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Yamada S, Yoshida W, Iida M, Kitagawa Y, Mitchley J. Fast grassland recovery from viable propagules after reintroducing traditional mowing management on a steep slope. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17487. [PMID: 38854795 PMCID: PMC11162179 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Semi-natural grasslands on steep slopes often show high plant species diversity. These grasslands were traditionally maintained through mowing and/or grazing. The traditional management practices help to maintain species diversity, whereas land abandonment reduces diversity by increasing competition from dominant species and reducing seedling recruitment. The reintroduction of management can reverse species diversity declines, but suitable grassland restoration programs are scarce in Japan. To study the effect of short-term abandonment on seedling ecology, we monitored the vegetation of a Susogari grassland that had been abandoned for 3 years; the grassland occupies a steep slope (ca. 50°) on a hillside above paddy fields, and was traditionally mown. We monitored the vegetation before abandonment, in the 3rd year of abandonment, and in the 1st and 2nd years after restoration of mowing management. Emergence and survival of seedlings was monitored for 18 months after reintroduction of management. We monitored 1,183 seedlings of grassland species and non-target annuals in ten 1-m2 plots. After mowing was reintroduced, most grassland species reappeared or increased in the first and second years. Few seedlings of perennial plants and no seedlings of annuals flowered. An exotic species, Solidago altissima, had a lower survival rate (10%) than grassland species (>30%), and all but two grassland species survived over the 18-month period. Although vegetation composition was not fully recovered, our findings suggest that a steep slope acts as a strong filter that inhibits the establishment of non-target species while enhancing persistence of target grassland species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Yamada
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Wakana Yoshida
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Minori Iida
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Jonathan Mitchley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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White FJ, Mondoni A, Corli A, Shrestha BB, Rossi G, Orsenigo S. An investigation into the potential for upward range expansion in high-montane species on the roof of the world. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2024; 26:390-397. [PMID: 38433356 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Climate warming is occurring in high-mountain areas at a faster rate than the global average. To escape the increasing temperatures, alpine species may shift in distribution upwards, threatening cold-adapted nival plant specialists. However, little is known about the success of seedling emergence and establishment at high altitudes outside the current range, particularly in the highest mountain areas of the Himalayas. We selected four native alpine species occurring around 4000 m a.s.l. and sowed seeds at the natural growing site (GS), at a high elevation site (HS; 5000 m a.s.l.) and at high elevation with soil from the growing site (HS-S) in the Khumbu Valley, north-eastern Nepal. We monitored seedling emergence and establishment for two consecutive years. Seedling emergence and establishment varied between species. Emergence was similar between GS and HS and improved at HS-S. Establishment was low at high elevations with all but one species having high mortality after winter. Seedling emergence of low elevation plants is possible at high elevations in the Everest region, indicating species may be able to shift their distribution range upwards. However, successful establishment may be limited by the soil and high winter mortality at high elevations, although not in all species. Climate warming will potentially lead to upward migration of some Himalayan plant species, leading to altered community composition in high-mountain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J White
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Mondoni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - A Corli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - B B Shrestha
- Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - G Rossi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Orsenigo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
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Álvarez-Holguín A, Morales-Nieto CR, Corrales-Lerma R, Ochoa-Rivero JM, Ponce-García OC, Prieto-Amparán JA, Vega-Mares JH, Villarreal-Guerrero F. Grass species with potential for rangelands restoration in northern Mexico: an assessment with environmental niche modeling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6318. [PMID: 38491325 PMCID: PMC10943106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56918-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental niche modeling (ENM) has emerged as a promising tool for identifying grass species with potential for rangeland restoration. This approach can detect suitable areas and environments where these species can be planted. In this study, we employed ENM to estimate the potential distribution range of 50 grass species of the grasslands and shrublands of northern Mexico. The outcome of the ENM served to identify grass species with potential for restoration in Mexico, especially those not commonly used for that purpose in the past. Results suggested the possibility of selecting seven grass species with the potential for revegetating degraded grasslands, nine for shrublands, and six for alkaline soils. This research provides insights into the environmental adaptations of different grass species distributed in the rangelands of northern Mexico. Ecologists, conservation planners, researchers, and range managers could use these outcomes and the maps of the potential distribution ranges as supportive information to conduct effective restoration efforts. In turn, this can assist in increasing the probability of success of future rangelands restoration programs, which are often costly in terms of financial investments and labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Álvarez-Holguín
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - Carlos Raúl Morales-Nieto
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - Raúl Corrales-Lerma
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - Jesús Manuel Ochoa-Rivero
- Campo Experimental La Campana, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Carretera Chihuahua-Ojinaga Km. 33.3, 32190, Aldama, Chih., Mexico
| | - Omar Castor Ponce-García
- Campo Experimental La Campana, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Carretera Chihuahua-Ojinaga Km. 33.3, 32190, Aldama, Chih., Mexico
| | - Jesús Alejandro Prieto-Amparán
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - José Humberto Vega-Mares
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - Federico Villarreal-Guerrero
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico.
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Zhao Z, Zhang L, Yuan L, Bouma TJ. Seed settling and trapping during submerged secondary dispersal: Implications for saltmarsh recruitment and restoration. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119301. [PMID: 37837761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Given the decline of global salt marshes, there is a pressing need to pinpoint the key processes that limit and facilitate seed-based pioneer recruitment. Secondary seed dispersal, in the form of short-distance submerged movement, is a prerequisite for initiating pioneer establishment in adjacent tidal flats but has not been fully appreciated and understood. In this study, using a settling tube and race-track flume, seeds of four global occurring saltmarsh species were studied in terms of their settlement speed and trapping opportunity to understand how seed traits and physical settings affect submerged dispersal behavior and thus seed-based saltmarsh recruitment. Present study led to the following novel insights: 1) Seeds have density-dependent settling speeds, which are comparable to that of fine sand, but much faster than that of very fine sand and silt. Since the latter is the type of sediment commonly found in many estuaries worldwide (such as the Scheldt), seeds will typically settle faster than local sediments. A sufficiently long hydrodynamic-calm period allows slowly settling sediment to bury settled seeds, otherwise, seeds will remain uncovered if the period is short. 2) Seed trapping ratio increased linearly with surface roughness (a proxy for local topographic complexity), but this effect becomes smaller with increasing hydrodynamic intensity. Seed drag coefficient was identified as the key biotic factor contributing to interspecies variability in trapping ratio. Overall, present results suggest that submerged seed dispersal may form a primary bottleneck for salt marsh recruitment by limiting seed availability via two mechanisms: i) reduced chance of seed burial through asynchronous settling of seeds and sediment particles; ii) reduced probability of seed trapping due to encountering smooth tidal flat surfaces. This study provide mechanistic and data basis for the targeted application of biophysical models in predicting outcomes of saltmarsh recruitment and long-term maintenance, thereby informing seed-based conservation and restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China; Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 4401 NT, Yerseke, the Netherlands; Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, 3584 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Liquan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, 202162, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tjeerd J Bouma
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 4401 NT, Yerseke, the Netherlands; Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, 3584 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands; HZ University of Applied Sciences, Building with Nature Group, 4382 NW, Vlissingen, the Netherlands.
