Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zubaria Waqar, Ramiris Cesar Souza Moraes, Maira Benchimol, Jose Carlos Morante-Filho, Eduardo Mariano-Neto, Fernanda Amato Gaiotto
Summary: The study assessed the genetic diversity and structure of Manilkara multifida populations in the remnants of the Atlantic Forest in southern Bahia, Brazil, finding a significant decrease in genetic variability between adult and juvenile trees. The forest fragments also showed unexpectedly short gene flow.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rod Peakall, Rn Bohman
Summary: A recent study reveals that hornets in tropical forests of China are attracted to fruits of Aquilaria sinensis by volatile compounds that resemble those produced by herbivore-damaged leaves. The hornets disperse the short-lived seeds quickly to optimal new habitats.
Article
Ecology
Salvatore Cozzolino, Giovanni Scopece, Michele Lussu, Pierluigi Cortis, Florian P. Schiestl
Summary: Ecotypes in flowering plants are crucial in ecological speciation as local adaptation can lead to reproductive isolation. In a study of two coexisting orchid ecotypes with marked floral divergence, it was found that they have different ecological habitat preferences and achieve floral isolation through different pollination strategies. This suggests a potential evolution towards sexual mimicry in Orchidinae.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Claire Ellwanger, Laura Steger, Cathy Pollack, Rachel Wells, Jeremie Benjamin Fant
Summary: This study focuses on how anthropogenic changes impact genetic processes associated with extinction risk in the orchid Platanthera leucophaea. It found that genetic parameters were strongly linked to population size, with habitat loss and patch isolation playing a role in genetic diversity and structure. Small populations showed lower genetic diversity, indicating the need for continued monitoring by resource managers to prevent genetic declines. Contrary to expectations, critically small populations exhibited negative inbreeding values, suggesting non-random mating and selection for less inbred individuals.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Hortensia Cabrera Reyes, David Draper, Isabel Marques
Summary: The dependence on pollinators is crucial for the understanding of pollination ecology. Inefficient pollinators and unsuitable conditions may lead to reproductive failure. Research shows that while various visitors may interact with orchid flowers, only a few are considered legitimate pollinators.
Article
Ecology
Daniela Scaccabarozzi, Klaus Lunau, Lorenzo Guzzetti, Salvatore Cozzolino, Adrian G. Dyer, Nicola Tommasi, Paolo Biella, Andrea Galimberti, Massimo Labra, Ilaria Bruni, Giorgio Pattarini, Mark Brundrett, Monica Gagliano
Summary: The Australian orchid Diuris brumalis attracts bee pollinators by mimicking the UV reflecting patterns of its model, the rewarding pea plant Daviesia decurrens. The visual stimuli of the orchid, which emphasize the floral UV signaling, have a greater impact on pollinators' visitation at an optimal distance from the model. This study reveals the functional role of salient UV flower signaling in visual floral mimicry and its ability to mediate plant pollinia removal at larger spatial scales.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Salvatore Cozzolino, Giovanni Scopece, Pierluigi Cortis, Maria Rosaria Barone Lumaga, Donata Cafasso, Manfred Ayasse
Summary: This study investigates the character divergence between two well-separated orchid species that share the same pollinator. The results suggest the presence of reproductive character displacement, as sympatric individuals of these species show greater divergence in floral characters involved in reproductive isolation. Experimental evidence further confirms that artificial sympatry leads to increased hybridization between allopatric individuals, resulting in hybrids with lower pollination success and seed viability.
