Growth patterns, condition factors and morphological variations in Barbonymus schwanefeldii from Indonesia

Tinfoil barb ( Barbonymus schwanefeldii ) is one of Indonesia's native fish species which has economic value as a consumption and ornamental fish. This species is also found in the Leuser Ecosystem Area, specifically the Keureuto, Bunin, and Sikundur Rivers, Aceh Province, Indonesia. However, studies regarding the length-weight relationship, condition factors, meristics and morphometric variations of this species have not yet been undertaken , especially in the Leuser Ecosystem Area. So this research on these characteristics is important a s a basis for managing these fish in the Leuser Ecosystem Area. Samples were collected in three locations (Bunin River, Keureuto River and Sikundur River) over a period of nine months using nets, gillnets and fishing rods. Fish length and weight were measured in situ using digital scales and calipers. Meristic and morphometric analy s es were also performed in this study to reveal possible intraspecies differences. A total of 24 morphometric and 9 meristic characters were measured in this study. A total of 208 B. schwanefeldii samples were collected in this study with a total of 70 males and 138 females. The total number of B. schwanefeldii catches in the Keureuto, Bunin, and Sikundur River reach ed 57, 110, 41 samples, respectively. Based on the results of observations at the three research locations, it shows that female fish we re more dominant, where the ratio between male:female for the three locations respectively wa s between 1:2.33 (Bunin River), 1:1.71 (Keureuto River), and 1:1.56 (Sikundur River). B. schwanefeldii collected from the Keureuto River and Sikundur River had a negative allometric growth pattern, while those from the Bunin River had a positive allometric growth pattern. Comparative meristic and morphometric analysis showed that B. schwanefeldii collected from the Keureuto River and Sikundur River had high similarities, while B. schwanefeldii from the Bunin River w ere relatively different. The results of this research succeeded in revealing morphological variations between B. schwanefeldii popul a tions which are related to adaptation to different habitats

Morphological and biochemical characteristics of medlar (Crataegus germanica) fruits in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

This study was carried out to determine the morphological traits of the fruit as well as the dry matter, sugars, and organic a c ids of medlar ( Crataegus germanica (L.) Kuntze) genotypes which were grown near Kyiv, Ukraine in 2022–2024. A total of 15 genotypes were evaluated in the study, including 14 varieties originating from Western, Central, and Eastern European countries, the North Caucasus, and Iran, and one local semi-wild form. S ignificant differences were detected among the genotypes on the morphological and biological characters and on the chemical composition of the fruit. Fruit diameter ranged from 16.97 to 42.17 mm, fruit weight from 2.39 to 34.37 g, pyren a percentage from 0.00 % to 16.82%. ‘Apyrena’ and ‘Seedless’ are charact e rized by the complete absence of pyren a s and seeds in the fruit. In terms of fruit diameter and fruit weight genotypes are grouped into very small fruit (‘Apyrena’), small fruit (semi-wild medlar, ‘Seedless’ and ‘Nottingham’), medium-sized fruit (‘Gojtkhiv s ka’, ‘Monstruose d’Evreinoff’, ‘Haidegger’, ‘25-hrammovaja’, ‘Elburs’, ‘Silberberger’, ‘Delice des Vannes’, and ‘Sladkaja Dr a chyova’), and large fruit (‘Holland’, ‘Dutch Giant’, ‘Dniprovska’, and Flanders Giant ® ). The correlation between fruit diameter and fruit weight is very strong, r = 0.9 8 . The weight of pyren a s in the fruit is moderately correlated with the fruit weight, r = – 0.45. Medlar pyren a s var ied in length from about 8.75 to 13.53 mm, in width from 6.06 to 11.01 mm and in thickness from 3.97 to 7.12 mm. The largest pyren a s we re found in ‘Dutch Giant’, ‘Holland’, Flanders Giant ® , ‘Dniprovska’, and ‘Gojtkhivska’, accordingly 0.33, 0.33, 0.35, 0.37, 0.48 g; the smallest pyren a s (0.11 g) we re found in semi-wild medlar fruit. The fruits of the ultra-early ‘Hoitkhivska’ variety beg a n to soften on the tree in late October. The early ripening varieties ‘Elburs’, ‘Haidegger’, ‘Nottingham’, ‘Si l berberger’ and semi-wild medlar reach ed consumer ripeness when stored indoors at room temperature for two weeks. Late-ripening varieties include ‘Delice des Vannes’, ‘Dutch Giant’, Flanders Giant ® , ‘Holland’, ‘Monstruose d'Evreinoff’, ‘Sladkaja Drachyova’, and ‘25-hrammovaja’. Fruits of ultra-late varieties ‘Apyrena’, ‘Dniprovska’, and ‘Seedless’, we re ha r vested in the late October without bletting. In December , fruit after repeated freezing outdoors on the tree, when the flesh had reached a soft consistency, consisted of dry matter from 19.7% to 26.2%. The total sugar ranged from 8.5% to 17.1%, monosa c charides from 8.3% to 16.0%, titratable acidity from 0.28% to 1.12%, ascorbic acid from 2.94 to 4.84 mg / 100 g, sugar/acidity index from 10.0 to 50.8

