Latest Articles from NeoBiota Latest 30 Articles from NeoBiota https://neobiota.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:23:05 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neobiota.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from NeoBiota https://neobiota.pensoft.net/ Rapid risk assessment of plant pathogenic bacteria and protists likely to threaten agriculture, biodiversity and forestry in Zambia https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/113801/ NeoBiota 91: 145-178

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.91.113801

Authors: Joseph Mulema, Sydney Phiri, Nchimunya Bbebe, Rodwell Chandipo, Mutibo Chijikwa, Hildah Chimutingiza, Paul Kachapulula, Francisca Kankuma Mwanda, Mathews Matimelo, Emma Mazimba-Sikazwe, Sydney Mfune, Mtawa Mkulama, Miyanda Moonga, Wiza Mphande, Millens Mufwaya, Rabson Mulenga, Brenda Mweemba, Damien Ndalamei Mabote, Phillip Nkunika, Isaiah Nthenga, Mathias Tembo, Judith Chowa, Stacey Odunga, Selpha Opisa, Chapwa Kasoma, Lucinda Charles, Fernadis Makale, Ivan Rwomushana, Noah Anthony Phiri

Abstract: A prioritisation study was conducted to address the lack of adequate information about potential pests likely to be introduced in Zambia and become invasive. The study was conducted by subject matter experts from relevant institutions in and outside Zambia. Although this study focused on major pest categories, this paper only addresses bacteria and Protista. A list of 306 bacterial and 10 Protista species adjudged to affect plants was generated using CABI’s Horizon Scanning Tool. The 316 (total) pest species were refined to focus on pests that affect value chains important to Zambia’s economy. This resulted in a final list of 133 bacteria and eight Protista. Four additional bacteria species considered of phytosanitary interest were added and all 137 bacteria and eight Protista species were subjected to a rapid risk assessment using agreed guidelines. Vectors reported to transmit any of the pathogenic organisms were also subjected to a risk assessment. A proportion of 53% (n = 77 of 145) comprising 73 bacteria and four Protista species were reported as present in Africa. Of these, 42 (57%, n = 73) bacterial species and two (n=4) Protista species were reported in neighbouring countries. Considering a cut-off of 54, the highest scoring pests were 40 bacteria (highest score of 140) and three Protista (highest score of 125). Three actions were suggested for high-scoring pests, a detection surveillance, a pest-initiated pest risk analysis (PRA) or a detection surveillance followed by pest-initiated PRA. A “no action” was suggested where the risk was very low although, for some pathogenic organisms, a “no action” was followed by periodic monitoring. This information will contribute towards proactive prevention and management of biological invasions.

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Research Article Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:57:53 +0200
Defining the biosecurity risk posed by soil found on sea freight https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/98440/ NeoBiota 88: 103-133

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.88.98440

Authors: Mark R. McNeill, Craig B. Phillips, Nicola K. Richards, Lee T. Aalders, Chikako van Koten, Trevor K. James, Sandra D. Young, Nigel L. Bell, Aurelie Laugraud

Abstract: Soil associated with sea freight (shipping containers, flat racks and used machinery) arriving at New Zealand seaports was sampled for bacteria, fungi, nematodes, macro-invertebrates and plant seeds. Pseudomonads were selectively isolated, as several significant plant pathogens fall within this bacterial group. The mean and median sample weight collected from sea freight was found to be 417.3 and 152.7 g, respectively, with most recovered soil (73%) collected from the underside of shipping containers and flat rack containers. Likewise, for used machinery, most recovered soil (75%) was found under the machinery. Flat rack containers had significantly higher soil contamination compared to shipping containers and used machinery, but generally the counts and incidence of taxa were significantly lower compared to these other freight types. Viable bacteria, fungi, nematodes, seeds and arthropods were associated with the soil, with both counts g-1 and prevalence in samples varying with taxa, freight type, and location on the freight. Various regulated biosecurity organisms were recovered from the samples, including Aphelenchoides besseyi (rice white tip nematode), and seeds from genera such as Brachiaria, Cortaderia, Digitaria, Eragrostis and Sonchus. There were also live arthropod taxa that were not recorded as being present in New Zealand. No known plant pathogenic pseudomonads were identified through sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Shipping containers were found to be an important introduction pathway for exotic species, and therefore require careful monitoring and management. Comparisons of the incidence and mean number of organisms associated with soil on sea freight compared to a previous study with soil on footwear, generally showed that incidence and counts of many taxa were lower on sea freight, indicating that biosecurity risk can vary with pathway. However, prioritising one soil pathway over another according to the risks they present, and differentially allocating resources is problematic because the relative risk is dynamic, dictated by factors such as new pests or diseases entering the respective pathways.

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Research Article Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:57:16 +0300
Emerging tree diseases are accumulating rapidly in the native and non-native ranges of Holarctic trees https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/103525/ NeoBiota 87: 143-160

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.87.103525

Authors: Andrew V. Gougherty

Abstract: Emerging infectious diseases threaten natural and managed trees worldwide – causing reduced vigour, increased mortality and, occasionally, extirpation – yet we have little understanding of how emerging diseases have accumulated over time and how accumulation has varied by host species, host nativity and in different global regions. To address this challenge, I assembled over 900 new disease reports on 284 tree species in 88 countries and quantified how emerging infectious diseases have accumulated geographically and on different hosts. I show disease accumulation is increasing rapidly globally, with numerous recent years having nearly twice the number of new records as the twenty-year average and the number of new reports doubling every ~ 11 years. Of the tree genera assessed, Pinus had by far the most new diseases reported over the last several decades, likely reflecting both its large native range in the Northern Hemisphere and its wide use in forestry globally. Most hosts tend to accumulate more diseases in their native ranges than their non-native ranges, consistent with pathogen introductions causing most new diseases. Europe and Central Asia had the most accumulated emerging diseases, but accumulation is also increasing rapidly in East Asia. This work suggests that the impacts of emergent tree diseases are likely to continue to compound in the future and threaten native and planted forests worldwide.

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Short Communication Mon, 4 Sep 2023 18:05:03 +0300
Eradication programs against non-native pests and pathogens of woody plants in Europe: which factors influence their success or failure? https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/95687/ NeoBiota 84: 281-317

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.84.95687

Authors: Sofia Branco, Jacob C. Douma, Eckehard G. Brockerhoff, Mireia Gomez-Gallego, Benoit Marcais, Simone Prospero, José Carlos Franco, Hervé Jactel, Manuela Branco

