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Durant PC, Bhasin A, Juenger TE, Heckman RW. Genetically correlated leaf tensile and morphological traits are driven by growing season length in a widespread perennial grass. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16349. [PMID: 38783552 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16349] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
PREMISE Leaf tensile resistance, a leaf's ability to withstand pulling forces, is an important determinant of plant ecological strategies. One potential driver of leaf tensile resistance is growing season length. When growing seasons are long, strong leaves, which often require more time and resources to construct than weak leaves, may be more advantageous than when growing seasons are short. Growing season length and other ecological conditions may also impact the morphological traits that underlie leaf tensile resistance. METHODS To understand variation in leaf tensile resistance, we measured size-dependent leaf strength and size-independent leaf toughness in diverse genotypes of the widespread perennial grass Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) in a common garden. We then used quantitative genetic approaches to estimate the heritability of leaf tensile resistance and whether there were genetic correlations between leaf tensile resistance and other morphological traits. RESULTS Leaf tensile resistance was positively associated with aboveground biomass (a proxy for fitness). Moreover, both measures of leaf tensile resistance exhibited high heritability and were positively genetically correlated with leaf lamina thickness and leaf mass per area (LMA). Leaf tensile resistance also increased with the growing season length in the habitat of origin, and this effect was mediated by both LMA and leaf thickness. CONCLUSIONS Differences in growing season length may promote selection for different leaf lifespans and may explain existing variation in leaf tensile resistance in P. virgatum. In addition, the high heritability of leaf tensile resistance suggests that P. virgatum will be able to respond to climate change as growing seasons lengthen.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Camilla Durant
- Department of Integrated Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, 78712, TX, USA
| | - Amit Bhasin
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, 78712, TX, USA
| | - Thomas E Juenger
- Department of Integrated Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, 78712, TX, USA
| | - Robert W Heckman
- Department of Integrated Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, 78712, TX, USA
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Reyes-Ortiz M, Lira-Noriega A, Osorio-Olvera L, Luna-Vega I, Williams-Linera G. Leaf functional traits and ecological niche of Fagus grandifolia and Oreomunnea mexicana in natural forests and plantings as a proxy of climate change. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16322. [PMID: 38641895 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16322] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
PREMISE Functional traits reflect species' responses to environmental variation and the breadth of their ecological niches. Fagus grandifolia and Oreomunnea mexicana have restricted distribution in upper montane cloud forests (1700-2000 m a.s.l.) in Mexico. These species were introduced into plantings at lower elevations (1200-1600 m a.s.l.) that have climates predicted for montane forests in 2050 and 2070. The aim was to relate morphological leaf traits to the ecological niche structure of each species. METHODS Leaf functional traits (leaf area, specific leaf area [SLA], thickness, and toughness) were analyzed in forests and plantings. Atmospheric circulation models and representative concentration pathways (RCPs: 2.6, 4.5, 8.5) were used to assess future climate conditions. Trait-niche relationships were analyzed by measuring the Mahalanobis distance (MD) from the forests and the plantings to the ecological niche centroid (ENC). RESULTS For both species, leaf area and SLA were higher and toughness lower in plantings at lower elevation relative to those in higher-elevation forests, and thickness was similar. Leaf traits varied with distance from sites to the ENC. Forests and plantings have different environmental locations regarding the ENC, but forests are closer (MD 0.34-0.58) than plantings (MD 0.50-0.70) for both species. CONCLUSIONS Elevation as a proxy for expected future climate conditions influenced the functional traits of both species, and trait patterns related to the structure of their ecological niches were consistent. The use of distances to the ENC is a promising approach to explore variability in species' functional traits and phenotypic responses in optimal versus marginal environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Reyes-Ortiz
- Red de Ecología Funcional, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec No. 351, Xalapa, 91073, Veracruz, Mexico
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 - Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz CEP 13083-887, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrés Lira-Noriega
- Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, Xalapa, 91073, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Luis Osorio-Olvera
- Departamento de Ecología de la Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ecología, UNAM, Laboratorio de Ecoinformática de la Biodiversidad, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Isolda Luna-Vega
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM, Laboratorio de Biogeografía y Sistemática, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Williams-Linera
- Red de Ecología Funcional, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec No. 351, Xalapa, 91073, Veracruz, Mexico
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Ye Z, Mu Y, Van Duzen S, Ryser P. Root and shoot phenology, architecture, and organ properties: an integrated trait network among 44 herbaceous wetland species. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024. [PMID: 38600040 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Integrating traits across above- and belowground organs offers comprehensive insights into plant ecology, but their various functions also increase model complexity. This study aimed to illuminate the interspecific pattern of whole-plant trait correlations through a network lens, including a detailed analysis of the root system. Using a network algorithm that allows individual traits to belong to multiple modules, we characterize interrelations among 19 traits, spanning both shoot and root phenology, architecture, morphology, and tissue properties of 44 species, mostly herbaceous monocots from Northern Ontario wetlands, grown in a common garden. The resulting trait network shows three distinct yet partially overlapping modules. Two major trait modules indicate constraints of plant size and form, and resource economics, respectively. These modules highlight the interdependence between shoot size, root architecture and porosity, and a shoot-root coordination in phenology and dry-matter content. A third module depicts leaf biomechanical adaptations specific to wetland graminoids. All three modules overlap on shoot height, suggesting multifaceted constraints of plant stature. In the network, individual-level traits showed significantly higher centrality than tissue-level traits do, demonstrating a hierarchical trait integration. The presented whole-plant, integrated network suggests that trait covariation is essentially function-driven rather than organ-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Ye
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Yanmei Mu
- Yanchi Research Station, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Shianne Van Duzen
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Peter Ryser
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
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Shang B, Agathokleous E, Calatayud V, Peng J, Xu Y, Li S, Liu S, Feng Z. Drought mitigates the adverse effects of O 3 on plant photosynthesis rather than growth: A global meta-analysis considering plant functional types. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:1269-1284. [PMID: 38185874 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Tropospheric ozone (O3 ) is a phytotoxic air pollutant adversely affecting plant growth. High O3 exposures are often concurrent with summer drought. The effects of both stresses on plants are complex, and their interactions are not yet well understood. Here, we investigate whether drought can mitigate the negative effects of O3 on plant physiology and growth based on a meta-analysis. We found that drought mitigated the negative effects of O3 on plant photosynthesis, but the modification of the O3 effect on the whole-plant biomass by drought was not significant. This is explained by a compensatory response of water-deficient plants that leads to increased metabolic costs. Relative to water control condition, reduced water treatment decreased the effects of O3 on photosynthetic traits, and leaf and root biomass in deciduous broadleaf species, while all traits in evergreen coniferous species showed no significant response. This suggested that the mitigating effects of drought on the negative impacts of O3 on the deciduous broadleaf species were more extensive than on the evergreen coniferous ones. Therefore, to avoid over- or underestimations when assessing the impact of O3 on vegetation growth, soil moisture should be considered. These results contribute to a better understanding of terrestrial ecosystem responses under global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shang
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Evgenios Agathokleous
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Vicent Calatayud
- Fundación CEAM, c/Charles R. Darwin 14, Parque Tecnológico, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jinlong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yansen Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuangjiang Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- Zhejiang Carbon Neutral Innovation Institute, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaozhong Feng
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Gómez-Espinoza O, Fuentes FI, Ramírez CF, Bravo LA, Sáez PL. In Situ Accumulation of CaOx Crystals in C. quitensis Leaves and Its Relationship with Anatomy and Gas Exchange. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:769. [PMID: 38592779 PMCID: PMC10975422 DOI: 10.3390/plants13060769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of crystal calcium oxalate (CaOx) in plants is linked to a type of stress-induced photosynthesis termed 'alarm photosynthesis', serving as a carbon reservoir when carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange is constrained. Colobanthus quitensis is an extremophyte found from southern Mexico to Antarctica, which thrives in high-altitude Andean regions. Growing under common garden conditions, C. quitensis from different latitudinal provenances display significant variations in CaOx crystal accumulation. This raises the following questions: are these differences maintained under natural conditions? And is the CaOx accumulation related to mesophyll conductance (gm) and net photosynthesis (AN) performed in situ? It is hypothesized that in provenances with lower gm, C. quitensis will exhibit an increase in the use of CaOx crystals, resulting in reduced crystal leaf abundance. Plants from Central Chile (33°), Patagonia (51°), and Antarctica (62°) were measured in situ and sampled to determine gas exchange and CaOx crystal accumulation, respectively. Both AN and gm decrease towards higher latitudes, correlating with increases in leaf mass area and leaf density. The crystal accumulation decreases at higher latitudes, correlating positively with AN and gm. Thus, in provenances where environmental conditions induce more xeric traits, the CO2 availability for photosynthesis decreases, making the activation of alarm photosynthesis feasible as an internal source of CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olman Gómez-Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.); (F.I.F.); (L.A.B.)
| | - Francisca I. Fuentes
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.); (F.I.F.); (L.A.B.)
| | - Constanza F. Ramírez
- Laboratorio Cultivo de Tejidos Vegetales, Centro de Biotecnología, Departamento de Silvicultura, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción 4030000, Chile;
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad—IEB, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - León A. Bravo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.); (F.I.F.); (L.A.B.)
| | - Patricia L. Sáez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.); (F.I.F.); (L.A.B.)
