Background Agroforestry is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution (NbS) capable of reconciling production with biodiversity conservation, particularly in island landscapes, where endemism and fragmentation heighten conservation stakes. We established a permanent agroforest monitoring plot at Vale da Fonte (Pico Island, Azores) to generate baseline data on vascular plants and terrestrial arthropods and to evaluate whether a structurally complex orchard embedded in native coastal forest can support native and endemic biotas and key ecosystem functions. We used a modified COBRA framework integrating complementary active protocols (nocturnal aerial searching, day/night beating and day sweeping), together with pollinators time transects, pan traps and targeted pest traps. We collected 69 standardised samples (5 plant, 64 arthropod) and made the dataset publicly available in Darwin Core format via the GBIF IPT for long-term use. New information The botanical survey documented 155 vascular plant species including 12 taxa recorded for the first time for Pico Island. These newly-recorded species are: Centaurium tenuiflorum (Hoffm. & Link) Fritsch subsp. tenuiflorum (Naturalized), Lolium rigidum Gaudin (Naturalised), Malus domestica Borkh (Casual), Mentha spicata L. (Naturalised), Monstera deliciosa Liebm. (Casual), Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (Naturalised), Passiflora edulis Sims (Casual), Poa pratensis L. (Casual), Prunus armeniaca L. (Casual), Scrophularia auriculata L. (Casual), Trifolium pratense L. (Naturalised) and Verbena rigida Spreng. (Naturalised). We recorded 169 arthropod taxa from 18 orders and 84 families, comprising 150 identified taxa (56 native non-endemic, 14 endemic, 74 introduced and six of indeterminate status). We also documented a total of 18 first records to Pico Island, one of which is also a new record for the Azores Archipelago, the European paper wasp Polistes dominula (Christ, 1791) (Hymenoptera, Vespidae). In addition, these results highlight the mixed native-exotic character of lowland agroforestry mosaics on oceanic islands and provide a baseline for future monitoring of biosecurity risks, restoration efficacy and ecosystem-service provisioning in insular production landscapes.

Organic orchards and their associated hedgerows can function as important ecological infrastructures in agricultural landscapes by providing shelter, alternative prey, floral resources and overwintering sites for arthropods involved in natural pest regulation. This role is particularly relevant on oceanic islands, where agricultural mosaics include endemic, native non-endemic and introduced taxa, and where biodiversity-friendly production systems may contribute to both ecosystem-service provisioning and early detection of potentially invasive species. Under the scope of the BIODIVERSA+ COMCHA project, we sampled arthropod assemblages in six orchards certified under the Organic Production System on Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal, comparing the orchard interior with adjacent hedgerows. Sampling was carried out in September 2025 and May 2026 using standardised active methods: SLAM traps (Sea, Land and Air Malaise), nocturnal Active Aerial Search, nocturnal foliage beating and diurnal foliage beating. The resulting dataset is structured as a Darwin Core Archive, with an Event table and an Occurrence table, and provides baseline information for evaluating the contribution of organic orchards and hedgerows to beneficial arthropod diversity and biological control research. We provide an inventory of arthropods collected in EU-certified organic orchards and surrounding hedgerows on Terceira Island, based on 46 sampling events in September 2025 and 36 sampling events in May 2026 (82 sampling events in total), distributed across six localities and two habitat types: Mixed Orchard and Mixed Hedges. During September 2025 and May 2026, a total of 15739 specimens were recorded in 1,863 occurrences records, representing four arthropod classes, 18 orders and 86 families. Of these specimens, 13854 were identified to species or subspecies level, corresponding to 196 distinct scientific names. Overall, the dataset includes 299 DTP morphospecies or taxonomic units. Among these specimens, 10596 specimens were recorded in 1300 occurrence records in September 2025, while 5,143 specimens were recorded in 563 occurrence records in May 2026. The identified species/subspecies include 11 endemic taxa, 57 native non-endemic taxa, 104 introduced taxa and 24 taxa of uncertain establishment status. In terms of abundance, native non-endemic taxa were dominant, followed by introduced, endemic and uncertain taxa. This dataset include four species that are new records for Terceira island: Dipoena melanogaster (C.L. Koch, 1837) (Araneae, Theridiidae), Textrix pinicola Simon, 1875 (Araneae, Agelenidae), Stenocaecilius caboverdensis (Meinander, 1966) (Psocodea, Caeciliusidae) and Euconnus campestris campestris (L.W. Schaufuss, 1866) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae). The dataset provides a first standardized baseline for comparing arthropod assemblages between orchard interiors and hedgerows in organic fruit-production systems on Terceira Island, supporting future assessments of biological control potential, habitat management, biosecurity surveillance and Nature-based Solutions in insular agroecosystems.

