Search

Despite extensive work on both insect disease and plant reproduction, there is little research on the intersection of the two. Insect-infecting pathogens could disrupt the pollination process by affecting pollinator population density or traits. Pathogens may also infect insect herbivores and change herbivory, potentially altering resource allocation to plant reproduction. We conducted a meta-analysis to (1) summarize the literature on the effects of pathogens on insect pollinators and herbivores and (2) quantify the extent to which pathogens affect insect traits, with potential repercussions for plant reproduction. We found 39 articles that fit our criteria for inclusion, extracting 218 measures of insect traits for 21 different insect species exposed to 25 different pathogens. We detected a negative effect of pathogen exposure on insect traits, which varied by host function: pathogens had a significant negative effect on insects that were herbivores or carried multiple functions but not on insects that solely functioned as pollinators. Particular pathogen types were heavily studied in certain insect orders, with 7 of 11 viral pathogen studies conducted in Lepidoptera and 5 of 9 fungal pathogen studies conducted in Hymenoptera. Our results suggest that most studies have focused on a small set of host-pathogen pairs. To understand the implications for plant reproduction, future work is needed to directly measure the effects of pathogens on pollinator effectiveness.

Seed production can be affected by water availability and also depend on the amount (pollen intensity) and quality of pollen deposited. The way pollen receipt on the stigma translates into seeds produced follows that of a saturating dose-response. Not only can water availability and pollen intensity each influence seed production, these factors could interact in their effects on seed production. Changes to the relationship between seed production and pollen intensity can in turn influence pollinator effectiveness and pollinator-mediated selection. We asked how water availability affected indices of plant fitness (seed set, fruit set and seed mass) and the relationship between pollen intensity and seed production in Phacelia parryi . We conducted a greenhouse experiment where we manipulated water availability (either high- or low-water) to pollen recipient plants and hand-pollinated each plant with a range of pollen intensities. We conducted 703 hand-pollinations on 30 plants. For each hand-pollinated flower we measured pollen deposited, seed production and seed mass. We then generated a piecewise regression of the relationship between pollen intensity and seed production, and determined average effects of water on plant fitness measures. This experiment was paired with a field observational study aimed to document natural variation in pollen deposition. Average seed production per fruit was 21 % higher in the high-watered plants. The relationship between pollen intensity and seed production differed between the two water treatments. Plants under high-water exhibited a wider range in which pollen deposition increased seed production. Average natural pollen intensities fell within different regions of the piecewise regression for low- and high-water plants. Water availability can alter the efficiency by which pollen received is translated into seeds produced. Our greenhouse data suggest that only under certain pollen intensity environments will water availability affect how pollen received is translated into seeds produced., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company.)

Premise: Outcrossing species depend on pollen from conspecific individuals that may not be exposed to the same abiotic conditions as maternal plants. Additionally, many flowers receive heterospecific pollen, which can also influence seed production. Studies aimed to understand how abiotic conditions influence seed production tend to focus on maternal conditions and leave unexplored the effect of abiotic conditions experienced by pollen donors. We tested how water availability to pollen donors, both conspecific and heterospecific, influenced the seed production of recipient plants exposed to different water availability regimes., Methods: In a greenhouse setting we manipulated the water availability (low- or high-water treatment) to potted recipient plants (Phacelia parryi), to conspecific pollen donors, and to heterospecific pollen donors (Brassica nigra). We hand pollinated recipient plants with different pollen mixes that represented all combinations of conspecific pollen mixed with heterospecific pollen. From these hand pollinations we determined the amount of pollen that was transferred, pollen volume, pollen shape, and seed production., Results: Higher water availability to conspecific pollen donors led to higher seed production. Under low water availability to heterospecific pollen donors, seed production was unaffected by recipient or conspecific pollen donor treatment. Under high water availability to heterospecific pollen donors, seed production was highest when conspecific pollen donors and pollen recipients also received the high-water treatment., Conclusions: Environmental conditions of pollen donors can influence the seed production of maternal plants. These results illustrate potential impacts of environmental heterogeneity on post-pollination events that lead to seed production and thus impact a pollinator's contribution to plant fitness., (© 2019 Botanical Society of America.)

Summary: Zeuxine strateumatica, a species native to Asia and Oceania, is reported for the first time in northwestern Argentina. This report represents the southernmost record for the species globally. We provide a morphological description, ecological notes, and photographs of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Losses in crop yield due to invasive insects, weeds, pathogens, and herbivores cost trillions of dollars per year globally. To prevent further spread of invasive agricultural pest species, continuous monitoring and prevention are crucial. Once introduced, however, assessing the impact of an invasive pest on agricultural production and testing management strategies are essential. The green iguana (Iguana iguana), a globally widespread invasive herbivore, is considered a possible agricultural pest although no quantitative data on its impact are available. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the invasive green iguana on cucumber (Cucumis sativus, var. Dasher II) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa, var. Black-seeded Simpson) yield by testing the efficacy of two management strategies – Neem-based pesticide and mesh fencing – compared to open field cultivation in Puerto Rico. Mesh fencing led to 20% more growth and doubled cucumber yield compared to open field cultivation, while spraying Neem led to an 18% increase in plant growth but no effect on cucumber yield. We found no difference in lettuce growth or yield among treatment and control plots. This study supports categorizing the green iguana as an invasive agricultural pest species and demonstrates the reptile's potential to reduce crop yield. It also shows that Neem application at the manufacturer's suggested concentration is not an effective mitigation technique for reducing crop loss due to green iguana herbivory. Government agencies in regions where the green iguana has the potential to be introduced should consider the species a threat to food production when developing monitoring programs and drafting regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have examined the reproductive systems of threatened orchids to develop effective conservation strategies. However, the detrimental effects of seed predators on seed production are often overlooked. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the seed-parasitic fly Japanagromyza tokunagai on the seed production of the endangered orchid Cephalanthera falcata, based on observations from five locations over one year and from a single location over four years in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Our findings showed that J. tokunagai caused 100% capsule damage across all sites and years examined. Although some infested fruits still produced seeds in certain locations and years, the quantities were very low. Consequently, we observed a 99.1-100% reduction in seed production across all populations investigated. These results suggest that reduced seed production could limit generational turnover, potentially threatening the reproductive success and long-term survival of C. falcata, at least in the populations studied. This highlights the need to mitigate the negative impact of J. tokunagai on seed production in C. falcata. Combining artificial pollination with the bagging of individual inflorescences could be an effective approach, capable of increasing seed production by more than 100-fold. Given the fungal dependence and low germination rates of C. falcata, future work should also examine seedling recruitment to better understand the impacts of seed loss and improve estimates of long-term resilience., Competing Interests: Declaratins. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2025. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Botanical Society of Japan.)

