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Wang Q, Zhang H, Yan Z, Wang J, Yu H, Yu D, Liu C. Decomposition of exotic versus native aquatic plant litter in a lake littoral zone: Stoichiometry and life form analyses. Sci Total Environ 2024; 927:172271. [PMID: 38583606 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172271] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The decomposition rates and stoichiometric characteristics of many aquatic plants remain unclear, and our understanding of material flow and nutrient cycles within freshwater ecosystems is limited. In this study, an in-situ experiment involving 23 aquatic plants (16 native and 7 exotic species) was carried out via the litter bag method for 63 days, during which time the mass loss and nutrient content (carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P)) of plants were measured. Floating-leaved plants exhibited the highest decomposition rate (0.038 ± 0.002 day-1), followed by submerged plants and free-floating plants (0.029 ± 0.002 day-1), and emergent plants had the lowest decomposition rate (0.019 ± 0.001 day-1). Mass loss by aquatic plants correlated with stoichiometric characteristics; the decomposition rate increased with an increasing P content and with a decreasing C content, C:N ratio, and C:P ratio. Notably, the decomposition rate of submerged exotic plants (0.044 ± 0.002 day-1) significantly exceeded that of native plants (0.026 ± 0.004 day-1), while the decomposition rate of emergent exotic plants was 55 ± 4 % higher than that of native plants. The decomposition rates of floating-leaved and free-floating plants did not significantly differ between the native and exotic species. During decomposition, emergent plants displayed an increase in C content and a decrease in N content, contrary to patterns observed in other life forms. The P content decreased for submerged (128 ± 7 %), emergent (90 ± 5 %), floating-leaved (104 ± 6 %), and free-floating plants (32 ± 6 %). Exotic plants released more C and P but accumulated more N than did native plants. In conclusion, the decomposition of aquatic plants is closely linked to litter quality and influences nutrient cycling in freshwater ecosystems. Given these findings, the invasion of the littoral zone by submerged and emergent exotic plants deserves further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Wang
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Hongli Zhang
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430062, China; Jianyang Middle School of Sichuan Province, Sichuan 641499, China
| | - Zhiwei Yan
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430062, China; Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Wuhan 430019, China
| | - Junnan Wang
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Haihao Yu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Dan Yu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Chunhua Liu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430062, China.
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Sánchez Sánchez M, Lara C. Exotic and native plants play equally important roles in supporting and structuring plant-hummingbird networks within urban green spaces. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16996. [PMID: 38406283 PMCID: PMC10893870 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16996] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Urban gardens, despite their transformed nature, serve as invaluable microcosms for a quantitative examination of floral resource provision to urban pollinators, considering the plant's origin. Thus, knowledge has increased, emphasizing the importance of these green areas for hosting and conserving pollinator communities. However, there is a significant knowledge gap concerning the changing availability of these native and exotic floral resources over time and their impact on structuring interaction networks with specific pollinators. Methods Over a year-long period, monthly surveys were conducted to record both native and exotic plant species visited by hummingbirds in an urban garden at Tlaxcala, Mexico. Flower visits were recorded, and the total flowers on each plant visited were tallied. Additionally, all observed hummingbirds were recorded during the transect walks, regardless of plant visits, to determine hummingbird abundance. The interactions were summarized using matrices, and network descriptors like connectance, specializacion, nestedness, and modularity were computed. Plant and hummingbird species in the core and periphery of the network were also identified. Lastly, simulations were performed to assess the network's resilience to the extinction of highly connected native and exotic plant species, including those previously situated in the network's core. Results We recorded 4,674 interactions between 28 plant species, and eight hummingbird species. The majority of plants showed an ornithophilic syndrome, with 20 species considered exotic. Despite asynchronous flowering, there was overlap observed across different plant species throughout the year. Exotic plants like Jacaranda mimosifolia and Nicotiana glauca produced more flowers annually than native species. The abundance of hummingbirds varied throughout the study, with Saucerottia berillyna being the most abundant species. The plant-hummingbird network displayed high connectance, indicating generalization in their interaction. Significant nestedness was observed, mainly influenced by exotic plant species. The core of the network was enriched with exotic plants, while Basilinna leucotis and Cynanthus latirostris played central roles among hummingbirds. Network resilience to species extinction remained generally high. Conclusions Our findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics and structure of plant-hummingbird interactions in urban gardens, emphasizing the influence of exotic plant species and the network's resilience to perturbations. Understanding and managing the impact of exotic plants on such networks is crucial for the conservation and sustainable functioning of urban ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monserrat Sánchez Sánchez
- Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Maestría en Biotecnología y Manejo de Recursos Naturales, San Felipe Ixtacuixtla, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Carlos Lara
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Ixtacuixtla, Tlaxcala, Mexico
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Muvengwi J, Ndagurwa HGT, Witkowski ETF, Mbiba M. Woody species composition, diversity, and ecosystem services of yards along an urban socioeconomic gradient. Sci Total Environ 2024; 912:168976. [PMID: 38036145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168976] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Woody plants offer a wide range of valuable ecosystem services, but their distribution across socioeconomic gradients in urban landscapes remains poorly understood. Thus, we explored the effect of socioeconomic and legacy factors on plant species richness and phylogenetic diversity, and the motivations for growing and keeping certain species. We sampled a total of 300 households across a socioeconomic gradient in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe, in high-, medium- and low-density areas, representing low to high wealth strata. Trees were mostly grown for ornamental purpose in the rich (low-density) suburbs and utilitarian purposes in the poorer medium to high-density areas. However, trees were also grown with similar proportion for shade across the socioeconomic gradient. Proportion of medicinal and fruit trees increased with household density, while wind break trees were more common in low-density suburbs. Exotic species exhibited greater species richness compared with indigenous species, with both combined and separate assessments of indigenous and exotic species richness revealing a significant positive association with socioeconomic and legacy factors. The composition of species displayed considerable variation along the socioeconomic gradient. Notably, in low-density environments, exotic species maintained elevated phylogenetic diversity in comparison to indigenous species. This distinction was particularly pronounced when analysed independently, revealing a significant positive correlation between exotic species richness and both property value and education level. Our study shows that residents filter specific plant species based on their socioeconomic status and that, relative to low-income households, the rich homeowners have unintentionally incorporated enough exotic species to produce novel phylogenetic diversity of woody plants in their yards. Thus, we confirm the existence of a socioeconomic gradient in terms of species richness, composition, and phylogenetic diversity. However, the imbalance in species richness and phylogenetic diversity across the socioeconomic gradient can be reduced by increased tree planting in open areas, including along streets in medium to high-density areas to improve ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justice Muvengwi
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
| | - Hilton G T Ndagurwa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Department of Geospatial Science, Faculty of Environmental Science, National University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box AC 939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Ed T F Witkowski
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Monicah Mbiba
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
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Chisholm T, McCune JL. Vegetation type and trail use interact to affect the magnitude and extent of recreational trail impacts on plant communities. J Environ Manage 2024; 351:119817. [PMID: 38113790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119817] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Protected areas may prohibit large-scale deforestation and development, but still allow recreation via networks of roads and trails. Managers need to understand how the type of trail usage and the habitat the trail traverses influence the nature and extent of the trail impact. We measured the effect of trails on plant communities in a large, protected area in the southern Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. We surveyed 118 transects adjacent to trails and 24 control transects at least 100 m from trails, recording the presence and abundance of all vascular plant species. We modelled changes in species richness, community composition, and the presence of exotic species as a function of trail type, vegetation type, and the distance from the trail edge. Overall, species richness increased with proximity to trails and community composition shifted significantly, with a greater likelihood of exotic species presence closer to trails. Heightened species richness and greater probability of exotic species presence extended a greater distance from off-highway vehicle trails than from footpaths, but only in shrubland and mixed forest vegetation. In addition, exotic species at higher elevations were most often associated with off-highway vehicle trails. Our study shows that the magnitude and extent of trail impacts on plant communities varies depending on trail type, vegetation type, and sometimes interactions between the two. The high frequency and intensity of off-highway vehicle trail use likely increases both propagule pressure and the severity of disturbance, while vegetation type determines light availability and hence invasibility. Managers can use this information to prioritize trail areas for exotic species monitoring and restrict high-intensity off-highway vehicle trails to less sensitive vegetation types at lower elevations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinitas Chisholm
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - J L McCune
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