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad—IEB, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile
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Zhang KY, Yang D, Zhang YB, Ai XR, Yao L, Deng ZJ, Zhang JL. Linkages among stem xylem transport, biomechanics, and storage in lianas and trees across three contrasting environments. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16290. [PMID: 38380953 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
PREMISE Stem xylem transports water and nutrients, mechanically supports aboveground tissues, and stores water and nonstructural carbohydrates. These three functions are associated with three types of cells-vessel, fiber, and parenchyma, respectively. METHODS We measured stem theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kt), modulus of elasticity (MOE), tissue water content, starch, soluble sugars, cellulose, and xylem anatomical traits in 15 liana and 16 tree species across three contrasting sites in Southwest China. RESULTS Lianas had higher hydraulic efficiency and tissue water content, but lower MOE and cellulose than trees. Storage traits (starch and soluble sugars) did not significantly differ between lianas and trees, and trait variation was explained mainly by site, highlighting how environment shapes plant storage strategies. Kt was significantly positively correlated with vessel diameter and vessel area fraction in lianas and all species combined. The MOE was significantly positively correlated with fiber area fraction, wood density, and cellulose in lianas and across all species. The tissue water content was significantly associated with parenchyma area fraction in lianas. Support function was strongly linked with transport and storage functions in lianas. In trees, transport and support functions were not correlated, while storage function was tightly linked with transport and support functions. CONCLUSIONS These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between stem xylem structure and function in lianas and trees, providing valuable insights into how plants adapt to environmental changes and the distinct ecological strategies employed by lianas and by trees to balance the demands of hydraulic transport, mechanical support, and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Yan Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Da Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun-Bing Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Xun-Ru Ai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Jiao-Lin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
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Shiba M, Fukuda T. Rheophytic Osmunda lancea (Osmundaceae) exhibits large flexibility in the petiole. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2866. [PMID: 38311628 PMCID: PMC10838915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53406-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The riparian zone, found alongside rivers and streams, is a unique habitat characterized by its vulnerability to sudden floods following intense rainfall. To cope with these challenging conditions, a specific group of plants with linear and lanceolate lamina have adapted to thrive in these environments. Despite their unique ability to withstand the forceful water flow, the specific adaptive characteristics of the petioles, which support the lamina remain unknown. Our morphological, anatomical, and mechanical analyses on the petioles of Osmunda lancea (Osmundaceae) along the river and an inland sister species of O. japonica revealed that the petioles of O. lancea had a larger cell volume in subepidermal cortex and were more flexible than those of O. japonica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Shiba
- Graduate School of Integrative Science and Engineering, Tokyo City University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Fukuda
- Graduate School of Integrative Science and Engineering, Tokyo City University, Tokyo, Japan
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Tsunenari K, Ito T, Yokota M, Shibabayashi M, Endo C, Chung KF, Suyama Y, Matsuo A, Abe A, Naiki A, Setoguchi H, Makino T, Isagi Y. Double migration of the endangered Tricyrtis formosana (Liliaceae) in Japan. Sci Rep 2024; 14:957. [PMID: 38200076 PMCID: PMC10781951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ryukyu Islands of Japan are a biodiversity hotspot due to geographical and historical factors. Tricyrtis formosana is a perennial herbaceous plant that commonly found in Taiwan. But only a few populations have been identified in a limited habitat on Iriomote Island, while populations of unknown origin occur near human settlements in an area on the main island of Okinawa. To better understand these populations of the phylogenetic uniqueness and intrinsic vulnerability, we conducted comparative analyses including (1) phylogeny and population structure with MIG-seq data, (2) photosynthesis-related traits of plants grown under common conditions and (3) transcriptome analysis to detect deleterious variations. Results revealed that T. formosana was split into two clades by the congeners and that Iriomote and Okinawa populations independently derived from ancestral Taiwanese populations in each clade. Photosynthetic efficiency was lowest in the Iriomote population, followed by Okinawa and Taiwan. Transcriptome analysis showed that the Iriomote population accumulated more deleterious variations, suggesting intrinsic vulnerability. These results indicate that each T. formosana population in Japan is phylogenetically unique and has been independently dispersed from Taiwan, and that the Iriomote population presents a high conservation difficulty with a unique photosynthesis-related characteristic and a larger amount of deleterious variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Tsunenari
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Japan Broadcasting Cooporation, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takuro Ito
- The Center for Academic Resources and Archives, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | | | - Chiharu Endo
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kuo-Fang Chung
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yoshihisa Suyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ayumi Matsuo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Abe
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation Research Institute, Botanical Laboratory, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Akiyo Naiki
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Taketomi, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Setoguchi
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Makino
- Graduate School of Life Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuji Isagi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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Muraleedharan V, Rajan SC, R J. Geometric entropy of plant leaves: A measure of morphological complexity. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293596. [PMID: 38166118 PMCID: PMC10760904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Shape is an objective characteristic of an object. A boundary separates a physical object from its surroundings. It defines the shape and regulates energy flux into and from an object. Visual perception of a definite shape (geometry) of physical objects is an abstraction. While the perceived geometry at an object's sharp interface (macro) creates a Euclidian illusion of actual shape, the notion of diffuse interfaces (micro) allows an understanding of the realistic form of objects. Here, we formulate a dimensionless geometric entropy of plant leaves (SL) by a 2-D description of a phase-field function. We applied this method to 112 tropical plant leaf images. SL was estimated from the leaf perimeter (P) and leaf area (A). It correlates positively with a fractal dimensional measure of leaf complexity, viz., segmental fractal complexity. Leaves with a higher P: A ratio have higher SL and possess complex morphology. The univariate cluster analysis of SL reveals the taxonomic relationship among the leaf shapes at the genus level. An increase in SL of plant leaves could be an evolutionary strategy. The results of morphological complexity presented in this paper will trigger discussion on the causal links between leaf adaptive stability/efficiency and complexity. We present SL as a derived plant trait to describe plant leaf complexity and adaptive stability. Integrating SL into other leaf physiological measures will help to understand the dynamics of energy flow between plants and their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Muraleedharan
- C V Raman Laboratory of Ecological Informatics, Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management—Kerala, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
- Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, Kerala, India
- Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, Technopark Phase—IV, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sajeev C. Rajan
- C V Raman Laboratory of Ecological Informatics, Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management—Kerala, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
- Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, Technopark Phase—IV, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Jaishanker R
- C V Raman Laboratory of Ecological Informatics, Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management—Kerala, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
- Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, Technopark Phase—IV, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, India
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Headrick KC, Juenger TE, Heckman RW. Plant physical defenses contribute to a latitudinal gradient in resistance to insect herbivory within a widespread perennial grass. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16260. [PMID: 38031482 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16260] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Herbivore pressure can vary across the range of a species, resulting in different defensive strategies. If herbivory is greater at lower latitudes, plants may be better defended there, potentially driving a latitudinal gradient in defense. However, relationships that manifest across the entire range of a species may be confounded by differences within genetic subpopulations, which may obscure the drivers of these latitudinal gradients. METHODS We grew plants of the widespread perennial grass Panicum virgatum in a common garden that included genotypes from three genetic subpopulations spanning an 18.5° latitudinal gradient. We then assessed defensive strategies of these plants by measuring two physical resistance traits-leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf ash, a proxy for silica-and multiple measures of herbivory by caterpillars of the generalist herbivore fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). RESULTS Across all genetic subpopulations, low-latitude plants experienced less herbivory than high-latitude plants. Within genetic subpopulations, however, this relationship was inconsistent-the most widely distributed and phenotypically variable subpopulation (Atlantic) exhibited more consistent latitudinal trends than either of the other two subpopulations. The two physical resistance traits, LMA and leaf ash, were both highly heritable and positively associated with resistance to different measures of herbivory across all subpopulations, indicating their importance in defense against herbivores. Again, however, these relationships were inconsistent within subpopulations. CONCLUSIONS Defensive gradients that occur across the entire species range may not arise within localized subpopulations. Thus, identifying the drivers of latitudinal gradients in herbivory defense may depend on adequately sampling the diversity within a species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Headrick
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Thomas E Juenger
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Robert W Heckman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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Püffel F, Walthaus OK, Kang V, Labonte D. Biomechanics of cutting: sharpness, wear sensitivity and the scaling of cutting forces in leaf-cutter ant mandibles. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220547. [PMID: 37839449 PMCID: PMC10577030 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbivores large and small need to mechanically process plant tissue. Their ability to do so is determined by two forces: the maximum force they can generate, and the minimum force required to fracture the plant tissue. The ratio of these forces determines the relative mechanical effort; how this ratio varies with animal size is challenging to predict. We measured the forces required to cut thin polymer sheets with mandibles from leaf-cutter ant workers which vary by more than one order of magnitude in body mass. Cutting forces were independent of mandible size, but differed by a factor of two between pristine and worn mandibles. Mandibular wear is thus likely a more important determinant of cutting force than mandible size. We rationalize this finding with a biomechanical analysis, which suggests that pristine mandibles are ideally 'sharp'-cutting forces are close to a theoretical minimum, which is independent of tool size and shape, and instead solely depends on the geometric and mechanical properties of the cut tissue. The increase of cutting force due to mandibular wear may be particularly problematic for small ants, which generate lower absolute bite forces, and thus require a larger fraction of their maximum bite force to cut the same plant. This article is part of the theme issue 'Food processing and nutritional assimilation in animals'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Püffel
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - O. K. Walthaus
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Victor Kang
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David Labonte
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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12
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Xu S, Su H, Ren S, Hou J, Zhu Y. Functional traits and habitat heterogeneity explain tree growth in a warm temperate forest. Oecologia 2023; 203:371-381. [PMID: 37910255 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05471-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
To explore how traits determine demographic performance is an important goal of plant community ecology in explaining the assembly and dynamics of ecological communities. However, whether the prediction of individual-level trait data is more precise compared to species average trait data is questioned. Here, we analyzed the growth and trait data for 11 species collected from October 2018 to October 2020 in a temperate forest, Donglingshan, Beijing. To quantify the relationships between traits and growth rate, we conducted linear regression models at both the species and individual levels, as well as developed structural equation models at both levels. We found there was a clear difference in growth between the warm and cold seasons, with tree growth mainly concentrated in the warm season. Growth rate was positively correlated with the specific leaf area, while negatively correlated with leaf thickness and wood density without considering environmental information. Adding important contextual information in the analysis of species-level structural equation modeling, growth rates were positively correlated with specific leaf area and leaf thickness. However, in the individual-level, there was a negative correlation between growth rate and wood density. Our study showed that individual-level trait data have better predictions for individual growth than species-level data. When we use multiple traits and establish links between traits and tree size, we generated strong predictive relationships between traits and growth rates. Furthermore, our study highlighted that the importance of incorporating topographical factors and considering different seasons to assess the relationship between tree growth and functional traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiwei Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Hongxin Su
- Key Laboratory of Environment Change and Resources Use in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Education, Nanning Normal University, Nanning, 530001, China
| | - Siyuan Ren
- China Aero Geophysical Survey & Remote Sensing Center for Natural Resources, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jihua Hou
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Yan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China.
