Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Loris Capria, Sascha Liepelt, Klaus Eimert, Ilona Leyer, Eva Mosner
Summary: This study used microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic diversity of 40 populations of Arnica montana sampled throughout Europe, revealing population declines in its range. These declines can be explained by the influence of postglacial migration routes and genetic diversity from glacial refugia. Conservation measures such as assisted gene flow should be implemented in populations with low genetic diversity, while populations with high genetic diversity should focus on maintaining suitable habitat conditions.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xinzeng Wei, Yaozhan Xu, Linyu Lyu, Zhiqiang Xiao, Shitong Wang, Teng Yang, Mingxi Jiang
Summary: Contrary to the available knowledge on enhancing plant species diversity and ecosystem services through ecological restoration, the impact of ecological restoration on genetic diversity of plant species has not been fully studied. A global meta-analysis revealed that ecological restoration did not significantly improve genetic diversity compared to reference or degraded populations, but passive restoration, seeding, and mixed sources did increase genetic diversity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Thomas Dorey, Florian P. Schiestl
Summary: Many organisms exhibit phenotypic plasticity in response to the environment. This study investigates the link between plasticity and selection using Brassica rapa plants. The researchers observed strong plasticity in morphology, nectar, and floral scent in response to different soil types and aphid herbivory. Positive selection was found on nectar and morphological traits in hand- and bumblebee-pollinated plants.
Article
Ecology
Jennifer Nagel Boyd, Jared Odell, Jennifer Cruse-Sanders, Will Rogers, Jill T. Anderson, Carol Baskauf, Jessica Brzyski
Summary: Environmental change poses a significant threat to species, especially rare species with limited migration and adaptation abilities. This study found that the endangered plant species Pityopsis ruthii exhibited greater phenotypic plasticity than its common congener P. graminifolia in response to environmental change. However, this plasticity did not contribute to increased fitness, suggesting its lack of adaptiveness. Additionally, P. ruthii showed reduced genetic diversity compared to P. graminifolia, indicating its vulnerability to future environmental change.
Article
Plant Sciences
Qi Mu, Tingting Guo, Xianran Li, Jianming Yu
Summary: The study explored phenotypic plasticity in plants under different natural environments, identifying a key environmental index affecting multi-stage growth. Several genetic loci were consistently detected across individual environments, reaction-norm parameters, and growth-curve parameters throughout the season.
Article
Plant Sciences
S. P. Bonser
Summary: Plasticity in fitness and performance traits is crucial for plant adaptation to changing environments, but the misinterpretation of plastic responses highlights the need for guidelines in interpreting adaptive responses.
Article
Ecology
Samuel Jacquiod, Tiffany Raynaud, Eric Pimet, Chantal Ducourtieux, Leonardo Casieri, Daniel Wipf, Manuel Blouin
Summary: The study found that plant genotype and phenotypic plasticity have the greatest impact on rhizosphere microbiota, while chemical inputs such as fertilizer, fungicide, and herbicide have minimal effects. Phenotypic plasticity is particularly important in explaining variations in bacteria and fungi diversity, but does not affect mycorrhizal associations.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Piotr Sugier, Anna Rysiak, Danuta Sugier, Krystyna Winiarczyk, Dan Wolkowycki, Aleksander Kolos
Summary: Arnica montana L. is an important medicinal plant and an endemic endangered plant species in Europe. This study investigated the impact of achene position in the infructescence and inflorescence location on the morphological characteristics, germination ability of achenes, and recruitment of seedlings. The results provided valuable information for breeding programs, active protection, and field cultivation.
Article
Ecology
Shannon L. White, Thomas C. Johnson, Jacob M. Rash, Barbara A. Lubinski, David C. Kazyak
Summary: In reintroduction efforts, the inclusion of genetic data can enhance source population selection, evaluate genetic viability and adaptive potential, and better support restoration of populations.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
A. -L. Jacquemart, C. Buyens, L. -M. Delescaille, F. Van Rossum
Summary: This study conducted in Belgium found that populations of Juniperus communis have high genetic diversity, low to moderate genetic differentiation, and no clear geographic structure. The populations showed predominantly sexual reproduction, with no clonality observed. High positive inbreeding coefficients were explained by null alleles, population substructuring, and biparental inbreeding. Patterns indicated historical gene flow through pollen and seed dispersal at both short and long distances.
