Article
Ecology
Jerferson de Lima Freires, Frederico Lage-Pinto, Elaine Bernini
Summary: The record of severe defoliation caused by lepidopteran larvae in mangrove forests has increased in recent decades, causing concern for the already threatened ecosystem. This study used satellite data to assess the extent and health of the mangrove forest in response to severe defoliation caused by caterpillars of the invasive moth Hyblaea puera. The results showed that about 10% of the mangrove area was intensely affected by defoliation, with the A. schaueriana stand being more affected than the A. germinans stand. The health of both stands degraded in October 2020 but showed improvement in biomass production in June 2021. The study highlights the differences in resilience between the two mangrove species.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Serge M. G. Zanvoa, Sylvanus Mensah, Kolwole Salako, Romain Glele Kakai
Summary: Accurate estimation of biomass and carbon stocks in mangrove forests is crucial for understanding their role in climate regulation. This study developed species-specific allometric equations and evaluated biomass allocation in two West African mangrove species. The new biomass models more accurately predicted biomass compared to existing models.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Munoz-Garcia, Ziv Arbeli, Vivian Boyaca-Vasquez, Javier Vanegas
Summary: This study used metagenomics and genomics to analyze the abundance of genes associated with heavy metal resistance and tolerance in the rhizosphere microbiome of Avicennia germinans in a semi-arid mangrove in La Guajira, Colombia. The study identified a total of 28 genes associated with tolerance and 49 genes related to resistance to heavy metals. Genes associated with Cu tolerance, particularly cusA and copA, were the most abundant. The Vibrio fluvialis isolate showed the ability to tolerate Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd. The study provides insights into the potential of mangrove microorganisms to tolerate and resist heavy metals and the influence of salinity on their abundance.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Elaine Bernini, Frederico Lage-Pinto
Summary: This study reports an infestation of Hyblaea puera caterpillars in the mangrove forest of the Mamanguape River, Paraiba State, Brazil, which affected Avicennia germinans and Avicennia schaueriana. The foliar herbivory rate was over 50% during the caterpillar outbreak period. There was variation in the intensity of caterpillar infestation throughout the distribution area, from no attack to complete defoliation of the trees in mono-specific forests of A. germinans.
Article
Ecology
John S. Kominoski, Carolyn A. Weaver, Anna R. Armitage, Steven C. Pennings
Summary: Changes in dominant plant species following a hurricane can affect carbon processing in coastal wetlands. Despite declines in soil nutrients, post-hurricane carbon processing increased with mangrove cover.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Serge M. G. Zanvo, Kolawole Salako, Sylvanus Mensah, Romain Glele Kakai
Summary: This study investigated the impact of harvesting intensity on carbon allocation and carbon stock in a West African mangrove. The results showed that soil carbon contributed the most to the total carbon stock, and the carbon stocks in standing live and dead trees were influenced by harvesting intensity. The study also discovered that the carbon stock potential in the mangrove was higher in low harvesting sites compared to high harvesting sites. These findings provide important insights into the role of mangroves in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew A. Sturchio, Jeff Chieppa, Lorae T. Simpson, Ilka C. Feller, Samantha K. Chapman, Michael J. Aspinwall
Summary: This study investigates the effects of nutrient enrichment on photosynthesis and respiration in black mangrove leaves. The results suggest that nitrogen addition may have short-term effects on photosynthetic processes, but sustained effects on leaf respiration in nitrogen-limited mangrove ecosystems.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Matthew A. Sturchio, Jeff Chieppa, Samantha K. Chapman, Gabriela Canas, Michael J. Aspinwall
Summary: Temperature acclimation of leaf respiration plays a crucial role in ecosystem responses to temperature and CO2 feedbacks. In this study, two coastal wetland species showed contrasting patterns of respiratory temperature acclimation, with Avicennia increasing R-25 with higher growth temperatures and Spartina reducing R-25 as seasonal temperatures increased. Leaf nitrogen positively correlated with R-25 in both species, emphasizing the importance of leaf N in predicting respiratory capacity across different growth temperatures.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
John Paul Kennedy, Giles N. Johnson, Richard F. Preziosi, Jennifer K. Rowntree
Summary: Neotropical black mangrove is expanding poleward in Atlantic Florida, USA, with evidence of greater cold tolerance within range margin populations. Genetic basis of these shifts remains unknown. Field experiments and measurements in a 2-year greenhouse common garden show that range margin populations have higher survivorship, quicker establishment, and lower stress under winter temperatures compared to range core populations. These differences in phenotypic traits suggest genetic basis for enhanced adaptation and potential for further expansion.