Abstract: When a non-native species succeeds in establishing in a new habitat, one of the possible responses is to attempt its eradication. In the present study, we analysed European eradication programmes against non-native pests and pathogens of woody plants (PPWP) from 1945 to date. Our main goal was to identify which factors affect the success of an eradication programme, reinforcing guidelines for future eradication of PPWP. Data on eradication campaigns were obtained from online databases, scientific and grey literature, and Plant Protection Organizations’ reports. Factors influencing eradication success for both arthropods and pathogens were analysed with LASSO regression and decision tree learning. A total of 848 cases officially declared as eradication attempts were documented in our database (8-fold higher than previous reports). Both the number of programmes and their rate of success increased sharply over the last two decades. Only less than 10% of the non-native organisms affecting woody plants were targeted for attempted eradication despite the high economic and ecological impacts caused by some species for which no efforts were undertaken. Almost one-third of the officially declared cases of eradication concerned organisms that were still restricted to the material with which they were introduced. For these cases the success rate was 100%. The success rate of established species was only 50% for arthropods and 61% for pathogens. The spatial extent of the outbreak was the factor that most affected the outcome of eradication campaigns. The eradication success decreased abruptly above 100 ha for arthropods and 10 ha for pathogens. Additionally, other variables were shown to influence the outcome of eradication programmes, in particular the type of environment, with the highest eradication success rate found in nurseries and glasshouses, with successful outcomes increasing if quarantine measures were applied and when monitoring included asymptomatic plants. Particular species traits may reduce eradication success: parthenogenetic arthropods, saprotrophic pathogens, wind dispersal, the possibility to remain asymptomatic indefinitely, and the existence of resting spores or stages. In conclusion, small affected areas, quick response, and efficient implementation of quarantine restrictions, together with particular species traits, may allow a high probability of eradication success. Preparedness at the country and European level would allow a larger number of target species to be included in future eradication programmes.

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Review Article Thu, 18 May 2023 18:00:13 +0300
Measuring the threat from a distance: insight into the complexity and perspectives for implementing sentinel plantation to test the host range of Xylella fastidiosa https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/90024/ NeoBiota 84: 47-80

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.84.90024

Authors: Noemi Casarin, Séverine Hasbroucq, Júlia López-Mercadal, Miguel Ángel Miranda, Claude Bragard, Jean-Claude Grégoire

Abstract: The sentinel plantation concept consists of assessing the impact of exotic factors, such as pests and pathogens, on plants of interest by planting them out of their native range. This tool is a way to enhance knowledge for pest risk analysis (PRA) by guiding decisions on how quarantine organisms should be regulated and where to focus prevention and surveillance efforts for an early detection. In this study, the sentinel method was used in the case of research on Xylella fastidiosa, a plant pathogenic bacterium that has recently been found established in southern Europe, but whose potential impact and possible host range are still poorly documented in northern areas where the bacterium is not known to occur. To improve knowledge on the susceptibility of potential hosts of X. fastidiosa in northern Europe, a sentinel plantation of Prunus domestica cv. Opal, Quercus petraea and Salix alba was established in the X. fastidiosa-infected area of Majorca. In order to assess the circulation of the bacterium in the sentinel plot and around it, surveys of the local flora and insect vectors were carried out, as well as the planting of a network of rosemary “spy plants”. Symptomatic monitoring and molecular analyses were performed on the sentinel plants for four years. During these years, X. fastidiosa was never detected in our sentinel plants most likely because of the low infectivity pressure recorded in the surroundings. This study underlines the complexity of conducting sentinel plantation assays combined with X. fastidiosa research, highlighting the need for long-term investigation and questioning the efficiency of the sentinel tool. However, this study is placed in perspective with other valuable sentinel plantations. It also highlights the complementarity of the tool and proposes elements to improve or re-orientate the implementation of future sentinel projects.

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Research Article Thu, 18 May 2023 18:00:04 +0300
The TOP-100 most dangerous invasive alien species in Northern Eurasia: invasion trends and species distribution modelling https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/96282/ NeoBiota 82: 23-56

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.82.96282

Authors: Varos Petrosyan, Fedor Osipov, Irina Feniova, Natalia Dergunova, Andrey Warshavsky, Lyudmila Khlyap, Andrew Dzialowski

Abstract: Northern Eurasia is extensive and includes terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that cover several natural zones and access to the seas of three oceans. As a result, it has been invaded by numerous invasive alien species (IAS) over large temporal and spatial scales. The purpose of this research was to assess invasion trends and construct species distribution models for the Russian TOP-100 most dangerous IAS. Environmentally suitable regions for IAS were established based on alien species attribute databases, datasets of 169,709 species occurrence records (SOR) and raster layers of environmental variables using species distribution modelling (MaxEnt). The objectives of this research were to (1) create databases of SOR for the TOP-100 IAS in Russia; 2) determine pathways, residence time, donor regions and trends of invasions; (3) determine the main types of spatial distributions of invasive species and their relation to residence time; and (4) distinguish regions with the highest richness of IAS that have a strong impact on the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Russia. We found that although species invasions date back over 400 years, the number of naturalized IAS has increased non-linearly over the past 76 years. The TOP-100 list is mainly represented by unintentionally introduced species (62%) which are characterized by different introduction pathways. Species occurrence records revealed that 56 IAS are distributed locally, 26 are distributed regionally and 18 are widespread in Russia. Species with local, regional or widespread distributions were characterized by residence times of 55, 126 or 190 years, respectively. We found that IAS with local distribution can expand their range into suitable regions more extensively (expected increase by 32%) than widespread species (expected increase by only 7%). The procedure of identifying hot/cold spots locations based on SOR allowed us to identify the Russian regions with the highest richness of IAS. Our results and the integrated database that we created provide a framework for studying IAS over large temporal and spatial scales that can be used in the development of management plans for dangerous IAS.

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Research Article Thu, 2 Feb 2023 18:31:44 +0200
Impact of non-native tree species in Europe on soil properties and biodiversity: a review https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/87022/ NeoBiota 78: 45-69

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.78.87022

Authors: Thomas Wohlgemuth, Martin M. Gossner, Thomas Campagnaro, Hélia Marchante, Marcela van Loo, Giorgio Vacchiano, Pilar Castro-Díez, Dorota Dobrowolska, Anna Gazda, Srdjan Keren, Zsolt Keserű, Marcin Koprowski, Nicola La Porta, Vitas Marozas, Per Holm Nygaard, Vilém Podrázský, Radosław Puchałka, Orna Reisman-Berman, Lina Straigytė, Tiina Ylioja, Elisabeth Pötzelsberger, Joaquim S. Silva

Abstract: In the context of global change, the integration of non-native tree (NNT) species into European forestry is increasingly being discussed. The ecological consequences of increasing use or spread of NNTs in European forests are highly uncertain, as the scientific evidence is either constraint to results from case studies with limited spatial extent, or concerns global assessments that lack focus on European NNTs. For either case, generalisations on European NNTs are challenging to draw. Here we compile data on the impacts of seven important NNTs (Acacia dealbata, Ailanthus altissima, Eucalyptus globulus, Prunus serotina, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Quercus rubra, Robinia pseudoacacia) on physical and chemical soil properties and diversity attributes in Europe, and summarise commonalities and differences. From a total of 103 publications considered, studies on diversity attributes were overall more frequent than studies on soil properties. The effects on soil properties varied greatly among tree species and depended on the respective soil property. Overall, increasing (45%) and decreasing (45%) impacts on soil occurred with similar frequency. In contrast, decreasing impacts on biodiversity were much more frequent (66%) than increasing ones (24%). Species phylogenetically distant from European tree species, such as Acacia dealbata, Eucalyptus globulus and Ailanthus altissima, showed the strongest decreasing impacts on biodiversity. Our results suggest that forest managers should be cautious in using NNTs, as a majority of NNT stands host fewer species when compared with native tree species or ecosystems, likely reflected in changes in biotic interactions and ecosystem functions. The high variability of impacts suggests that individual NNTs should be assessed separately, but NNTs that lack European relatives should be used with particular caution.

