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The evolution and ecomorphology of rodent craniomandibular apparatus have been extensively studied at a broad spatial scale. However, the question of how phenotypes and developmental instability interact with ecological pressures in human‐modified landscapes has been less explored. In this study, we test the influence of evolutionary history, diet, and habitat use on skull and mandible shape variation within a rodent community composed of eight cricetid species from an agroecosystem in central Argentina. We used geometric morphometrics, phylogenetic relationships, and ecological specializations in diet and habitat use to test the interplay between these factors. Our results indicated a strong phylogenetic signal for the symmetric components of the skull shape, but not for the mandible or asymmetric shapes. The strict insectivorous Oxymycterus rufus was the most phenotypically diverged within the rodent community. In general, more generalist species, both in terms of diet and habitat use, presented more phenotypic disparity (diversity) than specialists (e.g., strict insectivorous and natural and semi‐natural specialists) in craniomandibular shape variation. Dietary generalists and non‐strict granivores presented a tendency to show more skull asymmetric variation than non‐strict insectivores. These results suggest that generalist species exhibit higher levels of variation compared to specialist species, likely due to their wider range of responses to environmental stress. In cricetid species with similar ecological preferences, coexistence may thus be facilitated by morphological partitioning and developmental instability canalization based on dietary differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ants are a diverse and ecologically important group of insects that play vital roles in terrestrial ecosystems globally. In agricultural settings, they act as effective biocontrol agents against insect pests. Ants also serve as bioindicators of environmental health, reflecting changes in habitat and pollution. However, research on their diversity and population dynamics in cashew agroecosystems remains limited. Results: The sampling was conducted using a pitfall trap that targeted three sampling zones viz., under African weaver ants colonised (AWAC) cashew trees, AWA-uncolonised (AWAUC) ones, and buffer zones (BZ). A total of 14,004 ants from six subfamilies, 18 genera, and 32 species were sampled, with 7,686 sampled during season one and 630 sampled during season two. The study found significant differences in ant populations across sampled zones, which were significantly different in season one (F(2.107) = 5.4; P = 0.01) and season two (F(2.107) = 3.32; P = 0.04). However, more ants were sampled under AWAUC cashew trees compared to AWAC cashew trees and the BZ (F(2.74) = 4.46; P = 0.02) at Nyamato during season one. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index yielded comparable results to Margalef's species richness index for all three zones, which differed significantly in both seasons at Nyamato and season one at Chambezi. A SIMPER analysis showed an overall dissimilarity of 94.5% at Soga due to the presence of invasive species (Pheidole megacephala and Anoplolepis custodiens) and AWA, which was consistently observed across all the experimental sites. Conclusion: The variety and number of ant species in cashew agroecosystems are influenced by several factors, including the presence of dominant ant species and weeding practices. Promoting biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems is crucial for supporting beneficial insect populations and mitigating the risks posed by invasive ant species. Currently, there is no effective bait available for controlling these invasive ant species, indicating a need for further research to develop such bait. This would facilitate the foraging activities of other ant species, including beneficial ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the riverbanks can improve our ability to monitor water quality and generate adequate management strategies. This research seeks insights into the riverbanks of eight Colastiné River Basin (Argentina) streams, which have been influenced by intensive agricultural land use for decades. We aim to (a) describe the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of riparian vegetation, (b) assess their current riparian quality through riverbank quality indices, and (c) estimate whether the riparian quality is linked to the water quality. Results of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) showed an increasing trend in the vegetation cover with seasonal periodicities during the last 22 years in only 2 streams. Overall, 41% of plant species registered were exotic although native species dominated in most streams. The overall riverbank quality, based on the mean values of four riverbank quality indexes, was regular-to-bad. The overall water quality of the streams was low and significantly correlated to the Riparian Quality Index, suggesting a link between both compartments. More studies are needed to determine the main variables that establish this connection. Further effort is also needed to generate appropriate indices for this region, as no current ones are still developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed basidiomycetous yeasts isolated from the phylloplane of crops and spontaneous plants in Italian agroecosystems. A total of 25 species belonging to 17 genera were recognized by analysing 83 isolates from vineyards and orchards, that are not treated with synthetic fungicides, and adjacent natural areas. Rhodotorula graminis and Filobasidium magnum were the most frequent species but 13 others were represented by a single isolate (e.g., Buckleyzyma salicina, Pseudozyma prolifica, and Moniliella megachiliensis). Preliminary analysis of (GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting revealed high genetic intraspecific heterogeneity. All isolates were characterized by their production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and their sensitivity to six commercial fungicides used in Italy. The isolates displayed great variability in these phenotypic traits, which play an important role in the survival of yeast populations in agroecosystems. Most of them exhibited lipolytic, proteolytic, β-glucosidase and pectinolytic activities, but only three (F. magnum, Kwoniella mangroviensis and Ps. prolifica) also had cellulolytic and amylolytic activity. Most isolates were sensitive to four fungicides, and one R. graminis isolate was resistant to all six. This heterogeneity was not related to the geographical origin of the isolates. The lack of selective factors (i.e. pesticide treatments) in the sampling fields and the presence of adjacent natural areas may have favored the maintenance of an elevated level of strain diversity. This study provides new information on phylloplane basidiomycetous yeasts in agroecosystems and opens the way to further investigations into the impact of agricultural practices on the microbial diversity of these natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater irrigation is often practiced in arid regions, which can increase the chance of heavy metals contaminating the agricultural system. This contamination poses risks to both the environment and human health. This research looked into how cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) move through a food chain involving soil, plants, and arthropods. The study was conducted in El-Gabal El-Asfar, Egypt, comparing