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Mounger J, Ainouche ML, Bossdorf O, Cavé-Radet A, Li B, Parepa M, Salmon A, Yang J, Richards CL. Epigenetics and the success of invasive plants. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200117. [PMID: 33866809 PMCID: PMC8059582 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological invasions impose ecological and economic problems on a global scale, but also provide extraordinary opportunities for studying contemporary evolution. It is critical to understand the evolutionary processes that underly invasion success in order to successfully manage existing invaders, and to prevent future invasions. As successful invasive species sometimes are suspected to rapidly adjust to their new environments in spite of very low genetic diversity, we are obliged to re-evaluate genomic-level processes that translate into phenotypic diversity. In this paper, we review work that supports the idea that trait variation, within and among invasive populations, can be created through epigenetic or other non-genetic processes, particularly in clonal invaders where somatic changes can persist indefinitely. We consider several processes that have been implicated as adaptive in invasion success, focusing on various forms of 'genomic shock' resulting from exposure to environmental stress, hybridization and whole-genome duplication (polyploidy), and leading to various patterns of gene expression re-programming and epigenetic changes that contribute to phenotypic variation or even novelty. These mechanisms can contribute to transgressive phenotypes, including hybrid vigour and novel traits, and may thus help to understand the huge successes of some plant invaders, especially those that are genetically impoverished. This article is part of the theme issue 'How does epigenetics influence the course of evolution?'
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannie Mounger
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617, USA
| | - Malika L. Ainouche
- UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO, OSUR, Université de Rennes 1, Campus Scientifique de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Oliver Bossdorf
- Plant Evolutionary Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Armand Cavé-Radet
- UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO, OSUR, Université de Rennes 1, Campus Scientifique de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
- Plant Evolutionary Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bo Li
- National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Madalin Parepa
- Plant Evolutionary Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Armel Salmon
- UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO, OSUR, Université de Rennes 1, Campus Scientifique de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Ji Yang
- National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Christina L. Richards
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617, USA
- Plant Evolutionary Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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2
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Abbas AM, Pickart AJ, Goldsmith LM, Davenport DN, Newby B, Muñoz-Rodríguez AF, Grewell BJ, Castillo JM. Seed bank persistence of a South American cordgrass in invaded northern Atlantic and Pacific Coast estuaries. AOB PLANTS 2021; 13:plab014. [PMID: 34007435 PMCID: PMC8112770 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plab014] [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: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Invasive alien plant species impart considerable impacts that contribute to the decline of biodiversity worldwide. The ability of an invasive species to overcome barriers to establish and spread in new environments, and the long-term effects of plant invasions supporting their persistence are keys to invasion success. The capacity of introduced species to form soil seed banks can contribute to their invasiveness, yet few studies of invaders have addressed seed bank dynamics. Improved knowledge of this recruitment process can improve conservation management. We studied temporal and spatial changes in soil seed bank characteristics of the cordgrass Spartina densiflora from two continental invaded ranges. In the Odiel Marshes (Southwest Iberian Peninsula), S. densiflora formed transient seed banks (<1 year). At Humboldt Bay Estuary (California), viable seeds persisted for at least 4 years though the germination percentage fell abruptly after the first year from 29 % to less than 5 % of remaining viable seeds. Total soil seed bank density increased with S. densiflora above-ground cover in both estuaries, pointing to the transient component of the seed bank as a critical component of vegetation dynamics during S. densiflora invasion. Even so, seed densities as high as c. 750 seeds m-2 in Odiel Marshes and c. 12 400 seeds m-2 in Humboldt Bay were recorded in some plots without fruiting S. densiflora plants. S. densiflora spikelet (dispersal unit) density was more than double close to the sediment surface than deeper within soil. Our study shows the importance of evaluating seed banks during the design of invasive species management since seed bank persistence may vary among invaded sites, and can affect the timing and duration required for desired management outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abbas
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, 83523, Qena, Egypt
| | - Andrea J Pickart
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 6800 Lanphere Rd. Arcata, CA 95521, USA
| | | | | | - Britney Newby
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 6800 Lanphere Rd. Arcata, CA 95521, USA
| | - Adolfo F Muñoz-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Fuerzas Armadas Ave., Campus El Carmen, Universidad de Huelva, 21071, Huelva, Spain
| | - Brenda J Grewell