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Review Article Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:19:18 +0200
Threats to UK freshwaters under climate change: Commonly traded aquatic ornamental species and their potential pathogens and parasites https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/80215/ NeoBiota 76: 73-108

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.76.80215

Authors: James Guilder, Gordon H. Copp, Mark A. Thrush, Nicholas Stinton, Debbie Murphy, Joanna Murray, Hannah J. Tidbury

Abstract: The aquatic ornamental industry, whilst providing socio-economic benefits, is a known introduction pathway for non-native species, which if invasive, can cause direct impacts to native species and ecosystems and also drive disease emergence by extending the geographic range of associated parasites and pathogens and by facilitating host-switching, spillover and spill-back. Although current UK temperatures are typically below those necessary for the survival and establishment of commonly-traded tropical, and some sub-tropical, non-native ornamental species, the higher water temperatures predicted under climate-change scenarios are likely to increase the probability of survival and establishment. Our study aimed primarily to identify which of the commonly-traded non-native ornamental aquatic species (fish and invertebrates), and their pathogens and parasites, are likely to benefit in terms of survival and establishment in UK waters under predicted future climate conditions. Out of 233 ornamental species identified as traded in the UK, 24 were screened, via literature search, for potential parasites and pathogens (PPPs) due to their increased risk of survival and establishment under climate change. We found a total of 155 PPPs, the majority of which were platyhelminths, viruses and bacteria. While many of the identified PPPs were already known to occur in UK waters, PPPs currently absent from UK waters and with zoonotic potential were also identified. Results are discussed in the context of understanding potential impact, in addition to provision of evidence to inform risk assessment and mitigation approaches.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Oct 2022 18:55:05 +0300
Plankton hitch-hikers on naturalists’ instruments as silent intruders of aquatic ecosystems: current risks and possible prevention https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/82636/ NeoBiota 73: 193-219

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.73.82636

Authors: Łukasz Wejnerowski, Tümer Orhun Aykut, Aleksandra Pełechata, Michał Rybak, Tamara Dulić, Jussi Meriluoto, Marcin Krzysztof Dziuba

Abstract: Organism dispersal is nowadays highly driven by human vectors. This also refers to the aquatic organisms that can often silently spread in and invade new waters, especially when human vectors of dispersal act without brakes. Thus, it is mandatory to continuously identify human-mediated mechanisms of organism dispersal and implement proper biosecurity treatments. In this study, we demonstrate how the plankton net – one of the basic instruments in the equipment of every plankton sampling person is a good vector for plankton dispersal and invasions. We also demonstrate whether keeping the net in an ethanol solution after sampling is a proper biosecurity treatment, and what kind of treatments are implemented by people worldwide. The first simulation shows that bloom-forming cyanobacteria can easily infiltrate into the new environment thanks to the nets, and can prosper there. However, ethanol-based biosecurity treatment efficiently prevented their spread and proliferation in the new environment. The second simulation, based on wild plankton from an eutrophic lake, indicates that a plethora of phyto- and zooplankton taxa can infiltrate into the new waterbody through the net and sustain themselves there if the net is only flushed in the waterbody and left to dry after sampling (an approach that is commonly used by naturalists). Here, we also show that native plankton residents strongly shape the fate of hitch-hikers, but some of them like cyanobacteria can successfully compete with residents. Survey data alert us to the fact that the vast majority of biologists use either ineffective or questionable biosecurity treatments and only less than a tenth of samplers implement treatments based on disinfectant liquids. Our results emphasize that the lack of proper biosecurity methods implemented by the biologists facilitates the spread and invasions of plankton including also invasive species of a great nuisance to native ecosystems. Considering that naturalists usually use different instruments that might also be good vectors of plankton dispersal, it is necessary to develop proper uniform biosecurity treatments. No longer facilitating the plankton spread through hydrobiological instruments is the milestone that we, plankton samplers worldwide, should achieve together in the nearest future if we want to continue our desire to explore, understand, protect and save nature.

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Research Article Wed, 25 May 2022 12:41:38 +0300
How does familiarity in rhizobial interactions impact the performance of invasive and native legumes? https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/79620/ NeoBiota 72: 129-156

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.72.79620

Authors: Staci Warrington, Allan G. Ellis, Jan-Hendrik Keet, Johannes J. Le Roux

Abstract: Mutualisms can be disrupted when non-native plants are introduced into novel environments, potentially impacting their establishment success. Introduced species can reassemble mutualisms by forming novel associations with resident biota or by maintaining familiar associations when they are co-introduced with their mutualists. Invasive Australian Acacia species in South Africa have formed nitrogen-fixing rhizobium mutualisms using both pathways. Here we examined the contributions of novel vs familiar rhizobial associations to the performance of Acacia saligna across different soils within South Africa’s Core Cape Subregion (CCR), and the concomitant impacts of exotic rhizobia on the endemic legume, Psoralea pinnata. We grew each legume with and without Australian Bradyrhizobium strains across various CCR soil types in a glasshouse. We identified root nodule rhizobium communities associating with seedlings grown in each treatment combination using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. Our results show that different CCR soils affected growth performances of seedlings for both species while the addition of Australian bradyrhizobia affected growth performances of A. saligna, but not P. pinnata. NGS data revealed that each legume associated mostly with their familiar rhizobial partners, regardless of soil conditions or inoculum treatment. Acacia saligna predominantly associated with Australian bradyrhizobia, even when grown in soils without inoculum, while P. pinnata largely associated with native South African Mesorhizobium strains. Our study suggests that exotic Australian bradyrhizobia are already present and widespread in pristine CCR soils, and that mutualist limitation is not an impediment to further acacia invasion in the region. The ability of P. pinnata to sanction Australian Bradyrhizobium strains suggests that this species may be a good candidate for restoration efforts following the removal of acacias in CCR habitats.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Mar 2022 14:18:42 +0300
Horizon scanning for prioritising invasive alien species with potential to threaten agriculture and biodiversity in Ghana https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/72577/ NeoBiota 71: 129-148

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.71.72577

Authors: Marc Kenis, Lakpo Koku Agboyi, Richard Adu-Acheampong, Michael Ansong, Stephen Arthur, Prudence Tonator Attipoe, Abdul-Salam Mahamud Baba, Patrick Beseh, Victor Attuquaye Clottey, Rofela Combey, Israel Dzomeku, Mary Akpe Eddy-Doh, Ken Okwae Fening, Kofi Frimpong-Anin, Walter Hevi, Emmanuellah Lekete-Lawson, Jerry Asalma Nboyine, Godfried Ohene-Mensah, Birgitta Oppong-Mensah, Hannah Serwaa Akoto Nuamah, Grace van der Puije, Joseph Mulema

