Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hailang Tong, Hongda Deng, Zhiqiang Han
Summary: Camellia hainanica, a woody olive tree species found in China's Hainan Province, has been neglected due to geographic isolation, hindering the exploitation of germplasm resources. This study analyzed the ploidy and genetic characteristics of C. hainanica populations, revealing complex ploidy differentiation and low genetic diversity and differentiation among populations. The study suggests ex-situ cultivation and in-situ management measures for the future conservation of C. hainanica's genetic diversity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Keita Watanabe, Makoto Yaneshita, Tetsuo Denda, Masatsugu Yokota, Shun K. Hirota, Yoshihisa Suyama, Yoshihiko Tsumura
Summary: Anthropogenic activities can cause genetic disturbance in wild populations, affecting their local adaptation. In this study, the genetic structure of naturally distributed L. muscari in Japan was investigated, revealing three genetically distinct groups. These findings have important implications for reducing genetic disturbance in greening and gardening activities.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marcin Markowski, Piotr Minias, Miroslawa Banbura, Michal Gladalski, Adam Kalinski, Joanna Skwarska, Jaroslaw Wawrzyniak, Piotr Zielinski, Jerzy Banbura
Summary: Human-induced landscape conversions can affect dispersal patterns and genetic structure of bird populations. Urbanization can enhance genetic differentiation, but different bird species may respond differently to urbanization-related changes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Dimitrios Tsaparis, Thomas Lecocq, Dimitrios Kyriakis, Katerina Oikonomaki, Pascal Fontaine, Costas S. Tsigenopoulos
Summary: The genetic background of pikeperch populations was assessed using genetic markers, revealing that current broodstocks have similar genetic diversity to wild populations. Genetic differentiation analysis showed that European pikeperch populations can be divided into two groups, with one predominantly found in Northern Europe and around the Baltic Sea, and the other primarily in Central Europe. Aquaculture broodstocks were found to have fish of a single origin with a few exceptions. The study provides valuable information on the genetic diversity of pikeperch and offers a genetic tool for fish stock management and improvement.
Article
Mycology
Lixin Shi, Zeyu Zhao, Luna Yang, Gang Ding, Xiaoke Xing
Summary: This study investigated the impact of active components in mycorrhizal fungus on orchid seed germination. The results showed that certain steroids significantly enhanced protocorm volume and promoted protocorm differentiation. These findings are important for the understanding of orchid biology and mycorrhizal interaction.
MYCOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jiqin Huang, Simin Hu, Qifeng Zhu, Fangfang Li, Shiyu Jin, Ximing Zhang, Xuelin Jin
Summary: This study found that the division of local populations of Qinling giant pandas is consistent with the division of habitat patches, and geographic distance has an impact on the genetic distance between individuals. These findings are crucial for the conservation of Qinling giant pandas, especially for small populations, to prevent the loss of genetic diversity.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ewout Van Oost, Leen Leus, Bert De Rybel, Katrijn Van Laere
Summary: This study investigated genetic relationships, genome sizes and chromosome numbers in a collection of 82 lavender genotypes, including hybrids. AFLP marker analysis identified 5 clusters and revealed variations in genome sizes and chromosome numbers. The results can be utilized to predict cross compatibility among different species and guide targeted breeding for new improved Lavandula cultivars.
