Article
Microbiology
Yuyu Shi, Tianyi Yan, Chao Yuan, Chaofeng Li, Christopher Rensing, Yahua Chen, Rongzhang Xie, Taoxiang Zhang, Chunlan Lian
Summary: This study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of different strains of Cenococcum geophilum to cadmium exposure. It was found that cadmium inhibited the growth of all strains but had a lesser effect on tolerant strains, which may be due to lower cadmium content and higher activity of antioxidant enzymes. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes related to ion transport, compound metabolism, and redox pathways. These findings provide valuable insights into the cadmium tolerance mechanism of ectomycorrhizal fungi.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacek Olchowik, Marzena Suchocka, Pawel Jankowski, Tadeusz Malewski, Dorota Hilszczanska
Summary: The linden tree is popular in central and northwest European countries, including Poland, for landscaping and urban environments. Ectomycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with urban tree species, protecting them from heavy metals and salinity. A study in Gdask, Poland found that Cenococcum geophilum was the most abundant ectomycorrhizal fungal species among urban linden trees of varying degrees of damage.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiali Li, Chaofeng Li, Momi Tsuruta, Norihisa Matsushita, Susumu Goto, Zhenguo Shen, Daisuke Tsugama, Shijie Zhang, Chunlan Lian
Summary: Ectomycorrhizal fungi, including Cenococcum geophilum, play an important role in improving the salt tolerance of host plants. This study investigated the mechanisms of salt tolerance in different isolates of C. geophilum through in vitro mycelial growth experiments and analysis of ion concentrations and pH. RNA-sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis identified differentially expressed genes involved in transmembrane transport and oxidoreductase activity pathways. The study also found that salt-sensitive isolates exhibited more active accumulation and scavenging of reactive oxygen species compared to salt-tolerant isolates.
Article
Ecology
Mark A. Anthony, Thomas W. Crowther, Sietse van der Linde, Laura M. Suz, Martin Bidartondo, Filipa Cox, Marcus Schaub, Pasi Rautio, Marco Ferretti, Lars Vesterdal, Bruno De Vos, Mike Dettwiler, Nadine Eickenscheidt, Andreas Schmitz, Henning Meesenburg, Henning Andreae, Frank Jacob, Hans-Peter Dietrich, Peter Waldner, Arthur Gessler, Beat Frey, Oliver Schramm, Pim van den Bulk, Arjan Hensen, Colin Averill
Summary: This study investigates the effects of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) on tree growth and finds that the composition of EMF is strongly correlated with tree growth rate. The study also suggests that the proportion of nitrogen acquisition genes and exploration types of EMF communities play a role in determining tree growth.
Article
Microbiology
Tianyi Yan, Panpan Zhang, Wenbo Pang, Xiaohui Zhang, Chunlan Lian, Taoxiang Zhang
Summary: The study reveals that C. geophilum exhibits different physiological and molecular responses to high temperature stress. Tolerant isolates show a more significant growth promotion effect, higher antioxidant enzyme activity, and greater succinate secretion, while sensitive isolates show higher oxalic acid secretion.
Article
Ecology
Yexu Zheng, Chao Yuan, Norihisa Matsushita, Chunlan Lian, Qifang Geng
Summary: This study used a model to simulate the distribution pattern of C. geophilum and found that the mean temperature of the coldest quarter and annual precipitation are key environmental factors influencing its distribution. The future suitable habitat for C. geophilum is projected to shift northward with global warming.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
William A. Argiroff, Donald R. Zak, Peter T. Pellitier, Rima A. Upchurch, Julia P. Belke
Summary: The study reveals that ectomycorrhizal fungi with peroxidases decrease with increasing inorganic nitrogen availability in northern temperate forests, while ligninolytic fungal saprotrophs show no response. Soil organic matter and soil carbon are negatively correlated with ECM fungi with peroxidases and positively correlated with inorganic nitrogen availability, indicating that these ECM fungi contribute to the decay of lignin-derived soil organic matter and reduce soil carbon storage. The correlations observed suggest a tradeoff between tree nitrogen nutrition and ECM composition, influencing soil organic matter dynamics in temperate forests.
Article
Forestry
Marta Aleksandrowicz-Trzcinska, Katarzyna Sikora, Stanislaw Drozdowski, Justyna A. Nowakowska
Summary: The study investigated the ectomycorrhizal fungi in Scots pine stands growing on post-agricultural land, showing the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the fungi and the effects of different treatments. It was found that the addition of organic matter and fauna could significantly impact the state of mycorrhizae.
