Leveraging explainable artificial intelligence and ensemble learning as surrogate models for slope stability evaluation - Satyam Tiwari; Sarat Kumar Das (Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2026)

Numerical modeling of excavation-induced fracturing in rock foundations: a case study from the tectonically active Zagros Region - Mohammad Ijani; Ebrahim Rahimi; Ali Faghih; Vahab Sarfarazi (Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2026)

Reinforcing mechanism of plastic film fibers in municipal solid waste: CT imaging of orientation distribution under various loading conditions - Yanan Sun; Jianyong Shi; Chao Liu; Yuchen Zhang; Gaojie Xu (Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2026)

Experimental study on freezing-dynamic deterioration damage characteristics of joint-filled rock samples of cold regional open-pit slope - Sen Tian; Weirong Wu; Zhaolong Ge; Yongxin Li; Songying Li; Yuanheng Gong (Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2026)

Analysis of snow avalanche dynamics in different types based on numerical simulation: A case study in the northern Himalayas, Tibet - Pingping Zhang; Bin Li; Yang Gao; Haoyuan Gao; Jiawei Wan; Hai Huang (Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2026)

Comparative analysis of grout take distributions before and during reservoir impoundment with emphasis on engineering geological parameters (An experience of Seymareh Dam; Iran) - Ali M. Rajabi; Kh. Solgi; A. Cheshomi (Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2026)

Correction to: Influence of anchorage angle on rock mass mechanical response and slip damage under cyclic dynamic loading - Chi Zhang; Zhiqiang Yin; Chao Qi; Ruxiang Qin; Xinsheng Zhang; Kun Cao (Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2026)

Novel approaches for the detection of low-density Mediterranean fruit fly populations - Eleftheria-Maria D. Bali; Eleni Verykouki; Dimitrios Papachristos; Spyridon Antonatos; Panagiotis Milonas; Nikos T. Papadopoulos (Biological Invasions, 2026)
Biological invasions pose a growing threat to global agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystems with invasive insect species like the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) among the most notorious for fruit production and trading. Effective early detection of low-density populations is essential for limiting establishment and spread, particularly under conditions that favor population growth. In this study we tried to evaluate the detectability of low-abundance medfly populations using a novel release–recapture approach in urban environments across two regions of Greece. Feral marked males and females were released at randomized points in areas where the medfly is well established and occurs in high population levels, and recapture rates were monitored using standard traps baited with sex- and food-based attractants. Despite releasing 6480 adults over multiple trials, recapture rates remained very low (0.74%), with most individuals recaptured within the first 15 days post-release and in traps located near release points. Statistical modeling revealed that detection likelihood was influenced by the number of flies released and the distance to traps, while temperature and time after release had no measurable effect. Recapture patterns varied between sites, highlighting the influence of landscape structure, host plant availability, and microclimatic factors. These results demonstrate that detecting incipient invasions is inherently challenging and often influenced by stochastic processes. Surveillance systems relying on sparse trap grids may fail to detect early-stage populations, allowing invasive species to establish undetected. Enhancing trap density and integrating ecological variables into monitoring strategies are critical for improving early detection and informing timely eradication efforts.

Experiment of insect visitation to paired exotic and native prairie plants shows greater flowering duration and pollinator visitation in exotics - Nathan Soley; Brian Wilsey (Biological Invasions, 2026)

Terrestrial environmental DNA survey substantially improves detection of satellite populations for an invasive insect - Julie L. Lockwood; Michael C. Allen; Anthony R. Vastano; Mario F. Hernandez; Christopher Eddy; Mariel Vandegrift; Kathleen E. Kyle; Caleb Truscott (Biological Invasions, 2026)
Early detection of satellite populations is essential for managing invasive species, but traditional methods often fall short when populations are sparse and widespread. We assessed the effectiveness of terrestrial environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys for detecting spotted lanternfly ( Lycorma delicatula ) along major highways in New York State, USA, a region at the invasion front in North America. Over 2 years, we sampled 83 sites covering 1,650 km of high-traffic roadway using a roller-based, host-tree surface eDNA collection method and compared results with concurrent visual surveys and a government-run trap surveillance program (‘circle traps’). We detected spotted lanternfly eDNA at 77% of sampled sites, while visual surveys indicated lanternfly presence at only 5% of these sites. On average, the delay between positive spotted lanternfly detection with eDNA and an eventual iNaturalist record was 662 days. Site occupancy models estimated detection probability at 0.77 per eDNA sample (95% CI 0.66–0.86), compared with 0.25 per trap (95% CI 0.21–0.31). Detection probability was lower in 2023 than in 2022 (eDNA: 0.68 vs. 0.89; traps: 0.13 vs. 0.32), likely due to our sampling in locations with lower population densities and distances farther from the invasion core. Extrapolation from hierarchical models indicated that three eDNA samples per occupied site would achieve a 95% cumulative detection probability, whereas circle traps would require 11–23 checks. Our surveys identified previously undocumented spotted lanternfly populations beyond the known range front at the time of the survey, including in high-risk agricultural and forested areas. These results show that terrestrial eDNA surveys can outperform traditional methods in detecting low-abundance invasive insects across large areas. Incorporating eDNA into early detection and rapid response efforts for terrestrial invasive species may improve management outcomes and reduce the risk of uncontrolled spread caused by human dispersal.

Fragmentation and connectivity in landscape conservation: concepts, challenges, and adaptive solutions in tropical dry forests - Carlos A. Rivas; Guillermo Palacios-Rodríguez; Sanjana Dutt; Rafael M. Navarro-Cerrillo (Biodiversity and Conservation, 2026)

Diverse social interaction is key to honey bee (Apis mellifera, L.) thermoregulation - Dylan K. Ryals; Brock A. Harpur (Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2026)
While high relatedness seems essential for social evolution, data from some organisms suggest more genetically diverse groups enjoy higher productivity. This phenomenon has been termed social heterosis. Unfortunately its proximate mechanisms are not wholly understood, due in part to the difficulty of connecting individual-level behavior to group-level outcomes. Here, we use the Western honey bee to examine how diverse social interaction impacts individual-level “task” performance (water foraging and entrance fanning) and measure the resulting change in a colony-level “emergent” phenotype (thermoregulation). With colonies consisting of workers from single or multiple inbred lines, we show both individual behavior and group phenotypes depend on social context with social heterosis occurring in some but not all combinations. We assess two potential mechanisms for social heterosis in diverse colonies: 1) task specialization between genotypes resulting in an optimized division of labor, and 2) increased participation or efficiency in task performance through a social rescue effect. While we found specialization across tasks in the first social mix, this did not result in an improved group phenotype. Meanwhile, we observed social heterosis in the second social mix seemingly driven by the rescue of task performance in one genotype without apparent specialization or change in task efficiency. This proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates task allocation can be quantified and linked to emergent phenotypes, but responses are context- and genotype-specific. These findings underscore the importance of social or indirect genetic effects in in understanding social evolution. Significance statement Social organisms share information and organize activities to better exploit their environment, making the group more productive than the sum of its parts. However, complex layers of interaction linking genes, individual behaviors, and group-level outcomes make understanding social evolution difficult. In this study, we demonstrate how genetic differences between individuals create group-level changes in honey bee nest-cooling. Using workers from diverse genetic lines, we created “solo” colonies consisting of single lines and “mixed” colonies of two lines. While we observed division of labor between genetic lines, this did not lead to greater group-level performance. Instead, it seems social stimuli in the mixed group allowed adaptive responses in genetic lines which were unresponsive in isolation. This work provides an example of a quantitative link from genetic to group-level changes and suggests indirect genetic effects as an important focus of further research in social evolution.

Complete genome sequence of the first alphahypovirus from the phytopathogenic fungus Curvularia americana on Poa pratensis in China - Yibo Wang; Miaomiao Wang; Yunfan Tian; Xuehong Wu; Can Zhao (Archives of Virology, 2026)

Study of technology, provenance, and cross-regional cultural exchange of Warring States period silver artifacts from the Laolongtou cemetery, Yanyuan County, Sichuan Province, Southwest China - Xiaoting Wang; Jianbo Tian; Zhiqing Zhou; Ning Wang; Yingdong Yang; Wugan Luo (Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2026)

Provenance study of northwestern Arabian Sea clastic sediments: Insights from garnet geochemical signatures - Anil Kumar Sahu; Priti Rai; Siddhartha Sankar Das (Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2026)

Infection dynamics and temporal structure of gill monogeneans (Platyhelminthes: Dactylogyridae) of Enteromius guirali Thominot, 1886 in Cesala River, Cameroon - Tombi Jeannette; Onana Ngono Michel Thierry; Ndongo Ivan (Aquatic Ecology, 2026)

Correction: Quantifying urban expansion in Gurugram: a multi-sensor GIS,entropy, and machine-learning approach - Agradeep Mohanta; Ameet Yadav; Naveen Yadav; Kalyan Malik; Sanjay Kumar; Aman Kumar; Pardeep Kumar; Sultan Singh (Applied Geomatics, 2026)

Quantifying urban expansion in Gurugram: a multi-sensor GIS, entropy, and machine-learning approach - Agradeep Mohanta; Ameet Yadav; Naveen Yadav; Kalyan Malik; Sanjay Kumar; Aman Kumar; Pardeep Kumar; Sultan Singh (Applied Geomatics, 2026)

Microbiota-derived 4-HPAA alleviates Crohn’s disease by stabilizing SIRT1 and reprogramming macrophage immunometabolism - Chao Cheng; Shaoqi Cheng; Wenliang Jiang; Shuqiang Fu; Yangjie Shang; Xiufang Tang; Jie Zhao; Honggang Wang (Apoptosis, 2026)

Role of pyroptosis in melanoma: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potentials - Xiao-Han Zhang; Ke Zhang; Xue-Chun Qu; Jing Zhang; Umm E. Laila; Bo Wang; Wei-Rong Si; Qi-Ying Jiang; Dong-Dong Wu (Apoptosis, 2026)

Alantolactone inhibits T-cell lymphoma progression by suppressing CD47 expression via the PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways - Xiaodong Li; Ningbo Pang; Yingcong Chen; Tingting Pan; Wenwen Sun; Bingrong Chen; Fuyi Xie; Yinyu Mu; Ni Li (Apoptosis, 2026)

Prognostic factors and predictive modeling of in-hospital mortality among MDRO-positive inpatients: a retrospective cohort and GBD MICROBE study - Fan Jiang; Jian Li; Yahan Li; Yaping Yao; Ke Liu; Wei Dai; Hui Du (Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, 2026)

The underexplored mycobiome: insights from Drosophila into human health and disease - Rumaisa Ali Ebrahim; Shamprasad Varija Raghu; Shankar Prasad Das (Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, 2026)

Ecological Reasons for the Unusually High Rate of Gastropod Drill Hole Repair in the Deep‐Sea Brachiopod Abyssothyris wyvillei From New Zealand - Jeffrey H. Robinson; Angela J. Brandt (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Brachiopods are able to repair drill holes made in their shells by predatory gastropods. However, in most samples examined, drill hole repair is rare to absent: Presumably the drilling attack is usually fatal to the prey. The shells of short‐looped brachiopod Abyssothyris wyvillei , from deep‐sea dredge samples from two localities in the Tasman Sea, New Zealand, show both a high rate of drilling by muricid gastropods and an unusually high rate of drill hole repair, with some specimens having multiple repaired drill holes. Abyssothyris is one of the largest and most common bivalved organisms collected at the two stations. Examination of the molluscan taxa from the same samples revealed the presence of three species of muricid, one large and two small. The much higher number of muricid drill holes in Abyssothyris shells (129) than in molluscan shells (11) and the small size of the drill holes in Abyssothyris shells (0.15–0.8 mm) suggests that the two small muricid species targeted Abyssothyris as a preferred prey species. The majority of repaired drill holes occur over a smaller shell size range (0.15–0.5 mm), and statistical analysis shows this to be significant. This is interpreted as juvenile to young gastropods making successful drilling attacks on Abyssothyris but their appetite not being sufficient to inflict a mortal wound on their much larger prey, and the brachiopods are then able to repair the drill holes.

Issue Information (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)

Remote Sensing With Machine Learning to Monitor Seagrass Meadows: Long‐Term Trends in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand - Zhanchao Shao; Karin R. Bryan; Sanne M. Vaassen; Conrad A. Pilditch; Brooke Ellis‐Smith; Josie A. Crawshaw (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Seagrass meadows play critical roles in coastal ecosystems by stabilising sediments, supporting biodiversity and sequestering carbon, yet monitoring their recovery at scale is often constrained by the lack of scalable and repeatable approaches. This study applies an open‐source remote‐sensing framework to track long‐term changes in Zostera muelleri in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand, from 1959 to 2024. Using supervised machine learning (Random Forest) applied to Landsat and Sentinel‐2 imagery, combined with regression‐based estimates of seagrass density, we generated maps of seagrass extent and condition with overall accuracies of 0.88 for Sentinel‐2 and 0.77 for Landsat across all habitat classes. Beyond total area, the approach resolved changes in meadow structure, including patch size, connectivity, fragmentation and interannual variability, providing a landscape‐scale perspective on seagrass dynamics. Comparisons with manual aerial‐photo delineations supported the reliability of the broad harbour‐wide patterns. The combined record showed a 49% decline in seagrass extent between 1959 and 1990, followed by strong recovery since 2016, with extent exceeding 4,000 ha in 2023 and accompanied by recent subtidal expansion. The observed recovery occurred alongside documented management actions and variation in sediment‐related conditions, while preceding‐season temperature was positively associated with summer subtidal extent. The framework provides managers and practitioners with a repeatable means of monitoring long‐term seagrass recovery and informing adaptive coastal management.

Unravelling β‐Diversity and the Role of Small Streams in Shaping Fish Communities Using a National‐Scale eDNA Database - Lovisa Genevieve Ekelund; N. C. Boddy; J. Brasington; R. G. Death; I. Barrett (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
The role of river size on fish communities remains underexplored in freshwater ecology. Small streams, despite accounting for 75% of stream length, are more vulnerable to human impacts and often lack legislative protection. Nevertheless, they can serve as refuges and rearing areas for fish, including rare or threatened species. To understand if small streams host distinct fish assemblages, we analysed fish β‐diversity across stream sizes using a publicly available eDNA database. At a national scale, we calculated ‘local contributions to β‐diversity’ (LCBD) to assess site distinctiveness and ‘species contributions to β‐diversity’ (SCBD) to evaluate species‐specific impacts on compositional variation. We further partitioned β‐diversity into turnover and nestedness components at the catchment scale to explore underlying mechanisms of community change. Our findings support the hypothesis that low‐order streams host more distinct fish assemblages than medium‐ or high‐order streams. At a catchment scale, compositional differences were more often driven by turnover and associated to stream order and distance to sea. We found a negative relationship between the proportion of diadromous species and community distinctiveness, suggesting these species may homogenize communities. Contrary to expectations, introduced species were associated with higher LCBD values, likely reflecting an invasion‐driven community reshuffling. Interpreting these patterns requires careful consideration of species’ traits, historical biogeography, and anthropogenic effects. Together, these results highlight the critical role of small streams in maintaining fish diversity and the importance of protecting them.

Age‐ and Growth‐Based Life‐History Traits of Striated Surgeonfish ( Ctenochaetus striatus ) and Achilles Tang ( Acanthurus achilles ) from Miti‘āro, Cook Islands - Antony Vavia; Elizabeth D. L. Trip; Valerio Visconti; Julian Lilkendey; Jingjing Zhang; Charlie Owen; Armagan Sabetian (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Striated surgeonfish ( Ctenochaetus striatus ) and Achilles tang ( Acanthurus achilles ) are two surgeonfish species commonly harvested for subsistence on Miti‘āro, Cook Islands. Using individuals collected by local fishers, this study provides the first age‐ and growth‐based assessment of these species from Miti‘āro. Age and size distribution of C. striatus ranged from 1 to 27 years and 105–250 mm (FL), respectively. Age and size distribution of A . achilles ranged from 0 to 9 years and 137–215 mm (FL), respectively. Von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) models estimated asymptotic lengths of 185.18 mm for C. striatus and 183.11 mm for A. achilles . Likelihood ratio tests and 95% confidence ellipses of VBGF parameters ( L ∞ and K ) indicated no significant differences in growth between males and females for either species. Length–weight analyses showed C. striatus exhibited slightly negative allometric growth, while A. achilles displayed an isometric relationship. Annual mortality was estimated at ~36% for both species. These findings provide new insights into the life‐history and population dynamics of key reef fish targeted for subsistence in the Cook Islands.

Beyond Blue Carbon: Estimating the Value of Ecosystem Services Provided by Coastal Wetlands in Aotearoa New Zealand - Phoebe Stewart‐Sinclair; Zoe Qu; Orlando Lam‐Gordillo; Richard Bulmer; Vonda Cummings; Carolyn Lundquist (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Blue carbon ecosystems (BCE), including mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrasses, provide essential functions and services globally but are increasingly challenged by climate change and other anthropogenic activities. In Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa NZ), there is mounting interest in blue carbon as a nature‐based solution to climate change. Quantifying the monetary co‐benefits of BCE, in addition to carbon sequestration, can help illustrate the relative contribution of ecosystem services provided by existing habitats, as well as the potential additional value associated with restoration. Here, we estimated the value of provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services provided by BCE in Aotearoa NZ. We found that the most valuable ecosystem service provided by mangroves was carbon sequestration, while in saltmarsh and seagrass, the most valuable ecosystem services were waste treatment and existence, bequest values, respectively. Unit monetary valuations of ecosystem services range from NZD 3 ha −1 yr −1 (water flow regulation) to NZD 32,590 ha −1 yr −1 (climate regulation) for mangroves, NZD 8 ha −1 yr −1 (spiritual experience) to NZD 23,045 ha −1 yr −1 (waste treatment) for saltmarshes, and NZD 3 ha −1 yr −1 (water regulation) to NZD 14,512 ha −1 yr −1 (existence, bequest values) for seagrasses. The estimated national potential monetary value of ecosystem services provided by current habitats ranges from NZD 0.8–995 million yr −1 for mangroves (30,533 ha nationally), NZD 0.2–482 million yr −1 for saltmarshes (20,932 ha nationally), and NZD 0.2–216 million yr −1 for seagrasses (61,340 ha nationally). If drained areas were restored from drained agricultural use, values would increase accordingly. These results apply the benefit transfer approach (applying monetary values from analogous temperate ecosystems globally to estimate values in Aotearoa NZ) to generate indicative monetary benchmarks, which can help inform discussions around investment in BCE and long‐term coastal climate change adaptation decision‐making in Aotearoa NZ.

