Article
Plant Sciences
Paulo Milet-Pinheiro, Carlos E. E. Pinto, Daniela M. A. F. Navarro, Joao B. F. Silva, Katharina Brandt, Manfred Ayasse
Summary: Catasetum is a diverse orchid genus in the Neotropics that uses floral scents to attract male orchid bees for pollination. In this study, we investigated the pollination ecology and floral scent traits of C. maranhense, an endemic species in Brazil. The floral scent of C. maranhense is composed of 29 volatile compounds, with eucalyptol, indole, (E)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate, and (Z)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate dominating the scent bouquet. No sexual dimorphism was observed in any of the traits investigated. The ecological and evolutionary significance of these findings to Catasetum species and other unisexual perfume plants are discussed.
Article
Agronomy
Maria Eliene Maia Braga Candido, Patricia Nakayama Miranda, Elder Ferreira Morato
Summary: Riparian forests in Brazil support a vast biodiversity, but are threatened by habitat fragmentation. The study found that fragments of riparian and terra-firme forests in an urban landscape play a crucial role in the conservation and maintenance of orchid bees. The results suggest that these forest remnants are important for local bee populations and could maintain a significant portion of orchid bee species in the region.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nora Eugenia D. G. Anghelescu, Hajnalka Kertesz, Nicoleta Constantin, Alexandra Simon-Gruita, Georgiana Duta Cornescu, Maria D. Pojoga, Mihaela I. Georgescu, Sorina A. Petra, Florin Toma
Summary: This study reported a new intergeneric hybrid between two subspecies from different genera, Dactylorhiza and Pseudorchis. Through detailed morphometric and molecular analyses, the hybrid was identified as a new intergeneric hybrid showing strong inheritance patterns from the Pseudorchis albida subspecies.
Article
Entomology
Andreia F. Dexheimer, David Outomuro, Aimee S. Dunlap, Nathan I. Morehouse
Summary: The study aimed to measure the spectral sensitivities of the orchid bee Euglossa dilemma and characterize its color vision. The results showed that E. dilemma has trichromatic vision, with spectral sensitivity peaks in the ultraviolet, blue, and green wavelengths, similar to other bees that have been studied.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Miquel Capo, Sebastia Perello-Suau, Juan Rita
Summary: The pollination of deceptive orchids has allowed scientists to understand how these species avoid inbreeding depression by reducing the number of pollinator visits. This study focuses on the rewarding orchid A. coriophora and examines its breeding system, fitness changes, and nectar content after pollination. The study reveals that the species selects allogamous pollen to avoid self-pollination and that seed viability is lower in self-pollinated plants. The study emphasizes the importance of pre-zygotic and post-zygotic reproductive barriers in preventing inbreeding depression in rewarding orchids.
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
M. Capo, J. Borras, S. Perello-Suau, J. Rita, J. Cursach
Summary: This study investigates the impact of human disturbance on the reproductive output of Anacamptis robusta plant species, as well as the effects of competition, fungal infections, and hybridization processes on its fitness. Findings suggest that the disturbed subpopulation of A. robusta has lower fruit set success compared to well-conserved areas and that the presence of A. coriophora negatively affects its reproductive output.
Article
Plant Sciences
Georgia Basist, Adrian G. Dyer, Jair E. Garcia, Ruth E. Raleigh, Ann C. Lawrie
Summary: The study revealed the presence of color polymorphism in the Caladenia fulva orchid, with no reproductive barriers observed among different flower colors. Natural fruit set was proportional to the numbers of different flower colors but varied within the population. Spectral data suggested a hymenopteran pollinator could visually discriminate among color variants, and the color polymorphism may help avoid habituation to specific flower colors by pollinators.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Taiqiang Li, Shimao Wu, Wenke Yang, Marc-Andre Selosse, Jiangyun Gao
Summary: Orchid distribution and population dynamics are influenced by ecological factors and holobionts, with a strong dependency on orchid mycorrhizal fungi. Changes in OMF composition and abundance can have profound effects on orchid distribution and fitness. Network analysis plays a crucial role in studying interactions between plants, microbes, and the environment.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Huolin Luo, Hanwen Xiao, Yuelong Liang, Nannan Liu, Cassidy Turner, Shaolin Tan, Xinghui Chen, Dongjin Xiong, Boyun Yang
Summary: By mimicking the visual signals of Lysimachia alfredi through Batesian mimicry, Danxiaorchis yangii deceptively attracts Dufourea spp. for pollination, demonstrating the existence of deceptive floral strategies between plants.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
S. Diantina, C. McGill, J. Millner, J. Nadarajan, H. W. Pritchard, L. Colville, A. Clavijo McCormick
Summary: The changes in seed lipid composition during ageing can lead to loss of seed viability in many plant species. In this study, it was found that all orchid species examined experienced significant viability loss after ageing, along with a decrease in fatty acid content. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between fatty acid degradation and seed viability loss in orchids.