Abstract: Invasive alien species (IAS) continue to shape the global landscape through their effects on biological diversity and agricultural productivity. The effects are particularly pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa, which has seen the arrival of many IAS in recent years. This has been attributed to porous borders, weak cross border biosecurity, and inadequate capacity to limit or stop invasions. Prediction and early detection of IAS, as well as mechanisms of containment and eradication, are needed in the fight against this global threat. Horizon scanning is an approach that enables gathering of information on risk and impact that can support IAS management. A study was conducted in Ghana to establish two ranked lists of potential invasive alien plant pest species that could be harmful to agriculture, forestry, and the environment, and to rank them according to their potential threat. The ultimate objective was to enable prioritization of actions including pest risk analysis, prevention, surveillance and contingency plans. Prioritisation was carried out using an adapted version of horizon scanning and consensus methods developed for ranking IAS worldwide. Following a horizon scan of invasive alien species not yet officially present in Ghana, a total of 110 arthropod and 64 pathogenic species were assessed through a simplified pest risk assessment. Sixteen species, of which 14 were arthropods and two pathogens, had not been recorded on the African continent at the time of assessment. The species recorded in Africa included 19 arthropod and 46 pathogenic species which were already recorded in the neighbouring countries of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo. The majority of arthropod species were likely to arrive as contaminants on commodities, followed by a sizable number which were likely to arrive as stowaways, while some species were capable of long distance dispersal unaided. The main actions suggested for species that scored highly included full pest risk analyses and, for species recorded in neighbouring countries, surveys to determine their presence in Ghana were recommended.

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Research Article Tue, 8 Feb 2022 12:12:59 +0200
Management of invasive alien species in Spain: A bibliometric review https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/68202/ NeoBiota 70: 123-150

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.70.68202

Authors: Rafael Muñoz-Mas, Martina Carrete, Pilar Castro-Díez, Miguel Delibes-Mateos, Josep A. Jaques, Marta López-Darias, Manuel Nogales, Joan Pino, Anna Traveset, Xavier Turon, Montserrat Vilà, Emili García-Berthou

Abstract: Scientific and grey literature on invasive alien species (IAS) is conditioned by social, economic and political priorities, editorial preferences and species and ecosystem characteristics. This leads to knowledge gaps and mismatches between scientific research interests and management needs. We reviewed the literature on IAS management in Spain found in Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Dialnet to identify key deficiencies and priority research areas. The collected literature was classified, employing features describing formal aspects and content. We used bibliometric and keyword co-occurrence network analyses to assess the relationship between features and reveal the existence of additional topics. Most of the compiled documents (n = 388) were focused on terrestrial ecosystems and inland waters, whereas marine and urban ecosystems were under-represented. The literature was largely generic and not species-specific, focusing on raising awareness and proposing changes on current regulation as prominent approaches to prevent further introductions. The compiled authors exhibited many clear publishing preferences (e.g. language or document type), but less regarding target taxa. In addition, there was a strong association between species and the different features considered, especially between the methodological approach (e.g. review, field experiment) and the primary emphasis of study (i.e. basic/theoretical, applied or interdisciplinary). This indicates that research on IAS has had a strong species-specific focus. References about terrestrial species focused mainly on vascular plants, whereas references about inland waters were mostly on fishes and the giant reed (Arundo donax), which has been managed with partial success. Animal culling and plant removal were the most frequent eradication and small-scale control treatments, whereas the documents addressing wider spatial scales were largely theoretical. Consequently, the success of described treatments was largely uncertain. Spanish invasion science research has been occasionally innovative, incorporating novel technologies (e.g. species distribution modelling) and engaging society with citizen-science approaches. However, the ratio between basic/theoretical and applied studies indicates that more applied research/management is needed, especially in inland waters and marine ecosystems. We call for increasing effort in the effective dissemination of experience in IAS management to enhance current practical knowledge, including that of schemes undertaken by public agencies.

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Review Article Tue, 14 Dec 2021 11:49:46 +0200
The potential direct economic impact and private management costs of an invasive alien species: Xylella fastidiosa on Lebanese wine grapes https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/72280/ NeoBiota 70: 43-67

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.70.72280

Authors: Michel Frem, Vincenzo Fucilli, Franco Nigro, Maroun El Moujabber, Raied Abou Kubaa, Pierfederico La Notte, Francesco Bozzo, Elia Choueiri

Abstract: Since its outbreak in 2013 in Italy, the harmful bacterium Xylella fastidiosa has continued to spread throughout the Euro-Mediterranean basin and, more recently, in the Middle East region. Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa is the causal agent of Pierce’s disease on grapevines. At present, this alien subspecies has not been reported in Lebanon but if this biological invader was to spread with no cost-effective and sustainable management, it would put Lebanese vineyards at a certain level of risk. In the absence of an Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa outbreak, the gross revenue generated by Lebanese wine growers is estimated as close to US$22 million/year for an average period of 5 years (2015–2019). The potential quantitative economic impacts of an Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa outbreak and particularly, the private control costs have not been assessed yet for this country as well as for others which Xylella fastidiosa may invade. Here, we have aimed to estimate the potential direct economic impact on growers’ livelihoods and provide the first estimate of the private management costs that a theoretical Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa outbreak in Lebanon would involve. For this purpose, we used a Partial Budget approach at the farm gate. For the country as a whole, we estimated that a hypothetical full spread of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa on Lebanese wine grapes would lead to maximum potential gross revenue losses of almost US$ 11 million for an average recovery period of 4 years, to around US$ 82.44 million for an average grapevine life span period of 30 years in which infected plants are not replaced at all. The first yearly estimated additional management cost is US$853 per potentially infected hectare. For a recovery period of 4 years, the aggregate estimated additional cost would reach US$2374/ha, while the aggregate net change in profit would be US$-4046/ha. Furthermore, additional work will be needed to estimate the public costs of an Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa outbreak in Lebanon. The observed costs in this study support the concerned policy makers and stakeholders to implement a set of reduction management options against Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa at both national and wine growers’ levels. This re-emerging alien biota should not be neglected in this country. This understanding of the potential direct economic impact of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa and the private management costs can also benefit further larger-scale studies covering other potential infection areas and plant hosts.

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Research Article Mon, 6 Dec 2021 10:49:17 +0200
Pathogens co-transported with invasive non-native aquatic species: implications for risk analysis and legislation https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/71358/ NeoBiota 69: 79-102

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.69.71358

Authors: Rachel Foster, Edmund Peeler, Jamie Bojko, Paul F. Clark, David Morritt, Helen E. Roy, Paul Stebbing, Hannah J. Tidbury, Louisa E. Wood, David Bass

Abstract: Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) can co-transport externally and internally other organisms including viruses, bacteria and other eukaryotes (including metazoan parasites), collectively referred to as the symbiome. These symbiotic organisms include pathogens, a small minority of which are subject to surveillance and regulatory control, but most of which are currently unscrutinized and/or unknown. These putatively pathogenetic symbionts can potentially pose diverse risks to other species, with implications for increased epidemiological risk to agriculture and aquaculture, wildlife/ecosystems, and human health (zoonotic diseases). The risks and impacts arising from co-transported known pathogens and other symbionts of unknown pathogenic virulence, remain largely unexplored, unlegislated, and difficult to identify and quantify. Here, we propose a workflow using PubMed and Google Scholar to systematically search existing literature to determine any known and potential pathogens of aquatic INNS. This workflow acts as a prerequisite for assessing the nature and risk posed by co-transported pathogens of INNS; of which a better understanding is necessary to inform policy and INNS risk assessments. Addressing this evidence gap will be instrumental to devise an appropriate set of statutory responsibilities with respect to these symbionts, and to underpin new and more effective legislative processes relating to the disease screening and risk assessment of INNS.