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Kijowska-Oberc J, Dylewski Ł, Ratajczak E. Proline concentrations in seedlings of woody plants change with drought stress duration and are mediated by seed characteristics: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15157. [PMID: 37704656 PMCID: PMC10500006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40694-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Proline accumulation represents one of mechanisms used by plants to prevent the adverse consequences of water stress. The effects of increased proline levels in response to drought differ among species. Trees are exposed to the long-term effects of climate change. The reproductive success of species in a specific environment depends on the functional trait of tree seeds. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of drought stress on the proline concentrations in seedling leaf tissues of woody plant species and their relationships to drought duration, seed mass, seed category and coniferous/deciduous classification. Drought duration exhibited a nonlinear effect on proline accumulations. The drought effect on proline accumulations is greater for deciduous than for coniferous species and is higher for orthodox seed species than for recalcitrant. The seedlings of large-seeded species showed greater effect sizes than those of small-seeded species. Our results suggest that there is an optimum level at which proline accumulations under the influence of drought are the highest. A link between seed functional traits, as well as the coniferous/deciduous classification, and proline concentrations in tree seedlings during water stress were determined for the first time. Proline may help to identify high-quality seeds of trees used for reforestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kijowska-Oberc
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Parkowa 5, 62-035, Kórnik, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Dylewski
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewelina Ratajczak
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Parkowa 5, 62-035, Kórnik, Poland
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6
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Funk JL, Kimball S, Nguyen MA, Lulow M, Vose GE. Interacting ecological filters influence success and functional composition in restored plant communities over time. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2899. [PMID: 37335271 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
A trait-based community assembly framework has great potential to direct ecological restoration, but uncertainty over how traits and environmental factors interact to influence community composition over time limits the widespread application of this approach. In this study, we examined how the composition of seed mixes and environment (north- vs. south-facing slope aspect) influence functional composition and native plant cover over time in restored grassland and shrubland communities. Variation in native cover over 4 years was primarily driven by species mix, slope aspect, and a species mix by year interaction rather than an interaction between species mix and slope aspect as predicted. Although native cover was higher on wetter, north-facing slopes for most of the study, south-facing slopes achieved a similar cover (65%-70%) by year 4. While community-weighted mean (CWM) values generally became more resource conservative over time, we found shifts in particular traits across community types and habitats. For example, CWM for specific leaf area increased over time in grassland mixes. Belowground, CWM for root mass fraction increased while CWM for specific root length decreased across all seed mixes. Multivariate functional dispersion remained high in shrub-containing mixes throughout the study, which could enhance invasion resistance and recovery following disturbance. Functional diversity and species richness were initially higher in drier, south-facing slopes compared to north-facing slopes, but these metrics were similar across north- and south-facing slopes by the end of the 4-year study. Our finding that different combinations of traits were favored in south- and north-facing slopes and over time demonstrates that trait-based approaches can be used to identify good restoration candidate species and, ultimately, enhance native plant cover across community types and microhabitat. Changing the composition of planting mixes based on traits could be a useful strategy for restoration practitioners to match species to specific environmental conditions and may be more informative than using seed mixes based on growth form, as species within functional groups can vary tremendously in leaf and root traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Funk
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sarah Kimball
- Center for Environmental Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Monica A Nguyen
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
| | - Megan Lulow
- UCI Nature, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Gregory E Vose
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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Corredor-Prado JP, Santos-Amaya OF, Pescador R. In vitro germination and reserve mobilization of Vriesea friburgensis Mez. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 83:e273906. [PMID: 37436193 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.273906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the germination and establishment of plants are key pieces to understanding the reproductive success of plants. This work aimed to describe in vitro germination and reserve mobilization in the bromeliad Vriesea friburgensis through morphological, histochemical, and biochemical analysis. The conditions used in this study for the in vitro germination are adequate. From the third day of in vitro inoculation, a uniform germination of 98% was obtained, exhibiting a high physiological quality of the seeds and a high potential to produce seedlings (94%). There is early reserve mobilization, which began in the imbibition phase. The accumulated reserves in the endosperm cytoplasm are degraded by hydrolytic enzymes provided by the aleurone layer. It is possible that compounds in the cell walls of the endosperm contribute to a lesser extent in mobilization. Additionally, it was observed that starch accumulation in the cotyledon increases when the seedling has formed. Results from this study provide insights for future studies on ecology, seed technology, and conservation in this species. This study contributes to the limited knowledge of the dynamics of reserves during germination and seedling establishment in Bromeliaceae. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study with this approach in the genus Vriesea.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Corredor-Prado
- Universidad de Sucre, Departamento de Biología y Química, Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia
| | - O F Santos-Amaya
- Universidad de Pamplona, Departamento de Agronomía, Pamplona, Norte de Santander, Colombia
| | - R Pescador
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Genéticos Vegetais, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil
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Farrell HL, Munson SM, Butterfield BJ, Duniway MC, Faist AM, Gornish ES, Havrilla CA, Larios L, Reed SC, Rowe HI, Laushman KM, McCormick ML. Soil surface treatments and precipitation timing determine seedling development across southwestern US restoration sites. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2834. [PMID: 36864737 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Restoration in dryland ecosystems often has poor success due to low and variable water availability, degraded soil conditions, and slow plant community recovery rates. Restoration treatments can mitigate these constraints but, because treatments and subsequent monitoring are typically limited in space and time, our understanding of their applicability across broader environmental gradients remains limited. To address this limitation, we implemented and monitored a standardized set of seeding and soil surface treatments (pits, mulch, and ConMod artificial nurse plants) designed to enhance soil moisture and seedling establishment across RestoreNet, a growing network of 21 diverse dryland restoration sites in the southwestern USA over 3 years. Generally, we found that the timing of precipitation relative to seeding and the use of soil surface treatments were more important in determining seeded species emergence, survival, and growth than site-specific characteristics. Using soil surface treatments in tandem with seeding promoted up to 3× greater seedling emergence densities compared with seeding alone. The positive effect of soil surface treatments became more prominent with increased cumulative precipitation since seeding. The seed mix type with species currently found within or near a site and adapted to the historical climate promoted greater seedling emergence densities compared with the seed mix type with species from warmer, drier conditions expected to perform well under climate change. Seed mix and soil surface treatments had a diminishing effect as plants developed beyond the first season of establishment. However, we found strong effects of the initial period seeded and of the precipitation leading up to each monitoring date on seedling survival over time, especially for annual and perennial forbs. The presence of exotic species exerted a negative influence on seedling survival and growth, but not initial emergence. Our findings suggest that seeded species recruitment across drylands can generally be promoted, regardless of location, by (1) incorporation of soil surface treatments, (2) employment of near-term seasonal climate forecasts, (3) suppression of exotic species, and (4) seeding at multiple times. Taken together, these results point to a multifaceted approach to ameliorate harsh environmental conditions for improved seeding success in drylands, both now and under expected aridification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Farrell
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Seth M Munson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Bradley J Butterfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael C Duniway
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | - Akasha M Faist
- College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Elise S Gornish
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Caroline A Havrilla
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Loralee Larios
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Sasha C Reed
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | - Helen I Rowe
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
- McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Molly L McCormick
- Southwest Fire Science Consortium and School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
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Invasive annual grasses show decrease in seed size but no change in growth or carbon economy following invasion. Biol Invasions 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-023-02999-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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10
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Baughman OW, Eshleman M, Griffen J, Rios R, Boyd C, Kildisheva OA, Olsen A, Cahill M, Kerby JD, Riginos C. Assessment of multiple herbicide protection seed treatments for seed-based restoration of native perennial bunchgrasses and sagebrush across multiple sites and years. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283678. [PMID: 36996261 PMCID: PMC10062626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasion of exotic, annual plant species is a leading contributor to ecological degradation in drylands globally, and the use of pre-emergent herbicide to control these species is common. Pre-emergent herbicides pose challenges for seed-based restoration due to toxicity to the seeds of desired species. Herbicide protection (HP) technologies pose a potential solution by using activated carbon seed treatments to protect desirable seeds from herbicide exposure. In the sagebrush steppe ecosystem of North America, we used an adaptive small plot design over three planting years to test for effects on seeding outcomes (seedling density and size) of large and small multi-seed HP pellets, several single-seed HP coatings, and carbon banding treatments at geographically dispersed sites for several perennial bunchgrasses and the keystone perennial shrub, Wyoming big sagebrush. We also compared different methods of seed delivery and litter pre-seeding management. Seeding success was low overall, especially for sagebrush, and it was clear that other, often less predictable barriers to establishment than herbicide exposure, such as inadequate spring moisture, were strong drivers of seeding outcomes. Despite this, HP treatments were associated with higher seedling density than bare seed in multiple instances, most notably for grasses. The large HP pellet occasionally outperformed the small HP pellet, and several HP coatings performed similarly to the small pellet. Surprisingly, we did not see consistent negative effects of pre-emergent herbicide on unprotected bare seed. We conclude that HP seed treatments show some promise to improve seeding success in the presence of herbicide, but that consistent success will require further improvements to HP treatments as well as integration with other innovations and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen W Baughman
- The Nature Conservancy of Oregon, Burns, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Magdalena Eshleman
- The Nature Conservancy of Wyoming, Lander, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Jessica Griffen
- The Nature Conservancy of Oregon, Burns, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Roxanne Rios
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Burns, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Chad Boyd
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Burns, Oregon, United States of America
| | | | - Andrew Olsen
- Intermountain West Joint Venture, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Matthew Cahill
- The Nature Conservancy, Bend, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jay D Kerby
- The Nature Conservancy of Oregon, Burns, Oregon, United States of America
- Prineville, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Corinna Riginos
- The Nature Conservancy of Wyoming, Lander, Wyoming, United States of America
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Chen Y, Schwilk DW, Cox RD, Johnson MG. Including phylogenetic conservatism of shortgrass prairie restoration species does not improve species germinability prediction. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.983192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PremiseWe investigated whether phylogenetic conservatism can improve the performance of seed germinability prediction models. Previous studies in tallgrass prairie and alpine meadow revealed that seed morphological traits demonstrate phylogenetic conservatism. We hypothesized that phylogenetic conservatism in seed traits could help predict the seed germinability, under the assumption that seed traits contain phylogenetic signals.MethodsWe measured seed germination percentage and seed morphological traits (seed mass, seed height, and seed surface area) on 34 native species from shortgrass prairie in North America. We supplemented these data with similar data from the literature on 11 more species. We calculated the robustness of the phylogenetic signal of each trait to the number of species sampled. We also compressed the phylogenetic distance matrix to a two-dimensional space, and applied the Akaike information criterion to evaluate the effects of phylogeny on seed germinability prediction models.Key resultsWe found weak but significant phylogenetic signals in seed mass and seed height in the full data set. These phylogenetic signals were not able to improve seed germinability prediction model performance among shortgrass prairie species. Our robustness tests of phylogenetic signals using random sub-sampling showed that the detection rate of phylogenetic signals in seed mass was increased along with the expansion of species pool, and nearly 100% at 40 species. However, the detection rate of phylogenetic signals in seed height was constantly low, around 20%.ConclusionWhen the phylogenetic signals are weak, the phylogenetic position does not improve germinability prediction model performance. Therefore, phylogenetic signals detected during a single species pool calculation may not accurately reflect the phylogenetic conservatism of the trait in a plant community. We suggest testing for robustness of phylogenetic signals using random sub-sampling tests.
