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Introduction The functional relevance of intra-species diversity in natural microbial communities remains largely unexplored. The guts of two closely related honey bee species, Apis cerana and A. mellifera, are colonised by a similar set of core bacterial species composed of host-specific strains, thereby providing a good model for an intra-species diversity study. Objective and method We used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to assess the functional relevance of intra-species diversity of A. cerana and A. mellifera gut microbiota. Results Comparative analysis showed that the strain composition of the core bacterial species was host-specific. These core bacterial species presented distinctive functional profiles between the hosts. However, the overall functional profiles of the A. cerana and A. mellifera gut microbiomes were similar; this was further supported by the consistency of the honey bees’ gut metabolome, as the gut microbiota of different honey bee species showed rather similar metabolic profiles in the cross-species gut bacteria colonisation assay. Moreover, this experiment also demonstrated that the gut microbiota of A. cerana and A. mellifera could cross colonise between the two honey bee species. Conclusion In summary, our findings revealed functional differences in most core gut bacteria between the guts of A. cerana and A. mellifera, which may be associated with their inter-species diversity. However, the functional profiles of the overall gut microbiomes between the two honey bee species converge, probably as a result of the overlapping ecological niches of the two species. Our findings provide critical insights into the evolution and functional roles of the mutualistic microbiota of honey bees and reveal that functional redundancy could stabilise the gene content diversity at the strain-level within the gut community.

The effect of plastic wrapping on decomposition rate and carrion fauna of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) was examined in spring in a semi-urban area in North Algeria. All decomposition stages were observed in all carcasses, with the same durations in the control but different durations in the wrapped carcasses. Decomposition of the carcasses in the plastic wrapping was significantly slower than that of the exposed ones. A total of 12,516 specimens, belonging to 36 families and 69 species, were morphologically identified. Thirteen species of forensic relevance were also identified at the molecular level using the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcode region, and the sequences were submitted to online databases. Wrapping had a significant effect on species composition (χ2 = 569.269, df = 55, p

PurposeThe spirits industry is a major economic contributor worldwide, often requiring years of maturation in barrels that is associated with significant release of ethanol into the surrounding environment. This provides carbon nutrition for colonisation of black fungal growths, one type being Baudoinia compniacensis, or Whisky Black. Although growth is localised in production areas, numerous sites exist globally, and this paper's purpose is to investigate the extent and implications of colonisation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents and discusses the results of a visual survey of the area surrounding a site where whisky is maturing in nearby bonded warehouses. The evaluation considers radial zoning distance from the ethanol source and material substrate types and surface textures. Classical key stages of Building Pathology, namely manifestation, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy, are considered.FindingsKey findings are that the colonisation of the fungus is non-uniform and dependent on the substrate building material. Additionally, rougher-textured building materials displayed heavier levels of fungal manifestation than smooth materials. Aspects such as distance, wind direction and moisture are considered relative to the extent and level of fungal growth.Originality/valueThis investigation provides the first assessment of the extent and nature of the fungal growth in properties built in surrounding areas to bonded warehouses. Such information can facilitate open dialogue between stakeholders that recognise the aspirations of values of corporate social responsibility, whilst balancing the economic importance of distilling with recognition of the fungus's impact on property values and appropriate recurring remedial treatments.

Thermotolerant Campylobacter species are the leading cause of foodborne bacterial diarrheal disease worldwide. Campylobacter coli, abundant in pigs and pork products, have been identified as a source of human infection. In this study, we propose the use of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP5 as a probiotic to reduce colonisation of this intestinal pathogen in a murine colonisation model of C. coli DSPV458. Six-week-old adult female Balb/cCmedc mice were housed in groups: Control, Campy and Pro-Campy. Control and Pro-Campy groups received antibiotics for 5 days and the Campy group for 12 days. Pro-Campy group was inoculated for 7 days with 8.78 log10 cfu total of L. plantarum LP5 suspended in De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe broth. All groups were inoculated with 6.72 log10 cfu of C. coli DSPV458 suspended in brain heart infusion broth. L. plantarum LP5 was recovered only in the Pro- Campy group. C. coli DSPV458 was recovered at higher levels in the Control and Campy groups. The differences with the Pro-Campy group were significant. As regards faeces, Control and Campy groups reached 7.41 and 7.84 log10 cfu/g, respectively, and the Pro-Campy group only 4.62 log10 cfu/g. In the caecum, Control and Campy groups reached 8.01 and 9.26 log10cfu/g, respectively, and the Pro-Campy group only 4.51 log10 cfu/g. In the ileum, Control and Campy groups reached 3.43 and 3.26 log10 cfu/g, respectively, and the Pro-Campy group did not show detectable levels. The reduction of C. coli DSPV458 in the Pro-Campy group compared to the Control group in faeces, caecum and ileum was 99.55, 99.98 and 100%, respectively. Animals were maintained under normal health conditions, and haematological parameters were within the standard values for Balb/cCmedc. The incorporation of a probiotic generated a protective effect in the mice colonisation model. The protective effect would also apply to intestinal colonisation by indigenous enterobacteria. Therefore, the strategy used in this study is of great importance to understand the protection mechanisms in a murine model, as well as its application in food-producing animals.

Context The fungal endophyte Serendipita indica enhances plant growth and plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Inoculum concentration greatly impacts the endophyte–plant interaction from mutualism to antagonism. Aims and methods We used both microscopy and qPCR to examine the effect of inoculum concentrations on the extent (%) and density of Brassica napus L. root colonisation by S. indica. B. napus seeds were inoculated with the fungus at five different inoculum concentrations (1–10% w/w basis). Key results Standard curves were constructed using the mean threshold cycle (Ct) and serially diluted gDNA ranging between 4.14 × 102 and 2.65 × 105 colony forming units (CFU). The result indicated a linear relationship between Ct and the log of input DNA. Variation in inoculum concentration significantly affected the root colonisation density by the fungus shown by qPCR. However, the percent root colonisation (PRC) measure was not affected and remained the same across all the treatments. Conclusions Our findings show that the qPCR assay developed will determine the colonisation density whereas PRC gives a measure of the incidence of infected roots. Also, we suggest that the optimum quantity of inoculum is a key factor for a successful interaction that impacts the plant–S. indica interaction. Implications To our knowledge, this is the first study that quantitative qPCR has been used to investigate the correlation between inoculum quantities and the corresponding density of root colonisation in S. indica.