treated and untreated wastewater irrigation areas. Six soil-irrigated sites and one reference site were sampled for soil, alfalfa (Medicago sativa), two grasshopper species (Aiolopus thalassinus and Calephorus compressicornis), and a wolf spider (Hogna ferox). The samples were analyzed for their heavy metal content. Metal concentrations in all components of the wastewater irrigated system were significantly higher compared to the reference site. The wolf spider and the soil contained the highest levels of Cd, Pb, and Cu, while the greatest concentrations of Zn were found in the spider and grasshoppers. Despite limited transfer from soil to plant, trace elements biomagnified within the terrestrial food chain, specifically from grasshoppers to wolf spiders. The correlation analysis of metal levels between soils, plants, and arthropods in the present study reflects its transfer across the trophic levels. It suggests that dietary intake is the main source of metal accumulation in arthropods. The present study, therefore, quite clearly indicated the possibility of heavy metal biomagnification in terrestrial food chains of wastewater-irrigated agroecosystems. Continuous monitoring and management of such systems are advocated to avoid environmental and public health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debate over the best agricultural practices for biological conservation often focuses on the degree to which agricultural lands should be interspersed with desirable habitat versus protecting lands entirely from production. It is important to understand the benefits agriculture provides for wildlife because it is consuming an increasing proportion of the landscape. We evaluated the nesting ecology of breeding ducks within a mosaic of flood‐irrigated conservation areas and agricultural lands in hay production. We assessed how habitat features at two spatial scales across these lands were related to nest site selection, nest density, and nest survival of multiple duck species. Birds selected nest sites with higher visual obstruction, a higher proportion of shrubs around the nest, and less bare ground, but we did not detect evidence of selection per se at larger spatial scales. Nest density was marginally higher along linear features, including irrigation ditches and riparian stretches, but nest survival remained similar across land‐use types and habitats features. This system is representative of many agricultural landscapes around the globe and highlights the ways agroecosystems can be managed to maintain habitat suitability for wildlife on working lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Simplified agricultural land with high chemical input is increasingly replacing natural habitats in many parts of the world. This loss and fragmentation of natural areas may have profound impacts on an array of wildlife, including predatory arthropods that provide natural biocontrol of agricultural pests. There is increasing interest in utilising short‐term seminatural habitat restoration in agricultural systems to support populations of beneficial organisms. We assessed the impact of two types of short‐term set‐asides on the diversity and abundance/activity density of phytophagous and predatory arthropods. We found that flower‐enhanced set‐asides supported higher abundances of both phytophagous and predatory arthropods compared to control crop fields. In addition, we found that both set‐aside types (flower enhanced and traditional) supported a more active and diverse community of beneficial predatory carabid beetles, with particularly strong trends in set‐asides supplemented with flowering plants. These results suggest that small‐scale, temporary, seminatural habitats in agricultural systems provide support for a diverse and abundant community of both beneficial and phytophagous arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study compared the weed suppression ability of a native cover crop species phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), an introduced cover crop species rye (Secale cereale L.), and a no cover crop (herbicide‑managed) system in a vineyard. Cover crops were sown in the interrow spaces of the grapevine rows. Percent weed cover after the cover crop termination was lower in the interrow of the phacelia than the no cover crop plots. During the cover crop growing season, phacelia suppressed weeds more than rye. However, the weed seedbank of the cover crop plots was greater than that of the no cover crop plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land degradation poses a significant global challenge, adversely affecting soil quality and diminishing the productivity of arable land, which, in turn, impacts food production and ecosystem services. This degradation manifests in various forms, including soil compaction, salinity, nutrient depletion, loss of biodiversity, and contamination, ultimately rendering soil unproductive and exacerbating climate change. Given the challenges arising from conventional farming practices and climate change, there is an urgent necessity to develop agricultural systems that not only enhance agronomic efficiency but also improve environmental performance. This study focuses on addressing food security in Africa by investigating the role of land restoration and biodiversity in sustainable food systems through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis for documents between 2010 to 2023, identifying 64 relevant documents. The analysis reveals insights into the most-cited documents and thematic evolution, underscoring the significant contributions from Ethiopia and advocating for collaborative efforts among African nations. Key themes identified include "climate change", "food security", "biodiversity conservation", and "agroecosystems", all highlighting the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. The study anticipates a continued prioritization of agroecosystems, smart agriculture, and biodiversity conservation to tackle food security challenges in the face of climate change. Collaboration, investment in research, and practical initiatives emerge as essential components for achieving sustainable food security and mitigating climate change impacts in Africa. This research provides valuable insights into the current landscape and future trends regarding the contributions of land restoration and biodiversity to food systems in Africa, emphasizing the critical need for concerted efforts to address these pressing issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trade-offs between soil functions hamper maximizing soil multifunctionality in agroecosystems. Taking soil microbial functional trade-offs into consideration in agricultural management is crucial for optimizing the impacts of changes in soil microbial communities on soil health in agroecosystems. Interactions within soil microbial communities influence functional trade-offs. Manipulating soil microbial diversity and interactions through soil health-improving management can alleviate functional trade-offs and improve soil health and agricultural sustainability. Better mechanistic understanding of the interdependencies between soil-induced functions is essential to improve soil health and agricultural sustainability. Soil microbial communities play pivotal roles in maintaining soil health in agroecosystems. However, how the delivery of multiple microbial functions in agroecosystems is maintained remains poorly understood. This may put us at risk of incurring unexpected trade-offs between soil functions. We elucidate how interactions between soil microbes