Plants can sustain various degrees of damage or compensate for tissue loss by regrowth without significant fitness costs. This tolerance to insect herbivory depends on the plant's developmental stage during which the damage is inflicted and on how much tissue is removed. Plant fitness correlates, that is, biomass and germination of seeds, were determined at different ontogenetic stages, vegetative, budding, or flowering stages of three annual brassicaceous species exposed to feeding by Pieris brassicae caterpillars at different intensities. Fitness costs decreased with progressive ontogenetic stage at which damage was inflicted. Feeding on meristem tissues on vegetative and budding plants limited the plant's ability to fully compensate for tissue loss, whereas feeding on flowers resulted in full compensation or overcompensation in Sinapis arvensis and Brassica nigra. Herbivory promoted germination of seeds in the following year, thereby causing a shift in relative contribution to the next year's generation at the expense of contributing to the long-lived seed bank. Herbivory intensity affected fitness correlates of B. nigra and to a lesser extent of Sisymbrium officinale, but not of S. arvensis, demonstrating that even closely related plant species can differ in their specific responses to herbivory and that these can differently affect reproductive output. In terms of fitness costs, annual plant species can be quite resilient to herbivory. However, the extent to which they tolerate tissue loss depends on the ontogenetic stage that is under attack. Seed persistence in the soil has been proposed as a bet-hedging strategy of short-lived species to increase long-term fitness. Herbivore-induced changes in seed germination can result in a shift in the relative contribution of seeds to the seed bank and next year's generation.

The soil environment has been considered capable of storing toxic substances without serious consequences for the inhabitants since plants are able to bioaccumulate pollutants without compromising their survival. The application of chemicals to increase soil productivity and the dumping of waste have worsened soil quality. Recently, following a greater awareness of the importance of monitoring the damage deriving from the consumption of contaminated crops for humans and of the protection of biodiversity, studies aimed at identifying the effects of soil contamination on terrestrial animals have increased considerably. Studies using field lizards as model organisms fit into this scenario; this research has shed light on the uptake, accumulation, and toxicity of soil pollutants on reptiles. This review summarizes data collected on lizards of the Podarcis genus, a group of resilient wild species capable of living in both pristine and anthropized areas; the data reveal that many of the effects recorded in lizard tissues at the molecular, biochemical, and histological levels are independent of the chemical composition of the contaminants and are mostly linked to the type of cellular response. Overall, these studies confirm Podarcis lizards as a good model system in ecotoxicological and cytotoxicological research, providing an accurate description of the effects of pollutants, clarifying the defense mechanisms activated in relation to different exposure routes and, finally, providing predictive information on the risks faced by other animals. Since the effects recorded in lizards have often also been observed in mammals, it can be concluded that the results obtained from studies on these animals can be translated to other terrestrial vertebrates, including mammals.

Root-knot nematodes (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes. They parasitize almost every species of higher plant and induce the formation of galls along the plant roots, which are detrimental to plant growth. North Carolina's leading field crops are sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.), soybean (Glycine max L. Merr), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), which are all hosts to several root-knot nematode species. This pathogen represents a major threat to farmers, obligating them to seek alternative crops that are non-host to root-knot nematodes that will help decrease soil populations and provide economic revenue. We tested seven sesame cultivars for their host status and potential resistance to four Meloidogyne species (M. arenaria, M. incognita, M. enterolobii, and M. hapla). We inoculated sesame seedlings with 1,000 nematode eggs of each species. Sixty days after inoculation, we harvested the plants to evaluate a visual gall severity rating, measure final egg counts, and calculate the reproductive factor (RF). All sesame cultivars had a significantly lower RF than the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Rutgers control for all species of RKN except M. arenaria. The RF values for sesame cultivars inoculated with M. incognita and M. hapla were not significantly different from one another; however, there were significant differences in RF among sesame cultivars inoculated with M. enterolobii, suggesting that genetic variability of the host may play an important role in host status and conferring resistance.

The current research investigates individual and combined toxicity effects of nickel (Ni) and imidacloprid (IMI) on earthworm species Eisenia fetida fetida. Employing standardized toxicity parameters, we assessed the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations (ERC) of Ni, IMI, and their mixtures on key biomarkers and reproductive fitness of earthworms. Our findings reveal concentration-dependent responses with discernible adverse effects on physiological parameters. The ERC obtained for Ni was 0.095 ppm, and for imidacloprid was 0.01 ppm. Two concentrations (ERC and 1/5th) of both toxicants (individually and in combinations) were further given for 14 days, and parameters like avoidance behaviour, antioxidants, histology, and metabolomic profile were observed. The behaviour of earthworms was noted, where at 24-48 h, it was found to be in control soil, while later, at 72-96 h, they migrated to toxicants-treated soil. Levels of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid), lipid peroxidation, and lactate dehydrogenase were elevated in the testis, spermatheca, ovary, and prostate gland in a high concentration of Ni + IMI. Histological studies showed more vacuolization and disruption of epithelium that was increased in the prostate gland of the Ni + IMI high group, decreased number of spermatids, and damaged cell architecture was noted in testis and spermatheca of the Ni + IMI high group. The highest number of metabolites was found in Ni exposed group (181), followed by IMI (131) and Control (125). Thus, this study sheds light on the ecotoxicological effects of combinational exposure of these contaminants on an essential soil-dwelling organism, where IMI was more toxic than Ni, and both toxicants decreased earthworm reproductive fecundity.

