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We conducted comparative analyses using an open-top chamber (OTC) to reduce wind stress to clarify the impact of decreased wind stress on the invasive species Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae), which ranks among the worst 100 species on the Invasive Alien Species List in Japan. Morphological analyses revealed that the number and size of leaves in the OTC group were significantly higher than those in the control group (wind). There was also a significantly higher investment in stems in the former than in the latter. No significant differences were observed in root dry mass; however, the resource allocation ratio to the roots was significantly higher in the wind group than in the OTC group. Although the total seed mass was greater in the OTC group, there were no significant differences in the ratio of resource allocation to seeds between the groups, and no significant differences were observed in the mass of each seed. However, the number of seeds was significantly higher in the OTC group. Adaptive changes in the leaves, stems, and roots to avoid and/or resist wind were reflected in differences in the number of seeds. In addition, a decrease in wind stress contributed to an increase in the number of seeds in B. pilosa . Such mechanisms are likely widespread because B. pilosa is often highly abundant in urban systems.

The importance of hybridization in generating biological diversity has been historically controversial. Previously, inference about hybridization was limited by dependence on morphological data; with the advent of the next-generation sequencing tools for nonmodel organisms, the evolutionary significance of hybridization is more evident. Here, we test classic hypotheses of hybrid origins of two species in the Phlox pilosa complex. Morphological intermediacy motivated the hypotheses that Phlox amoena lighthipei and Phlox pilosa deamii were independent homoploid hybrid lineages derived from P. amoena amoena and P. pilosa pilosa. We use double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing of individuals from throughout the range of these taxa to conduct the most thorough analysis of evolutionary history in this system to date. Surprisingly, we find no support for the hybrid origin of P. pilosa deamii or P. amoena lighthipei. Our data do identify a history of admixture in individuals collected at a contemporary hybrid zone between the putative parent lineages. We show that three very different evolutionary histories, only one of which involves hybrid origin, have produced intermediate or recombinant morphological traits between P. amoena amoena and P. pilosa pilosa. Although morphological data are still an efficient means of generating hypotheses about past gene flow, genomic data are now the standard of evidence for elucidating evolutionary history.

Phytoremediation with the use of hyperaccumulating plant species to remove excess trace metals from contaminated soil and water is considered a cost-effective non-invasive technique. Over 400 plant taxa worldwide have been identified as natural hyperaccumulators, but only very few are reported to hyperaccumulate Cd. Bidens pilosa L. is a newly found, promising Cd hyperaccumulator, although its potential to accumulate Cd and mechanism of this process are not yet well known. This paper was aimed at exploring hyperaccumulation capacity of B . pilosa for Cd, and its translocation behavior related to cell membrane permeability. The highest Cd concentration in shoots of B . pilosa grown in soil was 405.91 mg kg −1 and of that cultured in nutrient solution 1651.68 mg kg −1 , indicating very high accumulation potential. Cd concentrations in the root, stem, leaf, and shoot of B . pilosa cultured in nutrient solution were all much higher than those in soil, while biomass development was considerably lower. This resulted in lesser differences between Cd maximum accumulation loads in the shoot (462 and 365 μg pot −1 ) and in the root (100 and 96 μg pot −1 ) of B . pilosa grown in solution and in soil, respectively. Relative electric conductivity (REC), K + relative permeability ratio, and MDA (malondialdehyde) contents, which are major indices expressing cell membrane permeability, appeared to be closely related to Cd translocation and accumulation. The relative molecular mechanism of Cd accumulation/translocation in B . pilosa was found of importance and needs to be elucidated.

Invasive species pose significant threats to ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, introducing new diseases, and competing with native species for resources. Bidens pilosa L., a globally invasive weed originating in tropical America, severely impacts agricultural productivity by infesting 31 economically vital crops across over 40 countries. This study examined the global distribution of Bidens pilosa L., under current and future climate scenarios. Using species distribution models and occurrence data, we identified key factors influencing its spread, including temperature, precipitation, and human influence. Our findings suggest a likely decline of suitable habitats in tropical regions and an expansion into temperate regions, with climate suitability decreasing under higher temperatures. Additionally, historical reconstructions emphasize that the rapid spread of the species was facilitated by maritime trade routes. Management strategies are proposed that emphasize the need for enhanced control measures in high-risk areas and conservation efforts in its native range in tropical America. Overall, this research contributes to understanding the dynamics of B. pilosa distribution and informs proactive management strategies to mitigate its ecological and economic impacts.

