Dispersal patterns of exotic forest pests in South Korea

Invasive species have potentially devastating effects on ecological communi- ties and ecosystems. To understand the invasion process of exotic forest pests in South Korea, we reviewed four major species of exotic forest pests： the pine needle gall midge （Thecodiplosis japonensis）, pine wilt disease caused by the pine wood nematode （Bur- saphelenchus xylophilus）, the fall webworm （Hyphantria cunea） and the black pine bast scale （Matsucoccus thunbergianae）. We consider their biology, ecology, invasion history, dispersal patterns and related traits, and management as exotic species. Among these species, the dispersal process of fall webworm was linear, showing a constant range expan- sion as a function of time, whereas the other three species showed biphasic patterns, rapidly increasing dispersal speed after slow dispersal at the early invasion stage. Moreover, human activities accelerated their expansion, suggesting that prevention of the artificial movement of damaged trees would be useful to slow expansion of exotic species. We believe that this information would be useful to establish management strategies for invasion species.

Dispersal of invasive Phytolacca americana seeds by birds in an urban garden in China

Although seed dispersal is a key process determining the regeneration and spread of invasive plant populations,few studies have explicitly addressed the link between dispersal vector behavior and seedling recruitment to gain insight into the invasion process within an urban garden context.We evaluated the role of bird vectors in the dispersal of pokeweed(Phytolacca americana),a North American herb that is invasive in urban gardens in China.Fruiting P.americana attracted both generalist and specialist bird species that fed on and dispersed its seeds.The generalist species Pycnonotus sinensis and Urocissa erythrorhyncha were the most frequent dispersers.Seedling numbers of P.americana were strongly associated with the perching behavior of frugivorous birds.If newly recruited bird species use seedling-safe perching sites,the P.americana will regenerate faster,which would enhance its invasive potential.Based on our observations,we conclude that the 2 main bird vectors,P.sinensis and U.erythrorhyncha,provide potential effective dispersal agents for P.americana.Our results highlight the role of native birds in seed dispersal of invasive plants in urban gardens.

Diel vertical migration of dominant planktonic crustaceans in the south branch of Yangtze Estuary,China

Zooplanktons are important food organisms of fishes,and their spatial and temporal distribution pattern has an important influence on the growth and reproduction of fishes in local habitats.The Yangtze River Estuary of China is rich in fishery resources,but the knowledge on the distribution pattern of zooplankton in this area is still very limited.The diel vertical migration(DVM)patterns and seasonal variations of the crustacean community,and their relationship with environmental factors were investigated in the south branch of the Yangtze Estuary,from June 2017 to May 2018.The results showed that the dispersion patterns of dominant crustacean taxa in the Yangtze Estuary were mostly aggregated.Migration amplitudes of crustacean were greater in spring and summer than in autumn and winter,and different migratory patterns occurred in different seasons.Sinocalanus dorrii,Schmackeria inopinus,Mesmackeria leuckarti,Bosmina longirostris,and B.fatalis,unlike S.forbesi,showed a significant DVM.The DVM patterns of crustaceans was possibly influenced by light dentisy,temperature,and total dissolved solids in the water column,and the fish predation effect;whereas,the nutrient concentration and pH were not supposed to be key factors.