Ecological niche models (ENMs), which are widely employed to predict the potential geographic distribution of species, provide an important tool to quantify the risks imposed by invasive alien species. The problem of how to evaluate the performance of different models has attracted more and more attention. In the present paper, we introduced the principle of the method of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in assessing the accuracy of different ENMs. We predicted the suitable distribution area of Radopholus similis, an important banana toppling disease nematode, with five widely used ENMs and evaluated the performance of different models by ROC curve analysis. The area under ROC curve (AUC) for BIOCLIM, CLIMEX, DOMAIN, GARP, and MAXENT models was 0.810, 0.758, 0.921, 0.903, and 0.950, respectively. Among these, the biggest value of AUC was assigned to MAXENT, indicating that the result gained by MAXENT should be better than the other four models. According to the results of analysis of variance (ANOVA), there was a remarkable difference in AUC between each model except for DOMAIN and GARP.

The development and commercialization of transgenic rice with novel traits in China may offer more opportunities for promoting rice productivity. Owing to the significance of rice as a major food crop in China, the enhancement of rice production is important for national food security. If left unaddressed, the potential biosafety concerns over the extensive release and commercial cultivation of transgenic rice may hamper the development and application of this technology in rice improvement. Biosafety issues include: (1) effects of toxic transgenes on non-target organisms; (2) transgene escape to crops or wild relatives through gene flow and its potential ecological consequences; (3) interactions and influences of transgenes and transgenic plants on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and soil microbes; and (4) the development of resistance to insect- or disease-resistant transgenes in target organisms. In order to safely and sustainably utilize transgenic biotechnology in rice, it is very important to assess biosafety consequences, including environmental risks, from transgenic rice. This paper presents a rational analysis of potential environmental biosafety problems based on the principles of risk assessment, provided that transgenic rice will be released for commercialization. We hope these analyses will provide useful information for the decision-making on commercialization of transgenic rice and serve as a framework for the assessment of relevant environmental biosafety risks.

With the fast development of biotechnology, many transgenic crops have been developed and are in the pipelines for environmental release or commercialization. Crop-to-crop transgene flow from transgenic to non-transgenic rice varieties will affect seed purity of non-transgenic rice varieties, which might lead to unwanted biosafety problems. To assess the probability of transgene outflow in rice (Oryza sativa), gene flow experiments were conducted at two confined biosafety experimental sites in Fuzhou of Fujian Province and Sanya of Hainan Province, with the field design of alternating rows of transgenic rice lines and non-transgenic varieties. Three transgenic rice lines containing two insect-resistance genes (Bt/CpTI) and their non-transgenic counterparts (isogenic lines) were used in the experiments to achieve high levels of spontaneous outcrossing. A hygromycin resistance gene tightly linked with the target transgenes was used as a selective marker for identifying transgenic hybrids. Based on examination of 70,056 geminated seeds, we observed low frequencies of transgene outflow (0.275–0.832%) under cultivation of alternating rows between transgenic rice and its non-transgenic counterparts. This result of low crop-to-crop transgene flow in rice at such close spacing can provide scientific support for the safe use of transgenic rice in terms of “contamina-tion” of non-transgenic rice caused by pollen-mediated transgene outflow, if certain isolation measures are taken.

Management mechanism of biotechnology safety in China and abroad , especially the agencies and function form of biotechnology safety management were reviewed. Methods and organizations of formation , enactment and implement of biotechnology safety at international , continental and national levels were discussed respectively , particularly the methods , regulations and function mechanism in China were introduced. Finally , the future development emphasis of biotechnology safety management of China were suggested.

The term “wild animal” has different meanings not only in Chinese but in many languages all over the world. Here, we identify uses of the term “wild animal” through examining interpretations and applications in local, national, and international laws and language used in human controlled animal reproduction. We put forward a two-dimensional conceptual framework of “wild animals” that distinguishes 12 continuous states of animals from “wild” to “domesticated”. Animal groups that have not been artificially selected in the medium- and long-term were considered wild animals. Domesticated animals, whether or not they live under human control, such as domestic cats, dogs, poultry, livestock, and model animals or stray or feral were not considered “wild animals”. However, the management of some categories, such as tamed animals of wild species or exotic/invasive animals needs to base on ecological safety, species conservation, and legislative objectives. The Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Protection of Wildlife shall apply to endangered animal species threatened by humans, whether they were found in the wild or under human control condition. For the management of other states of “wild animals”, existing laws should be strictly implemented, and new laws should be enacted with genetic resources, zoonotic diseases, animal welfare, and ecological safety in mind. We additionally make specific recommendations for the definition of “wild animal” for use under the Law on the Protection of Wildlife.

The conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use have been paid attention by governments and public in most countries.In this paper,some hot spots in biodiversity research which are followed with interest to worldwide,are introduced.DIVERSITAS,the international programme of biodiversity science,is being evaluated;some suggestions on the origin,maintenance,inventory and monitoring of biodiversity are supplemented.Studies on restoration of biodiversity,which depend upon the theoretical basis of dynamic,succession of ecosystem,have to be strengthened urgently.Biodiversity information system is the major part of biodiversity science.Studies on agrobiodiversity combine biodiversity with agricultural practice.Biosafety issue has been one of the current hot spots.Some viewpoints are suggested on the issues mentioned above by the author.