Agroforestry is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution capable of reconciling production with biodiversity conservation, particularly in island landscapes where endemism and fragmentation heighten conservation stakes. We established a permanent agroforest monitoring plot at Vale da Fonte (Pico Island, Azores) to generate baseline data on vascular plants and terrestrial arthropods and to evaluate whether a structurally complex orchard embedded in native coastal forest can support native and endemic biotas and key ecosystem functions. Using a modified COBRA framework integrating complementary active protocols (nocturnal aerial searching, day/night beating, day sweeping), plus pollinators timed transects and pan traps, targeted pest traps, we collected 69 standardized samples (5 plant, 64 arthropod) and made the data publicly available in Darwin Core format (GBIF IPT) for its long-term use. We recorded 169 arthropod taxa from 18 orders and 84 families, comprising 150 identified species or subspecies being 56 native non-endemic, 14 endemic, 74 introduced and six of indeterminate status. We also documented a total of 18 first records to Pico Island one of which is also a new record for the Azores Archipelago, the European paper wasp Polistes dominula (Christ, 1791) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). The botanical survey documented 155 vascular plant species being twelve taxa recorded for the first time for Pico Island: Centaurium tenuiflorum (Hoffm. & Link) Fritsch ssp. tenuiflorum (Naturalized), Lolium rigidum Gaudin (Naturalized), Malus domestica Borkh (Casual), Mentha spicata L. (Naturalized), Monstera deliciosa Liebm (Casual), Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (Naturalized), Passiflora edulis Sims (Casual), Poa pratensis L. (Casual), Prunus armeniaca L. (Casual), Scrophularia auriculata L. (Casual), Trifolium pratense L. (Naturalized) and Verbena rigida Spreng. (Naturalized). Together, these results highligt the mixed native–exotic character of lowland agroforestry mosaics on oceanic islands and provide a baseline for future monitoring of biosecurity risks, restoration efficacy and ecosystem-service provisioning in insular production landscapes.

The knowledge on taxonomic diversity of arthropods is key to better understanding the biodiversity patterns and processes and guiding sustainable conservation strategies and practices. In the Azores, terrestrial arthropods are relatively well-inventoried following the publication of comprehensive checklists that have been regularly updated. Nevertheless, every year, new species are found as a result of new arrivals to the Archipelago and from addressing specific taxonomic lacunae. Here, we update the taxonomic terrestrial arthropod biodiversity of the Azores by reporting for the first time 13 species for the Archipelago, namely Oligonychus perseae Tuttle, Baker & Abbatiello, 1976, Textrix pinicola Simon, 1875, Pholcomma gibbum (Westring, 1851), Schistocerca gregaria (Forsskål, 1775), Phoracantha recurva Newman, 1840, Diachus auratus Fabricius, 1801 Phyllotreta procera (Redtenbacher, 1849), Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius, 1803), Dibolia occultans (Koch, 1803), Pseudolynchia canariensis (Macquart, 1839), Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, 1951 and Ectemnius cephalotes (Olivier, 1792), and several new species records for specific islands. These species benefitted from the increase in transportation of goods and commodities, both from outside the Archipelago and between islands, to arrive and spread across the Archipelago with some of them posing new challenges to local agriculture, forestry and biodiversity conservation management.

