1
|
Ma JG, Wang XB, Hou FJ. A general pattern of plant traits and their relationships with environmental factors and microbial life-history strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172670. [PMID: 38679109 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The trait-based unidimensional plant economics spectrum provides a valuable framework for understanding plant adaptation strategies to the environment. However, it is still uncertain whether there is a general multidimensionality of how variation of both leaf and fine root traits are influenced by environmental factors, and how these relate to microbial resource strategies. Here, we examined the coordination patterns of four pairs of similar leaf and fine root traits of herbaceous plants in an alpine meadow at the community-level, and their environmental driving patterns. We then assessed their correlation with microbial life-history strategies, as these exhibit analogous resource strategies with plants in terms of growth and resource utilization efficiency. Results exhibited an analogous multidimensionality of the economics spectrum for leaf and fine root traits: the first dimension, collaboration gradient, primarily represented a tradeoff between lifespan and resource foraging efficiency; the second dimension, conservation gradient, primarily represented a tradeoff between conservation and acquisition in resource uptake. Climate variables had a stronger impact on both dimensions for leaf and fine root traits than soil variables did; whereas, the primary drivers were more complex for fine root traits than for leaf traits. The collaboration gradient of leaf and fine root traits exhibited consistent relationships with soil microbial life-history strategies, both showed negative and positive correlation with bacterial and fungal strategies, respectively. Our findings suggest that both leaves and fine roots have general multidimensional strategies for adapting to new environments and provide a solid basis for further understanding the relationships between the adaptive strategies of plants and microbes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Guo Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, and College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China.
| | - Xiao-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, and College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China.
| | - Fu-Jiang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, and College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mueller KE, Kray JA, Blumenthal DM. Coordination of leaf, root, and seed traits shows the importance of whole plant economics in two semiarid grasslands. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:2410-2422. [PMID: 38214451 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Uncertainty persists within trait-based ecology, partly because few studies assess multiple axes of functional variation and their effect on plant performance. For 55 species from two semiarid grasslands, we quantified: (1) covariation between economic traits of leaves and absorptive roots, (2) covariation among economic traits, plant height, leaf size, and seed mass, and (3) relationships between these traits and species' abundance. Pairs of analogous leaf and root traits were at least weakly positively correlated (e.g. specific leaf area (SLA) and specific root length (SRL)). Two pairs of such traits, N content and DMC of leaves and roots, were at least moderately correlated (r > 0.5) whether species were grouped by site, taxonomic group and growth form, or life history. Root diameter was positively correlated with seed mass for all groups of species except annuals and monocots. Species with higher leaf dry matter content (LDMC) tended to be more abundant (r = 0.63). Annuals with larger seeds were more abundant (r = 0.69). Compared with global-scale syntheses with many observations from mesic ecosystems, we observed stronger correlations between analogous leaf and root traits, weaker correlations between SLA and leaf N, and stronger correlations between SRL and root N. In dry grasslands, plant persistence may require coordination of above- and belowground traits, and dense tissues may facilitate dominance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Mueller
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA
| | - Julie A Kray
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Rangeland Resources & Systems Research, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
| | - Dana M Blumenthal
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Rangeland Resources & Systems Research, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jin X, Zhu J, Wei X, Xiao Q, Xiao J, Jiang L, Xu D, Shen C, Liu J, He Z. Adaptation Strategies of Seedling Root Response to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Addition. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:536. [PMID: 38498541 PMCID: PMC10892864 DOI: 10.3390/plants13040536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The escalation of global nitrogen deposition levels has heightened the inhibitory impact of phosphorus limitation on plant growth in subtropical forests. Plant roots area particularly sensitive tissue to nitrogen and phosphorus elements. Changes in the morphological characteristics of plant roots signify alterations in adaptive strategies. However, our understanding of resource-use strategies of roots in this environment remains limited. In this study, we conducted a 10-month experiment at the Castanopsis kawakamii Nature Reserve to evaluate the response of traits of seedling roots (such as specific root length, average diameter, nitrogen content, and phosphorus content) to nitrogen and phosphorus addition. The aim was to reveal the adaptation strategies of roots in different nitrogen and phosphorus addition concentrations. The results showed that: (1) The single phosphorus and nitrogen-phosphorus interaction addition increased the specific root length, surface area, and root phosphorus content. In addition, single nitrogen addition promotes an increase in the average root diameter. (2) Non-nitrogen phosphorus addition and single nitrogen addition tended to adopt a conservative resource-use strategy to maintain growth under low phosphorus conditions. (3) Under the single phosphorus addition and interactive addition of phosphorus and nitrogen, the roots adopted an acquisitive resource-use strategy to obtain more available phosphorus resources. Accordingly, the adaptation strategy of seedling roots can be regulated by adding appropriate concentrations of nitrogen or phosphorus, thereby promoting the natural regeneration of subtropical forests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Jin
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.J.); (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Q.X.); (J.X.); (L.J.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Statistics in Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.J.); (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Q.X.); (J.X.); (L.J.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Statistics in Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xin Wei
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.J.); (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Q.X.); (J.X.); (L.J.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Statistics in Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qianru Xiao
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.J.); (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Q.X.); (J.X.); (L.J.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Statistics in Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jingyu Xiao
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.J.); (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Q.X.); (J.X.); (L.J.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Statistics in Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lan Jiang
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.J.); (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Q.X.); (J.X.); (L.J.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Statistics in Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Daowei Xu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.J.); (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Q.X.); (J.X.); (L.J.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Statistics in Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Caixia Shen
- School of Economics and Management, Sanming University, Sanming 365000, China;
| | - Jinfu Liu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.J.); (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Q.X.); (J.X.); (L.J.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Statistics in Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhongsheng He
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.J.); (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Q.X.); (J.X.); (L.J.); (D.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Statistics in Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang T, Liu B, Zhang X, Wang M, Tan D. Variations in root architecture traits and their association with organ mass fraction of common annual ephemeral species in the desert of northern Xinjiang. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10908. [PMID: 38327684 PMCID: PMC10847883 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The variation of plant traits is closely related to the trade-offs between resource acquisition and conservation, as well as the accumulation of biomass. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive insights into the variation patterns, phylogenetic conservatism, and covariation with biomass allocation of root system architecture in desert areas. We examined the root systems of 47 annual ephemeral species and evaluated their biomass allocation and six key root system architecture traits. Our results indicated that the variation in root traits mainly originated from interspecific variation (48.78%-99.76%), but intraspecific variation should not be ignored as to why the contribution rate of root tissue density (RTD) reached 51.22%. The six root traits were mainly loaded on the first and second axes of the principal component analysis (PCA), these traits mainly vary along two dimensions. The highest interspecific variation is in RTD (51.63%) and the lowest in topological index (TI; 5.92%). The intraspecific variation value and range of specific root length (SRL), specific root area (SRA), and RTD were significantly higher than TI (p < .05), and they are not limited by phylogenetic relationships (0< K < 1, p > .05). The SRA is positively correlated with SRL (r = .72, p < .001) and negatively correlated with RTD (r = -.57, p < .05). The LMF is positively correlated with SRL, and SRA demonstrated the coordination between water consumption and acquisition. The positive correlation between RMF and MRD indicated the coordination of root carbon investment with exploring soil vertical space. The multi-dimensional variation of root traits, divergence of RTDs, and convergence of TI are important ecological strategies for annual short-lived plants to adapt to heterogeneous desert habitats. Meanwhile, these plants achieve optimal access to scarce resources through the high plasticity of resource acquisition (e.g., SRL and SRA) and conservation traits (e.g., RTD), as well as the trade-offs between them and organ mass fraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life SciencesXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Bangyan Liu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life SciencesXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life SciencesXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Mao Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life SciencesXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Dunyan Tan
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Biology, College of Life SciencesXinjiang Agricultural UniversityUrumqiChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Y, Cao J, Lu M, Kardol P, Wang J, Fan G, Kong D. The origin of bi-dimensionality in plant root traits. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:78-88. [PMID: 37777374 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Plant roots show extraordinary diversity in form and function in heterogeneous environments. Mounting evidence has shown global bi-dimensionality in root traits, the root economics spectrum (RES), and an orthogonal dimension describing mycorrhizal collaboration; however, the origin of the bi-dimensionality remains unresolved. Here, we propose that bi-dimensionality arises from the cylindrical geometry of roots, allometry between root cortex and stele, and independence between root cell wall thickness and cell number. Root geometry and mycorrhizal collaboration may both underlie the bi-dimensionality. Further, we emphasize why plant roots should be cylindrical rather than flat. Finally, we highlight the need to integrate organ-, cellular-, and molecular-level processes driving the bi-dimensionality in plant roots to fully understand plant diversity and functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Jingjing Cao
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | | | - Paul Kardol
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, 75007, Sweden; Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, 90183, Sweden
| | - Junjian Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Guoqiang Fan
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Deliang Kong
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Betekhtina AA, Tukova DE, Veselkin DV. Root structure syndromes of four families of monocots in the Middle Urals. PLANT DIVERSITY 2023; 45:722-731. [PMID: 38197004 PMCID: PMC10772101 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The present article tests the following general assumption: plant taxa with different specializations towards mycorrhizal interactions should have different root syndromes. Roots of 61 species common in boreal zone were studied: 16 species of Poaceae, 24 species of Cyperaceae, 14 species of Orchidaceae, and 7 species of Iridaceae. Using a fixed material of 5 individuals of each species, the following was determined: number of orders of branching roots; transverse dimensions of root, stele and cortex; number of primary xylem vessels and exodermis layers; length of root hairs; abundance of mycorrhiza. Species of each family had well-defined syndromes. Roots of Orchidaceae and Iridaceae were thick with a large stele and developed exodermis. Orchidaceae had no branching roots and had long root hairs. In Iridaceae, roots were branched, and root hairs were short. Roots of Poaceae and Cyperaceae were thin with a relatively thin stele. Root hairs were short in Poaceae and long in Cyperaceae. Our finding that root syndromes of four families of monocots differed is a new and unexpected discovery. The high specificity of root syndromes in Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Poaceae, and Orchidaceae indicates that species of these families use different strategies to obtain water and soil nutrients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Betekhtina
- Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, 19 Mira Street, Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia
| | - Daria E. Tukova
- Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, 19 Mira Street, Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia
| | - Denis V. Veselkin
- Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, 8 Marta Street, Ekaterinburg 620144, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cornejo NS, Becker JN, Hemp A, Hertel D. Effects of land-use change and disturbance on the fine root biomass, dynamics, morphology, and related C and N fluxes to the soil of forest ecosystems at different elevations at Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania). Oecologia 2023; 201:1089-1107. [PMID: 36944897 PMCID: PMC10113319 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05353-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Tropical forests are threatened by anthropogenic activities such as conversion into agricultural land, logging and fires. Land-use change and disturbance affect ecosystems not only aboveground, but also belowground including the ecosystems' carbon and nitrogen cycle. We studied the impact of different types of land-use change (intensive and traditional agroforestry, logging) and disturbance by fire on fine root biomass, dynamics, morphology, and related C and N fluxes to the soil via fine root litter across different ecosystems at different elevational zones at Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania). We found a decrease in fine root biomass (80-90%), production (50%), and C and N fluxes to the soil via fine root litter (60-80%) at all elevation zones. The traditional agroforestry 'Chagga homegardens' (lower montane zone) showed enhanced fine root turnover rates, higher values of acquisitive root morphological traits, but similar stand fine root production, C and N fluxes compared to the natural forest. The decrease of C and N fluxes with forest disturbance was particularly strong at the upper montane zone (60 and 80% decrease, respectively), where several patches of Podocarpus forest had been disturbed by fire in the previous years. We conclude that changes on species composition, stand structure and land management practices resulting from land-use change and disturbance have a strong impact on the fine root system, modifying fine root biomass, production and the C and N supply to the soil from fine root litter, which strongly affects the ecosystems' C and N cycle in those East African tropical forest ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sierra Cornejo
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, Albrecht-Von-Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Joscha N Becker
- Institute of Soil Science, CEN Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Hemp
- Department of Plant Physiology, Bayreuth University, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Dietrich Hertel
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, Albrecht-Von-Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Toro L, Pereira‐Arias D, Perez‐Aviles D, Vargas G. G, Soper FM, Gutknecht J, Powers JS. Phosphorus limitation of early growth differs between nitrogen-fixing and nonfixing dry tropical forest tree species. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 237:766-779. [PMID: 36352518 PMCID: PMC10107181 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Tropical forests are often characterized by low soil phosphorus (P) availability, suggesting that P limits plant performance. However, how seedlings from different functional types respond to soil P availability is poorly known but important for understanding and modeling forest dynamics under changing environmental conditions. We grew four nitrogen (N)-fixing Fabaceae and seven diverse non-N-fixing tropical dry forest tree species in a shade house under three P fertilization treatments and evaluated carbon (C) allocation responses, P demand, P-use, investment in P acquisition traits, and correlations among P acquisition traits. Nitrogen fixers grew larger with increasing P addition in contrast to non-N fixers, which showed fewer responses in C allocation and P use. Foliar P increased with P addition for both functional types, while P acquisition strategies did not vary among treatments but differed between functional types, with N fixers showing higher root phosphatase activity (RPA) than nonfixers. Growth responses suggest that N fixers are limited by P, but nonfixers may be limited by other resources. However, regardless of limitation, P acquisition traits such as mycorrhizal colonization and RPA were nonplastic across a steep P gradient. Differential limitation among plant functional types has implications for forest succession and earth system models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Toro
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMN55108USA
| | | | - Daniel Perez‐Aviles
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMN55108USA
| | - German Vargas G.
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMN55108USA
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of UtahSalt Lake CityUT84112USA
| | - Fiona M. Soper
- Department of Biology and Bieler School of EnvironmentMcGill UniversityMontréalQCH3A 1B1Canada
| | - Jessica Gutknecht
- Department of Soil, Water, and ClimateUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMN55108USA
| | - Jennifer S. Powers
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMN55108USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and BehaviorUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMN55108USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Werden LK, Averill C, Crowther TW, Calderón-Morales E, Toro L, Alvarado JP, Gutiérrez LM, Mallory DE, Powers JS. Below-ground traits mediate tree survival in a tropical dry forest restoration. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20210067. [PMID: 36373912 PMCID: PMC9661956 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reforestation is one of our most promising natural climate solutions, and one that addresses the looming biodiversity crisis. Tree planting can catalyse forest community reassembly in degraded landscapes where natural regeneration is slow, however, tree survival rates vary remarkably across projects. Building a trait-based framework for tree survival could streamline species selection in a way that generalizes across ecosystems, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the global restoration movement. We investigated how traits mediated seedling survival in a tropical dry forest restoration, and how traits were coordinated across plant structures. We examined growth and survival of 14 species for 2 years and measured six below-ground and 22 above-ground traits. Species-level survival ranged widely from 7.8% to 90.1%, and a model including growth rate, below-ground traits and their interaction explained more than 73% of this variation. A strong interaction between below-ground traits and growth rate indicated that selecting species with fast growth rates can promote establishment, but this effect was most apparent for species that invest in thick fine roots and deep root structures. Overall, results emphasize the prominent role of below-ground traits in determining early restoration outcomes, and highlight little above- and below-ground trait coordination, providing a path forward for tropical dry forest restoration efforts. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leland K. Werden
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Lyon Arboretum and School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Colin Averill
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas W. Crowther
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Erick Calderón-Morales
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Laura Toro
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - J. Pedro Alvarado
- Estación Experimental Forestal Horizontes, Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Liberia, 8008 Costa Rica
| | - L. Milena Gutiérrez
- Estación Experimental Forestal Horizontes, Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Liberia, 8008 Costa Rica
| | | | - Jennifer S. Powers
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xia M, Valverde‐Barrantes OJ, Suseela V, Blackwood CB, Tharayil N. Characterizing natural variability of lignin abundance and composition in fine roots across temperate trees: a comparison of analytical methods. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 236:2358-2373. [PMID: 36168143 PMCID: PMC9828118 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lignin is an important root chemical component that is widely used in biogeochemical models to predict root decomposition. Across ecological studies, lignin abundance has been characterized using both proximate and lignin-specific methods, without much understanding of their comparability. This uncertainty in estimating lignin limits our ability to comprehend the mechanisms regulating root decomposition and to integrate lignin data for large-scale syntheses. We compared five methods of estimating lignin abundance and composition in fine roots across 34 phylogenetically diverse tree species. We also assessed the feasibility of high-throughput techniques for fast-screening of root lignin. Although acid-insoluble fraction (AIF) has been used to infer root lignin and decomposition, AIF-defined lignin content was disconnected from the lignin abundance estimated by techniques that specifically measure lignin-derived monomers. While lignin-specific techniques indicated lignin contents of 2-10% (w/w) in roots, AIF-defined lignin contents were c. 5-10-fold higher, and their interspecific variation was found to be largely unrelated to that determined using lignin-specific techniques. High-throughput pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, when combined with quantitative modeling, accurately predicted lignin abundance and composition, highlighting its feasibility for quicker assessment of lignin in roots. We demonstrate that AIF should be interpreted separately from lignin in fine roots as its abundance is unrelated to that of lignin polymers. This study provides the basis for informed decision-making with respect to lignin methodology in ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengxue Xia
- Department of Plant & Environmental SciencesClemson UniversityClemsonSC29634USA
| | - Oscar J. Valverde‐Barrantes
- International Center for Tropical Biodiversity, Institute of EnvironmentFlorida International UniversityMiamiFL33199USA
| | - Vidya Suseela
- Department of Plant & Environmental SciencesClemson UniversityClemsonSC29634USA
| | | | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant & Environmental SciencesClemson UniversityClemsonSC29634USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pierick K, Link RM, Leuschner C, Homeier J. Elevational trends of tree fine root traits in species‐rich tropical Andean forests. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Pierick
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, Univ. of Goettingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Roman M. Link
- Ecophysiology and Vegetation Ecology, Julius‐von‐Sachs‐Inst. of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Christoph Leuschner
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, Univ. of Goettingen Göttingen Germany
- Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use, Univ. of Goettingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Jürgen Homeier
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, Univ. of Goettingen Göttingen Germany
- Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use, Univ. of Goettingen Göttingen Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sanaphre-Villanueva L, Pineda-García F, Dáttilo W, Pinzón-Pérez LF, Ricaño-Rocha A, Paz H. Above- and below-ground trait coordination in tree seedlings depend on the most limiting resource: a test comparing a wet and a dry tropical forest in Mexico. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13458. [PMID: 35722267 PMCID: PMC9205306 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of above- and below-ground organ plant coordination is crucial for understanding the biophysical constraints and trade-offs involved in species' performance under different environmental conditions. Environmental stress is expected to increase constraints on species trait combinations, resulting in stronger coordination among the organs involved in the acquisition and processing of the most limiting resource. To test this hypothesis, we compared the coordination of trait combinations in 94 tree seedling species from two tropical forest systems in Mexico: dry and moist. In general, we expected that the water limitation experienced by dry forest species would result in stronger leaf-stem-root coordination than light limitation experienced by moist forest species. Using multiple correlations analyses and tools derived from network theory, we found similar functional trait coordination between forests. However, the most important traits differed between the forest types. While in the dry forest the most central traits were all related to water storage (leaf and stem water content and root thickness), in the moist forest they were related to the capacity to store water in leaves (leaf water content), root efficiency to capture resources (specific root length), and stem toughness (wood density). Our findings indicate that there is a shift in the relative importance of mechanisms to face the most limiting resource in contrasting tropical forests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Sanaphre-Villanueva
- Centro del Cambio Global y la Sustentabilidad A.C., Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México,Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Fernando Pineda-García
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Wesley Dáttilo
- Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Luisa Fernanda Pinzón-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Arlett Ricaño-Rocha