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Jaafar SM, Sukri RS. Data on the physicochemical characteristics and texture classification of soil in Bornean tropical heath forests affected by exotic Acacia mangium. Data Brief 2023; 51:109670. [PMID: 37869617 PMCID: PMC10587726 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109670] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This article describes distinctive soil properties within three Bornean tropical heath forest habitats associated with Acacia invasion in Brunei Darussalam. The data was systematically collected from eighteen 20 × 20 m plots set up within an Acacia mangium plantation, the adjacent intact heath forest, and Acacia mangium invaded heath forest. Within each plot, we collected eight soil cores from both topsoil and subsoil depths and measured soil pH, soil gravimetric water content, organic matter content, and concentrations of soil nutrients (total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as exchangeable magnesium, calcium, and potassium and available phosphorus). Soil texture classification across all three habitats were also determined. This comprehensive dataset offers valuable insights into the ecological consequences of Acacia invasion into Bornean heath forests. Given the scarcity of studies focusing on diverse Bornean soil types and the impacts of invasive plants, our dataset can supplement future research efforts. Consequently, this dataset holds considerable value as a tool to offer insights to effectively address the challenge posed by exotic plant invasions on native tropical ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwana Md. Jaafar
- Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan BE 1410, Brunei
| | - Rahayu Sukmaria Sukri
- Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan BE 1410, Brunei
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Perdomo-González A, Pérez-Reverón R, Goberna M, León-Barrios M, Fernández-López M, Villadas PJ, Reyes-Betancort JA, Díaz-Peña FJ. How harmful are exotic plantations for soils and its microbiome? A case study in an arid island. Sci Total Environ 2023; 879:163030. [PMID: 36963683 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163030] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The plantation of exotic species has been a common practice in (semi-) arid areas worldwide aiming to restore highly degraded habitats. The effects of these plantations on plant cover or soil erosion have been widely studied, while little attention has been paid to the consequences on soil quality and belowground biological communities. This study evaluates the long-term (>60 years) effects of the exotic species Acacia cyclops and Pinus halepensis revegetation on soil properties, including microbiome, in an arid island. Soils under exotic plantation were compared to both degraded soils with a very low cover of native species and soils with well-preserved native plant communities. Seven scenarios were selected in a small area (~25 ha) with similar soil type but differing in the plant cover. Topsoils (0-15 cm) were analyzed for physical, chemical and biochemical properties, and amplicon sequencing of bacterial and fungal communities. Microbial diversity was similar among soils with exotic plants and native vegetation (Shannon's index = 5.26 and 5.34, respectively), while the most eroded soils exhibited significantly lower diversity levels (Shannon's index = 4.72). Bacterial and fungal communities' composition in degraded soils greatly differed from those in vegetated soils (Canberra index = 0.85 and 0.92, respectively) likely due to high soil sodicity, fine textures and compaction. Microbial communities' composition also differed in soils covered with exotic and native species, to a greater extent for fungi than for bacteria (Canberra index = 0.94 and 0.89, respectively), due to higher levels of nutrients, microbial biomass and activity in soils with native species. Results suggest that reforestation succeeded in avoiding further soil degradation but still leading to relevant changes in soil microbial community that may have negative effects on ecosystem stability. Information gained in this research could be useful for environmental agencies and decision makers about the controversial replacement of exotic plants in insular territories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Perdomo-González
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Raquel Pérez-Reverón
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Marta Goberna
- Departamento de Medio Ambiente y Agronomía, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Milagros León-Barrios
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Microbiología, Biología Celular y Genética, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Manuel Fernández-López
- Grupo de Microbiología de Ecosistemas Agroforestales, Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y la Planta, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo J Villadas
- Grupo de Microbiología de Ecosistemas Agroforestales, Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y la Planta, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - J Alfredo Reyes-Betancort
- Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava, Instituto Canario de Investigaciones Agrarias (ICIA), 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
| | - Francisco J Díaz-Peña
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
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Galappaththi HSSD, de Silva WAPP, Clavijo Mccormick A. A mini-review on the impact of common gorse in its introduced ranges. Trop Ecol 2023; 64:1-25. [PMID: 35531346 PMCID: PMC9059460 DOI: 10.1007/s42965-022-00239-9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
It is indisputable that invasive plant species strongly impact the ecosystems they invade. Many of such impacts can be negative and threaten the local species through competition, environmental change, or habitat loss. However, introduced plants may also have positive roles in the ecosystems they invade. This review extracted information from reports on common gorse (Ulex europaeus), one of the top 100 invasive plants on the earth, including its detrimental effects and potential beneficial roles in invaded ecosystems. The reduction of native fauna and flora are the main harmful effects of common gorse identified by the literature review. Soil impoverishment and fire hazards are other negative impacts reported for common gorse that could affect agricultural systems and local economies. Despite the negative impacts, reports of positive ecological services provided by common gorse also exist, e.g., as a nursery plant or habitat for endangered native animals. We also reviewed the known human uses of this plant that could support management strategies through harvest and benefit the local communities, including its use as biofuel, raw matter for xylan extraction, medicine, and food. Finally, our review identified the gaps in the literature regarding the understanding of the beneficial role of common gorse on native ecosystems and potential human uses, especially in the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Clavijo Mccormick