Inadequate pollen receipt limits flowering plant reproduction worldwide. Ecological causes of pollen limitation (PL), like pollinator scarcity and low plant abundance, have been a primary research focus. The genetic diversity of plant populations could impact both quantity and quality components of PL in concert with ecological factors, yet empirical examples are lacking. We evaluated joint effects of ecological factors (flower abundance, pollinator visitation) and genetic effective population size (NE) on PL across 13 populations of the common herb Argentina anserina. We used a histological approach with 5504 styles from 1137 flowers to separate quantity and quality components of PL, and link these to reproductive output. NE and pollinator visitation interacted to shape PL, but NE had stronger direct effects. Effectively smaller populations experienced stronger quantity PL, and controlled crosses in a pollinator-free environment revealed that stigmatic pollen quantity was an intrinsic population-level attribute that increased with NE. Pollinator visitation enhanced pollen quality, but only in effectively larger populations. Quantity and quality PL negatively impacted fruit and seed set, respectively. Results highlight that PL is dictated by plant population genetic diversity in addition to commonly evaluated ecological factors. Efforts to support pollinators will more strongly enhance plant reproduction in genetically diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timing of flowering and other components of phenology such as duration and synchrony can affect reproductive success and recruitment by influencing the environment a plant will experience throughout its flowering period. Pollination is a common explanation for why flowering phenology may affect reproduction, but it is not well understood how variation in pollination might interact with the abiotic environment to affect plant reproduction. Here we monitored a population of spring ephemerals, Claytonia virginica , for one flowering season and examined the effects of flowering phenology and the environment on plant reproduction in two treatments: plants supplemented with additional outcross pollen and unmanipulated control plants. Different aspects of reproduction were measured at both the population and within-plant levels: number of seeds produced by individual plants (seed production), per-fruit seed viability (the proportion of viable seeds out of the total number of seeds per fruit), percent germination, and number of days to germination. Soil surface temperature, light, and moisture data were also collected. The flowering phenology and environmental predictors most important for each measurement of reproduction differed between control and pollen-supplemented plants. For example, in both pollen treatment groups, more days in flower was consistently a positive predictor of seed production, but the environmental factors affecting seed production varied, with increasing pollinator visitation mostly affecting seed production in the nonsupplemented group and soil moisture positively affecting it in supplemented plants. Phenological and environmental predictors also differed for proportion of viable seeds and timing of germination. Our germination results support the hypothesis that the mechanisms that control early flowering time in the maternal plant may affect the timing of other life history events such as seed germination. Additionally, we show some evidence that changes in the maternal abiotic environment, particularly temperature, may alter progeny phenotype. No clear seasonal resource trade-offs were evident, as has been shown in other studies of spring ephemerals. Our results show that the abiotic environment interacts with the pollination environment to affect plant reproduction, with different environmental factors predicting reproduction in control versus pollen-supplemented plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic identity of the reptilian tick, Amblyomma helvolum, infesting wild green iguanas (Iguana iguana) in Taiwan, was examined. Genetic identity was determined by analyzing the 16S mitochondrial DNA gene sequences obtained from 11 Taiwan A. helvolum compared with other Amblyomma species, with two Dermacentor species and two Rhipicephalus species serving as outgroups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the Taiwan specimens were genetically affiliated with a monophyletic group of A. helvolum and can be discriminated from other Amblyomma species. Our results provide the first genetic identification of adult A. helvolum ticks infesting wild iguanas in Taiwan. Further studies focused on the seasonal prevalence and vectorial capacity of A. helvolum for various tick-borne pathogens will help to clarify the epidemiological significance of this species and its impact on animal and human health in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecology and environmental (EE) biology has low representation of Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Degree completion and career placement in EE often fail due to poor consideration of the intersections among student lived experiences and the academic support, peer community support, mentoring, and leadership development that they receive. The demographic composition of these disciplines, which are situated within the geosciences, differs from the composition of the broader society and will continue to do so until biases associated with the dominant culture are remedied. Lack of diverse representation leaves young people of color unable to visualize themselves in EE careers, which contributes to their not pursuing EE programs, majors, and career placement. As Black ecologists, we share narratives that include lessons gained from our individual journeys through undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral positions emphasizing experiences that supported our successful recruitment into our current academic positions. Throughout, we emphasize intersections of identity and persistence in EE. We assert that colorblind interventions to promote diverse participation in EE will be inadequate to affect meaningful increases in BIPOC participation. We highlight the value of diverse mentors, institutional support, and institutional commitment to diversity across multiple institutions. Additionally, we offer recommendations in support of BIPOC student retention in EE and the geosciences. Increasing diversity in EE will involve reassessment of how ecologists and environmental biologists are defined, interventions that support BIPOC retention at all career stages, and critical assessment of cultural biases in EE education and field experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalized pollinators visit multiple co‐flowering plant species and may transfer heterospecific pollen grains. Recent studies have indicated that the effect of heterospecific pollen (HP) on reproduction success is variable and depends on the identity of donor and recipient species. However, few studies have documented variation in HP receipt and evaluated the reproductive effects of HP receipt across geographic locations under natural conditions. We investigated the spatial variation of pollen deposition across eight sites and how the pollen receipt related to the seed set of Salvia przewalskii, a subalpine perennial herb in Hengduan Mountain in southwest China. We found that stigmatic pollen loads substantially varied among sites for several metrics, including quantities of conspecific and heterospecific pollen, the proportion of HP, and species composition of HP donors. Five different plant families were the most common HP source at one or two sites, and the proportion of HP ranged from 3.4% to 51.3% across sites. The association of conspecific pollen with seed set was positive and variable among sites, whereas the association of HP receipt and seed set was negative and not significantly different among sites. Our results demonstrate variation in the