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Horacio Paz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Michoacán, México,Laboratorio Nacional de Innovación Ecotecnológica para la Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Michoacán, México,Center for Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and the Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fei S, Kivlin SN, Domke GM, Jo I, LaRue EA, Phillips RP. Coupling of plant and mycorrhizal fungal diversity: its occurrence, relevance, and possible implications under global change. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 234:1960-1966. [PMID: 35014033 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
First principles predict that diversity at one trophic level often begets diversity at other levels, suggesting plant and mycorrhizal fungal diversity should be coupled. Local-scale studies have shown positive coupling between the two, but the association is less consistent when extended to larger spatial and temporal scales. These inconsistencies are likely due to divergent relationships of different mycorrhizal fungal guilds to plant diversity, scale dependency, and a lack of coordinated sampling efforts. Given that mycorrhizal fungi play a central role in plant productivity and nutrient cycling, as well as ecosystem responses to global change, an improved understanding of the coupling between plant and mycorrhizal fungal diversity across scales will reduce uncertainties in predicting the ecosystem consequences of species gains and losses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Fei
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Stephanie N Kivlin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Grant M Domke
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Insu Jo
- Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, 54 Gerald St., Lincoln, 7608, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth A LaRue
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Richard P Phillips
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 East Third St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yan H, Freschet GT, Wang H, Hogan JA, Li S, Valverde-Barrantes OJ, Fu X, Wang R, Dai X, Jiang L, Meng S, Yang F, Zhang M, Kou L. Mycorrhizal symbiosis pathway and edaphic fertility frame root economics space among tree species. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 234:1639-1653. [PMID: 35243647 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The root economics space (RES) is multidimensional and largely shaped by belowground biotic and abiotic influences. However, how root-fungal symbioses and edaphic fertility drive this complexity remains unclear. Here, we measured absorptive root traits of 112 tree species in temperate and subtropical forests of China, including traits linked to functional differences between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) hosts. Our data, from known mycorrhizal tree species, revealed a 'fungal-symbiosis' dimension distinguishing AM from ECM species. This divergence likely resulted from the contrasting mycorrhizal evolutionary development of AM vs ECM associations. Increased root tissue cortical space facilitates AM symbiosis, whereas increased root branching favours ECM symbiosis. Irrespective of mycorrhizal type, a 'root-lifespan' dimension reflecting aspects of root construction cost and defence was controlled by variation in specific root length and root tissue density, which was fully independent of root nitrogen content. Within this function-based RES, we observed a substantial covariation of axes with soil phosphorus and nitrate levels, highlighting the role played by these two axes in nutrient acquisition and conservation. Overall, our findings demonstrate the importance of evolved mycorrhizal symbiosis pathway and edaphic fertility in framing the RES, and provide theoretical and mechanistic insights into the complexity of root economics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Yan
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Grégoire T Freschet
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, Moulis, 09200, France
| | - Huimin Wang
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - James Aaron Hogan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environment, International Center of Tropical Biodiversity, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32605, USA
| | - Shenggong Li
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environment, International Center of Tropical Biodiversity, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Xiaoli Fu
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ruili Wang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoqin Dai
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shengwang Meng
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fengting Yang
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Liang Kou
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bapela T, Shimelis H, Tsilo TJ, Mathew I. Genetic Improvement of Wheat for Drought Tolerance: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1331. [PMID: 35631756 PMCID: PMC9144332 DOI: 10.3390/plants11101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Wheat production and productivity are challenged by recurrent droughts associated with climate change globally. Drought and heat stress resilient cultivars can alleviate yield loss in marginal production agro-ecologies. The ability of some crop genotypes to thrive and yield in drought conditions is attributable to the inherent genetic variation and environmental adaptation, presenting opportunities to develop drought-tolerant varieties. Understanding the underlying genetic, physiological, biochemical, and environmental mechanisms and their interactions is key critical opportunity for drought tolerance improvement. Therefore, the objective of this review is to document the progress, challenges, and opportunities in breeding for drought tolerance in wheat. The paper outlines the following key aspects: (1) challenges associated with breeding for adaptation to drought-prone environments, (2) opportunities such as genetic variation in wheat for drought tolerance, selection methods, the interplay between above-ground phenotypic traits and root attributes in drought adaptation and drought-responsive attributes and (3) approaches, technologies and innovations in drought tolerance breeding. In the end, the paper summarises genetic gains and perspectives in drought tolerance breeding in wheat. The review will serve as baseline information for wheat breeders and agronomists to guide the development and deployment of drought-adapted and high-performing new-generation wheat varieties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Bapela
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; (H.S.); (I.M.)
- Agricultural Research Council—Small Grain, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa;
| | - Hussein Shimelis
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; (H.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Toi John Tsilo
- Agricultural Research Council—Small Grain, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa;
| | - Isack Mathew
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; (H.S.); (I.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Spatial Variations in Fine Root Turnover, Biomass, and Necromass of Two Vegetation Types in a Karst Ecosystem, Southwestern China. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13040611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Revealing the patterns of fine root turnover traits can aid our understanding of the mechanisms of fine roots in adapting to soil nutrient changes. In a karst ecosystem of southwest China, the fine root turnover rate, production, biomass, necromass, biomass/necromass ratio, as well as the soil total and available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, and root carbon (C) and N concentrations were analyzed in upper, middle, and lower slope positions of two vegetation types (shrubland and forest). The results showed that the soil total and available N and P and fine root production, biomass, and necromass were significantly higher in upper slope positions than those in lower slope positions in both vegetation types. However, the fine root turnover rates were slightly higher in upper positions than those in lower positions. In addition, fine root necromass was significantly lower in shrubland than that in forest, while the biomass/necromass ratio was the opposite. Therefore, fine root production and biomass were significantly affected by slope position, while the fine root biomass/necromass ratio was significantly influenced by vegetation type. Additionally, fine root necromass was significantly influenced by the slope position and vegetation, but the turnover rate was slightly impacted by the two factors. It was also found that fine root production, biomass, and necromass had significant positive correlations with the soil total and available N and P and root C concentrations, and had significant negative correlations with root N concentrations. Moreover, the biomass/necromass ratio was positively and negatively related to the root N concentrations and C/N ratios, respectively. Thus, the variations in these five parameters of fine root turnover were mainly explained by fine root nutrients and the interactive effects between fine root and soil nutrients. The above results indicated that these variations in fine roots responding to soil and root nutrient changes might be an adaptive mechanism to enhance plant nutrient acquisition in nutrient-poor karst ecosystems.
Collapse
|
18
|
Feng Z, Kong D, Kong Y, Zhang B, Yang X. Coordination of root growth with root morphology, physiology and defense functions in response to root pruning in Platycladus orientalis. J Adv Res 2022; 36:187-199. [PMID: 35127173 PMCID: PMC8799911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A growth‒defense tradeoff following root pruning. Root growth lagged behind root physiology after root pruning. The growth–defense tradeoff was induced by indole-3-acetic acid. Proteomic analysis supported a growth–defense tradeoff. Root pruning altered the expression of genes at the protein and mRNA levels.
Introduction Root pruning is commonly used to facilitate seedling transplantation for the restoration of degraded or damaged ecosystems. However, little is known about how root growth coordinates morphology, physiology and defense functions following root pruning. Objectives We aim to elucidate whether and how root growth trades off with defense functioning after pruning. Methods Seedlings of Platycladus orientalis, a tree species widely used in forest restoration, were subjected to root pruning treatment. A suite of root growth, morphological and physiological traits were measured after pruning in combination with proteomic analysis. Results Root growth was insensitive to pruning until at 504 h with a significant increase of 16.8%, whereas root physiology was activated rapidly after pruning. Key root morphological traits, such as root diameter, specific root length and root tissue density, showed no response to the pruning treatment. Plant defense syndromes such as reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzymes and defensive phytohormones such as jasmonic acid and abscisic acid, were recruited at six hours after pruning and recovered to the unpruned levels at 504 h. Compared with the controls, 271, 360 and 106 proteins were differentially expressed at 6, 72 and 504 h after root pruning, respectively. These proteins, associated with defense function, showed temporal patterns similar to the above defense syndromes. Conclusion Our results suggest a root growth-defense tradeoff following root pruning in P. orientalis. This tradeoff was potentially due to the significant increase of indole-3-acetic acid, the phytohormone stimulating root branching, which occurred soon after pruning. Together, these results provide a holistic understanding of how root growth is coordinated with root morphology, physiology, and defense in response to root pruning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhipei Feng
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Deliang Kong
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Yuhua Kong
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
| | - Xitian Yang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, China
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
de la Riva EG, Querejeta JI, Villar R, Pérez-Ramos IM, Marañón T, Galán Díaz J, de Tomás Marín S, Prieto I. The Economics Spectrum Drives Root Trait Strategies in Mediterranean Vegetation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:773118. [PMID: 34887894 PMCID: PMC8649719 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.773118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research efforts are devoted to understand fine root trait variation and to confirm the existence of a belowground root economics spectrum (RES) from acquisitive to conservative root strategies that is analogous to the leaf economics spectrum (LES). The economics spectrum implies a trade-off between maximizing resource acquisition and productivity or maximizing resource conservation and longevity; however, this theoretical framework still remains controversial for roots. We compiled a database of 320 Mediterranean woody and herbaceous species to critically assess if the classic economics spectrum theory can be broadly extended to roots. Fine roots displayed a wide diversity of forms and properties in Mediterranean vegetation, resulting in a multidimensional trait space. The main trend of variation in this multidimensional root space is analogous to the main axis of LES, while the second trend of variation is partially determined by an anatomical trade-off between tissue density and diameter. Specific root area (SRA) is the main trait explaining species distribution along the RES, regardless of the selected traits. We advocate for the need to unify and standardize the criteria and approaches used within the economics framework between leaves and roots, for the sake of theoretical consistency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - José Ignacio Querejeta
- Departamento de Conservación de Suelos y Agua, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain
| | - Rafael Villar
- Área de Ecología, Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Teodoro Marañón
- Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Seville (IRNAS), CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Iván Prieto