Volatile oils of Thymus serpyllum and Artemisia absinthium: GS-MS analysis and insecticidal activity against Culiseta longiareolata

Culiseta longiareolata (Macquart, 1838) (Diptera, Culicidae) is one of the important mosquito species distributed in Algeria. It acts as a vector of avian malaria, tularemia, Malta fever (brucellosis), and several arboviruses, such as West Nile fever and western encephalitis virus. To eliminate undesirable insect vectors of pathogens, botanical-based insecticides are increasingly recommended. This research was focused on the analysis of the chemical composition of essential oils from Artemisia absinthium (Asteraceae) and Thymus serpyllum (Lamiaceae) obtained by hydrodistillation using gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Furthermore, these oils were tested for the first time for their larvicidal activity against fourth-instar larvae of C. longiareolata. In the Th. serpyllum essential oil, linalool (25.40%) was the major constituent, followed by camphor (19.75%) and α-pinene (11.25%). In the A. absinthium essential oil, the major compound was camphor (39.01%), followed by chamazulene (14.51%). Our study found significant larvicidal effects against the fourth-instar larvae, with a direct correlation among the larval mortality rate, applied concentrations, and duration of exposure to the treatment, where the mortality increased over time. Also, the results indicated a significant difference in the mortality rate between the two samples of essential oils. The essential oil extracted from A. absinthium was highly effective against mosquito larvae, achieving the LC50 values of 10.42, 6.19 and 3.82 ppm at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, while the essential oil from Th. serpyllum achieved the LC50 values of 12.16, 7.79, and 6.88 ppm. Based on the current results, both the plants could be used as new alternatives for mosquito control

Component composition of organic compounds of the assimilative apparatus of different species of the genus Aesculus affected by Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae)

The most important disease for plants of the Aesculus genus is leaf spot caused by the leaf miner Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera , Gracillariidae) , which limits the use of Aesculus in landscaping in urban areas. The leaf miner C. ohridella is an insect widely spread in most European countries. The study was carried out in an urban area with six species of the genus Aesculus L. ( А e . hippocastanum L., A e . pavia L., A e . parviflora Walt., A e . flava Sol., A e . glabra Willd. and hybrid Aesculus × carnea ). The article reflects the results of research on the influence of the leaf miner C. ohridella on the peculiarities of changes in the chemical composition of chestnut leaf extracts. The component composition of the leaves of different ches t nut species was determined using chromatographic analysis. The study shows the results of the phytochemical screening of the leaves of different species from genus Aesculus , uninfested and infested with C. ohridella . A t otal of 186 chemical co m ponents were identified from the leaf extract s of Aesculus plants with six main groups of chemical components – carboh y drates, polyphenols, steroids, hydrocarbons, fatty acids and miscellaneous. The carbohydrates group is represented in the leaves of all studied Aesculus species in the maximum degree. The obtained data demonstrate significant change in the number of all chemical components under the influence of C. ohridella . The studied species showed an increase in carboh y drates content with the influence of leaf miner C. ohridella , except for such species as A e . flava and A e . parviflora . The qualitative composition of polyphenolic compounds was species-specific. The analysis of the composition of extracts of uninfested leaves established that four components were contained in extracts of Ae. hippocastanum and Ae. pavia , but they were different in their composition. In comparison with the composition of polyphenols in leaves without damage and leaves infected with C. ordidella , the absence of (2R-trans)-catechine in extracts from infected leaves of Ae. hippocastanum and Ae. glabra was found. U sing principal component analys i s , it was established that Ae. glabra shows a clear separation between chemical composition of the infested and uninfested samples. We identified two components of a phenolic nature only in extracts of infested leaves of Ae. flava , (trimethylsilyl catechollactate tris(trimethylsilyl) ether and epigallocatechin (6TMS)) , and quercetin was identified only in infected leaf extracts of Ae. glabra . Th ese results can indicate a greater pote n tial resistance of these Aesculus species to damage by the studied herbivory