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Zhang X, Zhao N, Zhou C, Lu J, Wang X. Seedling age of Abies georgei var. smithii reveals functional trait coordination in high-altitude habitats in southeast tibet. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.955663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional trait-based plant ecology is often used to study plant survival strategies and growth processes. In this work, the variation regularity of functional traits and their correlations were studied in Abies georgei var. smithii seedlings of different seedling ages found along the altitude gradient (3,800–4,400 m) in Sejila Mountain, Southeast Tibet. The following functional traits of seedlings in five age classes were determined: above-ground functional traits∼leaf thickness (T), leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf dry matter content (LDMC); below-ground functional traits∼specific stem length (SSL), specific root length (SRL), specific root surface area (SRA), root tissue density (RTD), and root dry matter content (RDMC). Results showed that (1) except for LDMC, most of the functional traits of the seedlings at different altitudes showed a regular change trend over time. The changes in traits caused by seedling age had significant effects on other traits (p < 0.05). Altitude only had significant effects on T, LA, SLA, SRA, RTD, and RDMC (p < 0.05). (2) The correlation between the above- and below-ground traits was more significant in 5-6-year-old seedlings than in other age classes (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that LA and SLA were the dominant traits of fir seedlings in five age categories Pearson correlation analysis indicated a correlation between RTD and above-ground traits, thus validating the correlation between the above- and below-ground traits of seedlings of Abies georgei var. smithii of different ages. (3) Available potassium, total potassium, and total organic carbon (TOC) had the greatest influence on the traits of 5-6-year-old seedlings. This study revealed that the functional traits of Abies georgei var. smithii seedlings at different altitudesdynamically change with seedling age. The findings help in understanding the growth strategies of seedlings during early development. Future research on the combination of soil factors and seedling traits will provide a theoretical basis for artificial cultivation and protection of native vegetation.
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Keeler AM, Rafferty NE. Legume germination is delayed in dry soils and in sterile soils devoid of microbial mutualists: Species-specific implications for upward range expansions. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9186. [PMID: 36016820 PMCID: PMC9398887 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is affecting species and their mutualists and can lead to the weakening or loss of important interspecific interactions. Through independent shifts in partner phenology and distribution, climatic stress can separate mutualists temporally or spatially, leading to alterations in partner functional traits and fitness. Here, we explored the effects of the loss of microbial mutualists on legume germination success and phenology. In particular, we assessed the effects of mutualism loss via soil sterilization, increased drought, and introduction to novel soils found beyond the current distributions of two focal legume species in subalpine environments. Through common garden experiments in controlled environments, we found evidence that soil sterilization (and consequent microbial absence) and dry soils caused species‐specific phenological delays of 2–5 weeks in germination, likely as a result of interaction loss between legumes and specialized germination‐promoting soil microbes, such as mutualistic rhizobia. Delays in germination caused by a mismatch between legumes and beneficial microbes could negatively affect legume fitness through increased plant–plant competition later in the season. Additionally, we found evidence of the presence of beneficial microbes beyond the current elevational range of one of our focal legumes, which may allow for expansion of the leading edge, although harsh abiotic factors in the alpine may hinder this. Alterations in the strength of soil microbe‐legume mutualisms may lead to reduced fitness and altered demography for both soil microbes and legumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Keeler
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology University of California, Riverside Riverside California USA.,Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Crested Butte Colorado USA
| | - Nicole E Rafferty
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology University of California, Riverside Riverside California USA.,Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Crested Butte Colorado USA
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Jones TA, Monaco TA, Larson SR, Hamerlynck EP, Crain JL. Using Genomic Selection to Develop Performance-Based Restoration Plant Materials. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158275. [PMID: 35955409 PMCID: PMC9368130 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective native plant materials are critical to restoring the structure and function of extensively modified ecosystems, such as the sagebrush steppe of North America’s Intermountain West. The reestablishment of native bunchgrasses, e.g., bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata [Pursh] À. Löve), is the first step for recovery from invasive species and frequent wildfire and towards greater ecosystem resiliency. Effective native plant material exhibits functional traits that confer ecological fitness, phenotypic plasticity that enables adaptation to the local environment, and genetic variation that facilitates rapid evolution to local conditions, i.e., local adaptation. Here we illustrate a multi-disciplinary approach based on genomic selection to develop plant materials that address environmental issues that constrain local populations in altered ecosystems. Based on DNA sequence, genomic selection allows rapid screening of large numbers of seedlings, even for traits expressed only in more mature plants. Plants are genotyped and phenotyped in a training population to develop a genome model for the desired phenotype. Populations with modified phenotypes can be used to identify plant syndromes and test basic hypotheses regarding relationships of traits to adaptation and to one another. The effectiveness of genomic selection in crop and livestock breeding suggests this approach has tremendous potential for improving restoration outcomes for species such as bluebunch wheatgrass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Jones
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Forage & Range Research Laboratory, 696 North 1100 East, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (T.A.M.); (S.R.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas A. Monaco
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Forage & Range Research Laboratory, 696 North 1100 East, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (T.A.M.); (S.R.L.)
| | - Steven R. Larson
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Forage & Range Research Laboratory, 696 North 1100 East, Logan, UT 84322, USA; (T.A.M.); (S.R.L.)
| | - Erik P. Hamerlynck
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Range & Meadow Forage Management Research Laboratory, 67826-A Highway 205, Burns, OR 97720, USA;
| | - Jared L. Crain
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, 1712 Claflin Road, 4024 Throckmorton PSC, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
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15
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Baughman OW, Kerby JD, Boyd CS, Madsen MD, Svejcar TJ. Can delaying germination reduce barriers to successful emergence for early‐germinating, fall‐sown native bunchgrass seeds in cold deserts? Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chad S. Boyd
- US Department of Agriculture ‐ Agricultural Research Service Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, 67826‐A Hwy 205 Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
| | - Matthew D. Madsen
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences Brigham Young University Provo UT 84602 U.S.A
| | - Tony J. Svejcar
- US Department of Agriculture ‐ Agricultural Research Service Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, 67826‐A Hwy 205 Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
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16
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Finch J, Seglias AE, Kramer AT, Havens K. Recruitment varies among milkweed seed sources for habitat specialist but not generalist. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessamine Finch
- Program in Plant Biology and Conservation Northwestern University, O.T. Hogan Hall, Room 6‐140B, 2205 Tech Drive Evanston IL 60208 USA
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe IL 60022 USA
- Native Plant Trust, Conservation Department 180 Hemenway Rd Framingham MA 01701 USA
| | - Alexandra E. Seglias
- Program in Plant Biology and Conservation Northwestern University, O.T. Hogan Hall, Room 6‐140B, 2205 Tech Drive Evanston IL 60208 USA
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe IL 60022 USA
- Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St Denver CO 80206 USA
| | - Andrea T. Kramer
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe IL 60022 USA
| | - Kayri Havens
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe IL 60022 USA
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17
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Margreiter V, Porro F, Mondoni A, Erschbamer B. Recruitment Traits Could Influence Species' Geographical Range: A Case Study in the Genus Saxifraga L. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:827330. [PMID: 35646004 PMCID: PMC9136331 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.827330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The reasons why some species occur widespread, while related species have restricted geographical ranges have been attributed to habitat specialization or ecological niche breadth. For species in the genus Saxifraga, habitat specialization alone cannot explain the distributional differences observed. We hypothesize that recruitment traits (i.e., germination, emergence, and survival) may account for differences in geographical ranges and that early life stages correlate to survival. We studied recruitment responses in 13 widespread and 12 narrow-ranged Saxifraga species in the laboratory and common garden experiments using seeds collected from 79 populations in the European Alps. We found that in the laboratory cold temperature led to higher germination percentages compared with warm temperature for both distribution groups. This represents an exception to the general assumption that alpine species require warm cues for germination. In warm laboratory temperatures, widespread species germinated better than narrow-ranged species, indicating a greater tolerance of warm temperatures for the former. Subsequent to germination, recruitment traits between the two distribution groups were lower or null in the common garden, suggesting that the impact of recruitment on species' geographical ranges occurs at the earliest life stage. Mean time to emergence of narrow-ranged species showed lower variability than that of widespread species. Consistently, intraspecific variation of mean annual temperatures between seed collection sites was lower for narrow-ranged species, indicating a close relationship between home sites and emergence time. Emergence percentage was a strong predictor of survival only for widespread species, underlining that seed and seedling functional traits differ between distribution groups, which require further research. Our results support the view that early life stages are critical to population dynamics and thus can influence species' geographical ranges. The wider responses to climatic conditions in widespread species may have facilitated their spread across the Alps. Our results also suggest that all Saxifraga species face a considerable threat from climate warming due to their overall cold-adapted recruitment niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Margreiter
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Francesco Porro
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mondoni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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18
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Copeland SM, Bradford JB, Hardegree SP, Schlaepfer DR, Badik KJ. Management and environmental factors associated with simulated restoration seeding barriers in sagebrush steppe. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stella M. Copeland
- USDA−Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, 67826‐A Hwy 205 Burns OR 97720 USA
| | - John B. Bradford
- US Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, 2255 N. Gemini Dr Flagstaff AZ 86001 USA
| | - Stuart P. Hardegree
- USDA‐Agricultural Research Service, Northwest Watershed Research Center, 251 Front St., Suite 400 Boise ID 83702 USA
| | - Daniel R. Schlaepfer
- US Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, 2255 N. Gemini Dr Flagstaff AZ 86001 USA
- Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes Northern Arizona University, PO Box 6077 Flagstaff AZ 86011 USA
| | - Kevin J. Badik
- The Nature Conservancy 1 E. 1st St. Suite 1007 Reno NV 89501 USA
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19
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Woolridge CB, Fant JB, Flores AI, Schultz K, Kramer AT. Variation in overall fitness due to seed source: projections for predictive provenancing. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Woolridge
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe IL USA
- Plant Biology and Conservation Program Northwestern University Evanston IL USA
| | - Jeremie B. Fant
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe IL USA
- Plant Biology and Conservation Program Northwestern University Evanston IL USA
| | - Ana I. Flores
- School of Life Sciences University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Honolulu HI USA
| | | | - Andrea T. Kramer
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe IL USA
- Plant Biology and Conservation Program Northwestern University Evanston IL USA
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20
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Gonçalves SDNC, Schorn LA, Santos KFD, Higuchi P. Influence of environmental variables on the floristics and structure of natural regeneration in a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest remnant. RODRIGUÉSIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2175-7860202273077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The present study explored the influence of edaphic variables and forest leaf cover on natural regeneration in a remnant of a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF) in southern Brazil. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to elucidate the heterogeneity of edaphic and leaf cover variables among the sampling units, and the variables exhibiting the strongest correlations with the sampling units were selected. Subsequently, these variables were used to explain floristic patterns using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). In PCA, the leaf area index explained only some variation in the data, and there was obvious heterogeneity in edaphic variables among the sample units. In the main canonical axis of the CCA, Miconia cubatanensis, Myrcia multiflora, Casearia decandra, and Myrsine coriacea showed greater correlation with variables associated with soil acidity. In contrast, Allophylus guaraniticus and Cupania vernalis showed a high correlation with variables related to bases. Overall, the analysis of soil physicochemical characteristics can allow for the more precise identification of indicator species for the restoration of remnant of MOF in southern Brazil.