- Departamento de Conservación de Suelos y Agua, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Biología y Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xia M, Valverde-Barrantes OJ, Suseela V, Blackwood CB, Tharayil N. Coordination between compound-specific chemistry and morphology in plant roots aligns with ancestral mycorrhizal association in woody angiosperms. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:1259-1271. [PMID: 34137048 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies on fine root functional traits proposed a root economics hypothesis where adaptations associated with mycorrhizal dependency strongly influence the organization of root traits, forming a dominant axis of trait covariation unique to roots. This conclusion, however, is based on tradeoffs of a few widely studied root traits. It is unknown how other functional traits fit into this mycorrhizal-collaboration gradient. Here, we provide a significant extension to the field of root ecology by examining how fine root secondary compounds coordinate with other root traits. We analyzed a dataset integrating compound-specific chemistry, morphology and anatomy of fine roots and leaves from 34 temperate tree species spanning major angiosperm lineages. Our data uncovered previously undocumented coordination where root chemistry, morphology and anatomy covary with each other. This coordination, aligned with mycorrhizal colonization, reflects tradeoffs between chemical protection and mycorrhizal dependency, and provides mechanistic support for the mycorrhizal-collaboration gradient. We also found remarkable phylogenetic structuring in root chemistry. These patterns were not mirrored by leaves. Furthermore, chemical protection was largely decoupled from the leaf economics spectrum. Our results unveil broad organization of root chemistry, demonstrate unique belowground adaptions, and suggest that root strategies and phylogeny could impact biogeochemical cycles through their links with root chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengxue Xia
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Center for Tropical Biodiversity, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Vidya Suseela
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | | | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Freschet GT, Pagès L, Iversen CM, Comas LH, Rewald B, Roumet C, Klimešová J, Zadworny M, Poorter H, Postma JA, Adams TS, Bagniewska‐Zadworna A, Bengough AG, Blancaflor EB, Brunner I, Cornelissen JHC, Garnier E, Gessler A, Hobbie SE, Meier IC, Mommer L, Picon‐Cochard C, Rose L, Ryser P, Scherer‐Lorenzen M, Soudzilovskaia NA, Stokes A, Sun T, Valverde‐Barrantes OJ, Weemstra M, Weigelt A, Wurzburger N, York LM, Batterman SA, Gomes de Moraes M, Janeček Š, Lambers H, Salmon V, Tharayil N, McCormack ML. A starting guide to root ecology: strengthening ecological concepts and standardising root classification, sampling, processing and trait measurements. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:973-1122. [PMID: 34608637 PMCID: PMC8518129 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In the context of a recent massive increase in research on plant root functions and their impact on the environment, root ecologists currently face many important challenges to keep on generating cutting-edge, meaningful and integrated knowledge. Consideration of the below-ground components in plant and ecosystem studies has been consistently called for in recent decades, but methodology is disparate and sometimes inappropriate. This handbook, based on the collective effort of a large team of experts, will improve trait comparisons across studies and integration of information across databases by providing standardised methods and controlled vocabularies. It is meant to be used not only as starting point by students and scientists who desire working on below-ground ecosystems, but also by experts for consolidating and broadening their views on multiple aspects of root ecology. Beyond the classical compilation of measurement protocols, we have synthesised recommendations from the literature to provide key background knowledge useful for: (1) defining below-ground plant entities and giving keys for their meaningful dissection, classification and naming beyond the classical fine-root vs coarse-root approach; (2) considering the specificity of root research to produce sound laboratory and field data; (3) describing typical, but overlooked steps for studying roots (e.g. root handling, cleaning and storage); and (4) gathering metadata necessary for the interpretation of results and their reuse. Most importantly, all root traits have been introduced with some degree of ecological context that will be a foundation for understanding their ecological meaning, their typical use and uncertainties, and some methodological and conceptual perspectives for future research. Considering all of this, we urge readers not to solely extract protocol recommendations for trait measurements from this work, but to take a moment to read and reflect on the extensive information contained in this broader guide to root ecology, including sections I-VII and the many introductions to each section and root trait description. Finally, it is critical to understand that a major aim of this guide is to help break down barriers between the many subdisciplines of root ecology and ecophysiology, broaden researchers' views on the multiple aspects of root study and create favourable conditions for the inception of comprehensive experiments on the role of roots in plant and ecosystem functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire T. Freschet
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
- Station d’Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleCNRS2 route du CNRS09200MoulisFrance
| | - Loïc Pagès
- UR 1115 PSHCentre PACA, site AgroparcINRAE84914Avignon cedex 9France
| | - Colleen M. Iversen
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science InstituteOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Louise H. Comas
- USDA‐ARS Water Management Research Unit2150 Centre Avenue, Bldg D, Suite 320Fort CollinsCO80526USA
| | - Boris Rewald
- Department of Forest and Soil SciencesUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesVienna1190Austria
| | - Catherine Roumet
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
| | - Jitka Klimešová
- Department of Functional EcologyInstitute of Botany CASDukelska 13537901TrebonCzech Republic
| | - Marcin Zadworny
- Institute of DendrologyPolish Academy of SciencesParkowa 562‐035KórnikPoland
| | - Hendrik Poorter
- Plant Sciences (IBG‐2)Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbHD‐52425JülichGermany
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNSW2109Australia
| | | | - Thomas S. Adams
- Department of Plant SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPA16802USA
| | - Agnieszka Bagniewska‐Zadworna
- Department of General BotanyInstitute of Experimental BiologyFaculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityUniwersytetu Poznańskiego 661-614PoznańPoland
| | - A. Glyn Bengough
- The James Hutton InstituteInvergowrie, Dundee,DD2 5DAUK
- School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of DundeeDundee,DD1 4HNUK
| | | | - Ivano Brunner
- Forest Soils and BiogeochemistrySwiss Federal Research Institute WSLZürcherstr. 1118903BirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | - Johannes H. C. Cornelissen
- Department of Ecological ScienceFaculty of ScienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamDe Boelelaan 1085Amsterdam1081 HVthe Netherlands
| | - Eric Garnier
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
| | - Arthur Gessler
- Forest DynamicsSwiss Federal Research Institute WSLZürcherstr. 1118903BirmensdorfSwitzerland
- Institute of Terrestrial EcosystemsETH Zurich8092ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Sarah E. Hobbie
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and BehaviorUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMN55108USA
| | - Ina C. Meier
- Functional Forest EcologyUniversity of HamburgHaidkrugsweg 122885BarsbütelGermany
| | - Liesje Mommer
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation GroupDepartment of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchPO Box 476700 AAWageningenthe Netherlands
| | | | - Laura Rose
- Station d’Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleCNRS2 route du CNRS09200MoulisFrance
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F)Senckenberganlage 2560325Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Peter Ryser
- Laurentian University935 Ramsey Lake RoadSudburyONP3E 2C6Canada
| | | | - Nadejda A. Soudzilovskaia
- Environmental Biology DepartmentInstitute of Environmental SciencesCMLLeiden UniversityLeiden2300 RAthe Netherlands
| | - Alexia Stokes
- INRAEAMAPCIRAD, IRDCNRSUniversity of MontpellierMontpellier34000France
| | - Tao Sun
- Institute of Applied EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenyang110016China
| | - Oscar J. Valverde‐Barrantes
- International Center for Tropical BotanyDepartment of Biological SciencesFlorida International UniversityMiamiFL33199USA
| | - Monique Weemstra
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
| | - Alexandra Weigelt
- Systematic Botany and Functional BiodiversityInstitute of BiologyLeipzig UniversityJohannisallee 21-23Leipzig04103Germany
| | - Nina Wurzburger
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia140 E. Green StreetAthensGA30602USA
| | - Larry M. York
- Biosciences Division and Center for Bioenergy InnovationOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Sarah A. Batterman
- School of Geography and Priestley International Centre for ClimateUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem StudiesMillbrookNY12545USA
| | - Moemy Gomes de Moraes
- Department of BotanyInstitute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Goiás1974690-900Goiânia, GoiásBrazil
| | - Štěpán Janeček
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawley (Perth)WA 6009Australia
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawley (Perth)WAAustralia
| | - Verity Salmon
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science InstituteOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesClemson UniversityClemsonSC29634USA
| | - M. Luke McCormack
- Center for Tree ScienceMorton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt. 53LisleIL60532USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Perkovich C, Ward D. Aboveground herbivory causes belowground changes in twelve oak
Quercus
species: a phylogenetic analysis of root biomass and non‐structural carbohydrate storage. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Ward
- Kent State Univ., Biological Sciences Kent Ohio USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zadworny M, Mucha J, Bagniewska-Zadworna A, Żytkowiak R, Mąderek E, Danusevičius D, Oleksyn J, Wyka TP, McCormack ML. Higher biomass partitioning to absorptive roots improves needle nutrition but does not alleviate stomatal limitation of northern Scots pine. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:3859-3869. [PMID: 33934467 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Harsh environmental conditions affect both leaf structure and root traits. However, shoot growth in high-latitude systems is predominately under photoperiod control while root growth may occur for as long as thermal conditions are favorable. The different sensitivities of these organs may alter functional relationships above- and belowground along environmental gradients. We examined the relationship between absorptive root and foliar traits of Scots pine trees growing in situ along a temperate-boreal transect and in trees grown in a long-term common garden at a temperate latitude. We related changes in foliar nitrogen, phosphorus, specific leaf area, needle mass and 13 C signatures to geographic trends in absorptive root biomass to better understand patterns of altered tree nutrition and water balance. Increased allocation to absorptive fine roots was associated with greater uptake of soil nutrients and subsequently higher needle nutrient contents in the northern provenances compared with more southern provenances when grown together in a common garden setting. In contrast, the leaf δ13 C in northern and southern provenances were similar within the common garden suggesting that higher absorptive root biomass fractions could not adequately increase water supply in warmer climates. These results highlight the importance of allocation within the fine-root system and its impacts on needle nutrition while also suggesting increasing stomatal limitation of photosynthesis in the context of anticipated climatic changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Zadworny
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kórnik, Poland
| | - Joanna Mucha
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kórnik, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bagniewska-Zadworna
- Department of General Botany, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Roma Żytkowiak
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kórnik, Poland
| | - Ewa Mąderek
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kórnik, Poland
| | - Darius Danusevičius
- Faculty of Forest Science and Ecology, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jacek Oleksyn
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kórnik, Poland
| | - Tomasz P Wyka
- Department of General Botany, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Vleminckx J, Fortunel C, Valverde‐Barrantes O, Timothy Paine CE, Engel J, Petronelli P, Dourdain AK, Guevara J, Béroujon S, Baraloto C. Resolving whole‐plant economics from leaf, stem and root traits of 1467 Amazonian tree species. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Vleminckx
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Florida International Univ. FL USA
- Yale Inst. for Biospheric Studies New Haven CT USA
| | - Claire Fortunel
- AMAP (botAnique et Modélisation de l'Architecture des Plantes et des Végétations), Univ. de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | | | - C. E. Timothy Paine
- Environmental and Rural Science, Univ. of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Julien Engel
- AMAP (botAnique et Modélisation de l'Architecture des Plantes et des Végétations), Univ. de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD Montpellier Cedex 5 France
- International Center for Tropical Botany, Dept of Biological Sciences, Florida International Univ. Miami FL USA
| | - Pascal Petronelli
- CIRAD, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane, AgroParisTech, Univ. de Guyane, Univ. des Antilles Kourou Cedex France
| | - Aurélie K. Dourdain
- CIRAD, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane, AgroParisTech, Univ. de Guyane, Univ. des Antilles Kourou Cedex France
| | | | - Solène Béroujon
- UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane, AgroParisTech, Univ. de Guyane, Univ. des Antilles Kourou Cedex France