Background The Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, 1838 (Coleoptera, Rutelidae), is a univoltine agricultural pest that poses a serious threat to various agricultural crops. For more than 16 years, the Azorean official authorities have implemented a Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) programme that is crucial for understanding the dynamics of insect pests, such as the Japanese Beetle, and their impacts on agricultural ecosystems. The significance of this long-term monitoring extends beyond understanding the pest's life cycle. By sharing this long-term monitoring data with the scientific community, we hope it allows for a more comprehensive assessment of P. japonica success and spread, enabling a deeper understanding of how this pest interacts and correlates with biotic and abiotic factors to uncover patterns and trends crucial for effective pest management. In the Azores Archipelago, P. japonica adults emerge from pupae at the end of May and peak in density by early July, persisting until October. Larvae develop through three instars, with the third instar grub pupating by early May. This lifecycle highlights the pest population's seasonal activity, including the timing of emergence, adult stages and larval stages. It reveals when and for how long the pest is active in each of its life stages and provides critical information for pest management strategies. Worldwide, this pest can cause damage to 414 plant species across 94 families, underscoring the potential for elevated crop damage. This information is invaluable for developing targeted intervention strategies and mitigating economic losses caused by P. japonica infestations. Therefore, establishing and maintaining long-term programmes for monitoring P. japonica populations are essential for scientific understanding and practical pest management efforts in the Azores Archipelago.

Drosophila suzukii is one of the main pests that attack soft-skinned fruits and cause significant economic damage worldwide. Madeira Island (Portugal) is already affected by this pest. The present work aimed to investigate the potential distribution of D. suzukii on Madeira Island to better understand the limits of its geographical distribution on the island using the Maximum Entropy modeling (MaxEnt). The resultant model provided by MaxEnt was rated as regular discrimination with the area under the curve (AUC, 0.7–0.8). Upon scrutinizing the environmental variables with the greatest impact on the distribution of D. suzukii, altitude emerged as the dominant contributor, with the highest percentage (71.2%). Additionally, elevations ranging from 0 to 500 m were identified as appropriate for the species distribution. With the results of the model, it becomes possible to understand/predict which locations will be most suitable for the establishment of the analyzed pest and could be further applied not only for D. suzukii but also for other species that hold the potential for substantial economic losses in this insular region.

The data we present are part of the CUARENTAGRI project, which involves all archipelagos of the Macaronesia (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands and Cabo Verde). The project aims to: i) identify and evaluate the risks associated with the introduction of new arthropod pests; ii) study the population dynamics of selected arthropod pest species currently responsible for the damage of key target crops and iii) develop monitoring systems, based on prediction and/or population dynamics of the crop pests, creating warnings and a phytosanitary prevention system. In this contribution, we compile data for three Azorean Islands (Terceira, São Jorge and São Miguel Islands), where pheromone-baited traps were placed in pastures, potato fields and several orchards’ types (apples, banana, chestnuts, olives, orange and strawberry), during three consecutive years (2020, 2021 and 2022).A total of 114,827 specimens of insects (Arthropoda, Insecta) were collected, belonging to four orders, six families and ten recorded pest species. A total of eight species are considered introduced (Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar, 1824), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873), Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758), Cydia splendana (Hübner, 1799) and Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916); n = 84,986 specimens) and two native non-endemic (Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth, 1809) and Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval, 1833); n = 17,465 specimens). This study intended to contribute to a better knowledge of the arthropods pests that can affect the Azorean crops and will serve as a baseline for future monitoring actions, pest risk assessments and prevention systems.

Silica aerogels are a class of materials that can be tailored in terms of their final properties and surface chemistry. They can be synthesized with specific features to be used as adsorbents, resulting in improved performance for wastewater pollutants’ removal. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of amino functionalization and the addition of carbon nanostructures to silica aerogels made from methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) on their removal capacities for various contaminants in aqueous solutions. The MTMS-based aerogels successfully removed various organic compounds and drugs, achieving adsorption capacities of 170 mg⋅g−1 for toluene and 200 mg⋅g−1 for xylene. For initial concentrations up to 50 mg⋅L−1, removals greater than 71% were obtained for amoxicillin, and superior to 96% for naproxen. The addition of a co-precursor containing amine groups and/or carbon nanomaterials was proven to be a valuable tool in the development of new adsorbents by altering the aerogels’ properties and enhancing their adsorption capacities. Therefore, this work demonstrates the potential of these materials as an alternative to industrial sorbents due to their high and fast removal efficiency, less than 60 min for the organic compounds, towards different types of pollutants.