Article
Ecology
Xiao Xu, Chenhao Zhou, Qiang He, Shiyun Qiu, Yan Zhang, Ji Yang, Bo Li, Ming Nie
Summary: This study reveals that the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora exhibits plasticity in light use, reducing intraspecific competition and increasing biomass production. Shorter individuals show higher light-use efficiency and specific leaf area in response to reduced light intensity, while taller individuals do not exhibit this ecophysiological plasticity.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jay F. Storz, Graham R. Scott
Summary: Studies on high-altitude vertebrates have shown that physiological adaptation mechanisms involve both genetic assimilation and genetic compensation, which may either reduce plasticity to achieve genetic evolution or mitigate maladaptive plastic responses for genetic adaptation.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Lisa M. Markovchick, Elena A. Schaefer, Tessa Deringer, Zsuzsi I. Kovacs, Ron J. Deckert, Jamie Yazzie, Aalap Dixit, Jeffrey R. Propster, Adair Patterson, Kevin R. Hultine, Kevin Grady, Gerard J. Allan, Thomas G. Whitham, Catherine A. Gehring
Summary: This study found that even with adjacent intact habitat, mycorrhizal colonization of artificially planted Populus fremontii trees was significantly lower than that of trees in natural source populations, suggesting the benefit of proactive mycorrhizal restoration. Within the planted area, trees sourced from greater distances had lower ectomycorrhizal and arbuscule colonization levels compared to locally sourced trees, indicating barriers to symbioses caused by translocation. Changes in colonization did not align with plant ecotypes, suggesting different geographic scales of selection for plants and fungi. Slight increases in mycorrhizal colonization were strongly correlated with increased survival, suggesting the significance of mycorrhizae under stress conditions.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Jiao Qu, Dries Bonte, Martijn L. Vandegehuchte
Summary: Urban environments present challenges to species survival, but species can cope through evolution and phenotypic plasticity. This study found that aphid densities increased with urbanization levels, while plant size remained unchanged. Offspring of urban mothers were larger, had lower trichome density and seed set, but higher caterpillar tolerance. However, no urban evolution was detected in defenses against aphids.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuting Ma, Wenyan Yang, Hongwei Zhang, Pingxi Wang, Qian Liu, Fenghai Li, Wanli Du
Summary: This research significantly advances our understanding of critical environmental factors influencing maize adaptation while simultaneously provides an invaluable gene resource for the development of climate-resilient maize hybrid varieties.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Fabienne Van Rossum, Olivier J. Hardy
Summary: Plant translocation is a useful tool for implementing assisted gene flow in recovery plans of critically endangered plant species, but may pose genetic risks, requiring genetic monitoring to assess population viability and self-sustainability. Molecular markers and quantitative traits can be used to determine if translocation enhances genetic diversity, fitness, and long-term survival probability.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nicolas Texier, Olivier Lachenaud, Archange Boupoya, Ehoarn Bidault, Geoffrey Fadeur, Olivier Hardy, Porter P. Lowry, Tariq Stevart
Summary: This study examines the Gabonese Area of Endemism (GAE) and explores the main characteristics and determinants of its vascular plant endemism. The study found that endemism varies considerably among taxonomic groups and growth forms, and that habitat and population size may be critical factors explaining the differences in endemism. The findings emphasize the importance of building comprehensive and verified databases for studying rare and range-restricted plants and the necessity of botanical exploration in western Central Africa for developing effective conservation strategies.
ANNALS OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Tania D'haijere, Esra Kaymak, Arthur F. Boom, Olivier J. Hardy, Tariq Stevart, Patrick Mardulyn
Summary: The study investigated the origin of island endemism in the Tridactyle genus, with results suggesting that most species of this orchid genus underwent allopatric speciation due to long periods of geographical isolation.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Jeremy Migliore, Anne-Marie Lezine, Michel Veuille, Gaston Achoundong, Barthelemy Tchiengue, Arthur F. Boom, Franck K. Monthe, Gael U. D. Bouka, Stephen F. Omondi, Lawrence Wagura, Francisco Maiato P. Goncalves, Tariq Stevart, Joao N. M. Farminhao, Olivier J. Hardy
Summary: This study investigates the genetic variability and demographic changes in natural populations of Podocarpus latifolius from Central to East Africa. Results show low genetic diversity and high differentiation in Central African populations compared to East African populations. Furthermore, no demographic changes were detected in East African populations.