can lead to trade-offs in the functioning of agricultural soils. Interactions within soil microbial communities can result in not only positive but also neutral and negative relationships among soil functions. Altering soil conditions through soil health-improving agricultural management can alleviate these functional trade-offs by promoting the diversity and interrelationships of soil microbes, which can help to achieve more productive and sustainable agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Huasteca region of Mexico, certain food plant species have been neglected due to public policies that have reduced support for family agriculture and favored the commercialization of processed and ultra-processed foods. It is important to identify and characterize these underutilized food plant species in the context of climate change and food and nutritional poverty. A survey was conducted among 45 participants in four rural localities, and field visits were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed thematically and through descriptive statistics. The study area is experiencing a progressive abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bees play a crucial role in agricultural production. Farmers rely on commercial bee pollination to obtain optimal yields, and beekeepers on the income from pollination fees. However, commercial pollination confronts honey bees with pests and pathogens, pesticides, and low-quality food, which in many cases do not fulfill the minimal nutritional requirements of honey bees. In this work, we evaluated honey bee nutrition in avocado and blueberry plantations under organic and conventional management, by assessing the nutritional quality of pollen and bee bread based on their protein, fatty acid, and microbial content, and by analyzing honey bee health through the examination of abdominal fatty acid profiles and head protein content. Low protein content in honey bee hemolymph was evident under conventional management. Regardless of management, avocado pollen showed higher protein levels, which were translated into higher honey bee head protein levels being 60% higher in avocado under conventional management when compared to blueberry under the same management. However, higher protein levels in avocado pollen were also translated into lower amounts of fatty acids in bee bread and in honey bee fat. In particular, the total amount of fatty acids in bee bread from conventional management was 50% lower than that from organic management. Additionally, the saturated fatty acids in conventional blueberries were lower compared to that of organic blueberries. Crop system and bee bread microbial composition altered the plant-honey bee nutrition cascades transforming pollen to bee bread with increased amount of saturated, unsaturated, and total fatty acids. In conclusion, both crop species and crop systems determine honey bee nutrition through alterations in the pollen transformation, affecting protein and fatty acid assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ants are a diverse and ecologically important group of insects that play vital roles in terrestrial ecosystems globally. In agricultural settings, they act as effective biocontrol agents against insect pests. Ants also serve as bioindicators of environmental health, reflecting changes in habitat and pollution. However, research on their diversity and population dynamics in cashew agroecosystems remains limited. Results The sampling was conducted using a pitfall trap that targeted three sampling zones viz., under African weaver ants colonised (AWAC) cashew trees, AWA-uncolonised (AWAUC) ones, and buffer zones (BZ). A total of 14,004 ants from six subfamilies, 18 genera, and 32 species were sampled, with 7,686 sampled during season one and 630 sampled during season two. The study found significant differences in ant populations across sampled zones, which were significantly different in season one (F(2.107) = 5.4; P = 0.01) and season two (F(2.107) = 3.32; P = 0.04). However, more ants were sampled under AWAUC cashew trees compared to AWAC cashew trees and the BZ (F(2.74) = 4.46; P = 0.02) at Nyamato during season one. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index yielded comparable results to Margalef’s species richness index for all three zones, which differed significantly in both seasons at Nyamato and season one at Chambezi. A SIMPER analysis showed an overall dissimilarity of 94.5% at Soga due to the presence of invasive species (Pheidole megacephala and Anoplolepis custodiens) and AWA, which was consistently observed across all the experimental sites. Conclusion The variety and number of ant species in cashew agroecosystems are influenced by several factors, including the presence of dominant ant species and weeding practices. Promoting biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems is crucial for supporting beneficial insect populations and mitigating the risks posed by invasive ant species. Currently, there is no effective bait available for controlling these invasive ant species, indicating a need for further research to develop such bait. This would facilitate the foraging activities of other ant species, including beneficial ones.

Abstract Mediterranean agroecosystems are under increasing pressures by extreme weather events, which together with poor livestock grazing management bring the already degraded lands closer to desertification. To address these challenges, we develop a decision support manual for sustainable management of degraded lands based on local plant and animal resources. We present a conceptual approach to quantify the quality attributes of current pasture-based livestock and mixed farming systems to increase their added value. Most approaches focus on lowland areas, we propose building a system to assess and quantify the quality and management of grazing lands as well as the small ruminant farming practices in Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) areas of the Mediterranean. The interventions have been proposed by 17 researchers from different disciplines ranging from animal science and animal husbandry, nutrition and genetics, pasture management, plant breeding and soil science to regional development and environmental science and agricultural economics. They are based on technical and socio-economic information, to foster the development of business models towards sustainable management of regenerative grazing. These models are also expected to be used as evidence for motivating farmers and stakeholders in reinforcing grazing as a practice that, when properly used and implemented using local knowledge, reduces land degradation and contributes to the conservation of the local resources. The economic analysis showing the costs and benefits of the applied systems is important to foster the integration and implementation of the recommended schemes and leads to more efficient planning through better decision making. The proposed interventions are designed to stimulate farmers to learn or rediscover grazing techniques, and to stimulate a re-think of priorities on the multi-faceted contribution of grazing agro-ecosystems, among others, on soil health, land degradation, sustainable grazing management and population conservation in LFAs, acknowledging the importance of pastureland regeneration. In the long term the introduction of the decision support manual and the business model will benefit the quality and management of grazing agroecosystems. Furthermore, it is essential to adjust the agricultural policies to implenent the proposed measures.