Oceanic islands have long been considered engines of differentiation and speciation for terrestrial organisms. Here we investigated colonisation and radiation processes in the Madeira Archipelago and the Canary Islands of the Andrena wollastoni group of bees (subgenus Micrandrena), which comprises six endemic species and five endemic subspecies on the islands. Mitochondrial COI sequences support the monophyly of the four species of the Canary Islands and the two species of the Madeira Archipelago and suggest a relatively young age for all taxa. The data do not support a simple stepping-stone model (eastern-western colonisation from the mainland, with splitting into new taxa), but suggest Andrena gomerensis (extant on La Gomera and La Palma) or its ancestor as the basal lineage from which all other taxa evolved. Andrena lineolata (Tene-rife) or its putative ancestor (A. gomerensis) is sister to A. dourada (Porto Santo), A. catula (Gran Canaria), and A. acuta (also Tenerife). Andrena dourada (Porto Santo) and A. wollastoni (Madeira Island) are sister species. Morphologically and morphometrically defined subspecies were not distinguishable with COI DNA sequences. Colonisation likely led from the Canary Islands to the Madeira Archipelago and not from the mainland directly to the latter.

Wildflower areas have become a staple tool within agro-environmental schemes (AES) to counteract pollinator declines. While their role in providing food resources to resident flower-visiting insects is unambiguous, the conservation effectiveness in a landscape context is less clear. Particularly, how multiple vs. single wildflower area utilization differs between simple and complex landscapes is understudied. We examined colonisation and community dynamics of wild bees and hoverflies in 33 newly established wildflower areas across a gradient of landscape complexity (amount of semi-natural habitat) and connectivity (presence of additional wildflower areas) for seven weeks during three consecutive years (one year during and two after establishment). We recorded more than 25% of the wild bee and hoverfly species of Hesse in an area of approx. 10 ha, substantiating the general benefit of wildflower areas to pollinators. While alpha-diversity increased with landscape complexity in isolated wildflower areas, the opposite pattern was observed for connected areas. The low alpha-diversity in complex landscapes indicated a dilution effect between connected sites. The inverse relationship between alpha and beta diversity among wildflower areas within landscapes suggests interspecific trade-offs between local resource conditions and landscape context. Accordingly, the establishment of multiple wildflower areas within AES is advisable to increase connectivity of suitable habitats in simple landscapes. Moreover, adjusting local conditions (plant diversity) to landscape context likely optimizes conservation effectiveness in modern agroecosystems.

Societal Impact Statement Sorghum is an important cereal crop that provides calories and nutrients for much of the world's population, and it is often grown with low fertiliser input. Optimising the yield, nutritive content and bioavailability of sorghum grain with minimal input is of importance for human nutrition, and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have previously shown potential to assist in this. Across sorghum genetic diversity, AM fungi improved the yield, nutrition and zinc and iron bioavailability of grain in a low phosphorus soil. Thus, food production systems that effectively manage AM fungi may improve consumer outcomes. Summary Sorghum is a C4 cereal crop that is an important source of calories and nutrition across the world, predominantly cultivated and consumed in low- and middle-income countries. Sorghum can be highly colonised by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and the plant-fungal association can lead to improvements in biomass and nutrient uptake. High-throughput phenotyping allows us to non-destructively interrogate the ‘hidden’ effects of AM fungi on sorghum growth and phenology. Eight genetically diverse sorghum genotypes were grown in a soil amended with 2 or 20 mg P kg−1 and inoculated with an AM fungal culture of Rhizophagus irregularis. High-throughput phenotyping uncovered the ‘hidden’ effects of AM fungi on growth and phenology, while grain biomass, nutrition, Zn and Fe bioavailability and root AM colonisation was determined after destructive harvest. Sorghum plants colonised by AM fungi generally performed better than non-AM control plants, with greater yield, harvest indices, and grain P, Zn and Fe contents. During the early growth stages, AM colonisation led to temporary growth depressions. There were also AM fungal and P fertilisation effects on sorghum time-of-flowering. The sorghum genotype with the highest AM colonisation could barely produce grain when non-inoculated. The two genotypes that failed to mature had very low AM colonisation. Generally, the genetically diverse sorghum genotypes were highly responsive to AM colonisation and produced more grain of greater nutritive quality when colonised, without adverse consequences for micronutrient bioavailability.

Processes of island colonisation have long been of interest to biologists. Colonisation events themselves are rarely observed, but the processes involved may be inferred using genetic approaches. We investigated possible means of island colonisation by common toads (Bufo bufo) in western Scotland (the Isle of Skye and five neighbouring small islands), using evidence derived from nuclear microsatellites and mitochondrial (mt) DNA. Levels of microsatellite allelic richness for populations on Skye were high and comparable to adjacent mainland populations, but lower for populations on small islands. Pairwise measures of genetic distances between populations and a clustering algorithm were both suggestive of frequent gene flow between Skye and the mainland. For small islands the levels of genetic differentiation were higher, implying stronger isolation and no evidence for inbreeding. The distribution of mtDNA haplotypes broadly mirrored the genetic structure revealed by microsatellites. Reconciled with existing palaeoclimatological evidence, since the last glaciation, our findings rule out the possibility that the B. bufo populations stem from glacial refugia, or that recent anthropogenic transfer of toads is responsible for their current distribution. The most parsimonious explanation of our data is that the studied inshore islands have been repeatedly colonised via rafting from the mainland or neighbouring islands. This may give us insights into the processes likely to take place when ice sheets retreat poleward as a result of climate change. It also has implications for the colonisation of both native and invasive non-native species, and hence the biosecurity of island refugia.

We report the first case of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis due to Sporothrix schenckii, a thermally dimorphic black fungus transmitted from epiphytotic disease. The patient presented with PD-associated peritonitis and fungal colonisation inside the PD catheter’s lumen after an exposing ‘wet contamination’ event with a phytopathogen 11 days prior to the onset of infection. The human pathogen and phytopathogen were confirmed the same species by nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit regions of the ribosomal RNA gene. A ‘wet contamination’ should be closely monitored for an extended period, and a broader spectrum of organisms might lead to peritonitis, particularly in centres with a high prevalence of fungal infection. PD patients and their caregivers should have periodic retraining of aseptic technique and personnel hygiene. We also recommend a long course of antifungal medication in eradicating peritoneal sporotrichosis to prevent unfavourable outcomes and relapsing peritonitis from this organism.