- School of Agriculture and Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Devegili AM, Lescano MN, Gianoli E, Farji-Brener AG. Evidence of indirect biotic resistance: native ants decrease invasive plant fitness by enhancing aphid infestation. Oecologia 2021; 196:607-618. [PMID: 33616724 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04874-2] [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] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The biotic resistance hypothesis asserts that native species may hinder the invasion of exotic species, which can occur either directly or indirectly by influencing interactions between exotic and local species. Aphid-tending ants may play a key role in the indirect biotic resistance to plant invasion. Ants may protect aphids, thus increasing their negative effect on exotic plants, but may also deter chewing herbivores, thus benefiting exotic plants. We studied native aphid-tending ants (Dorymyrmex tener, Camponotus distinguendus, and Dorymyrmex richteri) on exotic nodding thistles (Carduus thoermeri), which are attacked by thistle aphids (Brachycaudus cardui) and thistle-head weevils (Rhinocyllus conicus). We evaluated the impact of ants, aphids, and weevils on thistle seed set. We compared ant species aggressiveness towards aphid predators and weevils and performed ant-exclusion experiments to determine the effects of ants on aphid predators and weevils. We analysed whether ant species affected thistle seed set through their effects on aphids and/or weevils. The ant D. tener showed the most aggressive behaviour towards aphid predators and weevils. Further, D. tener successfully removed aphid predators from thistles but did not affect weevils. Excluding D. tener from thistles increased seed set. Analyses supported a negative indirect pathway between the aggressive D. tener and thistle seed set through aphid populations, while the other ant species showed no indirect effects on thistle reproduction. Therefore, aggressive aphid-tending ants may enhance biotic resistance by increasing aphid infestation on exotic invasive plants. This study highlights the importance of indirect biotic resistance in modulating the success of invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés M Devegili
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Hormigas (LIHO), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-UNComa), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, C.P: 8400, S.C. de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina.
| | - María N Lescano
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Hormigas (LIHO), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-UNComa), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, C.P: 8400, S.C. de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Ernesto Gianoli
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile.,Departamento de Botánica, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alejandro G Farji-Brener
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Hormigas (LIHO), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-UNComa), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, C.P: 8400, S.C. de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
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Yang W, Zhang D, Cai X, Xia L, Luo Y, Cheng X, An S. Significant alterations in soil fungal communities along a chronosequence of Spartina alterniflora invasion in a Chinese Yellow Sea coastal wetland. Sci Total Environ 2019; 693:133548. [PMID: 31369894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plant invasion typically alters the microbial communities of soils, which affects ecosystem carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles. The responses of the soil fungal communities to plant invasion along its chronosequence remain poorly understood. For this study, we investigated variations in soil fungal communities through Illumina MiSeq sequencing analyses of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), along a chronosequence (i.e., 9-, 13-, 20- and 23-year-old) of invasive Spartina alterniflora. We compared these variations with those of bare flat in a Chinese Yellow Sea coastal wetland. Our results highlighted that the abundance of soil fungi, the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), species richness, and Shannon diversity indices for soil fungal communities were highest in 9-year-old S. alterniflora soil, which gradually declined along the invasion chronosequence. The relative abundance of copiotrophic Basidiomycota revealed significant decreasing trend, while the relative abundance of oligotrophic Ascomycota gradually increased along the S. alterniflora invasion chronosequence. The relative abundance of soil saprotrophic fungi (e.g., undefined saprotrophs) was gradually reduced while symbiotic fungi (e.g., ectomycorrhizal fungi) and pathotrophic fungi (e.g., plant and animal pathogens) progressively increased along the S. alterniflora invasion chronosequence. Our results suggested that S. alterniflora invasion significantly altered soil fungal abundance and diversity, community composition, trophic modes, and functional groups along a chronosequence, via substantially reduced soil litter inputs, and gradually decreased soil pH, moisture, and soil nutrient substrates along the invasion chronosequence, from 9 to 23 years. These changes in soil fungal communities, particularly their trophic modes and functional groups along the S. alterniflora invasion chronosequence could well impact the decomposition and accumulation of soil C and N, while potentially altering ecosystem C and N sinks in a Chinese Yellow Sea coastal wetland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, PR China.