Bemisia tabaci biotype B (Bt) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum(Tv) are two whiteflies that often coexist on greenhouse-grown vegetable crops in northern China. The host plant species ofB. tabaci biotype B have been increasing with the spread of its invaded areas. To clarify the effects of plant species on the performances of the two species, amylase and proteinase activity dynamics of both whitefly species were evaluated when their host plant species switched from tomato (preferred by both species, also used as the control) to cotton (preferred by Bt and suitable for Tv), cabbage (preferred by Bt, but unsuitable for Tv) or maize (unsuitable for both species) plants. There were no prominent effects of plant species switching on the amylase activity of the two whitefly species. The amylase activity of Bt was 1.49-1.66 folds higher than that of Tv when fed on tomato or when switched to different host species. There were no effects on the proteinase activity of Bt when switched to a different host species, but that of Tv decreased by 29.9-42.7%. The proteinase activity of Bt was 1.30 and 1.21 folds higher than that of Tv when switched to cabbage and cotton plants, respectively. There were no interspecific differences in proteinase activity when switched to maize plants. Bt amylase activity dynamics were expressed as activation then inhibition or inhibition then activation when switched to cabbage and maize plants; however, those of Tv were smooth. Amylase activity dynamics were similar for both species when switched to cotton. Although proteinase activity dynamics of Bt were expressed as activation then inhibition when switched to any of the three plant species tested, the activation period was longer when switched to maize plants. In the case of Tv, proteinase activity dynamics were similarly smooth regardless of which plant species switched to. Our results indicated that Bt was more adaptable to plant species switching than T. vaporariorum.

The commercial production and extensive environmental release of genetically modified (GM) crops have aroused worldwide concerns and debates over the biosafety of these crops. Transgene escape and its potential environmental risks are among the most debated biosafety issues. Transgene(s) can move from a GM crop to its non-GM counterparts and wild relatives via pollen-mediated gene flow, potentially causing various types of environmental problems. Effective biosafety assessment and research can facilitate the safe and sustainable application of GM crops. Following the framework of risk assessment, there are two critical steps for assessing environmental risks caused by transgene escape: (1) to measure frequencies of transgene escape from a GM crop to its non-GM counterpart or wild relative species (including weedy forms) via pollen-mediated gene flow; and (2) to determine the persist and spread of escaped transgene(s) in wild or weedy populations through introgression. The study of hybridization-introgression represents one of the most important and common phenomena in plant evolutionary, the study of which also includes the two important steps: to estimate frequencies of hybridization and to know the introgression of gene(s) in question within or among populations. The evolutionary theory of hybridization-introgression has a very close relationship with research and assessment of transgene escape and its potential environmental risks. The process of hybridization-introgression usually results in speciation, endangered status, extinction, or adaptive evolution of plant species. This is because important effects such as genetic assimilation, demographic swamping, and selective sweeps during the hybridization-introgression process, can considerably affect the evolutionary process of plant populations, into which the incorporation of transgenes may complicate the evolutionary process. If transgenes in question can significantly increase the fitness of individuals, they will quickly spread in the populations through fast introgression and significantly influence population dynamics bring certain evolutionary consequences. Therefore, we recommend applying the evolutionary theory of hybridization-introgression to guide the research and assessment of potential environmental risks caused by transgene escape.

In March 1998 , the Delta and Pine Land seed company and the U. S. Department of Agriculture announced that they had received a patent on the“Terminator Technology”. The technology involves three following steps :genetic engineers transfer terminator genes to a crop ; the seed company initiates the terminator process by adding an inducer before selling the seeds ; farmers then plant seeds , and harvest mature ,but sterile , seeds. At a late stage of seed development , under the control of the inducer ,one gene in the terminator becomes active and produces toxin. The toxin kills the embryo , resulting in the sterile seed. Enormous international responses were induced by this patent . The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) pointed out that the terminator technology must be banned in order to defend the world food security. The CGIAR cited the following reasons : This technology will stop farmers from producing fertile seeds from their own crops , consequently , the genetic diversity of crops and sustainabity of agriculture will be adversely affected. It will probably induce the risk of the sale or exchange of sterile seeds , and risk of biosafety through pollen spread. Some third world countries warmed that this technique is“seeds of disaster”, and“the neutron bomb of agriculture”. Sterile seeds produced by genetically modified crops with terminator genes may solve the ecological risk brought about from transgene escape , but the accompanied risk on biosafety and expense of global food security is no solution. From another point of view , this technology itself may be the another kind of risk of biosafety derived from genetic engineering.

The maintenance of biodiversity of organisms, especially microbes in the soil, plays a key role for a healthy and sustainable agroecosystem. Agricultural activities including farming systemsaffect significantly the structure and ecological functions of soil-borne plant-associated microorganisms. As a new biotic component of the ecosystem, released genetically engineered crops initiate a change in the biotic community, the health and the stability of an agricultural ecosystem. This paper focuses on the behavior of gene products released from the roots of transgenic pest and disease-resistant crops (TPDRC) and the decomposition of TPDRC residue, and their effects on various organisms in the rhizosphere and surrounding crop residues in the soil. It is concluded that gene expression products have a long-term effect and lead to complex changes. It is suggested that a long-term study on ecological impacts of various released TPDRC is necessary. The emphasis should be focused on the following three aspects: (1) behavior of various products from different transgenic plants and their biotic activity in agroecosystems; (2) influence of transgenic plants on community composition of soil borne microorganisms and (3) influence of various isolated and purified gene expression products on microorganism functional groups in container culture conditions.