quantity and fitness effect of pollen receipt across sites, which is a precondition for evolution of local adaptation. Further study of variation in patterns and effects of HP receipt for the same recipient species across natural communities would allow better understanding of the ecological and evolutionary consequences of HP receipt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Seed production is frequently limited by the receipt of insufficient or low‐quality pollen, collectively termed "pollen limitation" (PL). In taxa with gametophytic self‐incompatibility (GSI), incompatible pollen can germinate on stigmas but pollen tubes are arrested in styles. This allows for estimates of pollen performance before, during, and after self‐recognition, as well as insight into the factors underlying pollen quality limitation in GSI taxa. Methods: We scored pollen performance following self and outcross pollinations in Argentina anserina to identify the location of self‐recognition and establish the relationship between pollen tubes and seed production. We then estimated quantity and quality components of PL from >3300 field‐collected styles. We combined our results with other studies to test the prediction that low pollen quality, but not quantity, drives higher PL in self‐incompatible (SI) taxa than in self‐compatible taxa (SC). Results: Self and outcross pollen germinated readily on stigmas, but 96% of germinated self‐pollen was arrested during early tube elongation. Reproduction in the field was more limited by pollen quality than by quantity, and pollen failure near the location of self‐recognition was a stronger barrier to fertilization than pollen germination. Across 26 taxa, SI species experienced stronger pollen quality, but not quantity, limitation than SC species. Conclusions: Evaluating pollen performance at multiple points within pistils can elucidate potential causes of pollen quality limitation. The receipt of incompatible pollen inhibits fertilization success more than insufficient pollen receipt or poor pollen germination in A. anserina. Likewise, pollen quality limitation drives high overall PL in other SI taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a time of global change, having an understanding of the nature of biotic and abiotic factors that drive a species' range may be the sharpest tool in the toolbox of conservation and management of threatened species. However, such information are lacking for most tropical and epiphytic species due to the complexity of life history, the roles of stochastic events, and the diversity of habitat across the span of a distribution. In this study, we conducted repeated census across the core and peripheral range of Trichocentrum undulatum, a threatened orchid that is found throughout the island of Cuba (species core range) and southern Florida (the northern peripheral range). We used demographic matrix modeling and stochastic simulations to investigate the impacts of herbivory, hurricanes, and logging (in Cuba) on projected population growth rates (λ and λs) among sites. Our study indicates that the Florida population is under high extinction risk and most populations in the core range show less interannual variability, but, with the exception of one population, are also in decline. The peripheral population experienced higher herbivory damage than did the core populations, by a native inflorescence‐crippling fly, Melanagromyza miamensis, and an invasive, mortality‐triggered scale, Diaspis boisduvalii. The latter was found in the Florida population only. Hurricanes increased levels of mortality and had a negative effect on λ. However, λ increased following hurricane events due to increased recruitment and decreased herbivory. Life table response experiments suggest that higher adult survival was the largest contributor to the higher λ observed in the growing Cuba populations, as compared with the population in Florida. Logging simulations in Cuba indicate that populations can maintain stability only if selective logging of host trees occurs at low frequency. Reintroduction of the species in its northern peripheral habitat is needed to ameliorate the threats from sea‐level rise and invasive herbivorous insects to secure the current species' northern, continental range margin. Our study exhibits how vital rates and ecological interactions vary across a species distribution and respond under differing stochastic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat divergence among close relatives is a common phenomenon. Studying the mechanisms behind habitat divergence is fundamental to understanding niche partitioning, species diversification, and other evolutionary processes. Recent studies found that soil microbes regulate the abundance and diversity of plant species. However, it remains unclear whether soil microbes can affect the habitat distributions of plants and drive habitat divergence. To fill in this knowledge gap, we investigated whether soil microbes might restrict habitat distributions of closely related oaks (Quercus spp.) in eastern North America. We performed a soil inoculum experiment using two pairs of sister species (i.e., the most closely related species) that show habitat divergence: Quercus alba (local species) vs. Q. michauxii (foreign), and Q. shumardii (local) vs. Q. acerifolia (foreign). To test whether host‐specific soil microbes are responsible for habitat restriction, we investigated the impact of local sister live soil (containing soil microbes associated with local sister species) on the survival and growth of local and foreign species. Second, to test whether habitat‐specific soil microbes are responsible for habitat restriction, we examined the effect of local habitat live soil (containing soil microbes within local sister's habitats, but not directly associated with local sister species) on the seedlings of local and foreign species. We found that local sister live soil decreased the survival and biomass of foreign species' seedlings while increasing those of local species, suggesting that host‐specific soil microbes could potentially mediate habitat exclusion. In contrast, local habitat live soil did not differentially affect the survival or biomass of the local vs. foreign species. Our study indicates that soil microbes associated with one sister species can suppress the recruitment of the other host species, contributing to the habitat partitioning of close relatives. Considering the complex interactions with soil microbes is essential for understanding the habitat distributions of closely related plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary scientific goal of ICARUS (Investigation of Coronal AcceleRation and heating of solar wind Up to the Sun), a mother-daughter satellite mission, proposed in response to the ESA "Voyage 2050" Call, will be to determine how the magnetic field and plasma dynamics in the outer solar atmosphere give rise to the corona, the solar wind, and the entire heliosphere. Reaching this goal will be a Rosetta Stone step, with results that are broadly applicable within the fields of space plasma physics and astrophysics. Within ESA's Cosmic Vision roadmap, these science goals address Theme 2: "How does the Solar System work?" by investigating basic processes occurring "From the Sun to the edge of the Solar System". ICARUS will not only advance our understanding of the plasma environment around our Sun, but also of the numerous magnetically active stars with hot plasma coronae. ICARUS I will perform the first direct in situ measurements of electromagnetic fields, particle acceleration, wave activity, energy distribution, and flows directly in the regions in which the solar wind emerges from the coronal plasma. ICARUS I will have a perihelion altitude of 1 solar radius and will cross the region where the major energy deposition occurs. The polar orbit of ICARUS I will enable crossing the regions where both the fast and slow winds are generated. It will probe the local