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Emma Suzuki Spence, Jeremie B. Fant, Oliver Gailing, M. Patrick Griffith, Kayri Havens, Andrew L. Hipp, Priyanka Kadav, Andrea Kramer, Patrick Thompson, Raakel Toppila, Murphy Westwood, Jordan Wood, Bethany A. Zumwalde, Sean Hoban
Summary: Genetic diversity is crucial for species survival during environmental changes, and understanding the distribution and amount of genetic diversity across multiple species is essential for conservation. Rare oak species generally have lower genetic diversity than common oaks, with small population size and geographic range possibly correlating with genetic diversity.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Laxmi Koju, Nawal Shrestha, Bhakta Bahadur Raskoti, Rita Ale, Narayan Prasad Ghimire, Saugat Shrestha
Summary: Understanding species diversity patterns and identifying critical areas for biodiversity protection are major concerns for global conservation. Orchids, a diverse angiosperm family with over 30,000 species, are threatened by habitat degradation, climate change, and human-induced factors. However, the spatial patterns and drivers of orchid distribution, critical for conservation planning, are poorly understood. Using extensive distribution data of >500 orchid species in Nepal, we mapped their distribution and identified key factors driving patterns. We found low congruence between diversity patterns of different orchid groups and identified important conservation regions outside protected areas (PAs). Our findings highlight the importance of considering pollinator diversity and climate factors in orchid conservation planning, and the need to address plant conservation goals alongside animal priorities in conservation planning.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ludwig Triest, Alieza Del Socorro, Vincent Jay Gado, Analyn M. Mazo, Tim Sierens
Summary: This study focused on the fine-scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS) of Avicennia populations in the Philippines. It found that the proximity to open water and the narrowness of mangrove patches may affect their genetic diversity and structure. Coastal connectivity plays an important role in the long-term persistence of mangrove populations.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ryan D. Phillips, Bjorn Bohman, Rod Peakall, Noushka Reiter
Summary: This study discovers a new type of sexual deception in orchids, where pollination occurs during feeding behavior at the labellum, offering important insights into pollination strategy shifts. Similar pollination strategies were found in other Caladenia species, suggesting a widespread occurrence across the genus and providing clues about transitional strategies during the evolution of sexual deception.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jong Yoon Jeon, Daecheol Jeong, Amael Borzee, Kyongman Heo, Han-Chan Park, Hang Lee, Mi-Sook Min
Summary: In the face of rapid urbanization, the Endangered salamander Hynobius yangi in South Korea's restricted region is experiencing limited gene flow due to urbanization. This study compared the genetic diversity and landscape connectivity between two H. yangi populations, one in an urbanized area and the other in a forested area. The results showed that the urbanized area had a subdivided population structure, higher inbreeding levels, lower gene flow rates, and higher resistance to connectivity compared to the forested area.
Review
Horticulture
Khosro Balilashaki, Marcos Edel Martinez-Montero, Maryam Vahedi, Jean Carlos Cardoso, Catherine Lizzeth Silva Agurto, Michel Leiva-Mora, Fatemeh Feizi, Mohammad Musharof Hossain
Summary: Cymbidium is an economically important orchid genus that has both medicinal and ornamental value. Its medicinal uses include treating chronic diseases, eye problems, burns, and wounds. Cymbidiums are highly prized for their flowers and are among the top ten most popular cut flowers. Some species are threatened by excessive harvesting, and conservation measures are necessary. Various organizations are dedicated to propagating and conserving these orchids. Extensive propagation techniques have been developed for large-scale production and conservation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Charlotte Watteyn, Daniela Scaccabarozzi, Bart Muys, Bert Reubens, James D. Ackerman, Mauricio Fernandez Otarola, Maria Fernanda Guizar Amador, Adam P. Karremans
Summary: This study aims to understand the pollination mechanisms of Vanilla hartii. It was found that both autonomous self-pollination and animal-mediated pollination mechanisms exist in this Neotropical Vanilla species. The research identified the natural pollinators of V. hartii, analyzed the composition of their nectar, and documented their behavior. The results showed a nectar-rewarding pollination mechanism in the genus Vanilla that has a higher natural fruit set compared to deceptive Vanilla species.