The broad sense of the biosafety concept should be composed of human health , and safeties of agricultural and environmental organisms (biodiversities) . By reviewing the phylogeny of the regulations and organizations relating to this field both worldwide and within China , and by consulting the international development trend , countermeasures aimed at the existing problems of biosafety in our country from the point of view of sanitary and quarantine are proposed.

While having developed into one of the most dynamic fields of the life sciences, synthetic biology may pose potential risks to the environment and human health. Based on current national and international risk assessment methods and current regulation of synthetic biology, we reviewed risk assessment in relation to synthetic biology’s research subfields (such as DNA-based biocircuits, minimal genome, protocells and chemical synthetic biology), its relation with biosafety engineering, its effect on ELSI (Ethics, Legal and Social Implications) and recent biosecurity challenges, such as biopunk (or biohackery), garage biology, do-it-yourself biology and bioterrorism. Additionally, we investigated existing strategies for management of synthetic biology research, focusing on self-regulatory or technology-focused methods and using the 5P (the principal investigator, the project, the premises, the provider of genetic material and its purchaser) strategy focusing in five different policy intervention points. Furthermore, we reviewed the current research and development of synthetic biology and its current biosafety regulations in China. Finally, we recommended management strategies to guide future research in synthetic biology with necessary amendments, including the establishment of regulations with a core of safety assessment, synthetic biology-specific good laboratory practice guidelines, and arguments for the reinforcement of internal regulation at the institution level and more active public outreach efforts for biosafety.

More concerns have been focused on transgenic trees than transgenic food crops because of their longevity and the likelihood that transgene might spread to related species of wild trees grown nearby. Detailed, the long life span of trees could increase the likelihood of transgene instability, affect diversity of non-target organisms, improve resistance to insecticidal proteins, increase invasiveness of the tree itself (weediness), and arouse negative environmental consequences or new environmental risks resulted from gene flow or gene escape. The transgenic black poplar Populus nigra carrying Bt gene and hybrid white poplar clone 741[Populus alba× (P. davidiana + P. simonii) × P. tomentosa] carring fusion genes, which are resistant to leaf insects, have been commercial release in China since 2002. In this review, we provide a brief overview of biosafety assessment researches on transgenic insect-resistant poplar varieties during the last decades. Arthropod population and community structure have changed within the transgenic poplar plantations, and the diversity of the insect community has increased. But there are no significant changes for soil microbial communities. Gene flow monitoring in the transgenic black poplar plantation showed that the probability of gene escape is very low via pollen and seeds. The potential environment risk was also evaluated based on the experiments of horizontal gene transfer from transgenic poplars through endophytic bacteria. We pointed out the necessity of the biosafety assessments concerning the transgenic poplars when intercropping with food crops.

Transgenic biotechnology and its products provide important solutions for the great challenge of global food security. Biosafety assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) including their food and environmental safety is a prerequisite for the commercialization and safe application of transgenic biotechnology products. However, existing methodologies cannot meet the urgent requirements for rapid biosafety assessment of the increasing number of new and sophisticated GMOs. Therefore, a new, more efficient and objective biosafety assessment methodology is needed. The decision tree, a widely used methodology for data mining and analysis, has a particular function in solving complicated problems. This article introduces the concepts, characteristics, and categorization of a decision tree, as well as methods for decision tree construction. Our objective is to explore the potential of establishing a diagnostic platform for biosafety assessment of GMOs in an efficient and accurate way. This biosafety assessment platform should also be useful for predicting the safety of the new generation of GMOs, and for educating the public on environmental biosafety, thereby providing a solid base for further development of transgenic technology and safe application of transgenic products.

This paper reports a newly naturalized genus Ehrharta Thunb.(Gramineae)in China. The importance of recording exotic plants is emphasized. The necessity of legislation for biological safety in China has been briefly discussed in the present paper.

Located in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, Huangshan is one of the high mountains in eastern China and lies in the transition zone of north-south flora. It is considered a refuge of flora and fauna during the Quaternary maximum glaciation. Zonal vegetation is classified as evergreen broad-leaved forest with a vertical distribution pattern. It is not only one of China’s Biodiversity Conservation Priority Areas, but also one of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites and a world famous scenic spot. In 2014, we established a large-scale forest dynamics plot with an area of 10.24 ha in Huangshan based on international protocols (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Center for Tropical Forest Science, CTFS) and completed the first field survey. The investigation aimed at revealing community characteristics by analyzing species composition, flora characteristics, diameter class structure, and spatial distribution patterns. We recorded 191 species of vascular plants, belonging to 59 families and 129 genera, in the plot. Among these, trees (DBH ≥ 1 cm) belonged to 46 families, 97 genera and 153 species. The number of family and genera with tropical distributions accounted for 65.79% and 45.36% of the total taxa, respectively, while those with temperate distributions accounted for 34.21% and 51.55%, respectively. A number of rare and endangered species occurred in the plots, including six species classified as Class II of State Key Protected Wild Plants, seven threatened species (VU) from the China’s Biodiversity Red List: Higher Plant, one species defined in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (Appendix II), and 64 endemic species to China, indicating their values for protection and research. We also found that the number of species increased sharply with increasing scale when the scale was less than 2,150 m², while at a higher resolution its rate of increase decreased significantly. When the scale was larger than 57,950 m², the rate of increase declined slightly. Rare species (N = 69, less than 1 ind./ha) reached 45.10% of the total number of individuals. Members of Fagaceae and Ericaceae comprised more than half of the total importance values (IV). The IV of Castanopsis eyrei, a constructive species, was 26.25%, and followed by Eurya nitida (7.63%), Rhododendron ovatum (7.6%), Pinus massoniana (6.29%) and Loropetalum chinense (4.83%). The mean DBH for all the individuals was 4.10 cm, and small sized trees dominated the plot. The emergent layer was divided into two sub-layers, individuals of C. eyrei were dominant in both layers, while P. massoniana was a subdominant species. Castanopsis eyrei, E. nitida, R. ovatum and P. massoniana had a significant clustered distribution.

