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Messier J, Becker-Scarpitta A, Li Y, Violle C, Vellend M. Root and biomass allocation traits predict changes in plant species and communities over four decades of global change. Ecology 2024:e4389. [PMID: 39252476 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Global change is affecting the distribution and population dynamics of plant species across the planet, leading to trends such as shifts in distribution toward the poles and to higher elevations. Yet, we poorly understand why individual species respond differently to warming and other environmental changes, or how the trait composition of communities responds. Here we ask two questions regarding plant species and community changes over 42 years of global change in a temperate montane forest in Québec, Canada: (1) How did the trait composition, alpha diversity, and beta diversity of understory vascular plant communities change between 1970 and 2010, a period over which the region experienced 1.5°C of warming and changes in nitrogen deposition? (2) Can traits predict shifts in species elevation and abundance over this time period? For 46 understory vascular species, we locally measured six aboveground traits, and for 36 of those (not including shrubs), we also measured five belowground traits. Collectively, they capture leading dimensions of phenotypic variation that are associated with climatic and resource niches. At the community level, the trait composition of high-elevation plots shifted, primarily for two root traits: specific root length decreased and rooting depth increased. The mean trait values of high-elevation plots shifted over time toward values initially associated with low-elevation plots. These changes led to trait homogenization across elevations. The community-level shifts in traits mirrored the taxonomic shifts reported elsewhere for this site. At the species level, two of the three traits predicting changes in species elevation and abundance were belowground traits (low mycorrhizal fraction and shallow rooting). These findings highlight the importance of root traits, which, along with leaf mass fraction, were associated with shifts in distribution and abundance over four decades. Community-level trait changes were largely similar across the elevational and temporal gradients. In contrast, traits typically associated with lower elevations at the community level did not predict differences among species in their shift in abundance or distribution, indicating a decoupling between species- and community-level responses. Overall, changes were consistent with some influence of both climate warming and increased nitrogen availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Messier
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Antoine Becker-Scarpitta
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Vegetation Ecology, Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Yuanzhi Li
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cyrille Violle
- CEFE, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Mark Vellend
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Xie L, Yang Y, Ma J, Lin G, Deng J, Robson TM, Peng H, Zhou L, Yu D, Wang QW. Variations in ectomycorrhizal exploration types parallel seedling fine root traits of two temperate tree species under extreme drought and contrasting solar radiation treatments. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 39139140 DOI: 10.1111/pce.15093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Summary statementHigh solar radiation exacerbated the negative effects of extreme drought on plant growth and fine root traits. Ectomycorrhizae did not compensate for fine roots under drought stress. Fine roots biomass determined the role of ectomycorrhizal fungi, supporting the energy limitation hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Changbaishan Xipo National Field Observation and Research Station for Forest Ecosystem, Baishan, China
| | - Yanmeng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Changbaishan Xipo National Field Observation and Research Station for Forest Ecosystem, Baishan, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingran Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Changbaishan Xipo National Field Observation and Research Station for Forest Ecosystem, Baishan, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guigang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
- Northeast Asia Ecosystem Carbon Sink Research Center, School of Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaojiao Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Changbaishan Xipo National Field Observation and Research Station for Forest Ecosystem, Baishan, China
| | - Thomas M Robson
- Programme Lead for Woodland Ecology & Conservation, UK National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria, Ambleside, UK
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Huan Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Changbaishan Xipo National Field Observation and Research Station for Forest Ecosystem, Baishan, China
| | - Dapao Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Changbaishan Xipo National Field Observation and Research Station for Forest Ecosystem, Baishan, China
| | - Qing-Wei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Changbaishan Xipo National Field Observation and Research Station for Forest Ecosystem, Baishan, China
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Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Han G. Different responses of foliar nutrient resorption efficiency in two dominant species to grazing in the desert steppe. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4090. [PMID: 38374335 PMCID: PMC10876624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53574-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen and phosphorus resorption (NRE and PRE) is a critical nutrient conservation mechanism maintaining plant growth in already disturbed barren ecosystems. The complexity of plant nutrient resorption variations in long-term grazing regions is regulated by plant traits, nutritional utilization strategies, and soil conditions following changes in grazing patterns. Therefore, a detailed investigation into their underlying mechanism is still required. Here we investigated leaf nutrient concentration and resorption in dominant species Cleistogenes songorica (C. squarrosa) and Stipa breviflora (S. breviflora) response to 15-years continuous grazing (moderate and heavy grazing) in desert steppe. Moderate grazing enhanced green leaf N and P content in C. songorica and partially increased N content in S. breviflora. Heavy grazing consistently increased N content in C. songorica, but its P content as well as N and P content in S. breviflora were largely stable. Moderate grazing enhanced NRE but unaffected PRE in both S. breviflora and C. songorica. Heavy grazing reduced NRE and PRE in C. songorica. Although soil variables (nutrients and moisture) did not affect foliar nutrients, it's a key driver of nutrient resorption efficiency. Of all measured influence factors, soil moisture is the one most important and negatively correlated with NRE and PRE in S. breviflora. While it was not observed in C. songorica. In S. breviflora, its NRE was adversely linked with soil N, in addition, both NRE and PRE were positively associated with green leaf nutrients. Senesced leaf nutrients are the predominant factor influencing nutrient resorption efficiency in C. songorica, which were adversely associated. Overall, our results indicate significant variations in nutrient resorption efficiency patterns between the two dominant species due to divergent plant adaptation strategies to grazing and the local environment. The foliar nutritional status and soil conditions may play significant roles in regulating nutrient resorption in arid long-term grazing desert steppe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingge Zhao
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources of the Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010011, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Forestry and Grassland Work Station of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot, 010011, China
| | - Yunbo Wang
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources of the Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010011, China.
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010011, China.
| | - Guodong Han
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources of the Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010011, China.
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010011, China.