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21
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Garnier S, Giordanengo E, Saatkamp A, Santonja M, Reiter IM, Orts JP, Gauquelin T, Meineri E. Amplified drought induced by climate change reduces seedling emergence and increases seedling mortality for two Mediterranean perennial herbs. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:16143-16152. [PMID: 34824817 PMCID: PMC8601912 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Seedling recruitment is a bottleneck for population dynamics and range shift. The vital rates linked to recruitment by seed are impacted by amplified drought induced by climate change. In the Mediterranean region, autumn and winter seedling emergence and mortality may have strong impact on the overall seedling recruitment. However, studies focusing on the temporal dynamic of recruitment during these seasons are rare. This study was performed in a deciduous Mediterranean oak forest located in southern France and quantifies the impact of amplified drought conditions on autumn and winter seedling emergence and seedling mortality rates of two herbaceous plant species with meso-Mediterranean and supra-Mediterranean distribution (respectively, Silene italica and Silene nutans). Seedlings were followed from October 2019 to May 2020 in both undisturbed and disturbed plots where the litter and the aboveground biomass have been removed to create open microsites. Amplified drought conditions reduced seedling emergence and increased seedling mortality for both Silene species but these negative effects were dependent on soil disturbance conditions. Emergence of S. italica decreased only in undisturbed plots (-7%) whereas emergence of S. nutans decreased only in disturbed plots (-10%) under amplified drought conditions. The seedling mortality rate of S. italica was 51% higher under amplified drought conditions in undisturbed plots while that of S. nutans was 38% higher in disturbed plots. Aridification due to lower precipitation in the Mediterranean region will negatively impact the seedling recruitment of these two Silene species. Climate change effects on early vital rates may likely have major negative impacts on the overall population dynamic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzon Garnier
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ CNRS, IRD, IMBE Marseille France
| | - Emma Giordanengo
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ CNRS, IRD, IMBE Marseille France
| | - Arne Saatkamp
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ CNRS, IRD, IMBE Marseille France
| | - Mathieu Santonja
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ CNRS, IRD, IMBE Marseille France
| | | | | | | | - Eric Meineri
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ CNRS, IRD, IMBE Marseille France
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22
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O'Brien AM, Ginnan NA, Rebolleda-Gómez M, Wagner MR. Microbial effects on plant phenology and fitness. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2021; 108:1824-1837. [PMID: 34655479 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plant development and the timing of developmental events (phenology) are tightly coupled with plant fitness. A variety of internal and external factors determine the timing and fitness consequences of these life-history transitions. Microbes interact with plants throughout their life history and impact host phenology. This review summarizes current mechanistic and theoretical knowledge surrounding microbe-driven changes in plant phenology. Overall, there are examples of microbes impacting every phenological transition. While most studies have focused on flowering time, microbial effects remain important for host survival and fitness across all phenological phases. Microbe-mediated changes in nutrient acquisition and phytohormone signaling can release plants from stressful conditions and alter plant stress responses inducing shifts in developmental events. The frequency and direction of phenological effects appear to be partly determined by the lifestyle and the underlying nature of a plant-microbe interaction (i.e., mutualistic or pathogenic), in addition to the taxonomic group of the microbe (fungi vs. bacteria). Finally, we highlight biases, gaps in knowledge, and future directions. This biotic source of plasticity for plant adaptation will serve an important role in sustaining plant biodiversity and managing agriculture under the pressures of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M O'Brien
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nichole A Ginnan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - María Rebolleda-Gómez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Maggie R Wagner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Kansas Biological Survey and Center for Ecological Research, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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23
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Larson JE, Ebinger KR, Suding KN. Water the odds? Spring rainfall and emergence‐related seed traits drive plant recruitment. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie E. Larson
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder Boulder CO USA
- Inst. of Arctic and Alpine Research, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder Boulder CO USA
| | - Kathleen R. Ebinger
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder Boulder CO USA
- Master of Environmental Management Program, School of the Environment, Yale Univ. New Haven CT USA
| | - Katharine N. Suding
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder Boulder CO USA
- Inst. of Arctic and Alpine Research, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder Boulder CO USA
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Havrilla CA, Munson SM, Yackulic EO, Butterfield BJ. Ontogenetic trait shifts: Seedlings display high trait variability during early stages of development. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A. Havrilla
- Southwest Biological Science Center US Geological Survey Flagstaff AZ USA
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Colorado State University Fort Collins CO USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
| | - Seth M. Munson
- Southwest Biological Science Center US Geological Survey Flagstaff AZ USA
| | - Ethan O. Yackulic
- Southwest Biological Science Center US Geological Survey Flagstaff AZ USA
- School of Earth and Sustainability Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
| | - Bradley J. Butterfield
- Department of Biological Sciences Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
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25
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Bourne AR, Ridley AR, Spottiswoode CN, Cunningham SJ. Direct and indirect effects of high temperatures on fledging in a cooperatively breeding bird. Behav Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arab087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
High temperatures and low rainfall consistently constrain reproduction in arid-zone bird species. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this pattern is critical for predicting how climate change will influence population persistence and to inform conservation and management. In this study, we analyzed Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor nestling survival, daily growth rate and adult investment behavior during the nestling period over three austral summer breeding seasons. High temperatures were associated with lower body mass, shorter tarsi, and reduced daily growth rates of nestlings. Our piecewise structural equation models suggested that direct impacts of temperature had the strongest influence on nestling size and daily growth rates for both 5-day-old and 11-day-old nestlings, followed by temperature-related adjustments to provisioning rates by adults. Rainfall and group size influenced the behavior of provisioning adults but did not influence nestling growth or survival. Adjustments to adult provisioning strategies did not compensate for direct negative effects of high air temperatures on nestling size or daily growth rates. Detailed mechanistic data like these allow us to model the pathways by which high temperature causes nest failure. In turn, this could allow us to design targeted conservation action to effectively mitigate climate effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Bourne
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Amanda R Ridley
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Hackett Drive, Crawley, Perth WA, Australia
| | - Claire N Spottiswoode
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan J Cunningham
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
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Cross AT, Zhong H, Lambers H. Incorporating rock in surface covers improves the establishment of native pioneer vegetation on alkaline mine tailings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:145373. [PMID: 33736352 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Rates of tailings production and deposition around the world have increased markedly in recent decades, and have grown asynchronously with safe and environmentally suitable solutions for their storage. Tailings are often produced in regions harbouring biodiverse native plant communities adapted to old, highly-weathered soils. The highly-altered edaphic conditions of tailings compared with natural soils in these areas will likely select against many locally endemic plant species, making phytostabilisation, rehabilitation or ecological restoration of these landforms challenging. METHODS We established four substrate cover composition treatments on a dry-stacked magnetite tailings storage facility in semi-arid Western Australia, representative of standard industry practices for rehabilitating or restoring post-mining landforms in the region. Plots were seeded with a selection of locally native plant species and monitored for five years to determine whether different substrate cover treatments yielded different edaphic conditions (soil moisture, substrate surface temperature and substrate chemistry) and influenced soil development and the success of native vegetation establishment. RESULTS No vegetation established from seeds on unamended tailings with no surface cover, and substrate chemistry changed minimally over five years. In contrast, rock-containing surface covers allowed establishment of up to 11 native plant species from broadcast seeds at densities of ca. 1.5 seedlings m-2, and up to 3.5 seedlings m-2 of five native pioneer chenopods from capture of wind-dispersed seeds from surrounding undisturbed native vegetation. Greater vegetation establishment in rock-containing surface covers resulted from increased heterogeneity (e.g., lower maximum soil temperature, greater water capture and retention, surface microtopography facilitating seed capture and retention, more niches for seed germination). Soil development and bio-weathering occurred most rapidly under the canopy of native pioneer plants on rock-containing surface covers, particularly increases in organic carbon, total nitrogen, and organo-bound aluminium and iron. CONCLUSIONS Seed germination and seedling survival on tailings were limited by extreme thermal and hydrological conditions and a highly-altered biogeochemical environment. The design of surface cover layers appears crucial to achieving closure outcomes on tailings landforms, and designs should prioritise increasing surface heterogeneity through the incorporation of rock or other structure-improving amendments to assist the establishment of pioneer vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T Cross
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; EcoHealth Network, 1330 Beacon St, Suite 355a, Brookline, MA 02446, United States.