characteristics of the plasma and provide unique information about the physical processes involved in the creation of the solar wind. ICARUS II will observe this region using remote-sensing instruments, providing simultaneous, contextual information about regions crossed by ICARUS I and the solar atmosphere below as observed by solar telescopes. It will thus provide bridges for understanding the magnetic links between the heliosphere and the solar atmosphere. Such information is crucial to our understanding of the plasma physics and electrodynamics of the solar atmosphere. ICARUS II will also play a very important relay role, enabling the radio-link with ICARUS I. It will receive, collect, and store information transmitted from ICARUS I during its closest approach to the Sun. It will also perform preliminary data processing before transmitting it to Earth. Performing such unique in situ observations in the area where presumably hazardous solar energetic particles are energized, ICARUS will provide fundamental advances in our capabilities to monitor and forecast the space radiation environment. Therefore, the results from the ICARUS mission will be extremely crucial for future space explorations, especially for long-term crewed space missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural communities and crop production are negatively impacted by invasive species, with the effects of pathogenic fungi, parasitic insects and weedy plants being well studied. Mammals and birds are also recognized as impacting crops, but reptiles, such as non-native green iguanas (Iguana iguana), are typically not considered agricultural pests. Research on non-native green iguanas has largely focused on the lizard's interactions with native species with little attention given to its impact in the agricultural landscape. We conducted semi-structured interviews with farmers from 20 farms in Puerto Rico to explore the effect of the invasive green iguana on the production of crops and how farmers manage impacts, if any. A total of 34 of 55 crop species reported by farmers were negatively affected by the green iguana. We found that green iguanas were absent from 20% of farms, did not consume crops in 10% of the farms and caused negative impacts in 70% of the remaining farms. Negative impacts included crop loss and infrastructural damage, which had behavioral, emotional, and economic effects on farmers. Specific outcomes of these effects were revenue loss, refurbishing costs, changes in crop selection, management costs and emotional stress. Farmers considered management strategies as mitigation measures that needed to be constant to produce any positive effects on crop yield. They reported use of mesh fencing, hunting, and domestic animals as attempts to reduce negative effects of green iguanas on crop production. Recognition of this species as an agricultural pest is warranted in Puerto Rico and perhaps elsewhere in its introduced range. Agricultural extension agents should consider providing guidance on strategies to reduce negative impacts of green iguanas including cultivating less susceptible crops when possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotropica is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Undergraduate research experiences have been shown to increase engagement, improve learning outcomes, and enhance career development for students in ecology. However, these opportunities may not be accessible to all students, and incorporating inquiry‐based research directly into undergraduate curricula may help overcome barriers to participation and improve representation and inclusion in the discipline. The shift to online instruction during the COVID‐19 pandemic has imposed even greater challenges for providing students with authentic research experiences, but the pandemic may also provide a unique opportunity for creative projects conducted remotely. In this paper, I describe a course‐based undergraduate research experience (CURE) designed for an upper‐level ecology course at California State University, Dominguez Hills during remote learning. The primary focus of student‐led research activities was to explore the potential impacts of the depopulation of campus during the pandemic on urban coyotes (Canis latrans), for which there were increased sightings reported during this time. Students conducted two research studies, including an evaluation of urban wildlife activity, behavior, and diversity using camera traps installed throughout campus and analysis of coyote diet using data from scat dissections. Students used the data they generated and information from literature reviews, class discussions, and meetings with experts to develop a coyote monitoring and management plan for our campus and create posters to educate the public. Using the campus as a living laboratory, I aimed to engage students in meaningful research while cultivating a sense of place, despite being online. Students' research outcomes and responses to pre‐ and post‐course surveys highlight the benefits of projects that are anchored in place‐based education and emphasize the importance of ecological research for solving real‐world problems. CUREs focused on local urban ecosystems may be a powerful way for instructors to activate ecological knowledge and capitalize on the cultural strengths of students at urban universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Invasive Alien Green Iguana (IAGI), Iguana iguana, has spread worldwide via the pet trade, as stowaways and via other means and has become a pest species of global concern. It also represents a major threat to the endemic Lesser Antillean Iguana, Iguana delicatissima, on St. Eustatius. Following the capture of an adult female IAGI on St. Eustatius in early 2016, we conducted a Rapid Response Removal Campaign (RC) from April 2016 to January 2017. Three sets of directed visual surveys totaling 409.5 observer hours and covering a combined trajectory of 114.2 km realized only a single detection of a hybrid that was later removed. During the remainder of the campaign period, an additional four IAGI hybrids were opportunistically detected and removed thanks to park staff or community involvement. Since the end of the campaign, eight additional detections and removals have been realized, three of which were IAGIs caught while offloading freight in the harbour and five of which were hybrids caught in surrounding suburban areas. We suggest that at least four distinct IAGI introductions to St. Eustatius occurred between 2013 and 2020. Our results show the value of motivating and mobilizing stakeholders and the public at an early stage of an invasion. Since the program's initiation, eight of the 13 iguanas detected for culling were thanks to public and key stakeholder support and involvement. Four years after our campaign, the number of IAGIs and their hybrids still appear to be limited and concentrated in and around inhabited areas. Additional removal campaigns should be initiated as soon as possible, firmly based in public outreach, motivation and engagement. New legislation is needed to prohibit the importation, possession and harbouring of IAGIs or hybrids and to provide a framework for long-term structural funding required for effective control and removal. Routine fumigation and rigorous inspection of arriving cargo to eliminate the risk of stowaway IAGIs are also recommended. Culling of IAGIs is recommended for the port of St. Maarten, which serves as a major point of dispersal of IAGIs to St. Eustatius and likely also other islands in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of whether food webs are resource or predation controlled is crucial for the development of sustainable IPM strategies in agriculture. Many IPM studies focus on top–down control, while little is known about bottom–up effects. Here, we unravelled the bottom–up interactions between rosy apple aphid (RAA) Dysaphis plantaginea and 13 apple cultivars in north-eastern Belgium. Population