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, PR China
| | - Xinwen Cai
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, PR China
| | - Lu Xia
- School of Life Science and Institute of Wetland Ecology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Yiqi Luo
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss), Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Xiaoli Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
| | - Shuqing An
- School of Life Science and Institute of Wetland Ecology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
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Geedicke I, Oldeland J, Leishman MR. Urban stormwater run-off promotes compression of saltmarshes by freshwater plants and mangrove forests. Sci Total Environ 2018; 637-638:137-144. [PMID: 29751296 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh of Australia is listed as an endangered ecological community under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). Saltmarshes are under threat from sea level rise, landward migration of mangroves, and in urban regions from habitat loss, input of litter, nutrients, and other contaminants. In urbanised catchments, saltmarsh areas receive nutrient-enriched and pollutant-contaminated run-off, such as heavy metals, through the stormwater system. This study aimed to investigate the impact of urban stormwater on saltmarsh and mangrove species composition and distribution. To test the effect of stormwater run-off in urbanised catchments on saltmarsh communities, we analysed the soil for pollutant elements, salinity and nutrient concentration and recorded vegetation composition at eight sites in the Sydney region, Australia. We found that elevated total nitrogen (>0.4 wt%) and reduced salinity of the soil downslope of stormwater outlets facilitates establishment of exotic plants and might promote migration of mangroves into saltmarshes, resulting in a squeezing effect on the distribution of saltmarsh vegetation. Saltmarsh cover was significantly lower below stormwater outlets and exotic plant cover increased significantly with sediment calcium concentrations above 8840 mg/kg, which are associated with stormwater run-off. However, this effect was found to be strongest in highly industrialised areas compared to residential areas. Understanding the impact of pollutants on coastal wetlands will improve management strategies for the conservation of this important endangered ecological community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Geedicke
- University of Hamburg, Biocentre Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany; Macquarie University, Department of Biological Sciences, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Jens Oldeland
- University of Hamburg, Biocentre Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michelle R Leishman
- Macquarie University, Department of Biological Sciences, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
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Gantchoff MG, Wilton CM, Belant JL. Factors influencing exotic species richness in Argentina's national parks. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5514. [PMID: 30202651 PMCID: PMC6128254 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Exotic species introductions are a global phenomenon and protected areas are susceptible to them. Understanding the drivers of exotic species richness is vital for prioritizing natural resource management, particularly in developing countries with limited resources. We analyzed the influence of coarse resolution factors on exotic species richness (plants, mammals, and birds) in Argentina’s National Parks System. We collected data on native species richness, year of park formation, park area, region, elevation range, number of rivers crossing area boundaries, roads entering area, mean annual rainfall, mean annual temperature, mean annual number of visitors, and Human Influence Index within and surrounding each park. We compiled 1,688 exotic records in 36 protected areas: 83% plants and 17% animals (9.5% mammals, 5.5% birds, 1.5% fishes, 0% amphibians, 0% reptiles). The five parks with the most exotic species (all taxa combined) were in north Patagonia. Exotic grasses were the most common exotic plants, and within animals, lagomorphs and feral ungulates were remarkably widespread. Exotic plant richness was mostly influenced by temperature and native plant richness, while exotic mammal and bird richness was driven mostly by anthropogenic variables, with models explaining 36–45% of data deviance. Most variables that positively influenced exotic taxa were indirectly related to an increase in spatial heterogeneity (natural or anthropogenic), suggesting greater niche space variability as facilitators of exotic richness increase. Additional data are needed to further investigate the patterns and mechanisms of exotic species richness in protected areas, which will help to prioritize the greatest needs of monitoring and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela G Gantchoff
- Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University, MS, United States of America
| | - Clay M Wilton
- Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Jerrold L Belant
- Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University, MS, United States of America
