INTRODUCTION OF MAMMALS IN YAKUTIA: ANALYSIS OF EFFECTIVENESS, PROSPECTS AND NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES

Attempts of intentional introduction of mammals into the territory of Yakutia are analyzed. Within the period between 1930 and 2020 a total of 8 foreign and one native species were introduced. Two foreign species (the muskrat and American mink) naturalized successfully, as well as the sable, a reintroduced species. Naturalization of the musk-ox, which was introduced in 1996, is progressing successfully, and with proper protective measures its abundance can be expected to increase and range to cover the entire tundra zone of Yakutia. Attempts to introduce the Eurasian beaver, raccoon dog, steppe polecat, and domestic yak have failed. Efforts on the introduction of the wood bison continue, but its reproduction rate and specifics of its winter behavior and feeding habits point to certain problems in its adaptation to new climatic conditions. Intentional introduction of foreign species is a potential danger for the ecosystems of the North, especially attempts at reconstruction of paleoufauna by introducing the species typical for paleolandscapes, and not the contemporary fauna of the region. Efforts aimed at "increasing the biodiversity" without a comprehensive biological analysis can lead to disturbance of the balance of the northern ecosystems.

Resolving phylogenetic and biochemical barriers to functional expression of heterologous iron-sulphur cluster enzymes

Many of the most promising applications of synthetic biology, including engineering of microbes for renewable chemical production, relies upon the ability of genetically-tractable hosts to express heterologous enzymes from foreign species. While countless methods for facilitating heterologous enzyme expression have been developed, comparable tools for facilitating heterologous enzyme activity are generally lacking. Such tools are needed to fully exploit the biosynthetic potential of the natural world. Here, using the model bacterium Escherichia coli, we investigate why iron-sulphur (Fe-S) enzymes are often inactive when heterologously expressed. By applying a simple growth complementation assay with collections of Fe-S enzyme orthologs from a wide range of prokaryotic diversity, we uncover a striking correlation between phylogenetic distance and probability of functional expression. Moreover, co-expression of a heterologous Fe-S biogenesis pathway increases the phylogenetic range of orthologs that can be functionally expressed. On the other hand, we find that heterologous Fe-S enzymes that require specific electron carrier proteins within their natural host are rarely functionally expressed unless their specific reducing partners are identified and co-expressed. We demonstrate in vitro that such selectivity in part derives from a need for low-potential electron donors. Our results clarify how phylogenetic distance and electron transfer biochemistry each separately impact functional heterologous expression and provide insight into how these barriers can be overcome for successful microbial engineering involving Fe-S enzymes.

New original decorative specimen of common bird cherry

The northern regions of Russia are characterized by a relatively poor composition of the cultural dendroflora, that due to harsh climatic conditions. To create resistant varieties, it is necessary to attract local highly winter-resistant forms and on their. The northern regions of Russia are characterized by a relatively poor composition of the cultural dendroflora, that due to harsh climatic conditions. To create resistant varieties, it is necessary to attract local highly winter-resistant forms and on their basis to obtain hybrids with foreign species and new samples of Prunus padus L. with better ornamental characteristic to crossing with them.

Hybridisation and introgression of native and foreign Sorbus tree species in unique environments of protected mountainous areas

Hybridisation and introgression are important processes influencing the genetic diversity and evolution of species. These processes are of particular importance in protected areas, where they can lead to the formation of hybrids between native and foreign species and may ultimately result in the loss of parental species from their natural range. Despite their importance, the contribution of hybridisation and introgression to genetic diversity in Sorbus genus remains not fully recognised. We analysed the genetic and morphological variability of several Sorbus species including native (Sorbus aria), foreign (S. intermedia) and potentially hybrid (S. carpatica) individuals from the Polish Carpathian range. Patterns of variation at 13 nuclear microsatellite loci show hybridisation between the tested species and confirm the existence of the hybrid form Sorbus carpatica. Biometric analysis on leaves, based of ten metric features and three parameters, identified several characters for preliminary taxonomic classification, however none of them could be used as a fully diagnostic marker for faultless annotation of Sorbus intermedia and S. carpatica. The genetic structure analysis indicated complex patterns of population differentiation and its diverse origin. The results allow assessment of genetic variation and identification of parental species participating in hybridisation. This knowledge will advance the management of genetic diversity and development of conservation strategies for efficient maintenance of the unique protected ecosystem.