Knowledge co-creation (KCC) is imperative for agroecological development, yet the extent to which agroecological KCC processes balance scientific rigor, local relevance, and legitimacy, and the extent to which they connect to transformative agroecological farming remains poorly understood. Therefore, we systematically reviewed 58 peer-reviewed empirical studies that involved agroecological KCC. While we did not find a connection between the perceived credibility, salience, and legitimacy of the co-created knowledge and impacts on agroecological farming, we did find that KCC processes had mostly incremental, rather than transformative, impacts. We conclude that an increased focus on agroecological principles, going beyond agroecological practices, is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To successfully conserve and restore agrobiodiversity, it is essential to understand the impact of multiple drivers and interlinkages across multiple taxa that occur above, across, and below the soil interface. Based on data from six agricultural landscapes in Central Germany, with 16 sampling plots per landscape, we used structural equation models to disentangle the impacts of climate, land-use, and soil factors on the diversity of multiple taxonomic groups. We expected belowground communities (soil bacteria and fungi) to be more driven by soil variables, mobile aboveground groups (wild bees, ground beetles) to be more driven by climate and land use, and vascular plants, that have an above- and belowground component, to respond to a combination of all factors.According to our expectations, climate and land-use variables had an important role in shaping aboveground and plant communities. In contrast to our expectations, soil characteristics were of lesser importance for belowground organisms. Moreover, climatic factors had a strong impact on the soil microbiome, but this effect was indirect, modulated by soil pH. We also found indications for cascading effects of environmental factors via interlinkages within and among the above- and belowground communities. Our results highlight the importance of direct and indirect effects of multiple drivers on the diversity of multiple taxonomic groups and support recent calls for a multifunctional approach for sustainable landscape management and nature restoration, suggesting to focus on the promotion of semi-natural habitats but also considering the climatic context.

To successfully conserve and restore agrobiodiversity, it is essential to understand the impact of multiple drivers and interlinkages across multiple taxa that occur above, across, and below the soil interface. Based on data from six agricultural landscapes in Central Germany, with 16 sampling plots per landscape, we used structural equation models to disentangle the impacts of climate, land-use, and soil factors on the diversity of multiple taxonomic groups. We expected belowground communities (soil bacteria and fungi) to be more driven by soil variables, mobile aboveground groups (wild bees, ground beetles) to be more driven by climate and land use, and vascular plants, that have an above- and belowground component, to respond to a combination of all factors. According to our expectations, climate and land-use variables had an important role in shaping aboveground and plant communities. In contrast to our expectations, soil characteristics were of lesser importance for belowground organisms. Moreover, climatic factors had a strong impact on the soil microbiome, but this effect was indirect, modulated by soil pH. We also found indications for cascading effects of environmental factors via interlinkages within and among the above- and belowground communities. Our results highlight the importance of direct and indirect effects of multiple drivers on the diversity of multiple taxonomic groups and support recent calls for a multifunctional approach for sustainable landscape management and nature restoration, suggesting to focus on the promotion of semi-natural habitats but also considering the climatic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article analyzes the revitalization of Jamaica's sugar industry in the first half of the twentieth century and the overall shift in agricultural focus from bananas back to sugar in the context of the effects of the banana blight known as Panama disease. It argues that Panama disease and the response of small and large farmers to it, as well as weather events and changes in global markets, led growers to switch from banana to sugar cultivation. Afro-Jamaican smallholders led the shift to sugar in the 1910s, as they were the first to grapple with Panama disease in Jamaica. By the mid-1920s Panama disease had reached large banana plantations as well, and many planters, like smallholders a decade prior, responded by turning their plantations into sugar, rather than banana, monocultures. By the end of World War II, as a result of Panama disease, along with transformations in the sugar industry that came in the wake of the disease's spread, sugar had once more become Jamaica's primary agricultural export. Examining the Jamaican sugar industry as part of the history of Panama disease highlights that plant diseases affect much more than the specific crop they infect. Rather, they can have significant ramifications for other crops and the associated industries that make up the broader agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic land use has caused a major crisis to the biodiversity of stream fishes in recent decades, especially with regard to biotic homogenisation. Understanding the response of stream fishes to anthropogenic land use will help to promptly implement effective conservation measures. In this study, we investigated the effects of agriculture on fish diversity in streams in the Wannan Mountains, China. We predicted that agriculture would influence fish diversity by affecting local habitat conditions. The results showed that habitat conditions (e.g. water temperature, water width, water depth) differed significantly between disturbed and reference sites. The disturbed sites had high species richness due to the addition of translocated species outpacing the loss of endemic species. Moreover, fish assemblages showed taxonomic differentiation accompanied by functional homogenisation, which mainly resulted from the addition of translocated species with redundant functional traits. However, the emergence of homogenisation shows a time delay. The biotic differentiation of fish assemblages in agroecosystems is temporary in the Wannan Mountains, and homogenisation may eventually develop as stress intensifies. Thus, it is urgent and necessary to take effective conservation measures to delay or prevent fish assemblages from worsening in agroecosystems before homogenisation develops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carabidae, or carabids, commonly known as "ground beetles", are found in numerous natural and cultivated habitats and are recognized for their beneficial role in controlling phytophagous pests in various temperate agroecosystems. However, the crop type and agricultural practices used in management areas significantly affect the structure of the carabid communities. The aim of this study was to investigate the abundance and diversity of ground beetles in hazelnut agroecosystems characterized by different agricultural methods in Calabria, Southern Italy. The carabids were collected from 2017 to 2018 in three hazelnut groves referred to in this study as AZ1, AZ2 and AZ3. Carabids were sampled using pitfall traps inspected every two weeks over a period of 24 months. A total of 4665 specimens belonging to 48 taxa were collected within the sampled sites. Many taxa were found to be widely distributed across the three selected hazelnut groves. Among these, Calathus spp., Harpalus dimidiatus (P. Rossi, 1790), Nebria spp., Platyderus neapolitanus jannonei (Binaghi in Magistretti, 1955), Poecilus cupreus (Linnaeus, 1758), Pterostichus melas italicus (Dejean, 1828), and