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Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are an actual topic of geomorphological and geoarchaeological research. Furthermore, many prehistoric societies in drylands were also affected by seismic activity. The semi-arid Shiraki Plain in the tectonically active southeastern Caucasus is currently covered by steppes and largely devoid of settlements. However, numerous Late Bronze to Early Iron Age city-type fortified settlements suggest early state formation between ca. 3.2 – 2.5 ka that abruptly ended after that time. A paleolake was suggested for the lowest plain, and nearby pollen records suggest forest clearcutting of the upper altitudes under a more humid climate during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Furthermore, also an impact of earthquakes on regional Early Iron Age settlements was suggested. However, regional paleoenvironmental changes and paleoseismicity were not systematically studied so far. We combined geomorphological, sedimentological, chronological, paleoecological and hydrological modelling data to reconstruct regional Holocene paleoenvironmental changes in the Shiraki Plain, and identify possible natural and anthropogenic causes as well as possible seismic events during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Our results show a balanced to negative Early to Mid-Holocene water balance probably caused by forested upper slopes. Hence, no lake but an incipient Chernozem developed in the lowest plain. Following, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age forest clear-cutting obviously caused lake formation and the deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from intensive soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification obviously caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for regional prehistoric societies even during the desiccation period. Finally, colluvial coverage of the lake sediments during the last centuries could have been linked with hydrological extremes during the Little Ice Age. Our study demonstrates that the Holocene hydrological balance of the Shiraki Plain was and is situated near a major hydrological threshold, making the landscape very sensitive to also small-scale human or natural influences with serious consequences for local societies. Furthermore, seismites in the studied sediments do not indicate an influence of earthquakes on the main and late phases of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age settlement. Altogether, our study underlines the high value of multi-disciplinary approaches to investigate long-term human-environmental interactions and paleoseismicity in drylands on millennial to centennial time scales.

During field surveys in Georgia, in the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons, we investigated hazelnut orchards in four regions of Georgia: Achara, Guria, Samegrelo and Kakheti for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) – Halyomorpha halys (Stal)(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Additionally, we conducted surveys in apple and peach orchards in the Kartli and Kakheti regions to find out if there was damage caused by pentatomids and search for BMSB. Fruit damage was investigated and causes of damages were classified. Monitoring of the pest was carried out by plant beating and visual observation of trees. The BMSB was found in all visited orchards in western Georgia, while it was not detected in eastern Georgian orchards. Parasitoids were collected with sweeping nets and by rearing them from field-collected egg masses. Five species of Trissolcus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), which are known parasitoids of Pentatomidae, were identified. Four of these are documented for the first time from Georgia, and two are new records for the Caucasus region.

In the southernmost part of the Colchian plain (Georgia), the Supsa and Rioni rivers represent important catchments for reconstructing Holocene landscape changes. Using granulometric methods, geochemical analyses and radiocarbon dating, we demonstrate that significant palaeoenvironmental changes have taken place in the surroundings of the Supsa fan since at least 4000 BCE. The initial foothill fan accumulation was prolonged by delta plain progradation. Due to continued fluvial sediment supply, mainly from the Rioni, the lagoon silted up and extended peat bogs formed east of the beach ridge complex. The Supsa fan first prograded northwards (since the third millennium BCE) and later shifted westwards, eventually following an avulsion of the Rioni. While Supsa deposits remain limited to the area of the fan and the modern estuary, the alluvial fines of the Rioni dominate the surrounding areas. The relative sea-level (RSL) index points of the region suggest a gradual RSL rise from ∼-9 m between 4000 and 3500 BCE to −3/−2 m below the modern sea level in the second half of the first millennium BCE, the period during which Greek colonization and Colchian settlements are attested by archaeological remains.

Rock-carved cultural heritage sites are often developed in slopes formed by weak rocks, which due to their peculiar lithological, geotechnical, and morpho-structural features are characterized by excellent carvability, which at the same time makes them prone to weathering, deterioration, and slope instability issues. In this context the use of advanced close-range nondestructive techniques, such as Infrared Thermography (IRT) and Unmanned Aerial vehicle-based Digital Photogrammetry (UAV-DP) can be profitably used for the rapid detection of conservation issues (e.g., open fractures, unstable ledges-niches, water seepage and moisture) that can lead to slope instability phenomena. These techniques, when combined with traditional methods (e.g., field surveys, laboratory analysis), can provide fundamental data (such as 3D maps of the kinematic mechanisms) to implement a site-specific and interdisciplinary approach for the sustainable protection and conservation of such fragile cultural heritage sites. In this paper some examples of conservation problems in several rupestrian sites characterized by different geological contexts, from the mountainous regions of Georgia to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, are presented, with the aim of evaluating the potential of the proposed integrated approach. The final aim is to provide conservators, practitioners, and local authorities with a useful, versatile, and low-cost methodology, to be profitably used in the protection and conservation strategies of rock-carved sites.

