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Gymnopus fusipes (syn. Collybia fusipes; syn. Agaricus fusipes) is an agaricomycete fungus known to cause root rot on a number of economically important tree species, including oak, where it has been linked to the development of chronic oak decline. Due to lack of correlation between above‐ground decline symptoms and G. fusipes infection, its presence can often go undiagnosed until mortality. Although G. fusipes was first described over 200 years ago, there is still a paucity of information on the biology and ecology of this species, which represents a barrier to understanding its impacts on tree health. The aim of this review was to synthesize existing knowledge on the biology, ecology, host range and host interactions of G. fusipes. Using a systematic search, five online databases were used to obtain published literature resulting from the search terms 'Gymnopus fusipes', 'Collybia fusipes' and 'Agaricus fusipes'. After a strict filtering process, the papers were examined for data pertaining to the biochemistry, distribution, ecology, genomic information, host range, infection biology, morphology and phylogeny of the species. The results reveal that there is a large amount of ambiguous and sometimes spurious citation of G. fusipes in the literature. However, it can be confirmed that G. fusipes is a facultative saproparasite, found in several countries, mainly in Europe, and is associated with several socioeconomically important host species, including oak, chestnut, and fir. Gymnopus fusipes has repeatedly been investigated with regard to oak decline in Europe, where it is believed to play a crucial role in the early stage of decline development. Key knowledge gaps highlighted in this review include a lack of information on the basic biology of the species, including its life cycle, which is crucial to fully understanding G. fusipes infection and epidemiology. Further work is needed to assess G. fusipes distribution, phylogeny and host range through molecular identification. There is also a need to characterize the pathogen–host interaction at a molecular level, with identification of active genes and therefore the mechanisms of infection. A combination of culture‐based and molecular techniques should be utilized in order to close these key knowledge gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary 1 This paper reviews and interprets relevant work on the biology and management of wireworms (Agriotes spp.) within the context of potato production in Europe, with particular reference to the U.K. Although the review concentrates on Agriotes spp., the extensive world literature on other Elateridae of economic importance is also drawn upon. 2 Possible reasons for the apparent increase in the importance of wireworms on the potato crop are discussed, followed by a review of wireworm biology, risk assessment techniques (soil sampling, bait trapping and adult pheromone trapping), crop damage, and cultural, biological and chemical control methods. 3 It is clear that the process of site risk assessment followed by appropriate control measures (usually insecticide use) will remain the mainstay of wireworm management programmes. However, there is considerable scope for adopting new risk assessment techniques, such as pheromone trapping of adult beetles. 4 These control measures will need to be underpinned by a greater understanding of wireworm biology, particularly adult dispersal. Factors affecting the initiation and maintenance of wireworm populations in individual fields also require further study. The current use of insecticides could also be optimized by a better appreciation of the interactions between insecticide use, potato variety choice and harvest dates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the use of wireless ultrasonography as an imaging system to study the reproductive ecology of the asp viper (Vipera aspis), a viviparous snake found in southwestern Europe. Female vipers were captured during the summer and immediately scanned to obtain an estimate of the number of embryos. Ultrasound imaging was performed with a pocket‐sized wireless ultrasound probe interfaced with a tablet with a dedicated app. Vipers were then released at the exact capture site after collecting data on body size and weight. We validate wireless ultrasonography as a non‐destructive, effective tool for ultrasonic investigations in the field. Wireless probes are light and compact, which facilitates carriage in rugged terrain. Moreover, the absence of cables simplifies the maneuvers to be made on a small, potentially dangerous snake. Importantly, ultrasound scans can be performed at the capture site, thus minimizing restraint time and handling of gravid females. Research Highlights: We establish wireless ultrasonography as an effective tool for animal fieldwork.Wireless ultrasound scanners are light and flexible and can be used in harsh environments where power sources are not accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The livestock sector contributes considerably to global greenhouse gas emissions ( GHG). Here, for the year 2007 we examined GHG emissions in the EU27 livestock sector and estimated GHG emissions from production and consumption of livestock products; including imports, exports and wastage. We also reviewed available mitigation options and estimated their potential. The focus of this review is on the beef and dairy sector since these contribute 60% of all livestock production emissions. Particular attention is paid to the role of land use and land use change ( LULUC) and carbon sequestration in grasslands. GHG emissions of all livestock products amount to between 630 and 863 Mt CO2e, or 12-17% of total EU27 GHG emissions in 2007. The highest emissions aside from production, originate from LULUC, followed by emissions from wasted food. The total GHG mitigation potential from the livestock sector in Europe is between 101 and 377 Mt CO2e equivalent to between 12 and 61% of total EU27 livestock sector emissions in 2007. A reduction in food waste and consumption of livestock products linked with reduced production, are the most effective mitigation options, and if encouraged, would also deliver environmental and human health benefits. Production of beef and dairy on grassland, as opposed to intensive grain fed production, can be associated with a reduction in GHG emissions depending on actual LULUC emissions. This could be promoted on rough grazing land where appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of harvest on European forest net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of carbon and its photosynthetic and respiratory components (GPP (gross primary production) and TER (total ecosystem respiration)) were examined by comparing four pairs of mature/harvested sites in Europe via a combination of eddy covariance measurements and empirical modeling. Three of the comparisons represented high coniferous forestry (spruce in Britain, and pines in Finland and France), while a coppice-with-standard oak plantation was examined in Italy.While every comparison revealed that harvesting converted a mature forest carbon sink into a carbon source of similar magnitude, the mechanisms by which this occurred were very different according to species or management practice. In Britain, Finland, and France the annual sink (source) strength for mature (clear-cut) stands was estimated at 496 (112), 138 (239), and 222 (225) g C m−2, respectively, with 381 (427) g C m−2 for the mature (coppiced) stand in Italy. In all three cases of high forestry in Britain, Finland, and France, clear-cutting crippled the photosynthetic capacity of the ecosystem– with mature (clear-cut) GPP of 1970 (988), 1010 (363), and 1600 (602) g C m−2– and also reduced ecosystem respiration to a lesser degree– TER of 1385 (1100), 839 (603), and 1415 (878) g C m−2, respectively. By contrast, harvesting of the coppice oak system provoked a burst in respiration– with mature (clear-cut) TER estimated at 1160 (2220) gC m−2– which endured for the 3 years sampled postharvest. The harvest disturbance also reduced GPP in the coppice system– with mature (clear-cut) GPP of 1600 (1420) g C m−2– but to a lesser extent than in the coniferous forests, and with near-complete recovery within a few years. Understanding the effects of harvest on the carbon balance of European forest systems is a necessary step towards characterizing carbon exchange for timberlands on large scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade of 20th century, the nonindigenous gammarid species Gammarus tigrinus, Dikerogammarus haemobaphes, Pontogammarus robustoides and Obesogammarus crassus invaded the lower Vistula River and its deltaic, partly brackish regions. G. tigrinus, an oligohaline North-American species, was introduced to western Europe in the 1950s; the remaining three species are oligohaline/freshwater Ponto-Caspian species. All these species are now invading central and western Europe using the network of man-made canals connecting different European river systems. In the Vistula River, the native European freshwater gammarid species Gammarus pulex and G. varsoviensis were replaced in the 1920s by the Ponto-Caspian Chaetogammarus ischnus (syn. Echinogammarus ischnus), which in turn has been outnumbered by the more recent invasions of D. haemobaphes and P. robustoides. In brackish waters, the native Atlantic-boreal species Gammarus zaddachi and Gammarus duebeni are replaced or at least outnumbered by G. tigrinus, P. robustoides and O. crassus. Possible invasion routes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), has a complex life history and many aspects of the biology and population dynamics of this species remain unknown or, at best, poorly understood. Relatively little is also known about the status of the stocks and fisheries, but available data suggest that recruitment of glass eels has been falling for the last 20 years and is at historically low levels. Yellow and silver eel catches have also been falling in many parts of the species range over a similar time-scale. Re-examination of the principles applied to fisheries management over recent years has resulted in the adoption of a ‘precautionary approach’ to the conservation, management and exploitation of fish stocks, and in an explicit need to take account of uncertainties in management to reduce risks to stocks and their environment. Such an approach is highly relevant to the management of the European eel and requires that urgent consideration is given to harvest strategies and decision structures for the national and international management of stocks and fisheries. Provisional biological reference levels should be established to provide an equable assessment of the status of stocks in all parts of Europe and to evaluate the need for management measures in all fisheries. These will need to be reviewed as further information comes available. Monitoring and research on eel stocks should therefore be enhanced and co-ordinated to improve our understanding of the status of stocks throughout Europe and the biology of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]