Age‐Based Life Histories of Epinephelus fasciatus , Lethrinus obsoletus , and Siganus punctatus From the Commercial Fishery of Guam, Micronesia - Brett M. Taylor; Cassandra Pardee; John Wiley; Leilani Sablan (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Age‐based life‐history information provides a foundation for evaluating population dynamics and vulnerability of coral reef fishes, yet many commercially important species from the tropical western Pacific remain poorly characterized. In this study, we examined the age, growth, and reproductive life histories of three reef‐associated species harvested in Guam's commercial fishery: the blacktip grouper Epinephelus fasciatus , the orangestripe emperor Lethrinus obsoletus , and the goldspotted spinefoot rabbitfish Siganus punctatus . All specimens were obtained through the NOAA‐funded commercial fisheries biosampling program, with a total of 120 L. obsoletus , 110 E. fasciatus , and 97 S. punctatus sampled from local markets. Age estimates were derived from sagittal otoliths, and reproductive parameters were assessed through gonadal examination. Despite differences in trophic guilds, all three species reached similar asymptotic fork lengths (26.1, 26.7, and 24.7 cm, respectively), and females of all species matured at approximately 20 cm fork length. Maximum observed ages were 13 years for E. fasciatus and L. obsoletus and 10 years for S. punctatus . Growth trajectories differed markedly among species, with the two carnivorous taxa exhibiting slower growth rates relative to the herbivorous rabbitfish, resulting in a younger age at maturation for S. punctatus . These results highlight both shared and contrasting life‐history traits among cooccurring reef fishes with similar body sizes but contrasting trophic guilds. Over the past 15 years, age‐based research on coral reef fisheries in the southern Mariana Islands has expanded rapidly, and these species fill critical gaps within an increasingly comprehensive life‐history framework that underpins biologically informed assessments of stock status and vulnerability.

A Surprising Diversity of Aquatic Oligochaetes (Annelida: Clitellata) on Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku (New Zealand), With a Checklist of Sub‐Antarctic and Antarctic Microdrile Oligochaetes - A. M. Pinder; R. M. Schmelz; S. McMurtrie; A. James (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku, 650 km SW of New Zealand, was surveyed for freshwater invertebrates during the austral summer of 2010/11 as part of the Campbell Island Bicentennial Expedition. Aquatic oligochaetes constituted a considerable proportion of the species collected. A total of 19 species were recorded, including 6 Naididae, 9 Enchytraeidae, and 4 Phreodrilidae, bringing the total number of microdrile species known from freshwater habitats on the island to 20. At least nine are known only from this island. Two new genera and four new species are described, with other specimens also likely representing undescribed species. The island's fauna has biogeographic affinities with other islands in the Southern Ocean/sub‐Antarctic and high latitude regions of southern continents, such as Macquaridrilus (also from Macquarie Island), Biprostatus (also from Tasmania) and Phreodrilidae which primarily inhabits Gondwanan landmasses and southern oceanic islands. Several species are likely human introductions. Species richness on Campbell Island greatly exceeds that of Macquarie Island, where only six species have been documented. Interpretation of the origins of this diversity and comparisons with other islands is hampered by inadequate knowledge of worm faunas from other islands and even from high latitude regions of some southern hemisphere continents.

Seasonal Patterns and Environmental Drivers of Seagrass ( Zostera muelleri ) Flowering in Aotearoa New Zealand: Implications for Seed‐Based Restoration - Dana E. Clark; Dan Crossett; Jessica Barr; Demi Fearn; Georgia Cotter; Javier Atalah; Susie Hine; Eleanor Brettle; Irisa Hudson; Maureen Ho; Sophie Whittall; Al Alder; et al. (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Seagrass flowering underpins seed‐based restoration and is governed by the interaction of multiple abiotic and biotic drivers operating across a range of temporal and spatial scales. In New Zealand/Aotearoa, flowering was historically considered rare, but emerging evidence indicates it is more widespread than previously recognised, creating new opportunities for restoration. We conducted a 4‐year study from 2022 to 2025 across three estuaries near Nelson, New Zealand, to investigate how seasonality, seagrass cover, tidal height and regional temperature anomalies influence Zostera muelleri flowering density and identify peak flowering periods within each intertidal system. Flowering occurred within a broadly predictable seasonal window, with mean peak inflorescence densities (11 ± 3.1 SE to 170 ± 53.2 m −2 , maximum 756 m −2 ) observed between November and January at the beginning of Austral summer. A generalised additive model showed that seagrass cover was the strongest and most consistent predictor of flower density, with denser meadows supporting significantly greater numbers of flowers. Tidal height and temperature anomalies further influenced flowering in some estuaries, with higher flowering density occurring higher on the shore and reduced flowering associated with both warmer‐ and cooler‐than‐average temperatures. Peak flowering densities recorded in high‐flowering years were comparable to those reported from some Australian meadows of the same species, where seed‐based restoration approaches are being trialled, suggesting that meadows in New Zealand can exhibit comparable reproductive capacity under favourable conditions. These results provide the first extensive assessment of seagrass flowering dynamics in New Zealand, offering fundamental ecological insights and practical guidance for optimising seed‐based restoration domestically and worldwide.

Plastic Inputs to Lake Rotorua: An Initial Assessment of Stormwater Stream Plastic Loads and Capture Devices - Aria Kerebs; Margaret Armstrong; Deniz Özkundakci (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Plastics are a known but inconsistently researched challenge to Aotearoa New Zealand's inland freshwater systems. Understanding plastic origins, movement, and removal options for individual water bodies can enhance management efforts. This exploratory study quantified meso‐ and macroplastics entering Lake Rotorua through stormwater streams and assessed suitability of in‐stream capture devices. Plastic samples were collected and analysed over five sampling events at seven Rotorua city stormwater sites. Of the 306 samples (5982 g total), 51 were made of recyclable polymers, 124 were nonrecyclable and 131 were unidentifiable (e.g., degraded). Significant differences (ANOVA) were observed between the sample counts and weights of some sites (e.g., Depot Street and Headwater). With plastics present in the stormwater streams, capture devices are one option for collecting and removing pollution. A literature review was conducted to ascertain what aquatic‐based devices are being used globally and which are suitable for the stormwater streams. Six Rotorua‐based criteria (e.g., suitability in narrow or shallow channels) identified booms and boom‐receptable devices as recommended for trialling. Study findings can support reassessment of ongoing initiatives in Rotorua city and guide further scientific research. These insights can also be applied to meso‐ and macroplastic pollution in lakes with similar urbanised catchments.

Limited Success of Spat Ropes and Rubber Ramps for Restoring Fish Passage at a Perched Culvert - Sjaan Bowie; Nixie Boddy; Cindy F. Baker; Jonny Horrox; Paul A. Franklin (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Many culverts in New Zealand rivers are poorly designed or maintained, impeding fish migrations. This study tested three low‐cost fish passage solutions—mussel spat ropes, a flexible rubber ramp, and a combination of both—at a perched culvert apron on the West Coast. Passage efficiency was assessed for three indicator species with different locomotive capabilities: īnanga ( Galaxias maculatus ), redfin bully ( Gobiomorphus huttoni ), and banded kōkopu ( Galaxias fasciatus ). Spat rope and rubber ramp both independently and in combination were ineffective at facilitating passage of īnanga or redfin bully. The combination of spat rope and rubber ramp moderately increased banded kōkopu passage, predominantly for fish

What Do New Zealanders Think About Freshwater Fish? Results From a National Survey - Marc Tadaki; Alaric McCarthy; Fabio Weiss; Aisling Rayne; Sarah Crowley; Alexis Farr; Leah Gibbs; Jane Kitson; Nick Reo; Philip Stahlmann‐Brown (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
The 2025 Environmental Perceptions Survey provides unique insight into a nationally representative sample ( n = 1024) of New Zealanders’ perceptions of freshwater fish. About 8% of the sample had fished in the past 12 months and 30% had fished ever, and fisher subsamples were more male, more Māori and younger than the New Zealand population. Perceived awareness of local freshwater fish presence was higher for fishers than non‐fishers for all species, but both shared highest awareness of eel/tuna, whitebait and trout, which are also the most commonly fished species. Assessment of national fishing popularity and fishing pressure was mixed, but regional trends are evident. Respondents agreed that there are not enough freshwater fish, that fishers should be able to eat what they catch and that fish are healthy enough to eat. Respondents prefer more of all freshwater fish species rather than only one or two species. This data can help understand how people's relationships with freshwater and fish are changing and possibilities for building alliances for freshwater stewardship.

Sea Urchin Removal as a Tool, Not a Solution: Practical Lessons for Kelp Restoration in Aotearoa New Zealand - Kelsey I. Miller; Arie J. P. Spyksma; Celia A. Balemi; Alice McSherry; Leigh Takirau; Vince C. Kerr; Aaron M. Eger; Nicholas T. Shears (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
The increasing awareness of the extent of urchin barrens and impacts of sea urchin overgrazing on rocky reefs in Aotearoa New Zealand has led to a rapid increase in the use of sea urchin removal as a tool for kelp forest restoration. Here, we review these restoration projects, focusing on three case studies, with the aim to provide context on what urchin removal does and does not achieve and guidance on when, where and how it might be both ecologically and culturally appropriate. At least fifteen known iwi Māori, hapū, community and research‐led urchin removal projects are underway nationally. We consider multiple components of the urchin removal process, including respect for Māori practice and traditions, large‐scale practicality, and ecological effectiveness. Urchin removal from urchin barrens is labour intensive but can promote rapid kelp recovery. However, without addressing the cause of sea urchin overpopulation (i.e. overfishing of sea urchin predators), kelp recovery is temporary as sea urchins will eventually return. Ongoing removals may provide longer‐term benefits but not a fully functioning and resilient kelp forest ecosystem. Therefore, urchin removal is best used as part of well‐planned, iwi‐supported and permitted restoration projects including marine protection. Finally, we caution that urchin removal should not detract or take away from restoration strategies to address the root cause of sea urchin overpopulation, particularly the rebuilding of predator populations.

Supplementary Diet of DL‐Methionine and Electro‐N as Antistress to Improve Growth Rates and Immune Responses of Red Hybrid Tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus ) Juveniles Reared Under High Densities - Mohamed F. Abdel‐Aziz; Shyma M. Shalaby; Esraa A. Yacoub; Youmna M. Abdo; Gad H. G. Hussein; Mohamed A. Elokaby; Dalia S. Hamza; Ashraf Y. El‐Dakar (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
Immunostimulantsare essential in aquaculture because they strengthen the immune system, enhance disease resistance, and improve the health of cultured aquatic species, especially under poor water quality and stressful conditions. They also promote better growth, survival, and antibody production without harmful side effects. As a safe alternative to antibiotics, immunostimulants support sustainable aquaculture and healthier fish farming practices. So, the current study was conducted to improve the performance of red tilapia fingerlings reared under stressful conditions of high densities by using commercial additives of methionine (MET) and a commercial antistress (Electro‐N, Elec). A 60‐day feeding trial including seven experimental diets was formulated as follows: a 30% crude protein basal diet without additives (T0), a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% MET (T1), 1.0% MET (T2), and 1.5% MET (T3). The same tested concentrations of MET with the addition of 0.5% Elec per (T4) 0.5% MET‐Elec, (T5) 1.0% MET‐Elec, and (T6) 1.5% MET‐Elec. Juveniles were within an initial average weight of 18.07 g ± 0.25 (SE) and randomly stored in 21 plastic tanks (60 L) at a rate of 20 fish/tank (60 fish/treatment). The data obtained suggested that dietary MET supplemented with or without Elec improved the growth, survival rate, and body content of protein, hematological characteristics, intestinal digestive enzymes, and immunity functions of fish in comparison with the control group. Specifically, a fish‐fed diet containing 1% MET with 0.5% Elec had a balance between the best survival rate and growth performance, indicating that this treatment had the best indicators of physiological and immunity functions.

From Genogroups to Control Strategies: A Comprehensive Review of Piscirickettsia salmonis and Piscirickettsiosis to Optimize Health Management in Salmonid Aquaculture - Marco Rozas‐Serri (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Piscirickettsiosis, caused by the facultative intracellular bacterium Piscirickettsia salmonis , remains the primary infectious disease economically limiting salmonid aquaculture in Chile, while its incidence has also increased in farmed salmonids in Ireland, Scotland, Australia, and Canada in recent years. This comprehensive review synthesizes 181 peer‐reviewed publications (2014–2026) to integrate transformative advances in P. salmonis genomics, pathogenesis, epidemiology, host immunity, and control strategies, updating the foundational 2014 review by Rozas and Enríquez. Comparative genomic studies have consistently resolved LF‐89‐like and EM‐90‐like isolates as two distinct phylogenomic clusters, with marked differences in pan‐genome composition, lineage‐specific proteins, ribosomal operon organization, and Dot/Icm‐associated genomic architecture, supporting genogroup‐level divergence that should not be inferred from any single threshold‐based metric such as Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) alone. Genogroup‐specific disease phenotypes are also well established. LF‐89 produces chronic granulomatous infections, whereas EM‐90 causes acute hemorrhagic septicemia. Mechanistically, P. salmonis evades cell‐mediated immunity by inhibiting phagosome–lysosome fusion and suppressing MHC‐I–mediated antigen presentation, impairing CD8 + cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte priming and likely explaining the consistently low vaccine efficacy and genogroup‐restricted cross‐protection observed under field conditions. Treatment failures persist despite absent widespread acquired resistance, attributable to intracellular persistence, biofilm formation, and pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic mismatches. Despite exponential growth in mechanistic knowledge, a substantial translational gap persists between research findings and operational implementation. This review identifies critical priorities requiring urgent investment: genogroup‐specific bivalent vaccine development, climate‐adaptive biosecurity frameworks, molecular diagnostic standardization for real‐time genogroup surveillance, and integrated control strategies tailored to P. salmonis genomic heterogeneity.

Genome Manipulation in Microalgae: A Systematic Map on Improved Traits, Strains, and Their Commercial Applications - Irene Gallego; Michael Meissle; Jörg Romeis (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Microalgae are promising platforms for producing diverse biocompounds relevant to multiple commercial sectors, and the use of genomic technologies in microalgae is rapidly expanding. To examine the research trends, we conducted a bibliographic analysis (systematic map) of this rapidly developing field. Our study presents a descriptive overview of genomic techniques in microalgae for industrial applications, highlighting emerging trends and key knowledge gaps. After the initial identification of more than 23,600 scientific publications, we screened over 5,500 original research studies that were deemed most relevant by AI‐based sorting. We then selected 518 relevant studies in which microalgal strains were genetically modified to improve traits of commercial interest. We also compiled information on industrially relevant sectors that potentially benefit from genetically improved microalgae. Overall, more than 60 strains from 10 genera, mainly belonging to green microalgae, cyanobacteria and diatoms, were genetically improved for future commercial applications. Most studies used conventional genetic engineering techniques, with incipient research on gene editing tools. The most frequently improved microalgal traits varied with the type of cell (eukaryotic microalgae vs. cyanobacteria). Genetically improved eukaryotes (mainly green microalgae) produced proteins, lipids and pigments, while cyanobacteria synthetized alcohols, polyols and terpenoids. The main recipient of the improved strains is the human health sector, followed by the bioenergy sector, food and beverage industries, animal farming including aquatic animals, and cosmetics. Manufacturers of bioplastic packaging, chemical industries, environmental remediation companies, wastewater treatment plants, and the agriculture sector may also benefit from the use of genetically improved microalgae and their derived products.

Sustainable Integrated Multi‐Trophic Aquaculture: Key Considerations for Assessing Environmental and Economic Performance - Sara Hornborg; Fabrizio Capoccioni; Xavier Irz; Markus Langeland; Arianna Martini; Domitilla Pulcini; Fredrik Salenius; Friederike Ziegler (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA), defined as the co‐production of species at different trophic levels, is conceptually appealing. By utilising complementary functions of different species, it holds opportunities for lower environmental impact, higher productivity, and increased profitability in comparison with conventional monoculture. However, whether those advantages materialise in practice remains unclear. Here we review available life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost–benefit analysis (CBA) studies of IMTAs to further the current understanding of environmental and economic performance. We find that, overall, LCAs conclude that IMTAs investigated have not been able to deliver on environmental promises, while CBAs generally find that IMTAs have both better financial performance and lower environmental externalities than monoculture equivalents. The main reasons for these contrasting findings include the nature of the systems assessed so far—often theoretical or experimental set‐ups with non‐optimised designs—combined with methodological choices in assessments. The findings of the review thus suggest that it is still unclear to what extent IMTA can deliver on its promises in practice, and that IMTA is no panacea for aquaculture but requires careful design to be effective for its intended use. Integrating robust LCAs and CBAs early in the development phase can help identify viable IMTA set‐ups based on key drivers of environmental and economic performance and, in this way, minimise the risks of misaligned practices. A first step towards realising the potential of IMTA is to carry out robust assessments that avoid key mistakes in both LCAs and CBAs, to which end we provide hands‐on recommendations for future assessments.

Issue Information (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)

A Systematic Review of Studies Investigating the Transmission Dynamics of Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus - Ahsan Raquib; Persia Carol Thapa; K. Larry Hammell; Javier Sanchez; Nicole O'Brien; Krishna Kumar Thakur (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Infectious salmon anemia is one of the most important viral diseases affecting the farmed Atlantic salmon industry. The objectives of this systematic review were to appraise the methods, parameters, and validation approaches employed in mathematical modeling studies related to infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) transmission dynamics, identify limitations among them, and suggest recommendations for future modeling approaches. A total of 898 studies were identified through the search of four databases and Google Scholar, and five government reports were added to this list after manually checking the reference list of full‐text articles. After removal of duplicate studies, title and abstract screening, and full‐text screening, 24 studies were finally included in the systematic review. The included studies mostly used mechanistic models ( n = 16), followed by hybrid models ( n = 5); only three studies used statistical models. We categorized the objectives of the modeling studies into four categories: prediction of ISAV spread, model parameterization, persistence of ISAV, and effectiveness of control interventions. Most studies tried to predict ISAV spread and estimate model parameters. Our review identified several limitations in existing models, including a lack of calibration and validation with real‐world data, reliance on deterministic frameworks, inconsistent use of compartment structures, and failure to incorporate many key ISAV transmission pathways. Existing modeling studies have substantially advanced our understanding of ISAV spread and informed control strategies. Future research should aim to overcome current limitations by estimating key transmission parameters, such as the basic reproduction number ( R 0 ) across seasons and viral genotypes, and by incorporating stochastic modeling approaches.

Grass Carp Reovirus ( GCRV ): Biology, Immune Responses and Control Strategies - Waqar Younas; Mijuan Shi; Rong Huang; Yaping Wang; Libo He; Hong Yang; Lei Zhang; Yingyin Cheng; Wanting Zhang; Lanjie Liao; Yongming Li; Bin Gui; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
As the world's population grows, aquaculture is becoming a rapidly growing source of protein. Grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) is one of the most important aquacultured species in China and has emerged as a significant commercial fish worldwide. However, grass carp reovirus (GCRV) poses a significant threat to grass carp aquaculture. This review covers GCRV biology, phylogeny, pathogenesis, immune response pathways, therapeutic approaches, and future challenges and directions. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis describes the structure of GCRV, its entry into cells, its molecular architecture, its replication procedures and its interactions with the host, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs). The paper explores how PRRs, such as RLRs (RIG‐I and MDA5) and TLRs (TLR3 and TLR19), are essential for identifying GCRV and initiating robust antiviral responses, particularly the interferon pathway. The paper goes on to explain the complex immune evasion tactics employed by GCRV, emphasizing how viral proteins such as VP41, VP4 and VP56 selectively target and interfere with critical components of PRR signaling cascades, such as MAVS‐TBK1 and MITA/STING, thereby reducing host immunity. Various next‐generation vaccines are being developed, including DNA, subunit, VLP and oral/mucosal platforms. These are supported by Chinese herbal and chemical antivirals. According to CRISPR/Cas9, experimental RNAi, PI4KB and SOCS3a/3b are host genes that can be altered to increase grass carp resistance to GCRV. This research offers significant insights into viral cell invasion and strengthens innate and adaptive immunity, enabling safer, more practical and multilayered control in aquaculture.