| | - Hongtao Zhong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
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27
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Preece C, Jones G, Rees M, Osborne CP. Fertile Crescent crop progenitors gained a competitive advantage from large seedlings. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:3300-3312. [PMID: 33841785 PMCID: PMC8019021 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cereal domestication during the transition to agriculture resulted in widespread food production, but why only certain species were domesticated remains unknown. We tested whether seedlings of crop progenitors share functional traits that could give them a competitive advantage within anthropogenic environments, including higher germination, greater seedling survival, faster growth rates, and greater competitive ability.Fifteen wild grass species from the Fertile Crescent were grown individually under controlled conditions to evaluate differences in growth between cereal crop progenitors and other wild species that were never domesticated. Differences in germination, seedling survival, and competitive ability were measured by growing a subset of these species as monocultures and mixtures.Crop progenitors had greater germination success, germinated more quickly and had greater aboveground biomass when grown in competition with other species. There was no evidence of a difference in seedling survival, but seed size was positively correlated with a number of traits, including net assimilation rates, greater germination success, and faster germination under competition. In mixtures, the positive effect of seed mass on germination success and speed of germination was even more beneficial for crop progenitors than for other wild species, suggesting greater fitness. Thus, selection for larger seeded individuals under competition may have been stronger in the crop progenitors.The strong competitive ability of Fertile Crescent cereal crop progenitors, linked to their larger seedling size, represents an important ecological difference between these species and other wild grasses in the region. It is consistent with the hypothesis that competition within plant communities surrounding human settlements, or under early cultivation, benefited progenitor species, favoring their success as crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Preece
- Department of Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- PLECO (Plants and Ecosystems)Department of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
| | - Glynis Jones
- Department of ArchaeologyUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Mark Rees
- Department of Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Colin P. Osborne
- Department of Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
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Kövendi‐Jakó A, Szitár K, Halassy M, Halász K, Mojzes A, Török K. Effect of seed storing duration and sowing year on the seedling establishment of grassland species in xeric environments. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kövendi‐Jakó
- Centre for Ecological Research Institute of Ecology and Botany Vácrátót 2163 Hungary
| | - Katalin Szitár
- Centre for Ecological Research Institute of Ecology and Botany Vácrátót 2163 Hungary
| | - Melinda Halassy
- Centre for Ecological Research Institute of Ecology and Botany Vácrátót 2163 Hungary
| | - Krisztián Halász
- Centre for Ecological Research Institute of Ecology and Botany Vácrátót 2163 Hungary
| | - Andrea Mojzes
- Centre for Ecological Research Institute of Ecology and Botany Vácrátót 2163 Hungary
| | - Katalin Török
- Centre for Ecological Research Institute of Ecology and Botany Vácrátót 2163 Hungary
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Funk JL, Larson JE, Vose G. Leaf traits and performance vary with plant age and water availability in Artemisia californica. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2021; 127:495-503. [PMID: 32504539 PMCID: PMC7988528 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcaa106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Leaf functional traits are strongly tied to growth strategies and ecological processes across species, but few efforts have linked intraspecific trait variation to performance across ontogenetic and environmental gradients. Plants are believed to shift towards more resource-conservative traits in stressful environments and as they age. However, uncertainty as to how intraspecific trait variation aligns with plant age and performance in the context of environmental variation may limit our ability to use traits to infer ecological processes at larger scales. METHODS We measured leaf physiological and morphological traits, canopy volume and flowering effort for Artemisia californica (California sagebrush), a dominant shrub species in the coastal sage scrub community, under conditions of 50, 100 and 150 % ambient precipitation for 3 years. KEY RESULTS Plant age was a stronger driver of variation in traits and performance than water availability. Older plants demonstrated trait values consistent with a more conservative resource-use strategy, and trait values were less sensitive to drought. Several trait correlations were consistent across years and treatments; for example, plants with high photosynthetic rates tended to have high stomatal conductance, leaf nitrogen concentration and light-use efficiency. However, the trade-off between leaf construction and leaf nitrogen evident in older plants was absent for first-year plants. While few traits correlated with plant growth and flowering effort, we observed a positive correlation between leaf mass per area and performance in some groups of older plants. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results suggest that trait sensitivity to the environment is most visible during earlier stages of development, after which intraspecific trait variation and relationships may stabilize. While plant age plays a major role in intraspecific trait variation and sensitivity (and thus trait-based inferences), the direct influence of environment on growth and fecundity is just as critical to predicting plant performance in a changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Funk
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, CA, USA
- For correspondence. E-mail
| | - Julie E Larson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Gregory Vose
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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Chen H, Geekiyanage N, Wen B, Cao KF, Goodale UM. Regeneration responses to water and temperature stress drive recruitment success in hemiepiphytic fig species. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 41:358-370. [PMID: 33238308 PMCID: PMC7948827 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpaa165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms for surviving water and temperature stress in epiphytes are essential adaptations for successful regeneration in forest canopies. Hemiepiphytes start their life cycle as epiphytes, eventually establishing aerial root connections to the ground. This strategy allows for greater light capture, while benefitting from minimized risk of fire, flooding and damage by terrestrial herbivores, but exposes the vulnerable seedling stage to heat and drought stress. However, the response to temperature and water stress during early regeneration in hemiepiphytes is not known. In this study, we tested the effect of temperature (15/5, 25/15 and 35/25 °C; day/night diurnal variation) and water availability, as substrate moisture (0.00, -0.20 and -0.35 MPa) and water vapor (18.5-99.5% relative humidity), on seed germination, seedling emergence and survival in six hemiepiphytic and nine non-hemiepiphytic Ficus species. Under high-temperature conditions (35/25 °C), hemiepiphytes had higher gemination and seedling survival, achieved peak germination slower and extended germination. Greater water stress (-0.35 MPa) in the growth substrate resulted in higher germination of non-hemiepiphytes; hemiepiphytes, in contrast, took a shorter time to complete germination, but had higher seedling emergence and survival. Hemiepiphytes germinated at 99.5% relative humidity more readily compared with non-hemiepiphytes. These findings provide the first comprehensive evidence that hemiepiphytic Ficus species are better adapted to drier and warmer conditions during the critical transition from seed to seedling. Through greater flexibility in achieving peak germination and duration of regeneration activity, hemiepiphytes modulate their recruitment process to be more resilient under abiotic stressors. This may allow them to be more successful in regenerating in forest canopies under ambient conditions that are transient. These results support previous work showing greater drought tolerance of hemiepiphytic Ficus species in larger size classes and extend this finding to show that physiological adaptations for drought and heat tolerance start from the early seedling emergence stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayang Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forestry Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Daxuedonglu 100, Nanning, Guangxi 530004 China
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Daxuedonglu 100, Nanning, Guangxi 530004 China
- Seed Conservation Specialist Group, International Union for Conservation of Nature
| | - Nalaka Geekiyanage
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
| | - Bin Wen
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Kun-Fang Cao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forestry Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Daxuedonglu 100, Nanning, Guangxi 530004 China
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Daxuedonglu 100, Nanning, Guangxi 530004 China
| | - Uromi Manage Goodale
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forestry Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Daxuedonglu 100, Nanning, Guangxi 530004 China
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Daxuedonglu 100, Nanning, Guangxi 530004 China
- Seed Conservation Specialist Group, International Union for Conservation of Nature
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31
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Ramírez-Valiente JA, Solé-Medina A, Pyhäjärvi T, Savolainen O, Cervantes S, Kesälahti R, Kujala ST, Kumpula T, Heer K, Opgenoorth L, Siebertz J, Danusevicius D, Notivol E, Benavides R, Robledo-Arnuncio JJ. Selection patterns on early-life phenotypic traits in Pinus sylvestris are associated with precipitation and temperature along a climatic gradient in Europe. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:3009-3025. [PMID: 33098590 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of selection is key to predicting the response of tree species to new environmental conditions in the current context of climate change. However, selection patterns acting on early recruitment stages and their climatic drivers remain largely unknown in most tree species, despite being a critical period of their life cycle. We measured phenotypic selection on Pinus sylvestris seed mass, emergence time and early growth rate over 2 yr in four common garden experiments established along the latitudinal gradient of the species in Europe. Significant phenotypic plasticity and among-population genetic variation were found for all measured phenotypic traits. Heat and drought negatively affected fitness in the southern sites, but heavy rainfalls also decreased early survival in middle latitudes. Climate-driven directional selection was found for higher seed mass and earlier emergence time, while the form of selection on seedling growth rates differed among sites and populations. Evidence of adaptive and maladaptive phenotypic plasticity was found for emergence time and early growth rate, respectively. Seed mass, emergence time and early growth rate have an adaptive role in the early stages of P. sylvestris and climate strongly influences the patterns of selection on these fitness-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aida Solé-Medina
- Department of Forest Ecology & Genetics, INIA-CIFOR, Ctra. de la Coruña km 7.5, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - Tanja Pyhäjärvi
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland
| | - Outi Savolainen
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland
| | - Sandra Cervantes
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland
| | - Robert Kesälahti
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland
| | - Sonja T Kujala
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, 90570, Finland
| | - Timo Kumpula
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland
| | - Katrin Heer
- Conservation Biology, Philipps Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 8, Marburg, 35043, Germany
| | - Lars Opgenoorth
- Plant Ecology and Geobotany, Philipps Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 8, Marburg, 35043, Germany
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, Birmensdorf, 8903, Switzerland
| | - Jan Siebertz
- Plant Ecology and Geobotany, Philipps Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 8, Marburg, 35043, Germany
| | - Darius Danusevicius
- Faculty of Forest Science and Ecology, Vytautas Magnus University, Studentų str. 11, Akademija, Kaunas, LT-53361, Lithuania
| | - Eduardo Notivol
- Unidad de Recursos Forestales, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, Zaragoza, 50059, Spain
| | - Raquel Benavides
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, LINCGlobal, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, C/ José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid, 28006, Spain
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Copeland SM, Baughman OW, Boyd CS, Davies KW, Kerby J, Kildisheva OA, Svejcar T. Improving restoration success through a precision restoration framework. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stella M. Copeland
- U.S. Department of Agriculture − Agricultural Research Service Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center 67826‐A Hwy 205, Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
| | | | - Chad S. Boyd
- U.S. Department of Agriculture − Agricultural Research Service Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center 67826‐A Hwy 205, Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
| | - Kirk W. Davies
- U.S. Department of Agriculture − Agricultural Research Service Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center 67826‐A Hwy 205, Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
| | - Jay Kerby
- The Nature Conservancy 67826‐A Hwy 205, Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
- Unaffiliated 4 South Street Pukerau 9772 New Zealand
| | - Olga A. Kildisheva
- The Nature Conservancy Suite 104, 999 Disk Drive Bend Oregon 97702 U.S.A
| | - Tony Svejcar