Article
Ecology
Rotem Cahanovitc, Stav Livne-Luzon, Roey Angel, Tamir Klein
Summary: Inter-kingdom belowground carbon transfer, facilitated by ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) and common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs), was investigated. Using a labeling system, C-13 was traced along the tree-fungus-tree pathway in Pinus halepensis and Quercus calliprinos saplings. DNA-stable isotope probing (SIP) and sequencing revealed the fungal species involved in C transfer. The study demonstrated the movement of C from EMF host trees into EMF and further transfer to neighboring trees of similar and distinct phylogenies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenxu Zhu, Changjun Ding, Keye Zhu, Weixi Zhang, Dejun Liang, XiaoJiang Wang, Aiping Li, Xiaohua Su
Summary: This study investigated the effects of vegetation restoration on soil characteristics and soil ectomycorrhizal fungal community. The results showed that black locust was more effective in improving soil properties and increasing ectomycorrhizal fungal community diversity compared to other revegetation types. This study provides theoretical basis for ecological restoration of iron mine tailings.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Khalid, Haoxin Tan, Mehran Ali, Asad Rehman, Xinxin Liu, Lantian Su, Saeed-ur-Rahman, Chang Zhao, Xiaoxiao Li, Nan Hui
Summary: This study conducted a field experiment in Yunnan to assess the impact of karst rocky desertification (KRD) and natural forests on the richness and composition of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) communities. Results showed significant differences in EMF community between KRD and non-KRD sites, with higher richness and diversity in KRD areas. Among the EMF species, Clavaria, Butyriboletus, Odontia, Phyloporus, Helvella, Russula and Tomentella were more abundant in KRD sites.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Miaomiao Zhang, Shun Liu, Xiangwen Cao, Miao Chen, Jian Chen, Gexi Xu, Zuomin Shi
Summary: This study investigated the soil net nitrogen mineralization rates and the relationships with soil fungal functional guilds and environmental factors in three different mycorrhizal forests (ectomycorrhizal, arbuscular mycorrhizal, and ericoid mycorrhizal) on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The results showed significant differences in soil net nitrogen mineralization rates among the three mycorrhizal forests, with the arbuscular mycorrhizal forest having the fastest mineralization rate. Soil fungal functional guilds, temperature, and peroxidase activity were the main factors explaining the differences in soil net ammonification rates among the forests. Soil temperature, water-filled pore space, and ammonium content played a central role in controlling the differing soil net nitrification rate among the forests.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Forestry
M. Fabiola Pulido-Chavez, Ernesto C. Alvarado, Thomas H. DeLuca, Robert L. Edmonds, Sydney I. Glassman
Summary: The study revealed that high-severity wildfires led to lower ectomycorrhizal and saprobic fungal richness, significantly altering fungal communities in fire-adapted ecosystems by selecting resilient species and initiating post-fire succession. Fire-driven changes in soil environment influenced fungal richness and community composition, indicating long-term impacts of wildfires on soil fungal dynamics.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Peter T. Pellitier, Donald R. Zak
Summary: This study investigates the decay potential of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi on soil organic matter (SOM) and the distribution of genes associated with SOM decay in ECM fungal communities in relation to soil inorganic nitrogen availability. It was found that ECM fungal communities in low inorganic nitrogen soils are enriched with genes involved in lignin, cellulose, and chitin decay. These communities exhibit stronger SOM decay potential compared to those in high inorganic nitrogen soils.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhugui Wen, Chunyan Lin, Xiaoming Xu, Simiao Ma, Yue Peng, Yue Sun, Boping Tang, Liang Shi
Summary: This study investigated the colonization status of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi in urban Cedrus deodara forests in Nantong, China, and characterized soil spore banks. The results showed that soil pH and available P content significantly affected the occurrence of ECM fungal species. Additionally, the richness of ECM fungi influenced the growth of seedlings.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Martin Certner, Magdalena Lucanova, Elwira Sliwinska, Filip Kolar, Joao Loureiro
Summary: In theory, any plant tissue with intact nuclei can be used for estimating nuclear DNA content using flow cytometry (FCM), but tissue selection and quality can impact measurement accuracy. Based on research goals, choosing appropriate tissue is crucial for accurate estimates, following best practices guidelines.
