An evaluation of ‘pollinator-friendly’ wildflower seed mixes in Italy: are they potential vectors of alien plant species?

NeoBiota, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 94, P. 205 - 224

Published: Aug. 5, 2024

Wildflower areas are increasingly used in both urban and rural settings to enhance landscape aesthetics help the conservation of pollinators, whose dramatic decline threatens ecosystem functioning agricultural production. Consequently, today many ‘pollinator-friendly’ wildflower seed mixes can be found on market. Criteria for design these focused ability plants attract whereas identity themselves terms their alien or native status is often not adequately considered. Moreover, lack sufficient floral resources early spring late-season months, which important sustain pollinators throughout whole life cycle. In this study, we analyzed 36 commercially available Italy (1) abundance species, (2) occurrence locally species with reference three Italian geographic (northern, peninsular, insular Italy), (3) flowering period species. Most (83%) contain Italy, them also including invasive Among (41%) at least one areas. Overall, provide earlier blooms than around 35% early-spring (March) prolonged autumn (September-November). These findings highlight widespread use plant mixes, poses serious risks biodiversity habitat conservation, especially when sown We suggest a more careful such promoting wider adoption seeds local origin greater attention blooming period. If properly designed, represent an effective strategy

Language: Английский

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Exploring Floristic Diversity, Propagation Patterns, and Plant Functions in Domestic Gardens across Urban Planning Gradient in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Ecologies, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 5(4), P. 512 - 537

Published: Oct. 2, 2024

Urbanization degrades natural habitats and creates new urban ecosystems like domestic gardens. The plant composition of these gardens varies with socio-economic factors planning levels. However, the diversity impact introduced species are often poorly assessed, causing potential ecological imbalances (disruptions in functioning stability ecosystems), particularly Lubumbashi (DR Congo). objective was to analyze spatial structure, diversity, propagation strategies, functions Three distinct neighborhoods were selected: a planned, unplanned, residential neighborhood. Twenty avenues (with five plots per avenue) chosen represent within each neighborhood, stratified random sampling conducted gardening practices. Gardens classified into types, their vegetation evaluated based on origin impact. analysis reveals significant variations across different neighborhood types. Residential exhibit larger average garden sizes (315.1 m2), higher richness (22 species), plot (1032 m2) compared unplanned planned neighborhoods, where areas notably lower. Rectangular dominate areas, while feature more intentional landscaping elements, such as flowerbeds hedges. use for food production is prominent (40.7%), whereas prioritize ornamentation (51.4%). study identified 232 taxa 68 families, predominance exotic (80%) all (82.25%). data revealed that Mangifera indica Persea americana abundant illustrating adaptability contexts. Herbaceous most common, followed by woody plants, vines being sparse. Species dispersal primarily driven human activities (anthropochory), accounting over 85% neighborhoods. These findings highlight strong influence structure Lubumbashi, emphasizing dominance importance anthropogenic shaping green spaces. Urban policies should incorporate strategies minimize negative impacts native flora.

Language: Английский

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DNA metabarcoding reveals unexpected diet breadth of the specialist large‐headed resin bee (Heriades truncorum) in urbanised areas across Germany

Insect Conservation and Diversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 20, 2024

Abstract Host plants required by specialist bee species may be limited in urban areas. We investigated the effects of urbanisation on Heriades truncorum , a solitary that is plant family Asteraceae. examined brood cell number, host and native pollen proportions (via DNA metabarcoding) nutritional composition provisions H. nests. Increasing resulted fewer cells higher genus diversity provisions. Bees collected from non‐native non‐Asteraceae genera, including new records for . overall was associated with decreased numbers. However, an increased Asteraceae genera number. The proportion were not changes Pollen provision related to or averaged P:L ratio ~1:1, similar These results suggest are equally beneficial Germany. Moreover, at more sites suggests level resources, particularly plants, could highly landscapes. While high conservation concern, our data demonstrate mechanisms which narrow less common specificity experience stress areas provides mitigation strategies.

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic impacts on plant-pollinator networks of tropical forests: implications for pollinators coextinction

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 23, 2024

Language: Английский

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How the built environment influences pollinator diversity in urban landscapes: an analysis of French cities using participative data

Sustainable Cities and Society, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 118, P. 106041 - 106041

Published: Dec. 6, 2024

Language: Английский

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