The biosafety of genetically engineered plants has been of concernment in society and science in recent years. The issue of 35S promoter of CaMV has been contentious because of its wide use in plant genetic engineering. The debate on the safety and potential risks of the 35S promoter will be discussed here. Some of concerns are expressed about the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes and vector backbone sequences. Various methods and strategies are currently being developed for the marker gene excision and elimination of vector backbone sequences from transgenic plants. In this review, the CRE/ lox system which could get rid of the marker geens and vector backbone sequences will be discussed in detail. Advances in the research of the safety assessment of genetically modified plants using the CRE/ lox system will also be described.

转基因植物中外源非目的基因片段的生物安全研究进展
董志峰^1,2* 马荣才³ 彭于发⁴  管华诗¹

（1.  青岛海洋大学，青岛266003；2.  中国生物工程开发中心，北京!100081；
3. 北京农业生物技术研究中心，北京100089; 4.  中国农业科学院植物保护研究所，北京100094）
关键词： 生物安全；35S启动子；标记基因；载体骨架序列；cre/lox

The Red List Index (RLI) is widely recognized as the most authoritative and objective index for assessing the risk of extinction for species. Good results have been achieved in the application of RLI in assessment of the progress of United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals at global scale. In this paper, RLI was applied at national scale based on multi-source data from International Union for Conservation of Nature, BirdLife International, Red List Categories in China Red Data Book (1998) and China Species Red List (2004) to evaluate trends in the status of vertebrate species in China. RLI of amphibians and reptiles were not assessed because of a lack of data. From 1996 to 2008, the RLI of China's mammals decreased, so did that of China's freshwater fishes from 1998 to 2004. The RLI of birds calculated using Equal-steps method decreased slightly between 1988 and 2012; however, when RLI was calculated using Extinction-risk method, the index initially increased slightly and then turned downward. Due to habitat degradation and loss, the threat status of mammals and freshwater fishes has been increasing. Overall, the threat status of birds is increasing though there were some improvements in the status of critically endangered species. We suggest that more taxonomic groups should be assessed using Red List guidelines so that calculation of RLI is possible. And on the basis of RLI, governments and decision makers should make more effective conservation plans for endangered species.

Recent epidemics, such as the COVID-2019 pandemic, SARS, and rodent plague, pose a major threat to public health, food security, and ecosystem balance globally. These epidemics have all been caused, directly or indirectly, by pathogens found in mammals or other animal vectors. Based on the status of recent terrestrial wildlife epidemics in China, this study summarizes the regulatory and monitoring mechanisms for 24 important diseases occurring in wild mammals, captive breeding wild animals, and domesticated mammals in China, and then identifies gaps in regulation and knowledge for these zoonotic diseases in China. Due to the diversity of pathogens and their transmission routes, these zoonotic diseases have had frequent outbreaks in recent decades, and preventing and controlling them has become one major challenge. Currently, China’s important wildlife epidemics are monitored and controlled by different levels and directives of multiple governmental agencies. The increasing global trade, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, illegal wildlife captive breeding, consumption of wild animals, and lax quarantine processes have led to complex chains of transmission, increasing risk of contact, infection, and transmission of these diseases. Additionally, the frequent occurrence of extreme climate events or natural disasters further complicate the prevention and control of these wildlife epidemics at their sources. Based on these problems in managing and controlling new and recurrent epidemics in China, we propose some countermeasures and suggestions to strengthen basic research and whole-chain supervision in order to actively prevent terrestrial wildlife epidemics.