Highly diverse plant communities growing on nutrient-impoverished soils are test beds for theories on species coexistence. Here, neighbouring mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants compete for limited phosphorus. The impact of below-ground interactions on community dynamics is underexplored. We used an experimental approach to investigate effects of inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and a phosphorus supply gradient on competitive and facilitative interactions among mixed assemblages of woody plants in microcosms. The plant species, one cluster root-forming (CR) species and four AM species, are native to jarrah forest that grows on nutrient-impoverished soils in south-western Australia. We measured plant growth in microcosms, with and without inoculation with the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, and across a gradient of P supply: 0, 9, 27 and 243 mg P per kg of soil. Our data show evidence of plant–plant facilitation at low P supply and competition at high P supply. Growth of the CR species, Hakea undulata, was highest in microcosms with 0P and without AM inoculation. One AM species, Bossiaea aquifolium, also performed better at lower P levels, possibly benefitting from P mobilised by H. undulata. The other three AM species, one strongly obligates, performed better at higher P levels. Data for Acacia celastrifolia suggested it was facultatively mycotropic, and because there was no correlation between AM colonisation and the relative inoculum effect, we suggest positive effects of AM inoculation at 9P might be due to benefits other than P acquisition, such as pathogen defence. Benefit of AM inoculation diminished for three of four mycorrhizal species at the highest P level as we had predicted. The fourth species, Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah), had higher growth in microcosms that were not inoculated with AM, perhaps because the species benefits more from ectomycorrhizas. Synthesis. Our experimental data suggest spatial heterogeneity of soil P, coupled with a diversity of nutrient-acquisition strategies, and plasticity among plant–plant and plant–AM fungi interactions, contributes to plant species coexistence in the nutrient-impoverished jarrah forest. Our research highlights the importance of below-ground mechanisms for understanding factors determining community structure including a potential role of AM fungi in plant pathogen defence.

Aims Gypsum soils are P-limited atypical soils that harbour a rich endemic flora. These singular soils are usually found in drylands, where plant activity and soil nutrient availability are seasonal. No previous studies have analysed the seasonality of P nutrition and its interaction with the arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) colonisation in gypsum plants. Our aim was to evaluate the seasonal changes in plant nutrient status, AMF colonisation and rhizospheric soil nutrient availability in gypsum specialist and generalist species. Methods We evaluated seasonal variation in the proportion of root length colonised by AMF structures (hyphae, vesicules and arbuscules), plant nutrient status (leaf C, N and P and fine root C and N) and rhizospheric soil content (P, organic matter, nitrate and ammonium) of three gypsum specialists and two generalists throughout a year. Results All species showed arbuscules within roots, including species of Caryophyllaceae and Brassicaceae. Root colonisation by arbuscules (AC) was higher in spring than in other seasons, when plants showed high leaf P-requirements. Higher AC was decoupled from inorganic N and P availability in rhizospheric soil, and foliar nutrient content. Generalists showed higher AC than specialists, but only in spring. Conclusions Seasonality was found in AMF colonisation, rhizospheric soil content and plant nutrient status. The mutualism between plants and AMF was highest in spring, when P-requirements are higher for plants, especially in generalists. However, AMF decoupled from plant demands in autumn, when nutrient availability increases in rhizospheric soil.

We described herein the colonisation dynamics of trap-nests by females of the giant carpenter bee Xylocopa frontalis (Olivier). The behaviours performed by emerging females, such as philopatry and ...

We here analysed the populations’ genetic structure ofCoscinasterias tenuispina,an Atlantic-Mediterranean fissiparous starfish,focusing on the western Mediterranean,to investigate: the distribution and prevalence of genetic variants, the relative importance of asexual reproduction, connectivity across the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition, and the potential recent colonisation of the Mediterranean Sea. Individuals from 11 Atlantic-Mediterranean populations of a previous study added to 172 new samples from five new W Mediterranean sites. Individuals were genotyped at 12 microsatellite loci and their gonads histologically analysed for sex determination. Additionally, four populations were genotyped at two-time points. Results demonstrated genetic homogeneity and low clonal richness within the W Mediterranean, due to the dominance of asuperclone, but large genetic divergence with adjacent areas. The lack of new genotypes recruitment over time, and the absence of females, confirmed that W Mediterranean populations were exclusively maintained by fission and reinforced the idea of its recent colonization. The existence of different environmental conditions among basins and/or density-depend processes could explain this lack of recruitment from distant areas. The positive correlation between clonal richness and heterozygote excess suggests that most genetic diversity is retained within individuals in the form of heterozygosity in clonal populations, which might increase their resilience.

Pteridophytes reproduce by producing vast numbers of spores that may be dispersed over considerable distances, helping the plants colonise new areas. Being resistant to desiccation, fern spores can often survive for many years as spore banks in soil. After disturbance, such spores can germinate and subsequently colonise the area. These factors help pteridophytes to become primary colonisers on barren land, such as volcanic islands or land that has been devastated by some cataclysmic event. A further method of rapid colonisation is provided through the preservation and possible scattering of fragments of rhizomes in particular of horsetails. Similar rapid colonising by pteridophytes has been documented in the geological record following several major extinction events. These distinct, but short-lived, fern populations are recognisable by fern spikes in the microfossils. This paper brings together information on the reasons for pteridophyte success in colonising barren land, and examples taken from both the historic and geological records.

Hawkweeds, from the Pilosella and Hieracium genera, are significant invaders of cool climate grasslands and herbfields, reducing productivity and impacting on ecosystem processes and species richness. With significant research on the ecology and biology of hawkweeds, this review identifies a number of key characteristics that influence invasion into native habitats. The ability of hawkweeds from the Pilosella genus to spread vegetatively, through rapidly-growing stolons that produce daughter rosettes, and to produce apomictic seeds makes species in this group significant invaders, particularly P. officinarum. Rapid colonisation of disturbed sites has been observed in many continents where agriculture or other anthropogenic disturbances are present. Rapid increases in colonisation appear more obvious over the last 50 years perhaps associated with time of arrival and/or increased grazing and pasture improvement of native grasslands enhancing colonisation. The production of apomictic seeds in all species provides a rapid pathway of invasion at early stages of establishment. Hybridisation amongst species may hamper the development of biological control agents in the future.

Dung beetles are a functionally important group of species, and the effects of large wild herbivores on these species are not well understood. Management of wild herbivores could, therefore, have considerable consequences for dung beetle assemblages and the ecosystem services they provide. Here, we analysed how species richness, biomass, abundance, and composition of dung beetle assemblages were affected by different dung availability as a consequence of different red deer (Cervus elaphus) densities under field conditions. This was done in spring and autumn over four independent study regions in Central Europe where red deer are the most important providers of dung in forests. Our results show that forest sites with high dung availability support higher species richness of dung beetles than sites with low availability. This effect is independent of season and could be explained by the different colonisation patterns of beetle species which vary in their competitiveness. As aggregated dung resources increase opportunities for low-competitive species, those species establish small populations and do not necessarily increase the abundance of the whole assemblage. Our results show that the current policies to limit deer populations also limit higher levels of species diversity of this functionally important arthropod taxon. We highlight the importance of hunting-free areas for the conservation of insect diversity associated with large herbivores. In strictly protected areas with low herbivore densities we suggest to reduce control of ungulate numbers to provide sufficient resources for maintaining dung beetle diversity.