Article
Forestry
Xinyu Li, Minjun Dai, Minqiu Wang, Xingtong Wu, Mengying Cai, Yiling Tao, Jiadi Huang, Yafeng Wen
Summary: This study filled the research gap on the geographic variation and environmental adaptability of Liushan, a widely distributed tree species in southern China. The results showed strong genetic differentiation among geographic populations, and the needle traits were significantly correlated with geography and environmental factors. Geographic isolation and environmental differences were identified as the main factors shaping the morphological traits and patterns of genetic variation. Conservation measures should focus on preserving populations with rare phenotypes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jacob Nepper-Davidsen, Marie Magnusson, Christopher R. K. Glasson, Philip M. Ross, Rebecca J. Lawton
Summary: The study found strong genetic structure and low geneflow of the native kelp Ecklonia radiata across sites in four geographic regions on the North Island of New Zealand. There was high genetic differentiation between the Wellington region and other regions, with significant genetic differences within regions as well. Bayesian modeling and redundancy analysis suggested that ocean currents and other factors along the coast shaped the genetic structure and connectivity of E. radiata on the North Island. Based on these findings, it was recommended not to translocate cultivars of E. radiata outside their area of origin to prevent introducing locally absent genotypes to local sub-populations.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
A. Bestin, O. Brunel, A. Malledant, B. Debeuf, P. Benoit, R. Mahla, H. Chapuis, D. Guemene, M. Vandeputte, P. Haffray
Summary: Aquaculture is currently the only sustainable way to increase sturgeon caviar production, and genetic parameters estimated in this study provide favorable grounds for improving the efficiency of farmed caviar production through selective breeding.
Article
Forestry
Runan Zhao, Qianqian He, Xiaojie Chu, Anguo He, Zunling Zhu
Summary: The habitat of the endemic and endangered species Carpinus tientaiensis in China has been severely damaged, putting it at risk of extinction. This study found that C. tientaiensis has high genetic diversity at the species level, but inconsistent variation levels at the population level. There is no significant genetic differentiation and phylogeographic structure among populations, indicating a lack of complex genetic structure.
Article
Biology
Judith K. Brown, Jorge R. Paredes-Montero, Ian C. Stocks
Summary: The taxonomy of the Bemisia tabaci cryptic species group is difficult due to the lack of morphological differentiation and porous species boundaries. It is unclear whether B. tabaci consists of stable species with limited morphological change or is the result of recent adaptive radiation with little morphological divergence. This article provides a historical overview of the nomenclature used to classify B. tabaci, discusses the limitations of using a 3.5% mtCOI threshold, and suggests using a 1% nuclear divergence cutoff to better reflect ecological and biogeographic species boundaries. It also outlines a plan for naming B. tabaci species using a Latin binomial system according to ICZN regulations.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Enrico Cretazzo, Paula Moreno Sanz, Silvia Lorenzi, Miguel Lara Benitez, Leonardo Velasco, Francesco Emanuelli
Summary: The IFAPA research center in Spain hosts a grapevine germplasm repository aimed at exploring genetic variability and DNA editing studies to provide solutions for agronomic traits. This research focuses on a collection of 930 grapevine accessions, identifying 521 unique genotypes. Analysis reveals matches with existing databases and the identification of previously undescribed genetic profiles. The study also suggests that Spanish Mediterranean varieties genetically relate more closely to oriental genotypes than to European varieties, and proposes a core collection representing all allele richness.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanfeng Duan, Shaoguang Duan, Jianfei Xu, Jiayi Zheng, Jun Hu, Xiaochuan Li, Baoju Li, Guangcun Li, Liping Jin
Summary: Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease in potato-producing regions. Cultivation of resistant varieties and identification of germplasms with late blight resistance are effective ways to control the disease. A diverse population of 189 genotypes was screened for resistance, revealing broad-spectrum and isolate-specific resistant resources. Genetic analysis found abundant variation, with differentiation among populations and potential for gene improvement in breeding programs. Results provide valuable information for cultivar improvement and resistance gene mining.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Peter Anton Hagl, Roberta Gargiulo, Michael F. Fay, Cedrique Solofondranohatra, Jordi Salmona, Uxue Suescun, Nantenaina Rakotomalala, Caroline E. R. Lehmann, Guillaume Besnard, Alexander S. T. Papadopulos, Maria S. Vorontsova
Summary: Research on Loudetia simplex reveals that it is native to both Madagascar and South Africa, likely colonized Madagascar from Africa in a single event, followed by diversification within Madagascar. Different genetic clusters are associated with distinct precipitation and temperature patterns.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Krystyna Nadachowska-Brzyska, Mateusz Konczal, Wieslaw Babik
Summary: Effective population size (Ne) is a key evolutionary parameter that determines genetic variation levels and selection efficacy. Ne estimation and interpretation are essential in evolutionary and conservation biology, with diverse applications and methods available. Recent advancements in estimating temporal Ne trends provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary continuum.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bernardo Antunes, Clara Figueiredo-Vazquez, Katarzyna Dudek, Marcin Liana, Maciej Pabijan, Piotr Zielinski, Wieslaw Babik
Summary: This study investigates the connectivity patterns of two closely related newt species using genomic data and tools from landscape genetics. The results show that forest habitat is important for connectivity in both species, but they differ in their use of forested habitat. Anthropogenic landscapes increase resistance in both species, but have a stronger effect on the range-restricted species.