Fish Sperm Subpopulations Detection, Separation, and Application: Current State and Trends - Viktoriya Dzyuba; William V. Holt; Borys Dzyuba (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Sperm subpopulations represent a fundamental manifestation of intra‐ejaculate heterogeneity in fish, arising from differences in structural features, motility patterns, and physiological states of sperm cells. This variability is increasingly recognised as biologically significant, influencing fertilisation success, sperm competition, and egg selection. Advances in computer‐assisted sperm analysis, flow cytometry, and fluorescent staining have enabled the identification of distinct subgroups based on kinematic, morphological, and biochemical traits. However, techniques for their physical separation and functional assessment remain in early development for fish, limiting their routine application in aquaculture. Understanding sperm heterogeneity offers innovative perspectives for reproductive biology, providing insights into species with complex mating strategies and guiding the refinement of aquaculture practices, particularly in situations where sperm quality is reduced or highly variable. Applications include optimising artificial fertilisation, improving cryopreservation protocols, and enhancing genetic stability by isolating high‐quality subpopulations, especially when optimal volumes of high‐quality sperm are not available. Importantly, sperm subpopulation analysis also holds promise for conservation programs, where selecting and preserving viable gametes is critical for maintaining genetic diversity and supporting the recovery of endangered and threatened fish species. By reducing abnormal larval development and improving fertilisation efficiency, this approach strengthens hatchery success and contributes to long‐term sustainability. Overall, framing sperm heterogeneity as both a biological phenomenon and a biotechnological resource highlights its importance and innovation. This review synthesises current knowledge, explores possible origins of sperm subpopulations, and outlines future directions for their application in aquaculture and conservation, with particular relevance in contexts where reproductive performance is compromised or variable.

Amino Acids in the Natural Food Web of Global Fishponds: Way Forward for Precision Protein Feeding in Pond Cyprinid Aquaculture - Md. Foysul Hossain; Katerina Sezimova; Jan Mraz; Radek Gebauer; Lubos Zabransky; Koushik Roy (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Natural food webs in freshwater pond ecosystems provide an important nutritional foundation for cyprinid aquaculture, yet information on their protein and amino acid composition remains fragmented. This review synthesized published data from 30 studies (1950–2026) reporting protein and indispensable amino acid (IAA) composition of freshwater natural food resources, including algae, zooplankton, and zoobenthos. Protein and IAA concentrations were standardized on a dry matter basis and evaluated relative to common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) amino acid requirement benchmarks. Natural food protein quantity and quality followed the trophic pattern zooplankton > zoobenthos > algae. The IAA profiles in zooplankton and zoobenthos mostly met or exceeded common carp dietary benchmarks, unlike algae which may fall short. Relative trophic position (RTP) was positively associated with all IAAs, supporting the concept of trophic upgrading within freshwater food webs. Lysine exhibited the strongest relationship with RTP ( R 2 = 0.551), demonstrating a high sensitivity to natural food choices by pond carp, whereas methionine showed the weakest relationship, strictly controlled across trophic levels, making it one of the most difficult IAAs to source in pond food web. Our analysis suggests that any ideal protein concept for supplementary feed for ponds should be centered around methionine (as denominator), as most supplementary pond feed protein ingredients may exacerbate the methionine deficiencies and undermine protein utilization. A nutritional ecology framework integrating food web IAA into precision pond feed, with complementary ingredient choices, can greatly enhance the efficiency and cleanliness of pond aquaculture.

Can AI Write Your Next Review? Yes. Does That Make Real Review Articles Redundant? No - Giovanni M. Turchini (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)

High‐Throughput Sequencing in Aquaculture Disease Investigations: Challenges and Opportunities for Implementation - Francisca Samsing; Phoebe Arbon; Matthew Arnold; Andrew C. Barnes; David Bass; Joy A. Becker; Jerusha Bennett; Charles Caraguel; Jeremy Carson; Vincenzo A. Costa; Thomas Dumond; Jemma Geoghegan; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
The current generation of sequencing technologies can produce terabases of data with exceptional accuracy and speed, at a fraction of the cost of older methods. Despite this unprecedented power, adoption into aquaculture health management presents several challenges, including identifying where such capability may be optimally deployed. Here we synthesise discussions from a structured expert workshop held at the 2025 Aotearoa Aquatic Diseases Symposium in Dunedin, New Zealand, where experts from industry, government and academia explored the challenges and opportunities for adopting high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) to support disease investigations in aquaculture. Workshop participants identified key applications for HTS, including pathogen discovery during unexplained mortality events and source attribution in epidemics, but also noted technical, regulatory and social challenges for widespread adoption. These include the need for standardised sampling and bioinformatic workflows, data sovereignty, equitable access to the technology and uncertainty around interpreting detection of notifiable pathogens. Targeted research and coordinated regulatory frameworks will be essential to guide responsible use of HTS and determine where it adds value relative to existing approaches. Clarifying these opportunities and constraints will guide the responsible adoption of HTS into aquaculture health management to support sustainable growth for the sector.

An Update on Advancement in Genomics Resources for Spiny Lobster Aquaculture Development - Courtney Lewis; Ahmad Farhadi; Susan Glendinning; Thomas Banks; Tara Kelly; Andrew G. Jeffs; Sandra Infante Villamil; John Breen; Jennifer M. Cobcroft; Arya Vazirzadeh; Basseer M. Codabaccus; Chris G. Carter; et al. (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
The rapid advancement of high‐throughput sequencing technologies has transformed aquaculture genomics, enabling unprecedented insights into the biology and improvement of non‐model aquatic species. Among crustaceans, lobsters represent one of the most commercially valuable yet genomically underexplored taxa. This review synthesises the current state of genomic and transcriptomic resources available for spiny and slipper lobsters (Achelata), contextualising these within the broader decapod framework. We outline key genomic assemblies, transcriptomic atlases, and molecular tools that underpin emerging research on reproduction, nutrition, growth, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. We further highlight how omics‐driven approaches—spanning whole‐genome sequencing, SNP discovery, RNA interference, and nutrigenomics—are reshaping opportunities for selective breeding, reproductive control, and feed optimisation. Recent progress in establishing closed‐cycle aquaculture of Panulirus ornatus now provides the foundation for applying these molecular resources to address key production bottlenecks, including larval duration, cannibalism, and asynchronous moulting. We propose future directions integrating genomics, transcriptomics, and functional tools to accelerate sustainable domestication and genetic improvement of lobsters. Together, these advances mark a pivotal shift toward genomically informed spiny lobster aquaculture.

Multipathway Pesticide Exposure and Cross‐Scale Risk Assessment in Integrated Rice–Crab Aquaculture - Dan‐Dan Bian; Shi‐Rong Li; Bo‐Ping Tang; Qiu‐Ning Liu (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Integrated rice–crab co‐culture represents a sustainable agroecosystem, yet a critical conflict arises: pesticide applications necessary for rice cultivation undermine the health of the co‐cultured Chinese mitten crab ( Eriocheir sinensis ) and jeopardize system sustainability. To address this challenge, a comprehensive analytical framework is developed, linking multipathway pesticide exposure, molecular toxicity mechanisms, cross‐scale risk assessment, and resilience‐oriented governance. This framework systematically reviews the environmental fate and exposure dynamics of pesticides in paddy fields, as well as their toxicokinetics and tissue‐specific bioaccumulation in E. sinensis . Moving beyond descriptive toxicology, the study integrates “effect hierarchy” and “mechanistic network” perspectives to unravel cascading toxicity pathways, spanning oxidative stress, neuroendocrine disruption, cellular pyroptosis, and immune suppression. The limitations of conventional risk assessment in such a complex system are critically examined, with emphasis on the dual risks to crab population resilience and human food safety. To mitigate these challenges, a novel, mechanism‐informed “Prevent–Intercept–Protect–Adapt (PIPA)” framework is proposed to bolster system resilience, combining green pest control, eco‐engineering, host health enhancement, and smart monitoring. This review enhances theoretical understanding of contaminant impacts in multitrophic systems and offers actionable management strategies to promote the sustainable development of integrated aquaculture.

Decoding the Black Box of Fish Vaccines Efficacy in Basic and Applied Contexts - Jiří Kyslík; Mikolaj Adamek; Tomáš Korytář (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Vaccines are the frontline defense in aquaculture, yet predicting their real‐world performance remains a tricky puzzle. Unlike terrestrial veterinary vaccines, fish vaccines largely operate through “Black Box” processes, where we observe the outcomes but rarely understand the underlying immune mechanisms. Laboratory trials, though informative, often fail to capture the complexity of commercial farms, where environmental fluctuations, pathogen diversity, host genetics, and stressors interact. Field studies provide glimpses into vaccine performance, but they are sparse, short‐term, and sometimes biased, leaving many questions unanswered. Environmental stressors, particularly reuse water, low oxygen, ammonia accumulation, and fluctuating temperatures, can undermine even well‐designed vaccines. Handling, vaccination stress, and the developmental stage of the fish further influence immunity, explaining why the same vaccine may succeed in one setting and fail in another. Immunologically, vaccine success depends on effective antigen processing, a balanced mix of systemic and mucosal responses, and durable memory, yet these factors are rarely measured in the field. Mucosal vaccines show promise by targeting pathogen entry points, while systemic responses remain essential for broad protection. This review explores the “Black Box” nature of fish vaccines, in which vaccination inputs and protective outcomes are observable, yet the internal interactions among environmental factors, host biology, and immune mechanisms remain poorly defined. Unlocking these factors is key to turning unpredictable vaccines into reliable tools for sustainable disease control in a growing aquaculture industry.

An Overview of Post‐Translational Modifications in Aquatic Animal Immunity and Pathogen Evasion - Jiayang Lin; Ming Guo; Chenghua Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
As aquaculture continues to expand and intensify, infectious diseases are increasingly viewed as a major constraint on sustainable and high‐quality production. In aquatic animals, post‐translational modifications (PTMs) serve as central regulatory layers of innate immunity by tuning immune sensing, signal transduction, downstream defense execution, and tissue homeostasis. This review brings together recent advances in PTM‐related disease‐resistance research across teleosts, crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms, with particular attention to viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. We focus on phosphorylation and ubiquitination as two major regulatory mechanisms that tune the activation threshold, signal intensity, and termination of immune signaling at conserved but unevenly characterized nodes within RLR‐, TLR‐, cGAS–STING‐, and JAK–STAT‐related pathways. Rather than acting through a single shared mechanism, these PTMs regulate aquatic immune responses through pathway‐specific kinase activation, phosphatase‐mediated restraint, ubiquitin‐chain editing, and protein turnover. Beyond phosphorylation and ubiquitination, we also discuss other PTMs, including methylation, acetylation, SUMOylation, ISGylation, glycosylation, and lipidation, which may contribute to immune homeostasis, tissue repair, barrier protection, and host–pathogen adaptation in context‐dependent ways. Pathogens, meanwhile, can exploit PTM‐dependent checkpoints by targeting host kinases, altering ubiquitin‐dependent protein turnover, interfering with transcriptional or cytoskeletal regulation, or using their own surface glycosylation and lipidation patterns to modify host recognition. Finally, we consider emerging directions, including PTM‐focused proteomics, functional validation by gene‐editing approaches, metabolism‐linked modifications, and PTM‐informed biomarkers, to clarify host–pathogen interactions in aquatic animals and inform future strategies for disease control in aquaculture.

Environmental and Biological Factors Shaping Fish Swimming Ability: Insight From a Meta‐Analysis on Endemic Fish in China - Yuanming Wang; Hongtao Wang; Pengcheng Li; Xintong Li; Ruifeng Liang; Kefeng Li (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Fish swimming ability serves as a robust proxy for physiological assessment and species conservation. Numerous rivers with a large spatial span and diverse fish species in China complicate the efforts to understand swimming ability and challenge the protection of fish populations. One hundred and sixty‐four relevant studies over the past 15 years, involving 30 families and 126 distinct test sites, were identified to provide a comprehensive overview of fish swimming ability in China. Specifically, test sites geographically concentrated in the Yangtze River basin and Cyprinidae received the most research attention. The basin, family, altitude, living condition, and body length exerted considerable effects on fish swimming ability. Fish from the continental basin had the highest induced swimming speed ( U ind ), whereas those from the southwest basin showed outstanding critical ( U crit ) and burst ( U burst ) swimming speeds. U ind did not differ significantly at the family level, while Cyprinidae and Cobitidae outperformed other families in U crit and U burst . U ind was lowest at an altitude of 2328–3588 m, while U crit and U burst followed unimodal trends, peaking at altitudes of 622–1343 m. Test apparatus and protocols had a limited effect on fish swimming ability, only except that swimming speeds in Brett‐type flumes were higher than that in pipe channels or straight flumes. The living condition did not affect U ind while wild Cyprinidae exceeded cultured Cyprinidae in U crit and U burst . Overall, this study identified factors contributing to fish swimming ability differences and their variation patterns, deepening our knowledge on fish swimming ability and informing fish conservation strategies in China.

Syndromic Convergence in Aquaculture Disease Management: A Critical Review of Climate‐Pathobiome Interactions, Diagnostic Frameworks, and Knowledge Gaps - Ilhan Altinok (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Aquaculture disease management is increasingly confronted by complex, multi‐factorial outbreaks that resist explanation under the conventional “one pathogen, one disease” framework derived from Koch's postulates. This review introduces syndromic convergence (SyCo) as a formal conceptual framework defining disease states in which climate‐driven environmental stressors, host immune competence, and interacting pathogen communities (pathobiomes) synergistically produce disease syndromes qualitatively distinct from the sum of individual pathogen effects. Drawing on documented outbreaks in salmonids, penaeid shrimp, Mediterranean marine species, and freshwater finfish, it is demonstrated that SyCo events, characterized by synergistic mortality exceeding 1.5× that of any single pathogen, cannot be adequately diagnosed or managed using single‐agent surveillance systems or reductionist intervention strategies. It is proposed a five‐criterion quantitative scoring matrix (0–10 scale; threshold ≥ 8) for SyCo classification, a tiered confidence‐rating system for climate‐virulence mechanisms, and a Syndromic Convergence Early Warning Index (SC‐EWI) integrating water quality, microbiome dysbiosis, behavioral signals, and stressor history into a composite farm‐level risk score. A three‐layer precision intervention framework, environmental mitigation, host immune priming (including nanovaccines and trans‐generational immune priming), and pathobiome‐targeted biologicals (RNAi and phage cocktails), is proposed as operationally aligned with the SyCo model. Seven priority knowledge gaps are identified, including validation of the scoring matrix against outbreak data, quantification of the EHP‐ Vibrio dose–response axis, characterization of maternal microbiome contributions to trans‐generational immune priming, and development of multi‐target dsRNA constructs for co‐infection scenarios. Collectively, this framework advances a transition from reactive, single‐pathogen pathology to predictive, convergence‐aware biosurveillance in global aquaculture.

Commercially Exploited Seaweed Species in Africa: Occurrences, Chemical Composition, Current Value Chain and Opportunities for Value Addition - Mondli Abednicko Masanabo; Marthe Jordbrekk Blikra; Trond Løvdal; Dagbjørn Skipnes; Morten Sivertsvik; Aditya Parmar; M. Naushad Emmambux (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Africa has a wide range of coastal environments that support a diverse array of seaweed species. Despite this, only a few African countries are involved in the commercial harvesting and value addition of seaweed. Instead, most of the seaweed harvested in Africa has been exported as dried seaweed for value addition. This review discussed the different seaweed species commercially exploited in Africa, their nutritional composition, their current and potential uses as food, paying attention to food safety aspects regarding heavy metals and microbiological safety, and their use as animal feed ingredients and as sources for the production of polysaccharides, proteins, and biostimulants. It was noted that many factors limit seaweed value addition in Africa, including limited access to financial capital, a lack of seaweed research activities, a lack of seaweed storage and processing facilities, limited technical capacity, and weak domestic markets. Thus, in this review, the authors suggested that seaweed value addition in Africa should be regional (East, South, West, and North Africa), driven by species largely grown in those regions. These suggestions can leverage existing value chains across different regions in Africa. To achieve this, more regional cooperation among countries producing similar species is necessary, knowledge sharing on best farming practices, and more research on chemical composition, safety (microbial, heavy metals, microplastics), and efficacy, as well as funding and policy for human capital skill development and the technical skills necessary for seaweed processing.

Macroalgae and Bivalve Interactions: A Review of Trophic and Feeding Studies to Assess the Contribution of Macroalgal Detritus to Bivalves - Fiona P. MacKechnie; Andrew G. Jeffs (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
There is growing interest in the co‐culture of macroalgae and filter‐feeding bivalves due to anticipated trophic benefits that may enhance the productivity of both organisms. Detritus from cultured macroalgae has the potential to supplement bivalve diets, yet few studies have directly examined this relationship in co‐culture systems. This review synthesizes findings from over 70 studies encompassing a broad range of macroalgae and bivalve species to assess the potential for macroalgal material to contribute to bivalve nutrition. No consistent patterns of macroalgal utilization by bivalves were found across regions, seasons, bivalve taxa, or macroalgal groups. In situ trophic assessments using stable isotopes and fatty acids produced divergent estimates of macroalgal dietary contributions, averaging 23.7% and 6.1%, respectively. Feeding studies of bivalves fed various forms of macroalgal material found that while relatively high rates of assimilation efficiency were measured for some bivalve species, the generally poor performance of bivalves in longer term feeding studies strongly indicated that the nutritional composition of the macroalgal material is insufficient, and/or that the macroalgal material contains compounds that actively inhibit bivalve growth. The majority of feeding studies found that regardless of the diet preparation method or species of macroalgae used, bivalve growth was reduced when macroalgae was incorporated at rates higher than a 25% replacement of feed dry weight. Overall, the findings point toward a generally limited potential for filter feeding bivalves to benefit significantly from co‐culture with macroalgae, although specific pairing of macroalgae and bivalve species may derive greater advantage from co‐culture.