Rock-carved cultural heritage sites are often carved in slopes formed by weak rocks, which due to their peculiar lithological, geotechnical and morpho-structural features are often prone to weathering, deterioration and slope instability issues. In this context the use of advanced close-range remote sensing (RS) techniques, such as Infrared Thermography (IRT) and Unmanned Aerial vehicle-based Digital Photogrammetry (UAV-DP) can be profitably used for the rapid detection of conservation issues (e.g. open fractures, unstable ledges-niches, water seepage and moisture) that can lead to slope instability phenomena. These techniques when combined with traditional methods (e.g. field surveys, laboratory analysis), can provide fundamental data to implement a specific site-specific and inter-disciplinary approach for the sustainable protection and conservation strategies of Rock-carved cultural heritage sites. In this paper some examples of conservation problems in several rupestrian sites characterized by different geological contexts, from the mountainous regions of Georgia to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, are presented, with the aim of evaluating the potential of the proposed approach integrated approach. The final aim is to provide conservators, practitioners and local authorities with a useful versatile and low-cost methodology, to be profitably used in management plans of rock carved sites.

Rock curved monuments of Georgia, represent a unique cultural heritage – an ancient cities, churches and kelly carved in rock, painted and decorated by hermit monks, which unites architectural monument and Natural-Geological complex. Such monuments are particularly vulnerable and their restoration and conservation requires a complex approach. These monuments, as many other similar monuments worldwide, is subjected to slow but permanent process of destruction, expressed in several main factors, one of which is rock weathering caused by surface rainwater runoff and water infiltration, coupled with temperature variations.Close Range Aerial Photogrammetry, with its actively developing applications has been used to address this problem. Several Rock Curved Monuments of Georgia: Vardzia (12th Century), Vanis Qvabebi (8th Century) and Uplistsikhe (Late bronze period) were studied. First two of which represent large Monastery complexes curved in Volcanic tuff and tuff-breccia, while the Uplistsikhe represents ancient Rock Curved town, constructed in a coarse-grained week sandstone, with roots deep in the history of Georgian state.To achieve sustainable preservation of cultural heritage rock-curved monuments, this particular type of danger should be addressed: Preservation of structural integrity of monument and avoiding ground or surficial water infiltration is substantial to preserve unique mural paintings and wall inscriptions, still preserved in these Rock Curved Monuments.High-resolution Digital Elevation Models and Orthographic Aerial Photo images (in vertical and horizontal perspectives) were constructed through several aerial missions. Spatial data was accurately Georeferenced using the DGPS RTK system and Total Station (for vertical cliffs). The obtained data serves as an input for the Hydromodeling of Surficial water runoff, calculated using the ArcMap Hydro tool extension. Moreover, high-resolution photo textures allowed to estimate the damaging effect of formed water channels and crack systems of water infiltration. Conceptual solutions of water drainage systems allowing surficial water diversion and mitigation of its effect on rock strata were elaborated and even constructed in the case of Vardzia. Aerial Photogrammetry as a tool for routine periodic inspection has been adopted for the given monuments, where the damaged areas are hardly accessible by foot and even highly dangerous for the access of rock climbers.

The rock-cut city of Vardzia is an example of the extraordinary rupestrian cultural heritage of Georgia. The site, Byzantine in age, was carved in the steep tuff slopes of the Erusheti mountains, and due to its peculiar geological characteristics, it is particularly vulnerable to weathering and degradation, as well as frequent instability phenomena. These problems determine serious constraints on the future conservation of the site, as well as the safety of the visitors. This paper focuses on the implementation of a site-specific methodology, based on the integration of advanced remote sensing techniques, such as InfraRed Thermography (IRT) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based Digital Photogrammetry (DP), with traditional field surveys and laboratory analyses, with the aim of mapping the potential criticality of the rupestrian complex on a slope scale. The adopted methodology proved to be a useful tool for the detection of areas of weathering and degradation on the tuff cliffs, such as moisture and seepage sectors related to the ephemeral drainage network of the slope. These insights provided valuable support for the design and implementation of sustainable mitigation works, to be profitably used in the management plan of the site of Vardzia, and can be used for the protection and conservation of rupestrian cultural heritage sites characterized by similar geological contexts.