Endophytes are a potent source of bioactive compounds that mimic plant-based metabolites. The relationship of host plant and endophyte is significantly associated with alteration in fungal colonisation and the extraction of endophyte-derived bioactive compounds. Screening of fungal endophytes and their relationship with host plants is essential for the isolation of bioactive compounds. Numerous bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties are known to be derived from fungal endophytes. Bioinformatics tools along with the latest techniques such as metabolomics, next-generation sequencing, and metagenomics multilocus sequence typing can potentially fill the gaps in fungal endophyte research. The current review article focuses on bioactive compounds derived from plant-associated fungal endophytes and their pharmacological importance. We conclude with the challenges and opportunities in the research area of fungal endophytes.

The response of soil microbial communities to a changing climate will impact global biogeochemical cycles, potentially leading to positive and negative feedbacks. However, our understanding of how soil microbial communities respond to climate change and the implications of these changes for future soil function is limited. Here, we assess the response of soil bacterial and fungal communities to long-term experimental climate change in a heathland organo-mineral soil. We analysed microbial communities using Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 region at two depths, from plots undergoing 4 and 18 years of in situ summer drought or warming. We also assessed the colonisation of Calluna vulgaris roots by ericoid and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi using microscopy after 16 years of climate treatment. We found significant changes in both the bacterial and fungal communities in response to drought and warming, likely mediated by changes in soil pH and electrical conductivity. Changes in the microbial communities were more pronounced after a longer period of climate manipulation. Additionally, the subsoil communities of the long-term warmed plots became similar to the topsoil. Ericoid mycorrhizal colonisation decreased with depth while DSEs increased; however, these trends with depth were removed by warming. We largely ascribe the observed changes in microbial communities to shifts in plant cover and subsequent feedback on soil physicochemical properties, especially pH. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering changes in soil microbial responses to climate change across different soil depths and after extended periods of time.

ObjectiveRevised guidelines for caesarean section (CS) advise maternal antibiotic administration prior to skin incision instead of after umbilical cord clamping, unintentionally exposing the infant to antibiotics antenatally. We aimed to investigate if timing of intrapartum antibiotics contributes to the impairment of microbiota colonisation in CS born infants.DesignIn this randomised controlled trial, women delivering via CS received antibiotics prior to skin incision (n=20) or after umbilical cord clamping (n=20). A third control group of vaginally delivering women (n=23) was included. Faecal microbiota was determined from all infants at 1, 7 and 28 days after birth and at 3 years by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing.ResultsCompared with vaginally born infants, profound differences were found in microbial diversity and composition in both CS groups in the first month of life. A decreased abundance in species belonging to the genera Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium was found with a concurrent increase in members belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria. These differences could not be observed at 3 years of age. No statistically significant differences were observed in taxonomic and functional composition of the microbiome between both CS groups at any of the time points.ConclusionWe confirmed that microbiome colonisation is strongly affected by CS delivery. Our findings suggest that maternal antibiotic administration prior to CS does not result in a second hit on the compromised microbiome. Future, larger studies should confirm that antenatal antibiotic exposure in CS born infants does not aggravate colonisation impairment and impact long-term health.

Plants produce compounds to resist fungal attack. However, most orchids require fungal colonisation for germination, and fully mycoheterotrophic (MH) orchids are dependent upon fungi for their entire nutritional needs. To elucidate the manner in which MH orchids interact with and accommodate a mycorrhizal partner, we examined the effect of compounds involved in pathogenic resistance on seed germination in Cyrtosia septentrionalis, an MH orchid for which a temperature of 30 °C and an atmosphere comprising reduced O2 (5%) and elevated CO2 (8%) have been shown to be optimal for axenic germination. Seeds were either co-cultured with a Physisporinus mycobiont in sealed containers or monocultured on nutrient-free water agar (WA) supplemented with various compounds under micro-aerophilic conditions (6–12% O2, 5–8% CO2) at 19, 23 or 30 °C. Co-cultured seeds germinated and underwent onward development at all temperatures. In contrast, monocultured seeds failed to germinate on WA alone except at 30 °C, but germination was initiated, as indicated by seed coat rupture, at 19 °C when K+, kinetin and NAA were added. Ca2+ and H2O2 increased germination initiation, whereas salicylic acid and gibberellic acid inhibited it. Asymbiotic initiation also occurred at 30 °C in sealed vessels with a more-or-less regular atmosphere when K+ and kinetin were added. We hypothesise that germination in C. septentrionalis is triggered by the micro-aerophilic conditions established as a result of its mycobiont’s wood-rotting activity, with certain compounds secreted as part of the early defence response having a potentiating effect. However, subsequent mycobiont colonisation is essential for full germination and onward development to ensue.

Although salt marsh is a classic example of primary succession, the underlying mechanisms and their time-scales are poorly understood. As salt marsh succession depends on sediment accretion, the amelioration of abiotic conditions associated with increasing elevation suggests potential explanatory roles for facilitation, competition and the stress-gradient hypothesis. We present a 35-year longitudinal study of salt marsh development from intertidal flat to a mid-marsh platform at Odiel Marshes in south-western Iberia. Using permanent plots, this work chronicles changes in elevation and marsh morphology, their evolving effects on sediment redox potential and salinity and the colonisation and changing patterns of dominance of halophytic species. Sporadically colonising clumps of the low-marsh species Spartina maritima trapped sediment to form raised tussocks, which increased in elevation and area. Reduced tidal inundation and locally improved drainage promoted higher redox potentials and allowed colonisation by a sequence of species less tolerant of reducing conditions: Sarcocornia perennis, its hybrid with high-marsh S. fruticosa, and Atriplex portulacoides. Unlike its centrifugally colonising predecessors, A. portulacoides invaded from the tussock edges. Transplant experiments designed to investigate its late establishment on tussocks showed that seedling survival depended on elevational differences as small as 4 cm. After increasing in elevation by c. 1 m (c. 29 mm/year), coalescence of the tussocks formed a marsh platform at a level corresponding to mean high tides. This supports a theoretical punctuated transition from ‘submergence marsh’ to ‘emergence marsh’, previously postulated for this tidal elevation. Synthesis. The unexpected rapidity of this primary succession highlights the central role of facilitation. Vertical sediment accretion, locally engineered by colonising species, progressively alleviates abiotic stress and allows colonisation by species that are less tolerant of chemically reducing conditions but are ultimately better competitors.

