agriculture exerted either repellent (six co m pounds) or attra c tant (one compound) effect on the millipede

The fauna of Vespidae (Hymenoptera) in Uzbekistan

This article presents the results of scientific research conducted in 2020 – 2024 on the Vespidae family in various biotopes of all natural and anthropogenic territories of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the results of a study of existing scientific literature sources. Based on the analysis of the almost 150-year history of research on the Vespidae family in Uzbekistan, we found about 40 literature data by 22 researchers . It was mentioned in the literature that the Vespidae fam i ly recorded in Uzbekistan consist ed of 6 subfam i l ies , 38 genera and 121 species. I n the research conducted from 2020 to 2024 in natural and anthropogenic parts of Uzbekstan more than 2 , 130 samples were collected . During the observation s we found 3 subfam i l ies , 20 genera, 35 species and subspecies which belong to the Vespidae famly. If we investigate the subfamilies of the Vespidae fam i ly , the large st subfam i ly in Uzbekistan is Eum e nina e contain ing 106 sp e cies (86.88%). The Masarinae subfamily contains 7 species (5.74%). Vespinae contains 5 species and Palistinae contains 3 species (2.45 % ) . During the research, the species Jucancistroc e rus atrofasciatus (Moravitz, 1885) was recorded for the first time in the fauna of Uzbekistan , bringing the species total to 122 . Of the total 122 identified species, 37 species were recorded by only one author. The remaining 85 species were cited in the works of two or more authors

Chemical composition, insecticidal and insect repellent activity of Schinus molle leaf essential oil against Tribolium confusum, Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophilus granarius

The present study determines the chemical profile of Schinus molle L. essential oil and its toxicity and repellent effect on Tribolium confusum , Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophilus granarius adults. Ninety-seven compounds were identified and the most abundant were ß-eudesmol (5.872%), elemol (9.028%), α-phellandrene (12.104%) and ß-phellandrene (16.613%). The phytochemical analysis of Schinus molle showed the presence of quinones, flavonoids, leucoanthocyan in , steroids and sap o nins. The oil demonstrated an insecticidal activity against Tribolium confusum (LC 50 = 170.30 μL/L), Rhyzopert h a dominica (LC 50 = 174.30 μL/L) and Sitophilus granarius (LC 50 = 241.20 μL/L) at 12h after treatment. T. confusum is the most sensitive to the treatment followed by R. dominica and S. granarius . Contact is the most effective mode of application compared to fumig a tion. Moreover, this essential oil exhibited a repellent activity as a function of the exposure time and concentrations. A selection index (Si) of 0.26, 0.35 and 0.15 with 20 µL/mL concentration was registered, showing the highest repellent activity against T. confusum , R . dominica and S . granarius , respectively

Accumulation of a multi-component mixture of pesticides in soil, plants, bee organisms, and beekeeping products

Environmental pollution worldwide is systemic in nature and is associated with the use of pesticides from various groups as plant protection products. Agricultural pesticides accidentally affect beneficial, non-target insects, particularly the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.), which leads to mass poisoning and contamination of beekeeping products with toxic compounds. The aim of the research was to determine the accumulation of pesticides from different groups in soil, plants, dead bees, and beekeeping products in apiaries in various regions of Ukraine during the mass deaths of bee colonies in 2021–2022. Pesticide content in biological samples was determined using liquid mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and gas mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The main pesticides that contaminate the soil, plants, and beekeeping products, causing the death of bee colonies, are insecticides and fungicides in various combinations. In isolated cases, bee colony deaths were registered from a single insecticide. More often, two or more pesticides were found in the soil, plants, dead bees, and beekeeping products. The total list of detected pesticides in soils, grain, plant biomass, bees, brood, bee bread, and honey included 23 compounds. The maximum number of pesticides forming a cocktail in biological samples included 5 substances. Most frequently, pesticide combinations that contaminated the soil and plants and caused bee deaths included insecticides from the pyrethroid group: lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin, and from the neonicotinoid group: clothianidin and imidacloprid, as well as fungicides from the triazole group: tebuconazole, cyproconazole, and strobilurins: azoxystrobin in various concentrations. The cause of bee poisoning was the contamination of the inflorescences of non-target crops, such as maple and meadow grasses, as well as wind-pollinated and self-pollinated crops, including wheat, peas, soybeans, and potatoes, located within the flight radius of bees. Among entomophilous plants, rapeseed and sunflower were the main crops, the pesticide treatment of which contributed to soil contamination, plant biomass, and bee poisoning during honey collection. It was found that the concentration of certain pesticides in dead bees reached, and in some cases exceeded, the acute oral toxic dose LD50 by tens of times. The results of the research could form the basis for determining the cumulative toxicity of combinations of different pesticides for beneficial insects and for developing biological plant protection products