Article
Ecology
Silvia Eckert, Jasmin Herden, Marc Stift, Walter Durka, Mark van Kleunen, Jasmin Joshi
Summary: The invasive goldenrod in Central Europe, Solidago canadensis, shows genetic adaptation along a large-scale latitudinal gradient, but lacks epigenetic adaptation. Genetic and epigenetic diversity are correlated and potentially responsive to selection processes.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Susanne Dunker, Matthew Boyd, Walter Durka, Silvio Erler, W. Stanley Harpole, Silvia Henning, Ulrike Herzschuh, Thomas Hornick, Tiffany Knight, Stefan Lips, Patrick Maeder, Elena Motivans Svara, Steven Mozarowski, Demetra Rakosy, Christine Roemermann, Mechthild Schmitt-Jansen, Kathleen Stoof-Leichsenring, Frank Stratmann, Regina Treudler, Risto Virtanen, Katrin Wendt-Potthoff, Christian Wilhelm
Summary: This article discusses the potential application of multispectral imaging flow cytometry (MIFC) in environmental monitoring. MIFC allows efficient and accurate quantification of microscopic cells and particles, enabling automated and high-throughput measurements. When combined with deep-learning techniques, MIFC can also automatically recognize particles and cells, potentially improving the quantity and accuracy of environmental monitoring.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeprianto Manurung, Blanca M. Rojas Andres, Christopher D. Barratt, Jan Schnitzler, Bror F. Joensson, Ruliyana Susanti, Walter Durka, Alexandra N. Muellner-Riehl
Summary: This study focuses on two mangrove species, Lumnitzera littorea and Lumnitzera racemosa, in Indonesia and reveals low levels of genetic variation within these species. The study also identifies two phylogroups in both species, with L. littorea primarily separated by Wallace's line and L. racemosa showing a northwest vs. southeast pattern with strong mixture in Wallacea. These findings provide novel insights into the phylogeography of the mangrove genus Lumnitzera and the role of sea surface currents in the Indonesian Archipelago.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomasz S. S. Gaczorek, Marzena Marszalek, Katarzyna Dudek, Jan W. W. Arntzen, Ben Wielstra, Wieslaw Babik
Summary: This study provides evidence for the prevalence of MHC gene introgression across multiple Triturus hybrid zones, indicating that MHC introgression between divergent hybridizing species may be widespread and adaptive.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ke He, Wieslaw Babik, Mateusz Majda, Piotr Minias
Summary: We used genomic data to reconstruct the macroevolution of the MHC region in amphibians and found that the ancestral MHC region was relatively simple and compact, with a close physical linkage between MHC-I and MHC-II regions. This structure was conserved in anurans, but there was evidence for dynamic evolutionary trajectories in the duplication and expansion of gene copy number in the class I subregion. We also found that intronic regions of amphibian classical MHC genes were longer compared to other tetrapod lineages, possibly due to genome size expansion.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomasz Sebastian Gaczorek, Mateusz Chechetkin, Katarzyna Dudek, Guilherme Caeiro-Dias, Pierre-Andre Crochet, Philippe Geniez, Catarina Pinho, Wieslaw Babik
Summary: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are crucial for the adaptive immune response of jawed vertebrates. This study found widespread MHC introgression in the Podarcis lizards inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting its adaptiveness. The study supports the emerging view of adaptive introgression as a key mechanism shaping MHC diversity and raises questions about the effect of elevated MHC variation and factors leading to the asymmetry of adaptive introgression.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Malte Conrady, Christian Lampei, Oliver Bossdorf, Norbert Hoelzel, Stefan Michalski, Walter Durka, Anna Bucharova