Article
Plant Sciences
Noushka Reiter, Mike Wicks, Gail Pollard, Graham Brown, Myles Menz, Bjorn Bohman
Summary: Critical for conserving endangered orchids is identifying their pollinators and their distribution. We identified the pollinator(s), mechanisms of attraction, and the presence of pollinators at different sites for Caladenia xanthochila. The pollinator for C. xanthochila was a species of thynnine wasp, Phymatothynnus aff. nitidus. Hand pollinations revealed that pollination was pollen limited and significantly related to rainfall. Potential translocation sites for C. xanthochila were limited, with some lacking the pollinator. Additionally, evidence for cryptic species of pollinators was found, highlighting the importance of accurate identification.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lukas Pfeifer, Gijs van Erven, Elizabeth A. Sinclair, Carlos M. Duarte, Mirjam A. Kabel, Birgit Classen
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the cell wall composition of seagrasses, helping understand their adaptation to the marine environment in an evolutionary context and evaluating their potential in biorefinery incentives.
Article
Biology
Jane M. Edgeloe, Anita A. Severn-Ellis, Philipp E. Bayer, Shaghayegh Mehravi, Martin F. Breed, Siegfried L. Krauss, Jacqueline Batley, Gary A. Kendrick, Elizabeth A. Sinclair
Summary: Polyploidy allows for expansion and adaptation of Poseidon's ribbon weed. A widespread, highly heterozygous polyploid clone was discovered in Shark Bay, Western Australia, making it the largest known clone.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Haylee M. D'Agui, Mieke E. van der Heyde, Paul G. Nevill, Mahsa Mousavi-Derazmahalleh, Kingsley W. Dixon, Benjamin Moreira-Grez, Justin M. Valliere
Summary: The functionality of stockpiled topsoils differs from undisturbed native reference topsoils, and measures of soil microbial community composition, soil respiration, and plant growth do not provide consistent assessments of soil functionality. Further research is needed to improve site- and biome-specific topsoil management procedures.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Shane R. Turner, Adam T. Cross, Michael Just, Vern Newton, Simone Pedrini, Sean Tomlinson, Kingsley Dixon
Summary: Restoration seedbanks are crucial for restoring damaged environments globally, but lack of knowledge about seed biology and ecology hampers their effectiveness. Factors such as premature seed collection, low seed quality, and insufficient understanding of seed dormancy and germination requirements can affect the success of seed-based restoration. By adopting best practice principles and improving understanding of seed biology and ecology, restoration seedbanks can deliver immediate and cost-efficient benefits.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michelle Ward, Ayesha Tulloch, Romola Stewart, Hugh P. Possingham, Sarah Legge, Rachael Gallagher, Erin M. Graham, Darren Southwell, David Keith, Kingsley Dixon, Chuanji Yong, Josie Carwardine, Tim Cronin, April E. Reside, James E. M. Watson
Summary: In the summer of 2019-2020, southern Australia experienced the largest fires on record, damaging the habitat of native species. A large-scale restoration effort is needed to improve degraded species habitat and provide fire-affected species with the opportunity to recover. Decision-makers require information on priority species needs, potential restoration interventions, and priority locations for these interventions. The study shows that restoring a significant portion of the study region would account for a large percentage of current and future habitat for priority species, but would come at a high cost.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Marc Freestone, Celeste Linde, Nigel Swarts, Noushka Reiter
Summary: This study aimed to develop asymbiotic germination and replate media for Prasophyllum and investigate the potential enhancement of seedling survival through the addition of mycorrhizal fungus in potting media. Testing 81 asymbiotic germination medium combinations, low concentrations of minerals, auxins, and cytokinins were found to be necessary for germination of P. frenchii. The best-performing media included W9.5 with 5% coconut water. In replate media, W9 with 5% banana was the most effective. However, seedling survival was only 1.7% two years after transferral to potting media in the nursery, regardless of the presence or absence of mycorrhizal fungus.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Giulia Ferretto, Tim M. Glasby, Alistair G. B. Poore, Corey T. Callaghan, Elizabeth A. Sinclair, John Statton, Gary A. Kendrick, Adriana Verges
Summary: Restoration is crucial for damaged ecosystems, and careful selection of donor material can enhance its success and cost-effectiveness. In this study, we identified that P. australis fragments with more shoots and less necrosis had higher survival rates after replanting. Additionally, fragments stored longer in tanks before replanting showed significantly higher survival rates.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Elizabeth A. Sinclair, Renae K. Hovey, Siegfried L. Krauss, Janet M. Anthony, Michelle Waycott, Gary A. Kendrick
Summary: Historical and contemporary processes drive spatial patterns of gene flow and genetic diversity in a temperate seagrass species in southern Australia. Through genetic analysis, the study found that the current and historical distributions of the seagrass were similar, except in the Bass Strait. The genetic structure was consistent with recognized biogeographic provinces and showed the influence of oceanic upwellings.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Nadine Holzel, Dugald C. Close, Sally A. Bound, Peter R. Quin, Denis C. Visentin, Nigel D. Swarts
Summary: In this study, N-15-labelled L-proline was spray-applied to sweet cherry branches to investigate its uptake and effects on fruit quality. The results showed that L-proline can be absorbed by sweet cherry plants and translocated into the fruit and storage organs, leading to advanced fruit maturity.