dynamics, apple leaf damage, preference and performance measurements were used to determine the interactions between RAA and apple cultivars. Seasonal abundances and RAA-infested shoots were significantly affected by the cultivar. The cultivars Fuji, Granny Smith, Jonagold and Cripps Pink harboured clearly higher numbers of aphids compared to other cultivars, especially Red Delicious. Regarding leaf damage degree, Fuji was significantly the most impacted, while the lowest damage was recorded on Red Delicious. The potential apparent competition among apple cultivars was evaluated using RAA overlap diagrams. By acting as a potential source of RAA, a particular cultivar can considerably affect other nearby cultivars. In host selection bioassays, significant differences in the choice behaviour of RAA were found in the laboratory for different apple cultivars. Other important findings from the reproduction–offspring performance bioassays revealed that while Fuji stimulated high production of nymphs, their development remained retarded on Fuji, compared to especially Boskoop on which significantly lower numbers of nymphs occurred. Our study provides a promising insight into the importance of studying apple–RAA interactions within an eco-friendly RAA management tactic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increasing evidence that herbivore‐mediated indirect effects play a major role in plant competition, it is unclear how and when they contribute to plant invasiveness. The outcomes of herbivore‐mediated indirect effects are primarily dependent on the environment and have complex interactions with the direct interactions between plants.We evaluated the herbivore‐mediated indirect effects of Solidago altissima (Asteraceae) on other co‐occurring native Asteraceae species at multiple sites in a native range [the United States (US)] and in an introduced range (Japan) using common garden experiments. We examined the effect of S. altissima on herbivore damage, above‐ground vegetative and reproductive traits of the co‐occurring Asteraceae species at sites with different densities of a herbivore, the lace bug, Corythucha marmorata, which is native to the US and introduced in Japan.We observed increased lace bug herbivory in plants grown with S. altissima in Japan but decreased lace bug herbivory in the US. We did not find consistent effect of S. altissima on aboveground vegetative production of co‐occurring plants in either ranges. Flower production decreased in plants grown with S. altissima in Japan because of both direct competition and increased herbivory. Direct competition and apparent competition via lace bug herbivory interacted to produce a strong negative effect of S. altissima on co‐occurring plants only in Japan.Synthesis. The findings imply that evolutionary history and the local environment jointly affect herbivore‐mediated indirect effects, which play a large role in shaping the pattern of herbivory and plant competition. Another implication of our results is that exotic herbivores may reinforce the negative effects of exotic plants on native plants under high herbivore density environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spathoglottis plicata Blume is a vulnerable orchid species in various parts of the world, and the conventional propagation provides limited success to its cultivation and conservation. Therefore, present study deals with the direct induction of somatic embryos (SEs) from the leaf explants of S. plicata. Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium fortified with various types and concentrations of plant growth regulators were used to induce somatic embryogenesis and plantlet production. The highest percentage of somatic embryo formation (93.7 ± 0.56%) was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), whereas, maximum proliferation and increase in fresh weight (FW) of SEs (149.5 ± 0.24 mg/ 50 mg initial FW) was achieved on MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) within 5 weeks of incubation. The light microscopic observation revealed that SEs emerged directly from the leaf surface. The viable synthetic seeds (SS) from SEs were prepared by encapsulating with gel matrix of 3% (w/v) sodium alginate and 100 mM calcium chloride. The SS were successfully stored for 60 days at − 4 °C with 97.4% germination frequency and shoot proliferation using MS medium with 2.0 mg L−1 BAP and 0.25 mg L−1 indole-3-acetic acid. The synergistic rooting frequency was observed on half-strength MS medium with 1.0 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid. The rooted shoots were acclimatized in a greenhouse with a 90% survival rate using soilrite® and vermicompost. This is an efficient short-term storage and regeneration protocol for S. plicata, which could help in reducing pressure on its wild population and could also be extended to the cryopreservation of this orchid species. Key message: The somatic embryos were induced directly from the leaf explants of Spathoglottis plicata and an efficient short-term storage protocol was developed by encapsulating these somatic embryos. The light microscopic analysis confirmed the formation of somatic embryos. The protocol could be convenient for the commercial cultivation and conservation of S. plicata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between a native plant species and its pollinators, herbivores, or microbiome can be affected by the presence of non-native plant species. Non-native plant species are altering plant-pollinator interactions, yet we know little about how these non-native species influence natural selection. In addition, year-to-year variation in flowering could influence the impacts of non-native species on reproductive success in native plants and the strength and direction of pollinator-mediated selection. We examined whether the presence of the highly invasive plant Linaria vulgaris influenced average pollinator visitation, species composition of floral visitors, or pollinator-mediated selection in the native Penstemon strictus. In the field, we conducted small scale L. vulgaris inflorescence removals, that were repeated through 3 years. Pollinator-mediated selection on the floral trait of platform length was examined by determining the relationships between platform length and visitation, between visitation and seed production, and by calculating net selection based on seed production. We found that the presence of L. vulgaris on a small spatial scale facilitated pollinator visitation rates to P. strictus but did not influence pollinator-mediated selection on platform length. Pollinator visitation varied across years, as did the relationship between seed production and pollinator visitation, and the relationship between pollinator visitation and platform length. Although components of selection varied across years, no net selection on platform length was detected in any of the 3 years. Our results show how the presence of an invasive plant and year-to-year variation in plant-pollinator interactions affect the pollination and components of pollinator-mediated selection in native plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of lizards classified in the superfamily Iguanoidea have an XX/XY sex-determination system in which sex-chromosomal linkage shows homology with chicken (Gallus gallus) chromosome 15 (GGA15). However, the genomics of sex chromosomes remain largely unexplored owing to the presence of homomorphic sex chromosomes in majority of the species. Recent advances in high-throughput genome complexity reduction sequencing provide an effective approach to the identification of sex-specific loci with both single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and restriction fragment presence/absence (PA), and a better understanding of sex chromosome dynamics in Iguanoidea. In this study, we applied Diversity Arrays Technology (DArTseqTM) in 29 phenotypic sex assignments (14 males and 15 females) of green iguana (Iguana iguana). We confirmed a