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), the Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, is one of the world's most serious threats to fresh fruits. It is highly polyphagous (recorded from over 300 hosts) and capable of adapting to a wide range of climates. This pest has spread to the EPPO region and is mainly present in the southern part, damaging Citrus and Prunus . In Northern and Central Europe records refer to interceptions or short-lived adventive populations only. Sustainable programs for surveillance, spread assessment using models and control strategies for pests such as C. capitata represent a major plant health challenge for all countries in Europe. This article includes a review of pest distribution and monitoring techniques in 11 countries of the EPPO region. This work compiles information that was crucial for a better understanding of pest occurrence and contributes to identifying areas susceptible to potential invasion and establishment. The key outputs and results obtained in the Euphresco project included knowledge transfer about early detection tools and methods used in different countries for pest monitoring. A MaxEnt software model resulted in risk maps for C. capitata in different climatic regions. This is an important tool to help decision making and to develop actions against this pest in the different partner countries.

Cereals and cereal-based foods continue to be basic foods in all diets. Despite being known for their high nutritional value; they can also contain contaminants (hazards) such as toxic metals. This study assesses the Cd, Pb and Hg dietary exposure from cereals and derivatives marketed in Madeira and the Azores and characterizes the risks by evaluating the Cd and Hg intake contributions to the tolerable intakes and by estimating the Margin of Exposure (MOE) in the case of Pb. In Madeira, metals follow the descending order of Cd > Pb > Hg. Cd stands out as having the highest levels (0.307 mg Cd/kg in oats; 0.237 mg/kg in rye). High levels of Pb (0.347 mg/kg) were also detected in rye. Regarding total mercury, rice stands out (0.0013 mg/kg) followed by wheat (0.001 mg/kg). While all cereals and derivatives except maize consumed in Madeira exceed the maximum value of Cd allowed by the EU, 50.0% of the rye and 25.0% of the corn flour samples exceeded the European Pb limit. The daily consumption of 100 g of oats, rye flour and rye represent high contributions to the TWI of Cd (93.2 – 120%). The MOE values of Pb from the consumption of rye (100 g/day) are 1,294 (nephrotoxic effects) and 3,082 (cardiotoxic effects). In the Azores, corn flour (0.72 mg Pb/kg) stands out with 85.7% of the samples exceeding the maximum Pb EU limit and MOE values of 626 (nephrotoxic effects) and 1,490 (cardiotoxic effects). Regular daily consumption of corn flour makes a low (< 10%) contribution to the Cd TDI. In conclusion, the Pb exposure from the consumption of cereals and derivatives could have toxic effects such as nephrotoxicity or cardiotoxicity in adults. The results highlight the need to set up monitoring and surveillance programs for the safety of cereals and their derivatives in Madeira and the Azores in terms of lead and cadmium.

The effect of flower strips on ecosystem services (ESs) and disservices (EDs) is routinely assessed following changes in service provider densities without measuring the associated levels of ES/EDs. By using the sentinel approach (i.e., exposing a plant, seeds, and prey models in a standardized way), we tested how coriander (Coriandrum sativum) strips planted in mixed orchards on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal) affected herbivory on lettuce plants, seed predation on wheat and weed seeds, and predation on artificial caterpillars. Vertebrates had more influence than invertebrates on ESs/EDs. Herbivory (ED) after 2 weeks was similar in the coriander and the control plots (mean ± SD; 2.3% ± 3.3% vs. 2.2% ± 2.9%, n = 32 for both). Seed predation was higher in the control than in the coriander plots for both grain (ED; 30.8% ± 38.9% vs. 15.3% ± 10.8%, n = 18 for both) and weed seeds (ES; 2.5% ± 4.1% vs. 0.4% ± 0.5%, n = 18 for both). Vertebrate predation (ES) rates after 48 h were significantly higher in the control (estimate 9%, 95% CI: 4-20%) than in the coriander plots (3%, 1-8%), while no difference was observed for invertebrate predation. Coriander strips did not support increased ES/reduced ED levels in this setting. The tools used can be effective to quantitatively compare multiple ESs/EDs under different farming management strategies.