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13
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Lafont Rapnouil T, Gallant Canguilhem M, Julien F, Céréghino R, Leroy C. Light intensity mediates phenotypic plasticity and leaf trait regionalization in a tank bromeliad. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 132:443-454. [PMID: 37647886 PMCID: PMC10667009 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Phenotypic plasticity allows plants to cope with environmental variability. Plastic responses to the environment have mostly been investigated at the level of individuals (plants) but can also occur within leaves. Yet the latter have been underexplored, as leaves are often treated as functional units with no spatial structure. We investigated the effect of a strong light gradient on plant and leaf traits and examined whether different portions of a leaf show similar or differential responses to light intensity. METHODS We measured variation in 27 morpho-anatomical and physiological traits of the rosette and leaf portions (i.e. base and apex) of the tank bromeliad Aechmea aquilega (Bromeliaceae) when naturally exposed to a marked gradient of light intensity. KEY RESULTS The light intensity received by A. aquilega had a strong effect on the structural, biochemical and physiological traits of the entire rosette. Plants exposed to high light intensity were smaller and had wider, shorter, more rigid and more vertical leaves. They also had lower photosynthetic performance and nutrient levels. We found significant differences between the apex and basal portions of the leaf under low-light conditions, and the differences declined or disappeared for most of the traits as light intensity increased (i.e. leaf thickness, adaxial trichome density, abaxial and adaxial trichome surface, and vascular bundle surface and density). CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal a strong phenotypic plasticity in A. aquilega, particularly in the form of a steep functional gradient within the leaf under low-light conditions. Under high-light conditions, trait values were relatively uniform along the leaf. This study sheds interesting new light on the functional complexity of tank bromeliad leaves, and on the effect of environmental conditions on leaf trait regionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Lafont Rapnouil
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, France
- EcoFoG, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Campus agronomique, Kourou, France
| | - Matthieu Gallant Canguilhem
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, France
- EcoFoG, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Campus agronomique, Kourou, France
| | - Frédéric Julien
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Régis Céréghino
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Céline Leroy
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, France
- EcoFoG, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Campus agronomique, Kourou, France
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14
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Liu X, LeRoy CJ, Wang G, Guo Y, Song S, Wang Z, Wu J, Luan F, Song Q, Fang X, Yang Q, Huang D, Liu J. Leaf defenses of subtropical deciduous and evergreen trees to varying intensities of herbivory. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16350. [PMID: 37953769 PMCID: PMC10637251 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Generally, deciduous and evergreen trees coexist in subtropical forests, and both types of leaves are attacked by numerous insect herbivores. However, trees respond and defend themselves from herbivores in different ways, and these responses may vary between evergreen and deciduous species. We examined both the percentage of leaf area removed by herbivores as well as the percentage of leaves attacked by herbivores to evaluate leaf herbivore damage across 14 subtropical deciduous and evergreen tree species, and quantified plant defenses to varying intensities of herbivory. We found that there was no significant difference in mean percentage of leaf area removed between deciduous and evergreen species, yet a higher mean percentage of deciduous leaves were damaged compared to evergreen leaves (73.7% versus 60.2%). Although percent leaf area removed was mainly influenced by hemicellulose concentrations, there was some evidence that the ratio of non-structural carbohydrates:lignin and the concentration of tannins contribute to herbivory. We also highlight that leaf defenses to varying intensities of herbivory varied greatly among subtropical plant species and there was a stronger response for deciduous trees to leaf herbivore (e.g., increased nitrogen or lignin) attack than that of evergreen trees. This work elucidates how leaves respond to varying intensities of herbivory, and explores some of the underlying relationships between leaf traits and herbivore attack in subtropical forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Liu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory for Bamboo Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | | | - Guobing Wang
- Department of Scientific Research, Administration of Jiangxi Guanshan National Nature Reserve, Yichun, China
| | - Yuan Guo
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory for Bamboo Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shuwang Song
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory for Bamboo Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhipei Wang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory for Bamboo Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jingfang Wu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory for Bamboo Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | | | - Qingni Song
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory for Bamboo Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiong Fang
- College of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qingpei Yang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory for Bamboo Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dongmei Huang
- School of Humanities and Public Administration, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory for Bamboo Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
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15
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Alavez V, Santos-Gally R, Gutiérrez-Aguilar M, Del-Val E, Boege K. Influence of phylogenetic diversity of plant communities on tri-trophic interactions. Oecologia 2023; 203:125-137. [PMID: 37777642 PMCID: PMC10615933 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Phylogenetic diversity of plant communities can influence the interaction between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. Plant communities with phylogenetically distant species tend to present a wide variety of functional traits and ecological niches, which in turn can influence competitive interactions among plants as well as food and habitat quality for herbivores and their natural enemies. To assess some different mechanisms by which phylogenetic diversity of plant communities can influence herbivores and their natural enemies, we established 12 experimental plots of tropical trees with two treatments: high and low phylogenetic diversity. We measured plant growth and anti-herbivore defenses, herbivore foliar damage, and predator activity in seven species that were present in both treatments. We found significant differences in the expression of plant traits as a function of species identity and their life history, but also depending on the phylogenetic context in which they grew. Pioneer species had higher growth and produced more phenolics in plots with high phylogenetic diversity versus plants in plots with low phylogenetic diversity. Accordingly, herbivore damage in these species was greater in plots with low phylogenetic diversity. Finally, predator activity on caterpillar clay models placed on plants was greater within the low phylogenetic diversity treatment, but only for non-myrmecophytic species. These results suggest that plant phylogenetic diversity can influence the expression of growth and defensive traits and further modify the interaction between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. However, such effects depend on plant life history and the presence of mutualistic interaction with ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Alavez
- Instituto de Ecología, Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rocio Santos-Gally
- CONAHCYT-Instituto de Ecología, Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Manuel Gutiérrez-Aguilar
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ek Del-Val
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 58190, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Karina Boege
- Instituto de Ecología, Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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16
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Tamang BG, Zhang Y, Zambrano MA, Ainsworth EA. Anatomical determinants of gas exchange and hydraulics vary with leaf shape in soybean. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 131:909-920. [PMID: 36111999 PMCID: PMC10332398 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Leaf shape in crops can impact light distribution and carbon capture at the whole plant and canopy level. Given similar leaf inclination, narrow leaves can allow a greater fraction of incident light to pass through to lower canopy leaves by reducing leaf area index, which can potentially increase canopy-scale photosynthesis. Soybean has natural variation in leaf shape which can be utilized to optimize canopy architecture. However, the anatomical and physiological differences underlying variation in leaf shape remain largely unexplored. METHODS In this study, we selected 28 diverse soybean lines with leaf length to width ratios (leaf ratio) ranging between 1.1 and 3.2. We made leaf cross-sectional, gas exchange, vein density and hydraulic measurements and studied their interrelationships among these lines. KEY RESULTS Our study shows that narrow leaves tend to be thicker, with an ~30 µm increase in leaf thickness for every unit increase in leaf ratio. Interestingly, thicker leaves had a greater proportion of spongy mesophyll while the proportions of palisade and paraveinal mesophyll decreased. In addition, narrow and thicker leaves had greater photosynthesis and stomatal conductance per unit area along with greater leaf hydraulic conductance. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that selecting for narrow leaves can improve photosynthetic performance and potentially provide a yield advantage in soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishal G Tamang
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Yanqun Zhang
- China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Beijing, China
| | - Michelle A Zambrano
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Ainsworth
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit, USDA ARS, Urbana, IL, USA
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17
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Al-Salman Y, Cano FJ, Pan L, Koller F, Piñeiro J, Jordan D, Ghannoum O. Anatomical drivers of stomatal conductance in sorghum lines with different leaf widths grown under different temperatures. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:2142-2158. [PMID: 37066624 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sustaining crop productivity and resilience in water-limited environments and under rising temperatures are matters of concern worldwide. We investigated the leaf anatomical traits that underpin our recently identified link between leaf width (LW) and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), as traits of interest in plant breeding. Ten sorghum lines with varying LW were grown under three temperatures to expand the range of variation of both LW and gas exchange rates. Leaf gas exchange, surface morphology and cross-sectional anatomy were measured and analysed using structural equations modelling. Narrower leaves had lower stomatal conductance (gs ) and higher iWUE across growth temperatures. They also had smaller intercellular airspaces, stomatal size, percentage of open stomatal aperture relative to maximum, hydraulic pathway, mesophyll thickness, and leaf mass per area. Structural modelling revealed a developmental association among leaf anatomical traits that underpinned gs variation in sorghum. Growing temperature and LW both impacted leaf gas exchange rates, but only LW directly impacted leaf anatomy. Wider leaves may be more productive under well-watered conditions, but consume more water for growth and development, which is detrimental under water stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazen Al-Salman
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francisco J Cano
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Instituto de Ciencias Forestales (ICIFOR-INIA), CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ling Pan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fiona Koller
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Juan Piñeiro
- Department of Biology, IVAGRO, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Capus del Rio San Pedro, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - David Jordan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hermitage Research Facility, The University of Queensland, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
| | - Oula Ghannoum
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Püffel F, Meyer L, Imirzian N, Roces F, Johnston R, Labonte D. Developmental biomechanics and age polyethism in leaf-cutter ants. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230355. [PMID: 37312549 PMCID: PMC10265030 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many social insects display age polyethism: young workers stay inside the nest, and only older workers forage. This behavioural transition is accompanied by genetic and physiological changes, but the mechanistic origin of it remains unclear. To investigate if the mechanical demands on the musculoskeletal system effectively prevent young workers from foraging, we studied the biomechanical development of the bite apparatus in Atta vollenweideri leaf-cutter ants. Fully matured foragers generated peak in vivo bite forces of around 100 mN, more than one order of magnitude in excess of those measured for freshly eclosed callows of the same size. This change in bite force was accompanied by a sixfold increase in the volume of the mandible closer muscle, and by a substantial increase of the flexural rigidity of the head capsule, driven by a significant increase in both average thickness and indentation modulus of the head capsule cuticle. Consequently, callows lack the muscle force capacity required for leaf-cutting, and their head capsule is so compliant that large muscle forces would be likely to cause damaging deformations. On the basis of these results, we speculate that continued biomechanical development post eclosion may be a key factor underlying age polyethism, wherever foraging is associated with substantial mechanical demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Püffel
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lara Meyer
- Faculty of Nature and Engineering, City University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Natalie Imirzian
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Flavio Roces
- Department of Behavioural Physiology and Sociobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - David Labonte
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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19
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Alonso-Forn D, Sancho-Knapik D, Fariñas MD, Nadal M, Martín-Sánchez R, Ferrio JP, de Dios VR, Peguero-Pina JJ, Onoda Y, Cavender-Bares J, Arenas TGÁ, Gil-Pelegrín E. Disentangling leaf structural and material properties in relationship to their anatomical and chemical compositional traits in oaks (Quercus L.). ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 131:789-800. [PMID: 36794926 PMCID: PMC10184456 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The existence of sclerophyllous plants has been considered an adaptive strategy against different environmental stresses. Given that it literally means 'hard-leaved', it is essential to quantify the leaf mechanical properties to understand sclerophylly. However, the relative importance of each leaf trait for mechanical properties is not yet well established. METHODS Genus Quercus is an excellent system to shed light on this because it minimizes phylogenetic variation while having a wide variation in sclerophylly. We measured leaf anatomical traits and cell wall composition, analysing their relationship with leaf mass per area and leaf mechanical properties in a set of 25 oak species. KEY RESULTS The upper epidermis outer wall makes a strong and direct contribution to the leaf mechanical strength. Moreover, cellulose plays a crucial role in increasing leaf strength and toughness. The principal component analysis plot based on leaf trait values clearly separates Quercus species into two groups corresponding to evergreen and deciduous species. CONCLUSIONS Sclerophyllous Quercus species are tougher and stronger owing to their thicker epidermis outer wall and/or higher cellulose concentration. Furthermore, section Ilex species share common traits, although they occupy different climates. In addition, evergreen species living in mediterranean-type climates share common leaf traits irrespective of their different phylogenetic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Alonso-Forn