male heterogametic (XX/XY) sex determination mode in this species, identifying 29 perfectly sex-linked SNP/PA loci and 164 moderately sex-linked SNP/PA loci, providing evidence probably indicative of XY recombination. Three loci from among the perfectly sex-linked SNP/PA loci showed partial homology with several amniote sex chromosomal linkages. The results support the hypothesis of an ancestral super-sex chromosome with overlaps of partial sex-chromosomal linkages. However, only one locus among the moderately sex-linked loci showed homology with GGA15, which suggests that the specific region homologous to GGA15 was located outside the non-recombination region but in close proximity to this region of the sex chromosome in green iguana. Therefore, the location of GGA15 might be further from the putative sex-determination locus in green iguana. This is a paradigm shift in understanding linkages on homomorphic X and Y sex chromosomes. The DArTseq platform provides an easy-to-use strategy for future research on the evolution of sex chromosomes in Iguanoidea, particularly for non-model species with homomorphic or highly cryptic sex chromosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasi‐thermal noise (QTN) spectroscopy has been extensively used as an accurate tool to measure electron density and temperature in space plasmas. If the antenna length to radius ratio is sufficiently large, a typical measured spectrum clearly shows a resonance at the electron plasma frequency and a lower frequency plateau that quantify the electron distributions. The Wind spacecraft, with its long, thin antennas, is considered the mission par excellence for the implementation of the QTN method. However, a major issue in applying QTN spectroscopy is contamination from signals other than the ubiquitous plasma noise in the vicinity of plasma frequency, affecting the measured spectra and confusing their physical interpretation. In this work, we present a new method for selecting the observations of uncontaminated QTN, distinguishing it from other plasma and spacecraft effects. The selected measurements are used to obtain accurate values for both thermal and suprathermal electron parameters. Testing of the method on 1.5M observations under various conditions in the solar wind, including slow and fast wind and solar transients, confirms the reliability and accuracy of the method with no systematic flaws. Key Points: Wind spacecraft quasi‐thermal noise (QTN) spectra is filtered to independently measure electron core and halo parametersAn automated algorithm accounts for a variety of sources of signal contamination, allowing the processing of large numbers of QTN spectraElectron density and core temperature are determined with an accuracy of the order of 5% for over 75 days of solar wind observations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive iguanas now also pose an existential threat to native iguana species through displacement and introgressive hybridization (Vuillaume I et al i ., 2015; Moss I et al i ., 2018). Common Green Iguanas ( I Iguana iguana i ) and Spiny-tailed Iguanas ( I Ctenosaura similis i and I C. pectinata i ) are native to Neotropical regions. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Co-invasion of naïve ecosystems by non-native parasites is a serious threat to global biodiversity, though such events are difficult to detect early in the invasion process. Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are an emerging invasive species and have colonised several countries in the Asia–Pacific. A survey was undertaken to determine whether parasites of the green iguana had co-invaded naïve ecosystems with their introduced host. Methods: Over a 10-month period, wild green iguanas were trapped and euthanised in Singapore. All animals were necropsied and sampled for parasites. Parasites were then identified morphologically and subsequently characterised molecularly at the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) locus. Results: The reptile nematode Ozolaimus megatyphlon was found in 38% of the sampled green iguanas, with burdens of 100 + worms in all infected animals. This represents the first recorded co-invasion of this species with wild green iguanas in the Asia–Pacific. Based on the molecular characterisation of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) locus, the first DNA barcode is provided for O. megatyphlon. Conclusion: For the first time, the reptile nematode Ozolaimus megatyphlon is shown to be invasive and to have colonised the Asia–Pacific region with its introduced host, the green iguana. The DNA barcode provided here will facilitate future monitoring programmes as O. megatyphlon invades new habitats and countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization decreases the abundance of native species, which may enable exotics to experience enemy release in urban areas, enhancing their invasive capacity. The invasive autogamous orchid, Spathoglottis plicata, acquires some biotic resistance in Puerto Rico from a native orchid weevil specialist, Stethobaris polita. The distribution of S. polita along an urbanization gradient may affect the distribution of S. plicata and its future spread. To determine the effect of land cover on both species and the impact of S. polita on the spread of S. plicata, we modeled the distribution of the interaction between the two species and additionally assessed weevil abundance and the damage they do in different land cover types and localities. Land cover was the most important predictor of distribution for both species. S. plicata occurs in forests, pastures, and urban areas; however, S. polita is largely absent from urban areas, including urban forests, and along rivers within wet forests. This distribution likely reflects the dispersal ability of S. plicata, in addition to potential human intervention, and the inability of S. polita to penetrate or become established within the urban matrix. Thus, within the invasive range of S. plicata in Puerto Rico, geographical heterogeneity in acquired interactions is expected to result in higher seed production within areas of enemy release. The orchid is likely to spread more rapidly in urban forests, as well as along forest rivers, where S. polita is sparse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of invasive species is a global concern. Within the Orchidaceae there are a number of invasive species. One of the most widely distributed invasive orchids in Mexico is Oeceoclades maculata (Lindl.) Lindl. By examining the population dynamic variations of an invasive species in its range of expansion, we can identify the factors that have contributed to that variation. Life Table Response Experiments (LTRE) were used to describe the dynamic of four populations of O. maculata in different ecosystems in south Chiapas, Mexico. Our goals were to quantify the contributions of differences between years and sites, and their interactions, to overall differences in population growth rate (λ), and to underlying vital rates. Fertility, survival and growth made the largest contributions, both positive and negative, to annual differences in λ. Spatial variations in λ were also found. The largest plants (S3 and S4) made the contributions of greatest magnitude each year and in each site. In seven of eight cases, the inclusion of the interaction term gave a better estimate of the population growth rate. This investigation highlights the need for taking into account life-history variations at different scales when the research goal is to study expansion of an invasive species in a heterogeneous landscape. The usefulness of LTRE studies was also demonstrated to better understand the natural history of the species and thus lay the groundwork for planning efficient management strategies, either for the conservation of rare, endangered species, or for the control of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral biology and pollination mechanisms of Cymbidium dayanum, an