Article
Plant Sciences
Radosav Cerovic, Milica Fotiric Aksic, Milena Dordevic, Mekjell Meland
Summary: Compatibility and synchrony between specialized tissues of the pistil, female gametophytes and male gametophytes are essential for successful pollination and fruit set in angiosperms. This study examined the development and viability of embryo sacs, as well as fertilization success, in different plum cultivars under specific Norwegian climatic conditions. The results showed variation among the cultivars, with 'Jubileum' demonstrating the best adaptation to low temperatures.
Article
Horticulture
Xinwang Wang, Yueliang Wu, Leonardo Lombardini
Summary: Optimized agar-solidified medium composition containing sucrose, boric acid, and calcium nitrate was found to be optimal for pecan pollen germination. Pollen germination rates varied among different cultivars, possibly due to differences in flowering patterns and catkin maturity levels. Storage at specific temperatures and acclimation conditions were identified to maintain high pollen viability for crossbreeding programs.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Monika M. Lipinska, Marek Golebiowski, Dariusz L. Szlachetko, Agnieszka K. Kowalkowska
Summary: The study found that the flower of Brasiliorchis schunkeana secretes lipoid and phenolic material, giving the flower a glossy appearance and a rotten herring scent. Chemical analysis also revealed the presence of five semiochemicals that are known to attract certain insects. However, field observations are needed to confirm this pollination syndrome.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Trent D. Penman, Sarah C. McColl-Gausden, Bruce G. Marcot, Dan A. Ababei
Summary: This study introduces a methodology of applying Bayesian network modeling to population viability analysis, which can better address the spatial and temporal variability of vital rate parameters, especially for species with complex stage-class structures. By comparing traditional matrix-based PVA with BN model analyses on three species from eastern Australia, it was found that BN PVA provides more clearly identifiable thresholds of population changes and extinction levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Danilo Urzedo, Simone Pedrini, Daniel L. M. Vieira, Alexandre B. Sampaio, Bruna D. F. Souza, Eduardo Malta Campos-Filho, Fatima C. M. Pina-Rodrigues, Isabel B. Schmidt, Rodrigo G. P. Junqueira, Kingsley Dixon
Summary: The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration aims to trigger the recovery of ecosystem services and transform structural injustices across the world by including diverse Indigenous and local communities in co-creating robust native seed supply systems. Community-based organizations have developed native seed supply strategies for landscape restoration, drawing on two decades of seed networks in Brazil and emerging Indigenous participation in Australia. Local engagement and equitable participation in social, economic, and environmental benefits are emphasized for achieving large-scale restoration goals.