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems and the Environment, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Domingo Sancho-Knapik
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems and the Environment, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón – IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Fariñas
- Sensors and Ultrasonic Technologies Department, Information and Physics Technologies Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miquel Nadal
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems and the Environment, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rubén Martín-Sánchez
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems and the Environment, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Ferrio
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems and the Environment, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Agency for Research and Development (ARAID), E-50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Víctor Resco de Dios
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, Universitat de Lleida, E-25198 Lleida, Spain
- JRU CTFC-Agrotecnio-CERCA Center, E-25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - José Javier Peguero-Pina
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems and the Environment, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón – IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Yusuke Onoda
- Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Oiwake, Kitashirakawa, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | | | - Tomás Gómez Álvarez Arenas
- Sensors and Ultrasonic Technologies Department, Information and Physics Technologies Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eustaquio Gil-Pelegrín
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems and the Environment, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
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20
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Roth-Nebelsick A, Krause M. The Plant Leaf: A Biomimetic Resource for Multifunctional and Economic Design. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020145. [PMID: 37092397 PMCID: PMC10123730 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As organs of photosynthesis, leaves are of vital importance for plants and a source of inspiration for biomimetic developments. Leaves are composed of interconnected functional elements that evolved in concert under high selective pressure, directed toward strategies for improving productivity with limited resources. In this paper, selected basic components of the leaf are described together with biomimetic examples derived from them. The epidermis (the "skin" of leaves) protects the leaf from uncontrolled desiccation and carries functional surface structures such as wax crystals and hairs. The epidermis is pierced by micropore apparatuses, stomata, which allow for regulated gas exchange. Photosynthesis takes place in the internal leaf tissue, while the venation system supplies the leaf with water and nutrients and exports the products of photosynthesis. Identifying the selective forces as well as functional limitations of the single components requires understanding the leaf as an integrated system that was shaped by evolution to maximize carbon gain from limited resource availability. These economic aspects of leaf function manifest themselves as trade-off solutions. Biomimetics is expected to benefit from a more holistic perspective on adaptive strategies and functional contexts of leaf structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Krause
- State Museum of Natural History, Rosenstein 1, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
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21
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Nadal M, Clemente-Moreno MJ, Perera-Castro AV, Roig-Oliver M, Onoda Y, Gulías J, Flexas J. Incorporating pressure-volume traits into the leaf economics spectrum. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:549-562. [PMID: 36750322 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, attempts have been made in linking pressure-volume parameters and the leaf economics spectrum to expand our knowledge of the interrelationships among leaf traits. We provide theoretical and empirical evidence for the coordination of the turgor loss point and associated traits with net CO2 assimilation (An ) and leaf mass per area (LMA). We measured gas exchange, pressure-volume curves and leaf structure in 45 ferns and angiosperms, and explored the anatomical and chemical basis of the key traits. We propose that the coordination observed between mass-based An , capacitance and the turgor loss point (πtlp ) emerges from their shared link with leaf density (one of the components of LMA) and, specially, leaf saturated water content (LSWC), which in turn relates to cell size and nitrogen and carbon content. Thus, considering the components of LMA and LSWC in ecophysiological studies can provide a broader perspective on leaf structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Nadal
- Departamento de Sistemas Agrícolas, Forestales y Medio Ambiente, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Institut d'Investigacions Agroambientals i d'Economia de l'Aigua (INAGEA) - Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma, Spain
| | - María J Clemente-Moreno
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Institut d'Investigacions Agroambientals i d'Economia de l'Aigua (INAGEA) - Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma, Spain
| | - Alicia V Perera-Castro
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Institut d'Investigacions Agroambientals i d'Economia de l'Aigua (INAGEA) - Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma, Spain
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), La Laguna, Spain
| | - Margalida Roig-Oliver
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Institut d'Investigacions Agroambientals i d'Economia de l'Aigua (INAGEA) - Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma, Spain
| | - Yusuke Onoda
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Javier Gulías
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Institut d'Investigacions Agroambientals i d'Economia de l'Aigua (INAGEA) - Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma, Spain
| | - Jaume Flexas
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Institut d'Investigacions Agroambientals i d'Economia de l'Aigua (INAGEA) - Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma, Spain
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22
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de Tombeur F, Raven JA, Toussaint A, Lambers H, Cooke J, Hartley SE, Johnson SN, Coq S, Katz O, Schaller J, Violle C. Why do plants silicify? Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:275-288. [PMID: 36428125 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite seminal papers that stress the significance of silicon (Si) in plant biology and ecology, most studies focus on manipulations of Si supply and mitigation of stresses. The ecological significance of Si varies with different levels of biological organization, and remains hard to capture. We show that the costs of Si accumulation are greater than is currently acknowledged, and discuss potential links between Si and fitness components (growth, survival, reproduction), environment, and ecosystem functioning. We suggest that Si is more important in trait-based ecology than is currently recognized. Si potentially plays a significant role in many aspects of plant ecology, but knowledge gaps prevent us from understanding its possible contribution to the success of some clades and the expansion of specific biomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix de Tombeur
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France; School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - John A Raven
- Division of Plant Science, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, UK; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Aurèle Toussaint
- Department of Botany, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Julia Cooke
- School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Sue E Hartley
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Scott N Johnson
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Sylvain Coq
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Ofir Katz
- Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, Mount Masada, Tamar Regional Council, Israel; Eilat Campus, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Eilat, Israel
| | - Jörg Schaller
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Cyrille Violle
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
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23
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Li F, Zhang Y, Tian C, Wang X, Zhou L, Jiang J, Wang L, Chen F, Chen S. Molecular module of CmMYB15-like-Cm4CL2 regulating lignin biosynthesis of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) in response to aphid (Macrosiphoniella sanborni) feeding. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 237:1776-1793. [PMID: 36444553 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Lignin is a major component of plant cell walls and a conserved basic defense mechanism in higher plants deposited in response to aphid infection. However, the molecular mechanisms of lignin biosynthesis in response to aphid infection and the effect of lignin on aphid feeding behavior remain unclear. We report that 4-Coumarate:coenzyme A ligase 2 (Cm4CL2), a gene encoding a key enzyme in the lignin biosynthesis pathway, is induced by aphid feeding, resulting in lignin deposition and reduced aphid attack. Upstream regulator analysis showed that the expression of Cm4CL2 in response to aphid feeding was directly upregulated by CmMYB15-like, an SG2-type R2R3-MYB transcription factor. CmMYB15-like binds directly to the AC cis-element in the promoter region of Cm4CL2. Genetic validation demonstrated that CmMYB15-like was induced by aphid infection and contributed to lignin deposition and cell wall thickening, which consequently enhanced aphid resistance in a Cm4CL2-dependent manner. This study is the first to show that the CmMYB15-like-Cm4CL2 module regulates lignin biosynthesis in response to aphid feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement / Key Laboratory of Flower Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs / Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration / College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement / Key Laboratory of Flower Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs / Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration / College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Chang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement / Key Laboratory of Flower Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs / Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration / College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement / Key Laboratory of Flower Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs / Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration / College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Lijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement / Key Laboratory of Flower Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs / Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration / College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiafu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement / Key Laboratory of Flower Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs / Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration / College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - LiKai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement / Key Laboratory of Flower Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs / Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration / College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Fadi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement / Key Laboratory of Flower Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs / Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration / College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Sumei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement / Key Laboratory of Flower Biology and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs / Key Laboratory of Biology of Ornamental Plants in East China, National Forestry and Grassland Administration / College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
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24
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Püffel F, Johnston R, Labonte D. A biomechanical model for the relation between bite force and mandibular opening angle in arthropods. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221066. [PMID: 36816849 PMCID: PMC9929505 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bite forces play a key role in animal ecology: they affect mating behaviour, fighting success, and the ability to feed. Although feeding habits of arthropods have a significant ecological and economical impact, we lack fundamental knowledge on how the morphology and physiology of their bite apparatus controls bite performance, and its variation with mandible gape. To address this gap, we derived a biomechanical model that characterizes the relationship between bite force and mandibular opening angle from first principles. We validate this model by comparing its geometric predictions with morphological measurements on the muscoloskeletal bite apparatus of Atta cephalotes leaf-cutter ants, using computed tomography (CT) scans obtained at different mandible opening angles. We then demonstrate its deductive and inductive utility with three examplary use cases: Firstly, we extract the physiological properties of the leaf-cutter ant mandible closer muscle from in vivo bite force measurements. Secondly, we show that leaf-cutter ants are specialized to generate extraordinarily large bite forces, equivalent to about 2600 times their body weight. Thirdly, we discuss the relative importance of morphology and physiology in determining the magnitude and variation of bite force. We hope that a more detailed quantitative understanding of the link between morphology, physiology, and bite performance will facilitate future comparative studies on the insect bite apparatus, and help to advance our knowledge of the behaviour, ecology and evolution of arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Püffel
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Richard Johnston
- School of Engineering, Materials Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - David Labonte
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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25
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Leaf Senescence of the Seagrass Cymodocea nodosa in Cádiz Bay, Southern Spain. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Leaf decay in seagrasses is enhanced in some seasons since large green senescent beach-cast seagrass leaves are frequently recorded during autumn and winter seasons. Here, we explore if senescence is operating in seagrass leaf decay or if hydrodynamic stress is responsible for the seasonal leaf abscission. A seasonal study on the temperate seagrass Cymodocea nodosa was carried out in four locations with contrasting hydrodynamic regimes. The morphological, biomechanical and material properties of C. nodosa were measured. The force required to break the ligule was always lower than that required to break the blade. This could be considered an adaptive strategy to reduce acute drag forces and thus lessen the chance of plant uprooting. The absolute force needed to dislodge the blade at the ligule level varied with season and location, with the lowest forces recorded in autumn. This may indicate that senescence is operating in this species. On the other hand, the minimum estimated failure velocities for leaf abscission were also recorded in autumn. Consequently, this may cause the premature shedding of leaves in this season before the senescence process has finished and can probably explain the occurrence of green beach-cast seagrass leaves usually found during autumn and winter.