Syntomus obscuroguttatus (Duftschmid, 1812) were the most abundant ones associated with all sampled areas. Concerning trophic preference, among the collected taxa, the most abundant ones were zoophagous and zoospermophagous. Additionally, taxa uncommon in agroecosystems but with ecological relevance, such as Carabus lefebvrei lefebvrei Dejean, 1826, Carabus preslii neumeyeri Schaum, 1856, and Carabus rossii Dejean, 1826, were also collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In 2005 Marc Antrop published the article “Why landscapes of the past are important for the future” that became a milestone for traditional and cultural landscapes research and planning, highlighting their multifunctional role and importance for sustainable development. Objectives: After 20 years, this paper analyzes the current role of traditional rural landscapes in relation to the concept of Ecosystem Services, to understand if and why these landscapes are still important for the future of rural areas and communities. Results: Traditional rural landscapes still represent a resource capable of providing a wide range of Ecosystem Services to local communities, having a potential key-role for sustainable development. Institutional initiatives for their conservation and valorization testify a growing interest towards these systems and related ecological knowledge. In the context of climate change, they represent examples of sustainable adaptation and resilient strategies and practices. The preservation of these landscapes often rely only on farmers’ everyday work, while the benefits are enjoyed by the whole society; therefore, adequate support by governments and institutions should be provided to farmers who apply traditional and sustainable practices. Conclusions: Traditional landscapes should be preserved not as museums, but only making them the multifunctional basis of rural society and economy by applying the principles of dynamic conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the allelopathic potential of Ageratum conyzoides L. aqueous leaf extracts on germination and growth of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato), Zea mays L. (corn) and Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce). Total phenolic content (TPC) of the soil rhizosphere was determined by spectrophotometry method. We also investigated the habitat attributes (e.g., canopy openness and leaf area index (LAI)) of A. conyzoides infested region. Results revealed that aqueous leaf extracts had both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on the germination, plumule length and radicle length of crops. All extract concentrations inhibited the germination of Z. mays and L. sativa seeds, but no effects on S. lycopersicum, except at 50 gL-1. Conversely, plumule and radicle lengths were stimulated in S. lycopersicum and L. sativa for majority of extract concentrations but they were inhibited in Z. mays. The inhibitory allelopathic effects of A. conyzoides were maximum in Z. mays (i.e., S. lycopersicum < L. sativa < Z. mays). TPC values in invaded soil were 0.046 g/L and 0.48 g/L with gallic acid and catechol, respectively. This study showed that the presence of allelochemicals in A. conyzoides invaded soil, which potentially influenced the crops, thereby validating the 'novel weapon (NW) hypothesis'. The recorded values of habitat attributes were associated with the successful spread of A. conyzoides and hence, its allelopathic effects on test crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure the concept of ‘soil quality’, especially its expanded definition, which includes not only the production functions of soil, but also environmental and social components, is an effective tool for assessing the quality and choosing the party to the process of studying soil cover, assessing the degree of soil degradation, organizing monitoring systems and technical support for observations. In our opinion, such approaches should change the role of agrochemical research in agronomic and natural science education systems, balanced development of agroecosystems and rational use of natural resources. Soil quality is an assessment of its ability to perform its functions in providing ecosystems and social services under changing environmental conditions. Soil, as a natural and historical body, possesses a certain fertility, which is referred to as natural fertility. It is the result of the development of soil-forming processes that led to the formation of this soil as a natural body that has not been touched by any human activity, i.e. it is inherent only in virgin lands. Once humans begin to use soil for economic purposes, it becomes a means of production. Economic activity (tillage, fertilization, land reclamation, etc.) affects the development and change of soil fertility. Fertility is manifested in the yield of cultivated crops. Therefore, the ‘broad’ definition of soil quality, which stems from acknowledging its main functions, shows how well the soil performs the functions of maintaining biodiversity and productivity, regulating water and dissolved substance flows, filtering and nutrient cycling, etc. The organization of agricultural land is the first stage in the transformation of a natural ecosystem into an agroecosystem, and the boundaries of the types of agricultural land organization form the natural boundaries of agroecosystems. The study of the ecological condition of soil suitability in the research plot of SS NULES of Ukraine “Berezhany Agrotechnical Institute” in Ternopil district has been chosen as the basis for conducting the work. This category is known as effective fertility. Its level depends not only on the natural fertility of the soil, but also on the process and nature of agricultural use and farming culture. This is not a new category of fertility, but the same natural fertility that is enhanced by artificial measures. Artificial fertility and natural fertility are interconnected and together determine crop yields. The purpose is to substantiate environmental approaches and analyze practical recommendations for the formation of a mechanism for the development of environmentally friendly agriculture and to provide an ecological assessment of agricultural landscapes to determine the feasibility of organic farming for agricultural crops. Materials and methods were determined in accordance with the methodology of continuous soil and agrochemical monitoring of agricultural land in Ukraine. In most cases, farmers of alternative farms cannot compete with farmers of conventional farms in terms of crop yields. Satisfactory yields are absolutely dependent on the amount of manure and compost used, as well as the area that farmers can allocate to legumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The debate over the best agricultural practices for biological conservation often focuses on the degree to which agricultural lands should be interspersed with desirable habitat versus protecting lands entirely from production. It is important to understand the benefits agriculture provides for wildlife because it is consuming an increasing proportion of the landscape. We evaluated the nesting ecology of breeding ducks within a mosaic of flood‐irrigated conservation areas and agricultural lands in hay production. We assessed how habitat features at two spatial scales across these lands were related to nest site selection, nest density, and nest survival of multiple duck species. Birds selected nest sites with higher visual obstruction, a higher proportion of shrubs around the nest, and less bare ground, but we did not detect evidence of selection per se at larger spatial scales. Nest density was marginally higher along linear features, including irrigation ditches and riparian stretches, but nest survival remained similar across land‐use types and habitats features. This system is representative of many agricultural landscapes around the globe and highlights the ways agroecosystems can be managed to maintain habitat suitability for wildlife on working lands.