The formation of a common mycorrhizal network (CMN) between roots of different plant species enables nutrient transfers from one plant to another and their coexistence. However, almost all studies on nutrient transfers between CMN-connected plants have separately, but not simultaneously, been demonstrated under the same experimentation. Both conspecific and heterospecific seedlings of Cinnamomum camphora , Bidens pilosa , and Broussonetia papyrifera native to a karst habitat in southwest China were concurrently grown in a growth microcosm that had seven hollowed compartments (six around one in the center) being covered by 35.0-μm and/or 0.45-μm nylon mesh. The Ci . camphora in the central compartment was supplied with or without Glomus etunicatum and 15 N to track N transfers between CMN-connected conspecific and heterospecific seedlings. The results showed as follows: significant greater nitrogen accumulations, biomass productions, 15 N content, % N transfer , and the N transfer amount between receiver plant species ranked as Br . papyrifera ≈ Bi . pilosa  >  Ci . camphora under both M + and M − , and as under M + than under M − for Ci . camphora but not for both Bi . Pilosa and Br . papyrifera ; the CMN transferred more nitrogen ( 15 N content, % N transfer , and N transfer amount) from the donor Ci . camphora to the heterospecific Br . papyrifera and Bi . pilosa , with a lower percentage of nitrogen derived from transfer (%NDFT). These findings suggest that the CMN may potentially regulate the nitrogen transfer from a donor plant to individual heterospecific receiver plants, where the ratio of nitrogen derived from transfer depends on the biomass strength of the individual plants.

Pink purslane is often ranked as one of the most troublesome weeds in vegetable production systems in Georgia. Pink purslane encroachment along field edges and in-field of agronomic crops has recently increased. Postemergence herbicides are an effective component of agronomic crop weed management. However, little research has addressed pink purslane control in agronomic crops. Therefore, greenhouse and field studies were conducted from 2022 to 2023 in Tifton, Georgia, to evaluate the response of pink purslane to postemergence herbicides commonly used in agronomic crops. Greenhouse screening provided preliminary evidence whereby 13 of the 21 postemergence herbicides evaluated provided ≥80% aboveground biomass reductions. These 13 herbicides were then used for field studies. Results from the field studies, pooled across two locations, indicated that only three of the 13 herbicides provided aboveground biomass reductions of ≥70% compared to the nontreated control. Those herbicides included atrazine at 1,682 g ai ha–1, glufosinate at 656 g ai ha–1, and lactofen at 219 g ai ha–1 with 79%, 70%, and 83% biomass reduction, respectively (P < 0.05). This research suggests that many of the postemergence herbicides used on agronomic crops will not effectively control pink purslane. Thus, when trying to manage pink purslane with postemergence herbicides in agronomic crops, growers should plant crops or cultivars that are tolerant of either atrazine, glufosinate, lactofen, or a combination of these. Nomenclature: Acifluorfen; atrazine; bentazon; carfentrazone; chlorimuron; dicamba; diclosulam; diuron; fomesafen; glyphosate; glufosinate; imazapic; lactofen; mesotrione; paraquat; tembotrione; tolpyralate; topramezone; 2,4-D choline; 2,4-DB; pink purslane, Portulaca pilosa L. PORPI

Biofouling on cultivated kelp in open sea conditions is a challenge when fouling species such as the encrusting bryozoans Membranipora membranacea and Electra pilosa develop colonies that cover the surface of the kelp lamina. The bryozoan colonies make the flexible lamina brittle and susceptible to breakage and reduce the commercial value of the biomass for both human consumption and industrial applications. The development of the bryozoan fouling on cultivated Saccharina latissima in temperate coastal waters was studied at two locations in Norway from April to September. The time of settling and development of colonies of M. membranacea and E. pilosa were characterized. Sampling of bryozoan larvae abundance at the cultivation locations showed that the bryozoan colonies settled on the cultivated kelp in mid-June at both locations, followed by a rapid colony growth during late June and July. In August and September, the kelp was highly degraded by the bryozoan coverage and highly subjected to breakage of the lamina. Membranipora membranacea was the most prevailing of the two species. Although abundant at all cultivation depths, the results showed a decrease in bryozoan coverage with increasing depth. From a commercial point of view, S. latissima deployed in temperate Norwegian coastal waters in winter should be harvested in early June to avoid the negative impact from bryozoan fouling.