Sophonia orientalis (Matsumura) (Hemiptera; Cicadellidae) is native to South-East Asia and is a highly polyphagous pest, considered an invasive pest, that affects crops as well as endemic plants. This paper presents the first report of S .  orientalis in the Azores (Portugal). The first individuals were found in 2018 in the botanic garden on Terceira Island and later in 2020 in banana orchards. In 2020, S .  orientalis was found in Pico Island in mixed forests.

Monitoring ecosystem processes resulting in ecosystem services (ESs) and disservices (EDs) is crucial in agricultural ecosystems. Traditionally, ESs/EDs provided by arthropods have been estimated indirectly by measuring arthropod abundance and diversity, overlooking the recognised limitations of such approach. Using a consistent methodology based on the sentinel approach, we quantified the intensity of five ecological processes leading to four ESs and two EDs in vineyards and citrus orchards on Terceira Island, Azores. We assessed herbivory rates on lettuce plants (ED), predation rates on green plasticine caterpillars by vertebrates and invertebrates (ES), the intensity of insect pollination on strawberry plants (ES), the rates of predation on wheat and dandelion seeds (ED and ES, respectively) by rodents and invertebrates, and decomposition rates using tea and rooibos leaves (ES). Herbivory rates after 2 weeks were significantly lower in vineyards (mean +/- SD; 0.5 +/- 0.6%) than in citrus orchards (3.6 +/- 2.9%). Vertebrate predation rates in vineyards (4.0 +/- 13.6% d(-1)) were significantly higher than in citrus orchards (2.4 +/- 10.7% d(-1)), while no differences were observed for overall and invertebrate predation rates. Pollination efficiency in vineyards (214.5 +/- 23.9 seeds/fruit) was significantly higher than in citrus orchards (162.0 +/- 14.7 seeds/fruit). Seed predation rates were higher, although not significantly so, in citrus orchards (2.0 +/- 5.8% d(-1)) than in vineyards (0.3 +/- 0.8% d(-1)). Decomposition was significantly higher on tea than on rooibos leaves, both in vineyards (1.15 +/- 0.11 g vs. 0.72 +/- 0.16 g) and citrus orchards (1.34 +/- 0.06 g vs. 0.78 +/- 0.13 g); no differences between mass loss in the two habitats were observed. Our results demonstrated the suitability of simple, direct monitoring tools for a quantitative comparison of agricultural habitats, confirm that landscape complexity does not always support ESs, and that the same agro-ecosystem characteristics that support ESs could occasionally also favour EDs.

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratis capitata Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most important pests for fruit and vegetable production because of its ability to damage fruits and adapt to new environments. This study aimed to compare differfood attractant and Tephri trap baited with Econex Trypack (R) for C. capitata monitoring. C. capitata adults were collected during three years (2018-2020) in citrus orchards on three different islands of the Azorean archipelago: Terceira, S. Miguel and S. Jorge. The results show only a statistical difference in 2020 for Sao Miguel Island in Tephri Trap. Cera Trap showed good results in terms of capture when population densities are high and it is, therefore, a good tool to control this pest but at low C. capitata densities, Tephri trap with Trypack represents a good control device.

The overall objective of Pervermac II project is to promote a sustainable use of pesticides in the agricultural production and ensure food security in the Macaronesian region (Azores, Madeira, Canaries and Cape Verde). The aim is to ensure farmer’s safety and health with special regards to those who apply pesticides in field through the quantification of residues level in the vegetable and fruits locally produced and imported and, at the same time, decreasing environ-mental contamination which could represent a risk for consumer health. The level of residues in agricultural products collected during the last four years (2017 to 2020) were been analysed in order to safeguard food safety for the Azorean population. There were also made food surveys to obtain the real proportion of vegetable and fruits in our diet and the correlated level of pesticides residues in the food intake by humans. On most of the products analysed, no pesticide residues were found. Pesticides residuals were found only on a small portion and in this case, the limit allowed by law was never been reached. Activities to raise awareness about the adoption of good diet and promoting actions concerning the implementation of organic production and consumption were conducted with students and Azorean consumers. Actions of knowledge increasing and technology transfer to farmer and the technicians ensured the adoption and implementation of integrated protection measures, promoting the sustainable use of pesticides by the farmers that implemented alternative means of protection against the major crop’s phytosanitary problems. This work has been funded by the European Fund for Regional Development (FEDER), articulated through the Territorial cooperation MAC 2014-2020.