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Da R, Fan C, Zhang C, Zhao X, von Gadow K. Are absorptive root traits good predictors of ecosystem functioning? A test in a natural temperate forest. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 239:75-86. [PMID: 36978285 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Trait-based approaches provide a useful framework to predict ecosystem functions under intensifying global change. However, our current understanding of trait-functioning relationships mainly relies on aboveground traits. Belowground traits (e.g. absorptive root traits) are rarely studied although these traits are related to important plant functions. We analyzed four pairs of analogous leaf and absorptive root traits of woody plants in a temperate forest and examined how these traits are coordinated at the community-level, and to what extent the trait covariation depends on local-scale environmental conditions. We then quantified the contributions of leaf and absorptive root traits and the environmental conditions in determining two important forest ecosystem functions, aboveground carbon storage, and woody biomass productivity. The results showed that both morphological trait pairs and chemical trait pairs exhibited positive correlations at the community level. Absorptive root traits show a strong response to environmental conditions compared to leaf traits. We also found that absorptive root traits were better predictors of the two forest ecosystem functions than leaf traits and environmental conditions. Our study confirms the important role of belowground traits in modulating ecosystem functions and deepens our understanding of belowground responses to changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihan Da
- Research Center of Forest Management Engineering of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyu Fan
- Research Center of Forest Management Engineering of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyu Zhang
- Research Center of Forest Management Engineering of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiuhai Zhao
- Research Center of Forest Management Engineering of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Klaus von Gadow
- Faculty of Forestry and Forest Ecology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Büsgenweg 5, D-37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Forest and Wood Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
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5
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Weemstra M, Roumet C, Cruz-Maldonado N, Anthelme F, Stokes A, Freschet GT. Environmental variation drives the decoupling of leaf and root traits within species along an elevation gradient. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 130:419-430. [PMID: 35405006 PMCID: PMC9486920 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Plant performance is enhanced by balancing above- and below-ground resource uptake through the intraspecific adjustment of leaf and root traits. It is assumed that these organ adjustments are at least partly coordinated, so that analogous leaf and root traits broadly covary. Understanding the extent of such intraspecific leaf-root trait covariation would strongly contribute to our understanding of how plants match above- and below-ground resource use strategies as their environment changes, but comprehensive studies are lacking. METHODS We measured analogous leaf and root traits from 11 species, as well as climate, soil and vegetation properties along a 1000-m elevation gradient in the French Alps. We determined how traits varied along the gradient, to what extent this variation was determined by the way different traits respond to environmental cues acting at different spatial scales (i.e. within and between elevations), and whether trait pairs covaried within species. KEY RESULTS Leaf and root trait patterns strongly diverged: across the 11 species along the gradient, intraspecific leaf trait patterns were largely consistent, whereas root trait patterns were highly idiosyncratic. We also observed that, when compared with leaves, intraspecific variation was greater in root traits, due to the strong effects of the local environment (i.e. at the same elevation), while landscape-level effects (i.e. at different elevations) were minor. Overall, intraspecific trait correlations between analogous leaf and root traits were nearly absent. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that environmental gradients at the landscape level, as well as local heterogeneity in soil properties, are the drivers of a strong decoupling between analogous leaf and root traits within species. This decoupling of plant resource acquisition strategies highlights how plants can exhibit diverse whole-plant acclimation strategies to modify above- and below-ground resource uptake, improving their resilience to environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Roumet
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - N Cruz-Maldonado
- AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - F Anthelme
- AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - A Stokes
- AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - G T Freschet
- Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, 09200 Moulis, France
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6
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Pastore MA. Bringing the underground to the surface: Climate change stressors negatively affect plant growth, with contrasting above and belowground physiological responses. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:2267-2270. [PMID: 35706391 PMCID: PMC9546244 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Pastore
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVermontUSA
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVermontUSA
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7
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Gagliardi S, Avelino J, Fulthorpe R, Virginio Filho EDM, Isaac ME. No evidence of foliar disease impact on crop root functional strategies and soil microbial communities: what does this mean for organic coffee? OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacques Avelino
- CIRAD, UMR PHIM Montpellier France
- PHIM, Univ. Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Inst. Agro, IRD Montpellier France
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8
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Barroso GM, Ferreira MG, Dos Santos EA, Ferreira EA, Titon M, Xavier PVS, Francino DMT, Santos JBD. Mabea fistulifera and Zeyheria tuberculosa can be indicated for phytoremediation programs of soils contaminated with hormonal herbicides. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2021; 24:987-994. [PMID: 34665679 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2021.1991267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hormone-like herbicides, used for large crops, can contaminate non-target areas with their waste. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of Mabea fistulifera and Zeyheria tuberculosa to 2,4-D + picloram herbicides by means of morphological and anatomical evaluations. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme. The first factor was the control (without herbicide) and three doses (0.166; 0.333, and 0.666 L ha-1) of the herbicide Tordon® (402 g L-1 2,4-D + 103.6 g L-1 picloram) and the second factor, the species Mabea fistulifera and Zeyheria tuberculosa. The number of M. fistulifera leaves was lower after treatment with the highest dose of the 2,4-D + picloram mixture. The herbicide rates did not influence the number of Z. tuberculosa leaves. The higher dose of 2,4-D + picloram caused a more than 50% reduction in leaf area. Toxicity increased linearly as a function of the doses of the 2,4-D + picloram mixture. Changes in the leaf anatomy of the two species treated with herbicides were observed; however, the roots did not show any changes. Mabea fistulifera and Zeyheria tuberculosa can be recommended for phytoremediation programs in areas contaminated by the herbicides 2,4-D + picloram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Madureira Barroso
- Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri-UFVJM, Diamantina, Brasil
| | - Mariana Generoso Ferreira
- Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri-UFVJM, Diamantina, Brasil
| | | | - Evander Alves Ferreira
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-UFMG, Montes Claros, Brasil
| | - Miranda Titon
- Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri-UFVJM, Diamantina, Brasil
| | - Pietra Vena Soares Xavier
- Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri-UFVJM, Diamantina, Brasil
| | | | - José Barbosa Dos Santos
- Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri-UFVJM, Diamantina, Brasil
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9
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Weigelt A, Mommer L, Andraczek K, Iversen CM, Bergmann J, Bruelheide H, Fan Y, Freschet GT, Guerrero-Ramírez NR, Kattge J, Kuyper TW, Laughlin DC, Meier IC, van der Plas F, Poorter H, Roumet C, van Ruijven J, Sabatini FM, Semchenko M, Sweeney CJ, Valverde-Barrantes OJ, York LM, McCormack ML. An integrated framework of plant form and function: the belowground perspective. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:42-59. [PMID: 34197626 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plant trait variation drives plant function, community composition and ecosystem processes. However, our current understanding of trait variation disproportionately relies on aboveground observations. Here we integrate root traits into the global framework of plant form and function. We developed and tested an overarching conceptual framework that integrates two recently identified root trait gradients with a well-established aboveground plant trait framework. We confronted our novel framework with published relationships between above- and belowground trait analogues and with multivariate analyses of above- and belowground traits of 2510 species. Our traits represent the leaf and root conservation gradients (specific leaf area, leaf and root nitrogen concentration, and root tissue density), the root collaboration gradient (root diameter and specific root length) and the plant size gradient (plant height and rooting depth). We found that an integrated, whole-plant trait space required as much as four axes. The two main axes represented the fast-slow 'conservation' gradient on which leaf and fine-root traits were well aligned, and the 'collaboration' gradient in roots. The two additional axes were separate, orthogonal plant size axes for height and rooting depth. This perspective on the multidimensional nature of plant trait variation better encompasses plant function and influence on the surrounding environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Weigelt