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26
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Sato H, Shibuya M, Hiura T. Reconstructing spatiotemporal dynamics of mixed conifer and broad‐leaved forests with a spatially explicit individual‐based dynamic vegetation model. Ecol Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Sato
- Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC) Japan Agency for Marine‐Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) Yokohama Japan
| | - Masato Shibuya
- Research Faculty of Agriculture Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Tsutom Hiura
- Department of Ecosystem Studies The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
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27
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Asefa M, Worthy SJ, Cao M, Song X, Lozano YM, Yang J. Above- and below-ground plant traits are not consistent in response to drought and competition treatments. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 130:939-950. [PMID: 36001733 PMCID: PMC9851322 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Our understanding of plant responses to biotic and abiotic drivers is largely based on above-ground plant traits, with little focus on below-ground traits despite their key role in water and nutrient uptake. Here, we aimed to understand the extent to which above- and below-ground traits are co-ordinated, and how these traits respond to soil moisture gradients and plant intraspecific competition. METHODS We chose seedlings of five tropical tree species and grew them in a greenhouse for 16 weeks under a soil moisture gradient [low (drought), medium and high (well-watered) moisture levels] with and without intraspecific competition. At harvest, we measured nine above- and five below-ground traits of all seedlings based on standard protocols. KEY RESULTS In response to the soil moisture gradient, above-ground traits are found to be consistent with the leaf economics spectrum, whereas below-ground traits are inconsistent with the root economics spectrum. We found high specific leaf area and total leaf area in well-watered conditions, while high leaf dry matter content, leaf thickness and stem dry matter content were observed in drought conditions. However, below-ground traits showed contrasting patterns, with high specific root length but low root branching index in the low water treatment. The correlations between above- and below-ground traits across the soil moisture gradient were variable, i.e. specific leaf area was positively correlated with specific root length, while it was negatively correlated with root average diameter across moisture levels. However, leaf dry matter content was unexpectedly positively correlated with both specific root length and root branching index. Intraspecific competition has influenced both above- and below-ground traits, but interacted with soil moisture to affect only below-ground traits. Consistent with functional equilibrium theory, more biomass was allocated to roots under drought conditions, and to leaves under sufficient soil moisture conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the response of below-ground traits to plant intraspecific competition and soil moisture conditions may not be inferred using above-ground traits, suggesting that multiple resource use axes are needed to understand plant ecological strategies. Lack of consistent leaf-root trait correlations across the soil moisture gradient highlight the multidimensionality of plant trait relationships which needs more exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengesha Asefa
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
- Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, 196, Ethiopia
| | - Samantha J Worthy
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Min Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
| | - Xiaoyang Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
| | - Yudi M Lozano
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jie Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
- Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
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28
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The global spectrum of plant form and function: enhanced species-level trait dataset. Sci Data 2022; 9:755. [PMID: 36477373 PMCID: PMC9729214 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01774-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we provide the 'Global Spectrum of Plant Form and Function Dataset', containing species mean values for six vascular plant traits. Together, these traits -plant height, stem specific density, leaf area, leaf mass per area, leaf nitrogen content per dry mass, and diaspore (seed or spore) mass - define the primary axes of variation in plant form and function. The dataset is based on ca. 1 million trait records received via the TRY database (representing ca. 2,500 original publications) and additional unpublished data. It provides 92,159 species mean values for the six traits, covering 46,047 species. The data are complemented by higher-level taxonomic classification and six categorical traits (woodiness, growth form, succulence, adaptation to terrestrial or aquatic habitats, nutrition type and leaf type). Data quality management is based on a probabilistic approach combined with comprehensive validation against expert knowledge and external information. Intense data acquisition and thorough quality control produced the largest and, to our knowledge, most accurate compilation of empirically observed vascular plant species mean traits to date.
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29
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Meder F, Naselli GA, Mazzolai B. Wind dynamics and leaf motion: Approaching the design of high-tech devices for energy harvesting for operation on plant leaves. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:994429. [PMID: 36388505 PMCID: PMC9644130 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.994429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
High-tech sensors, energy harvesters, and robots are increasingly being developed for operation on plant leaves. This introduces an extra load which the leaf must withstand, often under further dynamic forces like wind. Here, we took the example of mechanical energy harvesters that consist of flat artificial "leaves" fixed on the petioles of N. oleander, converting wind energy into electricity. We developed a combined experimental and computational approach to describe the static and dynamic mechanics of the natural and artificial leaves individually and join them together in the typical energy harvesting configuration. The model, in which the leaves are torsional springs with flexible petioles and rigid lamina deforming under the effect of gravity and wind, enables us to design the artificial device in terms of weight, flexibility, and dimensions based on the mechanical properties of the plant leaf. Moreover, it predicts the dynamic motions of the leaf-artificial leaf combination, causing the mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion at a given wind speed. The computational results were validated in dynamic experiments measuring the electrical output of the plant-hybrid energy harvester. Our approach enables us to design the artificial structure for damage-safe operation on leaves (avoiding overloading caused by the interaction between leaves and/or by the wind) and suggests how to improve the combined leaf oscillations affecting the energy harvesting performance. We furthermore discuss how the mathematical model could be extended in future works. In summary, this is a first approach to improve the adaptation of artificial devices to plants, advance their performance, and to counteract damage by mathematical modelling in the device design phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Meder
- *Correspondence: Fabian Meder, ; Giovanna Adele Naselli, ; Barbara Mazzolai,
| | | | - Barbara Mazzolai
- *Correspondence: Fabian Meder, ; Giovanna Adele Naselli, ; Barbara Mazzolai,
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30
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Li TX, Shen-Tu XL, Xu L, Zhang WJ, Duan JP, Song YB, Dong M. Intraspecific and sex-dependent variation of leaf traits along altitude gradient in the endangered dioecious tree Taxus fuana Nan Li & R.R. Mill. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:996750. [PMID: 36325570 PMCID: PMC9618961 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.996750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant intraspecific trait variation (ITV) including sex-dependent differences are matters of many ecological consequences, from individual to ecosystem, especially in endangered and rare species. Taxus fuana is an endangered dioecious species with small and isolated populations endemic to the Himalayas region. Little is known about its trait variation between sexes, and among populations. In this study, 18 leaf traits from 179 reproductive trees (males and females) along the altitude (2600-3200m a.s.l.) of the T. fuana populations distributed in Gyirong County, Tibet, China, were measured. ITV and sources of variation in leaf traits were assessed. The relationship between leaf traits of males and females and altitude was analyzed separately. Variations in leaf traits of T. fuana ranged from 3.1% to 24.2%, with the smallest in leaf carbon content and the largest in leaf thickness to area ratio. On average 78.13% of the variation in leaf traits was from within populations and 21.87% among populations. The trends in leaf width, leaf nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, leaf carbon to nitrogen ratio, leaf carbon isotope ratio, and leaf nitrogen isotope ratio in relation to altitude were the same for males and females. Leaf length to width ratio varied significantly with altitude only in males, while leaf phosphorus content, leaf nitrogen content, and leaf carbon to phosphorus ratio varied significantly with altitude only in females. The correlation coefficients of most leaf traits of females with altitude were larger than that of males. In the relationship between leaf traits, there was a high similarity among males and females, but the altitude accounted for more explanation in females than in males. Our results suggested that the variation in leaf traits of T. fuana was small and did not dominate the interspecific competition in the local communities. Adaptation to the altitude gradient of T. fuana might be through altering nutrient storage processes and water use efficiency. Adaptation of male and female T. fuana to environmental changes showed differences, where the males were more tolerant and the females responded greatly to altitude. The differences in adaptation strategies between male and female T. fuana may be detrimental to the maintenance of their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ming Dong
- *Correspondence: Yao-Bin Song, ; Ming Dong,
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31
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Bartlett MK. Cycads defy expectations for the coordination between drought and mechanical resistance. A commentary on: 'Correlations between leaf economics, mechanical resistance and drought tolerance across 41 cycad species'. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 130:ix-xi. [PMID: 35366305 PMCID: PMC9486914 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This article comments on: Yi-Yi Meng, Wei Xiang, Yin Wen, Dong-Liu Huang, Kun-Fang Cao, and Shi-Dan Zhu, Correlations between leaf economics, mechanical resistance and drought tolerance across 41 cycad species, Annals of Botany, Volume 130, Issue 3, 1 September 2022, Pages 345–354 https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcab146
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32
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Meng YY, Xiang W, Wen Y, Huang DL, Cao KF, Zhu SD. Correlations between leaf economics, mechanical resistance and drought tolerance across 41 cycad species. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 130:345-354. [PMID: 34871356 PMCID: PMC9486883 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the functional traits of leaves (leaflets) of cycads. The aim of this study was to clarify the functional divergence between the earlier origin Cycadaceae and the later differentiated Zamiaceae, and the differences in trait associations between cycads and angiosperms. METHODS We selected 20 Cycadaceae species and 21 Zamiaceae species from the same cycad garden in South China, and measured their leaf structure, economic traits, mechanical resistance (Fp) and leaf water potential at the turgor loss point (πtlp). In addition, we compiled a dataset of geographical distribution along with climatic variables for these cycad species, and some leaf traits of tropical-sub-tropical angiosperm woody species from the literature for comparison. KEY RESULTS The results showed significantly contrasting leaf trait syndromes between the two families, with Zamiaceae species exhibiting thicker leaves, higher carbon investments and greater Fp than Cycadaceae species. Leaf thickness (LT) and πtlp were correlated with mean climatic variables in their native distribution ranges, indicating their evolutionary adaptation to environmental conditions. Compared with the leaves of angiosperms, the cycad leaves were thicker and tougher, and more tolerant to desiccation. Greater Fp was associated with a higher structural investment in both angiosperms and cycads; however, cycads showed lower Fp at a given leaf mass per area or LT than angiosperms. Enhancement of Fp led to more negative πtlp in angiosperms, but the opposite trend was observed in cycads. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that variations in leaf traits of cycads are mainly influenced by taxonomy and the environment of their native range. We also demonstrate similar leaf functional associations in terms of economics, but different relationships with regard to mechanics and drought tolerance between cycads and angiosperms. This study expands our understanding of the ecological strategies and likely responses of cycads to future climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dong-Liu Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Kun-Fang Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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33
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Mao Z, Roumet C, Rossi LMW, Merino‐Martín L, Nespoulous J, Taugourdeau O, Boukcim H, Fourtier S, Del Rey‐Granado M, Ramel M, Ji K, Zuo J, Fromin N, Stokes A, Fort F. Intra‐ and inter‐specific variation in root mechanical traits for twelve herbaceous plants and their link with the root economics space. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09032] [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)
- Zhun Mao
- Univ. Montpellier, AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, CNRS, IRD Montpellier France
| | | | - Lorenzo M. W. Rossi
- Univ. Montpellier, AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, CNRS, IRD Montpellier France
- Univ. of Cassino Cassino (Fr) Italy
| | - Luis Merino‐Martín
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD Montpellier France
- Depto de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, ESCET, Univ. Rey Juan Carlos Madrid Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Merlin Ramel
- Univ. Montpellier, AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, CNRS, IRD Montpellier France
| | - Kang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
- Univ. of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Juan Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
- Centre of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | | | - Alexia Stokes
- Univ. Montpellier, AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, CNRS, IRD Montpellier France