| | - Christopher Baraloto
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Florida International Univ. FL USA
- INRAe, UMR Ecologie de Forêts de Guyane, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, INRA, Univ. de Guyane, Univ. des Antilles Kourou Cedex France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Valverde-Barrantes OJ, Authier L, Schimann H, Baraloto C. Root anatomy helps to reconcile observed root trait syndromes in tropical tree species. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2021; 108:744-755. [PMID: 34028799 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Studying the organization of functional traits in plant leaves and stems has revealed notable patterns linking function and form; however, evidence of similarly robust organization in root tissues remains controversial. We posit that anatomical traits in roots can provide insight on the overall organization of the root system. We hypothesized that size variation in the tissue outside the stele is related in a nonlinear fashion with functional traits associated with direct resource uptake, including a negative relationship with root architectural traits, and that similar relationships detected in tropical areas also hold true in other biomes. METHODS We addressed our hypotheses using empirical data from 24 tropical tree species in French Guiana, including anatomical measurements in first order roots and functional trait description for the entire fine root system. In addition, we compiled a global meta-analysis of root traits for 500+ forest species across tropical, subtropical, and temperate forests. RESULTS Our results supported the expected nonlinear relationships between cortical size and morphological traits and a negative linear trend with architectural traits. We confirmed a global negative relationship among specific root length (SRL), diameter, and tissue density, suggesting similar anatomical constraints in root systems across woody plants. However, the importance of factors varies across biomes, possibly related to the unequal phylogenetic representation across latitudes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings imply that the rhizocentric hypothesis can be a valuable approach to understand fine root trait syndromes and the evolution of absorptive roots in vascular plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes
- Institute of Environment, International Center of Tropical Biodiversity, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Louise Authier
- INRAE - UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (CNRS, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles), Kourou, France
| | - Heidy Schimann
- INRAE - UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (CNRS, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles), Kourou, France
| | - Christopher Baraloto
- Institute of Environment, International Center of Tropical Biodiversity, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
- INRAE - UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (CNRS, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles), Kourou, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pierick K, Leuschner C, Homeier J. Topography as a factor driving small-scale variation in tree fine root traits and root functional diversity in a species-rich tropical montane forest. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 230:129-138. [PMID: 33278844 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the variation in tree fine root traits and their functional diversity along a local topographic gradient in a Neotropical montane forest to test if fine root trait variation along the gradient is consistent with the predictions of the root economics spectrum on a shift from acquisitive to conservative traits with decreasing resource supply. We measured five fine root functional traits in 179 randomly selected tree individuals of 100 species and analysed the variation of single traits (using Bayesian phylogenetic multilevel models) and of functional trait diversity with small-scale topography. Fine roots exhibited more conservative traits (thicker diameters, lower specific root length and nitrogen concentration) at upper slope compared with lower slope positions, but the largest proportion of variation (40-80%) was explained by species identity and phylogeny. Fine root functional diversity decreased towards the upper slopes. Our results suggest that local topography and the related soil fertility and moisture gradients cause considerable small-scale variation in fine root traits and functional diversity along tropical mountain slopes, with conservative root traits and greater trait convergence being associated with less favourable soil conditions due to environmental filtering. We provide evidence of a high degree of phylogenetic conservation in fine root traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Pierick
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen, 37073, Germany
| | - Christoph Leuschner
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen, 37073, Germany
- Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 1, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Jürgen Homeier
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen, 37073, Germany
- Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 1, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sun Y, Zang H, Splettstößer T, Kumar A, Xu X, Kuzyakov Y, Pausch J. Plant intraspecific competition and growth stage alter carbon and nitrogen mineralization in the rhizosphere. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:1231-1242. [PMID: 33175402 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plant roots interact with rhizosphere microorganisms to accelerate soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization for nutrient acquisition. Root-mediated changes in SOM mineralization largely depend on root-derived carbon (root-C) input and soil nutrient status. Hence, intraspecific competition over plant development and spatiotemporal variability in the root-C input and nutrients uptake may modify SOM mineralization. To investigate the effect of intraspecific competition on SOM mineralization at three growth stages (heading, flowering, and ripening), we grew maize (C4 plant) under three planting densities on a C3 soil and determined in situ soil C- and N-mineralization by 13 C-natural abundance and 15 N-pool dilution approaches. From heading to ripening, soil C- and N-mineralization rates exhibit similar unimodal trends and were tightly coupled. The C-to-N-mineralization ratio (0.6 to 2.6) increased with N availability, indicating that an increase in N-mineralization with N depletion was driven by microorganisms mining N-rich SOM. With the intraspecific competition, plants increased specific root lengths as an efficient strategy to compete for resources. Root morphologic traits rather than root biomass per se were positively related to C- and N-mineralization. Overall, plant phenology and intraspecific competition controlled the intensity and mechanisms of soil C- and N- mineralization by the adaptation of root traits and nutrient mining.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Sun
- Department of Agroecology, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Department of Agricultural Soil Science, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Huadong Zang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Thomas Splettstößer
- Department of Soil Science of Temperate and Boreal Ecosystems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Amit Kumar
- Chair of Ecosystem Functioning and Services, Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Xingliang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modelling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Yakov Kuzyakov
- Department of Agricultural Soil Science, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Soil Science of Temperate and Boreal Ecosystems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Johanna Pausch
- Department of Agroecology, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Functional Traits of a Rainforest Vascular Epiphyte Community: Trait Covariation and Indications for Host Specificity. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Trait matching between interacting species may foster diversity. Thus, high epiphyte diversity in tropical forests may be partly due to the high diversity of trees and some degree of host specificity. However, possible trait matching between epiphyte and host is basically unexplored. Since the epiphytic habitat poses particular challenges to plants, their trait correlations should differ from terrestrial plants, but to what extent is unclear as epiphytes are underrepresented or missing in the large trait databases. We quantified 28 traits of 99 species of vascular epiphytes in a lowland forest in Panama that were related to plant size, leaf, stem, and root morphology; photosynthetic mode; and nutrient concentrations. We analyzed trait covariation, community weighted means, and functional diversity for assemblages on stems and in crowns of four tree species. We found intriguing differences between epiphytes and terrestrial plants regarding trait covariation in trait relations between plant maximal height, stem specific density, specific root length, and root tissue den-sity, i.e., stem and root economic spectra. Regarding host specificity, we found strong evidence for environmental filtering of epiphyte traits, but only in tree crowns. On stems, community weighted means differed in only one case, whereas > 2/3 of all traits differed in tree crowns. Although we were only partly able to interpret these differences in the light of tree trait differences, these findings mark an important step towards a functional understanding of epiphyte host specificity.
Collapse
|
30
|
Sweeney CJ, de Vries FT, van Dongen BE, Bardgett RD. Root traits explain rhizosphere fungal community composition among temperate grassland plant species. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:1492-1507. [PMID: 33006139 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
While it is known that interactions between plants and soil fungi drive many essential ecosystem functions, considerable uncertainty exists over the drivers of fungal community composition in the rhizosphere. Here, we examined the roles of plant species identity, phylogeny and functional traits in shaping rhizosphere fungal communities and tested the robustness of these relationships to environmental change. We conducted a glasshouse experiment consisting of 21 temperate grassland species grown under three different environmental treatments and characterised the fungal communities within the rhizosphere of these plants. We found that plant species identity, plant phylogenetic relatedness and plant traits all affected rhizosphere fungal community composition. Trait relationships with fungal communities were primarily driven by interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and root traits were stronger predictors of fungal communities than leaf traits. These patterns were independent of the environmental treatments the plants were grown under. Our results showcase the key role of plant root traits, especially root diameter, root nitrogen and specific root length, in driving rhizosphere fungal community composition, demonstrating the potential for root traits to be used within predictive frameworks of plant-fungal relationships. Furthermore, we highlight how key limitations in our understanding of fungal function may obscure previously unmeasured plant-fungal interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Sweeney
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Franciska T de Vries
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, PO 7 Box 94240, Amsterdam, 1090 GE, the Netherlands
| | - Bart E van Dongen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Richard D Bardgett
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gap Size in Hyrcanian Forest Affects the Lignin and N Concentrations of the Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) Fine Roots but Does Not Change Their Morphological Traits in the Medium Term. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12020137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research Highlights: Fine roots play an important role in plant growth as well as in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Gaining a wider knowledge of their dynamics under forest gap opening would improve our understanding of soil carbon input and below-ground carbon stock accumulation. Single-tree selection is increasingly recognized as an alternative regime of selection cutting sustaining biodiversity and carbon stock, along with timber production, among ecosystem functions. However, the fine root response in terms of morphological and chemical composition to the resulting harvest-created gaps remains unclear. Background and Objectives: This paper investigates the effect in the medium term (i.e., 6 years after logging) of differently sized harvest-created gaps on fine root dynamics and chemical composition. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 differently sized gaps (86.05–350.7 m2) and the adjacent 20 m distant closed canopies (control) were selected in a temperate Fagus orientalis forest (Hyrcanian region, Iran). Eight soil cores were collected at the cardinal points of the gap edge, including four facing the gap area—the same at the adjacent intact forest. Results: For the selected edge trees, the different size of gaps, the core position, and the tree orientation did not affect the investigated morphological traits, except for the slightly higher specific root length (SRL) for the larger fine root fraction (1–2 mm) in the side facing the gap area. Differently, the investigated chemical traits such as N concentration and cellulose:lignin ratio significantly increased with increasing gap size, the opposite for C:N ratio and lignin. Moreover, N concentration and C:N significantly decreased and increased with the fine root diameter, respectively. Conclusions: This work highlighted that, in the medium term and within the adopted size range, artificial gap opening derived from single-tree selection practice affected the chemistry rather than the biomass and morphology of gap-facing fine roots of edge trees. The medium term of six years after gap creation might have been long enough for the recovery of the fine root standing biomass to the pre-harvest condition, particularly near the stem of edge trees. A clear size threshold did not come out; nevertheless, 300 m2 may be considered a possible cut-off determining a marked change in the responses of fine roots.