- U.S. Department of Agriculture − Agricultural Research Service Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center 67826‐A Hwy 205, Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
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33
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Foxx AJ, Kramer AT. Hidden variation: cultivars and wild plants differ in trait variation with surprising root trait outcomes. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia J. Foxx
- United States Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Research Services Genomics and Bioinformatic Research Unit, Gainesville, FL, 32608, U.S.A
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action The Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL, 60022, U.S.A
- Plant Biology and Conservation Program Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, U.S.A
| | - Andrea T. Kramer
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action The Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL, 60022, U.S.A
- Plant Biology and Conservation Program Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, U.S.A
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Garbowski M, Avera B, Bertram JH, Courkamp JS, Gray J, Hein KM, Lawrence R, McIntosh M, McClelland S, Post AK, Slette IJ, Winkler DE, Brown CS. Getting to the root of restoration: considering root traits for improved restoration outcomes under drought and competition. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Magda Garbowski
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Agricultural Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Bethany Avera
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Jonathan H Bertram
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Agricultural Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Jacob S Courkamp
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Jesse Gray
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Kirsten M Hein
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Agricultural Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Ryan Lawrence
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Mariah McIntosh
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences University of Montana Missoula MT U.S.A
| | - Shelby McClelland
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Alison K Post
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Ingrid J Slette
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
| | - Daniel E Winkler
- U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center Moab UT U.S.A
| | - Cynthia S Brown
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
- Department of Agricultural Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO U.S.A
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Arend da Silva I, Guido A, Müller SC. Predicting plant performance for the ecological restoration of grasslands: the role of regenerative traits. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isis Arend da Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia Vegetal, Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9500, CEP 91540‐000 Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Anaclara Guido
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Programa Nacional de Pasturas y Forrajes, Estación Experimental del Este, INIA Ruta 8 km 281 Treinta y Tres Uruguay
| | - Sandra Cristina Müller
- Laboratório de Ecologia Vegetal, Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9500, CEP 91540‐000 Porto Alegre Brazil
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Havrilla CA, Munson SM, McCormick ML, Laushman KM, Balazs KR, Butterfield BJ. RestoreNet: An emerging restoration network reveals controls on seeding success across dryland ecosystems. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A. Havrilla
- U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center Flagstaff AZ USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
| | - Seth M. Munson
- U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center Flagstaff AZ USA
| | - Molly L. McCormick
- U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center Flagstaff AZ USA
| | | | - Kathleen R. Balazs
- Department of Biological Sciences Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
| | - Bradley J. Butterfield
- Department of Biological Sciences Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ USA
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Bourne AR, Cunningham SJ, Spottiswoode CN, Ridley AR. High temperatures drive offspring mortality in a cooperatively breeding bird. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201140. [PMID: 33043866 DOI: 10.1101/2020.05.31.126862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of life-history responses to current environmental variability is required to predict species-specific responses to anthopogenic climate change. Previous research has suggested that cooperation in social groups may buffer individuals against some of the negative effects of unpredictable climates. We use a 15-year dataset on a cooperative breeding arid zone bird, the southern pied babbler Turdoides bicolor, to test (i) whether environmental conditions and group size correlate with survival of young during three development stages (egg, nestling, fledgling) and (ii) whether group size mitigates the impacts of adverse environmental conditions on survival of young. Exposure to high mean daily maximum temperatures (mean Tmax) during early development was associated with reduced survival probabilities of young in all three development stages. No young survived when mean Tmax > 38°C, across all group sizes. Low survival of young at high temperatures has broad implications for recruitment and population persistence in avian communities given the rapid pace of advancing climate change. Impacts of high temperatures on survival of young were not moderated by group size, suggesting that the availability of more helpers in a group is unlikely to buffer against compromised offspring survival as average and maximum temperatures increase with rapid anthropogenic climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Bourne
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Susan J Cunningham
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Claire N Spottiswoode
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Amanda R Ridley
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
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38
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Bourne AR, Cunningham SJ, Spottiswoode CN, Ridley AR. High temperatures drive offspring mortality in a cooperatively breeding bird. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201140. [PMID: 33043866 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of life-history responses to current environmental variability is required to predict species-specific responses to anthopogenic climate change. Previous research has suggested that cooperation in social groups may buffer individuals against some of the negative effects of unpredictable climates. We use a 15-year dataset on a cooperative breeding arid zone bird, the southern pied babbler Turdoides bicolor, to test (i) whether environmental conditions and group size correlate with survival of young during three development stages (egg, nestling, fledgling) and (ii) whether group size mitigates the impacts of adverse environmental conditions on survival of young. Exposure to high mean daily maximum temperatures (mean Tmax) during early development was associated with reduced survival probabilities of young in all three development stages. No young survived when mean Tmax > 38°C, across all group sizes. Low survival of young at high temperatures has broad implications for recruitment and population persistence in avian communities given the rapid pace of advancing climate change. Impacts of high temperatures on survival of young were not moderated by group size, suggesting that the availability of more helpers in a group is unlikely to buffer against compromised offspring survival as average and maximum temperatures increase with rapid anthropogenic climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Bourne
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Susan J Cunningham
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Claire N Spottiswoode
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Amanda R Ridley
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.,Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
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39
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Trejo-Téllez LI, García-Jiménez A, Escobar-Sepúlveda HF, Ramírez-Olvera SM, Bello-Bello JJ, Gómez-Merino FC. Silicon induces hormetic dose-response effects on growth and concentrations of chlorophylls, amino acids and sugars in pepper plants during the early developmental stage. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9224. [PMID: 32551195 PMCID: PMC7292026 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Silicon (Si) is a beneficial element that has been proven to influence plant responses including growth, development and metabolism in a hormetic manner. Methods In the present study, we evaluated the effect of Si on the growth and concentrations of chlorophylls, total amino acids, and total sugars of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) during the early developmental stage in a hydroponic system under conventional (unstressed) conditions. We tested four Si concentrations (applied as calcium silicate): 0, 60, 125 and 250 mg L-1, and growth variables were measured 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after treatment (dat), while biochemical variables were recorded at the end of the experiment, 28 dat. Results The application of 125 mg L-1 Si improved leaf area, fresh and dry biomass weight in leaves and stems, total soluble sugars, and concentrations of chlorophylls a and b in both leaves and stems. The amino acids concentration in leaves and roots, as well as the stem diameter were the highest in plants treated with 60 mg L-1 Si. Nevertheless, Si applications reduced root length, stem diameter and total free amino acids in leaves and stems, especially when applied at the highest concentration (i.e., 250 mg L-1 Si). Conclusion The application of Si has positive effects on pepper plants during the early developmental stage, including stimulation of growth, as well as increased concentrations of chlorophylls, total free amino acids and total soluble sugars. In general, most benefits from Si applications were observed in the range of 60-125 mg L-1 Si, while some negative effects were observed at the highest concentration applied (i.e., 250 mg L-1 Si). Therefore, pepper is a good candidate crop to benefit from Si application during the early developmental stage under unstressed conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libia Iris Trejo-Téllez
- Department of Soil Science. Laboratory of Plant Nutrition, College of Postgraduates in Agricultural Sciences Campus Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Atonaltzin García-Jiménez
- Department of Plant Physiology, College of Postgraduates in Agricultural Sciences Campus Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | | | - Sara Monzerrat Ramírez-Olvera
- Department of Plant Physiology, College of Postgraduates in Agricultural Sciences Campus Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Jericó Jabín Bello-Bello
- Department of Biotechnology, CONACYT-College of Postgraduates in Agricultural Sciences Campus Córdoba, Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Fernando Carlos Gómez-Merino
- Department of Soil Science. Laboratory of Plant Nutrition, College of Postgraduates in Agricultural Sciences Campus Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico
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Zirbel CR, Brudvig LA. Trait-environment interactions affect plant establishment success during restoration. Ecology 2020; 101:e02971. [PMID: 31943143 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Establishment and persistence are central to community assembly and are determined by how traits interact with the environment to determine performance (trait-environment interactions). Community assembly studies have rarely considered such trait-environment interactions, however, which can lead to incorrect inferences about how traits affect assembly. We evaluated how functional traits, environmental conditions, and trait-environment interactions structure plant establishment, as a measure of performance. Within 12 prairie restorations created by sowing 70 species, we quantified environmental conditions and counted individuals of each seeded species to quantify first-year establishment. Three trait-environment interactions structured establishment. Leaf nitrogen interacted with herbivore pressure, as low leaf nitrogen species established relatively better under higher herbivory than species with high leaf nitrogen. Soil moisture interacted with root mass fraction (RMF), with low-RMF species establishing better with low soil moisture and higher-RMF species better on wetter soils. Specific leaf area (SLA) interacted with light availability, as low-SLA species established better under high light conditions and high-SLA species under low light conditions. Our work illustrates how community assembly can be better described by trait-environment interactions than correlating traits or environment with performance. This knowledge can assist species selection to maximize restoration success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad R Zirbel
- Department of Plant Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA.,Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA
| | - Lars A Brudvig
- Department of Plant Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