Newly invaded territories by Dryocosmus kuriphilus in Spain and first records of Torymus sinensis in the Sistema Central

Aim of the study: To update the distribution of Dryocosmus kuriphilus, the Asian chestnut gall wasp, focusing on the central area of the country (Sistema Central). Gall samplings of these areas were carried to obtain the first records of parasitoids on D. kuriphilus in this area.Area of study: Spain and, especially, the Sistema Central.Materials and methods: Georeferenced new records were used to produce a map with the updated distribution of D. kuriphilus as of 2019. Galls were collected and stored in emergence boxes. Parasitoids that emerge from these galls were collected and identified at the most detailed taxonomic level.Main results: The alien species D. kuriphilus was found in the Spanish Sistema Central. Infestation focal points were detected in the Valle del Jerte (South of Sierra de Gredos), Sierra de Francia and in the mountains southwest of Madrid. In all detected focal points of infestation, the available evidence indicates that introduction was caused by the accidental mobilization of infested chestnut material. Alongside other parasitoids recruited by D. kuriphilus, we found individuals of Torymus sinensis, constituting the first records of this foreign species in the Sistema Central.Research highlights: We updated the previously published distribution of D. kuriphilus in Spain, an alien species and pest of chestnut forests and orchards. We also reported the first list of recruited parasitoids by D. kuriphilus and, more specifically, the first records of T. sinensis in the Sistema Central.Keywords: Asian chestnut gall wasp; Torymus sinensis; parasitoids; galls; Iberian Peninsula; pest species; alien species.

New cultivar of mountain ash (Sorbus) Siberian breeding

The northern regions of Russia are characterized by a relatively poor composition of the cultural dendroflora, that due to harsh climatic conditions. To create resistant varieties, it is necessary to attract local highly winter-resistant forms and on their basis to obtain hybrids with foreign species with outstanding characteristics of economically useful traits. As a result of hybridization of the breeding form of S. sibirica with a undersized and large-fruited breeding form of S. sambucifolia was obtained the heterosic hybrid ‘Shank’ (F1 S. sambucifolia x S. sibirica) that combining valuable decorative and nutritional qualities, with ultra-fast of fruiting start and highly winter-resistant.

Impact of Plant Invasions on Local Vegetation: An Indian Perspective

ABSTRACT: Invasive species are key operators of worldwide ecological change causing the loss of biodiversity, modifying structure and functioning of bio-system, and disturbing establishment of ecosystem amenities throughout the world. About 8.6% of the overall flora of India is alien. A considerable rise in worldwide trade and travel is expected to accelerate entry, spreading and eventual establishment of foreign species in India. Whereas the systematic catalogue of non-native species incarnates the primary vital stage, however, more comprehensive investigations on description of alien species in India, study of their potential invasion environments, recognition of possible ways of invasion and their impact on local vegetation are still missing. The present study reports the incidence of 173 species of alien flora in India, their origins from different parts of the globe belonging to a diverse array of families with an emphasis on the adverse effect of important invasive species on the local vegetation so as to generate an understanding of plant invasions and develop policy framework for their management.

ECONOMIC AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EARTH WORMS Eudrilus eugeniae ON DIFFERENT DIETARY SOURCES

Eudrilus eugeniae is a foreign species that is well adapted to captivity system adopted in Brazil. The objective was evaluate the productive and economic performance of earthworms in different substrates in two 100 days. In aim 1, the control substrate composed by cattle manure and forage grass (CMG) was supplemented with minerals (MM), soybean meal (SB) and ground corn (GC). The substrate containing GC was higher than in average weight (AW) of 127% and average weight gain (AWG) of 332% when compared to CMG substrate, superior in 193% AW and 252% AWG when compared to MM and 251% AW and 403% AWG when compared to the substrate with SB. In aim 2, were used different amounts of GC in substrate. The production of the substrate that contained 5% GC was superior in 9%, 12% and 20% with regard to those that had a composition of 10%, 15% and 20% of GC, respectively. As for the difference between the costs and the benefits of each of the substrates, the 5% GC substrate showed a positive return of BRL$ 35.32 for each BRL$1.00 invested and an economic performance that was 205% superior to MM, the second best option among substrates. 5% GC performed better and more efficient and economically viable production of worms.

Interesting and new street tree species for European cities

Effects of climate change lead to decreasing vitality and increase mortality risk for many native tree species growing under harsh environmental conditions in towns and cities. Taking into account the risks of invasiveness, practical management and scientific experience alternative species and rising floristic biodiversity may help to reduce vulnerability of urban green space. Regardless of the emotional debate considering foreign species, the potential of urban street tree species originating from China may be considered for European urban places in particular in regions with expected drier and hotter conditions. The selection of 40 commonly used Chinese tree species took as its starting point observations and local experiences of five research expeditions between 2009 and 2016 concentrating on the metropoles of Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Jinan, and Fuyang. For the considered species only little practical and scientific knowledge is available for Central Europe.