Land use change is a critical factor affecting the structure and functioning of biological communities, particularly forest birds. The Hyrcanian forests in northern Iran are undergoing significant transformations due to increasing agricultural expansion and the growth of orchards encroaching upon forest edges. While research often suggests that the edge effect can enhance species diversity in heterogeneous agricultural-forest landscapes, the effects of different agricultural practices have received less attention. In this study, we integrated remote sensing, landscape ecology, and statistical analysis, and served bird communities as ecological indicators aiming to identify the impact of various land use modification on biological communities of an agricultural-forest landscape. We used Sentinel-2 images to generate a land use map of the region based on the random forest classification method. Explanatory variables extracted from the derived land use were measured in 75 cell grids (1200 × 1200 m) and bird information in 400 × 400-meter units. We calculated 15 landscape metrics for each 1200-meter landscape unit cell and combined them with residential area and road length data for statistical analysis. The Redundancy Analysis (RDA) method was employed to examine the effects of environmental variables on bird community composition. We identified a total of 38 breeding bird species belonging to 21 families in the region. The RDA variance partitioning accounted for 0.554 as the constrained fraction, indicating that 54 % of the bird community variance was explained by the explanatory variables. Generalist and urban-dwelling birds were mainly dispersed across negative values of canonical axis 1 (RDA1). Conversely, forest specialist birds were scattered along positive values of RDA1. Less specialized understory birds, depending on more open woods with higher species diversity, were mostly illustrated with shorter projections across RDA2 extremes, correlated with orchards. Our findings demonstrate that the marginal habitats of Hyrcanian forests, predominantly consisting of orchard plantations, exhibit greater bird community diversity compared to dense forests or croplands. Although species diversity has been observed to increase initially, the ongoing trend of orchard encroachment on forest patches may result in heightened edge effects, an increased presence of generalist species, and a decline in specialized forest species. These results can help guide land use planning to achieve biodiversity goals in heterogeneous agricultural-forest landscapes.

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt • This study offers an approach to sustainable agriculture by isolating and identifying phosphate-solubilizing Pseudomonas species from the rhizosphere soil of Wagini ward, Katsina state, for the production of biofertilizers. • The research highlights the significant phosphate-solubilizing activity of these native strains, which enhances phosphorus availability to plants through the secretion of organic acids and enzymes. • By demonstrating the positive effects of these Pseudomonas-based biofertilizers on maize, beans, and millet, this study provides valuable insights into the development of eco-friendly, cost-effective biofertilizers tailored to local agroecosystems, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria. Full Abstract The utilization of biofertilizers holds promise as a sustainable approach to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Beyond nitrogen, phosphorus is integral to various aspects of plant metabolism, including cell division, growth, development, sugar breakdown, and nuclear transport. The present study focuses on isolating Pseudomonas as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from the rhizosphere soil to produce biofertilizer. Ten samples of rhizosphere soil samples were collected from agricultural fields in Wagini ward, Batsari Local Government area, Katsina state. The isolation and identification of Pseudomonas species from the soil samples were conducted using standard microbiological techniques, followed by screening for plant growth-promoting traits (phosphate solubilization). Subsequently, selected Pseudomonas species exhibiting robust phosphate solubilization were assessed for their efficacy in biofertilizer production, after which the produced biofertilizer was tested on maize, beans, and millet. The formulated biofertilizers demonstrated remarkable positive effects on the tested crops’ growth compared to those that were not treated with the Pseudomonas-based biofertilizer after seven days of cultivation under controlled conditions. The results of this study revealed that the isolated Pseudomonas strains exhibited significant phosphate-solubilizing activity. This indicates their potential to release phosphorus from insoluble forms, making it more accessible to plants. The solubilization activity was attributed to the secretion of organic acids and enzymes by the Pseudomonas strains, which can dissolve complex phosphates. This study underscores the importance of tacking native microbial resources for the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective biofertilizers tailored to local agroecosystems, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural intensification and food security in Nigeria.

Abstract This study investigates the ecological interaction between honeybees (Apis mellifera) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) plants, examining the mutual benefits of this relationship. Field experiments conducted in Egypt from December 2022 to May 2023 recorded diverse insect pollinators attracted to fennel flowers, especially honeybees. Assessing honeybee colonies near fennel fields showed improvements in sealed brood (357.5–772.5 cells), unsealed brood (176.3–343.8 cells), pollen collection (53.25–257.5 units), honey accumulation (257.5–877.5 units), and colony strength (7.75–10) over three weeks. Fennel exposure explained 88–99% of variability in foraging metrics. Comparing open versus self-pollinated fennel revealed enhanced attributes with bee pollination, including higher flower age (25.67 vs 19.67 days), more seeds per umbel (121.3 vs 95.33), bigger seeds (6.533 vs 4.400 mm), heavier seeds (0.510 vs 0.237 g/100 seeds), and increased fruit weight per umbel (0.619 vs 0.226 g). Natural variation in seed color and shape also occurred. The outcomes demonstrate the integral role of honeybees in fennel agroecosystems through efficient pollination services that improve crop productivity and quality. Fennel provides abundant nutritional resources that bolster honeybee colony health. This research elucidates the symbiotic bee-fennel relationship, underscoring mutualistic benefits and the importance of ecological conservation for sustainable agriculture.