A Hybrid Intelligent Framework for Risk Assessment in Water Sector Public-Private Partnership Projects Using Machine Learning - Salman Nazari-Shirkouhi; Ali Khorshidpour-Nobandegani; Hamzeh Amin-Tahmasbi; Ali Namazian (Water Resources Management, 2026)

Correction to: A Comparative Assessment of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models for the Daily River Streamflow Forecasting - Malihe Danesh; Amin Gharehbaghi; Saeid Mehdizadeh; Amirhossein Danesh (Water Resources Management, 2026)

Integrating Long Short-Term Memory and Gaussian Process Regression for Enhanced Meteorological Drought Forecasting - Muhammad Ilyas; Rizwan Niaz; Luca Di Persio; Mohammed Alshahrani; Abdulkhaleq Q. A. Hassan; Mohammed M. A. Almazah (Water Resources Management, 2026)

Cross-Tributary Water Mass Signals and Seasonal Stratification Dynamics in a River-Type Reservoir - SooBin Yoon; ChangHyun Lee; Young Do Kim (Water Resources Management, 2026)

Climatic Variation Impacts on Water Resources Systems with and without Shared Socio-Economic Pathways Consideration – A Review - Lakshmi Raghu Nagendra Prasad Rentachintala (Water Resources Management, 2026)

Advancing River Water Level Prediction: A Comparative Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approach - Zohreh Sheikh Khozani; Monica Ionita (Water Resources Management, 2026)
River water level prediction plays an important role in effective planning and flood risk mitigation. In this study, four standalone machine learning (ML) models, M5Rules, Random Forest (RF), Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), as well as a hybrid LSTM-RF model, were developed to predict weekly water levels of the Rhine River. The models were trained and tested using data collected between 2006 and 2024. Different scenarios with different input combinations were explored to improve the accuracy of the model. Statistical indicators were calculated to examine the reliability of the proposed scenarios and models. The results showed that the performance of the model increased in Scenario 4 with all input variables. Among the standalone models the M5Rule and SMO algorithms perform better with Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.78, in validation phase, followed by RF (NSE = 0.76) and LSTM (NSE = 0.72). In order to increase the model predictive power, the hybrid model LSTM-RF applied to the input variables of the best scenario and this hybrid model achieved a remarkable accuracy of NSE = 0.98 significantly outperforming standalone models. The findings of this research demonstrated the efficacy of the hybrid LSTM-RF model in capturing the changes in the water level in Rhine River.

Evolution of carcass traits, pH, color and non-carcass components of guinea pigs from three to six months of age - Davinia Sánchez-Macías; Roberto Remache; Dayana Palacios; Antonio Morales-delaNuez (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2026)

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Theileria annulata and Theileria orientalis in Post-abortion cattle - Madiha Rasool; Madiha Fatima; Saba Mulazim; Aqsa Bibi; Areeb Maryem; Ume Hani; Aliza Iqbal; Maryam Ijaz; Khalid S. Almaary; Gehan M. Elossaily; Hira Muqaddas; Furhan Iqbal (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2026)

Molecular detection and risk factor analysis of Babesia spp. infection in camels from northern Egypt - Abdelfattah Selim; Mohamed Marzok; Hattan S. Gattan; Mohammed H. Alruhaili; Hesham Ismail; Adel I. Almubarak (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2026)

Estimating on-farm genotypic performance and variability using ranking data - Hugo Dorado-Betancourt; Fred van Eeuwijk; Jacob van Etten; Julian Ramirez-Villegas; Kaûe de Sousa; Happy Daudi; Michael Ndegwa; Thiago Mendes; Joost van Heerwaarden (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)
Key message Our scalable two-step method estimates genotypic performance and genetic parameters from ranking data, producing reliable results comparable to quantitative analyses, enabling the integration of ranking data into breeding pipelines. Abstract Plant breeding research has chiefly relied on on-station experiments to evaluate varietal performance. Nevertheless, these trials often fail to represent on-farm growing conditions and farmers’ preferences, potentially leading to poorly defined breeding targets. Recent work has demonstrated the potential of using on-farm verification trials combined with ranking data to support farmers in evaluating varieties while providing information that is representative of farmers’ needs. Despite this potential, scalable methods for quantifying genetic differences and assessing the strength of the genetic signal in such trials remain limited. Here, we present a two-step procedure for analyzing trials based on ranking data, allowing the estimation of genetic parameters. The approach follows a common strategy in quantitative genetics, in which parameters are estimated from tables of genotypic means and their variances. In our framework, these estimates are obtained from Thurstonian and/or Plackett-Luce models, which treat rankings as observations of an underlying continuous trait associated with genotypic performance. Using simulated data, we showed that genotypic mean estimates derived from ranking analyses are linearly related to those obtained from quantitative trait analyses and that their variances adequately capture estimation uncertainty. We further demonstrated that incorporating these estimates and their variances into a second-step mixed-effects model yields accurate estimates of variance components. Analyses of groundnut, maize, and sweetpotato datasets confirmed the applicability of the approach and showed that ranking data can provide reliable estimates of genetic parameters. We argue that this framework can be scaled to obtain genotypic performance estimates from multi-trial on-farm data.

Antagonistic pleiotropy at the stem solidness 1 locus balances wheat stem architecture and yield components under terminal drought - Simeon Ntawuguranayo; Roy Sadeh; Hanan Sela; Ittai Herrmann; Zvi Peleg; Roi Ben-David (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)
Key message Stem structural investment enhances grain size and yield under drought, challenging the traditional view of vegetative-reproductive trade-offs. Antagonistic pleiotropy at the SSt1 locus reveals a genetic constraint between stem diameter and solidness. Incorporating genotype-by-environment into genomic selection models improves prediction accuracy by 46.5%. Abstract Terminal drought is the primary environmental constraint on wheat productivity in the Mediterranean basin, a challenge intensifying under climate change. While stem biomass investment is known to promote grain-filling under stress, its underlying genetic architecture remains poorly understood. We evaluated a bread wheat diversity panel ( n = 295; WheatMore) across three Mediterranean environments: well-watered (635 mm), terminal drought (228 mm), and rain-fed (468 mm). Our objectives were to characterize the phenotypic and genetic trade-offs between stem traits and yield components, identify associated genomic regions, and implement multi-environment genomic selection models. Increased investment in stem structural biomass, specifically dry weight, diameter, and peduncle length, was positively correlated with grain size and yield per spike, particularly under terminal drought. These results suggest that robust stem architecture enhances source strength without penalizing yield, as increased grain weight compensates for the biomass investment. Genome-wide association identified 80 significant SNPs and 77 gene hits, including 14 stable, 61 environment-specific, and 21 pleiotropic loci. Notably, pleiotropic regulation at the stem solidness 1 locus ( SSt1 ) on chromosome 3B revealed a genetic trade-off between stem diameter and solidness mediated by antagonistic alleles, highlighting a constraint for simultaneous optimization. Multi-environment genomic prediction incorporating genotype-by-environment interaction outperformed single-environment models, increasing prediction accuracy by 46.5%. These findings provide breeders with markers and predictive tools to develop wheat stem ideotypes to optimize climate adaptability.

Epigenetic regulation and ROS signaling in plant stress adaptation: an integrated framework - Nadeem Bhanbhro; Qadir Bakhsh; Shengdixin Shi; Jia-Jun Ma; Mian Fazli Basit; Hong-Jin Wang; Zhao Yun; Ali Murad Jakhar; Uzair Ullah; Abdullah Shalmani; Jing-Jing Wen; Kun-Ming Chen (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)

Genome-wide linkage and association mapping identified a novel candidate gene, TaGLK-A1, underlying fructan content in wheat grain - Zhankui Zeng; Yue Zhao; Junge Bi; Qunxiang Yan; Wei Zhang; Feng Chen; Chunping Wang (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)
Key message A nuclear-localized G2-like transcription factor, TaGLK-A1 ( TraesCS7A02G539600 ), was identified as a strong candidate gene for grain fructan content in wheat using GWAS, linkage mapping and transcriptome analysis. Abstract Fructans, a type of natural polysaccharides or oligosaccharides polymerized from fructose molecules, play important physiological roles in crops and confer great health benefits to humans. In this study, we detected 78 stable loci associated with fructan content across all 21 wheat chromosomes across three environments and in the BLUE, explaining 4.4–10.0% of the phenotypic variance by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 243 wheat cultivars and advanced lines genotyped with the Axiom wheat 660 K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Among these, a significant locus of fructan content was localized in a 4.02 Mb interval (713.87–717.89 Mb) on chromosome 7AL, designated QGfc.hkd-7A . QGfc.hkd-7A was validated in 164 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between Avocet and Chilero in five environments using diversity array technology (DArT), which was tightly linked to DArT markers SNP2260399 , 3575400 , SNP3028492 , SNP100415949 , 3533474 and 100091413 , accounting for 16.4–24.6% of the total phenotypic variance in the RIL population. Favorable allele of QGfc.hkd-7A significantly increased grain fructan content by 10.5% ( P QGfc.hkd-7A , we generated differential gene expression profiles using RNA-seq for high-fructan (AC6012) and low-fructan (AC6361) lines from the Avocet/Chilero population. TaGLK-A1 ( TraesCS7A02G539600 ), a differential expressed gene (DEG), was subsequently cloned and sequenced from both genotypes. Sequence comparison of the full-length TaGLK-A1 cDNA (1545 bp) revealed a single SNP at position 109 causing a proline (CCA) to threonine substitution between Avocet and Chilero. Subcellular localization analysis confirmed that the G2-like transcription factor encoded by TaGLK-A1 localizes to the nucleus. Transactivation assays revealed that it lacks intrinsic transcriptional activation activity, suggesting it may function as a transcriptional repressor or require cofactors for regulatory function. These results provide a novel and strong candidate gene for fructan content and a forward genetics strategy for gene discovery in molecular breeding.

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of tassel glume closure1 (tgc1) gene in maize (Zea mays L.) - Ziwen Shi; Jinmiao Qin; Sheng Zhang; Yujiao Gao; Qing He; Hongyang Yi; Tingzhao Rong; Moju Cao (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)

BrDDB1A promoted flowering via age pathway in Chinese cabbage - Yuanzhi Bai; Meidi Zhang; Guoliang Yang; Mingxin Chen; Nan Wang; Hui Feng (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)

Haplotype-based nested association mapping for net form net blotch response in Australian barley - Muhammad Nadeem; Dan Liu; Lisle Snyman; Lee Hickey; Eric Dinglasan (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)
Key message Haplotype-based nested association mapping conducted in Australian barley identified 30 haploblocks for resistance/susceptibility to net form of net blotch. Stacking multiple resistance haplotypes significantly reduced disease severity. Abstract Net form net blotch (NFNB), caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres , is a major fungal disease affecting barley, leading to significant yield losses globally. Improving the sustainability of barley production requires identifying genetic sources that confer effective resistance across genetic backgrounds and diverse environments. Considerable progress has been made through mapping studies conducted internationally, but many have largely focused on unadapted germplasm such as landraces or used foreign pathotypes. To support breeding outcomes in Australia, characterization of resistance alleles that are effective against local pathotypes is critical, along with investigating resistances that may already be present in breeding germplasm as this could reduce the time to deployment of resistant cultivars. In this study, we applied the local genomic estimated breeding value approach to perform haplotype mapping using a multi-reference parent nested association mapping (MR-NAM) population developed using resistant breeding lines as donor parents. The population was evaluated across three seasons in Queensland to investigate the genetic architecture of NFNB resistance and genotype-by-environment interactions. We identified 30 haploblocks, with seven representing novel genomic regions not previously associated with NFNB resistance. Three haploblocks on chromosomes 2H, 6H, and 7H were consistently associated with resistance across all environments, suggesting that they likely harbor stable resistance loci. Haplotype stacking analysis demonstrated that combining multiple resistance haplotypes significantly reduced disease severity, with lines carrying 6–10 resistance haplotypes showing progressive improvements in NFNB resistance. The distribution and effectiveness of these key haplotypes across environments, and in diverse genetic backgrounds adapted to Australia (Commander, Compass and La Trobe), highlight the potential to harness them in ongoing pre-breeding and breeding programs.

The functions of TaLAD1-A1, Rht8, and Rht-D1b in regulating leaf angle in wheat - Chaojie Wang; Lili Zhang; Qiushi Wang; Huijun Guo; Hongchun Xiong; Jiayu Gu; Linshu Zhao; Chengshe Wang; Shoucai Ma; Gaisheng Zhang; Yongdun Xie; Luxiang Liu (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)

Transposable elements and their epigenetic modifications mediate gene expression and subgenome dominance in Brassica carinata - Guoqing Li; Shici Zhu; Jiangfeng Li; Fanzhe Kong; Jianbo Wang (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2026)

Season-specific climate sensitivities of Aus, Aman, and Boro rice across seven hydro-climatic zones of Bangladesh: A 40-year spatiotemporal analysis (1981–2021) - Md. Mahir Shahriyar; Md. Mizanur Rahman; Md. Ruhul Momin; H. M. Touhidul Islam; Md. Golam Kibria Bhuiyan; Quamrun Nahar; Mohammad Kamruzzaman (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)

Artificial intelligence in climate change research: a topic modelling analysis of recent trends - Taejong Kim; Byeongyeon Kim (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)
This study examines recent research trends in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to climate change research. Using a refined keyword dataset extracted from the abstracts of 5,103 research articles identified through title- and author-keyword-based search criteria in the Web of Science Core Collection and published between January 2018 and June 2025, we applied Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modelling to identify the major thematic structures of the climate–AI literature. The analysis yielded 14 detailed topics, which were grouped into four major research areas: (1) AI-based climate system prediction and modelling, (2) AI-based climate change impact and risk analysis, (3) AI-utilizing climate change mitigation and policy analysis, and (4) AI methodology and data-driven techniques. The results indicate that solution-oriented themes, including mitigation, risk management, and methodological innovation, occupy a substantial portion of the recent AI–climate literature within the analyzed corpus. The findings provide a structured overview of how AI applications in climate change research are distributed across major thematic areas, highlighting the integration of heterogeneous data sources, methodological advancements, and cross-disciplinary applications. Overall, this study offers a corpus-defined perspective on the thematic structure of recent climate change research involving AI.

Pattern of air pollutants and land surface temperature in Nigeria using space-time pattern mining techniques - Temitope Waheeb; Adewale Adeyefa; Olaoluwa Oguntoyinbo (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)

Modeling total ozone column using principal component analysis and artificial neural networks over Iraq (2013–2023) - Nagham T. Ibraheem; Jasim M. Rajab; Berivan Hadi Mahdi; Hwee San Lim; Ali M. Al-Salihi; Zahraa N. Al-Montaser; Hazim H. Hussain (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)

Multi-scale propagation of meteorological to agricultural drought across China: probabilities and dominant drivers - Xinxuan Li; Chongli Di; Hanqiong Zhang; Haijiang Wu (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)

Insight into meteorological conditions triggering flash droughts in Vietnam - Ha Pham-Thanh; Thanh Ngo-Duc; Nam Pham-Quang; Minh Hoang-Thi; Tan Phan-Van (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)

Multiscale spatiotemporal analysis and predictability of long-term meteorological drought in the Kaduna river basin (1901–2024) - Muhammad Lawal Abubakar; Saadatu Umaru Baba; Sidikatu Aliyu; Habiba Ibrahim Mohammed; Hindatu Abdulkadir; Muhammad Sambo Ahmed; Madinatu Ahmad; Auwal F. Abdussalam (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)

Susceptibility assessment and analysis of snow and ice disasters on high-latitude cold-region highways based on an improved stacking model - Wenyuan Xu; Yunzhong Chen; Jiayao Pan; Yuxuan Wu; Xiu Liu; Yongcheng Ji (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)

Rare snowfall in Southern Namibia: synoptic dynamics of cold-air intrusion and climate hazard processes in arid regions - Farahnaz Fazel-Rastgar; Sakineh Khansalari; S. H. Mthembu; Masoud Rostami (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)
Namibia, a predominantly hot and arid country, rarely experiences snowfall, which is generally restricted to elevated southern regions during winter. On 5 August 2025, light snowfall and sleet were reported near Aus, representing a rare occurrence of wintertime frozen precipitation associated with atmospheric variability in a subtropical dryland environment. This study investigates the synoptic and thermodynamic conditions associated with the event using ERA5 and documentary evidence from media reports and eyewitness accounts, while acknowledging the absence of official meteorological observations at Aus and the limitations in direct snowfall verification. The analysis identifies a short-lived cold-air intrusion, with 850 hPa temperatures approximately 1.5 K (kelvin) below the 1979–2024 winter climatological mean, representing a notable but not extreme cold anomaly rather than an absolute temperature value. Synoptic analysis indicates that the event occurred within a northward-amplified upper-tropospheric trough associated with negative 500 hPa geopotential height anomalies and enhanced cyclonic circulation over southwestern Africa. The interaction between the amplified trough and a subtropical jet stream exceeding 60 m s⁻¹ contributed to a dynamically favourable environment for large-scale ascent. At lower levels, a strengthened meridional pressure gradient and persistent southerly wind anomalies indicate a deep cold-air intrusion extending through much of the troposphere, consistent with transport of cooler air from higher southern latitudes rather than confirmed Antarctic-origin air. Although mid-level humidity anomalies were modest, transient moisture availability combined with dynamically induced ascent and local orographic effects over elevated terrain likely supported the development of frozen precipitation. The results suggest that snowfall in southern Namibia can occur when moderate cold anomalies, limited moisture availability, and organized synoptic-scale circulation patterns coincide, without requiring record-breaking thermodynamic conditions. However, uncertainties remain regarding the relative contributions of moisture transport, terrain-induced effects, and precipitation microphysical processes because of limited observational coverage and the spatial resolution of reanalysis datasets. This case provides a diagnostic assessment of a rare cold-season precipitation event and demonstrates how naturally occurring atmospheric circulation variability can occasionally produce frozen precipitation in climatologically warm and arid environments.

Socioeconomic impacts and spatiotemporal assessment of environmental pollution in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia - Yonas Tesfay Tela; Harison Kipkulei (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)

Performance and sensitivity of MPAS-A in simulating extreme rainfall events in West Africa - Pouwereou Nimon; Babatunde J. Abiodun; Laouali T. Ibrahim; A. Akinbobola; Ridick R. Takong; Akintunde I. Makinde; Jimmy Adegoke; Abdou Ali; Gerhard Smiatek; Harald Kunstmann (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2026)

Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a Peruvian alpaca sweater with a focus on improvement pathways for the alpaca farm phase - T. Kern; M. Wurzinger; G. Gutierrez; W. Zollitsch; I. Kral (The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2026)
Purpose Growing demand for sustainable textiles has renewed interest in natural fibers such as alpaca. So far, sustainability assessments for those fibers are scarce. Methods Hence, this study assessed environmental impacts of an alpaca fiber sweater across its whole life cycle (farm, factory and distribution (F&D), use, end-of-life) using life cycle assessment. The main goal was to assess the current status quo, identify hotspots and, based on these, to develop farm‑phase improvement pathways. The functional unit was defined as one sweater weighing 303 g. Economic allocation was applied to deal with multi-outputs present in the farm and F&D phases. The farm phase takes place in Peru, as does the production of the sweaters, which are then shipped to Europe, where the use and end-of-life take place. Environmental Footprint version 3.1 was used as impact assessment method. Results and discussion The farm phase was identified as one of the primary contributors to environmental impacts, particularly in categories such as Climate Change expressed as Global Warming Potential (GWP). Improvement scenarios for the farm phase revealed that a 10% reduction in the enteric fermentation emission factor could significantly improve environmental performance. Increasing the shearing rate by 10% can reduce GWP by over 10%. Conclusions The study emphasizes the need for high-quality, region-specific data to improve the accuracy of the assessment. Overall, critical insights into the environmental performance of alpaca fiber and improvement strategies for enhancing the sustainability of an alpaca supply chain are provided.