Summary: To overcome seed availability constraints, wild plants are increasingly propagated on farms for restoration projects. However, these propagated plants may evolve adaptations to cultivation, which could affect restoration success. A study found that some wild plants rapidly evolved across cultivated generations, but the observed changes were generally moderate and unlikely to compromise farm-propagated seeds for ecosystem restoration. To mitigate potential negative effects, it is recommended to limit the number of generations plants can be cultivated without replenishing the seed stock.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
W. Babik, K. Dudek, M. Marszalek, G. Palomar, B. Antunes, S. Sniegula
Summary: The process of urbanization presents significant challenges to organisms, and this study aims to understand the genetic adaptations of damselflies to urban environments. Using genome scanning methods, the researchers identified candidate genetic markers related to urbanization in different geographical regions. Interestingly, genes involved in synapse organization were found to be associated with the adaptive response in the nervous system. This finding highlights the polygenic nature of adaptation to urbanization and mirrors previous studies in different species.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Maciej J. Ejsmond, Jacek Radwan, Anna Ejsmond, Tomasz Gaczorek, Wieslaw Babik
Summary: The coevolution between host and pathogen can influence the evolution of host life histories, including age at maturation and body size. The MHC-pathogen coevolution and its impact on host mortality rates can lead to postponed maturation and increased body size.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Robert Rauschkolb, Walter Durka, Sandrine Godefroid, Lara Dixon, Oliver Bossdorf, Andreas Ensslin, J. F. Scheepens
Summary: Ongoing global warming and increasing drought frequencies impact plant populations and potentially drive rapid evolutionary adaptations. Historical comparisons using seeds collected in the past and freshly collected seeds from the same sites are a powerful method to investigate recent evolutionary changes. The study found that current populations of European plant species grew faster and advanced their flowering, correlated with changes in aridity at the population origins. However, in some species, strong differences in genetic variation and relatedness between past and current populations were detected, indicating other evolutionary processes may have contributed to phenotypic changes.
Article
Ecology
Anna-Maria Madaj, Walter Durka, Stefan G. Michalski
Summary: The increase in frequency and intensity of drought events caused by climate change has severe consequences for terrestrial plant communities. In this study, we compared the phenotypic response and evolutionary potential of two co-occurring grassland plant species, Bromus erectus and Trifolium pratense, in different water availability conditions. We found that the two species showed different drought adaptation strategies, as reflected in their species-specific phenotypic plasticity and predicted responses to selection. This study contributes to a better understanding of the evolutionary potential of species with different adaptive strategies under climate change and can inform future scenarios for grassland ecosystems.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
David Herczeg, Gemma Palomar, Piotr Zielinski, Isolde van Riemsdijk, Wieslaw Babik, Robert Dankovics, Balint Halpern, Milena Cvijanovic, Judit Voros
Summary: This study examined the population genomic structure of smooth newt lineages in the Carpathian Basin and found high genetic diversity, especially in the North Hungarian Mountains and at the interfluves of the main rivers in the South. The study also revealed that the river Tisza acts as a geographical barrier limiting gene flow between different lineages of smooth newts.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ismael Reyes-Moya, Gregorio Sanchez-Montes, Wieslaw Babik, Katarzyna Dudek, Inigo Martinez-Solano
Summary: Preserving functional connectivity is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and the viability of biotic communities. This study investigated the relationships between genetic connectivity and demographic parameters in five pond-breeding amphibians. The results showed that local population sizes had a significant effect on genetic differentiation at small spatial scales. Movement records and cluster-derived kernels provided reliable inferences on likely dispersal paths.