Article
Plant Sciences
Carolina Osuna-Mascaro, Rafael Rubio de Casas, Jose M. Gomez, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro, Jacob B. Landis, Robin Hopkins, Francisco Perfectti
Summary: This study analyzed the evolution of Erysimum species from the South of the Iberian Peninsula and found that hybridization played a significant role in their evolution, especially in species with purple and yellow flowers. These results demonstrate the importance of hybridization for plant diversification, which should be considered in studies of plant evolution.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Carla Goncalves, Helena Oliveira, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro, Maria Eduarda Fidalgo, Teresa Ribeiro, Ahmed Ouhammoud, Rachid Amirouche, Leonor Morais-Cecilio, Conceicao Santos, Paulo Silveira
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the complex taxonomy of Calendula and explore the relationships between genome size and chromosome number, ploidy level, and life cycle. Genome size estimations were provided for five species and three putative newly undescribed species for the first time. The 2C values varied up to 6-fold among different euploid species, ranging from 1.37 pg in diploid populations to 8.26 pg in octoploid populations. 1Cx-values varied 2.07-fold, ranging from 0.68 pg to 1.41 pg. Significant differences in mean 1Cx genome size were found between different ploidy levels. Genome size variation plays a significant role in explaining the relationships within Calendula, and the presence of individuals not fitting the current classification suggests the need for further analysis in future studies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Garcia-Munoz, Camilo Ferron, Celia Vaca-Benito, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro, A. Jesus Munoz-Pajares, Mohamed Abdelaziz
Summary: Studying the relationship between reproductive investment, phenotype, and fitness in selfing plants provides insights into these questions. Using a selfing species complex with different ploidy levels, this study found that an increase in ploidy level leads to larger flowers with more pollen and ovules. Genome duplication also affects floral characteristics, reproductive investment, and fitness, influencing transitions in reproductive strategy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Helena Castro, Maria Celeste Dias, Mariana Castro, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro
Summary: Polyploidy has significant ecological effects on morphology, breeding system, and ecological tolerances. This study used the diploid-tetraploid Jasione maritima polyploid complex to assess the contribution of genome duplications to ecological divergence. The results showed that diploids and tetraploids have different strategies in response to water deficit, and the distribution pattern of J. maritima complex is population-dependent.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Afonso, Silvia Castro, Joao Loureiro, Juan Arroyo, Albano Figueiredo, Sara Lopes, Mariana Castro
Summary: The high frequency of polyploidy in plant groups in the Mediterranean region is likely a result of its dynamic geological and climatic history. Polyploids have distinct characteristics that allow them to grow in different habitats and expand to new areas, leading to spatial segregation. This study aims to explore the role of environmental variables in the distribution patterns of cytotypes in Linum suffruticosum s.l. polyploid complex. Evaluation: 8/10.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Pedro Talhinhas, Rita Carvalho, Silvia Tavares, Teresa Ribeiro, Helena Azinheira, Ana Paula Ramos, Maria do Ceu Silva, Marta Monteiro, Joao Loureiro, Leonor Morais-Cecilio
Summary: Fungi have a typical haplontic life cycle, with haploid nuclei throughout their life cycles. However, our study reveals that the Pucciniales species in the fungi group have diploid nuclei along with haploid nuclei throughout their life cycles, suggesting a distinct and previously disregarded life cycle. The biological basis and significance of this phenomenon remain unclear.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Carla Sofia Ferreira Fernandes, Joao Loureiro, Fatima Alves
Summary: This paper proposes a theoretical-methodological framework to support researchers in studying environmental mobility. It analyzes the application of theoretical and methodological frameworks in empirical studies on environmental change and mobility in the MENA region. The proposal emphasizes the use of qualitative methodology to gain insights into individuals' experiences.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGIES AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Communication
Miguel Ferreira, Betina Lopes, Antonio Granado, Catarina Siopa, Hugo Gaspar, Helena Castro, Silvia Castro, Joao Loureiro
Summary: Video abstracts are a creative way for researchers to present scientific abstracts in an audio-visual format. They serve as a tool for science communication, allowing researchers to explore new formats and reach broader audiences. This article shares the experience of creating a video abstract in Ecology, providing insights into the different stages of the process and offering valuable lessons for those working in the field.
FRONTIERS IN COMMUNICATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Petr Koutecky, Tyler Smith, Joao Loureiro, Paul Kron
Summary: This article discusses the importance of standardization and best practices for data acquisition and analysis in plant flow cytometry. It provides detailed information on instrument calibration, quality control, acquisition settings, and two common methods of raw data analysis. Best practice recommendations are summarized.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zoila Diaz Lifante, Marcial Escudero, Cristina Andres Camacho, Carmen Garcia Llamas, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro
Summary: This study reevaluates the taxonomic status of the recently described endemic species Schenkia elegans in the Iberian Peninsula, and its relationship with sympatric and morphological species Schenkia spicata and Exaculum pusillum. Various types of evidence based on plant morphology, ploidy estimation, karyotype characterization, and phylogenetic data were analyzed. The results suggest that S. elegans has intermediate morphology between the other two species, and it has an allopolyploid origin, with genetic contribution from both S. spicata and E. pusillum. Phylogenetic analysis based on DNA regions further supports a hybrid origin of S. elegans. Therefore, a new monotypic genus Valdesiana gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate this allopolyploid species, combined as V. elegans, and conservation measures must be considered.
PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. Leclercq, L. Marshall, T. Weekers, P. Basu, D. Benda, D. Bevk, R. Bhattacharya, P. Bogusch, A. Bontsutsnaja, L. Bortolotti, N. Cabirol, E. Calderon-Uraga, R. Carvalho, S. Castro, S. Chatterjee, M. De La Cruz Alquicira, J. R. de Miranda, T. Dirilgen, A. Dorchin, K. Dorji, B. Drepperr, S. Flaminio, J. Gailis, M. Galloni, H. Gaspar, M. W. Gikungu, B. A. Hatteland, I. Hinojosa-Diaz, L. Hostinska, B. G. Howlett, K. -L J. Hung, L. Hutchinson, R. O. Jesus, N. Karklina, M. S. Khan, J. Loureiro, X. Men, J. -M Molenberg, S. Mudri-Stojnic, P. Nikolic, E. Normandin, J. Osterman, F. Ouyang, A. S. Oygarden, L. Ozolina-Poles, N. Ozolss, A. Parra Saldivar, R. J. Paxton, T. Pitts-Singer, K. Poveda, K. Prendergast, M. Quaranta, S. F. J. Ready, S. Reinhardt, M. Rojas-Oropezaj, C. Ruiz, M. Rundlofar, A. Sade, C. Sandberg, F. Sgolastra, S. F. Shah, M. A. Shebl, V. Soon, D. A. Stanleym, J. Straka, P. Theodorou, E. Tobajas, J. L. Vaca-Uribe, A. Veraaz, C. A. Villagra, M. -K Williams, M. Wolowski, T. J. Woodn, Z. Yan, Q. Zhang, N. J. Vereecken
Summary: An essential prerequisite to safeguard pollinator species is characterisation of the multifaceted diversity of crop pollinators and identification of the drivers of pollinator community changes across biogeographical gradients. In this study, the researchers investigated diversity drivers for bee species in commercial apple orchards across different countries and biomes. The study revealed dissimilarity among biogeographical zones but also shared traits due to habitat filtering caused by intensive crop production. The presence of herbaceous, uncultivated open areas and organic management practices were associated with increased wild bee diversity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yen-Wen Wang, Megan C. Mckeon, Holly Elmore, Jaqueline Hess, Jacob Golan, Hunter Gage, William Mao, Lynn Harrow, Susana C. Goncalves, Christina M. Hull, Anne Pringle
Summary: The death cap mushroom Amanita phalloides can also undergo sexual reproduction through single individuals, which facilitates its rapid spread and demonstrates a profound similarity between the reproductive strategies of fungal invasions and plant/animal invasions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Demography
Carla Sofia Ferreira Fernandes, Fatima Alves, Joao Loureiro
Summary: Environmental degradation has a disruptive impact on both man-made and natural systems, particularly in the agricultural sector. This study focuses on how human mobility can contribute to adapting to environmental degradation in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco. Interviews with internal migrants and rural community members reveal a perceived decrease in available water and the agricultural sector as the most severely affected. Internal migration is identified as the most common adaptation strategy, with remittances supporting communities facing agricultural decline.
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION
(2023)
Article
Communication
Miguel Ferreira, Antonio Granado, Betina Lopes, Joao Loureiro
Summary: Video abstracts, the filmed versions of scientific written abstracts, are an exciting trend in the online science videos. This study identifies the characteristics of effective video abstracts in the field of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and provides future guidelines for producing them through a questionnaire and content analysis.
JCOM-JOURNAL OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
(2023)