Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christina A. Buelow, Rod M. Connolly, Mischa P. Turschwell, Maria F. Adame, Gabby N. Ahmadia, Dominic A. Andradi-Brown, Pete Bunting, Steven W. J. Canty, Jillian C. Dunic, Daniel A. Friess, Shing Yip Lee, Catherine E. Lovelock, Eva C. McClure, Ryan M. Pearson, Michael Sievers, Ana Sousa, Thomas A. Worthington, Christopher J. Brown
Summary: Protecting and restoring mangroves and seagrass is crucial for coastal communities. Only protection measures are unlikely to achieve sufficient recovery, but combining protection and restoration can lead to significant net gains. Protection and restoration complement each other, and implementing protection measures is important to prevent future losses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Brennan, R. Naidoo, L. Greenstreet, Z. Mehrabi, N. Ramankutty, C. Kremen
Summary: This study maps the functional connectivity of the world's terrestrial protected areas (PAs) and quantifies national PA connectivity through the lens of mammal movement. It finds that mitigating human footprint may improve connectivity more than adding new PAs. The most important areas for mammal movement globally are currently unprotected, and their conservation and restoration can support other global conservation priorities.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Chinchu Mohan, Tom Gleeson, James S. Famiglietti, Vili Virkki, Matti Kummu, Miina Porkka, Lan Wang-Erlandsson, Xander Huggins, Dieter Gerten, Sonja C. Jaehnig
Summary: The degradation of freshwater ecosystems worldwide has resulted in a need to maintain environmental flow in river networks. While the relationship between streamflow alterations and freshwater biodiversity response is well established at small scales, it remains unclear at larger scales. This study explores the relationship between environmental flow violation and freshwater biodiversity at global and regional scales, finding no statistically significant negative correlation. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach in determining environmental flows.
HYDROLOGY AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cristiane Forgiarini, Franziska Parzefall, Christoph Reisch
Summary: The ex situ cultivation of endangered plant species in botanic gardens helps preserve genetic variation and reduce species loss. However, it may lead to changes in intraspecific variation due to bottlenecks, drift, and interrupted gene flow. Our study compared the genetic variation within and between ex situ and in situ populations of eighteen endangered plant species using molecular markers. We found that ex situ cultivation does not necessarily result in a loss of genetic diversity, but there is increasing genetic differentiation between ex situ and in situ populations over time.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ellen Gradl, Theresa A. Lehmair, Peter Poschlod, Christoph Reisch
Summary: This study proposes a new approach for selecting target sites for a network of genetic conservation areas (GCAs), taking into account the current genetic variation. It suggests that the inclusion of further sites is necessary when establishing GCA networks for multiple species. However, it also emphasizes that genetic variation is not the only relevant parameter, and other factors such as property situation, funding availability, and land use history should be considered in the decision-making process.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sheree J. Walters, Todd P. Robinson, Margaret Byrne, Paul Nevill
Summary: Provenance delineation is important for ecological restoration, but its application using genomics approach is rare. This study investigated two pairs of co-occurring plant species in mesic and semi-arid environments using neutral genetic data and landscape genomics, and found that the geographic extent of provenances and the required genetic change differed between the species and habitats. Future climate scenarios also had different effects on provenance patterns. This suggests that provenance guidelines should consider species and habitat dependencies.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Joseph E. Braasch, Lionel N. Di Santo, Zachary J. Tarble, Jarrad R. Prasifka, Jill A. Hamilton