endangered epiphytic orchid, were investigated in south Kyushu, Japan. The flowering period spanned approximately 4 months from fall to winter, with the inflorescences often blooming asynchronously on each plant and individual flowers commonly lasting for a month. The nectarless flowers are self‐compatible but cannot autonomously self‐pollinate; the orchid needs to attract pollinators by deceit for capsule production. The field observations showed that the flowers were pollinated exclusively by the Japanese honeybee Apis cerana japonica, despite its long flowering period. The worker bees pollinated flowers and/or received the pollinarium on the thorax, while escaping from the labellum chamber. The natural fruit‐set ratios at the population level, an estimate of pollination success, varied interannually but were generally low, as the result of infrequent flower visits by honeybee workers owing to the cold winter climate and the lack of a nectar reward. Because most flowers that were artificially pollinated in the winter successfully developed into capsules, the coldness was not considered a direct cause of the low fruit‐set ratios. Our results explicitly indicate that the bee pollination niche could be available to temperate plant species even during mid‐winter. We inferred advantages for the winter flowering of C. dayanum. We studied floral morphology and pollination mechanisms of the fall‐winter flowering orchid Cymbidium dayanum in south Kyushu, Japan. Our multiple‐year observations indicate that the nectarless flowers are pollinated exclusively by the Japanese honeybee Apis cerana japonica. We discussed the pollination strategy of Japanese C. dayanum, including possible reasons why this orchid continues to flower in winter when flower‐visiting insects are very scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchids are generally regarded as plants with an insignificant invasive potential and so far only one species has proved to be harmful for native flora. However, previous studies on Epipactis helleborine and Arundina graminifolia indicate that the ecological aspects of range extension in their non-native geographical range are not the same for all species of orchids. Disa bracteata in its native range, South Africa, is categorized as of little concern in terms of conservation whereas in Australia it is naturalized and considered to be an environmental weed. The aim of this research was to determine the ecological preferences enabling the spread of Disa bracteata in Western and South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania and to evaluate the effect of future climate change on its potential range. The ecological niche modeling approach indicates that most of the accessible areas are already occupied by this species but future expansion will continue based on four climate change scenarios (rcp26, rcp45, rcp60, rcp85). Further expansion is predicted especially in eastern Australia and eastern Tasmania. Moreover, there are some unpopulated but suitable habitats in New Zealand, which according to climate change scenarios will become even more suitable in the future. The most striking result of this study is the significant difference between the environmental conditions recorded in the areas which D. bracteata naturally inhabits and invasive sites—that indicates a possible niche shift. In Australia the studied species continues to populate a new niche or exploit habitats that are only moderately represented in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oeceoclades maculata is the most successful invasive orchid in the Neotropics. The anatomy of the vegetative organs, peduncle and seeds of O. maculata was characterized to identify features of possible physiological and ecological importance. Plants from four locations in Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico were selected. Transverse, longitudinal and paradermal sections of vegetative organs were observed using light and scanning electron microscopes. Oeceoclades maculata has amphistomatous leaves, with smooth and a thin to slightly thickened cuticle, a single-layered epidermis, a low density of small stomata (<13 mm-2) and numerous sunken glandular hairs on both surfaces. Mesophyll is homogeneous with abundant extravascular fibre bundles. The root has a multilayered velamen with abundant tilosomes. Numerous idioblasts with raphides were observed in leaves, pseudobulbs and roots. The seeds are fusiform, with smooth surfaces and transverse folds. Some of these traits link O. maculata with terrestrial and epiphytic habits and with xerophytic habits, with humid and high light intensity and humid environments. This combination of traits might be a key factor behind the success and expansion of O. maculata. Nonetheless, a detailed characterization of the microhabitats occupied, demography, reproductive strategies and mycorrhizal associations will be essential for understanding the behaviour of this invasive species and, if necessary, designing strategies for its control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-native species often acquire novel interspecific interactions, which are central to several hypotheses of invasion success, including biotic resistance and invasional meltdown. However, the outcome of these interactions is not often linked with the demographic evidence based on the full life cycle of the species. The Philippine Ground Orchid ( Spathoglottis plicata) has invaded Puerto Rico and has acquired both negative and positive interspecific interactions involving the native weevil Stethobaris polita and the invasive red fire ant Solenopsis invicta, respectively. We studied a population in the Rio Abajo Forest, and asked how these interactions affect population demography by using a combination of field, experimental and modelling approaches. Stage-structured matrix population models based on four years of field observations showed that the population of S. plicata is growing at a rate (λ) of 1.05 under natural conditions. When we modified fecundity values based on experimental exclusion of weevils and ants, the control treatment showed a similar λ. Excluding weevils increased λ to 1.20, whereas the exclusion of ants decreased λ to 1.03. When we incorporate demographic and environmental stochasticity in our models, exclusion of invasive red fire ants significantly reduces the orchid abundance over time. Although weevils offer some biotic resistance to S. plicata, these effects do not prevent orchid population growth and expansion. On the other hand, invasive red fire ants have a positive effect on the invasive orchid's λ, partially supporting the invasional meltdown hypothesis. This study presents a method that allows one to combine opposing mechanisms of species interactions within the same quantitative framework, and the results highlight the importance of considering acquired plant-animal interactions and stochastic processes when evaluating the population growth rates and dynamics of invasive plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining potentially suitable habitat is critical for effective species conservation and management, but can be challenging in remote or sensitive areas. An approach that combines non-intrusive spatial data collection techniques and supporting field data can lead to a better understanding of landscape-scale species distributions. Here we present two habitat suitability models, at 1 and 10 m resolutions, for the endemic wēkiu bug Nysius wekiuicola, a poorly-understood resident scavenging arthropod species present on the summit of Maunakea in Hawai'i. Our models reveal that the wēkiu bug, restricted almost entirely to portions of cinder cones above 3500 m elevation, has a high degree of habitat specificity and represents a classically rare species. Across the 55 km study area, 850 ha of potentially suitable habitat were identified at the 10 percentile training threshold, with the core area located at the true summit. Our results show that