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Research Article Mon, 18 Oct 2021 10:00:07 +0300
Towards an open, zoomable atlas for invasion science and beyond https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/66685/ NeoBiota 68: 5-18

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.68.66685

Authors: Jonathan M. Jeschke, Tina Heger, Peter Kraker, Maxi Schramm, Christopher Kittel, Daniel Mietchen

Abstract: Biological invasions are on the rise, and their global impacts on ecosystems, economies and human health are a major challenge. Invasion science is critical to mitigate invader impacts, yet due to the strong increase of data and information in this area, it has become difficult to acquire and maintain an overview of the field. As a result, existing evidence is often not found, knowledge is too rarely transferred to practice, and research is sometimes conducted in pursuit of dead ends. We propose to address these challenges by developing an interactive atlas of invasion science that can be extended to other disciplines in the future. This online portal, which we aim to create in the course of the project described here, will be an evolving knowledge resource and open for anyone to use, including researchers, citizen scientists, practitioners and policy makers. Users will be able to zoom into the major research questions and hypotheses of invasion science, which are connected to the relevant studies published in the field and, if available, the underlying raw data. The portal will apply cutting-edge visualization techniques, artificial intelligence and novel methods for knowledge synthesis.

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Project Description Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:38:18 +0300
Economic costs of biological invasions in terrestrial ecosystems in Russia https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/58529/ NeoBiota 67: 103-130

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.67.58529

Authors: Natalia Kirichenko, Phillip J. Haubrock, Ross N. Cuthbert, Evgeny Akulov, Elena Karimova, Yuri Shneider, Chunlong Liu, Elena Angulo, Christophe Diagne, Franck Courchamp

Abstract: Terrestrial ecosystems, owing to the presence of key socio-economic sectors such as agriculture and forestry, may be particularly economically affected by biological invasions. The present study uses a subset of the recently developed database of global economic costs of biological invasions (InvaCost) to quantify the monetary costs of biological invasions in Russia, the largest country in the world that spans two continents. From 2007 up to 2019, invasions costed the Russian economy at least US$ 51.52 billion (RUB 1.38 trillion, n = 94 cost entries), with the vast majority of these costs based on predictions or extrapolations (US$ 50.86 billion; n = 87) and, therefore, not empirically observed. Most cost entries exhibited low geographic resolution, being split between European and Asian parts of Russia (US$ 44.17 billion; n = 72). Just US$ 7.35 billion (n = 22) was attributed to the European part solely and none to the Asian part. Invasion costs were documented for 72 species and particularly insects (37 species). The empirically-observed costs, summing up to US$ 660 million (n = 7), were reported only for four species: two insects Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire and Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) and two plants Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. and Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. The vast majority of economic costs were related to resource damages and economic losses, with very little reported expenditures on managing invasions in terrestrial ecosystems. In turn, agriculture (US$ 37.42 billion; n = 68) and forestry (US$ 14.0 billion; n = 20) were the most impacted sectors. Overall, we report burgeoning economic costs of invasions in Russia and identify major knowledge gaps, for example, concerning specific habitat types (i.e. aquatic) and management expenditures, as well as for numerous known invasive taxa with no reported economic costs (i.e. vertebrates). Given this massive, largely underestimated economic burden of invasions in Russia, our work is a call for improved reporting of costs nationally and internationally.

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Research Article Thu, 29 Jul 2021 18:55:05 +0300
Landscape restoration due to Xylella fastidiosa invasion in Italy: Assessing the hypothetical public’s preferences https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/67648/ NeoBiota 66: 31-54

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.66.67648

Authors: Michel Frem, Fabio Gaetano Santeramo, Emilia Lamonaca, Maroun El Moujabber, Elia Choueiri, Pierfederico La Notte, Franco Nigro, Francesco Bozzo, Vincenzo Fucilli

Abstract: Since 2013, the olive landscapes have gradually degenerated due to the spread and establishment of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (hereafter Xf) in Apulia, southern Italy. From 2013 to 2019, a total of approximately 54,000 hectares of olive orchards in the south of this region have been seriously damaged, and their restoration will progressively regenerate the economic, social, cultural and environmental nonmarket benefits. Since there is a willingness to restore the affected landscape in the best interest of the local citizens, this research aims to predict their preference heterogeneity and willingness to pay (WTP) to improve this landscape and continue research and experimentation in relation to Olive Quick Decline Syndrome Disease by the bacterium. For this purpose, a choice experiment method is used. The social field survey includes a representative sample of 683 respondents in three major cities (Foggia, Bari and Lecce) of Apulia region. The results reveal that for the local citizens interviewed, the most appreciated olive landscape services are cultural heritage and aesthetic values. In addition, the findings revealed citizens’ positive appreciation of improving the damaged olive landscape, while respondents are not willing to pay a premium for research. The results show that the average value that Apulians are willing to pay for landscape restoration is about 5.7 million of € per year. Further, this research has implications for land use planners in the study area, which faces issues of harmful pathogen management and land revival.

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Research Article Fri, 2 Jul 2021 10:05:36 +0300
A multiregional assessment of transnational pathways of introduction https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/60642/ NeoBiota 64: 43-67

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.64.60642

Authors: Chris M. McGrannachan, Shyama Pagad, Melodie A. McGeoch

Abstract: Information on the pathways by which alien taxa are introduced to new regions is vital for prioritising policy and management responses to invasions. However, available datasets are often compiled using disparate methods, making comparison and collation of pathway data difficult. Using a standardised framework for recording and categorising pathway data can help to rectify this problem and provide the information necessary to develop indicators for reporting on alien introductions. We combine the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Pathways Categorisation Scheme (CPC) with data compiled by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) to report on multiregional trends on alien introduction pathways over the past 200+ years. We found a significant increase in the documented number of multiregional alien introduction events across all pathways of the CPC’s three hierarchical levels. The ‘escape’ pathway is the most common documented pathway used by alien taxa. Transport stowaways via shipping-related pathways are a rapidly increasing contribution to alien introductions. Most alien introduction events were of unknown pathway origin, highlighting the challenge of information gaps in pathway data and reiterating the need for standardised information-gathering practices. Combining the CPC framework with alien introduction pathways data will standardise pathway information and facilitate the development of global indicators of trends in alien introductions and the pathways they use. These indicators have the potential to inform policy and management strategies for preventing future biological invasions and can be downscaled to national and regional levels that are applicable across taxa and ecosystems.

