Article
Plant Sciences
Agnes S. Dellinger, Rocio Perez-Barrales, Fabian A. Michelangeli, Darin S. Penneys, Diana M. Fernandez-Fernandez, Juerg Schoenenberger
Summary: Evolutionary shifts from bee to vertebrate pollination in tropical mountains may be driven by abiotic environmental conditions that reduce the efficiency of ancestral pollinators. These shifts coincide with high elevations and adaptive floral trait changes, indicating a correlation between mountain climate and pollinator efficiency.
Article
Plant Sciences
Kathleen M. Kay, Dena L. Grossenbacher
Summary: This study examines the independent shifts from bee to hummingbird pollination in the Neotropical spiral gingers (Costus). The results reveal highly convergent and directional evolution, involving a set of traits that differ from other plants with similar transitions. Contrary to common explanations, the shifts are not correlated with elevation or climate.
Article
Plant Sciences
Andrea E. Berardi, Ana C. Betancourt Morejon, Robin Hopkins
Summary: This study investigates the patterns of floral evolution in the North American Silene section Physolychnis, a group characterized by the evolution of novel red floral color and exposure to hummingbird pollinators. The results show that the clustering of floral traits does not align with phenotypically divergent pollination syndromes, and there is little evidence that phylogenetic history or geographic overlap explains patterns of floral diversity in this group. Additionally, it is found that red-flowering species have evolved floral traits that align with the hummingbird syndrome, but also overlap with white and pink species.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Katherine R. Goodrich, Inesha Ellis, Allison DeHaas, Rebecca Senski, Jade Savage
Summary: This study investigates the pollination strategy of Asimina triloba by mimicking the scent of fermenting substrates. The research finds that the floral scent of A. triloba overlaps with the volatile chemicals of various fermenting substrates, and many insects are active both on the flowers and the substrates. These findings support the hypothesis of floral mimicry of fermenting substrates as a pollination strategy for A. triloba.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Genevieve L. Theron, Johannes J. Le Roux, Steven D. Johnson, Bruce Anderson
Summary: One of the key factors influencing floral trait diversification and speciation in angiosperms is pollinator shifts. The African genus, Ferraria, demonstrates a wide range of floral scent and color variations, which have evolved under the influence of different pollinator groups.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Cristiane Martins, Marcelo Reginato, Jose Maria Gomez, Leandro Freitas
Summary: This study examines the evolution of pollination niches in neotropical epiphytic cacti. The researchers recorded floral visitors and determined four pollination niches in 11 species of Rhipsalis and one species of Hatiora. The distribution of these niches corresponded to the phylogeny of Rhipsalis, indicating that closely related species interacted with similar groups of pollinators.
PERSPECTIVES IN PLANT ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yue Ma, Spencer C. H. Barrett, Fang-Yuan Wang, Jun-Chen Deng, Wei-Ning Bai
Summary: The study revealed that perennial populations of Incarvillea sinensis in China tend to outcross more than annual populations, and this difference is maintained even in sympatric sites. Genetic differences in herkogamy between annuals and perennials play a key role in governing outcrossing rates, regardless of local ecological conditions. The maintenance of mating system and life history trait differentiation between the two populations likely results from correlated evolution in response to local environmental conditions.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Matheus Hansen, Gabriel C. Lanes, Vinicius L. G. Brito, Edson D. Leonel
Summary: Buzz pollination is described using a mathematical model with a billiard approach, applied to the rough morphology of a typical poricidal anther of a tomato flower. The results not only recover observed data but also offer a potential solution to an open problem related to buzz pollination.