Bacteria use carbohydrate-binding proteins (CBPs), such as lectins and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), to anchor to specific sugars on host surfaces. CBPs in the gut microbiome are well studied, but their roles in the vagina microbiome and involvement in sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer and preterm birth are largely unknown. We established a classification system for lectins and designed Hidden Markov Model (HMM) profiles for data mining of bacterial genomes, resulting in identification of >100,000 predicted bacterial lectins available at unilectin.eu/bacteria. Genome screening of 90 isolates from 21 vaginal bacterial species shows that those associated with infection and inflammation produce a larger CBPs repertoire, thus enabling them to potentially bind a wider array of glycans in the vagina. Both the number of predicted bacterial CBPs and their specificities correlated with pathogenicity. This study provides new insights into potential mechanisms of colonisation by commensals and potential pathogens of the reproductive tract that underpin health and disease states.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represent important players in the structure and function of many ecosystems. Yet, we learn about their roles mostly from greenhouse-based experiments, with results subjected to cultivation bias. This study explores multiple aspects of this bias and separates the effect of increased nutrient availability from other cultivation specifics. For 15 grassland plant species from two functional groups (C3 grasses vs dicotyledonous forbs), we compared AMF communities of adults collected from non-manipulated vegetation with those in plants grown in a greenhouse. Nutrient availability was comparable to field conditions or experimentally elevated. We evaluated changes in AMF community composition, diversity, root colonisation, and the averages of functional traits characterising hyphal soil exploration. Additionally, we use the data from the greenhouse experiment to propose a new plant functional trait-the change of AMF colonisation in response to nutrient surplus. The AMF community differed profoundly between field-collected and greenhouse-grown plants, with a larger change of its composition in grass species, and AMF community composition in grasses also responded more to fertilisation than in forbs. Taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity declined more in forbs under cultivation (particularly with elevated nutrients), because in their roots, the AMF taxa from families other than Glomeraceae largely disappeared. A decline in AMF colonisation was not caused by greenhouse cultivation itself but selectively by the elevation of nutrient availability, particularly in grass host species. We demonstrate that the extent of decrease in AMF colonisation with elevated nutrients is a useful plant functional trait explaining an observed response of the plant community to manipulation.

Background African catfish Clarias gariepinus introduced to India has gravitated into the Ganga River as an invasive species. Morphological plasticity and reproductive adaptation are considered and reported as important manifestation contributing to evolution and persistence of an invasive species in the novel environment facilitating its expansion and establishment. African catfish in the Ganga River although documented to exist, it is yet to investigate if it elicits adaptation responses through morphological and reproductive plasticity in the riverine conditions. Therefore, morpho-meristic changes, plasticity in the reproductive stages, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and gonadal hormones were examined in C. gariepinus that invaded into the Ganga River so as to ascertain its invasion success. Results Out of 23 morpho-meristic characters examined, head length (HL), head depth (HD), anal fin length (AFL) and the pectoral fin rays (PECFR) were observed to differ significantly (pC. gariepinus. The vitellogenin level in female C. gariepinus was detected in stage III, and it was maximum in stage V where it was 16.68±2.98 pg/ml in river-captured specimens and 12.63±2.12 pg/ml in cultured fish. Conclusion The results of this study on morpho-meristic and gonadal plasticity provide first evidence of invasion success of the African catfish gravitated in the Ganga River which has now adapted to the river environments for breeding and establishing. The variations concerning different reproductive phases and the gonadal hormones in culture and river-caught C. gariepinus have been considered to contribute to the success of the colonisation and establishment. The knowledge generated on the phenotypic and reproductive plasticity of African catfish available in the Ganga River will help management and control programmes.

Early life stages of migratory fish in rivers rely on physical transport mechanisms to carry them from spawning sites to distant nursery areas where they find food and refuge conditions. Starvation after a prolonged downriver drift could severely affect the colonisation and predator evasion capabilities of the larvae. In this study we investigated differences in the external morphology, nutritional condition and swimming abilities of fed and unfed Prochilodus lineatus early larvae under experimental conditions. After yolk reabsorption on Day 6, larvae were either fed with nauplii of Artemia salina or left unfed for up to 10 days. Larvae from each feeding regime (i.e. fed and unfed) were sampled daily from three aquaria, and the morphometry and routine swimming activity were determined and analysed together with a previously published RNA/DNA ratio dataset. The results were in agreement with previous investigations that indicated that the larvae of this species have starvation endurance; however, prolonged food deprivation is associated with a smaller body, anal depth and head length, as well as lower RNA/DNA ratios and reduced swimming ability.

Seasonality influences the abundance and activity of forest insects. Harvesting during periods of reduced activity could minimise colonisation risk on logs and reduce the need for phytosanitary treatments. We describe the winter colonisation dynamics of Pinus radiata logs in operational harvest sites in New Zealand and assess the probability of log colonisation as a function of captures in flight interception traps. After 15 days, 3% and 1% of logs were colonised by Hylastes ater and Hylurgus ligniperda (Coleoptera: Scolytinae), respectively, and 1% by Xenocnema spinipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The same three species were captured in traps. Our observations showed that logs exposed for ≥ 2 weeks are predicted to have a more than 1% probability of bark beetle colonisation, whereas logs removed from forests within 24 or 48 h had predicted colonisation rates of 0.13% and 0.26%, respectively. A positive relationship between trap capture and log colonisation was also observed. Average catches of 98% log colonisation. A positive relationship was also shown between log colonisation rates and temperature. A 12.3 °C temperature threshold predicted colonisation rates of 5, 50 and 95% with thermal sums of 10, 20 and 30 degree-hours, respectively. Models based on exposure time, trap catches, or environmental factors can estimate seasonal probability of insect colonisation, which aids identification of periods of low pest pressure when treatments could be avoided or reduced.

The UK climate is projected to become warmer, with more frequent hotter, drier summers. Many governments and international organisations are concerned about how climate change will affect food production and security. Mycorrhizal fungi are an essential part of agricultural systems and yet little is known about how climate change will affect mycorrhizal fungi. We investigated the effect of reduced precipitation on levels of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonisation in the top 10 cm of soil in the grass Holcus lanatus L. (Yorkshire Fog) in a permanent pasture in South Gloucestershire, UK. Incident rainfall was reduced, by approximately 50%, using clear gutters supported on steel frames. Over three growing seasons we observed little difference in levels of AM colonisation and numbers of intra-root fungal structures between the roots of H. lanatus grown with reduced or full incident rainfall. Time of year when water stress occurred had a stronger effect on levels of colonisation than the absolute amount of precipitation received. In H. lanatus, growing in a permanent pasture, levels of AM colonisation were around 40%–50%, across a range of precipitation, from 18% above to 36% below the long-term average. The results highlight the complex relationships between mycorrhizal fungi, host plant, and abiotic stress.