Wuyi Mountains preserve the primary forest ecosystem characteristic of the mid-subtropics. We established a large-scale plots in this area according to standard international protocols (Center for Tropical Forest Science, CTFS). Community characteristics such as flora composition, floristic characteristics, DBH structure and spatial distribution patterns in a 9.6 ha plot were analyzed. The results showed that the vascular plants in the plot belonged to 68 families, 135 genera, 232 species. Among these plants, trees (DBH ≥ 1 cm) belonged to 44 families, 86 genera, 171 species. For plants with tropical elements, family and genera accounted for 68.58% and 58.83% of total, respectively, which indicates a tropical feature of the ecosystem. There were many rare and endangered species, including four State Priority Protected Wild Plant Species at Level II, two threatened species (VU) of Red List of China’s Biodiversity, one species of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES ) (Appendix II) and 72 endemic species to China. Rare species (N = 29, less than 1 individuals/ha) accounted for 16.96%. Fagaceae and Theaceae, with a total importance values of greater than 40%, were most dominant. Castanopsis carlesii, C. fordii, C. eyrei and Engelhardtia fenzlii had the largest importance values but no species significantly dominated the community. Small sized trees dominated the plot, with a mean DBH of 5.10 cm and the DBH-class distribution presented an inverse “J” shape. The emergent layer was divided into two sub-layers with C. carlesii, C. fordii, C. eyrei dominating the first sub-layer. Castanopsis carlesii and C. fordii had an even distribution, at the same time, C. eyrei, E. fenzlii, Syzygium buxifolium and Schima superba had a clustered distribution.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the only financial mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity, providing financial support to developing countries and countries with economies in transition in accordance with the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the policy orientation of the GEF. From the pilot period to the current seventh replenishment of the GEF (GEF-7), the Strategic Objectives in the focal area of biodiversity in each replenishment period have also undergone several changes. References exist for us to carry out related work in the future to study the changes of biodiversity sensitive issues involved in the Strategic Objectives of the financial mechanism. This paper catalogues sensitive issues involved in the Strategic Objectives of the biodiversity Focal Area in each replenishment period of the GEF, analyzes the changes of each issue in the amount and content of funds in each GEF period, and compares and analyzes the current situation in China. Furthermore, we propose recommendations, including strengthening the consideration of the representativeness of ecosystems in protected areas, enhancing the sustainability of protected areas, comprehensively promoting the mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation, etc., with a view to providing reference for the implementation for the Convention on Biological Diversity, biodiversity management and related research works.

Fungal diversity is threatened by climate change, land-use change, and environmental pollution, and requires urgent conservation action. Construction of the fungal species database is an important prerequisite for the study and conservation of fungal diversity. Recently developed DNA barcoding and metabarcoding technologies can provide accurate, rapid, and highly efficient identification on a large scale, and to a large extent compensate for the defects of traditional identification methods. In this paper, we review the application of metabarcoding in fungal species diversity assessment, the study of mechanisms underlying fungal diversity, and the reconstruction of fungal palaeoecology. We emphasize that the application of metabarcoding technology in fungal diversity studies is still in the primary phase, and greater efforts are needed in the construction of reliable reference databases, the optimization of experimental procedures, and updates of bioinformatics tools. Hence, we suggest enhancing cooperation among fungal taxonomists, ecologists, and computer technicians. They should work together to address problems in fungal diversity studies via metabarcoding, which would provide more sound scientific evidence for fungal diversity conservation on a large scale.

With the decrease in fossil fuel resources and the aggravation of global environmental problems, the global production of biomass energy has grown rapidly, and the cultivation area for bioenergy plants has increased. In this paper, we review the effects of the cultivation of bioenergy plants on biodiversity and proposed key measures and countermeasures for mitigating such effects to provide a scientific basis for the cultivation of bioenergy plants in China and for reducing their effects on biodiversity. The cultivation of bioenergy plants over large areas has directly or indirectly occupied large parts of natural or semi-natural ecosystems, leading to the deterioration and disappearance of natural habitats. Moreover, such changes easily cause the ecosystem to become simplified and change the structure and functions of the ecosystem, exacerbating non-point source pollution, facilitating invasions of alien species, and even increasing the risks posed by genetically modified organisms. To mitigate the effects on biodiversity produced by the cultivation of bioenergy plants, the government or the relevant agencies need to establish production management standards for the sustainable development of biomass energy and conduct reasonable planning to avoid the production of bioenergy plants in areas of rich biodiversity or in areas where biodiversity is vulnerable, to actively develop new technologies and change the efficiency of use of raw materials associated with biomass energy, and to strengthen production mode management and change traditional planting patterns.

Background: Innovation in the application of intelligent sensors, artificial intelligence, and information technology has greatly increased the potential for global biodiversity conservation and restoration.
Aims: Considering the significant advances in wildlife monitoring using infrared cameras at home and abroad, combined with a literature review, this paper aims to assess the current status and relevant topics from wildlife camera-trapping monitoring research in China since 2011. Combined with important research cases at home and abroad to explore the cutting-edge issues of camera-trapping monitoring research, this paper will provide suggestions for the future of camera-trapping monitoring research in China.
Main issues: The main contents of this paper are as follows: (1) We conducted and summarized a literature review of wildlife camera-trapping monitoring research in China during the past 30 years (1991-2021); (2) By reviewing major research cases in China since 2011, we assessed five primary topics such as technical methods, species discovery and inventory, morphology and behavioral research, ecological research, and conservation and management; (3) Utilizing recent research cases abroad, we evaluated cutting-edge trends in the field of infrared camera monitoring research; and (4) We provide relevant suggestions for the future development of wildlife camera-trapping monitoring research in China.
Conclusions: Through our review, this paper underscores the innovative trend of infrared camera technology application and development at home and abroad in wildlife monitoring and research during the past decade. We provide a reference basis for China’s future development in this field, so as to better serve the construction of China’s biodiversity monitoring and research network as well as the construction of protected areas systems centering on national parks. Finally, we promote the construction of a national ecological civilization by providing a scientific basis for making decisions in ensuring ecological security and biosafety.