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Husin NA, Rahman S, Karunakaran R, Bhore SJ. A review on the nutritional, medicinal, molecular and genome attributes of Durian (Durio zibethinus L.), the King of fruits in Malaysia. Bioinformation 2018; 14:265-270. [PMID: 30237671 PMCID: PMC6137565 DOI: 10.6026/97320630014265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Durian (Durio zibethinus L.; Family Bombacaceae) is an iconic tropical fruit plant cultivated in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian countries. In Malaysia, durian is recognised as the King of fruits and well known as a rich source of volatile sulphur compounds that make it unique. Fruit pulp of this fruit is an excellent source of nutrients as it contains proteins, dietary fat, fibers, and carbohydrates. Durian leaf and root decoctions are known to have a febrifuge and anti-malarial properties. The understanding of this plant's molecular biology will help breeders to develop a strategy for its further improvements. Hence, there is a need to identify and understand the genes necessary for the quality improvement of the durian fruits. Its genome contains about 46,000 genes which is almost double that of humans (Homo sapiens). The understanding of durian genes will be useful not only in the molecular breeding but also in the microbial production of novel proteins and or enzymes. This review highlights nutritional and medicinal attributes of durian. The molecular studies including the importance of undertaking transcriptomics work and the insights from the most recently reported genome draft are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Arneida Husin
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, AIMST University, Semeling 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Sadequr Rahman
- School of Science and Tropical Medicine and Biology Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Sunway City, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rohini Karunakaran
- Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Subhash Janardhan Bhore
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, AIMST University, Semeling 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
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Fernandez RD, Bulacio N, Álvarez A, Pajot H, Aragón R. Fungal decomposers of leaf litter from an invaded and native mountain forest of NW Argentina. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2017; 110:1207-1218. [PMID: 28553697 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0893-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The impact of plant species invasions on the abundance, composition and activity of fungal decomposers of leaf litter is poorly understood. In this study, we isolated and compared the relative abundance of ligninocellulolytic fungi of leaf litter mixtures from a native forest and a forest invaded by Ligustrum lucidum in a lower mountain forest of Tucuman, Argentina. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between the relative abundance of ligninocellulolytic fungi and properties of the soil of both forest types. Finally, we identified lignin degrading fungi and characterized their polyphenol oxidase activities. The relative abundance of ligninocellulolytic fungi was higher in leaf litter mixtures from the native forest. The abundance of cellulolytic fungi was negatively related with soil pH while the abundance of ligninolytic fungi was positively related with soil humidity. We identified fifteen genera of ligninolytic fungi; four strains were isolated from both forest types, six strains only from the invaded forest and five strains were isolated only from the native forest. The results found in this study suggest that L. Lucidum invasion could alter the abundance and composition of fungal decomposers. Long-term studies that include an analysis of the nutritional quality of litter are needed, for a more complete overview of the influence of L. Lucidum invasion on fungal decomposers and on leaf litter decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Daiana Fernandez
- Instituto de Ecología Regional (IER, UNT- CONICET), Casilla de Correo 34(4107), Yerba Buena, Tucumán, Argentina.
| | - Natalia Bulacio
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI, CONICET), Avenida Belgrano y Pasaje Caseros(4000), San Miguel De Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Analía Álvarez
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI, CONICET), Avenida Belgrano y Pasaje Caseros(4000), San Miguel De Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e IML (UNT), Miguel Lillo 205(4000), San Miguel De Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Hipólito Pajot
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI, CONICET), Avenida Belgrano y Pasaje Caseros(4000), San Miguel De Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Roxana Aragón
- Instituto de Ecología Regional (IER, UNT- CONICET), Casilla de Correo 34(4107), Yerba Buena, Tucumán, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e IML (UNT), Miguel Lillo 205(4000), San Miguel De Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
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Schilthuizen M, Santos Pimenta LP, Lammers Y, Steenbergen PJ, Flohil M, Beveridge NGP, van Duijn PT, Meulblok MM, Sosef N, van de Ven R, Werring R, Beentjes KK, Meijer K, Vos RA, Vrieling K, Gravendeel B, Choi Y, Verpoorte R, Smit C, Beukeboom LW. Incorporation of an invasive plant into a native insect herbivore food web. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1954. [PMID: 27190702 PMCID: PMC4867706 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The integration of invasive species into native food webs represent multifarious dynamics of ecological and evolutionary processes. We document incorporation of Prunus serotina (black cherry) into native insect food webs. We find that P. serotina harbours a herbivore community less dense but more diverse than its native relative, P. padus (bird cherry), with similar proportions of specialists and generalists. While herbivory on P. padus remained stable over the past century, that on P. serotina gradually doubled. We show that P. serotina may have evolved changes in investment in cyanogenic glycosides compared with its native range. In the leaf beetle Gonioctena quinquepunctata, recently shifted from native Sorbus aucuparia to P. serotina, we find divergent host preferences on Sorbus- versus Prunus-derived populations, and weak host-specific differentiation among 380 individuals genotyped for 119 SNP loci. We conclude that evolutionary processes may generate a specialized herbivore community on an invasive plant, allowing prognoses of reduced invasiveness over time. On the basis of the results presented here, we would like to caution that manual control might have the adverse effect of a slowing down of processes of adaptation, and a delay in the decline of the invasive character of P. serotina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menno Schilthuizen