elevation and surficial mineralogy were the strongest predictors of suitable habitat, with lesser contributions from aspect and slope. Climatic variables also likely influence wēkiu bug distribution patterns, but were not included in our models due to the coarseness of available climate data and high correlation between variables. Relatively minor differences between the two models, in terms of identifying the locations and amount of suitable wēkiu bug habitat, and a higher measure of performance for the 10 m resolution model, suggest that coarser resolution input variables may characterize suitable habitat more efficiently than very fine 1 m resolution data. The suitability models generated as a result of this study will be directly incorporated into conservation management and restoration goals, and can easily be adapted for other arthropod species, leading to a more holistic understanding of metacommunity dynamics at the Maunakea summit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Oeceoclades maculata is a naturalized, invasive, terrestrial orchid in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the neotropics. We asked whether its success might be partly explained by its mycorrhizal associations, hypothesizing a relationship with many fungal partners or with one widely distributed partner. METHODS: Oeceoclades maculata roots were collected throughout Puerto Rico, and the degree of mycorrhizal colonization was measured. For identification of fungi, the ITS region was sequenced from pure cultures and directly from roots. Representative fungi were used for symbiotic seed germination experiments. KEY RESULTS: Colonization of O. maculata roots was very variable. The most common fungus identified by BLAST searches was P sathyrella cf. candolleana, but typical orchid mycorrhizal fungi ( Ceratobasidium and Tulasnella ) were also found, as were a range of saprotrophs. Seeds germinated in vitro only in the presence of Psathyrella. CONCLUSIONS: These results are surprising in two respects. First, O . maculata appears to be highly specific for fungi during seed germination, but unusually promiscuous as adult plants. Second, mycorrhizal associations with Psathyrella and with other saprotrophic fungi have been previously reported, but only from mycoheterotrophic (i.e., nonphotosynthetic) orchids, not from green orchids like Oeceoclades . This combination may partly explain the success of Oeceoclades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological theory predicts that invasive prey can interact with native prey directly by competing for shared resources or indirectly by changing the abundance or behavior of shared native predators. However, both the study and management of invasive prey have historically overlooked indirect effects. In southern California estuaries, introduction of the Asian nest mussel Arcuatula senhousia has been linked to profound changes in native bivalve assemblages, but the mechanisms of these interactions remain unclear. We performed three field experiments to assess the mechanisms of competition between Arcuatula and native bivalves, and evaluated the potential for Arcuatula to indirectly mediate native predator-prey dynamics. We found that Arcuatula reduces the diversity, abundance, and size of native bivalve recruits by preemptively exploiting space in surface sediments. When paired with native shallow-dwelling clams (Chione undatella and Laevicardium substriatum), Arcuatula reduces adult survival through overgrowth competition. However, Arcuatula also attracts native predators, causing apparent competition by indirectly increasing predation of native clams, especially for poorly defended species. Therefore, invasive prey can indirectly increase predation rates on native competitors by changing the behavior of shared native predators, but the magnitude of apparent competition strongly depends on the vulnerability of natives to predation. Interestingly, our results indicate that the vulnerability of invasive prey to predation can greatly exacerbate impacts on their native competitors. Our findings suggest that consideration of both direct and indirect effects of invasive prey, as well as native predator-prey relationships, should lead to more effective invasive species management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide increase of hybridization in different groups is thought to have become more important with the loss of isolating barriers and the introduction of invasive species. This phenomenon could result in the extinction of endemic species. This study aims at investigating the hybridization dynamics between the endemic and threatened Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima) and the invasive common green iguana (Iguana iguana) in the Lesser Antilles, as well as assessing the impact of interspecific hybridization on the decline of I. delicatissima. 59 I. delicatissima (5 localities), 47 I. iguana (12 localities) and 27 hybrids (5 localities), who were all identified based on morphological characters, have been genotyped at 15 microsatellites markers. We also sequenced hybrids using ND4 mitochondrial loci to further investigate mitochondrial introgression. The genetic clustering of species and hybrid genetic assignment were performed using a comparative approach, through the implementation of a Discriminant Analysis of Principal Component (DAPC) based on statistics, as well as genetic clustering approaches based on the genetic models of several populations (Structure, NewHybrids and HIest), in order to get full characterization of hybridization patterns and introgression dynamics across the islands. The iguanas identified as hybrids in the wild, thanks to morphological analysis, were all genetically F1, F2, or backcrosses. A high proportion of individuals were also the result of a longer-term admixture. The absence of reproductive barriers between species leads to hybridization when species are in contact. Yet morphological and behavioral differences between species could explain why males I. iguana may dominate I. delicatissima, thus resulting in short-term species displacement and extinction by hybridization and recurrent introgression from I. iguana toward I. delicatissima. As a consequence, I. delicatissima gets eliminated through introgression, as observed in recent population history over several islands. These results have profound implications for species management of the endangered I. delicatissima and practical conservation recommendations are being discussed in the light of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental education (EE) is a lifelong process to acquire knowledge and skills that can influence pro-environmental behavior, environmental activism, and disaster-risk management. Disabled people are impacted by environmental issues, environmental activism, and how EE is taught. Disabled people can be learners within EE but can contribute to EE in many other roles. Given the importance of EE and its potential impact on disabled people—and given that equity, diversity, and inclusion is an ever-increasing policy framework in relation to environment-focused disciplines and programs in academia and other workplaces, which also covers disabled people—we performed a scoping review of academic literature using Scopus and EBSCO-HOST (70 databases) as sources, to investigate how and to what extent disabled people are engaged with EE academic literature. Of the initial 73 sources found, only 27 contained relevant content whereby the content engaged mostly with disabled people as EE learners but rarely with other possible roles. They rarely discussed the EE impact on disabled people, did not engage with EE teaching about disabled people being impacted by environmental issues and discourses, and did not connect EE to environment-related action by disabled people. Results suggest the need for a more differentiated engagement with disabled people in the EE literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]