Article
Ecology
Samantha K. Chapman, Ilka C. Feller, Gabriela Canas, Matthew A. Hayes, Nicole Dix, Mark Hester, Jim Morris, J. Adam Langley
Summary: This study conducted warming experiments at three coastal wetland sites in northeast Florida, showing that warming promoted the growth rate of mangroves in height but did not affect canopy area growth. Site differences in growth rate were pronounced, with the northern site exhibiting lower growth rates and a wider growth pattern.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Corine Bitossessi Laurenda Sinsin, Kolawole Valere Salako, Adande Belarmain Fandohan, Konan Edouard Kouassi, Brice Augustin Sinsin, Romain Glele Kakai
Summary: The study reveals strong spatial variations of climatic and physico-chemical variables within mangroves' niche, with artificial neural network outperforming multiple linear regression in predicting salinity, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity trends. Based on foreseen trends in bioclimatic variables, significant changes in conductivity, salinity, and dissolved oxygen are expected under Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ronny Peters, Catherine Lovelock, Jorge Lopez-Portillo, Jasper Bathmann, Marie-Christin Wimmler, Jiang Jiang, Marc Walther, Uta Berger
Summary: The study focuses on how mangrove species in the genus Avicennia shed canopy parts when exposed to adverse environmental conditions, and the regulating impact of water balance in the combined plant-soil system.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David Alejandro Sanchez-Nunez, J. Alexandra Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Jose Ernesto Mancera Pineda
Summary: This study found that tree recruitment and landscape cover changes in a South American mangrove complex were influenced by El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate variability and hydrological rehabilitation. The rates of change of porewater salinity and ENSO intensity explained a significant portion of mangrove cover change rates and porewater salinity. These findings highlight the importance of considering porewater salinity, its rates of change, light availability, and climate variability in monitoring and mangrove restoration planning.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Sarawan Hongwiset, Chadtip Rodtassana, Sasitorn Poungparn, Suthathip Umnouysin, Vilanee Suchewaboripont
Summary: The study found heterogeneous vegetation structures in Avicennia alba plantations, with pneumatophore characteristics decreasing towards the interior with topographic gradient and inundation period. Sedimentation rates were higher in the plantation than on the mudflat, with a negative correlation with pneumatophore height, total surface area, and volume. The findings suggest that an optimal complexity of aboveground vegetation structure may enhance sedimentation rates.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Anna R. Armitage, Carolyn A. Weaver, Ashley A. Whitt, Steven C. Pennings
Summary: The study found that woody encroachment of mangroves into coastal wetlands can lead to a decrease in plant species richness and changes in animal assemblages, with certain species being more common in areas without mangroves. Results were consistent with a previous manipulative experiment, indicating mangroves have significant impacts on associated plant and animal communities as woody encroachment continues and mangrove cover increases.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandra M. Velasco-Cuervo, Elkin Aguirre-Ramirez, Jenny Johana Gallo-Franco, Ranulfo Gonzalez Obando, Nancy Carrejo, Nelson Toro-Perea
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Plant Sciences
Michael Calonje, Alan W. Meerow, M. Patrick Griffith, Dayana Salas-Leiva, Andrew P. Vovides, Mario Coiro, Javier Francisco-Ortega
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCES
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jenny Johana Gallo-Franco, Diana Nataly Duque-Gamboa, Nelson Toro-Perea
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2019)
Article
Microbiology
Jenny J. Gallo-Franco, Nelson Toro-Perea
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Soil Science
Joan Salas-Leiva, Dayana E. Salas-Leiva, Dariel Tovar-Ramirez, Guillermo Herrera-Perez, Socorro Tarango-Rivero, Antonia Luna-Velasco, Erasmo Orrantia-Borunda
Summary: The study evaluated the prokaryotic community in the rhizospheric soil of pecan trees exposed to copper oxide nanoparticles, showing some impact on the soil microbiome without significant alterations. The findings suggest that these nanoparticles may have potential applications in delivering copper to copper-poor soils with subtle changes in the metabolic capabilities of the soil microbiome.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Shweta Pipaliya, Rui Santos, Dayana Salas-Leiva, Erina A. Balmer, Corina D. Wirdnam, Andrew J. Roger, Adrian B. Hehl, Carmen Faso, Joel B. Dacks
Summary: Comparing a parasitic lineage to its free-living relatives can help understand the evolutionary transition to parasitism. Research on Giardia intestinalis revealed a more varied and complete ESCRT machinery than previously thought, associated with multiple cellular locations, with changes in ESCRT complement predating adoption of a parasitic lifestyle.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joan S. Salas-Leiva, Antonia Luna-Velasco, Dayana E. Salas-Leiva
Summary: This review examines the use of Mg-based NMs in plants and crop pathogens over the past decade, finding that Mg-NMs have positive effects on promoting plant growth, enhancing systemic immunity, increasing production of secondary metabolites, improving phytoaccumulation/decontamination of heavy metals, and showing antimicrobial activity against various crop pathogens.
JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dayana E. Salas-Leiva, Eelco C. Tromer, Bruce A. Curtis, Jon Jerlstrom-Hultqvist, Martin Kolisko, Zhenzhen Yi, Joan S. Salas-Leiva, Lucie Gallot-Lavallee, Shelby K. Williams, Geert J. P. L. Kops, John M. Archibald, Alastair G. B. Simpson, Andrew J. Roger
Summary: The mechanisms for replicating and segregating DNA are highly conserved across eukaryotes, but some metamonad parasites have lost components of these processes. A genomic analysis of a free-living metamonad reveals a surprising lack of protein complexes involved in DNA processing, indicating potential alternative mechanisms. The Carpediemonas species are the first known eukaryotes to lack a set of conserved complexes, suggesting they may rely on undiscovered or alternative mechanisms for fundamental DNA processes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Elkin Aguirre-Ramirez, Sandra Velasco-Cuervo, Nelson Toro-Perea
Summary: The study showed that genomic differentiation among populations of Anastrepha obliqua is mainly influenced by host plants. Candidate genes under divergent selection were identified, likely due to selective pressure from host plants. Future studies should further investigate adaptive processes in phytophagous insects in the Neotropics using advanced molecular tools.
Article
Entomology
Cesar A. Lemos-Lucumi, Sandra M. Velasco-Cuervo, Nelson Toro-Perea
Summary: This study focuses on the pest insect Anastrepha obliqua, a fly that feeds on fruits of different plant species. The researchers identified 116 microRNAs, with 37 of them being newly discovered. The study found 21 microRNAs that showed differential expression depending on the fruit, and these microRNAs are associated with larval development, feeding, and detoxification.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Entomology
Sandra M. Velasco-Cuervo, Leonardo Galindo-Gonzalez, Nelson Toro-Perea
Summary: Phytophagous insects have a close relationship with host plants, which can lead to important changes in insect population dynamics and evolutionary trajectories. Next generation sequencing (NGS) allows for large-scale analysis of omics data, facilitating a holistic understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying insect-host plant interactions. This review focuses on the Neotropical phytophagous insect West Indian fruit fly and demonstrates how omics methodologies contribute to an evolutionary perspective of these interactions.
ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Valentina Cardenas-Hernandez, Sandra Velasco-Cuervo, Nelson Toro-Perea
Summary: The interactions between phytophagous insects and microorganisms play a crucial role in enabling the insects to utilize plant tissue as a food resource. Through metagenome sequencing, the microbiota and microbiomes of Anastrepha obliqua larvae when feeding on different fruits were characterized and compared. The microbial composition varied among host plants, with different dominant groups. The reconstructed genomes of four dominant microbial species revealed genes involved in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism pathways, which are essential for utilizing food resources. These findings provide insights into the contribution of microorganisms to A. obliqua's ability to utilize its host plants and have potential applications for pest control.
ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Diana Nataly Duque-Gamboa, Nelson Toro-Perea
Summary: Two species of ladybirds and one species of hoverfly were found to be the main predators in chili pepper crops, and they mainly fed on aphids that attacked the plants. The predators also consumed aphid parasitoids and alternative prey, making them suitable for integrated pest management programs in controlling aphids in pepper crops.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dayana E. Salas-Leiva, Eelco C. Tromer, Bruce A. Curtis, Jon Jerlstrom-Hultqvist, Martin Kolisko, Zhenzhen Yi, Joan S. Salas-Leiva, Lucie Gallot-Lavallee, Shelby K. Williams, Geert J. P. L. Kops, John M. Archibald, Alastair G. B. Simpson, Andrew J. Roger
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Diana Nataly Duque-Gamboa, Anderson Arenas Clavijo, Andres Posso-Terranova, Nelson Toro-Perea
Summary: The study aimed to identify aphid species in commercial crops in Southwestern Colombia and determine the impact of ant attendance on aphid colony size. Results showed that aphid colonies with ant attendance were larger and had more nymphs compared to those without ants.
REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeffrey M. Schell, Deborah S. Goodwin, Rebecca H. Volk, Amy N. S. Siuda
Summary: Understanding the environmental tolerances and growth rates of different species of macroalgae is crucial for predicting their spatial and temporal dynamics. This study found that different morphotypes of Sargassum exhibited varying responses to temperature and salinity conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Erika Valzauez-Delfin, Carmen Galindo-De Santiago, Arely Paredes-Chi, Ameyalli Rios-Vazquez, Ana Benavides-Lahnstein, Kaysara Khatun, Juliet Brodie
Summary: Massive strandings of seaweed on the eastern coasts of the Yucat ' an peninsula, Mexico have become a major socioecological problem. A citizen science initiative, Big Seaweed Search Mexico (BSS-Mx), was developed to monitor temporal changes in the biomass stranded. The results represent baseline information that should be considered to develop management strategies and marine conservation actions according to each region.
Review
Plant Sciences
Lee H. Dietterich, Suhey Ortiz Rosa, Bianca R. Charbonneau, S. Kyle McKay
Summary: Riverine macrophytes play crucial ecological roles in river ecosystems, but their growth models have received relatively limited attention compared to other aquatic or terrestrial plants. This systematic review reveals that current models often overlook important factors such as shading and the role of macrophytes in nutrient cycles. Future research should focus on exploring these factors and developing a conceptual framework to guide macrophyte growth modeling. Emphasizing modularity and accessibility is also important for improving efforts to model and manage riverine ecosystems.
Review
Plant Sciences
Alba Martin, Jordi Corbera, Oriol Cano, Catherine Preece, Josep Penuelas, Francesc Sabater, Marcos Fernandez-Martinez
Summary: Bryophytes can play a significant role in ecosystem processes and hold potential as bio-indicators for monitoring environmental pollution. This study examined the effects of NO3- pollution on the elemental composition of aquatic and semi-aquatic bryophytes and identified suitable species as bio-indicators. Higher NO3- concentrations were found in spring water from intense farming and urban areas, positively correlated with N content and delta N-15 isotope ratio in bryophytes. Apopellia endiviifolia and Oxyrrhynchium speciosum were highlighted as promising candidates for bio-indication of aquatic NO3- pollution.
Article
Plant Sciences
Christine B. Rohal, Carrie Reinhardt Adams, Charles W. Martin, Sarah Tevlin, Laura K. Reynolds
Summary: This study investigated the seed production, seed banking, and germination cues of sub-tropical Vallisneria americana. It was found that the seeds of sub-tropical populations were dormant and could only germinate in the presence of organic material, light, or following scarification. Germination rate was enhanced by the presence of low-oxygen organic sediments and ethanol. These findings suggest a germination strategy focused on exploiting openings in existing vegetation following disturbance.
Article
Plant Sciences
Fabiano Faga, Carlos Frederico Deluqui Gurgel
Summary: Climate change is altering the distribution of marine biota, including Sargassum species. Future changes in abiotic variables are predicted to cause shifts in the latitudinal range and suitability area of Sargassum species. These changes may have significant impacts on marine ecosystems.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ulo Mander, Martin Maddison, Alex C. Valach, Kaido Soosaar, Keit Kill, Kuno Kasak
Summary: Constructed wetlands treating runoff from agricultural catchments can reduce nutrient load of water, but they can also be significant sources of greenhouse gases, especially methane. This study assessed methane emission potentials and phosphorus removal efficiency in a 0.45 ha in-stream surface flow constructed wetland, and analyzed the temporal dynamics of methane emissions and phosphorus removal over a nearly 4-year period. The results showed a clear seasonal dynamic in phosphorus removal efficiency and an increasing trend in methane emissions over the years, with the majority of methane fluxes occurring during the warm period. Maintenance of the wetland and regular removal of aboveground vegetation can reduce methane emissions, and regular sediment removal is also necessary due to phosphorus saturation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Monsif El Madany, Mustapha Hassoun, Fatima El Aamri, Noureddine El Mtili
Summary: The non-indigenous brown alga Rugulopteryx okamurae is invading and proliferating massively in the northwest of Morocco, including the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jessa May Malanguis, Tim Sierens, Ludwig Triest
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of movement ecology and dispersal mechanism in the dynamics and resilience of seagrass populations and ecosystems. The comparison of genetic diversity and fine-scaled structure of two co-occurring seagrass species reveals the significance of different survival strategies and reproductive modes. These findings have important implications for conservation efforts, suggesting the preservation of natural expansion and local seed recruitment for successful conservation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhi-Huan Chen, Rui Zhang, Jun-Cai Xin, Zi-Han Qian, Shu-Jie Wang, Shang-Yan Qiu, Xue-Ge He, Chao Si
Summary: Nutrient availability and light intensity play important roles in the expansion of amphibious clonal plants from terrestrial to aquatic habitats. High nutrient levels and light conditions promote the growth of the apical portions and overall performance of the clones. Maintaining clonal integration can benefit the expansion of the plants by optimizing resource utilization. These findings have implications for predicting community dynamics and vegetation restoration in ecotones like wetlands.