Introduction It is very important to monitor the infection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae as a potential threat to the sheep industry. Southern Xinjiang is a major sheep breeding base in China, however, there is no relevant information concerning the infection of the region’s ovine stock with this bacteria at present. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Material and Methods A total of 824 nasal swabs and the lungs of six sheep that died of pneumonia were collected in four regions between 2018 and 2020. Primers specific for M. ovipneumoniae and universal ones for the genus were used for PCR. Sequencing was undertaken of 159 universal primer-positive samples (153 nasal swabs and 6 lungs) and of 84 specific primer-positive samples (80 nasal swabs, 20 per region; and 4 lungs, 1 per region). The lungs were also sampled for the isolation of M. ovipneumoniae. A phylogenetic tree based on partial sequences of the Mycoplasma 16S rRNA gene was built. Results The overall nasal swab positive rate for M. ovipneumoniae was 40.78%; the rate of animals older than 12 months was significantly different to those of younger sheep (< 3 months, 53.39%; 3 – 12 months, 46.01%; >12 months, 31.76%). Four strains of M. ovipneumoniae were isolated from six lungs. Phylogenetic analysis indicated their origin outside southern Xinjiang. Two other species were also detected: M. arginine and M. conjunctivae. Conclusion Our survey indicated that a high level of M. ovipneumoniae asymptomatic colonisation in sheep, especially in lambs, affects southern Xinjiang and also confirmed the existence of M. conjunctivae and M. arginine. Our results showed that the health of sheep in southern Xinjiang is facing a great threat, and relevant prevention and control measures should be strengthened.

Publisher Copyright: © 2021 Association of Applied Biologists. Fusarium oxysporum forma specialis cepae strains are pathogens causing Fusarium basal rot of onion, which is a major problem in onion cultivation worldwide. In this work, the pathogenicity and toxin production of different F. oxysporum isolates, originating either from mature harvested onions or from onion sets, were studied. The F. oxysporum isolates belonging to the f. sp. cepae phylogenetic clade had the full set of seven secreted in xylem (SIX) genes and the gene C5, whereas all the other F. oxysporum isolates tested were negative for these virulence-related genes. However, in the pathogenicity test on onion seedlings the separation between the f. sp. cepae isolates and the others was not clear-cut. One of the f. sp. cepae isolates that had low in planta expression levels of SIX9 showed only mild virulence on the seedlings. A different F. oxysporum isolate, which did not have the known virulence-related genes, was pathogenic on seedlings, although non-pathogenic on mature bulbs. Thus, the two different pathogenicity assays frequently used, seedling survival test and onion bulb inoculation test, measure partially different features of the fungal isolates. Coinfection with pathogenic and non-pathogenic isolates caused more severe disease in the mature onion bulbs than the pathogenic isolate alone. All the isolates tested for toxin production capacity on rice medium produced beauvericin and, in addition, the non-pathogenic isolates produced moniliformin. Small amounts of beauvericin were detected in the infected onion bulbs. The amount of beauvericin did not show significant correlation with the fungal colonisation level or symptom severity.

The bio-protective effect of either single or dual mycorrhizal (AMF) and rhizobial colonisation of the roots of non-leguminous and leguminous banana intercrops differing in host response to Radopholus similis on the reproduction of this important migratory endoparasitic nematode was examined. Included in the study were sorgho-Sudan grass (good R. similis host), sweet potato and common bean (intermediate hosts), soybean and sunn hemp (poor hosts), and marigold (non-host). Significant plant growth-promoting effect of single AMF and rhizobial colonisation in the good and intermediate R. similis hosts sorgho-Sudangrass (AMF) and common bean (AMF and rhizobium), respectively, was observed whereas this plant growth-promoting effect was absent in the other intercrops with the exception of sunn hemp with significant plant growth-promoting effect of AMF colonisation on fresh root weight. An additive plant growth-promoting effect of dual AMF and rhizobial colonisation (on fresh shoot weight) was only observed in the poor R. similis host soybean. Single AMF and rhizobial colonisation also resulted in a significant bio-protective effect against R. similis in sorgho-Sudangrass (AMF), sweet potato cv. Inzovu (AMF) and common bean (AMF and rhizobium). The growth-promoting and bio-protective effects of AMF colonisation were clearly present in the good and intermediate R. similis hosts with moderate to high relative mycorrhizal dependency (RMD) values ranging from 47% (sorgho-Sudangrass) to 65% (common bean) but absent in the intermediate R. similis host sweet potato, which had a negative RMD value, and in the poor and non- R. similis hosts. Overall, no suppressive effect of R. similis infection on AMF and rhizobial colonisation was observed except in soybean and sunn hemp in which AMF colonisation was significantly reduced.

BackgroundOpen cast lignite mines, sand pits and military training areas represent human-made, secondary habitats for specialized xerothermophilous and psammophilous species. Rare species, including the earwigLabidurariparia,are found in high population densities in such sites. However, it is unknown from which sources colonisation took place and how genetic variation compares to that of ancient populations on natural sites.MethodsUsing nine microsatellite markers, we analysed genetic variation and population structure ofL. ripariain 21 populations in NE Germany both from secondary habitats such as lignite-mining sites, military training areas and a potassium mining heap, and rare primary habitats, such as coastal and inland dunes.ResultsGenetic variation was higher in populations from post-mining sites and former military training areas than in populations from coastal or inland dune sites. Overall population differentiation was substantial (FST = 0.08;FʹST = 0.253), with stronger differentiation among primary (FST = 0.196;FʹST = 0.473) than among secondary habitats (FST = 0.043;FʹST = 0.147). Differentiation followed a pattern of isolation by distance. Bayesian structure analysis revealed three gene pools representing primary habitats on a coastal dune and two different inland dunes. All populations from secondary habitats were mixtures of the two inland dune gene pools, suggesting multiple colonization of post-mining areas from different source populations and hybridisation among source populations.DiscussionPopulations ofL. ripariafrom primary habitats deserve special conservation, because they harbour differentiated gene pools. The majority of theL. ripariapopulations, however, thrive in secondary habitats, highlighting their role for conservation.Implications for insect conservationA dual strategy should be followed of conserving both remaining natural habitat harbouring particular intraspecific gene pools and secondary habitat inhabited by large admixed and genetically highly variable populations.