Article
Plant Sciences
E. Maria U. Jung, N. Adibah B. Abdul Majeed, Mitchell W. Booth, Rachel Austin, Elizabeth A. Sinclair, Matthew W. Fraser, Belinda C. Martin, Larissa M. F. Oppermann, Maike Bollen, Gary A. Kendrick
Summary: Climate change and extreme climatic events are posing threats to seagrass ecosystems. Metabolomics can provide insights into the early stress responses of seagrasses and aid in the development of targeted management and conservation measures.
Article
Ecology
Gary A. Kendrick, Marion L. Cambridge, Robert J. Orth, Matthew W. Fraser, Renae K. Hovey, John Statton, Charitha B. Pattiaratchi, Elizabeth A. Sinclair
Summary: Understanding sexual reproduction and recruitment is crucial for the conservation and restoration of seagrasses. This study collected data on flowering, seed production, and seedling establishment of the seagrass Posidonia australis for six years in meadows around Rottnest Island, Western Australia. The study found variable rates of flowering and seed production among meadows and years, with meadows on the northern shore consistently showing higher intensity of flowering and seed production. Factors such as clonal diversity, seed predation, and wind and surface currents during pollen and seed release were found to drive successful recruitment in established meadows.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Kit S. Prendergast, Kinglsey W. Dixon, Philip W. Bateman
Summary: This study reviews the literature on competition between honeybees and Australian native bees and finds that native bees in Australia may be vulnerable to competition with honeybees. However, the data on whether honeybees have negative effects on native bees are inconclusive, suggesting the need for further research. The study proposes various investigations to address the current gaps in knowledge and highlights the importance of understanding the conditions under which honeybees have different effects on native bees.
PACIFIC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Madeleine L. L. Way, Joanna E. E. Jones, Rocco Longo, Robert G. G. Dambergs, Nigel D. D. Swarts
Summary: This study investigates the influence of the production region on the total phenolic content and sensory attributes of base cider. The results suggest that different regions have significant differences in sensory attributes, and parameters related to geographical regions also vary significantly.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Madeleine L. Way, Joanna E. Jones, Rocco Longo, Robert G. Dambergs, Nigel D. Swarts
Summary: During the fermentation of apple juice, yeast metabolism influences cider attributes, especially for 'Pink Lady' apples. Sensory analysis reveals significant differences in the attributes of 'fresh apple', 'earthy', and 'pear' among different yeast strains. Understanding the impact of yeast strains on the chemical and sensory characteristics of apple cider can aid cider makers in choosing the right strains.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marc Freestone, Celeste Linde, Nigel Swarts, Noushka Reiter
Summary: Understanding the nutrient requirements of orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) is crucial for the conservation of threatened orchids and their symbiotic relationships. This study investigated how different nutrient media and fungal isolates affected the germination of Prasophyllum frenchii. The results showed that both the media and fungal isolates had a significant influence on germination percentage. Additionally, there was variation in aerial hyphal growth behavior among different OMF isolates. These findings highlight the importance of fungal diversity within the same operational taxonomic unit (OTU) and have implications for ecological research and conservation.