Chemical composition of essential oil, FTIR, phytochemical profile of crude extract and biological activity of Pistacia lentiscus from Algeria

Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiacae) has been known in Algeria since ancient times for its medicinal properties. The purpose of the present study was to identify the chemical composition of the essential oil of P. lentiscus leaves growing in Chlef region using GC-MS. The plant organic fractions of the leaf powder were investigated by FTIR, determination of total phenolic and total flavonoids content, evaluation of antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract. The essential oil was rich in thirty-nine compounds . L imonene (17.7%) and α-pinene (15.8%) were the major co m ponents detected. The FTIR results showed a fairly wide and significant characteristic band of the -OH hydroxyl function group. TPC and TFC were determined to be 173.79 µg GAE/mg, and 58.73 µg QE/mg, respectively. The antioxidant a c tivity was found to be IC 50 = 14.90 µg/mL . The antimicrobial results, MIC, MBC, and MFC measurements indicated that P. lentiscus exhibited significant antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Overall, these data indicate that P. lentiscus leaves may be used for pharmaceutical application, nutraceutical and functional food industries

Soil nematodes as a monitoring tool of bioenergy crop production management: The case of Miscanthus giganteus cultivation on different soil types

The cultivation of bioenergy crops helps produce energy sources for industrial and domestic needs with a zero carbon footprint, which is very attractive in the context of efforts to prevent global climate change. However, this creates certain difficulties in terms of competition for agricultural land with crops used to satisfy human needs and produce food. One potential solution is the use of unproductive abandoned land disturbed by open-pit mining and marginal land contaminated with toxic substances for growing bioenergy crops. The subject of the study was to investigate the influence of soil type on nematode communities and related indicators in the cultivation of bioenergy crops for biofuel production in different geographical areas. A solution to the issue of the role of nematode communities in the hierarchical organisation of bioenergy crop management, which includes tactical and strategic levels, is proposed. A total of 44 nematode genera representing different soil types were found in the studied ecosystems. The lowest abundance of communities was found in Chernozem and Glayic Podzols. The highest abundance was found on Arenosols, Haplic Podzols, and Stagnic Fluvisols. The herbivores were represented by 21 genera. The proportion of herbivorous species usually did not exceed 60% of the total number of nematodes. The representatives of the genus Paratylenchus were found in all the studied soils. The results of multidimensional scaling showed that four dimensions could be identified. Dimension 1 proved to be the most sensitive to changes in the trophic structure of the communities, which is largely due to changes in the role of herbivores in the community. Dimension 2 allowed us to differentiate Arenosols from all other soil types. This difference is explained by functional changes in the structure of the nematode community. The Arenosols community is distinguished by an increase in the enrichment index, which is a consequence of an increase in the proportion of semi-endoparasites. Dimension 3 made it possible to differentiate a group of soils, including Haplich Fluvioglacial, Stagnant Fluvioglacial and Haplic Fluvisols, Stagnic Fluvisols, and Haplic Podzols from Glayic Podzols. Glayic Podzols are characterised by an increased total number of the community, mainly due to parasitic nematodes, as evidenced by the increased level of the plant parasitism index. Dimension 4 was able to capture the specific characteristics of the black soil nematode communities. This soil type is characterised by a higher density of nematode communities, which is explained by a higher proportion of bacteriophages and ectoparasites. Growing bioenergy crops has two different aspects: tactical and strategic. The tactical aspect involves the production of biological energy sources. This aspect includes traditional methods of crop management, including elements of plant disease and pest control, to achieve maximum yield. Thus, the object of tactical management is the plant. In contrast, the strategic aspect is concerned with soil reclamation to restore its functions, thereby paving the way for the possibility of using such soils for food production. The object of strategic management is soil. The tactical aspect involves obtaining direct economic benefits from the extraction of energy raw materials. The strategic aspect involves the restoration of disturbed lands and the creation of preconditions for the restoration of their ecosystem services and their inclusion in food production. Nematode communities can provide information for monitoring processes at both the tactical and strategic levels. The risks of parasitic nematodes and plant diseases should be assessed at the tactical level of management. At the strategic level of management, nematode communities should be used to monitor trophic network assessment and the level of stress in the soil system

Euonymus nanus (Celastraceae) in Europe and in the Caucasus Mountains: geographi-cal distribution, habitats and modern state of populations

