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Ndlovu S, Suinyuy TN, Pérez-Fernández MA, Magadlela A. Encephalartos natalensis, Their Nutrient-Cycling Microbes and Enzymes: A Story of Successful Trade-Offs. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1034. [PMID: 36903894 PMCID: PMC10005579 DOI: 10.3390/plants12051034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Encephalartos spp. establish symbioses with nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria that contribute to soil nutrition and improve plant growth. Despite the Encephalartos mutualistic symbioses with N-fixing bacteria, the identity of other bacteria and their contribution to soil fertility and ecosystem functioning is not well understood. Due to Encephalartos spp. being threatened in the wild, this limited information presents a challenge in developing comprehensive conservation and management strategies for these cycad species. Therefore, this study identified the nutrient-cycling bacteria in Encephalartos natalensis coralloid roots, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere soils. Additionally, the soil characteristics and soil enzyme activities of the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were assayed. The coralloid roots, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere soils of E. natalensis were collected from a population of >500 E. natalensis in a disturbed savanna woodland at Edendale in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) for nutrient analysis, bacterial identification, and enzyme activity assays. Nutrient-cycling bacteria such as Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus; Paraburkholderia sabiae, and Novosphingobium barchaimii were identified in the coralloid roots, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere soils of E. natalensis. Phosphorus (P) cycling (alkaline and acid phosphatase) and N cycling (β-(D)-Glucosaminidase and nitrate reductase) enzyme activities showed a positive correlation with soil extractable P and total N concentrations in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of E. natalensis. The positive correlation between soil enzymes and soil nutrients demonstrates that the identified nutrient-cycling bacteria in E. natalensis coralloid roots, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere soils and associated enzymes assayed may contribute to soil nutrient bioavailability of E. natalensis plants growing in acidic and nutrient-poor savanna woodland ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siphelele Ndlovu
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Terence N. Suinyuy
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga (Mbombela Campus), Private Bag X11283, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
| | - María A. Pérez-Fernández
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Carretera de Utrera Km 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Anathi Magadlela
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
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Chang JT, Chao CT, Nakamura K, Liu HL, Luo MX, Liao PC. Divergence With Gene Flow and Contrasting Population Size Blur the Species Boundary in Cycas Sect. Asiorientales, as Inferred From Morphology and RAD-Seq Data. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:824158. [PMID: 35615129 PMCID: PMC9125193 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.824158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The divergence process of incipient species is fascinating but elusive by incomplete lineage sorting or gene flow. Species delimitation is also challenging among those morphologically similar allopatric species, especially when lacking comprehensive data. Cycas sect. Asiorientales, comprised of C. taitungensis and C. revoluta in the Ryukyu Archipelago and Taiwan, diverged recently with continuous gene flow, resulting in a reciprocal paraphyletic relationship. Their previous evolutionary inferences are questioned from few genetic markers, incomplete sampling, and incomprehensive morphological comparison by a long-term taxonomic misconception. By whole range sampling, this study tests the geographic mode of speciation in the two species of Asiorientales by approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The individual tree was reconstructed to delimit the species and track the gene-flow trajectory. With the comparison of diagnostic morphological traits and genetic data, the allopatric speciation was rejected. Alternatively, continuous but spatially heterogeneous gene flow driven by transoceanic vegetative dispersal and pollen flow with contrasting population sizes blurred their species boundary. On the basis of morphological, genetic, and evolutionary evidence, we synonymized these two Cycas species. This study highlights not only the importance of the Kuroshio Current to species evolution but also the disadvantage of using species with geographically structured genealogies as conservation units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Tse Chang
- School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ti Chao
- School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Koh Nakamura
- Botanic Garden, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hsiao-Lei Liu
- Department of Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Min-Xin Luo
- School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chun Liao
- School of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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3
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Conservation genomics of an Australian cycad Cycas calcicola, and the Absence of Key Genotypes in Botanic Gardens. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Alien woody plants are more versatile than native, but both share similar therapeutic redundancy in South Africa. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260390. [PMID: 34847163 PMCID: PMC8631623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding why alien plant species are incorporated into the medicinal flora in several local communities is central to invasion biology and ethnobiology. Theories suggest that alien plants are incorporated in local pharmacopoeias because they are more versatile or contribute unique secondary chemistry which make them less therapeutically redundant, or simply because they are locally more abundant than native species. However, a lack of a comprehensive test of these hypotheses limits our understanding of the dynamics of plants knowledge, use and potential implications for invasion. Here, we tested the predictions of several of these hypotheses using a unique dataset on the woody medicinal flora of southern Africa. We found that the size of a plant family predicts the number of medicinal plants in that family, a support for the non-random hypothesis of medicinal plant selection. However, we found no support for the diversification hypothesis: i) both alien and native plants were used in the treatment of similar diseases; ii) significantly more native species than alien contribute to disease treatments particularly of parasitic infections and obstetric-gynecological diseases, and iii) alien and native species share similar therapeutic redundancy. However, we found support for the versatility hypothesis, i.e., alien plants were more versatile than natives. These findings imply that, although alien plant species are not therapeutically unique, they do provide more uses than native plants (versatility), thus suggesting that they may not have been introduced primarily for therapeutic reasons. We call for similar studies to be carried out on alien herbaceous plants for a broader understanding of the integration of alien plants into the pharmacopoeias of the receiving communities.