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Research Article Wed, 20 Jan 2021 13:20:35 +0200
What are the economic costs of biological invasions? A complex topic requiring international and interdisciplinary expertise https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/55260/ NeoBiota 63: 25-37

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.63.55260

Authors: Christophe Diagne, Jane A. Catford, Franz Essl, Martín A. Nuñez, Franck Courchamp

Abstract: Biological invasions can cause substantial economic losses and expenses for management, as well as harm biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being. A comprehensive assessment of the economic costs of invasions is a challenging but essential prerequisite for efficient and sustainable management of invasive alien species. Indeed, these costs were shown to be inherently heterogeneous and complex to determine, and substantial knowledge gaps prevent a full understanding of their nature and distribution. Hence, the development of a still-missing global, standard framework for assessing and deciphering invasion costs is essential to identify effective management approaches and optimise legislation. The recent advent of the InvaCost database – the first comprehensive and harmonised compilation of the economic costs associated with biological invasions worldwide – offers unique opportunities to investigate these complex and diverse costs at different scales. Insights provided by such a dataset are likely to be greatest when a diverse range of experience and expertise are combined. For this purpose, an international and multidisciplinary workshop was held from 12th to 15th November 2019 near Paris (France) to launch several project papers based on the data available in InvaCost. Here, we highlight how the innovative research arising from this workshop offers a major step forward in invasion science. We collectively identified five core research opportunities that InvaCost can help to address: (i) decipher how existing costs of invasions are actually distributed in human society; (ii) bridge taxonomic and geographic gaps identified in the costs currently estimated; (iii) harmonise terminology and reporting of costs through a consensual and interdisciplinary framework; (iv) develop innovative methodological approaches to deal with cost estimations and assessments; and (v) provide cost-based information and tools for applied management of invasions. Moreover, we attribute part of the success of the workshop to its consideration of diversity, equity and societal engagement, which increased research efficiency, creativity and productivity. This workshop provides a strong foundation for substantially advancing our knowledge of invasion impacts, fosters the establishment of a dynamic collaborative network on the topic of invasion economics, and highlights new key features for future scientific meetings.

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Short Communication Tue, 3 Nov 2020 08:58:31 +0200
Is invasion science moving towards agreed standards? The influence of selected frameworks https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/53243/ NeoBiota 62: 569-590

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.62.53243

Authors: John R. U. Wilson, Arunava Datta, Heidi Hirsch, Jan-Hendrik Keet, Tumeka Mbobo, Khensani V. Nkuna, Mlungele M. Nsikani, Petr Pyšek, David M. Richardson, Tsungai A. Zengeya, Sabrina Kumschick

Abstract: The need to understand and manage biological invasions has driven the development of frameworks to circumscribe, classify, and elucidate aspects of the phenomenon. But how influential have these frameworks really been? To test this, we evaluated the impact of a pathway classification framework, a framework focussing on the introduction-naturalisation-invasion continuum, and two papers that outline an impact classification framework. We analysed how these framework papers are cited and by whom, conducted a survey to determine why people have cited the frameworks, and explored the degree to which the frameworks are implemented. The four papers outlining these frameworks are amongst the most-cited in their respective journals, are highly regarded in the field, and are already seen as citation classics (although citations are overwhelmingly within the field of invasion science). The number of citations to the frameworks has increased over time, and, while a significant proportion of these are self-citations (20–40%), this rate is decreasing. The frameworks were cited by studies conducted and authored by researchers from across the world. However, relative to a previous citation analysis of invasion science as a whole, the frameworks are particularly used in Europe and South Africa and less so in North America. There is an increasing number of examples of uptake into invasion policy and management (e.g., the pathway classification framework has been adapted and adopted into EU legislation and CBD targets, and the impact classification framework has been adopted by the IUCN). However, we found that few of the citing papers (6–8%) specifically implemented or interrogated the frameworks; roughly half of all citations might be viewed as frivolous (“citation fluff”); there were several clear cases of erroneous citation; and some survey respondents felt that they have not been rigorously tested yet. Although our analyses suggest that invasion science is moving towards a more systematic and standardised approach to recording invasions and their impacts, it appears that the proposed standards are still not applied consistently. For this to be achieved, we argue that frameworks in invasion science need to be revised or adapted to particular contexts in response to the needs and experiences of users (e.g., so they are relevant to pathologists, plant ecologists, and practitioners), the standards should be easier to apply in practice (e.g., through the development of guidelines for management), and there should be incentives for their usage (e.g., recognition for completing an EICAT assessment).

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Research Article Thu, 15 Oct 2020 20:20:24 +0300
Scale invariance in the spatial-dynamics of biological invasions https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/53213/ NeoBiota 62: 269-278

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.62.53213

Authors: Andrew M. Liebhold, Timothy H. Keitt, Nikunj Goel, Cleo Bertelsmeier

Abstract: Despite the enormous negative consequences of biological invasions, we have a limited understanding of how spatial demography during invasions creates population patterns observed at different spatial scales. Early stages of invasions, arrival and establishment, are considered distinct from the later stage of spread, but the processes of population growth and dispersal underlie all invasion phases. Here, we argue that the spread of invading species, to a first approximation, exhibits scale invariant spatial-dynamic patterns that transcend multiple spatial scales. Dispersal from a source population creates smaller satellite colonies, which in turn act as sources for secondary invasions; the scale invariant pattern of coalescing colonies can be seen at multiple scales. This self-similar pattern is referred to as “stratified diffusion” at landscape scales and the “bridgehead effect” at the global scale. The extent to which invasions exhibit such scale-invariant spatial dynamics may be limited by the form of the organisms’ dispersal kernel and by the connectivity of the habitat. Recognition of this self-similar pattern suggests that certain concepts for understanding and managing invasions might be widely transferable across spatial scales.

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Short Communication Thu, 15 Oct 2020 20:00:12 +0300
The Epidemiological Framework for Biological Invasions (EFBI): an interdisciplinary foundation for the assessment of biosecurity threats https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/52463/ NeoBiota 62: 161-192

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.62.52463

Authors: Philip E. Hulme, Richard Baker, Robert Freckleton, Rosemary S. Hails, Matt Hartley, John Harwood, Glenn Marion, Graham C. Smith, Mark Williamson