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Liesje Mommer
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 47, Wageningen, 6700 AA, the Netherlands
| | - Karl Andraczek
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Colleen M Iversen
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Climate Change Science Institute and Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Joana Bergmann
- Sustainable Grassland Systems, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Paulinenaue, 14641, Germany
| | - Helge Bruelheide
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 06108, Germany
| | - Ying Fan
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Grégoire T Freschet
- Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station (SETE), National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Moulis, 09200, France
| | - Nathaly R Guerrero-Ramírez
- Biodiversity, Macroecology & Biogeography, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Jens Kattge
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
- Functional Biogeography, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Thom W Kuyper
- Soil Biology Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 47, Wageningen, 6700 AA, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel C Laughlin
- Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - Ina C Meier
- Functional Forest Ecology, Department of Biology, Universität Hamburg, Barsbüttel-Willinghusen, 22885, Germany
| | - Fons van der Plas
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 47, Wageningen, 6700 AA, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Poorter
- Plant Sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Catherine Roumet
- CEFE, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, University Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Jasper van Ruijven
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 47, Wageningen, 6700 AA, the Netherlands
| | - Francesco Maria Sabatini
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 06108, Germany
| | - Marina Semchenko
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, 51005, Estonia
| | - Christopher J Sweeney
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Larry M York
- Noble Research Institute, LLC, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - M Luke McCormack
- The Root Lab, Center for Tree Science, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, 60515, USA
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10
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Yang Y, Xiao C, Wu X, Long W, Feng G, Liu G. Differing Trade-Off Patterns of Tree Vegetative Organs in a Tropical Cloud Forest. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:680379. [PMID: 34367205 PMCID: PMC8334555 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.680379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Functional trait ecology demonstrates the significance of the leaf economics spectrum in understanding plants' trade-off between acquisitive and conservative resource utilization. However, whether trait variations of different vegetative organs are coordinated and whether the plant economics spectrum is characterized by more than one vegetative organ remain controversial. To gain insights into these questions, within a tropical cloud forest in Hainan Island, a total of 13 functional traits of 84 tree species were analyzed here, including leaf, stem and root traits. By using standardized major axis (SMA) regression and principal components analysis, we examined the trait variations and correlations for deciphering plants' trade-off pattern. We found decreases of leaf phosphorus content, leaf nitrogen content and specific leaf area and increases of leaf mass per unit area (LMA), wood density and leaf thickness along the first principal component, while there were decreases of specific root length and specific root area and increases of root tissue density along the second principal component. Root phosphorus and nitrogen contents were significantly positively associated with the phosphorus and nitrogen contents of both stem and leaf. Wood density was significantly positively associated with LMA and leaf thickness, but negatively associated with leaf thickness and specific leaf area. Our results indicate that, in the tropical cloud forest, there is a "fast-slow" economic spectrum characterized by leaf and stem. Changes of nutrient trait are coordinated, whereas the relationships of morphological traits varied independently between plant above- and below-ground parts, while root nutrient traits are decoupled from root morphological traits. Our findings can provide an insight into the species coexistence and community assembly in high-altitude tropical forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- National Positioning Observation and Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Flower Genetics and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, Haikou, China
| | - Chuchu Xiao
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- National Positioning Observation and Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Flower Genetics and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, Haikou, China
| | - Xianming Wu
- Bawangling Branch, Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park Administration, Changjiang, China
| | - Wenxing Long
- National Positioning Observation and Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Flower Genetics and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, Haikou, China
| | - Guang Feng
- National Positioning Observation and Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Flower Genetics and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, Haikou, China
| | - Guoying Liu
- National Positioning Observation and Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Flower Genetics and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, Haikou, China
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Xiang LS, Miao LF, Yang F. Neighbors, Drought, and Nitrogen Application Affect the Root Morphological Plasticity of Dalbergia odorifera. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:650616. [PMID: 33897741 PMCID: PMC8060562 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.650616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In forest systems, neighbor-induced root morphological plasticity (RMP) is species specific and environment dependent. However, related studies on leguminous woody trees remain sparse. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the root morphological response of the leguminous woody Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen to different N-fixing niche neighbors under models of root system contact and isolation and to evaluate whether such response can be modified by drought or the application of nitrogen (N). The relationship between root morphology and the relative competitiveness of the whole D. odorifera plantlet was also assessed. D. odorifera plantlets from the woody Leguminosae family were used as target species and were grown with either identical N-fixing niche D. odorifera, the heterogeneous but con-leguminous Delonix regia, or the non-leguminous Swietenia mahagoni. All plants were grown under two water conditions (100% and 30% field capacity) and two N treatments (no N application and N application). Two planting models (root system contact in Experiment 1, root system isolation in Experiment 2) were applied to neighboring plantlets. The RMP of D. odorifera was assessed based on root morphology, root system classification, root nodules, and RMP-related indices. The growth of D. odorifera was estimated based on the relative growth ratio, net assimilation rate, and leaf N content. The relative competitiveness of the whole D. odorifera plantlet was evaluated through relative yield. The results of Experiment 1 showed that D. odorifera had different RMP responses to a different N-fixing niche neighbor with root system contact. The RMP of D. odorifera was promoted by a different N-fixing niche neighbor under conditions of drought or N deficiency. Drought improved the RMP of D. odorifera exposed to a different N-fixing niche neighbor. N application converted the promoting effect of D. regia on RMP to an inhibitory effect under well-watered conditions. Experiment 2 showed that belowground interaction with a different N-fixing niche neighbor may be the only way to influence RMP, as effects of aboveground interaction were negligible. Finally, correlation analysis showed that neighbor-induced RMP might predict the relative competitiveness of the whole D. odorifera plantlet under conditions of drought or N deficiency. These findings highlight the influences of neighbors, drought, and N application on the RMP of D. odorifera and contribute to understanding neighbor-induced dynamic changes in the root traits of leguminous woody species in forest systems in the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shan Xiang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- School of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Ling-Feng Miao
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Center for Eco-Environmental Restoration Engineering of Hainan Province, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Haikou, China
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12