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grain yield is vulnerable to drought stress. Therefore, developing appropriate technologies to mitigate drought is essential. We hypothesize that inhibition of photosynthesis and reproductive success by drought in sorghum can be improved by enhanced osmolyte accumulation and antioxidant defence system by foliar application of nanoselenium. In this study, the ecotoxicity potential and the physiological basis of drought alleviation by nanoselenium were evaluated. Nanoselenium did not cause toxicity to soil, aquatic and terrestrial organisms up to 20 mg L-1.-1 . During drought, foliar application of nanoselenium at 20 mg L-1 reduced the transpiration rate (16 %) compared to water spray. The superoxide radical content (50 %), hydrogen peroxide content (35 %), and membrane damage (26 %) were reduced, indicating antioxidant activity was exerted by nanoselenium. In contrast, the leaf turgor potential (80 %), relative water content (17 %), reducing sugars (57 %), non-reducing sugars (11 %), and proline (35%) contents were increased by nanoselenium than water spray, indicating a higher tissue water content was maintained, which has increased the photosynthetic rate (26 %). Higher reproductive success in nanoselenium-sprayed plants under drought was associated with reproductive tissue morphology and an increased number of pollen grains attached to the stigma. Foliar application of nanoselenium at 20 mg L-1 increased seed-set percentage (21 %) and seed yield (26 %) under drought than control. A similar response was observed by foliar spray with sodium selenate. Overall, foliar application of nanoselenium at 20 mg L-1 improved the drought tolerance of sorghum by reducing the transpiration rate and increasing the antioxidant defense system. (c) 2024 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

The seed-feeding weevil Smicronyx lutulentus Dietz (Curculionidae) was released in South Africa in 2015 to supplement the biological control programme against the invasive annual weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae). Larval feeding within young, developing ovules and larval-induced abortion of adjacent seeds within the flowerheads causes seed destruction, augmenting low levels of natural seed abortion. We studied female fecundity in a glasshouse trial, to identify critical periods in oviposition and inform mass-rearing and field release protocols. Newly emerged mated females displayed a pre-oviposition period of 1-2 weeks, a peak in oviposition after 7-8 weeks and a lifetime fecundity of 324-446 eggs. We also studied the relationship between weevil density and seed damage during two separate glasshouse trials, to facilitate predictions of seed damage under field conditions. Plants exposed to 15 mating pairs of weevils harboured substantially higher proportions of larval-damaged flower buds (75 %) than plants with five pairs (45-56 %) or a single pair (19 %). Larval progeny from five adult pairs caused significantly higher seed inviability (38 %) than progeny from a single pair (14 %), versus the weevil-free control (5 %). Progeny from 15 pairs damaged 30 % of developing seeds, potentially causing up to 60 % seed inviability due to enhanced abortion of neighbouring seeds. Although >= 5 females per plant caused appreciable seed damage, the proportions of unexploited new buds (25-55 %) versus buds with multiple occupancy (>= 2 larvae; 35-47 %) indicate the importance of floral phenology in oviposition site selection, as flowerbuds of 2 -3 mm are preferred. Although progeny from five females per plant could cause up to 30 % seed reduction, within a week of oviposition, higher densities are required to limit the entry of viable seeds into the soil seed banks.

Timber extraction is a time-consuming and difficult stage of producing the wood-based forest products, involving economic and ecological sensitivity. In this study, it was aimed to determine the optimum extraction methods in terms of productivity and environmental effects by integrating the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method with geographic information systems (GIS). The study was implemented in the coniferous stands located within the borders of Baharlar Forest Enterprise Chief (FEC) in Ayvac & imath;k Forest Enterprise Directorate (FED) in Bal & imath;kesir in T & uuml;rkiye. The main criteria in AHP were slope, skidding (transporting) distance, soil factor, stand age and yield. In the study, tractor skidding, tractor winching, chute system and skyline yarding methods were evaluated by considering environmental effects including residual tree damage and potential impacts on forest soil. In the solution phase, a total of eight suitability maps were produced for four extraction methods for productivity and environmental effects assessment. After the suitability maps were generated, digital data layers of working time were produced for each extraction method using equations about machine working times obtained from previous studies. As a result of the study, it was determined that skidding distance and slope were the criteria with the highest impact in almost all extraction methods for productivity and environmental aspects. In tractor skidding, it was found that soil factor and skidding distance have the highest impact in terms of environmental effects. When considering productivity, the results showed that the most commonly preferred extraction method was the tractor winching (43.30%), followed by the tractor skidding (25.34%). While the chute system was preferred in approximately 20.92% of the area, the least preferred method was the skyline yarding (10.44%). When evaluated in terms of environmental effects, it was determined that tractor skidding (34.02%) was widely preferred, followed by chute system (26.95%), tractor winching (20.96%) and skyline yarding (18.07%).