(1) Background: Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes endocarditis, pneumonia, and skin diseases in humans and livestock. (2) Methods: The antibacterial effect of the total flavonoid against MRSA (ATCC43300) extracted from the Ledeb. ( Ledeb) was evaluated by the microdilution method. The oxidative stresses in MRSA were evaluated by the levels of intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H O ), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxidative stress-related genes. The DNA oxidative damage was tested by the 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and DNA gel electrophoresis. The differentially expressed proteins were determined by the method of SDS-PAGE and NanoLC-ESI-MS/MS, while the mRNAs of differential proteins were determined by Real-Time PCR. The changes of ultra-structures in MRSA were observed by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). (3) Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the total flavonoid against MRSA was recorded as 62.5 μg/mL. After treatment with the total flavonoid, the levels of intracellular H O and ROS were increased and the gene expressions against oxidative stress ( , , ) were decreased ( < 0.01), while the gene expression for oxidative stress ( ) was increased ( < 0.01). The level of intracellular 8-OHdG in MRSA was increased ( < 0.01) and the DNA was damaged. The results of TEM also showed that the total flavonoid could destroy the ultra-structures in the bacteria. (4) Conclusions: The total flavonoid extracted from the Ledeb can induce the oxidative stress that disturbed the energy metabolism and protein synthesis in MRSA.

The genus Tamandua is made up of two species of anteaters, both with distribution in Colombia; Tamandua mexicana in the trans-Andean region and Tamandua tetradactyla in the Cisandina region, there being a sympatry zone in the center of the country, where individuals with intermediate phenotypes have been found, classified as Tamandua mexicana, despite not having the complete phenotype of this species. In this study, a genetic characterization of some individuals of the genus Tamandua was carried out, through a phylogenetic reconstruction by maximum likelihood and a Bayesian analysis, based on the mitochondrial markers Ribosomal RNA 16S (rRNA 16S), Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI), and the Hypervariable Region I of MitochondriaThe results show a genetic differentiation between the individuals of T. mexicana and T. tetradactyla, which supports the existence of two species for the genus, individuals with the intermediate phenotype do not show any tendency to form an isolated clade within the group of T. mexicana. These results are consistent with the current taxonomic classification of the genus, and do not support any further evolutionary process.

Bidens pilosa L. was a Cd hyperaccumulator. This experiment determined the effects of different soil pH (adjusted by weak acid and alkali at 4.83, 6.81, and 7.84, respectively) and nitrogen ((NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , Ca(NO 3 ) 2 ) on B. pilosa phytoextracting Cd in soil collected from a smelter (Cd concentration was 19.63 mg kg −1 ). The results showed that the Cd concentrations in B. pilosa were significantly higher ( p  < 0.05) with soil pH 4.83 treatments than those of pH 6.81 and 7.84 ones. The Cd concentration of B. pilosa grown in pH 7.84 soil was significantly lower ( p  < 0.05) than that in pH 6.81 soil. The extractable Cd concentration in soil was decreased ( p  < 0.05) with the increase of pH. Under three different pH conditions, the rhizosphere pH of B. pilosa was basically 0.2 lower than that of pH in bulk soil respectively, indicating that the hyperaccumulator had a certain acidification effect on soil. Two kinds of nitrogen fertilizers (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 and Ca(NO 3 ) 2 had no significant difference ( p  < 0.05) on Cd concentrations of B. pilosa , which was probably caused by the acidification effect of its rhizosphere. The biomasses of B. pilosa were not affected ( p  < 0.05) by different pH of soil. The photosynthetic production, antioxidative enzymes, and lipid peroxidation change trends of B. pilosa were basically consistent with its biomasses. Generally speaking, B. pilosa showed high Cd accumulation potential and strong adaptability for different soil situations.