The study of the current state of populations and habitats of rare and threatened species of plants is a relevant task of ecological research. The paper presents the results of investigation of the geographical distribution, habitats and modern state of populations of a rare species of the European and Caucasian floras Euonymus nanus M. Bieb. (Celastraceae), included in the Red Data Books of Ukraine, Moldova, the Russian Federation and the Red List of Romania. The structure of the European and Caucasian parts of its range is described. The natural range of Euonymus nanus includes Romania (the Carpathian Mountains and the Moldavian Plateau), Moldova (the Moldavian Plateau and Southern Podillia Upland), Ukraine (Podillia and Dnieper Uplands and Dnieper Lowlands, Crimean Mountains) and the Russian Federation (North Caucasus). There are near 100 localities of E. nanus in Europe and 6 localities in the Caucasus Mountains. A phytocoenotical peculiarity of European habitats of E. nanus is their confinement exclusively to deciduous forests. This is their difference from Caucasian habitats, connected with scree slopes and from Asiatic habitats, connected with coniferous forests. Biogeographical and paleontological data and some biological peculiarities of E. nanus (low reproductive potential) confirm its relic nature (Tertiary relic) in Europe. The claim that E. nanus has an alien origin in Europe is insufficiently scientifically substantiated. The current state of E. nanus populations in Europe and in the Caucasus Mountains is shown. Known local populations of E. nanus are few in number, with relatively low densities, and their gradual decline is observed everywhere. Due to the uniqueness of E. nanus populations, it must be included to the European Red List. Modelling of E. nanus populations in cultivated coenoses is an effective method of ex situ conservation for this species

Diversity and features of the fauna of herpetobiont beetles (Carabidae, Tenebrionidae, Elateridae, Scarabaeidae) of the Lower Zeravshan, Uzbekistan

The Lower Zeravshan district of Uzbekistan is characterized by the most arid climate and is particularly affected by global warming and anthropogenic pressure. The biodiversity of herpetobiont beetles in this region has not been sufficiently studied, and this makes it difficult to monitor the fauna of the region. This work was carried out to assess the biodiversity and ecological features of some groups of herpetobiont beetles during 2019–2023. Soil and light traps, soil excavations and manual collection were used to collect material. A total of 131 species of beetles were identified. The carabid fauna of the region is represented by 43 species belonging to nine subfamilies, 19 tribes, and 28 genera. For the fauna of the Republic, two species were recorded for the first time (Syntomus obscuroguttatus (Duftschmid, 1812) and Scarites subcylindricus Chaudoir, 1843). The darkling beetle fauna includes 46 species belonging to three subfamilies, 16 tribes, and 30 genera. For the first time, five species were recorded for the fauna of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Cyphogenia lucifuga Adams, 1817, Trigonoscelis apicalis Reitter, 1907, Colpotus sulcatus (Menetries, 1838), Tribolium destructor Uyttenboogart, 1933, Pentaphyllus chrysomeloides (Rossi, 1792)). The fauna of ground beetles and darkling beetles of the Lower Zeravshan consists of two species complexes that differ sharply from each other – xerophilic (inhabiting desert biocenoses) and hygromesophilic (inhabiting agricultural landscapes). The similarity coefficients of the fauna of these two types of biocenoses are very low. The fauna of click beetles is represented by 10 species belonging to four subfamilies and seven genera. The fauna of lamellar beetles consists of 31 species (32 with subspecies), belonging to eight subfamilies, 13 tribes, and 19 genera. In agrocenoses, a significant increase in the number of herpetobionts is observed in the first days of June. But their maximum number is observed in early July. It has been established that seasonal fluctuations in the number of representatives of the families Carabidae, Elateridae, Staphylinidae, and Tenebrionidae occur almost in parallel. Fluctuations in the number of representatives of the Scarabaeidae family do not correspond to the above pattern, and the maximum value is observed at the end of July. The data obtained can be used to assess biodiversity and environmental monitoring of arid zones of Uzbekistan

The influence of introduced tree species on the relationships between soil buffering capacity and ecological groups of microorganisms in urban park soils