Collapse
|
32
|
Sun L, Ataka M, Han M, Han Y, Gan D, Xu T, Guo Y, Zhu B. Root exudation as a major competitive fine-root functional trait of 18 coexisting species in a subtropical forest. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:259-271. [PMID: 32772392 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Root exudation stimulates microbial decomposition and enhances nutrient availability to plants. It remains difficult to measure and predict this carbon flux in natural conditions, especially for mature woody plants. Based on a known conceptual framework of root functional traits coordination, we proposed that root functional traits may predict root exudation. We measured root exudation and other seven root morphological/chemical/physiological traits for 18 coexisting woody species in a deciduous-evergreen mixed forest in subtropical China. Root exudation, respiration, diameter and nitrogen (N) concentration all exhibited significant phylogenetic signals. We found that root exudation positively correlated with competitive traits (root respiration, N concentration) and negatively with a conservative trait (root tissue density). Furthermore, these relationships were independent of phylogenetic signals. A principal component analysis showed that root exudation and morphological traits loaded on two perpendicular axes. Root exudation is a competitive trait in a multidimensional fine-root functional coordination. The metabolic dimension on which root exudation loaded was relatively independent of the morphological dimension, indicating that increasing nutrient availability by root exudation might be a complementary strategy for plant nutrient acquisition. The positive relationship between root exudation and root respiration and N concentration is a promising approach for the future prediction of root exudation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Sun
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Mioko Ataka
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068502, Japan
| | - Mengguang Han
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yunfeng Han
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Dayong Gan
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tianle Xu
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yanpei Guo
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Biao Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Tosso F, Doucet J, Daïnou K, Fayolle A, Hambuckers A, Doumenge C, Agbazahou H, Stoffelen P, Hardy OJ. Highlighting convergent evolution in morphological traits in response to climatic gradient in African tropical tree species: The case of genus Guibourtia Benn. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:13114-13126. [PMID: 31871633 PMCID: PMC6912925 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive evolution is a major driver of organism diversification, but the links between phenotypic traits and environmental niche remain little documented in tropical trees. Moreover, trait-niche relationships are complex because a correlation between the traits and environmental niches displayed by a sample of species may result from (a) convergent evolution if different environmental conditions have selected different sets of traits, and/or (b) phylogenetic inertia if niche and morphological differences between species are simply function of their phylogenetic divergence, in which case the trait-niche correlation does not imply any direct causal link. Here, we aim to assess the respective roles of phylogenetic inertia and convergent evolution in shaping the differences of botanical traits and environmental niches among congeneric African tree species that evolved in different biomes.This issue was addressed with the tree genus Guibourtia Benn. (Leguminosae and Detarioideae), which contains 13 African species occupying various forest habitat types, from rain forest to dry woodlands, with different climate and soil conditions. To this end, we combined morphological data with ecological niche modelling and used a highly resolved plastid phylogeny of the 13 African Guibourtia species.First, we demonstrated phylogenetic signals in both morphological traits (Mantel test between phylogenetic and morphological distances between species: r = .24, p = .031) and environmental niches (Mantel test between phylogenetic and niche distances between species: r = .23, p = .025). Second, we found a significant correlation between morphology and niche, at least between some of their respective dimensions (Mantel's r = .32, p = .013), even after accounting for phylogenetic inertia (Phylogenetic Independent Contrast: r = .69, p = .018). This correlation occurred between some leaflet and flower traits and solar radiation, relative humidity, precipitations, and temperature range.Our results demonstrate the convergent evolution of some morphological traits in response to climatic factors in congeneric tree species and highlight the action of selective forces, along with neutral ones, in shaping the divergence between congeneric tropical plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Félicien Tosso
- Forest is LifeTERRA Teaching and Research CentreGembloux Agro‐Bio TechUniversity of LiègeGemblouxBelgium
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology UnitFaculté des SciencesUniversité Libre de BruxellesBrusselsBelgium
- Nature+ asbl, s/c Forest is LifeTERRA Teaching and Research CentreGembloux Agro-Bio TechUniversity of LiègeGemblouxBelgium
| | - Jean‐Louis Doucet
- Forest is LifeTERRA Teaching and Research CentreGembloux Agro‐Bio TechUniversity of LiègeGemblouxBelgium
| | - Kasso Daïnou
- Nature+ asbl, s/c Forest is LifeTERRA Teaching and Research CentreGembloux Agro-Bio TechUniversity of LiègeGemblouxBelgium
| | - Adeline Fayolle
- Forest is LifeTERRA Teaching and Research CentreGembloux Agro‐Bio TechUniversity of LiègeGemblouxBelgium
| | | | - Charles Doumenge
- Centre International de Recherche Agronomique pour le DéveloppementTA C‐105/D, Campus International de BaillarguetMontpellierFrance
| | - Honoré Agbazahou
- Centre International de Recherche Agronomique pour le DéveloppementTA C‐105/D, Campus International de BaillarguetMontpellierFrance
| | | | - Olivier J. Hardy
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology UnitFaculté des SciencesUniversité Libre de BruxellesBrusselsBelgium
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hu Y, Pan X, Yang X, Liu G, Liu X, Song Y, Zhang M, Cui L, Dong M. Is there coordination of leaf and fine root traits at local scales? A test in temperate forest swamps. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:8714-8723. [PMID: 31410274 PMCID: PMC6686282 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Examining the coordination of leaf and fine root traits not only aids a better understanding of plant ecological strategies from a whole-plant perspective, but also helps improve the prediction of belowground properties from aboveground traits. The relationships between leaf and fine root traits have been extensively explored at global and regional scales, but remain unclear at local scales. Here, we measured six pairs of analogous leaf and fine root traits related to resource economy and organ size for coexisting dominant and subordinate vascular plants at three successional stages of temperate forest swamps in Lingfeng National Nature Reserve in the Greater Hinggan Mountains, NE China. Leaf and fine root traits related to resource acquisition (e.g., specific leaf area [SLA], leaf N, leaf P, root water content, and root P) decreased with succession. Overall, we found strong linear relationships between leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and root water content, and between leaf and root C, N, and P concentrations, but only weak correlations were observed between leaf area and root diameter, and between SLA and specific root length (SRL). The strong relationships between LDMC and root water content and between leaf and root C, N, and P held at the early and late stages, but disappeared at the middle stage. Besides, C and P of leaves were significantly correlated with those of roots for woody plants, while strong linkages existed between LDMC and root water content and between leaf N and root N for herbaceous species. These results provided evidence for the existence of strong coordination between leaf and root traits at the local scale. Meanwhile, the leaf-root trait relationships could be modulated by successional stage and growth form, indicating the complexity of coordination of aboveground and belowground traits at the local scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu‐Kun Hu
- Institute of Wetland ResearchChinese Academy of ForestryBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and RestorationBeijingChina
| | - Xu Pan
- Institute of Wetland ResearchChinese Academy of ForestryBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and RestorationBeijingChina
| | - Xue‐Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Guo‐Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xu‐Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yao‐Bin Song
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Man‐Yin Zhang
- Institute of Wetland ResearchChinese Academy of ForestryBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and RestorationBeijingChina
| | - Li‐Juan Cui
- Institute of Wetland ResearchChinese Academy of ForestryBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and RestorationBeijingChina
| | - Ming Dong
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
De Long JR, Jackson BG, Wilkinson A, Pritchard WJ, Oakley S, Mason KE, Stephan JG, Ostle NJ, Johnson D, Baggs EM, Bardgett RD. Relationships between plant traits, soil properties and carbon fluxes differ between monocultures and mixed communities in temperate grassland. THE JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2019; 107:1704-1719. [PMID: 31341333 PMCID: PMC6617750 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2745.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of plant traits to predict ecosystem functions has been gaining growing attention. Above-ground plant traits, such as leaf nitrogen (N) content and specific leaf area (SLA), have been shown to strongly relate to ecosystem productivity, respiration and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, increasing plant functional trait diversity has been suggested as a possible mechanism to increase ecosystem carbon (C) storage. However, it is uncertain whether below-ground plant traits can be predicted by above-ground traits, and if both above- and below-ground traits can be used to predict soil properties and ecosystem-level functions.Here, we used two adjacent field experiments in temperate grassland to investigate if above- and below-ground plant traits are related, and whether relationships between plant traits, soil properties and ecosystem C fluxes (i.e. ecosystem respiration and net ecosystem exchange) measured in potted monocultures could be detected in mixed field communities.We found that certain shoot traits (e.g. shoot N and C, and leaf dry matter content) were related to root traits (e.g. root N, root C:N and root dry matter content) in monocultures, but such relationships were either weak or not detected in mixed communities. Some relationships between plant traits (i.e. shoot N, root N and/or shoot C:N) and soil properties (i.e. inorganic N availability and microbial community structure) were similar in monocultures and mixed communities, but they were more strongly linked to shoot traits in monocultures and root traits in mixed communities. Structural equation modelling showed that above- and below-ground traits and soil properties improved predictions of ecosystem C fluxes in monocultures, but not in mixed communities on the basis of community-weighted mean traits. Synthesis. Our results from a single grassland habitat detected relationships in monocultures between above- and below-ground plant traits, and between plant traits, soil properties and ecosystem C fluxes. However, these relationships were generally weaker or different in mixed communities. Our results demonstrate that while plant traits can be used to predict certain soil properties and ecosystem functions in monocultures, they are less effective for predicting how changes in plant species composition influence ecosystem functions in mixed communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. De Long