The data we present are part of the AGRO-ECOSERVICES project (Assessing ecosystem services and disservices provided by arthropod species in Azorean agroecosystems). The project aims to evaluate the relative importance of native and non-native organisms as ecosystem services (ES) and disservices (ED) providers, by combining novel, direct and quantitative tools for monitoring agro-biodiversity. Ecosystem services include evaluation of natural pest control by predation, seed predation on weed plants, pollination, decomposition and ecosystem disservices, herbivory and seed predation on crop plants. Active Aerial Searching (AAS) (only in maize-fields) and pitfall traps were used to sample the arthropod biodiversity (predatory spiders, true-bugs and beetles and main insect pests) on four agricultural habitats of Terceira Island, namely citrus orchards, low and high elevation maize fields and vineyards.We provided an inventory of all arthropods recorded in four Azorean agroecosystems (citrus orchards, low and high elevation maize fields and vineyards) from Terceira Island. A total of 50412 specimens were collected, belonging to four classes, 20 orders, 81 families and 200 identified species of arthropods. A total of 127 species are considered introduced (n = 22646) and 69 native non-endemic (n = 24117). Four endemic species were recorded with very few specimens (n = 14) and 3635 specimens belong to unidentified taxa recorded only at genus or family level. Five species are new records for Terceira Island, with Lagria hirta (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) being also a new record for the Azores. This publication contributes to a better knowledge of the arthropods communities present in agro-ecosystems of Terceira Island and will serve as a baseline for future monitoring schemes targeting the long-term change in arthropod diversity and abundance.

Intensive agricultural practices leading to habitat degradation represent a major threat to pollinators. Diverse management practices are expected to influence wild pollinator abundance and richness on farms, although their effect in perennial crops is still unclear. In this study, we assessed the impact of management on apple (Malus domestica) pollination on an oceanic island, by comparing conventional (with and without herbicide application) and organic apple orchards. Pollinator visitation and pan trap surveys were carried out in six apple orchards in Terceira Island (Azores) and the landscape composition surrounding orchards was characterized. We also quantified fruit set, seed set and apple weight. We found no significant effect of management on insect visitation rates, whereas there was a negative association with increasing surrounding agricultural land. In contrast, management had an effect on species abundance, richness and diversity at the orchard level. Conventional orchards without herbicides showed higher abundance than the rest, but lower richness and diversity than conventional orchards with herbicides. Management had an effect on fruit set, but not on seed set or fruit weight. Our results suggest that management alone is insufficient for the overall improvement of apple pollination on an oceanic island, while landscape composition may play a relevant role.

Serious environmental and health problems arise from the everyday release of industrial wastewater effluents. A wide range of pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, heavy metals or textile dyes, may be efficiently removed by silica materials advanced solutions such as aerogels. This option is related to their exceptional characteristics that favors the adsorption of different contaminants. The aerogels performance can be selectively tuned by an appropriate chemical or physical modification of the aerogel’s surface. Therefore, the introduction of amine groups enhances the affinity between different organic and inorganic contaminants and the silica aerogels. In this work, different case studies are reported to investigate and better understand the role of these functional groups in the adsorption process, since the properties of the synthesized aerogels were significantly affected, regarding their microstructure and surface area. In general, an improvement of the removal efficiency after functionalization of aerogels with amine groups was found, with removal efficiencies higher than 90% for lead and Rubi Levafix CA. To explain the adsorption mechanism, both Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied; chemisorption is most likely the sorption type taking place in the studied cases.