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Department of Plant Sciences MS-4, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jesús M Castillo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Apartado 1095, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
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3
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Discovery of a dune‐building hybrid beachgrass (
Ammophila arenaria
×
A. breviligulata
) in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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4
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Infante-Izquierdo MD, Polo-Ávila A, Sanjosé I, Castillo JM, Nieva FJJ, Grewell BJ, Muñoz-Rodríguez AF. Effects of heavy metal pollution on germination and early seedling growth in native and invasive Spartina cordgrasses. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111376. [PMID: 32568082 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seed germination and seedling establishment are the stages most sensitive to abiotic stress in the plant life cycle. We analyzed the effects of copper, zinc and nickel on seed germination and early seedling growth of native Spartina maritima and invasive S. densiflora from polluted and non-polluted estuaries. Germination percentages for either species were not affected by any metal at any tested concentration (up to 2000 μM). However, the increase in metal concentration had negative effects on S. densiflora seedlings. The primary effect was on radicle development, representing initial seedling emergence. Spartina densiflora seedlings emerging from seeds from Tinto Estuary, characterized by high bioavailable metal loads, showed higher tolerance to metals than those from less polluted Odiel and Piedras Estuaries. Comparing our results to metal concentrations in the field, we expect S. densiflora seedling development would be negatively impacted in the most metal-polluted areas in Odiel and Tinto Estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dolores Infante-Izquierdo
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Fuerzas Armadas Ave., Campus El Carmen, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Alejandro Polo-Ávila
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Fuerzas Armadas Ave., Campus El Carmen, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Israel Sanjosé
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Fuerzas Armadas Ave., Campus El Carmen, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Jesús M Castillo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap. 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - F Javier J Nieva
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Fuerzas Armadas Ave., Campus El Carmen, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Brenda J Grewell
- USDA-ARS Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Department of Plant Sciences MS-4, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Adolfo F Muñoz-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Fuerzas Armadas Ave., Campus El Carmen, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
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5
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Gallego-Tévar B, Peinado-Torrubia P, Álvarez R, Gandullo J, Grewell BJ, Figueroa E, Castillo JM. Changes to the functional traits of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase following hybridization in C-4 halophytes. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2020; 169:83-98. [PMID: 31782807 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hybridization is a relevant evolutionary mechanism linked to the invasiveness of plant species, but little is known about its effect on enzymatic activities in response to stress. We analyzed the effects of salinity on key mechanistic traits of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) enzyme for two hybrid taxa derived from native Spartina maritima (Curtis) Fernald and invasive Spartina densiflora Brongn. in comparison with their parental species. Parental species showed contrasted strategies at the PEPC level to cope with salinity. Spartina maritima showed its physiological optimum at 10 to 40 ppt salinity, with high PEPC activity (per unit leaf soluble protein), in contrast to the lower salinity optimum of 0.5 and 10 ppt for S. densiflora, where highest levels of PEPC apparent specific activity coincided with high light-induced activation of PEPC. Both hybrids showed constant PEPC apparent specific activity from fresh water to hypersalinity and exhibited higher net photosynthesis rates in fresh water than their parents. Spartina maritima × densiflora presented three transgressive PEPC-related traits, being the only taxon able to increase its PEPC activation in darkness at high salinity. Spartina densiflora × maritima showed most PEPC-related traits intermediate between its parents. Inheritance types operating differently in reciprocal hybrids determine key functional traits conditioning their ecological performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Gallego-Tévar
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap 1095, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Rosario Álvarez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap 1095, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jacinto Gandullo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap 1095, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Brenda J Grewell
- USDA-ARS, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Department of Plant Sciences MS-4, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Enrique Figueroa
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap 1095, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jesús M Castillo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap 1095, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
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6