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Baer SG, Adams T, Scott DA, Blair JM, Collins SL. Soil heterogeneity increases plant diversity after 20 years of manipulation during grassland restoration. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 30:e02014. [PMID: 31587410 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The "environmental heterogeneity hypothesis" predicts that variability in resources promotes species coexistence, but few experiments support this hypothesis in plant communities. A previous 15-yr test of this hypothesis in a prairie restoration experiment demonstrated a weak effect of manipulated soil resource heterogeneity on plant diversity. This response was attributed to a transient increase in richness following a post-restoration supplemental propagule addition, occasionally higher diversity under nutrient enrichment, and reduced cover of a dominant species in a subset of soil treatments. Here, we report community dynamics under continuous propagule addition in the same experiment, corresponding to 16-20 yr of restoration, in response to altered availability and heterogeneity of soil resources. We also quantified traits of newly added species to determine if heterogeneity increases the amount and variety of niches available for new species to exploit. The heterogeneous treatment contained a factorial combination of altered nutrient availability and soil depth; control plots had no manipulations. Total diversity and richness were higher in the heterogeneous treatment during this 5-yr study due to higher cover, diversity, and richness of previously established forbs, particularly in the N-enriched subplots. All new species added to the experiment exhibited unique trait spaces, but there was no evidence that heterogeneous plots contained a greater variety of new species representing a wider range of trait spaces relative to the control treatment. The richness and cover of new species was higher in N-enriched soil, but the magnitude of this response was small. Communities assembling under long-term N addition were dominated by different species among subplots receiving added N, leading to greater dispersion of communities among the heterogeneous relative to control plots. Contrary to the deterministic mechanism by which heterogeneity was expected to increase diversity (greater variability in resources for new species to exploit), higher diversity in the heterogeneous plots resulted from destabilization of formerly grass-dominated communities in N-enriched subplots. While we do not advocate increasing available soil N at large scales, we conclude that the positive effect of environmental heterogeneity on diversity can take decades to materialize and depend on development of stochastic processes in communities with strong establishment limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara G Baer
- Kansas Biological Survey and Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047, USA
| | - Tianjiao Adams
- Department of Plant Biology and Center for Ecology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, 62901, USA
| | - Drew A Scott
- Department of Plant Biology and Center for Ecology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, 62901, USA
| | - John M Blair
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, 66506, USA
| | - Scott L Collins
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA
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Hallett LM, Shoemaker LG, White CT, Suding KN. Rainfall variability maintains grass-forb species coexistence. Ecol Lett 2019; 22:1658-1667. [PMID: 31298471 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Environmental variability can structure species coexistence by enhancing niche partitioning. Modern coexistence theory highlights two fluctuation-dependent temporal coexistence mechanisms -the storage effect and relative nonlinearity - but empirical tests are rare. Here, we experimentally test if environmental fluctuations enhance coexistence in a California annual grassland. We manipulate rainfall timing and relative densities of the grass Avena barbata and forb Erodium botrys, parameterise a demographic model, and partition coexistence mechanisms. Rainfall variability was integral to grass-forb coexistence. Variability enhanced growth rates of both species, and early-season drought was essential for Erodium persistence. While theoretical developments have focused on the storage effect, it was not critical for coexistence. In comparison, relative nonlinearity strongly stabilised coexistence, where Erodium experienced disproportionately high growth under early-season drought due to competitive release from Avena. Our results underscore the importance of environmental variability and suggest that relative nonlinearity is a critical if underappreciated coexistence mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Hallett
- Environmental Studies Program and Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | | | - Caitlin T White
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Katharine N Suding
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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Bateman AM, Erickson TE, Merritt DJ, Muñoz-Rojas M. Inorganic soil amendments alter seedling performance of native plant species in post-mining arid zone rehabilitation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 241:179-186. [PMID: 30999267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Rehabilitation of degraded drylands is challenged by environmental and anthropogenic constraints, such as limited availability of locally-sourced topsoil and poor quality alternative soil substrates. Current rehabilitation practices, at times, utilise inorganic soil amendments to improve the physicochemical and biological characteristics of reconstructed soil profiles. These approaches may be appropriate for dryland rehabilitation, but there is limited research available regarding the benefits of using these amendments. Here, we present a study in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, an arid landscape subject to intensive mining that currently uses inorganic soil amendments (gypsum and urea) in post-mining rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of these amendments to (1) promote seed germination, seedling emergence and seedling growth across five plant species and, (2) re-instate soil quality in mine waste substrates. A series of glasshouse experiments assessed eight application combinations of these amendments in two alternative substrates and compared these to unamended substrates and topsoil. Soil amendments had a limited influence on seed germination, were detrimental to seedling emergence and resulted in increased seedling mortality. Mortality in the waste ranged from 2 to 61% but increased to 7-92% in amended waste. Seedling growth improved with high doses of amendments in waste, with a 1.3-5.6-fold increase across all plant species. Soil quality was relatively unaffected by amendments with soil nitrogen ranging from 0.01 to 0.08%, organic carbon from 0.01 to 0.12% and soil microbial activity from 2.3 to 2.4 ppm-CO2 in the amended and unamended waste. The use of soil amendments in mine rehabilitation requires consideration of the trade-off between initial reductions in seedling recruitment and enhanced seedling development at later stages. Future rehabilitation should consider the timing of amendment application to avoid detrimental impacts on seedling recruitment and maximise the benefits to seedling growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber M Bateman
- The University of Western Australia, School of Biological Sciences, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia; (b)Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, 6005, WA, Australia.
| | - Todd E Erickson
- The University of Western Australia, School of Biological Sciences, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia; (b)Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, 6005, WA, Australia
| | - David J Merritt
- The University of Western Australia, School of Biological Sciences, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia; (b)Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, 6005, WA, Australia
| | - Miriam Muñoz-Rojas
- The University of Western Australia, School of Biological Sciences, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia; (b)Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, 6005, WA, Australia; The University of New South Wales, Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Randwick, 2052, NSW, Australia
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Pedrini S, Lewandrowski W, Stevens JC, Dixon KW. Optimising seed processing techniques to improve germination and sowability of native grasses for ecological restoration. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2019; 21:415-424. [PMID: 30076679 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Grasslands across the globe are undergoing expansive degradation due to human impacts and climate change. If restoration of degraded native grassland is to be achieved at the scale now required, cost-effective means for seed-based establishment of grass species is crucial. However, grass seeds present numerous challenges associated with handling and germination performance that must be overcome to improve the efficiency of seeding. Previous research has demonstrated that complete removal of the palea and lemma (husk) maximises germination performance, hence we investigated the effects of complete husk removal on seed handling and germination of four temperate Australian grass species. Three techniques were tested to remove the husk - manual cleaning, flaming or acid digestion (the latter two followed by a manual cleaning step); these techniques were refined and adapted to the selected species, and germination responses were compared. The complete removal of the husk improved seed handling and sowability for all species. Germination was improved in Microlaena stipoides by 19% and in Rytidosperma geniculatum by 11%. Of the husk removal methods tested, flaming was detrimental to seed germination and fatal for one species (R. geniculatum). Compared to manual cleaning, sulphuric acid improved the overall efficacy of the cleaning procedure and increased germination speed (T50) in Austrostipa scabra, Chloris truncata and M. stipoides, and improved final germination in R. geniculatum by 13%. The seed processing methods developed and tested in the present study can be applied to grass species that present similar handling and germination performance impediments. These and other technological developments (seed coating and precision sowing) will facilitate more efficient grassland restoration at large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pedrini
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - W Lewandrowski
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - J C Stevens
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - K W Dixon
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Gonzalez SL, Ghermandi L. Dwarf shrub facilitates seedling recruitment and plant diversity in semiarid grasslands. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212058. [PMID: 30730964 PMCID: PMC6366867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The facilitation mechanism maintains ecosystem richness by increasing seedling recruitment. Overgrazed grasslands of northwestern Patagonia are invaded by shrubs that could promote the seedling recruitment of forage species. We investigated the role of Acaena splendens shrubs on the maintenance of diversity and its usefulness as a nurse shrub in the recruitment of Festuca pallescens, a grass of high forage value present with a low cover in degraded grasslands. To test the performance of A.splendens as a nurse plant in non-degraded grassland, we recorded the species richness four years inside of A. splendens senescent shrubs and in gaps among dominant tussock grasses. Species were grouped in four functional groups: annual and biannual herbs and grasses, perennial herbs, perennial grasses and shrubs. To test the usefulness of A. splendens in the restoration of degraded grassland, we monitored the seedling emergence and survival of F. pallescens inside A. splendens and in gaps. We related seedling survival to meteorological and microenvironmental conditions. Species richness was higher in Acaena nurse plants than in gaps. The frequency of functional groups, with exception of annual and biannual herbs and grasses, were higher in Acaena than in gaps. Seedling emergence and survival of F. pallescens were higher in Acaena, but the seedlings died in summer in both microsites. Mean maximum temperature was higher and mean minimum humidity lower in gaps than in Acaena during spring. However, the spring-summer season in which we monitored F. pallescens survival, was exceptionally dry and hot, affecting the survival of F. pallescens seedlings. Our results show that A. splendens act as a nurse species increasing the richness in the non-degraded grassland and facilitating the seedling recruitment of an important forage species in the degraded grassland. Nevertheless, the facilitation mechanism will fail in drought conditions, indicating that this restoration tool is limited by climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía L. Gonzalez
- Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
- * E-mail:
| | - Luciana Ghermandi
- Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
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Bosco T, Bertiller MB, Carrera AL. Abiotic factors affect the recruitment and biomass of perennial grass and evergreen shrub seedlings in denuded areas of Patagonian Monte rangelands. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 218:118-128. [PMID: 29674159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the ability of key species to cope with environmental stresses in disturbed areas is an important issue for recovery of degraded arid ecosystem. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of soil moisture, exposure to UV radiation, and presence/absence of litter with different chemistry on soil N, recruitment and biomass of seedlings of perennial grass (Poa ligularis and Nassella tenuis) and evergreen shrub species (Atriplex lampa and Larrea divaricata) in denuded areas. We carried out a microcosm experiment with soil blocks (28 cm depth) sowed with seeds of the target species, subjected to different levels of litter type (perennial grass-evergreen shrub mixture, evergreen shrub mixture, and no litter), UV radiation (near ambient and reduced UV), and soil water (high: 15-25% and low 5-15%). Periodically, during 6 months, we assessed soil-N (total and inorganic) at two depths and species seedling recruitment at microcosms. Additionally, emerged seedlings of each species were transplanted to individual pots containing soil and subjected to the same previous factors during 12 months. Then, all plants were harvested and biomass assessed. Only inorganic soil-N at the upper soil varied among treatments increasing with the presence of evergreen shrub litter, exposure to ambient UV, and high soil water. Inorganic soil-N, promoted by near ambient UV and high soil water, had a positive effect on recruitment of perennial grasses and A. lampa. Both litter types promoted the recruitment of perennial grasses. Evergreen shrub litter and high soil water promoted the recruitment of L. divaricata. Seedling biomass of perennial grasses increased with high soil water and reduced UV. Ambient UV had positive or null effects on biomass of evergreen shrub seedlings. High soil water increased biomass of L. divaricata seedlings. We concluded that soil water appeared as the most limiting factor for seedling recruitment of all species whereas inorganic soil N limited the recruitment of the small-seeded perennial grasses and A. lampa. Ambient UV had negative effects on seedling biomass of perennial grasses. These complex relationships among abiotic factors and seed and plant traits should be taken into account when planning management actions after disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Bosco
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC) - CONICET, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.