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Department of Terrestrial EcologyNetherlands Institute of EcologyWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Benjamin G. Jackson
- The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesUniversity of EdinburghMidlothianUK
| | - Anna Wilkinson
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - William J. Pritchard
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Simon Oakley
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment CentreBailriggUK
| | - Kelly E. Mason
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment CentreBailriggUK
| | - Jörg G. Stephan
- Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | | | - David Johnson
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Elizabeth M. Baggs
- The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesUniversity of EdinburghMidlothianUK
| | - Richard D. Bardgett
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Piatkowski BT, Shaw AJ. Functional trait evolution in Sphagnum peat mosses and its relationship to niche construction. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 223:939-949. [PMID: 30924950 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Species in the genus Sphagnum create, maintain, and dominate boreal peatlands through 'extended phenotypes' that allow these organisms to engineer peatland ecosystems and thereby impact global biogeochemical cycles. One such phenotype is the production of peat, or incompletely decomposed biomass, that accumulates when rates of growth exceed decomposition. Interspecific variation in peat production is thought to be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of ecological gradients such as the microtopographic hummock-hollow gradient, along which sympatric species sort within communities. This study investigated the mode and tempo of functional trait evolution across 15 species of Sphagnum using data from the most extensive studies of Sphagnum functional traits to date and phylogenetic comparative methods. We found evidence for phylogenetic conservatism of the niche descriptor height-above-water-table and of traits related to growth, decay and litter quality. However, we failed to detect the influence of phylogeny on interspecific variation in other traits such as shoot density and suggest that environmental context can obscure phylogenetic signal. Trait correlations indicate possible adaptive syndromes that may relate to niche and its construction. This study is the first to formally test the extent to which functional trait variation among Sphagnum species is a result of shared evolutionary history.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan T Piatkowski
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Campus Box 90338, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - A Jonathan Shaw
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Campus Box 90338, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kong D, Wang J, Wu H, Valverde-Barrantes OJ, Wang R, Zeng H, Kardol P, Zhang H, Feng Y. Nonlinearity of root trait relationships and the root economics spectrum. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2203. [PMID: 31101818 PMCID: PMC6525182 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10245-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The root economics spectrum (RES), a common hypothesis postulating a tradeoff between resource acquisition and conservation traits, is being challenged by conflicting relationships between root diameter, tissue density (RTD) and root nitrogen concentration (RN). Here, we analyze a global trait dataset of absorptive roots for over 800 plant species. For woody species (but not for non-woody species), we find nonlinear relationships between root diameter and RTD and RN, which stem from the allometric relationship between stele and cortical tissues. These nonlinear relationships explain how sampling bias from different ends of the nonlinear curves can result in conflicting trait relationships. Further, the shape of the relationships varies depending on evolutionary context and mycorrhizal affiliation. Importantly, the observed nonlinear trait relationships do not support the RES predictions. Allometry-based nonlinearity of root trait relationships improves our understanding of the ecology, physiology and evolution of absorptive roots. Kong et al. use a global trait dataset of 800 plant species to examine the root economics spectrum in relation to root diameter, tissue density and root nitrogen concentration. Nonlinear trait relationships were observed, suggesting allometry-based nonlinearity in root trait relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deliang Kong
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Change, Shenyang Agricultural University, 110866, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Junjian Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Huifang Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 475004, Kaifeng, China
| | | | - Ruili Wang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Urban Habitat Environmental Science and Technology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, 518005, Shenzhen, China
| | - Paul Kardol
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Change, Shenyang Agricultural University, 110866, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yulong Feng
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Change, Shenyang Agricultural University, 110866, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhou M, Yan G, Xing Y, Chen F, Zhang X, Wang J, Zhang J, Dai G, Zheng X, Sun W, Wang Q, Liu T. Nitrogen deposition and decreased precipitation does not change total nitrogen uptake in a temperate forest. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:32-41. [PMID: 30223219 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Decreased precipitation and increased anthropogenical by derived nitrogen (N) are important climate change factors that alter the availability of soil water and N which are crucial to root function and morphological traits. However, these factors are seldom explored in forests. To clarify how altered precipitation and N addition affect the uptake of organic and inorganic N by fine roots, a field hydroponic experiment using brief 15N exposures was conducted in a temperate forest in northern China. The root traits related to nutrient foraging (root morphology and mycorrhizal colonization) were measured simultaneously. Our results showed that all three tree species preferred ammonium (NH4+) over glycine and nitrate (NO3-), and NH4+ contributed 73% to the total N uptake from the soil. Uptake of glycine was higher than that of NO3-. Decreased precipitation, N addition, and their interaction increased NH4+ uptake rate compared with the control. Decreased precipitation decreased the glycine and NO3- uptake rate. Moreover, N addition, decreased precipitation and their interaction changed root morphological traits and significantly decreased mycorrhizal colonization. Although our treatments resulted in changes to the root traits and the forms of N uptake by plants, the total amount of N uptake did not change among all treatments. We conclude that although fine root traits of dominant tree species in temperate forests have high plasticity in response to climate change, nutrient balance in plants causes the total amount of N uptake to remain unchanged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Zhou
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Guoyong Yan
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China; College of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Heilongjiang University, 74 Xuefu Road, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Yajuan Xing
- College of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Heilongjiang University, 74 Xuefu Road, Harbin 150080, China; Institute of Forestry Science of Heilongjiang Province, 134 Haping Road, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Fei Chen
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- College of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Heilongjiang University, 74 Xuefu Road, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Jianyu Wang
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Junhui Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Guanhua Dai
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xingbo Zheng
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wenjing Sun
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Qinggui Wang
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China; College of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Heilongjiang University, 74 Xuefu Road, Harbin 150080, China.
| | - Tong Liu
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Responses of Fine Root Functional Traits to Soil Nutrient Limitations in a Karst Ecosystem of Southwest China. FORESTS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/f9120743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) shortages limit the growth of shrubs, and P shortage limit the growth of trees in karst ecosystems. Changes in fine root functional traits are the important strategies for plants to respond to such nutrient shortages. However, such responses in karst ecosystems are poorly known. To determine the responses of fine root functional traits to soil N and P changes and define their resource-use strategies in the ecosystem, we tested the specific root length (SRL), root tips over the root biomass (RT/RB), and N concentration (Nroot) in the fine roots of four plant species (two shrubs (Alchornea trewioides and Ligustrum sinense) and two trees (Celtis biondii and Pteroceltis tatarinowii)) during the dry (January) and the wet (July) season. The results showed that the SRL, RT/RB, and Nroot in the fine roots of shrub species were lower than those of tree species, and the three parameters were higher in the wet season than in the dry season. Linear regression models revealed that the SRL, RT/RB, and Nroot of overall species increased with increasing soil N and P concentrations and availabilities, and were positively correlated with increasing rhizosphere soil oxalic acid, microbial biomass carbon (C), and the activities of hydrolytic enzymes. In addition, the individual plant species had unique patterns of the three fine root traits that resulted affected by the change of soil nutrients and biochemistry. Thus, the specific root length, root tips over the root biomass, and N concentrations of fine roots were species-specific, affected by seasonal change, and correlated with soil nutrients and biochemistry. Our findings suggests that fine root functional traits increase the ability of plant species to tolerate nutrient shortage in karst ecosystems, and possibly indicated that a P-exploitative strategy in tree species and an N-conservative strategy in shrub species were exhibited.