Aims: Many mining activities can lead to heavy metal pollution in soils near mining areas, leading to negative consequences to the native soil biota. In particular, mercury, thallium, and other heavy metals are highly toxic, but the related ecological risks are rarely studied. As an indicator of soil environmental change, collembola species can be used to assess soil quality.
Method: The study was conducted in an agricultural field near a mercury-thallium mining area in Guizhou Province. Four sampling areas were established according to different pollution levels and crop types, with two crops in each area and three sampling plots for each crop, in order to study the community structure and diversity of soil collembola and its influencing factors.
Results: The mean density of collembola across sampling areas was 12,000 ind./m². The closer a sampling area was to the mining area, the higher level of soil heavy metal pollution and the higher comprehensive pollution index. Generally, collembola species richness, density, and the diversity and richness index initially increased, but then decreased thereafter. Analysis of environmental factors showed that mercury, thallium, and arsenic had a significant negative effect on the community structure of collembola species: Folsomides americanus, Isotomiella minor and Protaphorura encarpatus.
Conclusion: High organic matter content could mitigate the effects of heavy metals on soil collembola. However, in this study there was no significant difference between maize and coix seed on soil collembola community structure. The results of this study indicate that soil organic matter could mitigate the effects of heavy metal pollution on the soil collembola community.

Much attention has been paid to synthetic biology in recent years for its potential applications and unpredictable eco-risks. The 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Korea in October 2014, formally addressed the topic of synthetic biology for the first time. Based on literature retrieved from CBD documents and technical reports, this paper reviews the process by which synthetic biology entered the agenda of CBD negotiations and provides the latest updates on this issue. Given the latest demands made and China’s current status in the development and risk assessment of synthetic biology, we analyze the challenges that China is facing in relation to negotiation and implementation. Research in synthetic biology in China is still in its early stages. Despite the surging investments in scientific research this field, wide application and commercialization is not to be expected in the near future. China's capacity to assess risks of associated technologies is rather limited and no government agency is explicitly in charge of bio-security in this respect yet. We propose that the Chinese delegation should argue for positions including strictly controlling risks, encouraging responsible development, and calling for more technical and technological support from developed countries during the negotiations of risk assessment. Further, we suggest that establishing accountability of the governing administrative department, promoting the development of risk assessment techniques, compiling a synthetic biology national database, and organizing professional risk-assessment teams are the key implementation strategies for CBD.

Biolistics, by virtue of its overwhelming practicality and effectiveness, has been applied in rice engineering breeding for a dozen years. Its application in six major fields of rice engineering breeding is described. The stability and influence of exogenes are evaluated. Certainly transformation systems are to be optimized and further tests for biosafety are required for commercialization of tra nsgenic rice.

Biotechnology is a rapidly developed agricultural technique for improving crops. Despite the continuing debate on the biotech crops, the plantings of biotech crops have continued to increase in both developed and developing countries. This paper gives a brief summary on current status of biotech crops, the debating issues of biosafety, the public concerns and possible solution, hopefully will help the public to rationally understand the biotech crop breeding and its application.

Marker genes are widely studied and used in plant genetic engineering. To distinguish transformed and untransformed cells and tissues, this review provides a summary of marker genes in terms of classification, working principles, application and problems. Based on biosafety considerations, eight different aspects of marker genes are discussed, including traditional selective marker genes; marker genes related to hormone metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and saccharide metabolism; proteins with detoxifying activity, as well as specific fluorescence proteins, and the knock-out technique of antibiotic marker genes. Marker genes connected with tissue- or organ-specific promoters, the multi-auto- transformation (MAT) vector system and b-glucuronidase as a multifunctional marker gene, as well as the prospects of marker genes are also discussed.

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a special protein of a single polypeptide chain with 238 amino acids derived from Aequorea victoria. A chromophore is formed autocatalytically on the nascent apoprotein’s backbone via posttranslational modification. The stable light-stimulated fluorescence is specifically independent and does not require cofactors, substrates or additional gene products. As a valid marker gene for bacteria, animal and plant genetic engineering, GFP is very sensitive for detection and is easily manipulated. What is more important, GFP can be detected in vivo, in situ, and in real time. This paper briefly introduces the biochemical and genetic properties of GFP and its application in the research of ecological monitoring of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Butterflies are one of the most concerned taxonomic groups and environmental indicators among invertebrate. Population dynamics and community structure of butterflies can quickly and effectively reflect the environmental situation of Ecosystem. Ailaoshan and Wuliangshan national nature reserves are rich in animal and plant resources with complicated and diversified habitats. To effectively protect and utilize environment and resources, this study researched population quantitative characteristics and diversity of butterflies in the two reserves during 2016 to 2018. Both Ailaoshan and Wuliangshan had high diversity levels, though Ailaoshan was more abundant than Wuliangshan. In Ailaoshan, 149 species were attributed to 5 families and 83 genera with H_s′ of 3.92, a Simpson’s index (D) of 0.97, and species richness (R) of 16.36. In Wuliangshan, 143 species were attributed to 5 families and 88 genera with H_s′ of 3.64, D of 0.96, and R of 15.04. In total among both areas, 178 species were identified, belonging to 5 families and 99 genera. The two regions shared similarities in butterfly communities, with a Similarity index of 0.64. There was evidence of vertical butterfly distribution Ailaoshan and Wuliangshan as most butterflies were distributed below altitude 1,100 meters in Ailaoshan, and between 1,100 to 1,400 meters in Wuliangshan. There were seasonal differences as well, as the butterflies mainly appear from May to September, but species abundances peaked in Ailaoshan in August while Wuliangshan peaked in September. Annual analysis showed 2016 had a greater abundance of butterflies, which is closely related to suitable climate and weak human disturbance. Overall, 13 threatened and 3 vulnerable species according to China Species Red List, and 56 unlisted species with less than 10 individuals were recorded in Ailaoshan and Wuliangshan national nature reserves. Therefore, butterfly protection is urgent and recommended in these regions.

The CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system is easy to handle and has a high gene editing efficiency. However, how to quickly screen and obtain gene editing descendants without exogenous transformation elements is a key technical problem. In this study, two pairs of single-guide RNAs were designed to simultaneously recognize two different sites in the one target gene encoding as1 in Arabidopsis. The CRISPR construct also carried a gene for a fluorescent selection marker. By fluorescence screening, a transgene-free progeny was easily obtained in the T₂ population. T₁ seeds with red fluorescence in their coat were selected to verify that the proportion of as1 knockout mutants traits were obvious. Seeds with no fluorescence were selected among the T₁ generation and screened for homozygous mutations. In the T₂ generation plants, the Cas9 fragment was not detected by polymerase chain reaction. Thus, a highly efficient DNA-editing construct, with a gene for a fluorescence screening marker, was successfully constructed, and the transgenic element was successfully eliminated from the progeny by selecting or avoiding seeds with the fluorescent marker. This system can be used as a plant genome site-specific editing tool and may be useful for improving plant genetic resources.

The present status, existing problems of biodiversity and measures to be adopted were described in this paper. "Biosafety", which is one of the main subjects discussed in every Contracting Party Congress after ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity was introduced in detail as well. The present status was described from the fields of species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity, respectively. Biodiversity threatened, endangered and extinguished by natural factors as well as habitat loss, deterioration of environment, hunting and smuggling, overfishing and aquatic breeding, development of hitech, global change and introduction of exotic species caused by human activities, were comprehensively analyzed. In the part of measures to be adopted, not only the approaches of solving the problems existed to date were suggested, but also the experience of industrial countries and international prograrmmes developed were illustrated. The solution of "What is biosafety" and "Why the issue of biosafety have to be emphasized" was given clearly.

The present status, existing problems of biodiversity and measures to be adopted were described in this paper. "Biosafety", which is one of the main subjects discussed in every Contracting Party Congress after ratification of Convention on Biological Diversity was introduced in detail as well. The present status was described from the field of species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity, respectively. Biodiversity threatened, endangered and extinguished by natural factors as well as habitat loss, deterioration of environment, hunting and smuggling, overfishing and aquatic breeding, development of hitech, global change and introduction of exotic species caused by human activities, were comprehensively analyzed. In the part of measures to be adopted, not only the approaches of solving the problems existed to date were suggested, but also the experience of industrial countries and international programmes developed were illustrated. The solution of "What is biosafety" and "Why the issue of biosafety have to be emphasized" was given clearly.

The species and numbers of arthropods in fields of transgenic herbicide-tolerant (EPSPS) and insect-resistant (Cry1Ab) maize DBN9936, receptor maize DBN318, conventional maize Xianyu 335, and spraying herbicide transformant DBN9936, were investigated to assess the effect of genetically modified maize on the arthropod communities. Direct observations, pit-fall trapping and longitudinal section methods were used to investigate the field arthropod species in 2015 and 2017. A cluster analysis and species accumulation curves, as well as the Margalef richness index, Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson index, Pielou evenness index, dominant concentration index, community similarity index, were calculated and compared. The recorded arthropod species belonged to 20 orders and 80 families. The number of Lepidopteron insects in the fields of herbicide-free transformant DBN9936 (2015: 10.3 ± 2.6, 2017: 3.3 ± 1.7) and transformant DBN9936 spraying herbicides (2015: 6.0 ± 1.5, 2017: 17.0 ± 0.6) were significantly lower than the corresponding parameters of receptor DBN318 (2015: 20.0 ± 3.2, 2017: 24.0 ± 6.0) and Xianyu 335 (2015: 21.0 ± 8.9, 2017: 26.7 ± 2.0). The species accumulation curves show a typical parabola and there was little difference in the overall species richness. There were no significant differences in the total number of arthropods, functional group composition, richness, diversity, evenness and dominant concentration in the maize fields and there was a high similarity between the arthropods communities. The dynamic of the richness index, diversity index, evenness index, dominant concentration index and community similarity index of those arthropods in the maize fields tended to be consistent. Transformant DBN9936 has obvious resistance to Lepidopteron insects and has no significant negative effects on non-target arthropods. The results suggest that the transformant DBN9936 maize has no significant effect on community richness, diversity, evenness and dominance concentration of arthropods in the fields.

Pesticide is a kind of chemicals to control crop diseases, pests and weeds for ensuring crop yields and food safety. Large particles, low effective utilization rate and large dosage are the major defects of the traditional pesticide formulations, leading to the destruction of the ecological environment. Pesticide nanoformulations can improve the dispersibility, stability and biological activity of traditional formulations. This is an important scientific approach to overcome the defects of traditional formulations, enhance the effective utilization rate of pesticides, and reduce environmental pollution. Elucidating the uptake and transport behavior of nanopesticides in plants is useful for understanding the interaction between nanopesticides and plants, revealing their uptake mechanism and bioaccumulation effect, and clarifying their biological safety. This article reviews the uptake and transport studies of nanopesticides in plants in four aspects: factors affecting the uptake and transport of nanopesticides in plants, mechanisms of uptake and transport, related analysis methods and their biological safety. This article also elaborates the modes and research methods of the uptake and transport of inorganic and organic nanopesticides in plants, and further proposes their potential applications. This piece will provide theoretical and technical basis for the design, construction and reasonable application of nanopesticides.