Half of the ten Australian hopping mice (Notomys) species have become extinct following the European colonisation of Australia, and most of the rest are threatened. This makes the study of their present diversity paramount. Although recent molecular phylogenies improved our understanding of the relationships among the species, detailed interspecific phenotypic comparisons are still lacking. This is the aim of the present study. Geometric morphometric methods were used to compare the crania of all five extant species (N. alexis, N. aquillo, N. cervinus, N. fuscus, and N. mitchellii) along with the extinct N. longicaudatus. Although previous work (based on traditional approaches) find intragenerically conserved crania, the present study discovers significant differences in cranial size and shape among Notomys species, with the ventral view being more distinct than the dorsal view. There was no evidence of sexual dimorphism in cranial size nor shape, and only a weak allometric effect. Most aspects of cranial shape differed among the species. The extant species pair that differed in cranial shape the most was N. aquilo – N. cervinus, differing in the foramen magnum, tympanic bulla, orbit, incisive foramen, and rostrum, along with cranial width, potentially a consequence of N. cervinus’ phylogenetic position, and N. aquilo’s s ecological uniqueness.

Context The introduced house mouse (Mus domesticus) causes significant economic damage to Australia’s agricultural enterprises. As part of the Marna Banggara Rewilding Project on the southern Yorke Peninsula (SYP), the present study focused on the eastern barn owl (Tyto alba delicatula) as a potential bio-controller of mice, by providing nesting spaces where natural hollows are limited. Aims To design an appropriate pole-mounted wooden nest box, and to enhance barn-owl-breeding and house-mouse-hunting capacity on farmland adjacent to remnant native vegetation. Methods A prototype nest box was collaboratively designed with a nest box manufacturer using data from previous barn owl studies and anecdotal reports. Eleven pole-mounted wooden boxes with platforms were installed at distances >1.4 km apart on properties near Warooka, southern Yorke Peninsula (SYP), and monitored over a 6-month period using external trail cameras. Key results Of the 11 nest boxes installed, 55 percent were colonised within a month after establishment, and 82 percent were colonised within 7 months. Occupied nest boxes were actively used by paired owls for mating, breeding and rearing of chicks, which resulted in up to 35 fledgling owlets. Conclusions The nest box design successfully supported eastern barn owl colonisation and reproduction on the SYP. The inclusion of the platform not only provided easy, minimally invasive monitoring of barn owl activity and prey intake by researchers, but also increased usable space for barn owl behaviours, such as copulation and wing flapping. Implications The important nest box design elements featured in this paper, such as the platform, high entrance hole, predator-proof pole and rear door access, can be implemented in barn owl conservation, research and on farms where alternative nesting sites are limited.

Resilience and functionality of European Norway spruce forests are increasingly threatened by mass outbreaks of the bark beetle Ips typographus promoted by heat, wind throw and drought. Here, we review current knowledge on Norway spruce and I. typographus interactions from the perspective of drought-stressed trees, host selection, colonisation behaviour of beetles, with multi-level effects of symbiotic ophiostomatoid fungi. By including chemo-ecological, molecular and behavioural perspectives, we provide a comprehensive picture on this complex, multitrophic system in the light of climate change. Trees invest carbon into specialised metabolism to produce defence compounds against biotic invaders; processes that are strongly affected by physiological stress such as drought. Spruce bark contains numerous terpenoid and phenolic substances, which are important for bark beetle aggregation and attack success. Abiotic stressors such as increased temperatures and drought affect composition, amounts and emission rates of volatile compounds. Thus, drought events may influence olfactory responses of I. typographus, and further the pheromone communication enabling mass attack. In addition, I. typographus is associated with numerous ophiostomatoid fungal symbionts with multiple effects on beetle life history. Symbiotic fungi degrade spruce toxins, help to exhaust tree defences, produce beetle semiochemicals, and possibly provide nutrition. As the various fungal associates have different temperature optima, they can influence the performance of I. typographus differently under changing environmental conditions. Finally, we discuss why effects of drought on tree-killing by bark beetles are still poorly understood and provide an outlook on future research on this eruptive species using both, field and laboratory experiments.

Previous lichenometric dating of young geomorphological forms in the Tatra Mountains has been hindered by differences in the determination of initial colonisation of fresh rock surfaces by the Rhizocarpon geographicum lichen. In order to determine precisely the time needed for the first thalli to appear on newly exposed rock surfaces, two experimental sites were created in 2013. The results from these sites were compared with the measurements taken on boulders in debris formed by a 2013 debris flow. In 2018, the largest thalli measured within the experimental sites and the debris flow area reached a size of approximately 2 mm. Based on this, the time of initial colonisation of rock surfaces was determined to be 5 ± 1 years, which is about half the period previously described in the literature.

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium, which plays a role in the aetiology of gastric diseases in humans. Non-H. pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) species naturally colonise the stomach of animals and also induce gastric lesions in humans, highlighting their zoonotic importance. We evaluated the gastric bacterial colonisation density and gastric lesions and sought to identify the main phylogenetic groups of the Helicobacter spp. obtained from dogs in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with this study aiming to investigate the occurrence of Helicobacter spp. in saliva and gastric samples from these dogs. This study included 35 dogs and used analysis such as cytology, histopathology, PCR, rapid urease testing, and phylogenetic analysis. Of the dogs, 94.3% were positive for Helicobacter spp., and these bacteria were present in the stomach of 32 dogs and saliva of eight. Respectively, eight, 15, and nine dogs had mild, moderate, and severe colonisation. Lymphocytic-plasmacytic infiltrate was the main gastric lesion. However, the presence of Helicobacter and the density appeared to be unrelated to the gastric lesions. The samples possessed a high nucleotide identity with remarkably similar sequences among some of the species of NHPH such as H. heilmannii s.s., H. salomonis, H. felis, and H. bizzozeronii. The saliva of domestic dogs, even of those who appear clinically healthy, can cause Helicobacter infection in humans and other animals, with, in these dogs, increased density, occurrence rate, and predominance of NHPH of zoonotic importance being found in the stomach with a lower occurrence of Helicobacter spp. in the saliva.

This study determined the influence of soil nitrogen and phosphorus on the colonisation dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Dark Septate Endophytes (DSE) in plant species adapted to nutrient poor soils. Plant colonisation dynamics were investigated using a field experiment and a manipulative greenhouse experiment on Australian native seedlings. Tubestock of Poa labillardierei were transplanted into the field to large tracts of land of high and low nutrient availability, near Sydney, Australia, and root colonisation was determined from monthly plant collections over three months, between late austral autumn and through winter. In the greenhouse experiment, two native shrubs and one grass, respectively, Rhagodia candolleana, Dodonaea triquetra and P. labillardierei, were germinated from seeds and grown under a full factorial nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisation experiment for three months before root colonisation was determined. The selected study species were of varied mycotrophy. AMF colonisation in both experiments was lowest in plants from high nutrient treatments. Removal of either nitrogen or phosphorus from the fertiliser resulted in the same patterns of colonisation, with AMF being greater when either nutrient was removed. DSE colonisation was greatest in high nutrient soils. However, colonisation did not vary with nutrient treatments in the glasshouse experiment, suggesting that nitrogen and phosphorus minimally affect DSE colonisation. The difference in AMF and DSE colonisation patterns demonstrates a distinction in how different fungal symbionts are affected by abiotic factors. Both nitrogen and phosphorus are important drivers of colonisation dynamics of AMF. The results indicate the potential for disparate controls of AMF and DSE root associations.