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Taseski GM, Keith DA, Dalrymple RL, Cornwell WK. Shifts in fine root traits within and among species along a fine-scale hydrological gradient. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2021; 127:473-481. [PMID: 32966560 PMCID: PMC7988525 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcaa175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lessons from above-ground trait ecology and resource economics theory may not be directly translatable to below-ground traits due to differences in function, trade-offs and environmental constraints. Here we examine root functional traits within and across species along a fine-scale hydrological gradient. We ask two related questions: (1) What is the relative magnitude of trait variation across the gradient for within- versus among-species variation? (2) Do correlations among below-ground plant traits conform with predictions from resource-economic spectrum theory? METHODS We sampled four below-ground fine-root traits (specific root length, branching intensity, root tissue density and root dry matter content) and four above-ground traits (specific leaf area, leaf size, plant height and leaf dry matter content) in vascular plants along a fine-scale hydrological gradient within a wet heathland community in south-eastern Australia. Below-ground and above-ground traits were sampled both within and among species. KEY RESULTS Root traits shifted both within and among species across the hydrological gradient. Within- and among-species patterns for root tissue density showed similar declines towards the wetter end of the gradient. Other root traits showed a variety of patterns with respect to within- and among-species variation. Filtering of species has a stronger effect compared with the average within-species shift: the slopes of the relationships between soil moisture and traits were steeper across species than slopes of within species. Between species, below-ground traits were only weakly linked to each other and to above-ground traits, but these weak links did in some cases correspond with predictions from economic theory. CONCLUSIONS One of the challenges of research on root traits has been considerable intraspecific variation. Here we show that part of intraspecific root trait variation is structured by a fine-scale hydrological gradient, and that the variation aligns with among-species trends in some cases. Patterns in root tissue density are especially intriguing and may play an important role in species and individual response to moisture conditions. Given the importance of roots in the uptake of resources, and in carbon and nutrient turnover, it is vital that we establish patterns of root trait variation across environmental gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy M Taseski
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Keith
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rhiannon L Dalrymple
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- For correspondence. E-mail
| | - William K Cornwell
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Patoine G, Bruelheide H, Haase J, Nock C, Ohlmann N, Schwarz B, Scherer‐Lorenzen M, Eisenhauer N. Tree litter functional diversity and nitrogen concentration enhance litter decomposition via changes in earthworm communities. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:6752-6768. [PMID: 32724548 PMCID: PMC7381558 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is a major driver of numerous ecosystem functions. However, consequences of changes in forest biodiversity remain difficult to predict because of limited knowledge about how tree diversity influences ecosystem functions. Litter decomposition is a key process affecting nutrient cycling, productivity, and carbon storage and can be influenced by plant biodiversity. Leaf litter species composition, environmental conditions, and the detritivore community are main components of the decomposition process, but their complex interactions are poorly understood. In this study, we tested the effect of tree functional diversity (FD) on litter decomposition in a field experiment manipulating tree diversity and partitioned the effects of litter physiochemical diversity and the detritivore community. We used litterbags with different mesh sizes to separate the effects of microorganisms and microfauna, mesofauna, and macrofauna and monitored soil fauna using pitfall traps and earthworm extractions. We hypothesized that higher tree litter FD accelerates litter decomposition due to the availability of complementary food components and higher activity of detritivores. Although we did not find direct effects of tree FD on litter decomposition, we identified key litter traits and macrodetritivores that explained part of the process. Litter mass loss was found to decrease with an increase in leaf litter carbon:nitrogen ratio. Moreover, litter mass loss increased with an increasing density of epigeic earthworms, with most pronounced effects in litterbags with a smaller mesh size, indicating indirect effects. Higher litter FD and litter nutrient content were found to increase the density of surface-dwelling macrofauna and epigeic earthworm biomass. Based on structural equation modeling, we conclude that tree FD has a weak positive effect on soil surface litter decomposition by increasing the density of epigeic earthworms and that litter nitrogen-related traits play a central role in tree composition effects on soil fauna and decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Patoine
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Institute of BiologyLeipzig UniversityLeipzigGermany
| | - Helge Bruelheide
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical GardenMartin Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Josephine Haase
- GeobotanyFaculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Charles Nock
- GeobotanyFaculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Department of Renewable ResourcesFaculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental SciencesGeneral Services BuildingUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Niklas Ohlmann
- GeobotanyFaculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Benjamin Schwarz
- Biometry and Environmental System AnalysisFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | | | - Nico Eisenhauer
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Institute of BiologyLeipzig UniversityLeipzigGermany
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14
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Wang Y, Yang XD, Ali A, Lv GH, Long YX, Wang YY, Ma YG, Xu CC. Flowering Phenology Shifts in Response to Functional Traits, Growth Form, and Phylogeny of Woody Species in a Desert Area. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:536. [PMID: 32435256 PMCID: PMC7219254 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Climatic factors are considered the major driving forces for variation of flowering phenology among species. Yet, whether flowering phenology of woody species varies with functional traits, growth form, and phylogeny in arid regions is unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the relationships of three characteristics of flowering phenology (i.e., first flowering date, end of flowering date, and flowering duration) against functional traits, growth form, and phylogeny across 59 woody plant species across 3 years in Ürümqi city of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in Northwest China. The results showed that, plant functional traits and growth form had significant influences on the variability of flowering phenology among species. The contributions of fruit type (34.7-43.5%) and flower color (30.1-30.7%) to the variability of flowering phenology were larger than those of pollination mode (4.6-14.4%), life form (8.4-14%) and maximum plant height (9.7-13.1%). Trees had the significant correlations in terms of flowering duration against first flowering date and end of flowering date, while shrubs showed the opposite pattern. The values of phylogenetic signal (Blomberg's K) of the three characteristics of flowering phenology ranged from 0.36 to 0.43, which were significantly lower than the expectation of the Brownian motion model. Our results suggested that functional traits, growth form and phylogeny all affected variability of flowering phenology among species. Our results provide a new perspective for correctly evaluating the relationship between global climate change and plant reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute of Resources and Environment Science, Xinjiang University, Ürümqi, China
- Department of Geography and Spatial Information Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Ürümqi, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Yang
- Department of Geography and Spatial Information Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Arshad Ali
- Department of Forest Resources Management, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang-Hui Lv
- Institute of Resources and Environment Science, Xinjiang University, Ürümqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Ürümqi, China
| | - Yan-Xin Long
- Institute of Resources and Environment Science, Xinjiang University, Ürümqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Ürümqi, China
| | - Ya-Yun Wang
- Institute of Resources and Environment Science, Xinjiang University, Ürümqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Ürümqi, China
| | - Yong-Gang Ma
- Institute of Resources and Environment Science, Xinjiang University, Ürümqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Ürümqi, China
| | - Chang-Chun Xu
- Institute of Resources and Environment Science, Xinjiang University, Ürümqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Ürümqi, China
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15
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Paganová V, Jureková Z, Lichtnerová H. The nature and way of root adaptation of juvenile woody plants Sorbus and Pyrus to drought. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:714. [PMID: 31677044 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7878-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The functional root traits of Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd. and Sorbus domestica L. during early growth stages were evaluated. The aim of the study was to identify the functional traits of root systems that determine the adaptability of these woody species to drought conditions. The experiment was carried out under the controlled environment of a growth chamber. The root systems were analyzed using WinRhizo software. Several functional root traits were identified, including specific root length, root surface area, root length, root volume, root-to-shoot mass ratio (R:S), fine root (ϕ ˂ 2 mm) volume, coarse root (ϕ > 2 mm) volume, and fine-to-coarse root volume ratio (F/C). In drought, P. pyraster maintained the absorptive root surface unchanged, when increased the volume of the fine root fraction. The different strategy of adaptation to drought has been confirmed for S. domestica, which accumulated more dry mass in the root system in comparison to aboveground organs (significant increase of R:S ratio). The functional root traits analyzed here were species-dependent. The key functional traits that indicate the responses of studied tree taxa to drought conditions include root thickening, F/C, and R:S. Increased values of these parameters indicate the investment of the plant towards root extension. A higher proportion of fine roots increases the absorbing surface of the root system, thereby promoting water uptake from the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Paganová
- Department of Planting Design and Maintenance, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia.