Fluoride is widely found in groundwater, soil, animal and plant organisms. Excessive fluoride exposure can cause reproductive dysfunction by activating IL -17A signaling pathway. However, the adverse effects of fluoride on male reproductive system and the mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, the wild type and IL -17A knockout C57BL/6J mouse were treated with 24 mg/kg & sdot;bw & sdot;d sodium fluoride and/or 5 mg/kg & sdot;bw & sdot;d riboflavin-5 '-phos- phate sodium for 91 days. Results showed that fluoride caused dental fluorosis, increased the levels of ROS in testicular Leydig cells and GSSG in testicular tissue, and did not affect the iron and serum hepcidin levels in testicular tissue. Riboflavin alleviated above adverse changes, whereas IL -17A does not participate in the oxidative stress -mediated reproductive toxicity of fluoride. Based on this, TM3 cells were used to verify the injury of fluoride on Leydig cells. Results showed that fluoride increased mRNA levels of ferroptosis marker SLC3A2, VDAC3, TFRC, and SLC40A1 and decreased Nrf2 mRNA levels in TM3 cells. The ferroptosis inhibitor Lip -1 and DFO were used to further investigate the relationship between male reproductive toxicity and ferroptosis induced by fluoride. We found that the fluoride -induced decrease in cell viability, increase in xCT, TFRC, and FTH protein expression, and decrease in GPX4 protein expression, can all be rescued by Lip -1 and DFO. Similar results were also observed in the riboflavin treatment group. Moreover, riboflavin mitigated fluoride -induced increases in ROS levels and SLC3A2 protein levels. In all, our work revealed that riboflavin inhibited ferroptosis in testicular Leydig cells and improved the declined male reproductive function caused by fluoride. This study provides new perspectives for revealing new male reproductive toxicity mechanisms and mitigating fluoride toxicity damage.

Cassytha filiformis is a hemiparasitic plant that causes severe effects in its host plants. Since this decade, this alien species has been increasing its distribution towards the coastal areas of the Peninsula of Yucatan, parasitizing shrub species that play a crucial role in the containment of soil erosion. Here we studied the current distribution of C. filiformis along the coastal dune in northern Yucatan, recording the frequency of parasitism and the identity of its host plants. In addition, we evaluated the effect of C. filiformis on the sexual reproductive success of the main host plants and the effect of host species identity on C. filiformi's reproductive success. We found that the distribution of C. filiformis occurs throughout the coastal dunes of Yucatan (covering approximate to 250 km), parasitizing 15 species. However, ca. 70% of C. filiformis plants occur on three common shrub species: Suriana maritima, Scaevola plumieri, and Tournefortia gnaphalodes. The frequency of parasitized plants by C. filiformis was not dependent on host plant abundance. Tournefortia gnaphalodes suffer a higher proportion of parasitism. The reproductive success of the three host plants was lower in the presence of the parasitic plant. On the other hand, C. filiformis showed higher reproductive success when parasitizing S. maritima. Our results suggest that C. filiformis has extensively invaded the Yucatan coastal dunes, significantly reducing the sexual reproduction of its host-plant species. Overall, our results suggest that C. filiformis has the potential to cause significant damage in the Yucatan coastal dune community.

Tebuconazole has been widely applied over three decades because of its high efficiency, low toxicity, and broad spectrum, and it is still one of the most popular fungicides worldwide. Tebuconazole residues have been frequently detected in environmental samples and food, posing potential hazards for humans. Understanding the toxicity of pesticides is crucial to ensuring human and ecosystem health, but the toxic mechanisms and toxicity of tebuconazole are still unclear. Moreover, pesticides could transform into transformation products (TPs) that may be more persistent and toxic than their parents. Herein, the toxicities of tebuconazole to humans, mammals, aquatic organisms, soil animals, amphibians, soil microorganisms, birds, honeybees, and plants were summa-rized, and its TPs were reviewed. In addition, the toxicity of tebuconazole TPs to aquatic organisms and mam-mals was predicted. Tebuconazole posed potential developmental toxicity, genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity, which were induced via reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis, metabolism and hormone perturbation, DNA damage, and transcriptional abnormalities. In addition, tebuconazole exhibited apparent endocrine-disrupting effects by modulating hormone levels and gene transcription. The toxicity of some TPs was equivalent to and higher than tebuconazole. Therefore, further investigation is necessary into the toxicological mechanisms of tebuconazole and the combined toxicity of a mixture of tebuconazole and its TPs.