Assessing environmental impacts of large electric and autonomous tractors in Europe - Luca Stegemann; André Hemmelder; Simon Schlehuber; Moritz Gutsch; Jens Leker (The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2026)
Purpose The use of diesel fuel in global agriculture causes over 40 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents every year, highlighting the need for more sustainable alternatives. While electrification and automation of agricultural machinery represent promising pathways for sustainable farming, their environmental performance remains underrepresented. This study investigates whether electrification and automation of large agricultural machinery, both individually and in combination, can reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture. Method A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment evaluates four tractor configurations: diesel and electric tractors, each with manual and autonomous operation. The analysis covers the manufacturing, maintenance, use, and end-of-life (EoL) phases over a 15-year lifetime and applies the Environmental Footprint 3.1. method, assessing 16 impact categories. In the use phase, different farm sizes and operating speed scenarios are analysed across the field activities of ploughing, sowing, and spraying. The analysis focuses on the 100-year global warming potential (GWP) to assess the effects on climate change. Results Electric tractors can reduce GWP by 56–57% over the entire lifetime, despite substantially higher manufacturing burden. Autonomous operation can provide a further 4–7% reduction in GWP across all scenarios. For operations with high draft force, a reduction in operating speed from 7 km/h to 3 km/h can decrease GWP by 11% per hectare, while extending the cultivated area per battery charge by 18%. The environmental benefits of electrification and automation become most apparent when operated with electricity generated from renewable energy sources at high utilisation rates, to offset the environmental burden from manufacturing and EoL treatment. Conclusion The electrification and automation of large agricultural machinery offer high potential to transform the environmental profile of agriculture, particularly for contractors and large landowners. Ongoing decarbonisation of electricity supply and advances in battery technology will further reduce GWP in the future. Taken together, electrification and automation can become complementary enablers for a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Lithium–sulfur battery technology presents a promising pathway for advancing the electrification of sustainable public transportation systems - Burak Sen; Murat Kucukvar; Nuri C. Onat; Abdulkadir Kızılaslan; Mahmud Tokur; Ahsen Akbulut Uludağ; Hatem Akbulut; Fatih Karadagli (The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2026)
Purpose Public transportation plays a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and social inequalities in urban systems. However, selecting the most sustainable transit bus technologies remains challenging because socio-economic conditions, geographic characteristics, and energy infrastructures vary across regions. This study aims to develop an integrated sustainability-based decision-making framework to evaluate and optimize alternative-fuel bus technologies across different urban contexts. Methods The study proposes a novel sustainability-integrated multi-objective decision-making (SI-MODM) framework that uniquely combines three integrated components: 1) an activity-based life-cycle sustainability assessment model incorporating a battery upscale cost model for an emerging and understudied advanced solid-state battery technology, 2) systematic embedding of region-specific operational and socio-economic context across different dimensions (e.g. driving cycles, urban geography, etc.), and a multi-objective optimization model for strategic fleet planning. This integrated approach enables the first comprehensive evaluation of advanced solid-state lithium sulfur (ASSLiS) batteries for urban transit applications alongside conventional alternatives (diesel, hybrid, compressed natural gas (CNG), and battery electric buses (BEBs) powered by ASSLiS and lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC-LIB) batteries). Real-world driving cycles from four major U.S. cities, such as Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and New York, were incorporated to capture region-specific operational conditions. Results The results indicate that BEBs powered by ASSLiS batteries demonstrate the lowest life-cycle carbon emission intensity among all alternatives. In addition, ASSLiS-powered BEBs achieve, on average, 2.5% lower life-cycle costs compared to BEBs powered by conventional LIB batteries. Across all cities analyzed, the ASSLiS BEB consistently appeared in the optimal fleet composition solutions generated by the multi-objective optimization model. The findings also reveal that urban geographic and demographic characteristics significantly influence the life-cycle sustainability performance of alternative-fuel bus technologies. Conclusions The proposed framework provides a robust analytical tool for policymakers and transit agencies to support sustainable fleet planning decisions. The results suggest that advanced solid-state lithium–sulfur battery technologies offer significant environmental and economic advantages for urban bus electrification. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of incorporating region-specific operational and socio-economic factors when evaluating sustainable public transportation technologies.

Life cycle assessment in urban planning: a systematic review of applications and decision-support potential - To Quyen Le; Thanh Cam Nguyen; Hoang Nam Le; Phuong-Thao Hoang-Thi (The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2026)

Circular futures of the cement and concrete industry in the European Union: enriching prospective life cycle assessment with participatory foresight - Anna M. Walker; Cristian Matti; Paola Federica Albizzati; Leonidas Milios; Davide Tonini (The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2026)
Purpose Given the urgency of the cement and concrete industry to decarbonise by 2050, circular economy (CE) strategies are becoming more eminent. This study aims to identify how CE practices can contribute to lowering environmental impacts and in particular greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union. As future developments of our socio-economic systems are inherently uncertain, the analysis also considers the effectiveness of CE measures in different types of decarbonised futures. Methods As part of a prospective LCA (pLCA), the study defines a status quo, a future baseline scenario with a decarbonised energy system and an ambitious circular economy scenario. These are then assessed using the Environmental Footprint (EF 3.1) method for the years 2030 and 2050. To account for the inherently higher epistemic uncertainty in 2050, the ambitious CE scenario is subjected to a sensitivity analysis consisting of four normative socio-economic scenarios on the green transition. The quantification of these alternative future narratives is achieved by means of a stakeholder workshop and sensemaking session. In a final step, the results of the pLCA following the historical trajectory and the ones of the alternative futures are compared and contextualised with the agency of the involved actors. Results and discussion Results indicate that the ambitious CE scenario saves up to 43 Mt CO 2 -eq. compared to the decarbonised baseline scenario, underlining the substantial contribution of CE to decarbonisation. These savings are mainly due to CE practices related to reduce (33% of decrease) strategies. Meanwhile, reuse (8%) and recover (3%) strategies are less effective, given the high annual inflow of construction materials compared to the outflow. The sensitivity analysis addressing epistemic uncertainty increases the robustness of these results, as CE practices in all alternative futures show higher GHG savings than merely decarbonising the energy system. Moreover, narratives containing shrinking economies match or supersede the GHG savings of the default ambitious CE scenario. The discussion on agency then underlines the importance of a strong state and financial incentives to ensure the implementation of reduce practices. Conclusions CE practices are readily available technologies that can support decarbonisation beyond the frequently suggested carbon capture and storage. pLCA scholars, policymakers and practitioners are advised to include more contextualised and diverse socio-economic scenarios in their assessments, based on structured narratives and a participatory process. Such scenarios enable the analysis of uncertainties that go beyond data uncertainty propagation and capture the agency of affected actors who ultimately need to implement the identified solutions.

Length-Weight, Length-Length, Sex Ratio, and Condition Factor of Three Loliginid Squids From the South-Eastern Arabian Sea - Tinu H.; Jeenia C.J.; Anu Thottappilly; Davood Nihal; Leena Raphael; Hashim M.; Aneesh Kumar K.V. (Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences, 2026)

eDNA Metabarcoding of COI and 12S Markers Reveals Biodiversity and Interactions Between Shallow and Upper-mesophotic Reefs at Burung Island, Karimunjawa National Park - Muhammad Danie Al Malik; Nining Nursalim; Nenik Kholilah; Aji Wahyu Anggoro; Rian Prasetia; Eka Maya Kurniasih; Ni Kadek Dita Cahyani (Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences, 2026)

Effects of Different Transport Methods and Duration on the Survival, Meat Yield, and Proximate Composition of Green Mussel (Perna viridis) - Aprilyn B. Quijano; Jelmar P. Vasquez; Joemari B. Aure; Fiona L. Pedroso; Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso (Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences, 2026)

Correction to: Reproductive Biology and Maturity Size of the Lessepsian Shrimp Penaeus Hathor (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean - Hande Kazanci Işik; Yaşar Özvarol (Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences, 2026)

Engineering β-1,4-galactosyltransferase to enhance lacto-N-neotetraose production in Corynebacterium glutamicum - Ruyi Ma; Zihan Li; Chunyan Du; Guihong Zhao; Xiaoyuan Wang (Systems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing, 2026)

Enhancing flood inundation mapping in data-scarce regions by addressing spatial uncertainty in global DEMs - Ismail Jesna; S. Murty Bhallamudi; K. P. Sudheer (Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2026)

A spatial decision-support framework for heat hazard risk assessment in hot-arid environments: methodological and practical insights from Saudi Arabia - Ali S. Alghamdi (Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2026)

Spatiotemporal evolution and driving factors of water consumption in Yuncheng City, China - Yumeng He; Xiaomeng Song; Ya Wang; Xiaojun Wang (Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2026)

Data-driven forecasting and uncertainty quantification of head and salinity dynamics in coastal aquifers - Ming Cheng; Matilde Niccolucci; Lupicinio García Ortiz; Dario Frascari; Vittorio Di Federico (Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2026)
Coastal aquifers are increasingly vulnerable to seawater intrusion, climate change, and intensive groundwater extraction, while available monitoring data are often limited in both quality and quantity. These constraints restrict the application of physics-based models and complicate reliable risk assessment and management.This study develops and validates a data-driven framework for short-term forecasting of piezometric level and salinity dynamics in coastal aquifers, with explicit consideration of model uncertainty. Five regression and machine-learning methods were applied to datasets from two Mediterranean coastal aquifers: the Señorío aquifer in Marbella, southern Spain, where electrical conductivity and piezometric level were modeled, and the Sierra de Mijas aquifer in Torremolinos, eastern Spain, where piezometric level was modeled. Forecasts were produced for 3-, 6-, and 12-month horizons using limited historical records, and model performance was evaluated by metrics capturing accuracy, trend reproduction, and probabilistic characteristics. Results show that the ARDL model performs robustly for groundwater time series with small oscillations, whereas non-linear approaches, including recurrent neural networks, are more effective in capturing oscillatory behavior and short-term fluctuation. The Gaussian Process framework yields reliable prediction intervals and introduces a normalized measure of relative model uncertainty that supports model comparison and risk-informed interpretation of forecasts. Despite limited training data, all models achieved effective one-year forecasting performance. The inferred correlations between piezometric level, electrical conductivity, rainfall, recharge, and extraction are consistent with established physical understanding of coastal aquifer systems. Overall, the proposed framework provides a practical tool for supporting groundwater risk assessment and adaptive management in data-scarce coastal aquifers, with potential applications in early-warning systems and operational decision-making.

Uncertainty analysis of DNAPL migration model in low-permeability media based on Bayesian stacking - Yue Pan; Mohan Yang; Jianwei Dou; Beiyi Xu; Feng Zhou; Wenyi Xie (Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2026)

Environmental drivers and stochastic dynamics of recurrent failures in tide-gauge systems - Dora Carinhas; Paulo Infante; António Martinho (Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2026)

Defining Threshold Limits for Multiple Abiotic Stressors in Fisheries and Aquaculture Systems - Neeraj Kumar; Rinku Dey; Mukesh Bhendarkar; Kotha Sammi Reddy (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly exposed to multiple abiotic stressors driven by climate change, environmental degradation, and anthropogenic activities. These stressors, including temperature fluctuations, dissolved oxygen depletion, pH alterations, ammonia accumulation, salinity changes, excessive stocking density, and contamination by inorganic and organic pollutants, can adversely affect fish physiology, growth, reproduction, immunity, and survival. The objective of this review is to synthesize current knowledge on threshold limits of major abiotic stressors relevant to fisheries and aquaculture systems and to evaluate their individual and interactive effects on aquatic organisms. The review highlights substantial interspecific variation in tolerance limits, greater sensitivity of early life stages, and the importance of considering multiple stressor interactions when defining sustainable environmental thresholds. Evidence indicates that rising temperatures can intensify contaminant toxicity, reduce dissolved oxygen availability, and alter salinity and ammonia dynamics, thereby increasing physiological stress in aquatic organisms. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted using major electronic databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. Relevant peer‐reviewed research articles, review papers, and technical reports published over the past seven decades were identified using appropriate keywords and Boolean search operators. Understanding these threshold limits is essential for developing science‐based management strategies, improving fish welfare and production efficiency, and supporting adaptive policies for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture under changing environmental conditions. Interestingly, we anticipate that this review will serve as a valuable reference for researchers, aquaculture practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in the sustainable management of aquaculture and fisheries resources.

Autophagy in Aquatic Animals: A Double‐Edged Sword in Environmental Stress Response and Nutritional Mitigation Strategies - Hui Gao; Yue Liu; Xiuling Li; Wenxia Wang (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2026)
The intensification of aquaculture and global climate change expose aquatic animals to multifaceted environmental stressors, triggering diverse stress‐response cascades to mitigate cellular damage and preserve physiological homeostasis. Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved lysosome‐dependent catabolic process that degrades damaged or redundant cellular components to maintain cellular homeostasis and physiological functions, plays a crucial role in the environmental stress response in aquatic animals. This review systematically summarizes the modulatory influence of major environmental stressors (physical, chemical, and biological) on autophagic activity in aquatic species. Overall, the regulatory network mainly centers on oxidative stress responses, mitochondrial quality control, the 5′‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling axis, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and related pathways. The dynamic equilibrium of autophagic flux dictates the cellular fate balance between adaptive survival and stress‐induced injury: physiologically moderate autophagy functions as a cytoprotective and adaptive mechanism that confers stress resilience, whereas dysregulated autophagy (either impaired flux or excessive activation) disrupts cellular homeostasis and shifts cell fate toward apoptotic death. Additionally, this review explores the potential of nutritional intervention strategies to modulate autophagic activity and alleviate stress‐induced damage in aquatic animals. Finally, key challenges and prospective research directions are proposed, providing a theoretical framework for deciphering stress resistance mechanisms in aquatic animals and advancing sustainable aquaculture practices.

Impacts of forest and grassland greening on drought events in China: insights from the drought development and recovery phases - Minghui Lu; Jianjun Wu; Jianhua Yang; Wenhui Zhao; Hongkui Zhou; Feng Tian; Ping Jiang (Regional Environmental Change, 2026)

Extractive hydrosocial regimes and the remaking of a regional waterscape: displacement, dependency, and change in West Bengal - Chhanda Ruj; Aloke Majumdar (Regional Environmental Change, 2026)

Spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of cropland net primary productivity in Northeast China - Ziqi Chu; Lijian Ren; Xiaoyan Ma; Xiaoli Cao (Regional Environmental Change, 2026)

Phenology, snow cover seasonality, and climatic factors co-regulate variations of forest NPP in Changbai Mountains, Northeast China - Shuai Chang; Chaoxue Song; Kai Liu; Fang Huang (Regional Environmental Change, 2026)

Fine-resolution CMIP6 projections of future composite drought in Central China using a novel state-space gradient drought index framework - Jinhui Hu; Qiuwen Zhang; Changtao Deng; Wenting Zhou (Regional Environmental Change, 2026)

Fish prey of the Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddellii from coastal waters off the Kyiv Peninsula (Antarctica) - Ihor Dykyy; Vladlen Trokhymets; Mario La Mesa (Polar Biology, 2026)
Fishes are key component in the trophic web of Antarctic marine ecosystems, representing food for top predators, such as other fish, birds and mammals. In particular, fishes are among the most important prey of the Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddellii . Several studies reported data on the diet and foraging ecology of Weddell seals all around the Antarctic continent, from the Ross and Weddell Seas to the South Orkney and the South Shetland Islands. In the present study we investigated the fish component in the diet of Weddell seal from the Kyiv Peninsula region, which so far represented an unexplored area. During the four-year research, a total of 16 species of fish were identified, five of them were recorded for the first time in the study area. Except for the Antarctic silverfish, which represented the most abundant prey, all other species were benthic or demersal notothenioid species. Weddell seals relied on a wide range of prey size, including both juveniles, subadult and adult ontogenetic stages. Applying a multivariate analysis of prey items, temporal factors such as month, season and year of sampling did not influence diet composition, whereas it was slightly affected on a spatial midscale. In conclusion, the food composition of the Weddell seal populations living in this area seemed to be largely determined by the local abundance of fish prey, providing evidence of a remarkable feeding plasticity of this species.

From individual movement patterns to colony-level costs: foraging energetics of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at the southern edge of their distribution - Daniel Rey Faura; Andrea Raya Rey; Klemens Pütz; Sabrina Harris (Polar Biology, 2026)

Research Progress on the Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms of Non-organellar Localization of PPR Proteins - Xuezhong Li; Junyi Yan; Lingyan Zhou; Ying He; Jingfang Dong; Chuxiong Zhuang (Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 2026)

Molecular Perspectives on Flower and Seed Development, Secondary Metabolism, and Adaptation in Euryale ferox - Pankaj Kumar; Rima Kumari; V. Shajeeda Banu; Anil Kumar Singh; D. R. Singh; Prakash Kumar Jha; P. V. Vara Prasad (Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 2026)

Integrative Pathometric and Molecular Analysis to Characterize Slow Disease Development in Blackgram Germplasm Against Erysiphe polygoni - V. Vasanthi; P. Kishore Varma; M. Suresh; N. Kamakshi; Ch. Rani; D. Ramesh; V. Prasanna Kumari; K. K. Chetan (Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 2026)

Whole Genome Scanning of Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) Genes in Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis) and Rice Bean (Vigna umbellata) and Their Response to Drought Stress - Gunasekaran Ariharasutharsan; Murugesan Tamilzharasi; Latha Ananda-Lekshmi; Manoharan Akilan; Chandavarapu Raveendra; Mariyappan Deivamani; Chidambaram Parameswari; Natesan Senthil; Adhimoolam Karthikeyan (Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 2026)

Consequences of a dieback disease on carbon stocks and fluxes in forests dominated by a susceptible foundation species - Pin Jia Chan; Tobias Elliott; Hao Ran Lai; Bruce Burns; Luitgard Schwendenmann (Plant Ecology, 2026)
Disease-causing plant pathogens are an emerging global threat to forests, compromising carbon sequestration and shifting forests from carbon sinks to sources. Phytophthora agathidicida , the causal agent of a host-specific lethal root rot disease, kauri dieback, infects Agathis australis (New Zealand kauri). The disease causes progressive canopy decline and mortality of kauri, threatening forests where kauri dominate. We hypothesised that increasing kauri dieback severity would reduce growth-driven carbon fluxes while increasing mortality-driven carbon fluxes. Live vegetation carbon stocks were quantified in permanent plots across two censuses, ten years apart. Carbon sequestration was estimated as the difference between carbon growth and losses, which were modelled independently against gradients of kauri dieback severity and initial carbon stocks. We further examined how species-specific proportional contributions to stand carbon varied with total stand carbon and disease severity. Mean carbon stocks across plots were 169.9 ± 17.5 Mg ha⁻¹. Carbon sequestration declined with increasing disease severity due to both reduced productivity and greater carbon loss from mortality, with largest reductions occurring in initially carbon-dense stands. Kauri contributed the largest share of stand carbon, with its dominance increasing in carbon-rich stands owing to the concentration of biomass in large individuals. These findings show that kauri dieback threatens both the carbon sequestration and long-term carbon storage capacity of kauri forests, particularly in mature stands. Conservation efforts that prevent the spread of pathogens and reduce disease symptoms, especially in mature carbon-dense stands, are critical for maintaining the carbon storage capacity of forests.