| | - Mónica Beatriz Bertiller
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC) - CONICET, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Analía Lorena Carrera
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC) - CONICET, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
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Orr MR, Kocurek KM, Young DL. Gut Microbiota and Human Health: Insights From Ecological Restoration. THE QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1086/698021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Barak RS, Lichtenberger TM, Wellman‐Houde A, Kramer AT, Larkin DJ. Cracking the case: Seed traits and phylogeny predict time to germination in prairie restoration species. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:5551-5562. [PMID: 29938073 PMCID: PMC6010845 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Traits are important for understanding how plant communities assemble and function, providing a common currency for studying ecological processes across species, locations, and habitat types. However, the majority of studies relating species traits to community assembly rely upon vegetative traits of mature plants. Seed traits, which are understudied relative to whole-plant traits, are key to understanding assembly of plant communities. This is particularly true for restored communities, which are typically started de novo from seed, making seed germination a critical first step in community assembly and an early filter for plant establishment. We experimentally tested the effects of seed traits (mass, shape, and embryo to seed size ratio) and phylogeny on germination response in 32 species commonly used in prairie grassland restoration in the Midwestern USA, analyzing data using time-to-event (survival) analysis. As germination is also influenced by seed dormancy, and dormancy break treatments are commonly employed in restoration, we also tested the effects of two pretreatments (cold stratification and gibberellic acid application) on time to germination. Seed traits, phylogeny, and seed pretreatments all affected time to germination. Of all traits tested, variables related to seed shape (height and shape variance) best predicted germination response, with high-variance (i.e., pointier and narrower) seeds germinating faster. Phylogenetic position (the location of species on the phylogenetic tree relative to other tested species) was also an important predictor of germination response, that is, closely related species showed similar patterns in time to germination. This was true despite the fact that all measured seed traits showed phylogenetic signal, therefore phylogeny provided residual information that was not already captured by measured seed traits. Seed traits, phylogenetic position, and germination pretreatments were important predictors of germination response for a suite of species commonly used in grassland restoration. Shape traits were especially important, while mass, often the only seed trait used in studies of community assembly, was not a strong predictor of germination timing. These findings illustrate the ecological importance of seed traits that are rarely incorporated into functional studies of plant communities. This information can also be used to advance restoration practice by guiding restoration planning and seed mix design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S. Barak
- Plant Science and ConservationChicago Botanic GardenGlencoeIllinois
- Program in Plant Biology and ConservationNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinois
| | - Taran M. Lichtenberger
- Plant Science and ConservationChicago Botanic GardenGlencoeIllinois
- Program in Plant Biology and ConservationNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinois
| | - Alyssa Wellman‐Houde
- Program in Environmental ScienceUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore CountyBaltimoreMaryland
- Department of Environmental Science and TechnologyUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMaryland
| | - Andrea T. Kramer
- Plant Science and ConservationChicago Botanic GardenGlencoeIllinois
| | - Daniel J. Larkin
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSt. PaulMinnesota
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Javaid MM, Florentine S, Ali HH, Weller S. Effect of environmental factors on the germination and emergence of Salvia verbenaca L. cultivars (verbenaca and vernalis): An invasive species in semi-arid and arid rangeland regions. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194319. [PMID: 29566039 PMCID: PMC5863982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Salvia verbenaca (wild sage) is a commonly cultivated herbal medicine plant, which is native to the Mediterranean climate regions of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. However, it has become an invasive species in semi-arid and arid regions of southern Australia. Two varieties are present in this region, var. verbenaca and var. vernalis, each of which can be distinguished by differences in morphology and flowering period. Following trials to determine the optimum temperate regime for germination and response to light and dark, seeds of both varieties were tested for their response to variations in pH, moisture stress, salinity, and burial depth. The temperature and light trial was carried out using three different temperature regimes; 30/20°C, 25/15°C and 20/12°C, and two light regimes; 12 hours light/12 hours dark and 24 hours dark, with var. vernalis responding to relatively higher temperatures than var. verbenaca. The germination rate of neither species was significantly inhibited by complete darkness when compared to rates under periodic light exposure. Both varieties germinated at near optimum rates strongly to very strongly in all pH buffer solutions, from pH 5 to pH 10, but they responded most strongly at neutral pH. Var. vernalis showed slightly more tolerance to reduced moisture availability, moderate to strong salinity, and burial depth, compared to var. verbenaca. However, even a fairly shallow burial depth of 2 cm completely inhibited germination of both varieties. Thus, in circumstances where both varieties are present in a soil seedbank, var. vernalis could be expected to establish in more challenging conditions, where moisture is limited and salinity is ‘moderate to high’, implying that it is a more serious threat for invasive weed in conditions where crop plants are already challenged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Mansoor Javaid
- Department of Agronomy, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
- Centre for Environmental Management, Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen, Ballarat, Vic, Australia
| | - Singarayer Florentine
- Centre for Environmental Management, Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen, Ballarat, Vic, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Hafiz Haider Ali
- Department of Agronomy, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Sandra Weller
- Centre for Environmental Management, Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen, Ballarat, Vic, Australia
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50
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Seglias AE, Williams E, Bilge A, Kramer AT. Phylogeny and source climate impact seed dormancy and germination of restoration-relevant forb species. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191931. [PMID: 29401470 PMCID: PMC5798788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
For many species and seed sources used in restoration activities, specific seed germination requirements are often unknown. Because seed dormancy and germination traits can be constrained by phylogenetic history, related species are often assumed to have similar traits. However, significant variation in these traits is also present within species as a result of adaptation to local climatic conditions. A growing number of studies have attempted to disentangle how phylogeny and climate influence seed dormancy and germination traits, but they have focused primarily on species-level effects, ignoring potential population-level variation. We examined the relationships between phylogeny, climate, and seed dormancy and germination traits for 24 populations of eight native, restoration-relevant forb species found in a wide range of climatic conditions in the Southwest United States. The seeds were exposed to eight temperature and stratification length regimes designed to mimic regional climatic conditions. Phylogenetic relatedness, overall climatic conditions, and temperature conditions at the site were all significantly correlated with final germination response, with significant among-population variation in germination response across incubation treatments for seven of our eight study species. Notably, germination during stratification was significantly predicted by precipitation seasonality and differed significantly among populations for seven species. While previous studies have not examined germination during stratification as a potential trait influencing overall germination response, our results suggest that this trait should be included in germination studies as well as seed sourcing decisions. Results of this study deepen our understanding of the relationships between source climate, species identity, and germination, leading to improved seed sourcing decisions for restorations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E. Seglias
- Program in Plant Biology and Conservation, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Plant Science and Conservation, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Evelyn Williams
- Department of Plant Science and Conservation, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Arman Bilge
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Andrea T. Kramer
- Department of Plant Science and Conservation, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois, United States of America
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