Situated between the Enguri and Khobistskali rivers, more than 30 settlement mounds (locally named Dikhagudzuba) provide evidence for a relatively densely populated landscape in the coastal lowlands of western Georgia during the Bronze Age. Compared to older mounds in eastern Georgia and other regions, these mounds differ not only in age but also in their average size and spatial distribution. Based on the interpretation of nine sediment cores, drone survey and structure-from-motion photogrammetry techniques, our study aims at (i) establishing a chronostratigraphic framework for the mounds based on 14C dating; (ii) reconstructing possible phases and gaps in human occupation; (iii) determining potential source areas of the mounds’ construction material; and (iv) identifying the environmental conditions at the time of their use. The three investigated mounds are similar in dimension and stratigraphy. Anthropogenic layers could clearly be identified and separated from the natural alluvial deposits below. According to the 14C age estimates, the mounds date to the first half of the 2nd millennium B.C.; this confirms the archaeological interpretation of their Bronze Age origin. While only one construction phase is assumed for two of the mounds, stratigraphic analysis suggests a successive enlargement of a third mound over at least 470 years. Paleoenvironmental conditions in the vicinity of the mounds were dominated by swampy, fluvial (channel) to alluvial (overbank) processes, as attested by river-bank deposits and floodplain alluvium.

The Scale Insects, infraorder Coccomorpha (Hemiptera: Sternorryncha) includes many agricultural pests. The latest check list of scale insects of Sakartvelo (Republic of Georgia) was published in 2008, but it contained species mostly from the city of Tbilisi. In this study an updated check list of scale insects of Sakartvelo with 242 species is presented. Fifteen scale insect families from 30 extant families in the world are presented for Sakartvelo. Most species-rich families are: Diaspididae with 90 species belonging to 38 genera, Pseudococcidae with 72 species belonging to 31 genera and Coccidae with 43 species belonging to 23 genera. Other families are: Acanthococcidae (5 genera, 10 species), Asterolecaniidae (3 genera, 5 species), Cryptococcidae (2 genera, 3 species), Eriococcidae (1 genus, 2 species), Kermesidae (1 genus, 3 species), Kerriidae (1 genus, 1 species), Kuwaniidae (1 genus, 1 species), Marchalinidae (1 genus, 1 species), Margarodidae (2 genera, 3 species), Monophlebidae (2 genera, 2 species), Ortheziidae (3 genera, 5 species), Putoidae (1 genus, 1 species). Anophococcus agropyri was found in the collection of Z. Hadzibeyli and it is herein recorded for the first time from Georgia. Distribution and host plant data for each species is given.

Community composition of local pollinator assemblages, population dynamics and distribution patterns of many species are still poorly known, especially in little studied regions like Transcaucasia. We generated a total of 189 DNA barcodes from bees collected in 14 apple orchards in central and eastern Georgia to extend our knowledge of their distribution. Sequences (ca. 700 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene) were compared to the NCBI nucleotide database. Using a threshold of 98% similarity, analyses suggested that the sampled bees belong to 36 species of Apidae, Andrenidae, Halictidae, and Megachilidae. We report five bee species for the first time for Georgia: Andrena alfkenella Perkins, 1914, Halictus cochlearitarsis Dours, 1871, Nomada goodeniana (Kirby, 1802), Nomada ruficornis (Linnaeus, 1758) and Eucera nigrescens Perez, 1879, four of which are also new for the Transcaucasia region. With these additions, the number of bee species known to occur in Georgia increases to 371.

The phenology and survival of beech scale, Cryptococcus fagisuga Lindinger (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), were investigated in part of its native range (Caucasus Mountains, Georgia) and in an invaded area (Massachusetts, USA). Despite nearly identical growing seasons (as measured by cumulative day-degrees), the scale was found to be bivoltine in the Caucasus Mountain region but univoltine in Massachusetts. In Georgia, scales overwintered as adults, whereas in Massachusetts, 1st instar crawlers were the overwintering stage. In Massachusetts, protective cages increased scale survival over a year-long period, but the effect was not great and was presumed to be due to exclusion of generalist predators, not specialized natural enemies. There was no effect of caging on survival in Georgia, and no support was found for the hypothesis that specialized natural enemies might exist in the scale's native range that might be imported for biological control of the pest in the United States. Rather, it appears that...