Article
Ecology
Anais-Pasiphae Gorel, Olivier J. Hardy, Gilles Dauby, Kyle G. Dexter, Ricardo A. Segovia, Kathy Steppe, Adeline Fayolle
Summary: This study examines the climatic niche evolution of tropical African plants, finding that most species exhibit niche conservatism during evolution, but some are able to transcend ecological limits, particularly across different bioclimatic subgroups. The forest biome serves as the main source of diversity, providing lineages to the savanna, but reverse transitions also occur. The study also identifies species that diversified in the savanna after transitioning from the forest, and a correlation between growth form and habitat association.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pedro Luiz Silva de Miranda, Kyle G. Dexter, Michael D. Swaine, Ary Teixeira de Oliveira-Filho, Olivier J. Hardy, Adeline Fayolle
Summary: Differences in tree species richness between South America and Africa are primarily due to certain key families in South American moist forests and dry vegetation types. The tree floras of South America and Africa are organized similarly, and further research on these key families could provide insights into the processes leading to South America's exceptional plant species diversity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Fabienne Van Rossum
Summary: Estimating contemporary effective population size, sibship, and parentage is crucial for designing and monitoring plant translocations. These analyses provide valuable insights into genetic relatedness, selfing rates, and the genetic quality of transplants, contributing to a more precise evaluation of population viability and extinction risk.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Santhiti Vadthanarat, Olivier Raspe, Saisamorn Lumyong
Summary: This paper introduces a new bolete genus, Rubinosporus, from tropical forests in Thailand, which is characterized by its dark ruby spore deposits. Through a comparison of its characteristics with other genera of Boletaceae, it is differentiated and placed in the subfamily Xerocomoideae based on phylogenetic analysis.
Article
Ecology
Lea Mouton, Jairo Patino, Mark Carine, Fred Rumsey, Miguel Menezes de Sequeira, Juana Maria Gonzalez-Mancebo, Rosalina Maria de Almeida Gabriel, Olivier J. Hardy, Manuela Sim-Sim, J. Alfredo Reyes-Betancort, Flavien Collart, Alain Vanderpoorten
Summary: This study examined the influence of spatial, historical, and ecological processes on diversity patterns in island biogeography. The analysis revealed that species turnover increased with geographic scale, while nestedness remained relatively constant. Additionally, it was found that bryophytes and pteridophytes exhibited lower species turnover and higher nestedness compared to spermatophytes, suggesting differences in dispersal capacities and distribution ranges among land plants.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Natasha Damiana Spadafora, Damien Eggermont, Veronika Kresrakova, Tatiana Chenet, Fabienne Van Rossum, Giorgia Purcaro
Summary: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential of multidimensional gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry and suitable chemometrics means in strengthening the information provided by floral scent and nectar fatty acids in Silene nutans. The analysis of floral scent was conducted using an untargeted approach, while the analysis of fatty acids in nectar was conducted through profiling analysis. Based on the results, it was possible to differentiate between different lineages of S. nutans. This work lays the foundation for further research on the prezygotic barriers and the role of floral scent and nectar compositions in speciation.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(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.
Article
Forestry
Samuel Vanden Abeele, Katarina Matvijev, Olivier J. Hardy, Dieu-Merci Assumani, Bhely Angoboy Ilondea, Hans Beeckman, Gael U. D. Bouka, Clay Archange Boupoya, Victor Deklerck, Jean-Francois Flot, Jean-Francois Gillet, Narcisse Guy Kamdem, Janvier Lisingo, Franck Monthe, Bonaventure Sonke, Steven B. Janssens
Summary: As destruction and degradation of natural ecosystems continue to cause global biodiversity loss, it becomes increasingly important to document species and population diversity. However, many species remain poorly understood, particularly in tropical African plants. This study aims to identify hidden species and differentiated populations in the widespread tropical African tree Staudtia kamerunensis, which exhibits high morphological diversity and a complex taxonomical history.
TREE GENETICS & GENOMES
(2023)
Article
Mycology
Song-Ming Tang, Santhiti Vadthanarat, Jun He, Bhavesh Raghoonundon, Feng-Ming Yu, Samantha C. Karunarathna, Shu-Hong Li, Olivier Raspe
Summary: Two new species, Termitomyces tigrinus and T. yunnanensis, were identified in southwestern China. They were characterized by distinct morphological features in terms of pileus surface color and shape of the stipe. Phylogenetic analyses of genetic markers supported the classification of these species. Variability in morphological traits of another species, T. intermedius, was discussed, and a taxonomic key to Termitomyces species in China was provided.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Claire Baudoux, Achille Biwole, Olivier J. Hardy, Bruce L. Webber, Patrick Heuret
Summary: Measuring the impacts of non-native species is challenging, but using multiple morphological markers can help recreate historical invasion dynamics and quantify the effects of invasion on native ecosystems. A study on the invasion of Cecropia peltata in Cameroon found that the non-native species exhibited sustained growth and early sexual maturity compared to its native counterpart, resulting in a lower density of the native tree species in the co-occurrence region.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Review
Mycology
Allen Grace T. Niego, Sylvie Rapior, Naritsada Thongklang, Olivier Raspe, Kevin D. Hyde, Peter Mortimer
Summary: Macrofungi are essential components of forest ecosystems, playing crucial roles in nutrient cycling, species diversity maintenance, soil formation, and environmental pollution remediation. However, their contributions are often overlooked in planning and policymaking processes.
FUNGAL BIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)