Histological reorganization and spatiotemporal distribution of cell wall epitopes during somatic embryogenesis in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) - Luís Henrique Bueno; Josimar dos Santos Ladeira; Otalício Damásio da Costa Junior; Vinícius Coelho Kuster; Denis Coelho Oliveira; Sérgio Yoshimitsu Motoike; Diego Ismael Rocha (Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2026)
Somatic embryogenesis is a key strategy for the clonal propagation of elite oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) genotypes. Although several protocols have been established, the structural aspects underlying the induction of embryogenic callus in this species remain unknown. The present study aimed to elucidate the cellular aspects associated with the acquisition of embryogenic competence, with emphasis on callus ontogeny and cell wall dynamics. Immature leaf explants were cultured and analyzed at different developmental stages using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, histochemical assays, and immunocytochemistry. The results demonstrated that callus formation originates from procambial cells, with initial proliferation through periclinal divisions followed by the organization of globular structures. A heterogeneous callus was observed, comprising peripheral regions formed by vacuolated cells with thickened cell walls and internal regions composed of cells exhibiting embryogenic features, such as dense cytoplasm and a prominent nucleus. Histochemical analyses revealed a high protein content in the central zone of the callus, polysaccharide accumulation in the peripheral zone, and greater starch deposition in the peripheral zone. Furthermore, immunolocalization analyses indicated a dynamic reorganization of cell wall glycoproteins and pectins during the process, suggesting structural modifications associated with cellular reprogramming and somatic embryo formation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that somatic embryogenesis in E. guineensis involves coordinated changes in cellular organization and cell wall composition, providing a structural framework for a better understanding of the cellular events underlying somatic embryogenesis in oil palm.

Black carbon as a compound agricultural stressor: impacts on plant physiology, crop productivity, and agricultural sustainability - Brindha Prasad; Jothimani Palanisamy; S. K. Rajkishore; P. Renukadevi; M. Kavitha; Muthamizh Selvan Annadurai (Plant Cell Reports, 2026)

Effect of increasing temperatures on duckweed growth, photosynthetic performance and frond ontogenesis - Muhammad Irfan; Muhammad Adil Chaudhry; Manuela Bog; Sándor Szabó; Ilona Mészáros; Marcel A. K. Jansen; Viktor Oláh (Plant Cell Reports, 2026)
Key message Duckweeds offer a suitable platform to study the effects of elevated temperatures on aquatic plants, and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging can reveal frond-level distribution of temperature stress. Abstract Temperature rise associated with climate change poses a major challenge for aquatic plants. It has a strong influence on their physiological performance and, consequently, their competitive ability and fitness. Yet comparative studies of impacts on different species remain scarce. This study investigated the effects of four different temperature regimes between 20 and 35 °C on five duckweed species ( Spirodela polyrhiza , Landoltia punctata , Lemna gibba , Lemna minor and Lemna minuta ) by integrating growth- and photosynthesis-based parameters. We also recorded spatial patterns of photosystem II efficiency within fronds using chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging to understand how temperature stress is distributed throughout the frond development. The results highlighted substantial inter-specific variation in thermal responses and underscore the importance of integrating physiological and growth-based indicators to predict aquatic plants’ responses to climatic warming. Through simultaneous measurement of growth performance, photosynthetic efficiency and within-frond heterogeneity, this study provides mechanistic insights into how rising temperatures may influence duckweeds. Such knowledge is essential for predicting future shifts in freshwater primary productivity, species dominance, biological invasions and ecosystem stability under the current global warming scenario.

Exogenous kinetin mitigates arsenic-induced oxidative stress by regulating ROS homeostasis and antioxidant defense in Ocimum basilicum L. - Asif Hussain Hajam; Mohd Soban Ali; Sumit Kumar Singh; Umra Sheikh; Gausiya Bashri (Plant Cell Reports, 2026)

A current view on the involvement of protein phosphatase PP2A subunits in the responses of plants to abiotic stress at the subcellular level - Csaba Máthé; Márta M-Hamvas; Tamás Garda; Zoltán Kónya (Plant Cell Reports, 2026)
PP2A is the most abundant member of the non-metal-dependent serine-threonine phosphatases in eukaryotes. It is an important player in the reversible phosphorylation of proteins and involved in a wide variety of cellular processes, from signal transduction events to cell cycle regulation and a large number of metabolic processes. At the subcellular level, there is a comprehensive knowledge on PP2A-mediated regulation of chromatin and cytoskeletal organization and there is increasing evidence for its relevant functions in the organization of membrane compartments. Relatively little is known about the related regulatory functions of this enzyme complex in the responses of plants to abiotic stresses. However, recent research has revealed several aspects of these relationships at the subcellular level, mainly for osmotic/salt and heat stress. PP2A is a family of three-subunit holoenzyme complexes, where “A” are scaffolding, “B” are regulatory and “C” are catalytic subunits. Here we discuss the involvement of all these subunits in the regulation of stress-related changes in chromatin, cytoskeleton (microtubule and microfilament), endomembrane (including ER) and plastid/mitochondrial organization and emphasize how they sustain the functioning of plant cells under multiple abiotic stresses. There are crucial subunits in this respect, for example A1, C3 and C4 as well as “B” regulatory subunits such as FASS and members of the B and B’ subfamilies. PP2A is involved in stress hormone (featuring ABA) signaling at multiple levels. In light of recent research, we show that different PP2A holoenzymes link together diverse stress-related signaling mechanisms.

Asparagine Synthetase 1 regulates rice seminal root elongation via jasmonic acid metabolism - Shen Zhang; Yuanming Xie; Yuanda Lv; Zhipeng Gao; Xiaofeng He; Yuan Xu; Ruyi Qin; Wei Xuan; Hongchun Xiong; Luxiang Liu; Le Luo; Guohua Xu (Plant Cell Reports, 2026)

Ethylene networking in fruit ripening: molecular mechanisms, hormone crosstalk, climate interactions, and postharvest management - Mostafa Saeed; Mohamed A. Elsadek; Zheng Ruan; Ahmed Alabd (Plant Cell Reports, 2026)

NAPE-PLD: the healthy intersection of N-acylethanolamines and bile acids in physiology and diseases - Gianpiero Garau; Lucia Chico; Maico Polzella; Francesco Fornai (Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology, 2026)

Long non-coding RNAs in exercise: the hidden regulators of adaptation - Qin Zhang; Zhouren Zhang; Cai Ren; Ping Xiang; Xinhua Li; Ru Ren; Lianting Feng; Jicheng Chen (Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology, 2026)

Pendrin inhibitor PDSinh-C01 reverses salt-sensitive hypertension and metabolic acidosis in the 5/6 nephrectomy rat model - Crissy F. Rudolphi; Yoëlle Goos; Usha Musterd-Bhaggoe; Richard van Veghel; Ingrid M. Garrelds; A. H. Jan Danser; Joy Karmakar; Onur Cil; Pedro H. Imenez Silva; Ewout J. Hoorn (Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology, 2026)
Pharmacological inhibition of the chloride-bicarbonate exchanger pendrin with PDSinh-C01 potentiates the diuretic action of furosemide in healthy mice. Because pendrin contributes to acid-base regulation and blood pressure control, it may represent an attractive therapeutic target in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated whether this pendrin inhibitor improves metabolic acidosis and salt-sensitive hypertension in the 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) model of CKD. Seven-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats underwent 5/6Nx and implantation of telemetry devices for blood pressure monitoring. All animals received a high-salt (2% NaCl) diet and were randomized (n = 7–9/group) to daily subcutaneous injections for three days of vehicle, PDSinh-C01 (10 mg/kg), furosemide (6 mg/kg), or their combination. The 5/6Nx model recapitulated key features of CKD, including reduced eGFR, hypertension, proteinuria, and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Combination therapy produced the greatest reduction in mean arterial pressure (-11 ± 2 mmHg) compared with vehicle (-3 ± 2 mmHg), furosemide (-6 ± 1 mmHg), or pendrin inhibitor alone (-6 ± 2 mmHg). Furosemide and combination therapy increased urine volume at 6h, whereas only combination therapy increased urine volume at 24h. After three days, the pendrin inhibitor alone and combination therapy increased venous bicarbonate concentrations compared with vehicle (24.5 ± 2.1 and 24.3 ± 1.4 vs. 21.4 ± 1.4 mmol/l). In conclusion, PDSinh-C01 combined with furosemide improves salt-sensitive hypertension in CKD, while PDSinh-C01 alone and in combination with furosemide ameliorates metabolic acidosis. These findings support pendrin as a regulator of electrolyte and acid-base balance and as a potential therapeutic target in CKD.

Projecting shifts in the distribution of Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana in Africa under climate change: a MaxEnt modeling and GIS analysis - Biyu Liu; Wahbi Jaouadi; Kaouther Mechergui; Jehan Abdalgader A. Alkhelaif; Melek Mallat; Danping Xu (Oecologia, 2026)

Impacts of climate and reduced ice cover on trophic structure and community dynamics in a high latitude lake - Francesca Pilotto; Knut Marius Myrvold; Randi Saksgård; Knut Andreas Eikland; Birger Skjelbred; Stefano Larsen; Gunnar Halvorsen; Trygve Hesthagen; Thomas C. Jensen (Oecologia, 2026)
Climate-driven environmental change can alter both the structural and dynamic properties of ecological communities. With ongoing warming, high-latitude lakes experience reduced ice cover, higher growing-season temperatures, and altered hydrology, potentially triggering cascading effects across lake ecosystems. We investigated long-term variation (1994–2022) in ice phenology, temperature, magnitude of spring floods, and pelagic communities in an oligotrophic subalpine lake in Norway. We analysed the structure and dynamics of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish communities, as well as synchrony across trophic groups. Long-term records indicated declining ice-cover duration and increasing growing-season temperatures, although only the reduction in ice-cover duration was significant within the 1994–2022 study period. Phytoplankton richness and biovolume increased, zooplankton communities increased in diversity but declined in temporal stability, and fish community structure changed, with brown trout becoming more abundant at the expense of arctic char. We also observed shifts in synchrony between trophic groups, suggesting changes not only in community organisation but potentially in interspecific interactions. Given the observational, correlative nature of the study, causal attribution remains limited. Although some biological metrics showed significant associations with climate-related variables, several metrics that changed over time were not related to the measured abiotic drivers, indicating partial coupling between environmental variability and community structure and dynamics. This limited coupling may reflect the relatively modest magnitude of environmental change that occurred over the study period. Overall, our results document cross-trophic restructuring of pelagic communities in a high-latitude oligotrophic lake and underscore the importance of long-term monitoring for documenting and anticipating future shifts.

Diel Dynamics of Bacterial and Picophytoplankton Growth, Grazing, and Viral Lysis at Different Depths in the Tropical South China Sea in Spring - Clara Natalie Annabel; Fuh-Kwo Shiah; Patrichka Wei-Yi Chen; Madeline Olivia; Tzong-Yueh Chen; An-Yi Tsai (Ocean Science Journal, 2026)

An Investigation Into the Seasonality and Quality of Food on Marina Pontoon Structures for the Candidate Marine Biological Control Agent, Lunella smaragda (Gastropoda) - Lauren M. Fletcher; Grant A. Hopkins; Matthew R. Miller; Natalí J. Delorme; Rebecca M. McMullin; Lizenn Delisle; Javier Atalah (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2026)
This study investigates how food availability aligns with nutritional requirements of the snail Lunella smaragda , a potential biological control agent for managing biofouling in recreational vessel hubs. Biofouling communities were assessed during two contrasting seasons to gain insights into the quantity and quality of food available for agent consumption. Nutritional availability was higher in spring/summer and increased with biofouling age, whereas the increase plateaued after 32 days of the 54‐day deployment period in autumn/winter. Biofouling communities were predominantly composed of saturated fatty acids, with proportions of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids varying between seasons. In the laboratory, snails were exposed to one of three feeding scenarios over a 7‐day period (nil, low and high food) and changes in physiological condition (i.e., protein, lipid, carbohydrate content and malondialdehyde levels) were evaluated. Short‐term food limitation resulted in a marginally significant decrease in protein and increase in wet weight for snails on a high food diet, when compared to other treatments. When compared to baseline data, lipid content significantly decreased across all treatments, while protein and water content in the nil and low food treatments and wet weight in the high food treatment increased significantly. Malondialdehyde levels were lower in the nil and low food treatments, while increasing in snails fed the high food diet, indicating a higher metabolic response in well‐fed snails. These results suggest that alternative management strategies, such as adjusting grazing density and providing supplemental feed, may be required to prevent starvation and maintain treatment efficiency during periods of poor food availability.

Two Contributions to the Hypogeous Boletales of China: A Novel Rhizopogon Species and a New National Record of Turmalinea persicina - Jia Li; Chang Xu; Tai‐Jie Yu; Wen‐Hao Zhang; Xiu‐Juan Li; Yu‐Xian Gao; Yuan‐Tian Lu; Li‐Ping Tang (New Zealand Journal of Botany, 2026)
Hypogeous Boletales are ectomycorrhizal fungi with sequestered hymenophores; some species are ecologically valuable as edible mushrooms. Despite their ecological and economical importance, the diversity of this group in China remains poorly understood. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analyses based on four loci (ITS, LSU, TEF1‐α , and RPB2 ) and detailed morphological examinations of specimens belonging to Rhizopogon (Rhizopogonaceae) and Turmalinea (Boletaceae). We describe and illustrate R. sinoevadens , a new species from China, and report the first Chinese record of T. persicina , a species originally described from Japan. These discoveries underscore the previously underestimated diversity of hypogeous Boletales in China and provide a foundation for future taxonomic and ecological studies.

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Fomitiporia bharatavarsa , an Undescribed Species From Tamil Nadu, Southern India - Elangovan Arumugam; Malarvizhi Kaliyaperumal (New Zealand Journal of Botany, 2026)
A new species of Fomitiporia is illustrated and described based on taxonomic studies and phylogenetic analyses. Fomitiporia bharatavarsa is characterized by perennial, resupinate basidiomes, circular pores (4–7 per mm), dimitic hyphal system, presence of hymenial setae, cystidioles, abundant rhomboid crystals, and thick‐walled broadly ellipsoid‐to‐subglobose basidiospores measuring 5.5–6.3 × 5.2–5.5 µm. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from ITS and nLSU rDNA sequences revealed that F. bharatavarsa represents a new lineage and formed a sister group to F. aethiopica , F. carpinea , F. erecta , F. mediterranea , F. pseudopunctata , F. punicata , and F. tsitsikamensis . Our study represents pioneering report on the new species of Fomitiporia , which has been described and discussed with allied taxa in taxonomic and phylogenetic aspects.

Revealing Coprophilous Basidiomycetes in Sri Lanka: An Integrative Taxonomic Assessment of Dung‐Inhabiting Mushrooms - Nethmi M. Perera; Thivanka M. Peiris; Helani H. Munasinghe; Mayuri Munasinghe; Isuru Sakbo Uyangoda; Milan C. Samarakoon; Danushka S. Tennakoon; Buddhika P. Dharmasena; Samantha C. Karunarathna; Kasun M. Thambugala (New Zealand Journal of Botany, 2026)
Coprophilous fungi inhabit animal dung and play a crucial role in ecological balance by decomposing animal waste and serving as a food source for coprophagous and mycophagous arthropods. This study aimed to systematically characterize the diversity of coprophilous basidiomycetes across selected regions of Sri Lanka, and it characterized seven coprophilous basidiomycete specimens representing five distinct species from selected sites in Sri Lanka using both morphological and molecular methods. Specimens associated with elephant dung and horse manure were obtained from the Colombo, Gampaha, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura districts. Taxonomical identification was achieved via integrated macro‐ and micromorphological analyses. Morphological characterization relied on detailed macro and micromorphological observations, while phylogenetic relationships were inferred from combined ITS and nLSU sequence data analyzed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Five species were identified and described at the species level, representing the first documented records of these taxa in Sri Lanka. These species include Conocybe volvata , Coprinopsis cinerea , Narcissea cordispora , Panaeolus antillarum , and Panaeolus cyanescens . The findings enhance the documentation of coprophilous fungal diversity in Sri Lanka and establish a foundation for future ecological and biotechnological research on dung‐inhabiting fungi in tropical ecosystems.

Wild Edible Morels in Uzbekistan: Ethnomycological Knowledge and Seasonal Use Across Wooded and Dryland Habitats - Yusufjon Gafforov (New Zealand Journal of Botany, 2026)
Wild edible morels are among the most recognisable spring fungi in Uzbekistan, yet their species‐level identity, locality‐based distribution and ethnomycological significance remain incompletely documented. This review synthesises evidence concerning Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. and Morchella steppicola Zerova by integrating diagnostic morphology, vernacular recognition, seasonal gathering, habitat associations, household preparation, preservation, culinary use, historical sources and locality‐based Global Biodiversity Information Facility occurrence data. Uzbekistan‐specific literature forms the primary evidence base, while Central Asian and broader Eurasian studies provide comparative and interpretive context. The evidence indicates that both species are recognised as edible spring fungi, but their documentation is markedly uneven. Morchella esculenta is more extensively recorded in relation to local names, morphology, habitat, drying, rehydration and culinary use, whereas M. steppicola has a narrower published profile but is particularly associated with steppe, semi‐desert and other open dryland habitats. The reviewed dataset contained 21 accepted records of M. esculenta , of which 16 georeferenced records represented nine mapped localities across four countries and nine accepted georeferenced records of M. steppicola representing nine mapped localities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. These records support broad ecological differences between the species but remain too sparse and geographically uneven to define complete distributions, abundance, population trends or conservation status. Historical and comparative sources indicate a longer regional documentary background, including medieval materia medica references and Soviet‐period records, but do not demonstrate continuity with contemporary household, market, medicinal or cultural practices in Uzbekistan. Wild edible morels are therefore best interpreted as seasonal biocultural food resources supported by an incomplete evidence base. Future research should prioritise field‐based ethnomycology, voucher‐supported identification, georeferenced occurrence records, multi‐season ecological monitoring, market assessment and documentation of knowledge transmission before cultivation or value chain development is pursued.