The precipitation levels during the warmest quarter are the primary factor influencing the spatial distribution of Opatrum sabulosum

The present investigation aims to analyse the influence of bioclimatic predictors on the geographical distribution of the species Opatrum sabulosum (Linnaeus, 1761) and to predict changes in its range in the context of global warming. Opatrum sabulosum, a species belonging to the Tenebrionidae family, exhibits a high degree of plasticity in its environmental requirements, yet remains susceptible to the impacts of climate change. The maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt) was employed to model the ecological niche, with the species distribution data from the GBIF database and key bioclimatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and their seasonality being utilised. Forecasts were made for the present and up to 2080 under four climate change scenarios: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5. The results indicate that the key factors affecting the distribution of O. sabulosum are the minimum temperature of the coldest month, the average temperature of the coldest quarter, and the amount of precipitation in the warmest and wettest quarters. The analysis indicates that, under current conditions, the most favourable habitats for the species are located in Western Europe, southern Britain, Scandinavia and the northern Black Sea region. In the context of a moderate warming scenario (SSP1-2.6), the species' range is projected to expand in an eastward and northeasterly direction, driven by rising average temperatures and an enhanced water balance. Conversely, under extreme scenarios (SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5), a decline in habitat quality in the southeastern part of the species' range is projected due to elevated temperatures, reduced humidity, and instability in climatic parameters. The practical significance of these results lies in the possibility of using these data to develop adaptation strategies for biodiversity conservation and effective management of natural resources. Forecasts of the distribution of O. sabulosum can serve as a basis for assessing the risks of ecosystem changes and creating new protected areas. Information regarding the species' sensitivity to climate change is also important for the sustainable development of agroecosystems, in which this species plays a role in maintaining soil fertility. The findings of this study are directly pertinent to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015. Specifically, the study contributes to the implementation of SDG 13 'Combat climate change' by providing a more nuanced understanding of the effects of climate change and the adaptation of ecosystems to new conditions. The findings are also pertinent to SDG 15, 'Conserve terrestrial ecosystems', as predicting species distribution helps to conserve biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems. The integration of these findings into environmental management practices is expected to contribute to ensuring environmental sustainability, efficient use of natural resources, and the creation of a harmonious environment for future generations. Prospects for further research include long-term monitoring of O. sabulosum populations, integration of genetic data to assess the species' adaptive potential, and expanding the analysis to include anthropogenic factors such as land use change, urbanisation and agricultural activities. This will allow more accurate forecasting of ecosystem changes in the future

Biochemical markers of the functional state of the Stevia rebaudiana and Crambe сordifolia plant-soil ecosystem

A traditional approach to the study of plant-soil ecosystems is based on assessing the main physiological functions of plants (photosynthesis, respiration, mineral nutrition, regulation, protection) and main agronomic characteristics of soil. Such an approach is not very informative, and at the same time it is also time-consuming and expensive, which limits the number of objects that can be studied. Therefore, it is important to identify biochemical markers that can reflect the functional state of phytocoenosis in the most informative way. We analyzed the parameters of basic physiological processes, as well as agronomic and biochemical characteristics of soil in terms of their informative values for understanding the functional state of plant-soil ecosystem using the example of the medicinal plants candyleaf (Stevia rebaudiana (Bart.) Bertoni) and heartleaf crambe (Crambe сordifolia Stev.) from the collection of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden. In particular, we measured the contents of photosynthetic pigments, sugars, nitrogen (protein), amino acids, and brassinosteroids (BRs) in the plants. Also, we studied the contents of biogenic elements in the plant tissues and soil. The soil was subjected to allelopathic analysis. The study also considered the course of oxidation-reduction processes and the contents of phenolic compounds in the soil. The results of the analyses were processed using statistical methods of correlation, factor, discriminant, and cluster analyses. The correlation and factor analysis of the research results showed that the highest factor loadings (≥0.8) were observed for the characteristics of concentration of protective biomolecules (chlorophyll b, BRs). For the soil, the highest factor loadings were recorded for the characteristics of the content of free low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds, allelopathic activity, and redox potential, which are related to the root excretory function. The comparison of the metabolic profiles of Crambe cordifolia and Stevia rebaudiana revealed the species-specific features related to the synthesis of sugars and free amino acids (arginine, cysteine, lysine, and methionine). The allelopathic activity of C. cordifolia and S. rebaudiana is mainly due to low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds. Brassinosteroids do not seem to be involved in the allelopathic interactions of the studied species. On the other hand, BRs could be used as a marker for the intensity of assimilation processes in the studied plants