The China mammal diversity observation network (China BON-Mammal) is a sub-network of the China Biodiversity Observation Network (China BON), organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and led by the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences. China BON-Mammal takes large and medium-sized terrestrial mammals as observation objects and sets a unified protocol and technical standards based on infrared camera trapping technology. From 2017 to 2019, 74 representative protected areas in 74 counties were selected as observation sample regions across 18 provinces of China to conduct infrared camera observations. By the end of 2019, more than 2 million photos were collected, 300,000 of which show wild animals. A total of 11 orders, 28 families, 132 species of mammals and 16 orders, 56 families, 408 species of birds were observed. Among these 45 species (33 mammal species and 12 bird species) were listed as Class-I National Key Protected Species. New records and rare species were also found. Here, we focus on the analysis of current achievements, existing problems, and next steps for the platform. In the future, China BON-Mammal will further improve data processing, analysis, and sharing to better promote biodiversity conservation.

Aims: This study aims to review and update information from 2021 about newly described taxa of Chinese Hemiptera and 28 other insect orders (all orders except Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera).

Methods: We reviewed the literature on new taxa of Chinese Hemiptera and 28 other insect orders described in 2021 and compiled a list of type specimens and a bibliography. We characterized the hotspots for new species discovery by analyzing provincial administrative regions and at the spatial scale of 200 km × 200 km, respectively. We also examined the specimen preservation sites, the authorship of new species descriptions, and the journals where the work was published.

Results: In 2021, 422 new taxa—including 35 new genera, 386 new species, and 1 new subspecies—were described in Chinese Hemiptera and 28 other insect orders. The hotspots for new species discovery were mainly in Southwest China (Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, etc.) and the adjacent areas (Guangxi, Xizang, etc.). And at the spatial scale of 200 km × 200 km, the hotspots are mainly located in mountainous regions. Three hundred ninety-five researchers participated in the naming and description of new taxa this year, and related works were published in 28 journals, with a total of 205 articles.

Conclusion: This timely study updates basic biodiversity data about Chinese insects in Hemiptera and 28 other insect orders. This work plays an essential role in accelerating the construction of a data-sharing platform, supporting biodiversity conservation and management, and ensuring national biosecurity.

To explore the butterfly community composition and its altitude distribution in the Badagongshan National Nature Reserve, we investigated and analyzed the butterfly populations of different habitats at different altitudes, and continuously observed the monthly dynamics of their populations in 2016-2018. In this study, we recorded 6,164 butterfly individuals, belonging to 5 families, 107 genera, and 191 species. The survey results showed that the butterfly individuals recorded in low-altitude (250-450 m) and high-altitude (1,200-1,400 m) habitats were mainly Popilioninae and Pierinae, respectively, but mid-altitude (700-900 m) habitats did not have obvious dominant butterfly groups. Similarity analyses showed that there was a high proportion of common species (> 59%) in each habitat, but the individual distribution of these species in different habitats was different. Seasonal dynamic analyses showed that the butterflies in the Badagongshan were in the rising period from April to June including the species, individuals and diversity indices, usually reaching a peak in July, and then gradually decreasing from August to September. In general, the composition of the butterfly community in the Badagongshan is vertically distributed along the altitude gradient with heterogeneity between high and low altitude habitats and a transitional state at the middle altitude. The butterfly community in the Badagongshan showed consistent seasonal dynamics with a high percentage of species turnover. High altitude habitats had a shorter active period and higher species turnover than lower altitudes.

Background & Aims: Plant resources are the basic component of natural ecosystems and are crucial for sustainable economic and social development. They are also core resources related to national ecological security and biosafety. The conservation of plant diversity mainly includes in situconservation and ex situ conservation. The establishment of a natural reserve system with national parks as the main body is the main form of in situ conservation. The development of a botanical garden system led by national botanical gardens is mainly for ex situ conservation. The two conservation strategies are indispensable and complementary. They jointly form a relatively complete plant biodiversity conservation system in China. The ex situconservation of China’s plant diversity through the establishment of a national botanical garden system can also facilitate scientific research, garden display, public education, as well as the utilization of plant resources. It is of great significance to further promote the construction of ecological civilization and high-quality economic development.

Progress: This paper reviews the functional changes of botanical gardens and the current situation of ex situconservation in botanical gardens around the world and China. The botanical garden originated from the cultivation, research and experimental of medicinal plants, and has gone through the development stages of medicinal botanical gardens or university medicinal botanical gardens, tropical (colonial economy) botanical gardens, European classic botanical gardens, municipal botanical gardens and special types of botanical gardens (including agricultural botanical gardens, horticultural botanical gardens, germplasm collection gardens, etc.). At present, ex situ conservation of plant diversity and public education are the main functions of botanical gardens. There are more than 3,700 botanical gardens in the world, growing about 1/3 of the world’s higher plants. China has 162 botanical gardens, with about 60% of the country’s higher plants conserved. There are over 100 national botanical gardens in 43 countries and regions around the world.

Conclusions & Suggestions: This paper discusses the relationship between botanical gardens and plant ex situ conservation. On this basis, we put forward the definition and setting standards of national botanical gardens, and then discusses the significance, challenges, coordinating ex situconservation and in situ conservation of the national botanical garden system. Finally, suggestions on the establishment goals, management system, spatial layout and certification of China's national botanical garden system are proposed. We hope this paper would provide new insights into future development of the national botanical garden system in China.