The recent increase of migration to Europe represents a risk of increased the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. We conducted a cross-sectional study among asylum seekers admitted at two hospitals in Switzerland. Of the 59 patients included, 9 (14%) were colonised by a MDR bacteria, including 5 (8.5%) methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 4 (6.8%) extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. No patient carried both ESBL-producing bacteria and MRSA. None of the patients carried a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) or a carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Colonisation with MDR bacteria was not associated with hospitalisation abroad or recent arrival in Switzerland. Whole genome sequencing analysis allowed us to exclude transmission between patients. The prevalence of MDR bacteria carriage is moderate among asylum seekers in western Switzerland. Further surveillance studies are necessary to determine if there is a risk of dissemination of pathogens into the local population.

Invertebrate species from temporary aquatic ecosystems produce resistant dormant stages (i.e. eggs) that accumulate in long lived mixed egg banks in the sediment. These dormant eggs not only bridge dry phases but also act as propagules for passive dispersal. Large branchiopod crustaceans (e.g. Notostraca, Anostraca and Spinicaudata) produce dormant eggs of variable shapes, sizes and external ornamentation. While these characteristics are often species-specific and have been used in taxonomy, little is known about their ecological significance, for example, their contribution to colonisation success. Here, we explore the idea that variation in egg morphology may impact vector-mediated dispersal and colonisation success of large branchiopods. We studied egg banks from 98 temporary waters across the Northern Cape, South Africa and assessed whether distribution and densities of eggs carried a morphological signal. Overall, our results imply that both size and external structures may impact dispersal to and successful colonisation of temporary waters by large branchiopods. Specifically, our results show that small propagules ( 400 µm), smooth eggs and medium sized (200–300 µm), polygonal eggs were most widely distributed. Ultimately, our approach provides insight in actual colonisation success of species with different egg types and not only on the propensity of the eggs to be picked up and transported by vectors.

Healthcare-related Legionnaires’ disease has a devastating impact on high risk patients, with a case fatality rate of 30-50%. Legionella prevention and control in hospitals is therefore crucial. To control Legionella water colonisation in a hospital setting we evaluated the effect of pipeline improvements and temperature increase, analysing 237 samples over a two-year period (first year: 129, second year: 108). In the first year, 25.58% of samples were positive for Legionella and 16.67% for amoeba. Assessing the distance of the points analysed from the hot water tank, the most distal points presented higher proportion of Legionella colonisation and lower temperatures (nearest points: 6.4% colonised, and temperature 61.4°C; most distal points: 50% and temperature 59.1°C). After the first year, the hot water system was repaired and the temperature stabilised. This led to a dramatic reduction in Legionella colonisation, which was negative in all the samples analysed; however, amoeba colonisation remained stable. This study shows the importance of keeping the temperature stable throughout the circuit, at around 60°C. Special attention should be paid to the most distal points of the circuit; a fall in temperature at these weak points would favour the colonisation and spread of Legionella, because amoeba (the main Legionella reservoir) are not affected by temperature.

Whether kūmara ‘sweet potato’ (Ipomoea batatas) arrived in South Polynesia with initial colonisation or later is discussed in the light of recent evidence from East Polynesia and by examination and statistical modelling of radiocarbon ages associated with kūmara arrival and dispersal in New Zealand. Largely unresolved difficulties in radiocarbon dating of horticultural sites preclude reaching a secure conclusion about the relative timing of kūmara introduction, but strong evidence emerges of delayed dispersal southward and inland of kūmara cultivation. In the short New Zealand chronology this may have been more significant than the date of arrival for the role of kūmara cultivation in economic and political change.

Osmoderma eremita is a species of beetle that inhabits hollows in ancient trees, which is a habitat that has decreased significantly during the last century. In southeastern Sweden, we studied the metapopulation dynamics of this beetle over a 25 year period, using capture-mark-recapture. The metapopulation size had been rather stable over time, but in most of the individual trees there had been a positive or negative trend in population development. The probability of colonisation was higher in well-connected trees with characteristics reflecting earlier successional stages, and the probability of extinction higher in trees with larger diameter (i.e. in later successional stages), which is expected from a habitat-tracking metapopulation. The annual tree mortality and fall rates (1.1% and 0.4%, respectively) are lower than the colonisation and extinction rates (5–7%), indicating that some of the metapopulation dynamics are due to the habitat dynamics, but many colonisations and extinctions take place for other reasons, such as stochastic events in small populations. The studied metapopulation occurs in an area with a high density of hollow oaks and where the oak pastures are still managed by grazing. In stands with fewer than ten suitable trees, the long-term extinction risk may be considerable, since only a small proportion of all hollow trees harbours large populations, and the population size in trees may change considerably during a decade. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00442-020-04794-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Corals are dependent upon lipids as energy reserves to mount a metabolic response to biotic and abiotic challenges. This study profiled lipids, fatty acids, and microbial communities of healthy and white syndrome (WS) diseased colonies of Acropora hyacinthus sampled from reefs in Western Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, and Palmyra Atoll. Total lipid levels varied significantly among locations, though a consistent stepwise decrease from healthy tissues from healthy colonies (HH) to healthy tissue on WS-diseased colonies (HD; i.e. preceding the lesion boundary) to diseased tissue on diseased colonies (DD; i.e. lesion front) was observed, demonstrating a reduction in energy reserves. Lipids in HH tissues were comprised of high energy lipid classes, while HD and DD tissues contained greater proportions of structural lipids. Bacterial profiling through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and histology showed no bacterial taxa linked to WS causation. However, the relative abundance of Rhodobacteraceae-affiliated sequences increased in DD tissues, suggesting opportunistic proliferation of these taxa. While the cause of WS remains inconclusive, this study demonstrates that the lipid profiles of HD tissues was more similar to DD tissues than to HH tissues, reflecting a colony-wide systemic effect and provides insight into the metabolic immune response of WS-infected Indo-Pacific corals. This project was funded in part by Earthwatch Institute and Mitsubishi Corporation. Scopus

A pre-adaptation approach to osmotic stress was used to improve the colonisation and biocontrol capacity of Yarrowia lipolytica M18/3b on the apple under pre- and postharvest conditions. For this, ...