Abstract: Emerging microparasite (e.g. viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi) epidemics and the introduction of non-native pests and weeds are major biosecurity threats worldwide. The likelihood of these threats is often estimated from probabilities of their entry, establishment, spread and ease of prevention. If ecosystems are considered equivalent to hosts, then compartment disease models should provide a useful framework for understanding the processes that underpin non-native species invasions. To enable greater cross-fertilisation between these two disciplines, the Epidemiological Framework for Biological Invasions (EFBI) is developed that classifies ecosystems in relation to their invasion status: Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious and Resistant. These states are linked by transitions relating to transmission, latency and recovery. This viewpoint differs markedly from the species-centric approaches often applied to non-native species. It allows generalisations from epidemiology, such as the force of infection, the basic reproductive ratio R0, super-spreaders, herd immunity, cordon sanitaire and ring vaccination, to be discussed in the novel context of non-native species and helps identify important gaps in the study of biological invasions. The EFBI approach highlights several limitations inherent in current approaches to the study of biological invasions including: (i) the variance in non-native abundance across ecosystems is rarely reported; (ii) field data rarely (if ever) distinguish source from sink ecosystems; (iii) estimates of the susceptibility of ecosystems to invasion seldom account for differences in exposure to non-native species; and (iv) assessments of ecosystem susceptibility often confuse the processes that underpin patterns of spread within -and between- ecosystems. Using the invasion of lakes as a model, the EFBI approach is shown to present a new biosecurity perspective that takes account of ecosystem status and complements demographic models to deliver clearer insights into the dynamics of biological invasions at the landscape scale. It will help to identify whether management of the susceptibility of ecosystems, of the number of vectors, or of the diversity of pathways (for movement between ecosystems) is the best way of limiting or reversing the population growth of a non-native species. The framework can be adapted to incorporate increasing levels of complexity and realism and to provide insights into how to monitor, map and manage biological invasions more effectively.

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Research Article Thu, 15 Oct 2020 20:00:08 +0300
Classifying the introduction pathways of alien species: are we moving in the right direction? https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/53543/ NeoBiota 62: 143-159

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.62.53543

Authors: Katelyn T. Faulkner, Philip E. Hulme, Shyama Pagad, John R. U. Wilson, Mark P. Robertson

Abstract: Alien species are introduced to new regions in many different ways and for different purposes. A number of frameworks have been developed to group such pathways of introduction into discrete categories in order to improve our understanding of biological invasions, provide information for interventions that aim to prevent introductions, enable reporting to national and international organisations and facilitate the prediction of threats. The introduction pathway classification framework proposed by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as a global standard is comprised of six main categories and 44 sub-categories. However, issues have arisen with its implementation. In this position paper, we outline five desirable properties of an introduction pathway classification framework – it should be compatible (i.e. the level of detail of the categories is similar to that of the available data), actionable (i.e. categories link to specific interventions), general (i.e. categories are applicable across the contexts that are of interest (e.g. taxa, habitats and regions)), equivalent (i.e. categories are equivalent in their level of detail) and distinct (i.e. categories are discrete and easily distinguished) – termed the CAGED properties. The six main categories of the CBD framework have all of the CAGED properties, but the detailed sub-categories have few. Therefore, while the framework has been proposed by the CBD as a global standard and efforts have been made to put it into practice, we argue that there is room for improvement. We conclude by presenting scenarios for how the issues identified could be addressed, noting that a hybrid model might be most appropriate.

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Discussion Paper Thu, 15 Oct 2020 20:00:07 +0300
Xylella fastidiosa invasion of new countries in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa: Ranking the potential exposure scenarios https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/53208/ NeoBiota 59: 77-97

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.59.53208

Authors: Michel Frem, Daniel Chapman, Vincenzo Fucilli, Elia Choueiri, Maroun El Moujabber, Pierfederico La Notte, Franco Nigro

Abstract: After the recent high-impact European outbreaks of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), a xylem-limited plant pathogenic bacterium native to the Americas, this research aims to rank the risks of potential entry, establishment and spread of Xf in new countries across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. A novel risk-ranking technique is developed, based on combining entry risk drivers (imported plants, direct flights and ferry connections) with risk factors related to establishment and spread (presence of potential insect vectors, vulnerable economic crops, alternative hosts and climate suitability) of this pathogen. This reveals that western European countries have the highest risk for entry, but that the Mediterranean basin runs the highest risk for establishment and spread of Xf. Lebanon in particular has the highest level of risk for Xf dispersal within its suitable territory. Countries without current outbreaks combining high risks of Xf arrival and establishment are mainly in the Mediterranean basin: Turkey is at the highest level of risk, followed by Greece, Morocco and Tunisia, which are ranked at the high level. The ranking model also confirms the vulnerability, in terms of invasion by Xf, of southern European countries (Italy, Portugal and Spain) in which the pathogen has already been reported. High summer temperatures in these southern countries are likely to be the significant determinant for the overall invasion process, while northern European countries have a high level risk for the arrival of the pathogen, but relatively low summer temperatures may limit establishment and spread of major outbreaks. In general, our study provides a useful approach for mapping and comparing risks of invasive non-native species and emerging pathogens between countries, which could be useful for regional horizon scanning and phytosanitary and biosecurity management.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2020 15:55:15 +0300
The value of sentinel plants for risk assessment and surveillance to support biosecurity https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/34205/ NeoBiota 48: 1-24

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.48.34205

Authors: Sarah Mansfield, Mark R. McNeill, Lee T. Aalders, Nigel L. Bell, John M. Kean, Barbara I.P. Barratt, Kirsty Boyd-Wilson, David A.J. Teulon

Abstract: Effective surveillance for early detection of invasive alien species in natural ecosystems, or on valued plants found in modified areas, could prevent potentially devastating and costly impacts (whether environmental, economic or cultural) of new invasions on the invaded country. Surveillance technologies are often constrained by a range of factors. Determining which species present a significant risk before they reach the border is an effective strategy to minimize the possibility of invasion and/or the impact of invasion. Surveillance of sentinel plants provides an important tool to strengthen biosecurity programs assisting with i) detecting and identifying insect pests, nematodes and plant diseases that could potentially invade uncolonized countries, and ii) developing pest risk analysis profiles to eliminate or mitigate the risk of arrival. This review examines some of the challenges and opportunities provided by sentinel plant research and discusses the factors that could affect the success of their use for biosecurity risk assessment and surveillance in the New Zealand context.

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Discussion Paper Tue, 2 Jul 2019 16:14:26 +0300
Forewarned is forearmed: harmonized approaches for early detection of potentially invasive pests and pathogens in sentinel plantings https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/34276/ NeoBiota 47: 95-123

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.47.34276

Authors: Carmen Morales-Rodríguez, Sten Anslan, Marie-Anne Auger-Rozenberg, Sylvie Augustin, Yuri Baranchikov, Amani Bellahirech, Daiva Burokienė, Dovilė Čepukoit, Ejup Çota, Kateryna Davydenko, H. Tuğba Doğmuş Lehtijärvi, Rein Drenkhan, Tiia Drenkhan, René Eschen, Iva Franić, Milka Glavendekić, Maarten de Groot, Magdalena Kacprzyk, Marc Kenis, Natalia Kirichenko, Iryna Matsiakh, Dmitry L. Musolin, Justyna A. Nowakowska, Richard O’Hanlon, Simone Prospero, Alain Roques, Alberto Santini, Venche Talgø, Leho Tedersoo, Anne Uimari, Andrea Vannini, Johanna Witzell, Steve Woodward, Antonios Zambounis, Michelle Cleary

Abstract: The number of invasive alien pest and pathogen species affecting ecosystem functioning, human health and economies has increased dramatically over the last decades. Discoveries of invasive pests and pathogens previously unknown to science or with unknown host associations yet damaging on novel hosts highlights the necessity of developing novel tools to predict their appearance in hitherto naïve environments. The use of sentinel plant systems is a promising tool to improve the detection of pests and pathogens before introduction and to provide valuable information for the development of preventative measures to minimize economic or environmental impacts. Though sentinel plantings have been established and studied during the last decade, there still remains a great need for guidance on which tools and protocols to put into practice in order to make assessments accurate and reliable. The sampling and diagnostic protocols chosen should enable as much information as possible about potential damaging agents and species identification. Consistency and comparison of results are based on the adoption of common procedures for sampling design and sample processing. In this paper, we suggest harmonized procedures that should be used in sentinel planting surveys for effective sampling and identification of potential pests and pathogens. We also review the benefits and limitations of various diagnostic methods for early detection in sentinel systems, and the feasibility of the results obtained supporting National Plant Protection Organizations in pest and commodity risk analysis.