Checklist of Orchidaceae From Brazilian Amazon Restingas - Deivid Lucas de Lima da Costa; Felipe Fajardo Villela Antolin Barberena (New Zealand Journal of Botany, 2026)
In Brazil, restingas (coastal sandbank vegetation) are distributed along the coast in the Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado, and Amazon phytogeographic domains. Orchidaceae is one of the botanical families with the greatest species richness in restingas in the Atlantic Forest but has been poorly documented in Amazonian restingas , resulting in limited knowledge in these environments. Thus, the aim of this study was to present a checklist of Orchidaceae from Brazilian Amazon restingas . We consulted herbaria, reviewed the literature, and carried out field collections on the coast of the Salgado microregion in the state of Pará. Twelve genera and 20 species of Orchidaceae were found. Two species are endemic to Brazil, and nine are new records for the study area. Orchidaceae occur in four phytophysiognomies: restinga forest (10 species, five exclusive), open thicket formation (8 spp.), dune field (7 spp., three exclusive), and herbaceous marsh (2 spp.). Eleven species were exclusively terrestrial, six exclusively epiphytes, two epiphytes and terrestrial, and one species was a nomadic climber. Future studies should investigate the ecological relationships between epiphytic orchids and their phorophytes in Amazonian restingas because these relationships have shown to be fundamental in restingas in the Atlantic Forest.

Physiological responses of Neltuma alba to heat stress followed by recovery - Diego Ariel Meloni; Julia Andrea Lescano; José Aliçandro Bezerra da Silva; María de los Ángeles Frías; Edgardo Aníbal Disalvo; Antonio Sebastián Rosa (New Forests, 2026)

Monitoring phases of plant stress in juvenile commercial forest cuttings using contemporary nursery sensor technologies - Regardt Ferreira; Kabir Peerbhay; Naeem Agjee; Josua Louw; Ilaria Germishuizen; Mikka Parag; Thimagren Naidoo (New Forests, 2026)
Visual assessments of growing forest nursery plants are time-consuming and often result in a lack of information at a physiological level. There exists a need for health screening in nurseries, that is fast and efficient, to improve overall health monitoring and nursery productivity. Rapid handheld sensors such as rapid thermal devices, leaf porometers and moisture meters, can provide regular information at a physiological level, that can improve the understanding of the impact of stress on young plant cuttings and their decline in health over time. This paper evaluates the utility and reliability of contemporary sensor technologies, to operationally monitor stress phases in juvenile forest plant cuttings during progressive moisture (dry-down) conditions. Furthermore, to assess whether thermal sensors could be used as an indicator, in conjunction with other variables such as soil water content or stomatal conductance, is needed operationally for fast screening during limited planting windows. Near Infra-Red Analysis (NiRA) data was collected to understand detailed plant functions at a finer reflectance level. A relationship was found where the increase in thermal signals reflects a depletion of water content, resulting in an eventual decline in stomatal conductance and, ultimately, plant mortality. Several algorithms were used in a preliminary test, using RapidMiner software, to discriminate between the four phases of plant health decline using physiological variables and NiRA data. Both Gradient Boosting Trees (GBT) and Deep Learning (DL) showed the best performances, achieving favourable accuracies of 96.8% and 91.2% without NiRA data, 84.6% and 88.2% with NiRA data, with shorter training times. Using thermal technology weighted amongst the highest of the best performing variables using GBT, the utility and accuracy showed good discrimination between the stages of plant decline and is encouraged for future research in this field.

Enhancing drought resilience of Persian oak seedlings: the critical role of superabsorbent polymer dosage - Ali Mahdavi; Masomeh Basami; Yaser Alizadeh (New Forests, 2026)

A probabilistic framework for regional landslide hazard assessment by coupling time-varying landslide susceptibility and probabilistic seismic hazard - Zemin Gao; Hao Luo; Xiaoguang Cai; Mingtao Ding; Muhammad Hassan (Natural Hazards, 2026)

Coupling fracture extraction and network topology for structure-controlled rockfall hazard assessment in complex terrain - Yu Huang; Hongwei Li; Pengtao Zhou; Shiyu Zhang; Weiming Liu (Natural Hazards, 2026)

Road asset exposure and risk assessment of extreme storm flooding under a changing climate: a case of Shanghai - Kaiyue Zheng; Weijiang Li; Pengfei Ding; Jiahong Wen (Natural Hazards, 2026)

Cascading effects and risk assessment of rainstorm and flood disaster chains based on complex network and Bayesian network - Jing Huang; Yantong Ye; Gaofeng Liu; Huimin Wang (Natural Hazards, 2026)

Subsurface leak detection and landslide risk assessment using ERT and 3D imaging in Northeastern Brazil - Cassiano Antonio Bortolozo; Felipe Oliveira Tenorio da Silva; Roberto Quental Coutinho; Tatiana Sussel Gonçalves Mendes; Marcio Roberto Magalhães de Andrade; Daniel Metodiev; Márcio Augusto Ernesto de Moraes; Tristan Pryer (Natural Hazards, 2026)
Landslides induced by subsurface water infiltration represent a growing hazard in rapidly urbanizing regions, particularly where infrastructure is deficient. Leakage from potable water distribution systems can trigger slope instabilities that often remain undetected by conventional rainfall-based early warning systems. This study employs electrical resistivity tomography and three-dimensional resistivity imaging to identify leakage pathways and assess subsurface moisture conditions in a high-risk sector of Recife municipality, Northeastern Brazil. High-resolution 2D and 3D multigrad array surveys were conducted and converted into volumetric soil moisture estimates using empirical relationships. The results reveal a major infiltration zone and several shallow, spatially distributed leaks, with saturation levels frequently exceeding 30–40%, particularly in low-resistance soil layers as corroborated by standard penetration test data. Three-dimensional isosurface visualizations of moisture distribution further delineate critical saturation volumes. These findings highlight the utility of resistivity-based geophysical methods for detecting non-meteorological landslide triggers and support their integration into proactive risk monitoring strategies in vulnerable urban environments.

Integration of climate change impacts and agent-based model to flood risk evaluation in an urbanized area - Murat Yegin; Shima Nabinejad; Gulsah Karakaya; Holger Schüttrumpf; Elcin Kentel (Natural Hazards, 2026)

Effects of storm surge exceedance value on overwash and inundation forecasts - Margaret L. Palmsten; Kirsten J. Bendik; Kara S. Doran; Justin J. Birchler; Johnathan L. Woodruff (Natural Hazards, 2026)
Hurricane induced sediment transport and flooding can cause catastrophic damage to coastal communities. Forecasts test our understanding of the drivers of sediment transport and flooding, as well as quantify potential storm effects on coastlines. Real-time availability of forecasts allows emergency response and management decisions to be made with additional information. This study analyzed the skill of probabilistic forecasts of overwash and inundation along the Louisiana coastline from back-to-back Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020. To test skill, forecasts were compared with observations of mean water level relative to beach elevations and evidence of overwash and inundation identified in post-storm aerial imagery. We found that probabilistic forecasts accurately identified areas where overwash and inundation were likely to occur. In some cases, forecasts also produced a conservative estimation of overwash and inundation. For the first time, we explored the role of exceedance value in probabilistic forecasts of overwash and inundation and found that choice of exceedance value can influence forecasts. Additionally, we found that waves contributed up to 27% of the mean water level and up to 63% of the extreme water level during Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Spatiotemporal classification of flood-triggering rainfall in urban watersheds of Mamminasata, Indonesia - Munajat Nursaputra; Rusmawan Suwarman; Edi Riawan (Natural Hazards, 2026)

A new framework for landslide negative sample selection based on farthest point sampling constrained by random forest importance weights - Feilong Zhao; Bo Hu; Shaotao Mo (Natural Hazards, 2026)

Urban inundation prediction using seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model under extreme rainfall events - Xin Dang; Yongwei Gong; Qianting Chen; Xiaoxiao Lu; Kun Tian; Mengge Wang (Natural Hazards, 2026)

A Hybrid GeoAI Framework Integrating Smile Random Forest for Comprehensive Seismic Vulnerability Assessment: A Case Study of Mersin, Türkiye - Murat Yakar; Khalil Valizadeh Kamran; Peyman Yariyan; Lutfiye Kusak; Fatma Bünyan Ünel (Natural Hazards, 2026)

Mapping flood susceptibility in the transboundary Tumen River Basin at the China–North Korea border using transfer learning - Yuxuan Zhou; Hechun Quan; Weihong Zhu; Ri Jin; Guangri Jin (Natural Hazards, 2026)

Correction: Bismuth-doped ZIF-8 as a highly efficient piezo-photocatalyst for advanced remediation of organic dyes - Entisar Khudhair; Sama Al-Jubouri; Saad Ammar (Nanotechnology for Environmental Engineering, 2026)

Seismic evidence of fluid migration in the Barreirinhas basin, Central Brazilian Equatorial Margin - Guilherme Martins Delabrida; David Lopes de Castro; Moab Praxedes Gomes; José Paulo de Melo Goulart (Marine Geophysical Research, 2026)
The Brazilian Equatorial Margin (BEM) is an oblique-transform continental margin inherited from the Pangea breakup and the opening of the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Located in the central portion of the BEM, the Barreirinhas Basin is a frontier region with only three deep-water wells. Efforts have been made to understand its tectono-depositional evolution and potential for petroleum exploration. This study provides the first integrated characterization of fluid migration systems in the offshore Barreirinhas Basin, identifying and mapping seismic indicators, as well as connecting them with regional settings. We analyzed conventional 2D and 3D seismic reflection data, integrated with available well data. Additionally, seismic attributes (instantaneous amplitude, pseudo-relief, similarity, and chaos) were applied to enhance the interpretation of conventional seismic profiles. Our results show diverse fluid migration features, from deep strata to the seafloor, constrained in four main migration systems. Two systems are correlated to regional gravitational collapse. Fluid conduits, pockmarks, mounds, and faulted zones indicate focused fluid flow. A third system is developed in a region dominated by transform tectonics related to the Romanche Fracture Zone, in which dense fault networks are observed within a laterally extensive interval from the slope to the basin plain. The fourth system is located in a broad region of the basin plain, characterized by numerous seafloor mounds associated with fluid conduits and seismic indicators of hydrocarbon accumulation. These findings improve the knowledge about an underexplored basin and provide a foundation for the understanding of fluid migration systems and their implications, including marine processes and products, emplacement of igneous bodies, and hydrocarbon prospectivity.

Preliminary trials on decontamination of Tributyltin (TBT) in a dredged sediment using combination of mechanochemical and electrokinetic techniques - Jorge Ruiz-Fernandez; Irene Llorente; Elean Alvarez; Roman Nevshupa; Marta Castellote (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)
Purpose The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of a combined remediation strategy - electrokinetic treatment coupled with mechanochemical processes (ultrasound and grinding) and fluid recirculation - for the removal of tributyltin (TBT) from marine sediments. TBT is a persistent and highly toxic compound that resists most conventional remediation methods. The study aimed to validate the synergistic enhancement achieved by integrating these processes and to explore potential relationships between the removal of TBT, heavy metals, and other organic contaminants. Materials and methods A real marine sediment collected from a harbor in Spain was used in the study. The material was muddy (67% ≤ 63 μm; 30% ≤ 2 μm, and TOC 2.1%) and contained elevated concentrations of heavy metals. The total content of organotin compounds (OTs) was 21.1 µg kg -1 . The experimental design included several configurations with different parameters, combining mechanochemical treatments with Two‑Compartment Concentric Cells (TC) and One‑Compartment Flux Cells (FOC). TBT and its degradation products, dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT), were quantified by gas chromatography coupled to a triple‑quadrupole mass spectrometer. Additionally, after each test, pH was measured, heavy metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and thermogravimetric analyses were performed. Results Ball milling of the real sediment did not significantly enhance TBT removal, whereas sonication achieved a 10–15% reduction in total organotin species. Overall, flow‑through experiments using FOC performed better than the two‑compartment cell (TC) trials. The treatment combining recirculation, electrical current, and ultrasound in the presence of citric acid as electrolyte (FOC‑1) achieved complete TBT removal. All electrochemical treatments promoted debutylation, converting TBT into DBT and MBT. The results also confirmed that near‑neutral pH conditions were the least effective for TBT removal. Interestingly, near neutral pH conditions resulted in higher retention of recalcitrant organic matter (OM), suggesting that TBT predominantly adsorbs onto these organic fractions. Conclusions Combining mechanochemical and electrokinetics techniques creates a strong synergy for the effective decontamination of marine sediments. The choice of electrolyte and the energy input are critical factors for achieving optimal results. Although the trials were preliminary, the findings indicate substantial potential for refining the conditions of these coupled technologies to improve the removal of both organotin compounds and heavy metals from contaminated environmental matrices.

The effects of stand structure and species diversity on soil nitrogen in subtropical forests - Xiangnan Fan; Mingshan Zhang; Yanbo Yang; Sijia Yang; Junrui Han; Juan Wang; Wenjie Wang; Huimei Wang (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Carrier–microbe coupling in an immobilized composite microbial agent enables enhanced PAE removal alongside carrier-mediated Cd stabilization in Cd–PAEs co-contaminated soil - Zhongning Liu; Junwei Tang; Qian Zhang; Junyu Xiang; Congyao Shi; Yan Liao; Siting Lu; Juanjuan Yin; Binhong Qin; Weiwei Yang; Chaolan Zhang (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Fine-scale erosion under soil conservation practices: selective sediment transport and runoff in terraced and non-terraced no-till hillslopes - Ariane Lentice de Paula; Eduardo Augusto Agnellos Barbosa; Fabrício Tondello Barbosa; Éricles Leonardo dos Santos; Heverton Fernando Melo; Leticia Oliveira de Paula; Neyde Fabíola Balarezo Giarola (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)
Purpose This study quantified sediment losses under no-till management with and without agricultural terraces and to evaluate the particle-size distribution of sediment exported during rainfall–runoff events. Materials and methods The study was conducted in two macroplots, with an average area of 1.54 ha each, under no-till management: one with agricultural terraces (NT + T) and the other without terraces (NT), located in the east-central region of Paraná State, Brazil. A total of 24 rainfall–runoff events were monitored between 2023 and 2025. Rainfall was recorded using a pluviograph, and surface runoff and suspended sediment concentrations were sampled at an H-flume. Total sediment yield and particle-size distribution of the transported sediment were subsequently determined. Hydrosedimentological variables were compared using the nonparametric Wilcoxon test, while particle-size distribution was evaluated using confidence intervals. Results and discussion The NT system exhibited higher runoff volumes and greater sediment losses. In contrast, the NT + T treatment significantly reduced both runoff and sediment yield, and no surface runoff was observed during lower-intensity rainfall events. Particle-size analysis indicated a predominance of the silt-equivalent fraction (2–50 μm), with no significant differences between macroplots. This result highlights the selective nature of the erosion process and underscores the environmental risks associated with the transport of fine particles, which are more prone to carrying nutrients and contaminants. Conclusions No-till management combined with agricultural terracing was effective in mitigating water erosion, contributing to soil and water conservation and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural production on sloping land.

Biochar improves brackish sediment structure and reduces saline–sodic constraints on plant growth: a case study from Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth (Aotearoa New Zealand) - Caterina Campese; Peter Almond; Brett Robinson; Colin D. Meurk; Matiu Prebble (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)
Purpose Sediment removal can reduce internal phosphorus loading in eutrophic lakes, yet extracted sediment is often treated as waste and its disposal represents a major remediation cost. Repurposing dredged material as plant growth medium provides a circular pathway, but the suitability of brackish sediments is poorly resolved. We tested the ability of biochar to alleviate compaction and salinity-sodicity of brackish dredged sediment for plant growth. Methods Sediment from Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth (Aotearoa/New Zealand), a shallow brackish lake, was used to grow Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum ) under four treatments, a pure sediment control and three volumetric mixtures of biochar and sediment at ratios of 1:1, 1:3 and 1:4 (biochar:sediment). The sediment was nutrient-rich (total P ≈ 1150 mg kg⁻ 1 ; Olsen P ≈ 28 mg kg⁻ 1 ) but structurally challenging and saline–sodic (EC > 3000 µS cm⁻ 1 ; ESP ≈ 18.6%). Biomass, relative canopy cover, shoot concentrations and trace elements were monitored across harvests. Substrates bulk density was measured at the end of the experiment. Results Biochar improved substrate aeration and Na⁺ related constraints. Plant performance was most consistently enhanced by the 25% (v/v) biochar blending treatment (1:3). Treatment differences were greatest during early establishment: at the first harvest, P uptake under 1:3 reached ≈7 mg pot⁻ 1 , or ≈550 mg m⁻ 2 , approximately an order of magnitude higher than in the other substrates. Differences then narrowed across later harvests, with pure sediment improving over time. Across all treatments and harvests, shoot trace-element concentrations remained moderate, averaging ≈33 mg B kg⁻ 1 , 45 mg Zn kg⁻ 1 and 0.061 mg Cd kg⁻ 1 . Conclusions Brackish lake sediment retrieved from Te Roto o Wairewa functions as a productive plant growth substrate once saline-sodic and structural constraints are mitigated. Improvements were consistent with progressive ripening (aging, root penetration, and water-mediated Na⁺ leaching) and were greatest with 25% (v/v) biochar addition.

Mineral dusts impact metal availability and carbon cycling in peat - E. Kathryn Hettinga; Jordan Thakar; Kimber E. Munford; Susan Glasauer (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Temperature-regulated attapulgite-doped sludge biochar for simultaneous stabilization of heavy metals in mining-contaminated soil - Jun Ren; Yifan Kang; Hanru Ren; Min Gao; Gui Ma; Yunmeng Li; Chun Yang (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Increased heat and drought scenarios modify the toxicity of a fungicide mainly in low concentrations on Folsomia candida (Collembola) life-history - Borbála Szabó; Juliane Filser (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)
Purpose IPCC predicted at least 1.5 °C increase of global temperature in the next 20 years, but this increase will be higher on land. At the same time, the frequency of extreme weather events will increase. Pesticide pressure is still an actual problem worldwide, but different climate scenarios are not part of the standard test procedures during chemical registration. Methods We investigated whether increased temperature with or without drought changes the toxicity of a succinyl dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide, Fontelis 20 SC (penthiopyrad) on Folsomia candida (Collembola). We quantified the juvenile number, the relative growth, the egg number, the egg volume and the growth-reproduction trade-off, and repeated the measurements after a recovery period. Results The individual life-history parameters reacted very differently to the climate scenarios. In general, the highest concentration imposed a limit to juvenile number, relative growth, total egg number, and total reproduction investment. Therefore, all groups end up at a very similar value at the highest concentration while at more realistic lower concentrations the different climate scenarios exhibited pronounced differences. Drought decreased the performance of the Collembola but also mitigated the effects of the fungicide whereas temperature increase intensified the fungicide effect, but also facilitated the recovery. Conclusion We found pronounced effects of the climatic scenarios, especially in the high temperature treatment, where full recovery was not possible.