As a component of urban parks, soil is an essential part of urban green infrastructure; soil influences the green plantings in megacities, being affected by environmentally unfavorable factors. To reveal relationships between soil buffering capacity and ecological microbial groups of park soils, soil acid-base buffering capacity (pHBC) was determined with the Arrhenius method. We counted the soil microorganisms using differential diagnostic nutrient media with serial dilutions. Soil microbial biomass was determined by thermal rehydration. In statistical data processing, we used the methods of descriptive statistics, univariate analysis of variance, etc. We established strong positive correlations between pH values and pHBC in the acid and acid-base range, and a negative correlation between pH values and buffering capacity in the alkaline range; a strong correlation between the abundancies of amylolytic and pedotrophic soil microorganisms. We determined the effect of the three following soil sustainability-associated latent factors: Factor 1 – effect correlated with total pHBC, pHBC in the acid range and soil acidity, Factor 2 and Factor 3 – effects characterized by the direction of microbial processes and which formed a balanced system between the soil humus decomposition and the entry of plant litter. We revealed a beneficial impact of subcrown space on the abundancies of soil microorganisms. We recommend using acid and acid-base buffering capacity and microbiological characteristics as soil quality indicators. The abundance of soil microorganisms increased in the forested sites

Helminthofauna of wetland birds in Uzbekistan

The study of the helminthofauna of birds is not only very interesting from the theoretical aspect, but also has great practical significance, as the obtained knowledge is used to develop measures to combat numerous helminthiases of domestic, commercial and wetland game birds. Some helminthiases of wetland birds are also dangerous for humans. However, these and other issues related to helminthiases of these birds have been poorly studied in Uzbekistan. This work analyses the current state of the helminthofauna of wetland birds from 8 orders – Podicipediformes, Pelecaniformes, Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, Anseriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes and Falconiformes, inhabiting wetlands in central, north-eastern and north-western Uzbekistan. Helminths collected from wetland birds in various bodies of water during hunting seasons between 2018 and 2024 were used as material for this research. The large number of highly diverse and extensive habitats in Uzbekistan accounts for the high species diversity of wetland birds in the country. There are more than 500 different water bodies suitable for the habitation of this group of birds. These wetlands are highly important for humans. They provide biological resources to the population, ensure the stability of local climates, and serve as habitats for many sedentary and migratory wetland birds. We surveyed about 40 species of this group of birds from different orders. Our work provides information on the species composition of helminths of wetland birds in Uzbekistan ( Tachybaptus ruficollis , Podiceps cristatus , Podiceps grisegena , Pelecanus onocrotalus , Phalacrocorax carbo , Ph. pygmaeus , Botaurus stellaris , Egretta alba , Ardea cinerea , Phoenicopterus roseus , Anser anser , Anas platyrhynchos , Anas crecca , Netta rufina , Bucephala clangula , Gallinula chloropus , Fulica atra , Porzana porzana , Tringa glareola , Larus ridibundus , Larus hyperboreus , Sterna hirundo , Haliaeetus albicilla , Circus aeruginosus and other). Our studies identified representatives of Cestoda from the genera Diphyllobothrium , Ligula , Digramma , Schistocephalus , Tetrabothrius , Paradilepis , Lateriporus , Anomotaenia , Aploparaksis , C l oacotaenia , Diorchis , Drepanidotaenia , Fimbr i aria , Microsomacanthus , Myxolepis , Flamingolepis , Sobolevicanthus , Wardium and Tatria . Trematodes are represented by the genera Echinostoma , Echinoparyphium , Petasiger , Echinochasmus , Mesorchis , Aporchis , Pegosomum , Cyclocoelum , Notocotylus , Catatropis , Microphallus , Opistorchis , Tanaisia , Plagiorchis , Plagiorchis , Strigea , Cotylurus , Apatemon , Diplostomum , Bilharziella , Trichobilharzia , Ornithobilharzia , Austrobilharzia , Dendritobilharzia , Gigantobilharzia and other. Acanthocephala in our research included representatives of 4 genera : Polymorphus , Centrorhynchus , Mediorhynchus , Filicollis . A large number of genera were recorded among nematodes : Capillaria , Thominx , Strongyloides , Amidostomum , Contracaecum , Ganguleterakis , Tetrameres , Streptocara , Desmidocercella , Paronchocerca , Pharyngosetaria , Avioserpens and other. A total of 138 species of parasites were identified; 42 species from the class Cestoda, 66 Trematoda, 6 Acanthocephala and 24 Nematoda. 35 species had never been recorded in wetland birds in Uzbekistan before. The article also discusses issues related to changes in the faunistic co m plexes of helminths of the studied birds. The work identifies trophic and ecological relationships between helminths and their hosts and specifies the species diversity of parasites of wetland birds in the current ecological background of Uzbekistan. The authors also paid attention to ways birds are infected with helminths in various types of water bodies in Uzbekistan