This study investigates the ecological interaction between honeybees (Apis mellifera) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) plants, examining the mutual benefits of this relationship. Field experiments conducted in Egypt from December 2022 to May 2023 recorded diverse insect pollinators attracted to fennel flowers, especially honeybees. Assessing honeybee colonies near fennel fields showed improvements in sealed brood (357.5–772.5 cells), unsealed brood (176.3–343.8 cells), pollen collection (53.25–257.5 units), honey accumulation (257.5–877.5 units), and colony strength (7.75–10) over three weeks. Fennel exposure explained 88–99% of variability in foraging metrics. Comparing open versus self-pollinated fennel revealed enhanced attributes with bee pollination, including higher flower age (25.67 vs 19.67 days), more seeds per umbel (121.3 vs 95.33), bigger seeds (6.533 vs 4.400 mm), heavier seeds (0.510 vs 0.237 g/100 seeds), and increased fruit weight per umbel (0.619 vs 0.226 g). Natural variation in seed color and shape also occurred. The outcomes demonstrate the integral role of honeybees in fennel agroecosystems through efficient pollination services that improve crop productivity and quality. Fennel provides abundant nutritional resources that bolster honeybee colony health. This research elucidates the symbiotic bee-fennel relationship, underscoring mutualistic benefits and the importance of ecological conservation for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to document and compare the diversity of chalcidid wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) in the natural ecosystems and man-made agroecosystems of Chhattisgarh, India. Sweep net and yellow pan traps were used for sampling and a total of 354 individuals belonging to 70 species, 11 genera and four subfamilies of Chalcididae were collected in the last five years i.e. between 2019 - 2023 and studied. About 156 individuals were reported from the collections of 2019 - 2020 that belonged to 42 species of 10 genera under four subfamilies from the two different ecosystems whereas 198 specimens belonging to 56 species, nine genera and 4 subfamilies were recorded from Chhattisgarh's two different ecosystems in 2021 - 2023. The natural ecosystems of Chhattisgarh stood out as the rich Chalcididae diverse areas throughout the study periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccinellids (Coleoptera) are important natural enemies of pests in agroecosystems. However, worldwide, native species face several threats, including landscape simplification, biological invasions, and climate change. In Central Chile, one of the global biodiversity hotspots, coccinellid communities are very diverse and are composed mostly of native species, which are most common in less disturbed habitats. In alfalfa fields, native coccinellids play a crucial role in the biological control of aphids, even when they are less abundant than exotics. However, in the last 2 decades, native species in this crop have declined in abundance and diversity. Our long‐lasting field and laboratory studies have shown that this decline is associated with: (1) the invasion of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), which has superior competitive abilities and escapes more from parasitism; (2) the simplification of agricultural landscapes, loss of natural habitats, and urbanization; and (3) increasing environmental temperatures and decreasing precipitation. The decline in native coccinellid populations has resulted in a loss of taxonomic and functional diversity of assemblages, which may jeopardize biological control. Alfalfa fields and natural and semi‐natural habitats may offer an opportunity for the conservation of native coccinellids in agricultural landscapes. Such conservation might be achieved with better management of alfalfa fields and surrounding areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shade trees in agroforestry systems confer ecosystem services, such as enhanced soil fertility from diverse litter inputs, microclimate regulation via shade, and disease mitigation through trophic and abiotic interactions. With this thriving role of agroforestry in sustainable agriculture, particularly for tree crops, systematic and reliable methods to select shade trees for specific agroecosystem outcomes are crucial.Plant functional traits offer a framework to describe, select and manage shade trees. Over the last decade, shade tree leaf functional traits and whole plant traits have been assessed in agroforestry systems. Yet, we lack amalgamated information on (i) what we know about shade tree trait relationships with functions to achieve desired agroecosystem outcomes, (ii) how decades of shade tree selection by farmers impacts agroforests inter‐ and intraspecific trait diversity, and (iii) which shade tree traits should be considered for achieving farmer priorities.We consolidate literature on Coffea arabica (coffee) and Theobroma cacao (cocoa) agroforestry systems to summarize the role of shade tree functional traits in three key ecosystem functions: soil fertility, microclimate modification and crop productivity. We compile global and regional datasets on tree functional trait diversity to show the functional space of agroforestry tree species compared with the overall functional space observed in plants.Despite, or maybe because of, high shade tree diversity, shade tree trait characterization remains coarse and commonly measured at the community scale in the literature. Based on published trait data, we show that farmers adjust the functional composition of shade trees to increase the recycling of soil nutrients (high leaf nitrogen), the production of wood (skewing towards lower wood densities) and the production of fruits (tendency towards high seed size). Common shade trees in coffee and cocoa systems fall in the mid‐range of leaf acquisitive to conservative strategies, providing evidence that expanding shade tree portfolios can improve, or even accelerate, functions.Synthesis and applications: Based on the agroforestry literature and on trait‐environment relationships, we propose a matrix of shade tree traits that influence desirable agroecosystem outcomes for farmers, which can guide fine‐scale coordination of trait expression and agroforestry functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocrusts, common in natural ecosystems, are specific assemblages of microorganisms at or on the soil surface with associated microorganisms extending into the top centimeter of soil. Agroecosystem biocrusts have similar rates of nitrogen (N) fixation as those in natural ecosystems, but it is unclear how agricultural management influences their composition and function. This study examined the total bacterial and diazotrophic communities of biocrusts in a citrus orchard and a vineyard that shared a similar climate and soil type but differed in management. To contrast climate and soil type, these biocrusts were also compared with those from an apple orchard. Unlike natural ecosystem biocrusts, these agroecosystem biocrusts were dominated by proteobacteria and had a lower abundance of cyanobacteria. All of the examined agroecosystem biocrust diazotroph communities were dominated by N-fixing cyanobacteria from the Nostocales order, similar to natural ecosystem cyanobacterial biocrusts. Lower irrigation and fertilizer in the vineyard compared with the citrus orchard could have contributed to biocrust microbial composition, whereas soil type and climate could have differentiated the apple orchard biocrust. Season did not influence the bacterial and diazotrophic community composition of any of these agroecosystem biocrusts. Overall, agricultural management and climatic and edaphic factors potentially influenced the community composition and function of these biocrusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the evolutionary forces that maintain phenotypic variation in ecologically relevant traits has long been one of the central goals of evolutionary ecology. While the maintenance