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Molina-Venegas R, Ramos-Gutiérrez I, Moreno-Saiz JC. Phylogenetic Patterns of Extinction Risk in the Endemic Flora of a Mediterranean Hotspot as a Guiding Tool for Preemptive Conservation Actions. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.571587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Husaini DC, Bush CJ, Coc I, Guerra E, Perez AW, Wu CY. Poisonous plants of Belize: a mini toxicological review. ADVANCES IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13596-020-00486-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Toon
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - L. Irene Terry
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | | | - Gimme H. Walter
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Lyn G. Cook
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
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Xiao S, Ji Y, Liu J, Gong X. Genetic characterization of the entire range of Cycas panzhihuaensis (Cycadaceae). PLANT DIVERSITY 2020; 42:7-18. [PMID: 32140633 PMCID: PMC7046506 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cycas panzhihuaensis L. Zhou & S. Y. Yang (Cycadaceae) is an endangered gymnosperm species endemic to the dry-hot valley of the Jinsha River basin in southwest China. Although the wild C. panzhihuaensis population from Panzhihua Cycad Natural Reserve is well protected and its genetic diversity has been well assessed, the genetic characteristics of populations outside the nature reserve, which face larger risks of extinction, remain unknown. Furthermore, the population genetics and historical dynamics of this endemic and endangered species have not been examined across its entire range. In this study, to analyze the genetic diversity, phylogeographical structure and demographic history of C. panzhihuaensis from all its seven known locations, we sequenced and compared molecular data from chloroplastic DNA (psbA-trnH, psbM-trnD, and trnS-trnG), single-copy nuclear genes (PHYP, AC5, HSP70, and AAT) from 61 individuals, as well as 11 nuclear microsatellite loci (SSR) from 102 individuals. We found relatively high genetic diversity within populations and high genetic differentiation among populations of C. panzhihuaensis, which is consistent with the patterns of other Asian inland cycads. Although no significant phylogeographical structure was detected, we found that small and unprotected populations possess higher genetic diversity and more unique haplotypes, which revises our understanding of diversity within this species and deserves due attention. Analysis of demographic dynamics suggest that human activity might be the key threat to C. panzhihuaensis. Based on the genetic characterization of C. panzhihuaensis, we propose several practical guidelines for the conservation of this species, especially for the populations with small sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyue Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 132 Lanhei RD, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan province, 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yunheng Ji
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 132 Lanhei RD, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan province, 650201, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 132 Lanhei RD, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan province, 650201, China
| | - Xun Gong
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 132 Lanhei RD, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan province, 650201, China
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Chang ACG, Lai Q, Chen T, Tu T, Wang Y, Agoo EMG, Duan J, Li N. The complete chloroplast genome of Microcycas calocoma (Miq.) A. DC. (Zamiaceae, Cycadales) and evolution in Cycadales. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8305. [PMID: 31976174 PMCID: PMC6964695 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cycadales is an extant group of seed plants occurring in subtropical and tropical regions comprising putatively three families and 10 genera. At least one complete plastid genome sequence has been reported for all of the 10 genera except Microcycas, making it an ideal plant group to conduct comprehensive plastome comparisons at the genus level. This article reports for the first time the plastid genome of Microcycas calocoma. The plastid genome has a length of 165,688 bp with 134 annotated genes including 86 protein-coding genes, 47 non-coding RNA genes (39 tRNA and eight rRNA) and one pseudogene. Using global sequence variation analysis, the results showed that all cycad genomes share highly similar genomic profiles indicating significant slow evolution and little variation. However, identity matrices coinciding with the inverted repeat regions showed fewer similarities indicating that higher polymorphic events occur at those sites. Conserved non-coding regions also appear to be more divergent whereas variations in the exons were less discernible indicating that the latter comprises more conserved sequences. Phylogenetic analysis using 81 concatenated protein-coding genes of chloroplast (cp) genomes, obtained using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference with high support values (>70% ML and = 1.0 BPP), confirms that Microcycas is closest to Zamia and forms a monophyletic clade with Ceratozamia and Stangeria. While Stangeria joined the Neotropical cycads Ceratozamia, Zamia and Microcyas, Bowenia grouped with the Southern Hemisphere cycads Encephalartos, Lepidozamia and Macrozamia. All Cycas species formed a distinct clade separated from the other genera. Dioon, on the other hand, was outlying from the rest of Zamiaceae encompassing two major clades—the Southern Hemisphere cycads and the Neotropical cycads. Analysis of the whole cp genomes in phylogeny also supports that the previously recognized family—Stangeriaceae—which contained Bowenia and Stangeria, is not monophyletic. Thus, the cp genome topology obtained in our study is congruent with other molecular phylogenies recognizing only a two-family classification (Cycadaceae and Zamiaceae) within extant Cycadales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Caye G Chang