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), an agricultural pest originating from Southeast Asia, has been recorded for the first time in the Caucasus and may threaten crops within the region. In 2016, two introduced species, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug – Halyomorpha halys Stal (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the Buxus moth – Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), were considered the most dangerous pest species in western Georgia and spreading rapidly east. Because the Spotted Wing Drosophila has only been recently recorded, its damage is not yet known. Keywords: Georgia, Sakartvelo, Harmful, Agriculture, Fruits

Two genera, Coelopencyrtus Timberlake, 1919 and Mayrencyrtus Hincks, 1944, are reported here for the first time from Transcaucasia. Fourteen new records of encyrtid species from Georgia are reported. Except for 4 species (Bothriothorax aralius (Walker, 1837); B. clavicornis (Dalman, 1820); B. trichops Thomson, 1876; and Cheiloneurus submuticus Thomson, 1876), all species are recorded for the first time from Transcaucasia.

The essential ecosystem service of pollination is provided largely by insects, which are considered threatened by diverse biotic and abiotic global change pressures. RNA viruses are one such pressure, and have risen in prominence as a major threat for honey bees (Apis mellifera) and global apiculture, as well as a risk factor for other bee species through pathogen spill-over between managed honey bees and sympatric wild pollinator communities. Yet despite their potential role in global bee decline, the prevalence of honey bee-associated RNA viruses in wild bees is poorly known from both geographic and taxonomic perspectives. We screened members of pollinator communities (honey bees, bumble bees and other wild bees belonging to four families) collected from apple orchards in Georgia, Germany and Kyrgyzstan for six common honey bee-associated RNA virus complexes encompassing nine virus targets. The Deformed wing virus complex (DWV genotypes A and B) had the highest prevalence across all localities and host species and was the only virus complex found in wild bee species belonging to all four studied families. Based on amplification of negative-strand viral RNA, we found evidence for viral replication in wild bee species of DWV-A/DWV-B (hosts: Andrena haemorrhoa and several Bombus spp.) and Black queen cell virus (hosts: Anthophora plumipes, several Bombus spp., Osmia bicornis and Xylocopa spp.). Viral amplicon sequences revealed that DWV-A and DWV-B are regionally distinct but identical in two or more bee species at any one site, suggesting virus is shared amongst sympatric bee taxa. This study demonstrates that honey bee associated RNA viruses are geographically and taxonomically widespread, likely infective in wild bee species, and shared across bee taxa.

Close range digital photogrammetry, which involves the application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), has been used in a growing number of diverse applications across different scientific disciplines. Our objective was to use the mentioned method in the survey of the contemporary geoecological conditions of the coastal area on the example of Portuguese northwest coastal zone. The coastal zone can be subdivided into two geomorphological sectors: Sector 1, between the Minho River and the town of Espinho, where the coastal segments consist of estuaries, sandy and shingle beaches with rocky outcrops, and Holocene dune systems. The estuaries and the foredunes in particular are very degraded by human activities; and Sector 2, between Espinho and the Mondego Cape, where coastal lagoons and Holocene dune systems occur. We chose two beaches for surveying – Aguçadoura and Ramalha to which the drone swinglet CAM took the photos. We used the ground control software eMotion 2 to plan the flights over the study area and controlled the drone’s trajectory during flight. After processing the obtained images in the program of AgisoftPhotoscanPro, we generated the 2D orthophotos and 3D digital elevation models (DEM) of the research sections. At this stage of study we derived the above product without using the ground control points, or we used only the camera GPS data. Based on these models the compilation of the large-scale maps of high resolution (1cm-5cm) will be possible in the GISs for monitoring and management of the geoecological state of the mentioned beaches in case to precise the x, y and z values of the models with the geodetic device of Differential GPSs in the selected ground control points (GCP)., We are grateful to the European Commission ERASMUS-MUNDUS Action-2 ELECTRA program and the Earth Sciences Centre of the University of Minho (Braga, Portugal) in supporting us to conduct the field works and research., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion