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Xie K, Qiu J, Mamut J, Li Y, Tan D. Protection against insect predation during fruit development: the role of fleshy fruit wings of three species of Zygophyllum in the cold desert of Central Asia. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1267714. [PMID: 38034578 PMCID: PMC10682714 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1267714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Fruit wings serve various ecological functions, including facilitating wind dispersal, providing physical protection to seeds, and regulating seed germination. While many studies have reported the role of fruit wings in plants, little is known about their protective function during fruit development. Methods In this study, winged fruits damaged by insects in natural populations of three Zygophyllum species (Z. potaninii, Z. lehmannianum and Z. macropterum) were investigated. We measured and compared the percentage of damaged winged fruits, seed set, seed mass, seed germination, and seedling growth of different insect herbivory categories. Results The results revealed that the percentage of winged fruits with damaged wings only (low predation) was significantly higher than that of with damaged both fruit wings and fruit bodies (high predation). Furthermore, winged fruits with low predation had significant higher seed set, seed mass, seed germination, and dry mass and relative growth rate (RGR) in the seedlings which grown from the seeds, than that from winged fruits with high predation. Discussion These results demonstrate that the presence of the fruit wings may provide protection for the seeds to alleviate harm from insect predation before dispersal. These findings provide new insights into the function of fruit wings and the reproductive strategies of desert plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqing Xie
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Western Arid Region Grassland Resources and Ecology, College of Grassland Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Juan Qiu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Jannathan Mamut
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Western Arid Region Grassland Resources and Ecology, College of Grassland Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Yuting Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Dunyan Tan
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
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Borden JB, San Antonio KM, Tomat-Kelly G, Clark T, Flory SL. Invasive grass indirectly alters seasonal patterns in seed predation. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20220095. [PMID: 35702984 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive species threaten ecosystems globally, but their impacts can be cryptic when they occur indirectly. Invader phenology can also differ from that of native species, potentially causing seasonality in invader impacts. Yet, it is unclear if invader phenology can drive seasonal patterns in indirect effects. We used a field experiment to test if an invasive grass (Imperata cylindrica) caused seasonal indirect effects by altering rodent foraging and seed predation patterns through time. Using seeds from native longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), we found seed predation was 25% greater, on average, in invaded than control plots, but this effect varied by season. Seed predation was 24-157% greater in invaded plots during spring and autumn months, but invasion had no effect on seed predation in other months. One of the largest effects occurred in October when longleaf pine seeds are dispersed, suggesting potential effects on tree regeneration. Thus, seasonal patterns in indirect effects from invaders may cause underappreciated impacts on ecological communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse B Borden
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kelly M San Antonio
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | | | - Taylor Clark
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - S Luke Flory
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Stewart PS, Hill RA, Stephens PA, Whittingham MJ, Dawson W. Impacts of invasive plants on animal behaviour. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:891-907. [PMID: 33524221 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The spread of invasive species is a threat to ecosystems worldwide. However, we know relatively little about how invasive species affect the behaviour of native animals, even though behaviour plays a vital role in the biotic interactions which are key to understanding the causes and impacts of biological invasions. Here, we explore how invasive plants - one of the most pervasive invasive taxa - impact the behaviour of native animals. To promote a mechanistic understanding of these behavioural impacts, we begin by introducing a mechanistic framework which explicitly considers the drivers and ecological consequences of behavioural change, as well as the moderating role of environmental context. We then synthesise the existing literature within this framework. We find that while some behavioural impacts of invasive plants are relatively well-covered in the literature, others are supported by only a handful of studies and should be explored further in the future. We conclude by identifying priority topics for future research, which will benefit from an interdisciplinary approach uniting invasion ecology with the study of animal behaviour and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Stewart
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Russell A Hill
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | | | - Mark J Whittingham
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Wayne Dawson
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo WANG
- School of Resources and Environmental EngineeringAnhui University Hefei Anhui Province China
- Center for Integrative ConservationXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Mengla Yunnan Province China
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Moncalvillo B, Méndez M, Iriondo JM. Ecotypic differentiation reveals seed colour-related alkaloid content in a crop wild relative. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2019; 21:942-950. [PMID: 30980687 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Crop wild relatives can be a useful source of genotypes that maximise crop survival and yield in specific habitats. Lupinus angustifolius is an annual forb with crop varieties derived from a narrow genetic basis but that are cultivated worldwide. Its seeds have high nutritional value, but they naturally contain alkaloids with anti-nutritive factors. The study of its wild populations can be useful to find genotypes that contribute to higher climate resilience and greater yield under stressing environmental conditions. Using a common garden, we evaluated ecotypic differentiation in four natural populations from two contrasting latitudes in terms of plant biomass, seed mass and number, alkaloid content in seeds for the three main alkaloids present in the plant and seed colour, including its possible influence on post-dispersal predation. Correlations among traits were also assessed. We found differences among populations for all traits except final biomass. Northern populations had lighter seeds and a tendency to yield more seeds when they produced white seeds, compared to southern populations and variegated seeds. Regardless of latitude, populations showed differences in alkaloid concentration, with all three alkaloids found generally in high or low concentrations in each population. Proportion of white seed morphs varied in each population. Seed colour did not influence predator preference. In addition, white seed colour was related to a low alkaloid content. Our results evidence the existence of natural ecotypic differentiation in L. angustifolius not only due to latitudinal range, but also to local environmental factors. White seed coat colour could be used as a visual clue for identification of low-alkaloid genotypes, a priority trait in L. angustifolius breeding programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Moncalvillo
- Biodiversity and Conservation Unit, Department Biology, Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, ESCET, URJC, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Méndez
- Biodiversity and Conservation Unit, Department Biology, Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, ESCET, URJC, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Iriondo
- Biodiversity and Conservation Unit, Department Biology, Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, ESCET, URJC, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
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Arruda AJ, Buisson E, Poschlod P, Silveira FAO. How have we studied seed rain in grasslands and what do we need to improve for better restoration? Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- André J. Arruda
- Departamento de Botânica; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; 30161-970 Belo Horizonte Brazil
- IMBE - Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie, CNRS, IRD, Aix Marseille Université, IUT d'Avignon, AGROPARC BP6120; Université d'Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse; 84911, Avignon France
| | - Elise Buisson
- IMBE - Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie, CNRS, IRD, Aix Marseille Université, IUT d'Avignon, AGROPARC BP6120; Université d'Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse; 84911, Avignon France
| | - Peter Poschlod
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Preclinical Medicine; University of Regensburg; D-93040 Regensburg Germany
| | - Fernando A. O. Silveira
- Departamento de Botânica; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; 30161-970 Belo Horizonte Brazil
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Pardini EA, Parsons LS, Ştefan V, Knight TM. GLMM BACI environmental impact analysis shows coastal dune restoration reduces seed predation on an endangered plant. Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor A. Pardini
- Environmental Studies Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Box 1137 St. Louis MO 63130 U.S.A
| | - Lorraine S. Parsons
- Natural Resources Division Point Reyes National Seashore, 1 Bear Valley Road Point Reyes Station CA 94956 U.S.A
| | - Valentin Ştefan
- Department of Community Ecology Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Theodor‐Lieser‐Straße 4 06120 Halle (Saale) Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Tiffany M. Knight
- Department of Community Ecology Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Theodor‐Lieser‐Straße 4 06120 Halle (Saale) Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e 04103 Leipzig Germany
- Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1 06108 Halle (Saale) Germany
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Bialic-Murphy L, Gaoue OG, Knight T. Using Transfer Function Analysis to develop biologically and economically efficient restoration strategies. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2094. [PMID: 29391501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare species across taxonomic groups and biomes commonly suffer from multiple threats and require intensive restoration, including population reintroduction and threat control. Following reintroduction, it is necessary to identify what level of threat control is needed for species to persist over time. Population reintroduction and threat control are time intensive and costly. Thus, it is pragmatic to develop economically efficient restoration strategies. We combined transfer function analysis and economic cost analysis to evaluate the effects of biologically meaningful increases in demographic processes on the persistence of a reintroduced population of a Hawaii endemic long-lived shrub, Delissea waianaeensis. We show that an increase in fertility by 0.419 following the suppression of non-native rodents or an increase by 0.098 in seedling growth following the suppression of invasive molluscs would stabilize the population (i.e., λ = 1). Though a greater increase in fertility than seedling growth was needed for the reintroduced population to persist over time, increasing fertility by suppressing rodents was the most cost effective restoration strategy. Our study emphasizes the importance of considering the effects of large increases in plant vital rates in population projections and incorporating the economic cost of management actions in demographic models when developing restoration plans for endangered species.
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