Distribution of soil organic carbon in root zones at different distances from the maize basal stem axis and its response to organic materials - Kaixuan Wang; Sen Dou; Baozhao Feng; Boyan Zhang; Yuhan Xia; Dilimulati Yalihong; Yue Gu; Jingmin Yang (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Integrated source apportionment and geochemical background assessment of organic and inorganic components in Amazonian upland lakes: insights from an extensive basin-wide geochemical database - José Tasso Felix Guimarães; Prafulla Kumar Sahoo; Luiza Santos Reis; Gabriel Negreiros Salomão; Mariana Maha Jana Costa de Figueiredo; Lourival Tyski; Cesar Carvalho Neto; Cecílio Frois Caldeira Júnior; Silvio Junio Ramos; Gabriel Caixeta Martins; Antônia Andreyna Pereira Rodrigues; Alessandro Sabá Leite; et al. (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)
Purpose This study established reliable natural geochemical backgrounds for Amazonian upland lakes and evaluated how lateritic catchment materials are transferred and transformed in lake sediments across Carajás, Araguaia, and Xingu. Methods Ferruginous duricrusts and lake sediments were analyzed using a robust median + 2×median absolute deviation (mMAD) approach to define regional inorganic and organic backgrounds. Source-to-sink changes were quantified with Hf-referenced mass-transfer coefficients. Sediment composition was further assessed by principal component analysis, redox-sensitive element ratios (Mo/U and S/Fe), rare earth element patterns, and MixSIAR modeling of organic matter sources in surface sediments. Results Region-specific mMAD backgrounds captured lithological controls while minimizing outlier influence. Mass-transfer coefficients indicated net silica enrichment and ferruginous loss from catchments to sediments, expanding to multi-element enrichment in organic-rich infilled basins. Principal component analysis revealed a dominant gradient from silica dilution to iron-phosphate carrier enrichment, with Al co-varying with Si and Ba, indicating limited suitability of Al normalization and supporting the use of high-field-strength elements such as Hf and Th. Redox proxies showed prevailing non-sulfidic anoxia with episodic micro-sulfidization sufficient for Mo retention, especially in basins with greater accommodation space and organic loading. MixSIAR indicated that bacterial organic matter dominated sediments in all sub-regions, followed by macrophytes and phytoplankton, with clear spatial differences among lake districts. Conclusion The integrated framework provides defensible geochemical backgrounds, supports high-field-strength element-based normalization, and offers process-based guidance for monitoring and management of tropical lateritic watersheds and lake sediments.

Pedogeological field walks within the university campus as a strategy to incorporate urban soils to the curricula of various degree programs - Elizabeth Chávez-García; Silke Cram; Marie Noelle Guilbaud; Pilar Fernández; Mario Cayetano; Pilar Ortega; Isaac Quijada; Lucy Mora; Blanca Prado; Christina Siebe (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Depth heterogeneity within surface soils substantially affects microbial abundance, diversity, and co-occurrence patterns - Guanyu Chai; Yuan Du; Zelin Wang; Kaifang Liu; Yuan Chi; Yi Duan; Shuo Ma; Xin Hu; Rongxiao Che; Jianxing Li; Wenjun Liu; Dong Liu (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Spatial distribution and geochemical assessment of arsenic, lead, and zinc in stream sediments from an agricultural region influenced by mining activities in Zacatecas, Mexico - Heriberto Morales-deAvila; Mélida Gutiérrez; Julián González-Trinidad; Artemio Rodríguez-Bautista; Hugo Enrique Júnez-Ferreira (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Different green manures showed inconsistent effects on soil properties, fungal communities and crop yield - Chenxin Wei; Zihan Hu; Yutong Jiang; Buyun Zhou; Zilong Hu; Guilong Li; Li Wan; Xingjia Xiang; Jia Liu (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Distribution, sources, and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in riparian soils along a transect of the Liuxi River, South China - Zhenglan Xie; Aiping Zhu; Jianyao Chen; Lei Gao; Jie Dong; Yiman Fang; Xiuhong Zhang; Shaoheng Li (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Assessing the impact of the lower Sesan 2 dam on SPM and POC concentrations in the 3 S–Mekong Confluence via high-spatial resolution satellite imagery - Julien Masson; Charles Verpoorter; Cédric Jamet (Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2026)

Species-dependent wiring of jasmonate signalling determines pine defence efficiency against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus - Adrián López-Villamor; Marta Nunes da Silva; Victoria Pastor; Marta W. Vasconcelos (Journal of Pest Science, 2026)
Pine wilt disease, caused by the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus , poses a serious threat to pine forests worldwide, yet the hormonal and metabolic mechanisms that determine whether a pine species succumbs to or tolerates infection remain poorly understood. Jasmonic acid (JA) signalling is a central defence pathway in plants, but its precise contribution to species-dependent resistance in Pinus has not been systematically evaluated. This study dissects how targeted activation and inhibition of the JA signalling pathway remodel defence responses and nematode infection dynamics in three pine species with contrasting susceptibility to the pathogen (from most to least susceptible, Pinus pinaster , P. pinea , and P. taeda ). Seedlings were treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or the jasmonate inhibitor sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DIECA) before nematode inoculation, and effects on symptom development, nematode colonisation, primary and secondary metabolism, oxidative stress, phytohormone profiles, and defence-related gene expression were assessed. P. pinaster developed clear symptoms and a marked increase in nematode numbers, whereas P. pinea and P. taeda remained largely asymptomatic. In P. pinaster , MeJA reduced both symptom severity and nematode proliferation, while DIECA impaired early defence activation although a delayed compensatory response was detectable. Across species, nematode infection triggered significant increases in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenoids, particularly in P. pinea , highlighting the contribution of secondary metabolism to plant resistance to the pinewood nematode. Overall, untreated infected plants showed higher lipid peroxidation compared with MeJA-treated, and phytohormone analyses revealed species-specific regulatory patterns. Gene expression patterns confirmed activation of phenylpropanoid and terpenoid pathways, with PAL , GGPPS , and MYC2 showing species- and treatment-specific regulation. Together, these results are consistent with the existence of distinct regulatory architectures underlying susceptibility versus tolerance, and provide hormonal, metabolic, and transcriptional profiles that may inform future breeding and priming strategies against pine wilt disease, though further functional validation will be needed to establish causation.

Commercially produced greater wax moth larvae showed earlier signs of microsporidian-derived disease compared to its natural host: the honey bee - N. D. Shamaev; A. B. Tretiakova; A. S. Osokina; I. H. Namlylar; F. M. Nurgaliev; I. S. Raginov; M. N. Mukminov; E. A. Shuralev (Journal of Pest Science, 2026)

Optimizing pheromone trap design for Chilo suppressalis: the interplay of aerodynamic plume dynamics and microclimate - Yongjun Du; Qianshuang Guo; Ying Shen; Jianfei Lu; Zhanqin Du; Haibo Bao (Journal of Pest Science, 2026)

Correction: New remains of Stegodon zhaotongensis (Proboscidea, Stegodontidae) from the Late Miocene site of Shuitangba, Yunnan Province, China - William J. Sanders; Xue-Ping Ji; Nina G. Jablonski (Journal of Mammalian Evolution, 2026)

New finds of Ancylotherium hennigi (Mammalia, Perissodactyla, Chalicotheriidae) from the Plio-Pleistocene of Laetoli, Tanzania - Terry Harrison; Amandus Kwekason (Journal of Mammalian Evolution, 2026)

The neglected Reinhardt’s glyptodontine from Lagoa Santa, Brazil: a reassessment of taxonomic status and description of a new species of Glyptotherium - Édison Vicente Oliveira; Kasper Lykke Hansen; Kleberson de Oliveira Porpino (Journal of Mammalian Evolution, 2026)
This study reexamines a glyptodontine skull, NHMD 2045557, from Lagoa Santa, Brazil. Initially misidentified as the type of Hoplophorus euphractus by J. Reinhardt, it was later referred to Glyptodon clavipes. This identification remained unchallenged for decades. Recent comprehensive revisions of glyptodontines from northeastern and southeastern Brazil have prompted a reevaluation of the Lagoa Santa material. Currently, it is referred to as Glyptotherium sp., or tentatively, as Glyptotherium cf. cylindricum , a species originally described from Mexico that is also found in Central and North America. However, even if the generic assignment to Glyptotherium is accepted, the specific identity of the Brazilian material remains unresolved. To address this issue, we conducted an exhaustive review of the historical literature, beginning with the foundational works of Lund, Reinhardt, and Winge. We also reexamined the skull NHMD 2045557. Although Lund collected this specimen, Reinhardt first described and illustrated it in 1875 as “ Schistopleurum euphractum ” to replace Hoplophorus euphractus . We argue that Reinhardt misidentified the skull as the type of Hoplophorus euphractus , which invalidates the combination “ Schistopleurum euphractum ”. According to the ICZN, the name-bearing type of H . euphractus fixes the application of the name (Art. 70). Thus, Reinhardt’s classification constitutes a misidentification rather than a taxonomic revision of the original species. Therefore, we propose a new species of Glyptotherium for the aforementioned skull, described as Glyptotherium deuterophractum sp. nov. Comparative analyses with other glyptodont species reveal a distinctive combination of cranial, dental, tarsal, and osteodermal characteristics that distinguish the Brazilian and Venezuelan material from Glyptotherium texanum (from the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene of Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States) and from Glyptotherium cylindricum (Late Pleistocene of Panama, Guatemala, Mexico, and the southern United States).

Stochastic modelling of mass variations using local terrain information - Dimitrios Tsoulis; Georgia Gavriilidou (Journal of Geodesy, 2026)

Evaluating Machine Learning Models for Corn Yield Prediction Using Vegetation Indices in a Sandy Agroecosystem - Karun Katoch; Nikhil Raj Deep; Dereje A. Birhan; Diego Arruda Huggins de Sá Leitão; Ravinder Singh; Sindhura Sriram; Ebrahim Babaeian; Hardeep Singh; Hardev S. Sandhu; Michael Dukes; Lakesh K. Sharma (International Journal of Plant Production, 2026)

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles mediate vanadium, chromium, and scandium uptake in red mud phytomining - A. Yulikasari; B. V. Tangahu; E. Nurhayati; A. Y. Bagastyo; Y. M. Lam; Y. Wang (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Sustainable methylene blue adsorption using lignocellulosic biochar with mechanistic isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamic and error insights - K. Kataria; J. Chowdhry; A. Beniwal; M. Nandal (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Integration of IoT technology, water hyacinth phytoremediation, and activated carbon for heavy metal contaminated water treatment - B. Azhar; H. Heryanto; A. R. Arif (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Mixed-linker Ni-MOF/ZIF-8 heterojunctions with hierarchical porosity for broadband dye degradation - L. L. Zulfa; A. R. P. Hidayat; B. T. I. Ali; W. P. Utomo; A. Rinovian; D. R. Putri; D. Hartanto; W. Widyastuti; S. Akhlus; R. Ediati (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Impact of extreme rainstorm on the spatial distribution of population exposure in Haihe River basin in China - C. Cheng; X. Fang; S. Zhang; Y. Yu; S. Yang; Y. Li; J. Liu; C. Mei (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)
Based on daily rainfall data from 252 national meteorological stations in the Haihe River Basin of China during 1961–2023, rainstorm events were divided, and four characteristic variables representing the hazard index of rainstorms were statistically analyzed, including total number of rainstorm days ( I day ), cumulative rainfall ( I pre ), average daily rainfall ( I 24pre ), and maximum duration days ( I dur ). Combined with the 1 km gridded population density data of the basin, the population exposure ( PE ) during 1961–2023 under scenarios with and without the “23·7” extreme rainstorm was calculated using the product model of the rainstorm hazard index ( HR ) and exposed population. K-means clustering was adopted to analyze the impact of this rainstorm on the spatial distribution characteristics of watershed population exposure, and a quantitative assessment of the impact contribution rate ( PEC ) was provided. The results show that a single extreme rainstorm can cause changes in the spatial clustering of population exposure in nearly 1/3 of the districts and counties in the basin, and its contribution rate to rainstorm hazard index and population exposure can exceed 10%, which provides a scientific basis for the timely incorporation of typical extreme rainstorm cases and the updating of the flood control and drainage design assessment system as well as relevant codes and standards. The findings can also help optimize the layout of flood storage and detention areas, and provide references for the deployment and construction of X-band radars in areas along the front plain of the Taihang Mountains.

Plastic waste management model with system dynamics: a systematic literature review - M. Bato; M. Baiquni; B. M. Sopha (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Bacterial decolorization of synthetic textile dyes: a systematic review - A. P. Wanguyun; S. Bandara; A. S. Subiastuti; L. A. Devianto (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

An integrated deep learning framework for real-time campus vehicle emission monitoring using thermal imaging and PM2.5 thresholding - F. N. Duman; E. Kuşkapan (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Plant-soil interactions: enzymes, exudates, and heavy-metals under application of atrazine and glyphosate herbicides - O. A. Fabiyi; O. A. David; A. H. Labulo; H. Ibrahim; O. P. Iyere; A. O. Oseni; B. O. Benson; E. J. Isaac (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Flow refraction and sustainable adsorbents: advancing permeable reactive barrier design for groundwater nitrate removal - M. Yaghoubi; S.H. Tabatabaei; R. Shadnia; T. Raiesi (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Transformation of agricultural HDPE waste into activated carbon for organic dye removal: characterization and kinetic–thermodynamic study - L. Amjad; M. Al-Ali (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Advances in xanthated and amino-silicated biomass cellulose for sustainable industrial wastewater treatment: mechanisms, efficacy and future prospects - O. A. Mwalaji; M. M. Madirisha; D. J. Shilla; J. Y. N. Philip (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Sustainable electrocoagulation treatment of tetracycline contaminated water: coupling response surface methodology with life cycle assessment - S. Mirkhalafi; M. Kiehbadroudinezhad; H. Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha; M. Mousazadehgavan; K. S. Hashim (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)
Tetracycline (TC), widely used in medicine and agriculture, has emerged as a persistent micropollutant in aquatic environments, posing significant risks to human health and ecosystems due to its environmental persistence and the inefficiency of conventional treatment methods. This study aimed to develop an efficient and sustainable electrocoagulation (EC) process using aluminum electrodes to remove TC from aqueous solutions. A Box–Behnken Design (BBD) combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize four key operational parameters, including initial pH, current intensity, inter-electrode distance, and electrolysis time. To evaluate broader sustainability, life cycle assessment (LCA) and operational cost analysis were integrated into the methodology to quantify environmental impacts and economic feasibility under optimized conditions. The developed quadratic model showed good agreement between predicted and experimental results (R 2 = 0.887), confirming the reliability of the optimization approach. TC removal efficiencies reached up to 100% under optimized operating conditions. LCA results indicated that neutral pH and low current minimized environmental burdens, with the lowest weighted total damage (~ 0.3 mPt/FU), while intensive conditions significantly increased impacts. Overall, integrating EC with RSM, LCA, and cost analysis provides a comprehensive framework for designing technically effective, environmentally sustainable, and economically feasible treatment of antibiotic-contaminated waters.

Enhanced performance of thin-film nanocomposite forward osmosis membranes via organic-phase incorporation of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes - H. E. Almansouri; M. N. Abu Seman; C. K. M. F. Che Ku Yahya; A. W. Mohammad; A. Al Hinai (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Antibacterial and property stability of nanocomposites from chitosan, fish collagen, Eclipta prostrata extract and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles - T. D. Hoang; H. Thai; T. T. Tran; T. C. Nguyen (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Life cycle assessment of Sengon sawdust biomass for co-firing in Lombok, Indonesia: cradle-to-gate impacts and carbon avoidance - K. Siregar; A. A. R. Setiawan; M. Muryanto; S. Syafriandi; A. P. Sari; T. Firdani; S. Sholihati; Z. K. P. Akbar; R. Habiburahman; R. Risyanti; F. Abelina (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2026)

Water desalination using solar energy: field validation under arid climatic conditions in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia - A. Alnakhlani; B. Hassan; R. Alharbi; J. Alsaad; S. Alhassan (International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 2026)

Monitoring the long-term surface dynamics of Lake Aguelmam Sidi Ali, Morocco, using Landsat imagery and drought indices - M. El Bouazzati; M. Batchi (International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 2026)

Evolution of daylighting metrics in residential buildings: from DF to sDA - A. Sheikhi Imen; M. Mahmoudi Zarandi; A. Behnam Vala (International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 2026)

Comparative evaluation of water purification using filtration based on local volcanic, siliceous, and calcareous sand: improvement of the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of river water in Dschang, western Cameroon - Godfroy Rostant Pokam Djoko; Honorine Ntangmo Tsafack; Sedric Gerryco Songmi; Emile Temgoua (International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 2026)

Integrated aeromagnetic and multi-spectral satellite data for geothermal resource assessment in the Middle Benue Trough, Northern Nigeria - J. A. Ahile; O. C. Meludu; A. S. Oniku; E. Ike; J. O Osumeje; A. Aliyu (International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 2026)

The effect of Sino-American tensions on China’s energy transition - M. Sebri; A. Benhamed; H. Dachraoui (International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 2026)

A systematic review of pico-scale Turgo turbine optimization for rural electrification: velocity triangle analysis, CFD, and additive manufacturing approaches - M. M. Apriliyano; H. Rusmaryadi; I. Bizzy; D. Adanta (International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 2026)

Identifying high-leverage drivers for energy efficiency in the construction industry: a fuzzy DEMATEL analysis - H. A. F. Akram; M. Palaniappan; B. Sankaranarayanan; R. Priyanka; S. Durairaj (International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 2026)

Multi-objective optimization study of compact kitchens based on coordinated ventilation strategy - Zhihang Shen; Shunyu Zhang; Lihui Zhu; Xiangrui Zhao; Zhenlei Chen (International Journal of Biometeorology, 2026)

Weather data sources influence predictive performance of disease forecasting models - Theophilus Abonyi Mensah; Neil White; Vivian Rincón-Flórez; Olufemi A. Akinsanmi (International Journal of Biometeorology, 2026)
Weather data from fine- and coarse-scale sources are increasingly used in disease forecasting models to support management decisions, yet comparisons between fine- and coarse-scale sources remain limited, largely due to the difficulty of acquiring fine-scale datasets across locations and seasons. Differences among weather sources can influence model outputs, resulting in variation in predictive performance and the timing of management decisions. This study evaluated four weather data sources, grouped as fine-scale (in-canopy and on-farm stations) and coarse-scale (regional gridded and point-based data from SILO, and Bureau of Meteorology, BOM, stations), across two production regions in Australia. Macadamia orchards were used as a case study to assess spatial variability in 10 weather variables associated with fungal infection over three seasons (2022–2024). Heterogeneous trends and associations were identified among the weather sources, primarily driven by differences in minimum temperature and minimum relative humidity. On-farm and SILO data showed high spatial variability, whereas in-canopy and BOM data were comparatively stable. Predictive performance of disease models based on each weather source was evaluated using airborne conidia dynamics for the fungal pathogens Botrytis , Cladosporium and Neopestalotiopsis / Pestalotiopsis , which cause flower blight in macadamia. In-canopy sources produced significantly lower predictive performance ( p p > 0.05) across all pathogens. These findings indicate that the choice of weather data source, rather than spatial scale alone, is critical for reliable disease forecasting.