| | - Zuzana Jureková
- Department of Regional Bioenergy, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Helena Lichtnerová
- Department of Planting Design and Maintenance, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia
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16
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The response of root traits to precipitation change of herbaceous species in temperate steppes. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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17
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Kumordzi BB, Aubin I, Cardou F, Shipley B, Violle C, Johnstone J, Anand M, Arsenault A, Bell FW, Bergeron Y, Boulangeat I, Brousseau M, De Grandpré L, Delagrange S, Fenton NJ, Gravel D, Macdonald SE, Hamel B, Higelin M, Hébert F, Isabel N, Mallik A, McIntosh AC, McLaren JR, Messier C, Morris D, Thiffault N, Tremblay J, Munson AD. Geographic scale and disturbance influence intraspecific trait variability in leaves and roots of North American understorey plants. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bright B. Kumordzi
- Centre d’étude de la forêt, Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt Université Laval Québec QC Canada
| | - Isabelle Aubin
- Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service Natural Resources Canada Sault Ste Marie ON Canada
| | - Françoise Cardou
- Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service Natural Resources Canada Sault Ste Marie ON Canada
- Département de biologie Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke QC Canada
| | - Bill Shipley
- Département de biologie Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke QC Canada
| | - Cyrille Violle
- CEFE, UMR 5175 CNRS – Université de Montpellier – Université Paul‐Valéry Montpellier – EPHE Montpellier France
| | - Jill Johnstone
- Department of Biology University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon SK Canada
| | - Madhur Anand
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Guelph Guelph ON Canada
| | - André Arsenault
- Atlantic Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service and School of Science and the Environment Memorial University of Newfoundland Corner Brook NL Canada
| | - F. Wayne Bell
- Ontario Forest Research Institute Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Sault Ste Marie ON Canada
| | - Yves Bergeron
- Institut de recherche sur les forêts Université du Québec en Abitibi‐Témiscamingue Rouyn‐Noranda QC Canada
| | | | - Maxime Brousseau
- Département de biologie and Centre d'étude de la forêt Université Laval Québec QC Canada
| | - Louis De Grandpré
- Laurentian Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service Natural Resources Canada Québec QC Canada
| | - Sylvain Delagrange
- Institut des Sciences de la Forêt Tempérée Université du Québec en Outaouais Ripon QC Canada
| | - Nicole J. Fenton
- Institut de recherche sur les forêts Université du Québec en Abitibi‐Témiscamingue Rouyn‐Noranda QC Canada
| | - Dominique Gravel
- Département de biologie Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke QC Canada
| | - S. Ellen Macdonald
- Department of Renewable Resources University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Benoit Hamel
- Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service Natural Resources Canada Sault Ste Marie ON Canada
| | - Morgane Higelin
- Institut de recherche sur les forêts Université du Québec en Abitibi‐Témiscamingue Rouyn‐Noranda QC Canada
| | - François Hébert
- Direction de la recherche forestière Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs Québec QC Canada
| | - Nathalie Isabel
- Laurentian Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service Natural Resources Canada Québec QC Canada
| | - Azim Mallik
- Department of Biology Lakehead University Thunder Bay ON Canada
| | | | - Jennie R. McLaren
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Texas at El Paso El Paso TX USA
| | - Christian Messier
- Institut des Sciences de la Forêt Tempérée Université du Québec en Outaouais Ripon QC Canada
- Centre d'Étude de la Forêt Université du Québec à Montréal Montréal QC Canada
| | - Dave Morris
- Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Thunder Bay ON Canada
| | - Nelson Thiffault
- Centre d’étude de la forêt, Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt Université Laval Québec QC Canada
- Canadian Wood Fibre Centre Natural Resources Canada Québec QC Canada
| | - Jean‐Pierre Tremblay
- Département de biologie and Centre d'étude de la forêt Université Laval Québec QC Canada
| | - Alison D. Munson
- Centre d’étude de la forêt, Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt Université Laval Québec QC Canada
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18
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Qi Y, Wei W, Chen C, Chen L. Plant root-shoot biomass allocation over diverse biomes: A global synthesis. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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19
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Keller AB, Phillips RP. Leaf litter decay rates differ between mycorrhizal groups in temperate, but not tropical, forests. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 222:556-564. [PMID: 30299541 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Whereas the primary controls on litter decomposition are well established, we lack a framework for predicting interspecific differences in litter decay within and across ecosystems. Given previous research linking tree mycorrhizal association with carbon and nutrient dynamics, we hypothesized that the two dominant mycorrhizal groups in forests - arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi - differ in litter decomposition rates. We compiled leaf litter chemistry and decay data for AM- and ECM-associating angiosperms and gymnosperms (> 200 species) from temperate and tropical/subtropical, and investigated relationships among decay rates, mycorrhizal association, phylogeny and climate. In temperate forests, AM litters decayed faster than ECM litters, with litter nitrogen and phylogeny best explaining variation in litter decay. In sub/tropical forests, we found no significant difference in litter decay rate between mycorrhizal groups, and variation in decay rates was best explained by litter phosphorus. Our results suggest that knowledge of tree mycorrhizal association may improve predictions of species effects on ecosystem processes, particularly in temperate forests where AM and ECM species commonly co-occur, providing a predictive framework for linking litter quality, organic matter dynamics and nutrient acquisition in forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne B Keller
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Jordan Hall, 1001 E. Third St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Richard P Phillips
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Jordan Hall, 1001 E. Third St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
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20
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Mundim FM, Pringle EG. Whole-Plant Metabolic Allocation Under Water Stress. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:852. [PMID: 29988542 PMCID: PMC6026660 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Trade-offs between plant growth and defense depend on environmental resource availability. Plants are predicted to prioritize growth when environmental resources are abundant and defense when environmental resources are scarce. Nevertheless, such predictions lack a whole-plant perspective-they do not account for potential differences in plant allocation above- and belowground. Such accounting is important because leaves and roots, though both critical to plant survival and fitness, differ in their resource-uptake roles and, often, in their vulnerability to herbivores. Here we aimed to determine how water availability affects plant allocation to multiple metabolic components of growth and defense in both leaves and roots. To do this, we conducted a meta-analysis of data from experimental studies in the literature. We assessed plant metabolic responses to experimentally reduced water availability, including changes in growth, nutrients, physical defenses, primary metabolites, hormones, and other secondary metabolites. Both above- and belowground, reduced water availability reduced plant biomass but increased the concentrations of primary metabolites and hormones. Importantly, however, reduced water had opposite effects in different organs on the concentrations of other secondary metabolites: reduced water increased carbon-based secondary metabolites in leaves but reduced them in roots. In addition, plants suffering from co-occurring drought and herbivory stresses exhibited dampened metabolic responses, suggesting a metabolic cost of multiple stresses. Our study highlights the needs for additional empirical studies of whole-plant metabolic responses under multiple stresses and for refinement of existing plant growth-defense theory in the context of whole plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane M. Mundim
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Elizabeth G. Pringle
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
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21
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Roucou A, Violle C, Fort F, Roumet P, Ecarnot M, Vile D. Shifts in plant functional strategies over the course of wheat domestication. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Roucou
- CEFE; CNRS; Univ. Montpellier; Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3; EPHE, IRD; Montpellier France
- LEPSE; Univ Montpellier; INRA; SupAgro Montpellier; Montpellier France
| | - Cyrille Violle
- CEFE; CNRS; Univ. Montpellier; Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3; EPHE, IRD; Montpellier France
| | - Florian Fort
- CEFE; Montpellier SupAgro; CNRS; Univ. Montpellier; Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3; EPHE, IRD; Montpellier France
| | - Pierre Roumet
- AGAP; Univ Montpellier; CIRAD; INRA; Montpellier SupAgro; Montpellier France
| | - Martin Ecarnot
- AGAP; Univ Montpellier; CIRAD; INRA; Montpellier SupAgro; Montpellier France