Article
Plant Sciences
Dorset W. Trapnell, Patrick A. Smallwood, Kingsley W. Dixon, Ryan D. Phillips
Summary: Orchid populations are small and patchily distributed, yet exhibit high genetic diversity and moderate levels of gene flow. Some populations are founded by few colonists, with growth mainly from in situ recruitment. Pollinators play a greater role than seeds in introducing genetic diversity to populations via gene flow.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Cameron M. Mounsey, Jason C. Stevens, Michael Renton, Kingsley W. Dixon, Ben P. Miller
Summary: Mining activities can have significant impacts on the environment, altering topography, soil properties, hydrology, and biological communities. This study in southwest Australia examined a 19-year-old postmining woodland restoration to assess the development of plant communities in restored sites, finding that vegetation cover increased over time while plant density and species richness decreased. Environmental drivers, such as rainfall patterns, and management techniques, like substrate ripping, played key roles in restoration outcomes, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring and evaluation in postmining restoration efforts.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kit S. Prendergast, Sean Tomlinson, Kingsley W. Dixon, Philip W. Bateman, Myles H. M. Menz
Summary: Urbanization has a negative impact on native bee abundance and diversity, while bushland remnants play a crucial role in conserving native bee populations.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
B. R. Chandima P. Samarasinghe, K. M. G. Gehan Jayasuriya, A. M. Thilanka A. Gunaratne, Mahesh C. Senanayaka, Kingsley W. Dixon
Summary: This study investigates the variation in seed traits of three Mesua species in Sri Lanka and confirms the correlation between seed trait variations and habitat adaptability. It is found that different populations of Mesua ferrea exhibit variation in seed traits, and both M. ferrea and M. thwaitesii show adaptability to dry conditions while M. stylosa is sensitive to desiccation and remains dormant.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Kit S. Prendergast, Kingsley W. Dixon, Philip W. Bateman
Summary: Loss of natural habitat through land-use change threatens bees. Urbanisation is a major, increasing form of habitat loss, and it impacts bee diversity and abundance in various inconsistent ways. Urban areas tend to have more abundant but fewer species of bees compared to agricultural areas and natural areas. Factors associated with urban landscapes, such as changes in foraging resources and nesting substrate types and availability, contribute to changes in bee abundance, species richness, and composition. However, studies have varying conclusions due to differences in bee ecological traits, surveyed habitats, geographic regions, and inconsistencies in sampling methodology and definitions. Understanding the features that promote or threaten urban bee diversity is critical for conservation efforts.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei San Wong, Tim K. Morald, Andrew S. Whiteley, Paul G. Nevill, Robert D. Trengove, Jean W. H. Yong, Kingsley W. Dixon, Justin M. Valliere, Jason C. Stevens, Erik J. Veneklaas
Summary: Mining activities alter critical soil properties for plant establishment. Microbial inoculations can potentially improve vegetation restoration. This study evaluates the feasibility of using commercially available inoculants to enhance plant performance in a non-toxic and infertile mine-waste substrate, finding that water availability has a greater effect on plant growth than inoculation treatments.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Correction
Plant Sciences
Mark C. Brundrett
Correction
Agronomy
Mark C. Brundrett, Leho Tedersoo
Letter
Plant Sciences
Nadejda A. Soudzilovskaia, Jinhong He, Saleh Rahimlou, Kessy Abarenkov, Mark C. Brundrett, Leho Tedersoo
Article
Ecology
Kingsley Dixon, Vanessa MacDonald, Haylee D'Agui
Summary: This special issue compiles research studies conducted by the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Mine Site Restoration over the span of 5 years. The studies focused on often overlooked or under-resourced disciplines in the mining industry, including restoration genetics, seed technology, rare species management, and restoration ecophysiology. The research findings also contributed to the development of mining closure policies.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
B. R. Chandima P. Samarasinghe, K. M. G. Gehan Jayasuriya, A. M. Thilanka A. Gunaratne, Mahesh C. Senanayaka, Kingsley W. Dixon
Summary: Plant community-level studies on seed dormancy traits are important to understand and determine the significance of seed dormancy in different ecosystems. The majority of tree species in the lowland rainforest of Sri Lanka exhibit non-dormancy as the dominant germination behavior, with dormancy class related to forest strata and dispersal time.
SEED SCIENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
R. A. Viscarra Rossel, Yuanyuan Yang, Andrew Bissett, Thorsten Behrens, Kingsley Dixon, Paul Nevil, Shuo Li
Summary: The relative abundance and diversity of soil fungi in Australian soils are influenced by climate, water balance, ecosystem type, vegetation, and edaphic factors such as organic matter, clay, mineralogy, pH, and nutrients. The Ascomycota and Basidiomycota dominate Australian soils, and fungal diversity decreases with increasing aridity. Soil organic matter and mineralogy significantly contribute to the understanding of abiotic controls on soil fungi. These findings enhance our understanding of fungal ecology at a macroecological scale and have implications for ecosystem stability and the development of strategies for global change preservation, adaptation, and mitigation.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Tristan Campbell, S. Don Bradshaw, Kingsley W. Dixon, Philip Zylstra
Summary: Efficient wildfire risk management should take into account various factors including changing climate and conflicting stakeholder priorities. However, extrapolating existing findings and strategies to different vegetation and climate regions has limitations. Indigenous-led practices show potential in wildfire risk management and biodiversity conservation.
GEOMATICS NATURAL HAZARDS & RISK
(2022)
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)