of variation in plant defense is most often hypothesized to be due to trait trade-offs or spatiotemporal variation in herbivore abundance, the role that heterogeneous selective agents may play on the maintenance of variation in plant defense is less examined. Trichomes are hair-like appendages on plant surfaces that can defend against multiple damaging agents such as pathogens, herbivores, and UV radiation. It is currently unknown however if conflicting selection from such heterogeneous agents of damage may act to maintain the variation observed in trichome traits. Here, we assess whether trichomes serve as an herbicide resistance trait and how it coincides with the conventionally studied defensive strategy of herbivory resistance. In a series of experiments, we exposed the annual invasive velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) to glyphosate (active ingredient in "Roundup") to investigate whether trichome traits (type and density) are linked to herbicide resistance and to test whether herbicide influences selection on plant trichomes. We found that an increased proportion of branched trichomes positively impacted herbicide resistance and chewing herbivory resistance. We also found evidence that glyphosate imposes positive selection on branched trichomes in velvetleaf. Overall, our results indicate that branched trichomes can contribute to both herbicide and herbivory resistance, serving a concordant rather than conflicting role to reduce plant injury. Our findings further suggest that novel anthropogenic agents of selection can alter the composition of plant defense traits, potentially impacting trait-mediated interactions among external stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bumble bees are integral pollinators of native and cultivated plant communities, but species are undergoing significant changes in range and abundance on a global scale. Climate change and land cover alteration are key drivers in pollinator declines; however, limited research has evaluated the cumulative effects of these factors on bumble bee assemblages. This study tests bumble bee assemblage (calculated as richness and abundance) responses to climate and land use by modeling species‐specific habitat requirements, and assemblage‐level responses across geographic regions. We integrated species richness, abundance, and distribution data for 18 bumble bee species with site‐specific bioclimatic, landscape composition, and landscape configuration data to evaluate the effects of multiple environmental stressors on bumble bee assemblages throughout 433 agricultural fields in Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia from 2018 to 2020. Distinct east versus west groupings emerged when evaluating species‐specific habitat associations, prompting a detailed evaluation of bumble bee assemblages by geographic region. Maximum temperature of warmest month and precipitation of driest month had a positive impact on bumble bee assemblages in the Corn Belt/Appalachian/northeast, southeast, and northern plains regions, but a negative impact on the mountain region. Further, forest land cover surrounding agricultural fields was highlighted as supporting more rich and abundant bumble bee assemblages. Overall, climate and land use combine to drive bumble bee assemblages, but how those processes operate is idiosyncratic and spatially contingent across regions. From these findings, we suggested regionally specific management practices to best support rich and abundant bumble bee assemblages in agroecosystems. Results from this study contribute to a better understanding of climate and landscape factors affecting bumble bees and their habitats throughout the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mosaic landscape of small-scale cropping, agroforests, and secondary forests common to steep-sloped, volcanic islands in the Caribbean provide habitats and food sources for many terrestrial bird species. Information on the diets of species living in these agroecosystems can inform conservation management and land-use decisions, and reveal the ecosystem services performed by these unique island bird communities. We obtained fecal samples from 356 individuals of 14 bird species, including 3 Lesser Antilles endemics, that occur in various agroforests, pasture, and cropping habitats on the island of Grenada, May–September 2018 and January–March 2019, and determined diet items using DNA meta-barcoding analysis. Identified food items included 14 orders and 259 genera of arthropods, and 25 orders and 98 genera of plants. We found a wide mix of arthropod and plant genera across an annual cycle in every bird species studied, including those believed to be nominally nectarivorous, frugivorous, or granivorous, supporting predictions that small-island bird populations exhibit generalist foraging. Similarly, diet composition varied among species within each study site to a similar degree that diets varied among study sites within each species further indicating opportunistic/generalist foraging. In addition, we found 26 arthropod genera and 34 plant genera that were frequently shared by 3 or more bird species, suggesting the importance of specific food resources for sustaining bird communities in these heterogeneous agricultural landscapes. We also found 4 known invertebrate crop pathogens amongst 5 bird species. Together, this study reveals the various roles that these generalist species play in agroforest habitats (e.g., crop-plant pest control, pollination, seed dispersal), and the results can be used to further explore land-use practices that best provide food resources to support this unique island bird community and the ecosystem functions they carry out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change continues to present daunting obstacles in the eastern region of Morocco, the reuse of treated wastewater has emerged as a vital solution for combating water scarcity, particularly for irrigation purposes. This investigation delves into the implications of reusing treated wastewater along the seasonal Isly River, with a specific focus on its downstream area, commonly referred to as "Oued Bou Naim". A comprehensive campaign was conducted in 2023 to analyse the physicochemical quality of 12 water samples from Oued Bou Naim and 13 soil samples from nearby agricultural plots. The findings from the water analysis show a marginal increase in temperature downstream from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Oujda, ranging from 19.0 °C to 24.8 °C. The pH varied between 7.08 and 8.33 and generally remained within acceptable limits. However, the electrical conductivity levels, ranging from 2154 to 2898 µS·cm-1, exceeded WHO standards, indicating potential risks to the soil-plant-health ecosystem. Additionally, the total dissolved solids increased significantly downstream from the WWTP, reaching 1437 mg·l-1. For the nitrites, a level exceeding the limits, especially upstream, had an average of 2.03 and a maximum of 5.48 mg·l-1. Upon studying the soil samples, a substantial increase in orthophosphates, nitrites, and nitrates was observed downstream. Orthophosphate levels increased significantly downstream, with an average of 361.25 mg·kg-1, indicating the contribution of treated wastewater. The nitrite concentration (average of 11.61 mg·kg-1) and nitrate level (average of 60 mg·kg-1) raise concerns regarding contamination through irrigation with treated wastewater. This research highlights the critical need for responsible irrigation practices to safeguard the delicate balance of the "Water-Soil-Plant" ecosystem and the well-being of humans. Although wastewater treatment plants play an important role, the presence of high levels of harmful pollutants downstream emphasizes the urgent need to carefully manage this treatment combined with the reasonable use of agrochemical inputs to prevent their leaching into nearby ecosystems. By doing so, we can effectively reduce the risks to both the ecosystem and human health in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]