| | - Denis Vile
- LEPSE; Univ Montpellier; INRA; SupAgro Montpellier; Montpellier France
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22
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Laughlin DC, Lusk CH, Bellingham PJ, Burslem DFRP, Simpson AH, Kramer-Walter KR. Intraspecific trait variation can weaken interspecific trait correlations when assessing the whole-plant economic spectrum. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:8936-8949. [PMID: 29152189 PMCID: PMC5677476 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide plant economic spectrum hypothesis predicts that leaf, stem, and root traits are correlated across vascular plant species because carbon gain depends on leaves being adequately supplied with water and nutrients, and because construction of each organ involves a trade-off between performance and persistence. Despite its logical and intuitive appeal, this hypothesis has received mixed empirical support. If traits within species diverge in their responses to an environmental gradient, then interspecific trait correlations could be weakened when measured in natural ecosystems. To test this prediction, we measured relative growth rates (RGR) and seven functional traits that have been shown to be related to fluxes of water, nutrients, and carbon across 56 functionally diverse tree species on (1) juveniles in a controlled environment, (2) juveniles in forest understories, and (3) mature trees in forests. Leaf, stem, and fine root traits of juveniles grown in a controlled environment were closely correlated with each other, and with RGR. Remarkably, the seven leaf, stem, and fine root tissue traits spanned a single dimension of variation when measured in the controlled environment. Forest-grown juveniles expressed lower leaf mass per area, but higher wood and fine root tissue density, than greenhouse-grown juveniles. Traits and growth rates were decoupled in forest-grown juveniles and mature trees. Our results indicate that constraints exist on the covariation, not just the variation, among vegetative plant organs; however, divergent responses of traits within species to environmental gradients can mask interspecific trait correlations in natural environments. Correlations among organs and relationships between traits and RGR were strong when plants were compared in a standardized environment. Our results may reconcile the discrepancies seen among studies, by showing that if traits and growth rates of species are compared across varied environments, then the interorgan trait correlations observed in controlled conditions can weaken or disappear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Laughlin
- Department of Botany University of Wyoming Laramie WY USA.,Environmental Research Institute School of Science University of Waikato Hamilton New Zealand
| | - Christopher H Lusk
- Environmental Research Institute School of Science University of Waikato Hamilton New Zealand
| | | | | | - Angela H Simpson
- Environmental Research Institute School of Science University of Waikato Hamilton New Zealand
| | - Kris R Kramer-Walter
- Environmental Research Institute School of Science University of Waikato Hamilton New Zealand
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire T. Freschet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive UMR 5175 (CNRS – Université de Montpellier – Université Paul‐Valéry Montpellier – EPHE) 1919 route de Mende Montpellier34293 France
| | - Catherine Roumet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive UMR 5175 (CNRS – Université de Montpellier – Université Paul‐Valéry Montpellier – EPHE) 1919 route de Mende Montpellier34293 France
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Wang R, Wang Q, Zhao N, Yu G, He N. Complex trait relationships between leaves and absorptive roots: Coordination in tissue N concentration but divergence in morphology. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:2697-2705. [PMID: 28428860 PMCID: PMC5395436 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leaves and absorptive roots (i.e., first‐order root) are above‐ and belowground plant organs related to resource acquisition; however, it is controversy over whether these two sets of functional traits vary in a coordinated manner. Here, we examined the relationships between analogous above‐ and belowground traits, including chemical (tissue C and N concentrations) and morphological traits (thickness and diameter, specific leaf area and root length, and tissue density) of 154 species sampling from eight subtropical and temperate forests. Our results showed that N concentrations of leaves and absorptive roots were positively correlated independent of phylogeny and plant growth forms, whereas morphological traits between above‐ and belowground organs varied independently. These results indicate that, different from plant economics spectrum theory, there is a complex integration of diverse adaptive strategies of plant species to above‐ and belowground environments, with convergent adaptation in nutrient traits but divergence in morphological traits across plant organs. Our results offer a new perspective for understanding the resource capture strategies of plants in adaptation to heterogeneous environments, and stress the importance of phylogenetic consideration in the discussion of cross‐species trait relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Wang
- College of Forestry Northwest A&F University Yangling Shaanxi China
| | - Qiufeng Wang
- Synthesis Research Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research Network Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Laboratory of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Science Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences Lanzhou Gansu China
| | - Guirui Yu
- Synthesis Research Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research Network Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Nianpeng He
- Synthesis Research Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research Network Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
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Heckel CD, Kalisz S. Life history trait divergence among populations of a non‐palatable species reveals strong non‐trophic indirect effects of an abundant herbivore. OIKOS 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.03658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Heckel
- Dept of Biological Sciences Univ. of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
- Hillsdale College 33 E. College St Hillsdale MI 49242 USA
| | - Susan Kalisz
- Dept of Biological Sciences Univ. of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History Pittsburgh PA USA
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Kumordzi BB, Gundale MJ, Nilsson MC, Wardle DA. Shifts in Aboveground Biomass Allocation Patterns of Dominant Shrub Species across a Strong Environmental Gradient. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157136. [PMID: 27270445 PMCID: PMC4896472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Most plant biomass allocation studies have focused on allocation to shoots versus roots, and little is known about drivers of allocation for aboveground plant organs. We explored the drivers of within-and between-species variation of aboveground biomass allocation across a strong environmental resource gradient, i.e., a long-term chronosequence of 30 forested islands in northern Sweden across which soil fertility and plant productivity declines while light availability increases. For each of the three coexisting dominant understory dwarf shrub species on each island, we estimated the fraction of the total aboveground biomass produced year of sampling that was allocated to sexual reproduction (i.e., fruits), leaves and stems for each of two growing seasons, to determine how biomass allocation responded to the chronosequence at both the within-species and whole community levels. Against expectations, within-species allocation to fruits was least on less fertile islands, and allocation to leaves at the whole community level was greatest on intermediate islands. Consistent with expectations, different coexisting species showed contrasting allocation patterns, with the species that was best adapted for more fertile conditions allocating the most to vegetative organs, and with its allocation pattern showing the strongest response to the gradient. Our study suggests that co-existing dominant plant species can display highly contrasting biomass allocations to different aboveground organs within and across species in response to limiting environmental resources within the same plant community. Such knowledge is important for understanding how community assembly, trait spectra, and ecological processes driven by the plant community vary across environmental gradients and among contrasting ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright B. Kumordzi
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE 901 83, Umeå, Sweden
- Université Laval, Département des Sciences du bois et de la forêt, Pavillon Abitibi-Price, 2405 rue de la Terrasse, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Michael J. Gundale
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE 901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marie-Charlotte Nilsson
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE 901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - David A. Wardle
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE 901 83, Umeå, Sweden