| | - Florian Fort
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, Inst. Agro, CNRS, EPHE, IRD Montpellier France
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Lei Z, Westerband AC, Wright IJ, He Y, Zhang W, Cai X, Zhou Z, Liu F, Zhang Y. Leaf trait covariation and controls on leaf mass per area (LMA) following cotton domestication. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 130:231-243. [PMID: 35849070 PMCID: PMC9445596 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The process of domestication has driven dramatic shifts in plant functional traits, including leaf mass per area (LMA). It remains unclear whether domestication has produced concerted shifts in the lower-level anatomical traits that underpin LMA and how these traits in turn affect photosynthesis. METHODS In this study we investigated controls of LMA and leaf gas exchange by leaf anatomical properties at the cellular, tissue and whole-leaf levels, comparing 26 wild and 31 domesticated genotypes of cotton (Gossypium). KEY RESULTS As expected, domesticated plants expressed lower LMA, higher photosynthesis and higher stomatal conductance, suggesting a shift towards the 'faster' end of the leaf economics spectrum. At whole-leaf level, variation in LMA was predominantly determined by leaf density (LD) both in wild and domesticated genotypes. At tissue level, higher leaf volume per area (Vleaf) in domesticated genotypes was driven by a simultaneous increase in the volume of epidermal, mesophyll and vascular bundle tissue and airspace, while lower LD resulted from a lower volume of palisade tissue and vascular bundles (which are of high density), paired with a greater volume of epidermis and airspace, which are of low density. The volume of spongy mesophyll exerted direct control on photosynthesis in domesticated genotypes but only indirect control in wild genotypes. At cellular level, a shift to larger but less numerous cells with thinner cell walls underpinned a lower proportion of cell wall mass, and thus a reduction in LD. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, cotton domestication has triggered synergistic shifts in the underlying determinants of LMA but also photosynthesis, at cell, tissue and whole-leaf levels, resulting in a marked shift in plant ecological strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangying Lei
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi University, Shihezi, P.R. China
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrea C Westerband
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian J Wright
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- ARC Centre for Plant Success in Nature & Agriculture, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Yang He
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi University, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Wangfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi University, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, P.R. China
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Staples TL, Mayfield MM, England JR, Dwyer JM. Drivers of Acacia and Eucalyptus growth rate differ in strength and direction in restoration plantings across Australia. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2636. [PMID: 35404495 PMCID: PMC9539508 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2636] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Functional traits are proxies for a species' ecology and physiology and are often correlated with plant vital rates. As such they have the potential to guide species selection for restoration projects. However, predictive trait-based models often only explain a small proportion of plant performance, suggesting that commonly measured traits do not capture all important ecological differences between species. Some residual variation in vital rates may be evolutionarily conserved and captured using taxonomic groupings alongside common functional traits. We tested this hypothesis using growth rate data for 17,299 trees and shrubs from 80 species of Eucalyptus and 43 species of Acacia, two hyper-diverse and co-occurring genera, collected from 497 neighborhood plots in 137 Australian mixed-species revegetation plantings. We modeled relative growth rates of individual plants as a function of environmental conditions, species-mean functional traits, and neighbor density and diversity, across a moisture availability gradient. We then assessed whether the strength and direction of these relationships differed between the two genera. We found that the inclusion of genus-specific relationships offered a significant but modest improvement to model fit (1.6%-1.7% greater R2 than simpler models). More importantly, almost all correlates of growth rate differed between Eucalyptus and Acacia in strength, direction, or how they changed along the moisture gradient. These differences mapped onto physiological differences between the genera that were not captured solely by measured functional traits. Our findings suggest taxonomic groupings can capture or mediate variation in plant performance missed by common functional traits. The inclusion of taxonomy can provide a more nuanced understanding of how functional traits interact with abiotic and biotic conditions to drive plant performance, which may be important for constructing trait-based frameworks to improve restoration outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L. Staples
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- CSIRO Land and Water, EcoSciences PrecinctDutton ParkQueenslandAustralia
| | - Margaret M. Mayfield
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - John M. Dwyer
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- CSIRO Land and Water, EcoSciences PrecinctDutton ParkQueenslandAustralia
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Giraldo‐Kalil LJ, Campo J, Paz H, Núñez‐Farfán J. Patterns of leaf trait variation underlie ecological differences among sympatric tree species of Damburneya in a tropical rainforest. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2022; 109:1394-1409. [PMID: 36031775 PMCID: PMC9826457 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Although ecological differentiation driven by altitude and soil is hypothesized to promote coexistence of sympatric tree species of Damburneya (Lauraceae), the mechanistic role of leaf functional variation on ecological differentiation among co-occurring species remains unexplored. We aimed to determine whether the patterns of leaf trait variation reflect ecological differences among sympatric Damburneya species. We tested whether trait correlations underlying functional strategies and average species traits vary in response to local soil heterogeneity along an altitudinal gradient, potentially affecting species distributions. METHODS At two contrasting altitudes (100, 1100 m a.s.l.) in a Mexican tropical rainforest, we characterized soil chemical and physical properties and sampled four Damburneya species to quantify five leaf functional traits. We used linear models to analyze paired and multivariate trait correlations, spatial and interspecific effects on trait variation, and trait response to local soil heterogeneity. Relative contributions of intra- and interspecific variation to local trait variability were quantified with an ANOVA. RESULTS Soil nutrient availability was higher at low altitude, but all species had a high leaf N:P ratio across altitudes suggesting a limited P supply for plants. Species distribution differed altitudinally, with some species constrained to low or high altitude, potentially reflecting soil nutrient availability. Leaf traits responded to altitude and local soil properties, suggesting interspecific differences in functional strategies according to the leaf economics spectrum (conservative vs. acquisitive). CONCLUSIONS The interspecific divergence in functional strategies in response to local environmental conditions suggests that trait variation could underlie ecological differentiation among Damburneya sympatric species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Giraldo‐Kalil
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)Coyoacán, C. P. 04510, Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | - Julio Campo
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | - Horacio Paz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y SustentabilidadUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MoreliaMéxico
| | - Juan Núñez‐Farfán
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
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Maenpuen P, Katabuchi M, Onoda Y, Zhou C, Zhang JL, Chen YJ. Sources and consequences of mismatch between leaf disc and whole-leaf leaf mass per area (LMA). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2022; 109:1242-1250. [PMID: 35862826 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16038] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Leaf mass per area (LMA), which is an important functional trait in leaf economic spectrum and plant growth analysis, is measured from leaf discs or whole leaves. Differences between the measurement methods may lead to large differences in the estimates of LMA values. METHODS We examined to what extent estimates of LMA based on whole leaves match those based on discs using 334 woody species from a wide range of biomes (tropics, subtropics, savanna, and temperate), whether the relationship varied by leaf morphology (tissue density, leaf area, leaf thickness), punch size (0.6- and 1.0-cm diameter), and whether the extent of intraspecifc variation for each species matches. RESULTS Disc-based estimates of species mean LMA matched the whole-leaf estimates well, and whole-leaf LMA tended to be 9.69% higher than leaf-disc LMA. The ratio of whole-leaf LMA to leaf-disc LMA was higher for species with higher leaf tissue density and larger leaves, and variance in the ratio was greater for species with lower leaf tissue density and thinner leaves. Estimates based on small leaf discs also inflated the ratio. The extent of the intraspecific variation only weakly matched between whole-leaf and disc-based estimates (R2 = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that simple conversion between whole-leaf and leaf-disc LMA is difficult for species obtained with a small leaf punch, but it should be possible for species obtained with a large+ leaf punch. Accurately representing leaf traits will likely require careful selection between leaf-disc and whole-leaf traits depending on the objectives. Quantifying intraspecific variation using leaf discs should be also considered with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phisamai Maenpuen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan, 666303, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Masatoshi Katabuchi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Yusuke Onoda
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Cong Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan, 666303, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiao-Lin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan, 666303, China
- Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Ya-Jun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Yunnan, 666303, China
- Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan, 666303, China
- Savanna Ecosystem Research Station, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuanjiang, Yunnan, 6663300, China
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Zhang SB, Wen GJ, Qu YY, Yang LY, Song Y. Trade-offs between xylem hydraulic efficiency and mechanical strength in Chinese evergreen and deciduous savanna species. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 42:1337-1349. [PMID: 35157087 PMCID: PMC9272745 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Evergreen and deciduous species coexist in tropical dry forests and savannas, but differ in physiological mechanisms and life-history strategies. Hydraulic conductivity and mechanical support are two major functions of the xylems of woody plant species related to plant growth and survival. In this study, we measured sapwood-specific hydraulic conductivity (Ks), leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity (KL), modulus of rupture (MOR) and elasticity (MOE), xylem anatomical traits and fiber contents in the xylems of 20 woody species with contrasting leaf phenology (evergreen vs deciduous) in a Chinese savanna. Our results showed that deciduous species had significantly higher Ks and KL but lower MOR and MOE than evergreen species. Evergreen species experienced more negative seasonal minimum water potential (Pmin) than deciduous species during the dry season. Furthermore, we found trade-offs between xylem hydraulic efficiency and mechanical strength across species and within the evergreen and deciduous groups, and these trade-offs were modulated by structural and chemical traits. Both Ks and KL were significantly related to hydraulic weighted vessel diameter (Dh) across all species and within the deciduous group. Both MOR and MOE were significantly related to wood density, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber across species and within evergreen and deciduous groups. Our findings demonstrated that Chinese evergreen and deciduous savanna species diverged in xylem hydraulic and mechanical functions, reflecting conservative and acquisitive life-history strategies for evergreen and deciduous species, respectively. This study provides new information with which to understand the hydraulic and biomechanical properties and ecological strategies of savanna species in long-term dry-hot environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guo-Jing Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
- Yuanjiang Savanna Ecosystem Research Station, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuanjiang, Yunnan 653300, China
| | - Ya-Ya Qu
- School of Forestry, Southwest Forestry University, No. 300, Bailongshi, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650224, China
| | - Lin-Yi Yang
- School of Forestry, Southwest Forestry University, No. 300, Bailongshi, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650224, China
| | - Yu Song
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
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Abstract
Due to massive energetic investments in woody support structures, trees are subject to unique physiological, mechanical, and ecological pressures not experienced by herbaceous plants. Despite a wealth of studies exploring trait relationships across the entire plant kingdom, the dominant traits underpinning these unique aspects of tree form and function remain unclear. Here, by considering 18 functional traits, encompassing leaf, seed, bark, wood, crown, and root characteristics, we quantify the multidimensional relationships in tree trait expression. We find that nearly half of trait variation is captured by two axes: one reflecting leaf economics, the other reflecting tree size and competition for light. Yet these orthogonal axes reveal strong environmental convergence, exhibiting correlated responses to temperature, moisture, and elevation. By subsequently exploring multidimensional trait relationships, we show that the full dimensionality of trait space is captured by eight distinct clusters, each reflecting a unique aspect of tree form and function. Collectively, this work identifies a core set of traits needed to quantify global patterns in functional biodiversity, and it contributes to our fundamental understanding of the functioning of forests worldwide. Understanding patterns in woody plant trait relationships and trade-offs is challenging. Here, by applying machine learning and data imputation methods to a global database of georeferenced trait measurements, the authors unravel key relationships in tree functional traits at the global scale.