Collapse
|
40
|
Batterman SA, Hall JS, Turner BL, Hedin LO, LaHaela Walter JK, Sheldon P, van Breugel M. Phosphatase activity and nitrogen fixation reflect species differences, not nutrient trading or nutrient balance, across tropical rainforest trees. Ecol Lett 2018; 21:1486-1495. [PMID: 30073753 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental biogeochemical paradox is that nitrogen-rich tropical forests contain abundant nitrogen-fixing trees, which support a globally significant tropical carbon sink. One explanation for this pattern holds that nitrogen-fixing trees can overcome phosphorus limitation in tropical forests by synthesizing phosphatase enzymes to acquire soil organic phosphorus, but empirical evidence remains scarce. We evaluated whether nitrogen fixation and phosphatase activity are linked across 97 trees from seven species, and tested two hypotheses for explaining investment in nutrient strategies: trading nitrogen-for-phosphorus or balancing nutrient demand. Both strategies varied across species but were not explained by nitrogen-for-phosphorus trading or nutrient balance. This indicates that (1) studies of these nutrient strategies require broad sampling within and across species, (2) factors other than nutrient trading must be invoked to resolve the paradox of tropical nitrogen fixation, and (3) nitrogen-fixing trees cannot provide a positive nitrogen-phosphorus-carbon feedback to alleviate nutrient limitation of the tropical carbon sink.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Batterman
- School of Geography and Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon, Panama
| | - Jefferson S Hall
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon, Panama.,ForestGEO, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon, Panama
| | | | - Lars O Hedin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Michiel van Breugel
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon, Panama.,Yale-NUS College, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pagès L, Kervella J. Seeking stable traits to characterize the root system architecture. Study on 60 species located at two sites in natura. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2018; 122:107-115. [PMID: 29697745 PMCID: PMC6025210 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcy061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims In several disciplines, identifying relevant root traits to characterize the root system architecture of species or genotypes is a crucial step. To address this question, we analysed the inter-specific variations of root architectural traits in two contrasting environments. Methods We sampled 60 species in natura, at two sites, each presenting homogeneous soil conditions. We estimated for each species and site a set of five traits used for the modelling of the root system architecture: extreme tip diameters (Dmin and Dmax), relative diameter range (Drange), mean inter-branch distance (IBD) and dominance slope between the diameters of parent and lateral roots (DlDm). Key Results The five traits presented a highly significant species effect, explaining between 77 and 98 % of the total variation. Dmin, Dmax and Drange were particularly determined by the species, while DlDm and IBD exhibited a higher percentage of environmental variations. These traits make it possible to confirm two main axes of variation: 'fineness-density' (defined by Dmin and IBD) and 'dominance-heterorhizy' (DlDm and Drange), that together accounted for 84 % of the variations observed. Conclusions We confirmed the interest of these traits in the characterization of the root system architecture in ecology and genetics, and suggest using them to enrich the 'root economic spectrum'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Pagès
- INRA, Centre PACA, UR 1115 PSH, Domaine Saint-Paul, Site Agroparc, Avignon cedex 9, France
| | - Jocelyne Kervella
- INRA, Centre PACA, UR 1052 GAFL, Domaine Saint-Maurice, Montfavet cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wei N, Ashman TL. The effects of host species and sexual dimorphism differ among root, leaf and flower microbiomes of wild strawberries in situ. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5195. [PMID: 29581521 PMCID: PMC5979953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23518-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-associated microbiomes profoundly influence host interactions with below- and aboveground environments. Characterizing plant-associated microbiomes in experimental settings have revealed important drivers of microbiota assemblies within host species. However, it remains unclear how important these individual drivers (e.g., organ type, host species, host sexual phenotype) are in structuring the patterns of plant-microbiota association in the wild. Using 16s rRNA sequencing, we characterized root, leaf and flower microbiomes in three closely related, sexually polymorphic Fragaria species, in the broadly sympatric portion of their native ranges in Oregon, USA. Taking into account the potential influence of broad-scale abiotic environments, we found that organ type explained the largest variation of compositional and phylogenetic α- and β-diversity of bacterial communities in these wild populations, and its overall effect exceeded that of host species and host sex. Yet, the influence of host species increased from root to leaf to flower microbiomes. We detected strong sexual dimorphism in flower and leaf microbiomes, especially in host species with the most complete separation of sexes. Our results provide the first demonstration of enhanced influence of host species and sexual dimorphism from root to flower microbiomes, which may be applicable to many other plants in the wild.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Wei
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Tia-Lynn Ashman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Valverde-Barrantes OJ, Smemo KA, Feinstein LM, Kershner MW, Blackwood CB. Patterns in spatial distribution and root trait syndromes for ecto and arbuscular mycorrhizal temperate trees in a mixed broadleaf forest. Oecologia 2017; 186:731-741. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-4044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
45
|
Wang R, Wang Q, Zhao N, Xu Z, Zhu X, Jiao C, Yu G, He N. Different phylogenetic and environmental controls of first‐order root morphological and nutrient traits: Evidence of multidimensional root traits. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Wang
- College of ForestryNorthwest A&F University Yangling China
| | - Qiufeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and ModelingSynthesis Research Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research NetworkInstitute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources ResearchChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Laboratory of Remote Sensing and Geospatial ScienceCold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research InstituteChinese Academy of Sciences Lanzhou China
| | - Zhiwei Xu
- School of Geographical SciencesNortheast Normal University Changchun China
| | - Xianjin Zhu
- College of AgronomyShenyang Agricultural University Shenyang China
| | - Cuicui Jiao
- College of EconomicsSichuan University of Science and Engineering Zigong China
| | - Guirui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and ModelingSynthesis Research Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research NetworkInstitute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources ResearchChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Nianpeng He
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and ModelingSynthesis Research Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research NetworkInstitute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources ResearchChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Valverde-Barrantes OJ, Freschet GT, Roumet C, Blackwood CB. A worldview of root traits: the influence of ancestry, growth form, climate and mycorrhizal association on the functional trait variation of fine-root tissues in seed plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2017; 215:1562-1573. [PMID: 28440574 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Fine-root traits play key roles in ecosystem processes, but the drivers of fine-root trait diversity remain poorly understood. The plant economic spectrum (PES) hypothesis predicts that leaf and root traits evolved in coordination. Mycorrhizal association type, plant growth form and climate may also affect root traits. However, the extent to which these controls are confounded with phylogenetic structuring remains unclear. Here we compiled information about root and leaf traits for > 600 species. Using phylogenetic relatedness, climatic ranges, growth form and mycorrhizal associations, we quantified the importance of these factors in the global distribution of fine-root traits. Phylogenetic structuring accounts for most of the variation for all traits excepting root tissue density, with root diameter and nitrogen concentration showing the strongest phylogenetic signal and specific root length showing intermediate values. Climate was the second most important factor, whereas mycorrhizal type had little effect. Substantial trait coordination occurred between leaves and roots, but the strength varied between growth forms and clades. Our analyses provide evidence that the integration of roots and leaves in the PES requires better accounting of the variation in traits across phylogenetic clades. Inclusion of phylogenetic information provides a powerful framework for predictions of belowground functional traits at global scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes
- International Center of Tropical Botany, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Grégoire T Freschet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 (CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE), Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Catherine Roumet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 (CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE), Montpellier, 34293, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Iversen CM, McCormack ML, Powell AS, Blackwood CB, Freschet GT, Kattge J, Roumet C, Stover DB, Soudzilovskaia NA, Valverde-Barrantes OJ, van Bodegom PM, Violle C. A global Fine-Root Ecology Database to address below-ground challenges in plant ecology. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2017; 215:15-26. [PMID: 28245064 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Variation and tradeoffs within and among plant traits are increasingly being harnessed by empiricists and modelers to understand and predict ecosystem processes under changing environmental conditions. While fine roots play an important role in ecosystem functioning, fine-root traits are underrepresented in global trait databases. This has hindered efforts to analyze fine-root trait variation and link it with plant function and environmental conditions at a global scale. This Viewpoint addresses the need for a centralized fine-root trait database, and introduces the Fine-Root Ecology Database (FRED, http://roots.ornl.gov) which so far includes > 70 000 observations encompassing a broad range of root traits and also includes associated environmental data. FRED represents a critical step toward improving our understanding of below-ground plant ecology. For example, FRED facilitates the quantification of variation in fine-root traits across root orders, species, biomes, and environmental gradients while also providing a platform for assessments of covariation among root, leaf, and wood traits, the role of fine roots in ecosystem functioning, and the representation of fine roots in terrestrial biosphere models. Continued input of observations into FRED to fill gaps in trait coverage will improve our understanding of changes in fine-root traits across space and time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M Iversen
- Climate Change Science Institute and Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - M Luke McCormack
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - A Shafer Powell
- Climate Change Science Institute and Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | | | - Grégoire T Freschet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 (CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE), Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Jens Kattge
- Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, 07701, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Catherine Roumet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 (CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE), Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Daniel B Stover
- Office of Biological and Environmental Research, Office of Science, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC, 20585, USA
| | - Nadejda A Soudzilovskaia
- Conservation Biology Department, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, RA 2300, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
- International Center of Tropical Botany (ICTB), Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Peter M van Bodegom
- Conservation Biology Department, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, RA 2300, the Netherlands
| | - Cyrille Violle
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 (CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE), Montpellier, 34293, France
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Liese R, Alings K, Meier IC. Root Branching Is a Leading Root Trait of the Plant Economics Spectrum in Temperate Trees. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:315. [PMID: 28337213 PMCID: PMC5340746 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Global vegetation models use conceived relationships between functional traits to simulate ecosystem responses to environmental change. In this context, the concept of the leaf economics spectrum (LES) suggests coordinated leaf trait variation, and separates species which invest resources into short-lived leaves with a high expected energy return rate from species with longer-lived leaves and slower energy return. While it has been assumed that being fast (acquisitive) or slow (conservative) is a general feature for all organ systems, the translation of the LES into a root economics spectrum (RES) for tree species has been hitherto inconclusive. This may be partly due to the assumption that the bulk of tree fine roots have similar uptake functions as leaves, despite the heterogeneity of their environments and resources. In this study we investigated well-established functional leaf and stature traits as well as a high number of fine root traits (14 traits split by different root orders) of 13 dominant or subdominant temperate tree species of Central Europe, representing two phylogenetic groups (gymnosperms and angiosperms) and two mycorrhizal associations (arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal). We found reflected variation in leaf and lower-order root traits in some (surface areas and C:N) but not all (N content and longevity) traits central to the LES. Accordingly, the LES was not mirrored belowground. We identified significant phylogenetic signal in morphological lower-order root traits, i.e., in root tissue density, root diameter, and specific root length. By contrast, root architecture (root branching) was influenced by the mycorrhizal association type which developed independent from phylogeny of the host tree. In structural equation models we show that root branching significantly influences both belowground (direct influence on root C:N) and aboveground (indirect influences on specific leaf area and leaf longevity) traits which relate to resource investment and lifespan. We conclude that branching of lower order roots can be considered a leading root trait of the plant economics spectrum of temperate trees, since it relates to the mycorrhizal association type and belowground resource exploitation; while the dominance of the phylogenetic signal over environmental filtering makes morphological root traits less central for tree economics spectra across different environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ina C. Meier
- Plant Ecology, Albrecht-von-Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, University of GöttingenGöttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kong D, Wang J, Zeng H, Liu M, Miao Y, Wu H, Kardol P. The nutrient absorption-transportation hypothesis: optimizing structural traits in absorptive roots. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2017; 213:1569-1572. [PMID: 27859373 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Deliang Kong
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Junjian Wang
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Hui Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Urban Habitat Environmental Science and Technology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518005, China
| | - Mengzhou Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Yuan Miao
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Huifang Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Paul Kardol
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, 90183, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|