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Institute for Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lúcia P Santos Pimenta
- Institute for Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Youri Lammers
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center , Leiden , the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Nils G P Beveridge
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Institute for Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter T van Duijn
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein M Meulblok
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nils Sosef
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robin van de Ven
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ralf Werring
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin K Beentjes
- Biodiversity Discovery group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center , Leiden , the Netherlands
| | - Kim Meijer
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Rutger A Vos
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; IBED, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Klaas Vrieling
- Institute for Biology Leiden, Leiden University , Leiden , the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Gravendeel
- Endless Forms group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Institute for Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Young Choi
- Institute for Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Natural Products Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Verpoorte
- Institute for Biology Leiden, Leiden University , Leiden , the Netherlands
| | - Chris Smit
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Leo W Beukeboom
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
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García-Robledo C, Horvitz CC. Parent-offspring conflicts, "optimal bad motherhood" and the "mother knows best" principles in insect herbivores colonizing novel host plants. Ecol Evol 2012; 2:1446-57. [PMID: 22957153 PMCID: PMC3434947 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Specialization of insect herbivores to one or a few host plants stimulated the development of two hypotheses on how natural selection should shape oviposition preferences: The “mother knows best” principle suggests that females prefer to oviposit on hosts that increase offspring survival. The “optimal bad motherhood” principle predicts that females prefer to oviposit on hosts that increase their own longevity. In insects colonizing novel host plants, current theory predicts that initial preferences of insect herbivores should be maladaptive, leading to ecological traps. Ecological trap theory does not take into account the fact that insect lineages frequently switch hosts at both ecological and evolutionary time scales. Therefore, the behavior of insect herbivores facing novel hosts is also shaped by natural selection. Using a study system in which four Cephaloleia beetles are currently expanding their diets from native to exotic plants in the order Zingiberales, we determined if initial oviposition preferences are conservative, maladaptive, or follow the patterns predicted by the “mother knows best” or the “optimal bad motherhood” principles. Interactions with novel hosts generated parent–offspring conflicts. Larval survival was higher on native hosts. However, adult generally lived longer on novel hosts. In Cephaloleia beetles, oviposition preferences are usually associated with hosts that increase larval survival, female fecundity, and population growth. In most cases, Cephaloleia oviposition preferences follow the expectations of the “mothers knows best” principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos García-Robledo
- Department of Biology, University of Miami P.O. Box 249118, Coral Gables, Florida 33124-0421
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Bliss SA, Zedler PH. The germination process in vernal pools: sensitivity to environmental conditions and effects on community structure. Oecologia 1997; 113:67-73. [PMID: 28307295 DOI: 10.1007/s004420050354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Variation in timing and amount of rainfall in California has been noted to cause strong year-to-year differences in the composition of vernal pool communities. We explored the effects of possible variation of the "rainy season" in a seedbank germination study conducted with three factors: monthly timing of first soil moistening, length of moist period before inundation, and length of inundation. Monthly timing was the most important factor in determining the number of plants and number of species that germinated in the pots. Many species, mostly generalist wetland and pool-endemic species, showed sharp decreases in number in later trials. Five species did not germinate in the final trial, and two of these were abundant only in the first trial. Inundation was required for the germination of two species. Treatments with a combination of inundated and moist conditions resulted in higher numbers of species and numbers of plants compared to treatments with only moistness or only inundation. Our results indicate that vernal pool species have mechanisms that keep them from emerging under unfavorable conditions. The sensitivity of vernal pool species to out-of-season germination suggests that they could be negatively affected by climatic change, with generalist species like non-native Lythrum hyssopifolium having a potential advantage.
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