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Feeding ecology of the last European colobine monkey, Dolichopithecus ruscinensis. J Hum Evol 2022; 168:103199. [PMID: 35667203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Currently, very little is known about the ecology of extinct Eurasian cercopithecids. Dietary information is crucial in understanding the ecological adaptations and diversity of extinct cercopithecids and the evolution of this family. For example, the colobine genus Dolichopithecus is represented by multiple large-bodied species that inhabited Eurasia during the Pliocene-Early Pleistocene. The available evidence, though limited, suggests semiterrestrial locomotion, which contrasts with most extant African and Asian colobines that exhibit morphological and physiological adaptations for arboreality and folivory. These differences raise questions regarding the dietary specialization of early colobine taxa and how/if that influenced their dispersion out of Africa and into Eurasia. To further our understanding of the ecology of Plio-Pleistocene cercopithecids, we characterized the dental capabilities and potential dietary adaptations of Dolichopithecus ruscinensis through dental topographic and enamel thickness analyses on an M1 from the locality of Serrat d'en Vacquer, Perpignan (France). We also assessed the feeding behavior of D. ruscinensis through dental microwear texture analysis on a broad sample of fossil molars from fossil sites in France, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. Dental topographic and enamel thickness analyses suggest that D. ruscinensis could efficiently process a wide range of foods. Results of the dental microwear texture analysis suggest that its diet ranged from folivory to the consumption of more mechanically challenging foods. Collectively, this suggests a more opportunistic feeding behavior for Dolichopithecus than characteristic of most extant colobines.
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Li X, Zhao X, Tsujii Y, Ma Y, Zhang R, Qian C, Wang Z, Geng F, Jin S. Links between leaf anatomy and leaf mass per area of herbaceous species across slope aspects in an eastern Tibetan subalpine meadow. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8973. [PMID: 35784019 PMCID: PMC9163673 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leaf anatomy varies with abiotic factors and is an important trait for understanding plant adaptive responses to environmental conditions. Leaf mass per area (LMA) is a key morphological trait and is related to leaf performance, such as light‐saturated photosynthetic rate per leaf mass, leaf mechanical strength, and leaf lifespan. LMA is the multiplicative product of leaf thickness (LT) and leaf density (LD), both of which vary with leaf anatomy. Nevertheless, how LMA, LT, and LD covary with leaf anatomy is largely unexplored along natural environmental gradients. Slope aspect is a topographic factor that underlies variations in solar irradiation, air temperature, humidity, and soil fertility. In the present study, we examined (1) how leaf anatomy varies with different slope aspects and (2) how leaf anatomy is related to LMA, LD, and LT. Leaf anatomy was measured for 30 herbaceous species across three slope aspects (south‐, west‐, and north‐facing slopes; hereafter, SFS, WFS, and NFS, respectively) in an eastern Tibetan subalpine meadow. For 18 of the 30 species, LMA data were available from previous studies. LD was calculated as LMA divided by LT. Among the slope aspects, the dominant species on the SFS exhibited the highest LTs with the thickest spongy mesophyll layers. The thicker spongy mesophyll layer was related to a lower LD via larger intercellular airspaces. In contrast, LD was the highest on NFS among the slope aspects. LMA was not significantly different among the slope aspects because higher LTs on SFS were effectively offset by lower LDs. These results suggest that the relationships between leaf anatomy and LMA were different among the slope aspects. Mechanisms underlying the variations in leaf anatomy may include different solar radiation, air temperatures, soil water, and nutrient availabilities among the slope aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin’e Li
- Division of Grassland Science College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Division of Grassland Science College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Yuki Tsujii
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Faculty of Science Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Penrith New South Wales Australia
| | - Yueqi Ma
- Division of Grassland Science College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Renyi Zhang
- College of Ecology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Division of Grassland Science College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Zixi Wang
- Division of Grassland Science College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Feilong Geng
- Division of Grassland Science College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou Jiangsu China
| | - Shixuan Jin
- Division of Grassland Science College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou Jiangsu China
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Gorné LD, Díaz S, Minden V, Onoda Y, Kramer K, Muir C, Michaletz ST, Lavorel S, Sharpe J, Jansen S, Slot M, Chacon E, Boenisch G. The acquisitive-conservative axis of leaf trait variation emerges even in homogeneous environments. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 129:709-722. [PMID: 33245747 PMCID: PMC9113165 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcaa198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The acquisitive-conservative axis of plant ecological strategies results in a pattern of leaf trait covariation that captures the balance between leaf construction costs and plant growth potential. Studies evaluating trait covariation within species are scarcer, and have mostly dealt with variation in response to environmental gradients. Little work has been published on intraspecific patterns of leaf trait covariation in the absence of strong environmental variation. METHODS We analysed covariation of four leaf functional traits [specific leaf area (SLA) leaf dry matter content (LDMC), force to tear (Ft) and leaf nitrogen content (Nm)] in six Poaceae and four Fabaceae species common in the dry Chaco forest of Central Argentina, growing in the field and in a common garden. We compared intraspecific covariation patterns (slopes, correlation and effect size) of leaf functional traits with global interspecific covariation patterns. Additionally, we checked for possible climatic and edaphic factors that could affect the intraspecific covariation pattern. KEY RESULTS We found negative correlations for the LDMC-SLA, Ft-SLA, LDMC-Nm and Ft-Nm trait pairs. This intraspecific covariation pattern found both in the field and in the common garden and not explained by climatic or edaphic variation in the field follows the expected acquisitive-conservative axis. At the same time, we found quantitative differences in slopes among different species, and between these intraspecific patterns and the interspecific ones. Many of these differences seem to be idiosyncratic, but some appear consistent among species (e.g. all the intraspecific LDMC-SLA and LDMC-Nm slopes tend to be shallower than the global pattern). CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that the acquisitive-conservative leaf functional trait covariation pattern occurs at the intraspecific level even in the absence of relevant environmental variation in the field. This suggests a high degree of variation-covariation in leaf functional traits not driven by environmental variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas D Gorné
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, IMBiV, Córdoba, Argentina
- For correspondence. E-mail
| | - Sandra Díaz
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, IMBiV, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Vanessa Minden
- Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Landscape Ecology Group, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Biodiversity, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yusuke Onoda
- Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Oiwake, Kitashirakawa, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koen Kramer
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sean T Michaletz
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Steven Jansen
- Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Martijn Slot
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Eduardo Chacon
- School of Biology, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Akram MA, Zhang Y, Wang X, Shrestha N, Malik K, Khan I, Ma W, Sun Y, Li F, Ran J, Deng J. Phylogenetic independence in the variations in leaf functional traits among different plant life forms in an arid environment. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 272:153671. [PMID: 35381492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2022.153671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Leaf traits of global plants reveal the fundamental trade-offs in plant resource acquisition to conservation strategies. However, which leaf traits are consistent, converged, or diverged among herbs, shrubs, and subshrubs in an arid environment remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the trade-offs in six leaf functional traits (LFTs): leaf fresh mass (LFM), leaf dry mass (LDM), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf thickness (LTh) of 37 desert plant species. LFTs differed between different plant life forms; LFM, LDM, and LA were slightly higher in herbs, LDMC and LTh in shrubs, and SLA in subshrubs. Conversely, the correlations among LFTs were inconsistent in different life forms, which may indicate their different adaptation strategies in an arid environment. Legumes and C3 plants exhibited slightly higher LDMC, LA, and SLA than non-legumes and C4 plants, whereas non-legumes and C4 plants showed higher (nonsignificant) LFM, LDM, and LTh than legumes and C3 plants. A significant phylogenetic signal (PS) and maximum K-value were found for SLA (K = 0.32). LFTs exhibited convergent and divergent variations among different life forms. However, these variations in LFTs were not influenced by phylogeny. Together, these findings increase our understanding of the variations in ecological adaptations of desert plants as well as adaption strategies of different life forms in an arid environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Adnan Akram
- School of Economics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yahui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Nawal Shrestha
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems and College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Kamran Malik
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Center for Grassland Microbiome, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Imran Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Weijing Ma
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Fan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jinzhi Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jianming Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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44
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Ye Y, Kitayama K, Onoda Y. A cost-benefit analysis of leaf carbon economy with consideration of seasonal changes in leaf traits for sympatric deciduous and evergreen congeners: implications for their coexistence. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 234:1047-1058. [PMID: 35133649 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Deciduous and evergreen species, which have evolved repeatedly across different clades, can coexist in a given environment despite substantial differences in their leaf traits. It remains unclear how these two groups differ in the development of leaf traits over their lifespans or how their carbon economy - the balance between lifetime carbon gain and leaf construction cost - is determined. We determined the photosynthetic rate (Aarea ), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf mechanical strength and leaf water potentials and estimated the lifetime carbon gain and leaf construction cost of five closely related pairs of evergreen and deciduous species co-occurring in a temperate forest. Aarea of evergreen species was lower during their first spring, similar in summer and higher than the autumn until the following spring than their deciduous counterparts. Leaf mechanical strength, osmotic pressures and LMA increased continuously towards winter in evergreen species while remaining largely constant in deciduous species. The ratio of lifetime carbon gain to leaf construction cost was similar between the two groups. The additional cost associated with enduring winter is paid back by a longer revenue of photosynthesis in evergreen species, allowing evergreen and deciduous leaf habits to coexist in the seasonal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhan Ye
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kanehiro Kitayama
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yusuke Onoda
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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45
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Li Y, Liu C, Sack L, Xu L, Li M, Zhang J, He N. Leaf trait network architecture shifts with species-richness and climate across forests at continental scale. Ecol Lett 2022; 25:1442-1457. [PMID: 35397188 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Variation in the architecture of trait networks among ecosystems has been rarely quantified, but can provide high resolution of the contrasting adaptation of the whole phenotype. We constructed leaf trait networks (LTNs) from 35 structural, anatomical and compositional leaf traits for 394 tree species in nine forests from tropical to cold-temperate zones in China. Our analyses supported the hypothesis that LTNs would increase in modular complexity across forests in parallel with species-richness and climatic warmth and moisture, due to reduced phenotypic constraints and greater opportunities for niche differentiation. Additionally, we found that within LTNs, leaf economics traits including leaf thickness would have central importance, acting as hub traits with high connectivity due to their contributions to multiple functions. Across the continent, the greater species richness and trait diversity observed in forests under resource-rich climates enable greater complexity in whole phenotype structure and function as indicated by the trait network architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Congcong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lawren Sack
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Li Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxu Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nianpeng He
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, and Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas D. Gorné
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, IMBiV Córdoba Argentina
- Univ. Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales Córdoba Argentina
| | - Sandra Díaz
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, IMBiV Córdoba Argentina
- Univ. Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales Córdoba Argentina
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47
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Salivary surprise: Symmerista caterpillars anoint petioles with red saliva after clipping leaves. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265490. [PMID: 35294481 PMCID: PMC8926259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
After feeding on a tree leaf, caterpillars in ten families sever the petiole and allow the remaining leaf fragment to fall to the ground. Previous researchers proposed that the caterpillars thereby reduced bird predation by eliminating visual evidence of feeding. In this study, 26 species of caterpillars in five families were filmed clipping leaves. Caterpillar behavior did not conform to the visual cue hypothesis. Some caterpillars clipped midribs and petioles repeatedly even though a single clip would suffice to reduce visual cues for birds. Every caterpillar that clipped a leaf rubbed its spinneret (which secretes saliva from the labial glands) over the petiole or midrib stub. In the notodontids Symmerista albifrons and S. leucitys, petiole stubs were bathed in red fluid. Cauterizing the spinneret eliminated fluid application. Dissections documented that the anterior portion of their labial glands contained red pigment, thereby confirming that the red secretion is saliva. When applied to petiole stubs, the red pigment in Symmerista saliva travelled several mm in five minutes within the petiole xylem demonstrating the potential for rapid movement of salivary constituents into the plant. In diverse caterpillars, including species that clip leaves, saliva contains substances reported to suppress plant defenses. Thus, leaf clipping likely functions primarily not to remove visual cues, but to introduce salivary constituents into the plant that prevent defenses from being mobilized in nearby leaves where the caterpillar feeds next.