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Lai
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tieyao Tu
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunhua Wang
- Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Jun Duan
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Li
- Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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Zettlemoyer MA, McKenna DD, Lau JA. Species characteristics affect local extinctions. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2019; 106:547-559. [PMID: 30958894 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Human activities threaten thousands of species with extinction. However, it remains difficult to predict extinction risk for many vulnerable species. Species traits, species characteristics such as rarity or habitat use, and phylogenetic patterns are associated with responses to anthropogenic environmental change and may help predict likelihood of extinction. METHODS We used historical botanical data from Kalamazoo County, Michigan, USA, to examine whether species traits (growth form, life history, nitrogen-fixation, photosynthetic pathway), species characteristics (community association, species origin, range edge, habitat specialization, rarity), or phylogenetic relatedness explain local species loss at the county level. KEY RESULTS Across Kalamazoo County, prairie species, species at the edge of their native range, regionally rare species, and habitat specialists were most likely to become locally extinct. Prairie species experienced the highest local extinction rates of any habitat type, and among prairie species, regionally rare and specialist species were most vulnerable to loss. We found no evidence for a phylogenetic pattern in plant extinctions. CONCLUSIONS Our study illustrates the value of historical datasets for understanding and potentially predicting biodiversity loss. Not surprisingly, rare, specialist species occupying threatened habitats are most at risk of local extinction. As a result, identifying mechanisms to conserve or restore rare or declining species and preventing further habitat destruction may be the most effective strategies for reducing future extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A Zettlemoyer
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824-6406, USA
- Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, Michigan, 49060-9505, USA
| | - Duane D McKenna
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, 38152-3560, USA
| | - Jennifer A Lau
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824-6406, USA
- Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, Michigan, 49060-9505, USA
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405-7005, USA
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Marler TE. Elemental Profiles in Cycas micronesica Stems. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 7:plants7040094. [PMID: 30388771 PMCID: PMC6313939 DOI: 10.3390/plants7040094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Essential nutrients and metals have been quantified in stems of many tree species to understand the role of stems as storage and source organs. Little is known about stored stem resources of cycad tree species. Cycas micronesica tissue was collected from apical and basal axial regions of stems; and pith, vascular, and cortex tissues were separated into three radial regions. Leaves were also sampled to provide a comparison to stems. Minerals and metals were quantified in all tissues. Minerals and metals varied greatly among the six stem sections. Phosphorus varied more among the three radial sections than the other macronutrients, and zinc and nickel varied more than the other micronutrients. Stem carbon was less than and stem calcium was greater than expected, based on what is currently known tree stem concentrations in the literature. Elemental concentrations were generally greater than those previously reported for coniferous gymnosperm trees. Moreover, the stem concentrations were high in relation to leaf concentrations, when compared to published angiosperm and conifer data. The results indicated that the addition of more cycad species to the literature will improve our understanding of gymnosperm versus angiosperm stem nutrient relations, and that the non-woody cycad stem contains copious essential plant nutrients that can be mobilized and deployed to sinks when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Marler
- College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Guam, UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam 96923, USA.
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