Article
Biology
Stefan Abrahamczyk, Jan-Hendrik Struck, Maximilian Weigend
Summary: Ambophily, the mixed mode of wind and insect pollination, has been studied for over 130 years, but still lacks understanding. Experimental data on ambophily are rare, and the morphological and ecological characteristics of ambophilous plants and their evolution are uncertain. In this review, we summarize and evaluate the current understanding of ambophily based on experimental studies. Ambophilous species have evolved from both wind- and insect-pollinated ancestors, with traits overlapping with small generalist insect-pollinated species. Ecological factors such as pollen limitation, self-pollination, flower interference, and population density promote the evolution of ambophily. Experimental studies, observations of floral traits, and phylogenies suggest that ambophily may have evolutionary stability in some clades.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Carolyn A. Wessinger
Summary: This paper reviews the genetic features of adaptation to hummingbird-adapted flowers and their contribution to evolutionary flexibility, including large-effect substitutions, large mutational targets for adaptation, adaptive introgression, and concentrated architecture.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark Jankauski, Riggs Ferguson, Avery Russell, Stephen Buchmann
Summary: This study investigated the natural frequencies and vibration modes of Solanum elaeagnifolium stamens using experimental modal analysis and developed a finite-element model to analyze their dynamics. The inclusion of bee weight reduced the natural frequencies to within the floral buzzing frequency range and resulted in an axial-bending vibration mode.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
N. S. L. Albuquerque, P. Milet-Pinheiro, D. D. Cruz, D. M. A. F. Navarro, I. C. Machado
Summary: The Neotropical orchid genus Sarcoglottis, with approximately 40 species emitting strong floral scents, relies on nectar-seeking orchid bees such as Eulaema atleticana and E. niveofasciata for pollination. The floral scent of Sarcoglottis acaulis signals the presence of nectar, attracting the bees despite not triggering stereotyped scent-gathering behavior. This self-compatible plant depends on pollinators to increase fruit set, with attributes like low nectar amount and steady-state flowering contributing to its high fruit set.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mathew T. Sharples, Philip C. Bentz, Erin A. Manzitto-Tripp
Summary: Apetaly, the absence of petals, is common in distantly related lineages of flowering plants and is associated with self-pollination. The genus Stellaria has many lineages that have lost petals, and apetalous species of Stellaria tend to exhibit higher levels of selfing. Field experiments show that petal loss in Stellaria may be linked with self-pollination worldwide.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Deniz Aygoren Uluer, Felix Forest, Scott Armbruster, Julie A. Hawkins
Summary: This study explores the evolution of keel flowers within the Fabales order and reveals the temporal and spatial origins of keel flowers and traits associated with pollinators. The findings suggest that the multiple origins of keel flowers in angiosperms are likely due to bee specialization and convergence. The study also demonstrates that the first evolving keel flowers in the Polygaleae have a functional morphology that corresponds with keel flowers already present in the Papilionoideae subfamily of the Fabaceae.
BMC ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Qingxian Wu, Leni Jin, Tangjie Nie, Sitong Liu, Zengfang Yin
Summary: Magnolia soulangeana 'Hongyun' is an ornamental tree with attractive shape and abundant flowers. Its breeding system is partially self-compatible, outcrossing, and depends on pollinators. 'Hongyun' presents a mass-flowering pattern with secondary opening and closing in the flowering process.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emily Veltjen, Ernesto Teste, Alejandro Palmarola Bejerano, Pieter Asselman, Majela Hernandez Rodriguez, Luis Roberto Gonzalez Torres, Lars W. Chatrou, Paul Goetghebeur, Isabel Larridon, Marie-Stephanie Samain
Summary: This study uses the unique geographical environment and history of the Caribbean islands to verify the evolutionary history and species limits of Caribbean Magnolia taxa through phylogenetic and genetic evidence, revealing multiple colonization events from the American mainland.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tijana Cvetkovic, Damien D. Hinsinger, Daniel C. Thomas, Jan J. Wieringa, Elango Velautham, Joeri S. Strijk
Summary: Dipterocarpoideae, the largest subfamily in the Meranti family, are dominant trees in wet tropical Asia facing increasing anthropogenic pressures. They have been the focus of numerous studies due to their economic value, historical biogeographical importance, and role in the evolution of the Asian tropical forest biome. Despite persistent taxonomic and evolutionary questions, a comprehensive phylogenomic hypothesis has been proposed, revising the tribal classification of the subfamily into four main clades based on plastome and nuclear cistron data.
Article
Horticulture
Dewi Pramanik, Marlies Spaans, Twan Kranenburg, Diego Bogarin, Reinout Heijungs, Frederic Lens, Erik Smets, Barbara Gravendeel
Summary: Phalaenopsis is an important ornamental pot plant for the global horticultural market. This study investigated the lignification patterns and orientation of Phalaenopsis inflorescence stems and found significant differences among different species and hybrids. The study also revealed a positive correlation between inflorescence orientation and the degree of lignification.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Vicky Beckers, Alessandro Rapini, Erik Smets, Frederic Lens
Summary: This study provides a wood anatomical overview of the Apocynaceae subfamilies Secamonoideae and Asclepiadoideae, and also presents a list of derived woody species. The findings reveal that these subfamilies have undergone multiple transitions in growth form and degree of woodiness, with drought possibly being the main driver of these transitions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xudong Yang, Wendi Zhang, Fei Qin, Jianghong Yu, Tiantian Xue, Yunfeng Huang, Weibin Xu, Jianyong Wu, Erik F. Smets, Shengxiang Yu
Summary: This study used species richness algorithm and complementary algorithm to analyze the distribution patterns of plant species in China and identified biodiversity conservation priorities. It also evaluated the effectiveness of current nature reserves and identified conservation gaps that need to be filled. New nature reserves or national parks should be established to strengthen conservation efforts, particularly in southwestern China where there is a high concentration of species.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Rita G. Simoes, Lauren A. Eserman, Alexandre R. Zuntini, Lars W. Chatrou, Timothy M. A. Utteridge, Olivier Maurin, Saba Rokni, Shyamali Roy, Felix Forest, William J. Baker, Sasa Stefanovic
Summary: This study uses a large dataset of nuclear genes to provide support for resolving phylogenetic uncertainties within the Convolvulaceae family. It confirms that Cuscuta belongs within the family, but challenges the monophyly of Merremieae and provides novel relationships within Dicranostyloideae. The exact placements of Erycibe and Cuscuta remain uncertain and require further investigation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alexander Vrijdaghs, Petra De Block, Karen L. G. De Toni, Erik Smets, Elmar Robbrecht
Summary: This study aims to understand the floral morphology of the genus Dialypetalanthus and compare it with other related genera. The results show that the floral morphology of Dialypetalanthus is linked to other genera in the Rubiaceae family. The origin of the polyandrous androecium is related to the floral development.
PLANT ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Tim Claerhout, Diederik Strubbe, Ramon Castillo Torres, Marie-Stephanie Samain, Lars W. W. Chatrou, Emily Veltjen
Summary: In Hispaniola, there are five endangered Magnolia species, but limited knowledge about their distribution and genetics hinders conservation efforts. This study uses species distribution modeling and genetic analysis to determine habitat suitability and genetic health of the Magnolias in Hispaniola. The results support the recognition of the four studied species and suggest prioritizing conservation efforts based on genetic diversity and spatial distribution. Installing habitat corridors and promoting gene flow between populations are recommended as effective conservation strategies.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ajaree Thonglim, Giovanni Bortolami, Sylvain Delzon, Maximilian Larter, Remko Offringa, Joost J. B. Keurentjes, Erik Smets, Salma Balazadeh, Frederic Lens
Summary: The synergy between drought-responsive traits across different organs is crucial in influencing drought resilience at the whole-plant level. This study investigated the response to drought in Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes by analyzing the stems and leaves. The findings reveal that anatomical, ecophysiological, and molecular adaptations across organs are intertwined and determine the drought response strategies.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maurizio Mascarello, Olivier Lachenaud, Mario Amalfi, Erik Smets, Olivier J. Hardy, Hans Beeckman, Steven B. Janssens
Summary: Illegal logging poses a serious threat to forest ecosystems and biodiversity conservation in tropical Africa. Despite efforts to reduce illegal logging, a significant amount of timber is still harvested and traded illegally. To enforce international regulations, it is crucial to develop analytical tools for traceability and identification of wood and related products. This study focused on using DNA barcoding to identify plant species, specifically 17 valuable African timber species. The researchers characterized the genetic diversity of these species and developed novel species-specific genetic barcodes for identification.
Review
Plant Sciences
Julius Jeiter, Erik Smets
Summary: Comparative morphology has been the primary source of information for systematic studies, but with the molecular revolution, DNA-based classification has become the main approach. However, this paper highlights the importance of morphology in the era of molecular phylogenetics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richa Kusuma Wati, Barbara Gravendeel, Rob Langelaan, Bertie Joan van Heuven, Jean Claessens, Jacques Kleynen, Erik F. Smets, Anton J. de Winter, Arie van der Meijden
Summary: This study investigated the effect of different types of trichomes on attachment of herbivorous land snails in three orchid species. The results showed that leaf sides covered with a high density of lignin filled epicuticular trichomes made snails detach easier, while the removal of glandular trichomes did not significantly affect the attachment forces. This study highlights the importance of studying micro-ornamentation in combination with performance for understanding the defense mechanisms of orchids against herbivorous snails.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dewi Pramanik, Annette Becker, Clemens Roessner, Oliver Rupp, Diego Bogarin, Oscar Alejandro Perez-Escobar, Anita Dirks-Mulder, Kevin Droppert, Alexander Kocyan, Erik Smets, Barbara Gravendeel
Summary: This study analyzes the evolution and development of fruit dehiscence zones in orchids. Gene expression analysis reveals that orchids have different fruit dehiscence mechanisms compared to Arabidopsis thaliana. Genes involved in carpel, gynoecium, ovule development, and lipid biosynthesis may play a novel role in the formation of dehiscence zone tissues in orchids.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lauren A. Eserman, Maria Teresa Buril, Lars W. Chatrou, Keith Clay, Thibaut E. Desquilbet, Priscila P. A. Ferreira, Jose R. Grande Allende, Guillermo Huerta-Ramos, Roberta K. Kojima, Richard E. Miller, Sushant More, Andre L. C. Moreira, Mayara Pastore, Fernanda S. Petrongari, Ponprom Pisuttimarn, Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng, Joanna Rifkin, Vinod B. Shimpale, Marc S. M. Sosef, John R. Stinchcombe, Ana Rita G. Simoes
Summary: A proposal to change the conserved type of Ipomoea was published, and a rebuttal to this proposal was recently published. The authors respond to the objections raised and highlight the need for a better classification while preserving the stability of the scientific name of sweetpotato.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hye-Kyoung Moon, Suk-Pyo Hong, Erik Smets, Suzy Huysmans
Summary: This study investigated the nutlet morphology of the Mentheae tribe and its systematic value. The results showed significant variation in nutlet shape, scar morphology, trichome distribution, and surface sculpture. Nutlet characters proved to be phylogenetically informative, and incorporating them into molecular data improved the resolution and support values of the phylogenetic analysis.