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Sun CX, Gao XX, Li MQ, Fu JQ, Zhang YL. Plastic responses in the metabolome and functional traits of maize plants to temperature variations. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2016; 18:249-61. [PMID: 26280133 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Environmentally inducible phenotypic plasticity is a major player in plant responses to climate change. However, metabolic responses and their role in determining the phenotypic plasticity of plants that are subjected to temperature variations remain poorly understood. The metabolomic profiles and metabolite levels in the leaves of three maize inbred lines grown in different temperature conditions were examined with a nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomic technique. The relationship of functional traits to metabolome profiles and the metabolic mechanism underlying temperature variations were then explored. A comparative analysis showed that during heat and cold stress, maize plants shared common plastic responses in biomass accumulation, carbon, nitrogen, sugars, some amino acids and compatible solutes. We also found that the plastic response of maize plants to heat stress was different from that under cold stress, mainly involving biomass allocation, shikimate and its aromatic amino acid derivatives, and other non-polar metabolites. The plastic responsiveness of functional traits of maize lines to temperature variations was low, while the metabolic responsiveness in plasticity was high, indicating that functional and metabolic plasticity may play different roles in maize plant adaptation to temperature variations. A linear regression analysis revealed that the maize lines could adapt to growth temperature variations through the interrelation of plastic responses in the metabolomes and functional traits, such as biomass allocation and the status of carbon and nitrogen. We provide valuable insight into the plastic response strategy of maize plants to temperature variations that will permit the optimisation of crop cultivation in an increasingly variable environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C X Sun
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - X X Gao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - M Q Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - J Q Fu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Y L Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
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Li FL, Bao WK. New insights into leaf and fine-root trait relationships: implications of resource acquisition among 23 xerophytic woody species. Ecol Evol 2015; 5:5344-5351. [PMID: 30151136 PMCID: PMC6102526 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional traits of leaves and fine root vary broadly among different species, but little is known about how these interspecific variations are coordinated between the two organs. This study aims to determine the interspecific relationships between corresponding leaf and fine-root traits to better understand plant strategies of resource acquisition. SLA (Specific leaf area), SRL (specific root length), mass-based N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus) concentrations of leaves and fine roots, root system, and plant sizes were measured in 23 woody species grown together in a common garden setting. SLA and SRL exhibited a strong negative relationship. There were no significant relationships between corresponding leaf and fine-root nutrient concentrations. The interspecific variations in plant height and biomass were tightly correlated with root system size characteristics, including root depth and total root length. These results demonstrate a coordinated plant size-dependent variation between shoots and roots, but for efficiency, plant resource acquisition appears to be uncoupled between the leaves and fine roots. The different patterns of leaf and fine-root traits suggest different strategies for resource acquisition between the two organs. This provides insights into the linkage between above- and belowground subsystems in carbon and nutrient economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lan Li
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource UtilizationChengdu Institute of BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesChengduChina
| | - Wei Kai Bao
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource UtilizationChengdu Institute of BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesChengduChina
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Burrowing seabird effects on invertebrate communities in soil and litter are dominated by ecosystem engineering rather than nutrient addition. Oecologia 2015; 180:217-30. [PMID: 26410032 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3437-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate consumers can be important drivers of the structure and functioning of ecosystems, including the soil and litter invertebrate communities that drive many ecosystem processes. Burrowing seabirds, as prevalent vertebrate consumers, have the potential to impact consumptive effects via adding marine nutrients to soil (i.e. resource subsidies) and non-consumptive effects via soil disturbance associated with excavating burrows (i.e. ecosystem engineering). However, the exact mechanisms by which they influence invertebrates are poorly understood. We examined how soil chemistry and plant and invertebrate communities changed across a gradient of seabird burrow density on two islands in northern New Zealand. Increasing seabird burrow density was associated with increased soil nutrient availability and changes in plant community structure and the abundance of nearly all the measured invertebrate groups. Increasing seabird densities had a negative effect on invertebrates that were strongly influenced by soil-surface litter, a positive effect on fungal-feeding invertebrates, and variable effects on invertebrate groups with diverse feeding strategies. Gastropoda and Araneae species richness and composition were also influenced by seabird activity. Generalized multilevel path analysis revealed that invertebrate responses were strongly driven by seabird engineering effects, via increased soil disturbance, reduced soil-surface litter, and changes in trophic interactions. Almost no significant effects of resource subsidies were detected. Our results show that seabirds, and in particular their non-consumptive effects, were significant drivers of invertebrate food web structure. Reductions in seabird populations, due to predation and human activity, may therefore have far-reaching consequences for the functioning of these ecosystems.
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Wurzburger N, Wright SJ. Fine-root responses to fertilization reveal multiple nutrient limitation in a lowland tropical forest. Ecology 2015; 96:2137-46. [DOI: 10.1890/14-1362.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Robionek A, Banaś K, Chmara R, Szmeja J. The avoidance strategy of environmental constraints by an aquatic plant Potamogeton alpinus in running waters. Ecol Evol 2015; 5:3327-37. [PMID: 26380667 PMCID: PMC4569029 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquatic plants anchored in streams are under pressure from various constraints linked to the water flow and display strategies to prevent their damage or destruction. We assume that the responses of aquatic plants to fast-water flow are a manifestation of a trade-off consisting in either maximizing the resistance to damage (tolerance strategy) in minimizing the hydrodynamic forces (avoidance strategy), or both. Our main hypothesis was that Potamogeton alpinus demonstrate the avoidance strategy. We analyzed architecture traits of the modules of this clonal plant from slow- and fast-flowing streams. In fast-flowing waters, the avoidance strategy of P. alpinus is reflected by the following: (1) the presence of floating leaves that stabilize the vertical position of the stem and protect the inflorescence against immersion; (2) elongation of submerged leaves (weakens the pressure of water); and (3) shoot diameter reduction and increase in shoot density (weakens the pressure of water, increases shoot elasticity), and by contrast in slow-water flow include the following: (4) the absence of floating leaves in high intensity of light (avoiding unnecessary outlays on a redundant organ); (5) the presence of floating leaves in low intensity of light (avoidance of stress caused by an insufficient assimilation area of submerged leaves).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Robionek
- Department of Plant Ecology, University of Gdańsk Wita Stwosza 59, PL 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Banaś
- Department of Plant Ecology, University of Gdańsk Wita Stwosza 59, PL 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Rafał Chmara
- Department of Plant Ecology, University of Gdańsk Wita Stwosza 59, PL 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Józef Szmeja
- Department of Plant Ecology, University of Gdańsk Wita Stwosza 59, PL 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
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Freschet GT, Swart EM, Cornelissen JHC. Integrated plant phenotypic responses to contrasting above- and below-ground resources: key roles of specific leaf area and root mass fraction. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2015; 206:1247-60. [PMID: 25783781 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Plants adapt phenotypically to different conditions of light and nutrient supply, supposedly in order to achieve colimitation of these resources. Their key variable of adjustment is the ratio of leaf area to root length, which relies on plant biomass allocation and organ morphology. We recorded phenotypic differences in leaf and root mass fractions (LMF, RMF), specific leaf area (SLA) and specific root length (SRL) of 12 herbaceous species grown in factorial combinations of high/low irradiance and fertilization treatments. Leaf area and root length ratios, and their components, were influenced by nonadditive effects between light and nutrient supply, and differences in the strength of plant responses were partly explained by Ellenberg's species values representing ecological optima. Changes in allocation were critical in plant responses to nutrient availability, as the RMF contribution to changes in root length was 2.5× that of the SRL. Contrastingly, morphological adjustments (SLA rather than LMF) made up the bulk of plant response to light availability. Our results suggest largely predictable differences in responses of species and groups of species to environmental change. Nevertheless, they stress the critical need to account for adjustments in below-ground mass allocation to understand the assembly and responses of communities in changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire T Freschet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 (CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE), 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Elferra M Swart