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Discussion Paper Fri, 21 Jun 2019 09:48:18 +0300
Prevention of microbial species introductions to the Arctic: The efficacy of footwear disinfection measures on cruise ships https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/22088/ NeoBiota 37: 37-49

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.37.22088

Authors: Sabine B. Rumpf, Inger Greve Alsos, Chris Ware

Abstract: Biosecurity measures are commonly used to prevent the introduction of non-native species to natural environments globally, yet the efficacy of practices is rarely tested under operational conditions. A voluntary biosecurity measure was trialled in the Norwegian high Arctic following concern that non-native species might be transferred to the region on the footwear of travellers. Passengers aboard an expedition cruise ship disinfected their footwear with the broad spectrum disinfectant Virkon S prior to and in-between landing at sites around the remote Svalbard archipelago. The authors evaluated the efficacy of simply stepping through a disinfectant foot bath, which is the most common practice of footwear disinfection aboard expedition cruise ships in the Arctic. This was compared to a more time consuming and little-used method involving drying disinfected footwear, as proposed by other studies. The two practices were evaluated by measuring microbial growth on paired footwear samples before and after disinfection under both conditions. Step-through disinfection did not substantially reduce microbial growth on the footwear. Allowing disinfected footwear to dry, however, reduced the microbial burden significantly to lower levels. Thus, the currently adopted procedures used aboard ships are ineffective at removing microbial burden and are only effective when footwear is given more time to dry than currently granted under operational conditions. These findings underscore results from empirical research performed elsewhere and suggest the need to better relay this information to practitioners. It is suggested that footwear should minimally be wiped dry after step-through disinfection as a reasonable compromise between biosecurity and practicability.

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Short Communication Tue, 6 Mar 2018 16:06:09 +0200
Defining the biosecurity risk posed by transported soil: Effects of storage time and environmental exposure on survival of soil biota https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/9784/ NeoBiota 32: 65-88

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.32.9784

Authors: Mark R. McNeill, Craig B. Phillips, Andrew P. Robinson, Lee Aalders, Nicky Richards, Sandra Young, Claire Dowsett, Trevor James, Nigel Bell

Abstract: Soil frequently occurs as a contaminant on numerous sea, land and air transport pathways. It can carry unwanted invasive species, is widely recognized as a biosecurity risk, and is usually strictly regulated by biosecurity authorities. However, little is known about relative risk levels between pathways, thus authorities have limited capability to identify and target the riskiest soil pathways for management. We conducted a an experiment to test the hypotheses that biosecurity risks from soil organisms will increase both with declining transport duration and with increasing protection from environmental extremes. Soil was collected from two sites, a native forest remnant and an orchard, and stored on, in and under sea containers, or in cupboards, and assayed after 0, 3, 6 and 12 months for bacteria, fungi, nematodes and seeds. Results showed that viability of Pseudomonas spp., bacteria, nematodes and plants declined over 12 months, irrespective of soil source. Also, mortality of most biota was higher when exposed to sunlight, moisture and desiccation than when protected. However, bacterial and fungal numbers were higher in exposed environments, possibly due to ongoing colonization of exposed soil by airborne propagules. The results were consistent with our observations of organisms in soil intercepted from airports and sea ports, and indicated there is potential to rank risks from transported soils based partly on transport duration and environmental exposure. This would help authorities to optimally allocate management resources according to pathway-specific risks.

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Research Article Wed, 4 Jan 2017 19:00:00 +0200
Biological invasions and natural colonisations: are they that different? https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/6959/ NeoBiota 29: 1-14

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.29.6959

Authors: Benjamin D. Hoffmann, Franck Courchamp

Abstract: We argue that human-mediated invasions are part of the spectrum of species movements, not a unique phenomenon, because species self-dispersing into novel environments are subject to the same barriers of survival, reproduction, dispersal and further range expansion as those assisted by people. Species changing their distributions by human-mediated and non-human mediated modes should be of identical scientific interest to invasion ecology and ecology. Distinctions between human-mediated invasions and natural colonisations are very valid for management and policy, but we argue that these are value-laden distinctions and not necessarily an appropriate division for science, which instead should focus on distinctions based on processes and mechanisms. We propose an all-encompassing framework of species range expansion. This does not detract from the importance of invasion biology as a discipline, but instead will help bring together research being conducted on multiple taxa, and by multiple disciplines, including epidemiology, that are often focused on an identical phenomenon: colonisation.

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Discussion Paper Wed, 16 Mar 2016 10:09:20 +0200
Invasive plants as catalysts for the spread of human parasites https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1208/ NeoBiota 9: 13-29

DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.9.1156

Authors: Richard Mack, Melissa Smith

Abstract: As serious as are the consequences of invasive species that directly cause human afflictions through their production of lethal protease inhibitors (Bryonia alba), allergens (Parthenium hysterophorus) or furanocoumarins (Hercaleum mantegazzianum), other introduced species may cause even greater risks to human health by enhancing the proliferation of vectors of virulent human parasites. The dense, floating mats of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) create habitat for larvae of the dipteran vectors of Plasmodium spp., the causative agents of malaria, and other parasites. Facilitation of a human parasite is not restricted to aquatic systems. In Africa, the tropical American shrub Lantana camara (lantana) provides essential habitat for dipteran vectors (Glossina spp.) of protozoans (Trypanosoma spp.) that cause trypanosomiasis. Unanticipated health consequences will likely continue to emerge from new plant introductions. Sin Nombre Virus (SNV) is a rodent-borne parasite that causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, an often-lethal disease in humans. Populations of rodent vectors of SNV in South America increase rapidly in response to synchronous fruit availability among masting, native bamboos. With depletion of this temporary food source, the rodents seek food near human settlements, increasing the risk of human infections with SNV. In the United States the omnivorous deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus is also a SNV carrier. The escape of Asian cold-tolerant bamboos from cultivation raises the possibility of invasions (several have already become naturalized) and providing a temporary boost to populations of infected native rodents. Proposed introductions of aquatic vascular species, species with masting reproduction and those that would occupy an unfilled niche in the proposed new range deserve careful evaluation for their possible roles as unforeseen catalysts of species interactions, especially of human parasites.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0300