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48
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Matsuda I, Hashimoto C, Ihobe H, Yumoto T, Baranga D, Clauss M, Hummel J. Dietary Choices of a Foregut-Fermenting Primate, Colobus guereza: A Comprehensive Approach Including Leaf Chemical and Mechanical Properties, Digestibility and Abundance. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.795015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging animals make dietary choices that affect their nutritional status and, ultimately, their health and fitness. We investigated food selection by a leaf-eating foregut-fermenting primate, the guereza (Colobus guereza), using multiple criteria, including chemical and mechanical properties, in vitro digestibility and leaf abundance, on the basis of 30 consecutive months of behavioral observations (4308 h in total) of a family group in the Kalinzu Forest, Uganda, as well as vegetation surveys. We noted that leaf toughness may be a proximate cue for the chemical properties of plant foods, especially for protein, which is an important selection factor used by primates. We also found that the in vitro digestibility of plant foods was greatly influenced by the concentrations of fiber and secondary compounds. At a broad level, none of the studied factors, including leaf chemical and mechanical properties, digestibility and abundance, affected whether guerezas consumed specific leaf items. At a more detailed level, however, protein content, digestibility and toughness were related to the percentage of foraging effort that guerezas devoted to specific items in our study site.
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49
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Roth-Nebelsick A, Konrad W, Ebner M, Miranda T, Thielen S, Nebelsick JH. When rain collides with plants-patterns and forces of drop impact and how leaves respond to them. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:1155-1175. [PMID: 35038724 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Raindrop impact on leaves is a common event which is of relevance for numerous processes, including the dispersal of pathogens and propagules, leaf wax erosion, gas exchange, leaf water absorption, and interception and storage of rainwater by canopies. The process of drop impact is complex, and its outcome depends on many influential factors. The wettability of plants has been recognized as an important parameter which is itself complex and difficult to determine for leaf surfaces. Other important parameters include leaf inclination angle and the ability of leaves to respond elastically to drop impact. Different elastic motions are initiated by drop impact, including local deformation, flapping, torsion, and bending, as well as 'swinging' of the petiole. These elastic responses, which occur on different time scales, can affect drop impact directly or indirectly, by changing the leaf inclination. An important feature of drop impact is splashing, meaning the fragmentation of the drop with ejection of satellite droplets. This process is promoted by the kinetic energy of the drop and leaf traits. For instance, a dense trichome cover can suppress splashing. Basic drop impact patterns are presented and discussed for a number of different leaf types, as well as some exemplary mosses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Roth-Nebelsick
- State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, Rosenstein 1, D-70191 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Wilfried Konrad
- University of Tübingen, Department of Geosciences, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Technical University of Dresden, Institute of Botany, Zellescher Weg 20b, D-01217 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Ebner
- University of Tübingen, Department of Geosciences, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tatiana Miranda
- Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment at the University of Tübingen, Hölderlinstr. 12, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sonja Thielen
- University of Tübingen, Department of Geosciences, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - James H Nebelsick
- University of Tübingen, Department of Geosciences, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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50
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Joswig JS, Wirth C, Schuman MC, Kattge J, Reu B, Wright IJ, Sippel SD, Rüger N, Richter R, Schaepman ME, van Bodegom PM, Cornelissen JHC, Díaz S, Hattingh WN, Kramer K, Lens F, Niinemets Ü, Reich PB, Reichstein M, Römermann C, Schrodt F, Anand M, Bahn M, Byun C, Campetella G, Cerabolini BEL, Craine JM, Gonzalez-Melo A, Gutiérrez AG, He T, Higuchi P, Jactel H, Kraft NJB, Minden V, Onipchenko V, Peñuelas J, Pillar VD, Sosinski Ê, Soudzilovskaia NA, Weiher E, Mahecha MD. Climatic and soil factors explain the two-dimensional spectrum of global plant trait variation. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:36-50. [PMID: 34949824 PMCID: PMC8752441 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Plant functional traits can predict community assembly and ecosystem functioning and are thus widely used in global models of vegetation dynamics and land-climate feedbacks. Still, we lack a global understanding of how land and climate affect plant traits. A previous global analysis of six traits observed two main axes of variation: (1) size variation at the organ and plant level and (2) leaf economics balancing leaf persistence against plant growth potential. The orthogonality of these two axes suggests they are differently influenced by environmental drivers. We find that these axes persist in a global dataset of 17 traits across more than 20,000 species. We find a dominant joint effect of climate and soil on trait variation. Additional independent climate effects are also observed across most traits, whereas independent soil effects are almost exclusively observed for economics traits. Variation in size traits correlates well with a latitudinal gradient related to water or energy limitation. In contrast, variation in economics traits is better explained by interactions of climate with soil fertility. These findings have the potential to improve our understanding of biodiversity patterns and our predictions of climate change impacts on biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Joswig
- grid.419500.90000 0004 0491 7318Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Remote Sensing Laboratories, Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Wirth
- grid.419500.90000 0004 0491 7318Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute of Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Meredith C. Schuman
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Remote Sensing Laboratories, Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kattge
- grid.419500.90000 0004 0491 7318Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Björn Reu
- grid.411595.d0000 0001 2105 7207Escuela de Biología, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Ian J. Wright
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - Sebastian D. Sippel
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.454322.60000 0004 4910 9859Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nadja Rüger
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Economics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany ,grid.438006.90000 0001 2296 9689Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancón, Panama
| | - Ronny Richter
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute of Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing, Institute for Geography, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael E. Schaepman
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Remote Sensing Laboratories, Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter M. van Bodegom
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Environmental Biology Department, Institute of Environmental Sciences, CML, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J. H. C. Cornelissen
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Systems Ecology, Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Díaz
- grid.10692.3c0000 0001 0115 2557Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), CONICET and FCEFyN, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Koen Kramer
- grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Chairgroup Forest Ecology and Forest Management, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands ,Land Life Company, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frederic Lens
- grid.425948.60000 0001 2159 802XResearch Group Functional Traits, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands ,grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Plant Sciences, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ülo Niinemets
- grid.16697.3f0000 0001 0671 1127Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Peter B. Reich
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN USA ,grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales Australia ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Institute for Global Change Biology and School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Markus Reichstein
- grid.419500.90000 0004 0491 7318Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christine Römermann
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Department of Plant Biodiversity, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Franziska Schrodt
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Geography, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Madhur Anand
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Michael Bahn
- grid.5771.40000 0001 2151 8122Department of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Chaeho Byun
- grid.252211.70000 0001 2299 2686Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
| | - Giandiego Campetella
- grid.5602.10000 0000 9745 6549Plant Diversity and Ecosystems Management Unit, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Bruno E. L. Cerabolini
- grid.18147.3b0000000121724807Department of Biotechnologies and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Andres Gonzalez-Melo
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alvaro G. Gutiérrez
- grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales y Recursos Naturales Renovables, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tianhua He
- grid.1032.00000 0004 0375 4078School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia Australia ,grid.1025.60000 0004 0436 6763College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia Australia
| | - Pedro Higuchi
- grid.412287.a0000 0001 2150 7271Department of Forestry, Universidade do Estado de Santa, Catarina, Lages, Brazil
| | - Hervé Jactel
- grid.508391.60000 0004 0622 9359INRAE University Bordeaux, BIOGECO, Cestas, France
| | - Nathan J. B. Kraft
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Vanessa Minden
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.5560.60000 0001 1009 3608Landscape Ecology Group, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Vladimir Onipchenko
- grid.14476.300000 0001 2342 9668Department of Ecology and Plant Geography, Moscow State Lomonosov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Josep Peñuelas
- grid.4711.30000 0001 2183 4846CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, Spain ,grid.452388.00000 0001 0722 403XCREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Valério D. Pillar
- grid.8532.c0000 0001 2200 7498Department of Ecology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ênio Sosinski
- grid.460200.00000 0004 0541 873XEmbrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nadejda A. Soudzilovskaia
- grid.12155.320000 0001 0604 5662Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium ,grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Evan Weiher
- grid.267460.10000 0001 2227 2494Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI USA
| | - Miguel D. Mahecha
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Remote Sensing Centre for Earth System Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany ,grid.7492.80000 0004 0492 3830Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
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