- Systems Ecology, Department of Ecological Sciences, VU University, de Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes H C Cornelissen
- Systems Ecology, Department of Ecological Sciences, VU University, de Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
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Siebenkäs A, Schumacher J, Roscher C. Phenotypic plasticity to light and nutrient availability alters functional trait ranking across eight perennial grassland species. AOB PLANTS 2015; 7:plv029. [PMID: 25818071 PMCID: PMC4417138 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plv029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Functional traits are often used as species-specific mean trait values in comparative plant ecology or trait-based predictions of ecosystem processes, assuming that interspecific differences are greater than intraspecific trait variation and that trait-based ranking of species is consistent across environments. Although this assumption is increasingly challenged, there is a lack of knowledge regarding to what degree the extent of intraspecific trait variation in response to varying environmental conditions depends on the considered traits and the characteristics of the studied species to evaluate the consequences for trait-based species ranking. We studied functional traits of eight perennial grassland species classified into different functional groups (forbs vs. grasses) and varying in their inherent growth stature (tall vs. small) in a common garden experiment with different environments crossing three levels of nutrient availability and three levels of light availability over 4 months of treatment applications. Grasses and forbs differed in almost all above- and belowground traits, while trait differences related to growth stature were generally small. The traits showing the strongest responses to resource availability were similarly for grasses and forbs those associated with allocation and resource uptake. The strength of trait variation in response to varying resource availability differed among functional groups (grasses > forbs) and species of varying growth stature (small-statured > tall-statured species) in many aboveground traits, but only to a lower extent in belowground traits. These differential responses altered trait-based species ranking in many aboveground traits, such as specific leaf area, tissue nitrogen and carbon concentrations and above-belowground allocation (leaf area ratio and root : shoot ratio) at varying resource supply, while trait-based species ranking was more consistent in belowground traits. Our study shows that species grouping according to functional traits is valid, but trait-based species ranking depends on environmental conditions, thus limiting the applicability of species-specific mean trait values in ecological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alrun Siebenkäs
- Department of Community Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Theodor-Lieser-Straße 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Jens Schumacher
- Institute of Stochastics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christiane Roscher
- Department of Community Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Theodor-Lieser-Straße 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
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Grassein F, Lemauviel-Lavenant S, Lavorel S, Bahn M, Bardgett RD, Desclos-Theveniau M, Laîné P. Relationships between functional traits and inorganic nitrogen acquisition among eight contrasting European grass species. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2015; 115:107-15. [PMID: 25471096 PMCID: PMC4284118 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcu233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS Leaf functional traits have been used as a basis to categoize plants across a range of resource-use specialization, from those that conserve available resources to those that exploit them. However, the extent to which the leaf functional traits used to define the resource-use strategies are related to root traits and are good indicators of the ability of the roots to take up nitrogen (N) are poorly known. This is an important question because interspecific differences in N uptake have been proposed as one mechanism by which species' coexistence may be determined. This study therefore investigated the relationships between functional traits and N uptake ability for grass species across a range of conservative to exploitative resource-use strategies. METHODS Root uptake of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and leaf and root functional traits were measured for eight grass species sampled at three grassland sites across Europe, in France, Austria and the UK. Species were grown in hydroponics to determine functional traits and kinetic uptake parameters (Imax and Km) under standardized conditions. KEY RESULTS Species with high specific leaf area (SLA) and shoot N content, and low leaf and root dry matter content (LDMC and RDMC, respectively), which are traits associated with the exploitative syndrome, had higher uptake and affinity for both N forms. No trade-off was observed in uptake between the two forms of N, and all species expressed a higher preference for [Formula: see text]. CONCLUSIONS The results support the use of leaf traits, and especially SLA and LDMC, as indicators of the N uptake ability across a broad range of grass species. The difficulties associated with assessing root properties are also highlighted, as root traits were only weakly correlated with leaf traits, and only RDMC and, to a lesser extent, root N content were related to leaf traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Grassein
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Servane Lemauviel-Lavenant
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Sandra Lavorel
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Michael Bahn
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Richard D Bardgett
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Marie Desclos-Theveniau
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Philippe Laîné
- Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France INRA, UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et nutritions N, C, S, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR 5553 CNRS-UJF, Université de Grenoble, BP 53, F-38041 Grenoble Cedex 09, France Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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Valverde‐Barrantes OJ, Smemo KA, Blackwood CB. Fine root morphology is phylogenetically structured, but nitrogen is related to the plant economics spectrum in temperate trees. Funct Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kurt A. Smemo
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
- The Holden Arboretum 9500 Sperry Rd Kirtland OH 44094 USA
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Mitchell RM, Bakker JD. Intraspecific trait variation driven by plasticity and ontogeny in Hypochaeris radicata. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109870. [PMID: 25333738 PMCID: PMC4204820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of intraspecific variation in plant functional traits for structuring communities and driving ecosystem processes is increasingly recognized, but mechanisms governing this variation are less studied. Variation could be due to adaptation to local conditions, plasticity in observed traits, or ontogeny. We investigated 1) whether abiotic stress caused individuals, maternal lines, and populations to exhibit trait convergence, 2) whether trait variation was primarily due to ecotypic differences or trait plasticity, and 3) whether traits varied with ontogeny. We sampled three populations of Hypochaeris radicata that differed significantly in rosette diameter and specific leaf area (SLA). We grew nine maternal lines from each population (27 lines total) under three greenhouse conditions: ambient conditions (control), 50% drought, or 80% shade. Plant diameter and relative chlorophyll content were measured throughout the experiment, and leaf shape, root:shoot ratio, and SLA were measured after five weeks. We used hierarchical mixed-models and variance component analysis to quantify differences in treatment effects and the contributions of population of origin and maternal line to observed variation. Observed variation in plant traits was driven primarily by plasticity. Shade significantly influenced all measured traits. Plant diameter was the only trait that had a sizable proportion of trait variation (30%) explained by population of origin. There were significant ontogenetic differences for both plant diameter and relative chlorophyll content. When subjected to abiotic stress in the form of light or water limitation, Hypochaeris radicata exhibited significant trait variability. This variation was due primarily to trait plasticity, rather than to adaptation to local conditions, and also differed with ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Mitchell
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jonathan D. Bakker
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Maryland, United States of America
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Pluchon N, Gundale MJ, Nilsson M, Kardol P, Wardle DA. Stimulation of boreal tree seedling growth by wood‐derived charcoal: effects of charcoal properties, seedling species and soil fertility. Funct Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Pluchon
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences SE 901 83 Umeå Sweden
| | - Michael J. Gundale
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences SE 901 83 Umeå Sweden
| | - Marie‐Charlotte Nilsson
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences SE 901 83 Umeå Sweden
| | - Paul Kardol
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences SE 901 83 Umeå Sweden
| | - David A. Wardle
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences SE 901 83 Umeå Sweden
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