Summary: This study compared the genomic variation across seed sources used in conservation and restoration for the perennial prairie plant Helianthus maximiliani. It found differences in genomic composition among commercial seed populations and selected lines, as well as sampling effects for ex situ collections. Commercially sourced seed appeared to maintain an increased number of rare alleles, but the genomic distance between wild and commercially produced seed suggests differentiation could impact restoration success.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gautam Shirsekar, Jane Devos, Sergio M. Latorre, Andreas Blaha, Maique Queiroz Dias, Alba Gonzalez Hernando, Derek S. Lundberg, Hernan A. Burbano, Charles B. Fenster, Detlef Weigel
Summary: This study explores the population structure of North American Arabidopsis thaliana and highlights the impact of multiple introductions on genetic diversity and adaptive potential. By analyzing the genomes from different introduction sources, it reveals the potential of enhancing adaptive potential through admixture in colonizing species. The findings shed light on the mechanisms shaping genetic diversity in nonnative ranges and provide insights for further investigations into the functional significance of admixture.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Milza Lopez, Betsabe Abarca, Sergio Espinoza, Alexis Rojas, Eduardo Martinez-Herrera, Marco R. Yanez, Carlos Magni
Summary: This study aimed to develop a methodology to delineate seed zones for native tree species based on geographical and climatic variables. Using Quillaja saponaria as a case study, the method successfully determined seed sources and provided a preliminary estimation of abundance. The proposed methodology is easily replicable and applicable to other species using free databases and computing tools.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John L. Orrock, Lars A. Brudvig, Ellen I. Damschen, W. Brett Mattingly, Jennyffer Cruz, Joseph W. Veldman, Philip G. Hahn, Angela L. Larsen-Gray
Summary: Ecological restoration is crucial for preserving biodiversity in the face of global changes. A long-term experiment in longleaf pine savannas showed that seed additions and climatic variations significantly impacted plant establishment and persistence, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in future restoration and conservation efforts.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Susana Adriana Montano-Arias, Hilda Araceli Zavaleta-Mancera, Sara Lucia Camargo-Ricalde, Rosaura Grether
Summary: Mimosa luisana seeds have a long lifespan, with germination percentage depending on seed age and scarification. Slow seedling growth and the presence of foliar cotyledons were observed in all seed age groups.
TREES-STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ricardo Alia, Eduardo Notivol, Jose Climent, Felipe Perez, Diana Barba, Juan Majada, Jose Manuel Garcia del Barrio
Summary: Seed sourcing strategies are crucial for identifying genetic material that meets future climatic conditions and social demands. This study analyzes different local seed sourcing approaches and their limitations. The research confirms the abundance of local species and genetic pools, but highlights the differences in their importance and constraints related to approved materials and seed production areas. The study suggests alternative pools to meet social demands under current regulations on marketing of reproductive materials.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Kristin J. Barker, Wenjing Xu, Amy Van Scoyoc, Mitchell W. Serota, Jessie A. Moravek, Avery L. Shawler, Rachael E. Ryan, Arthur D. Middleton
Summary: This study examines restoration efforts to recover lost migrations through the lens of behavioral ecology, emphasizing the key roles of exploration, learning, and adaptation in migratory behavior. Three broad strategies are described to effectively restore lost migrations, linking these strategies with specific management techniques. It reveals a previously underappreciated potential for restoring lost migrations in terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Junaid A. Magray, Bilal A. Wani, Aijaz H. Ganie, Roof Ul Qadir, Irshad A. Nawchoo, Hanan Javid
