First finding of Caprella cf. equilibra say, 1818 (Amphipoda, Caprellidae) in coastal zone south-west of Crimea (Black sea)

Specimens from genus Caprella (Amphipoda, Caprellidae) were revealed in fouling of constructions of oyster sea farm near coastal zone of Sevastopol (Crimea, the Black Sea) in 2018. Morphologically specimens of this species are close to the species C. equilibra Say, 1818. Earlier specimens of this species were not found in the Black Sea. Stable population of this species (adult males, adult females, juvenile specimens) were investigated from 2018 till 2020. Morphology of adult males, adult females including microtrichs was investigated. Information on ecology of this species is present.

Ancient Mitogenomes Provide New Insights into the Origin and Early Introduction of Chinese Domestic Donkeys

Both molecular data and archaeological evidence strongly support an African origin for the domestic donkey. Recent genetic studies further suggest that there were two distinct maternal lineages involved in its initial domestication. However, the exact introduction time and the dispersal process of domestic donkeys into ancient China are still unresolved. To address these questions, we retrieved three near-complete mitochondrial genomes from donkey specimens excavated from Gaoling County, Shaanxi Province, and Linxia Basin, Gansu Province, China, dated at 2,349-2,301, 469-311, and 2,160-2,004 cal. BP, respectively. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses reveal that the two older samples fall into the two different main lineages (i.e., clade Ⅰ and clade Ⅱ) of the domestic donkey, suggesting that the two donkey maternal lineages had been introduced into Midwestern China at least at the opening of Silk Road (approximately the first century BC). Bayesian analysis shows that the split of the two donkey maternal lineages is dated at 0.323 Ma (95% CI: 0.583–0.191 Ma) using root-tip dating calibrations based on near-complete mitogenomes, supporting the hypothesis that modern domestic donkeys go back to at least two independent domestication events. Moreover, Bayesian skyline plot analyses indicate an apparent female population increase between 5,000 and 2,500 years ago for clade I followed by a stable population size to the present day. In contrast, clade II keeps a relatively stable population size over the past 5,000 years. Overall, our study provides new insights into the early domestication history of Chinese domestic donkeys.

Prospects for Russian wheat to enter the Central and South America markets (on the example of Peru)

In recent years, Russian agriculture has been demonstrating steady positive dynamics, ensuring the growth of its export potential, especially for grain and oilseeds. Their export is of great economic and political importance, since leads to the improvement of the economic and social situation in the agro-industrial complex and in related industries. In this context, Central and South America are considered promising regions, with stable population growth, respectively, the import of agricultural products. While Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile are among the top ten exporters of food products, at the same time, not all countries in the region fully meet their food needs. Peru, with a population of over 32 million, is one such country. Establishing direct grain deliveries from Russia to this country will, on the one hand, provide an additional grain market, as well as consolidate political interests in the region.