Summary: Seed pre-treatments were found to enhance germination of Phytolacca acinosa under various environmental conditions. The study evaluated the effects of pre-sowing treatments and seed sources on seed germination of P. acinosa in Kashmir Himalaya. Different pre-sowing treatments were applied to seeds collected from five locations, and the highest germination was observed in seeds treated with 150 ppm thiourea, followed by scarification with 100 ppm gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate. Among the five seed sources, there were no significant differences in germination, but the interaction of seed source variation and pre-treatments showed significant differences in germination parameters. The results suggest that thiourea, potassium nitrate, and a combination of scarification and gibberellic acid are effective for enhancing the germination of P. acinosa seeds.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH ON MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Christine Biermann, David Havlick
Summary: As molecular techniques advance, genetics play a crucial role in the restoration and conservation of cutthroat trout populations in the western United States. While genetics offer seemingly objective metrics for restoration projects, the fragility and changing perceptions of genetic purity, as well as the potential to obscure socioecological histories, highlight the need for a broader, holistic approach to restoration rather than a fixation on genetic purity and hybridization threats.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Carolyn Pike, Kevin M. Potter, Paul Berrang, Barbara Crane, Joanne Baggs, Laura Leites, Tom Luther
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY
(2020)
Article
Forestry
Bjorn-Gustaf J. Brooks, Danny C. Lee, Lars Y. Pomara, William W. Hargrove
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
James M. Angelo, Kevin Potter, Thomas Muller-Spath, Xuankuo Xu, Zheng Jian Li, Sanchayita Ghose
Summary: The study conducted additional viral validation studies using MCC technology, evaluated viral clearance across twin-column continuous capture chromatography, and proposed a simplified approach for virus validation studies.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarah M. Anderson, Linda S. Heath, Marla R. Emery, Jeffrey A. Hicke, Jeremy S. Littell, Alan Lucier, Jeffrey G. Masek, David L. Peterson, Richard Pouyat, Kevin M. Potter, Guy Robertson, Jinelle Sperry
Summary: The study identifies 11 informative core indicators of forests and climate change impacts, providing valuable insights into the role of forests in climate change and the importance of protecting and managing this crucial resource.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sean Hoban, Catriona D. Campbell, Jessica M. da Silva, Robert Ekblom, W. Chris Funk, Brittany A. Garner, Jose A. Godoy, Francine Kershaw, Anna J. MacDonald, Joachim Mergeay, Melissa Minter, David O'Brien, Ivan Paz Vinas, Sarah K. Pearson, Silvia Perez-Espona, Kevin M. Potter, Isa-Rita M. Russo, Gernot Segelbacher, Cristiano Vernesi, Margaret E. Hunter
Summary: International agreements like the CBD are crucial for global conservation efforts, but often overlook genetic diversity, which is essential for adaptation to environmental changes. While most Parties to the CBD recognize the importance of genetic diversity, their actions mainly focus on variation within crops and livestock rather than monitoring and in situ conservation. Recommendations for future frameworks include improving awareness, assessment, and monitoring of genetic diversity for more consistent and comprehensive reporting.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Ann Willyard, David S. Gernandt, Alejandro Lopez-Reyes, Kevin M. Potter
Summary: The mitochondrial phylogeography of some conifers suggests introgression from sympatric congeners, leading to mitochondrial lineages not always reflecting species. Recent nuclear and plastome phylogenies placed Pinus ponderosa paraphyletic in relation to Ponderosae in Mexico and Central America. A survey of repeated motifs in nad1 intron 2 revealed strong geographic patterns in mitochondrial haplotypes, with unidirectional mitochondrial capture by P. jeffreyi from P. ponderosa observed in Jeffrey pine samples.
TREE GENETICS & GENOMES
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Kevin M. Potter, Kurt Riitters
Summary: Genetic diversity is crucial for adaptation and resilience to environmental changes. However, addressing the indicator of forest species at risk of losing genetic variation in a systematic manner is challenging. This study combines two large-scale datasets to assess the risk of genetic variation loss in U.S. forest tree species. The findings highlight the potential risks in California and the Southeast regions.
Article
Biology
Sean Hoban, Frederick Archer, Laura D. Bertola, Jason G. Bragg, Martin F. Breed, Michael W. Bruford, Melinda A. Coleman, Robert Ekblom, W. Chris Funk, Catherine E. Grueber, Brian K. Hand, Rodolfo Jaffe, Evelyn Jensen, Jeremy S. Johnson, Francine Kershaw, Libby Liggins, Anna J. MacDonald, Joachim Mergeay, Joshua M. Miller, Frank Muller-Karger, David O'Brien, Ivan Paz-Vinas, Kevin M. Potter, Orly Razgour, Cristiano Vernesi, Margaret E. Hunter
Summary: Biodiversity is crucial for the resilience, function, economies, and well-being of ecosystems, but understanding how it sustains ecosystems under stress and environmental change requires new approaches to biodiversity data. The Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) has developed Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) as fundamental metrics to aggregate and interpret biodiversity observation data. Genetic Composition EBVs (Genetic EBVs), which measure within-species genetic variation, are proposed and ranked according to relevance, sensitivity to change, generalizability, scalability, feasibility, and data availability. The implementation of Genetic EBVs faces challenges in terms of aggregation, standardization, and costs, but advances in genetic data collection and availability provide opportunities for their integration into global conservation policy.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Kevin M. Potter, Robert M. Jetton, W. Andrew Whittier, Barbara S. Crane, Valerie D. Hipkins, Craig S. Echt, Gary R. Hodge
Summary: Table Mountain pine is an endangered tree species with fragmented but widespread distribution. The species has low genetic diversity and weak differentiation among populations. The genetic differences between northern and southern seed collection zones are minor and may not be useful for guiding future conservation efforts. Simulations suggest that reducing the number of families in conservation plantings would have minimal impact on common alleles, but would affect the representation of rare alleles and overall allelic richness.
Article
Ecology
Elizabeth A. LaRue, Jonathan A. Knott, Grant M. Domke, Han Y. H. Chen, Qinfeng Guo, Masumi Hisano, Christopher Oswalt, Sonja Oswalt, Nicole Kong, Kevin M. Potter, Songlin Fei
Summary: The study shows that the physical structure of vegetation is closely related to ecosystem function, and structural diversity is a robust predictor of forest productivity. It consistently outperforms species diversity as a predictor across different climate conditions in North America. Moreover, structural diversity captures variation in size and can be used to measure realized niche space, making it a better surrogate of niche occupancy. This study highlights the importance of using structural diversity as a metric for restoration and management decisions to maximize ecosystem productivity and carbon sequestration.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kevin M. Potter, Christian Giardina, R. Flint Hughes, Susan Cordell, Olaf Kuegler, Amy Koch, Emma Yuen
Summary: The invasion of non-native plant species in Hawaiian forests has resulted in significant changes in forest composition and structure. Non-native trees have a higher presence in the understory compared to the native canopy trees, suggesting potential replacement of native species. These findings are crucial for the conservation of Hawaiian flora and understanding invasion patterns in other forests.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher Asaro, Frank H. Koch, Kevin M. Potter
Summary: Forests in the United States are becoming denser, leading to increased competition for resources and vulnerability to disturbances. The total tree basal area (TBA) can serve as an indicator of forest health and be used to identify areas that require further analysis of forest conditions. Comparison of TBA with forest damage maps due to insects and pathogens showed significantly higher TBA in affected areas, indicating its potential as a regional-scale indicator.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kevin M. Potter, Kurt H. Riitters, Qinfeng Guo
Summary: The invasion of non-native tree species has a significant impact on forest ecosystems, altering processes and threatening the services provided by native trees. This assessment identified the most invasive non-native tree species in different regions of the United States, providing insights for managing and controlling invasive trees.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Kevin Potter, Steven Sleder, Matthew Smith, Shehan Perera, Alper Yilmaz, John Tencer
Summary: The study introduces a novel graph convolutional layer that uses pseudo-differential operators and performs well in various supervised learning tasks. The new layer outperforms recent architectures in graph classification tasks with different datasets in terms of accuracy and speed.
2021 IEEE/CVF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMPUTER VISION WORKSHOPS (ICCVW 2021)
(2021)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
John Tencer, Kevin Potter
Summary: The proposed method utilizes deep convolutional autoencoders with custom graph convolution operators to extend applications to systems with complex geometry using unstructured meshes. Particularly suitable for data arising from the solution of partial differential equations, it demonstrates over an order of magnitude improvement in accuracy compared to linear methods.
SIAM JOURNAL ON SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING
(2021)