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Gallego-Tévar B, Grewell BJ, Drenovsky RE, Castillo JM. Transgressivity in Key Functional Traits Rather Than Phenotypic Plasticity Promotes Stress Tolerance in A Hybrid Cordgrass. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E594. [PMID: 31842356 PMCID: PMC6963473 DOI: 10.3390/plants8120594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hybridization might promote offspring fitness via a greater tolerance to environmental stressors due to heterosis and higher levels of phenotypic plasticity. Thus, analyzing the phenotypic expression of hybrids provides an opportunity to elucidate further plant responses to environmental stress. In the case of coastal salt marshes, sea level rise subjects hybrids, and their parents, to longer tidal submergence and higher salinity. We analyzed the phenotypic expression patterns in the hybrid Spartina densiflora x foliosa relative to its parental species, native S. foliosa, and invasive S. densiflora, from the San Francisco Estuary when exposed to contrasting salinities and inundations in a mesocosm experiment. 37% of the recorded traits displayed no variability among parents and hybrids, 3% showed an additive inheritance, 37% showed mid-parent heterosis, 18% showed best-parent heterosis, and 5% presented worst-parent heterosis. Transgressivity, rather than phenotypic plasticity, in key functional traits of the hybrid, such as tiller height, conveyed greater stress tolerance to the hybrid when compared to the tolerance of its parents. As parental trait variability increased, phenotypic transgressivity of the hybrid increased and it was more important in response to inundation than salinity. Increases in salinity and inundation associated with sea level rise will amplify the superiority of the hybrid over its parental species. These results provide evidence of transgressive traits as an underlying source of adaptive variation that can facilitate plant invasions. The adaptive evolutionary process of hybridization is thought to support an increased invasiveness of plant species and their rapid evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Gallego-Tévar
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Apartado 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Brenda J. Grewell
- USDA-ARS Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Department. of Plant Sciences, University of California, Mail Stop 4, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Rebecca E. Drenovsky
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH 44118, USA;
| | - Jesús M. Castillo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Apartado 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain;
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7
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Infante-Izquierdo MD, Castillo JM, Grewell BJ, Nieva FJJ, Muñoz-Rodríguez AF. Differential Effects of Increasing Salinity on Germination and Seedling Growth of Native and Exotic Invasive Cordgrasses. PLANTS 2019; 8:plants8100372. [PMID: 31557954 PMCID: PMC6843254 DOI: 10.3390/plants8100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Soil salinity is a key environmental factor influencing germination and seedling establishment in salt marshes. Global warming and sea level rise are changing estuarine salinity, and may modify the colonization ability of halophytes. We evaluated the effects of increasing salinity on germination and seedling growth of native Spartina maritima and invasive S. densiflora from wetlands of the Odiel-Tinto Estuary. Responses were assessed following salinity exposure from fresh water to hypersaline conditions and germination recovery of non-germinated seeds when transferred to fresh water. The germination of both species was inhibited and delayed at high salinities, while pre-exposure to salinity accelerated the speed of germination in recovery assays compared to non-pre-exposed seeds. S. densiflora was more tolerant of salinity at germination than S. maritima. S. densiflora was able to germinate at hypersalinity and its germination percentage decreased at higher salinities compared to S. maritima. In contrast, S. maritima showed higher salinity tolerance in relation to seedling growth. Contrasting results were observed with differences in the tidal elevation of populations. Our results suggest S. maritima is a specialist species with respect to salinity, while S. densiflora is a generalist capable of germination of growth under suboptimal conditions. Invasive S. densiflora has greater capacity than native S. maritima to establish from seed with continued climate change and sea level rise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesús M Castillo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología. Universidad de Sevilla, Ap. 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Brenda J Grewell
- USDA-ARS Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Department of Plant Sciences MS-4, 1 Shields Ave., University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - F Javier J Nieva
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas. Fuerzas Armadas Ave., Campus El Carmen, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Adolfo F Muñoz-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas. Fuerzas Armadas Ave., Campus El Carmen, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain.
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8
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Bortolus A, Adam P, Adams JB, Ainouche ML, Ayres D, Bertness MD, Bouma TJ, Bruno JF, Caçador I, Carlton JT, Castillo JM, Costa CSB, Davy AJ, Deegan L, Duarte B, Figueroa E, Gerwein J, Gray AJ, Grosholz ED, Hacker SD, Hughes AR, Mateos-Naranjo E, Mendelssohn IA, Morris JT, Muñoz-Rodríguez AF, Nieva FJJ, Levin LA, Li B, Liu W, Pennings SC, Pickart A, Redondo-Gómez S, Richardson DM, Salmon A, Schwindt E, Silliman BR, Sotka EE, Stace C, Sytsma M, Temmerman S, Turner RE, Valiela I, Weinstein MP, Weis JS. Supporting Spartina: Interdisciplinary perspective shows Spartina as a distinct solid genus. Ecology 2019; 100:e02863. [PMID: 31398280 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In 2014, a DNA-based phylogenetic study confirming the paraphyly of the grass subtribe Sporobolinae proposed the creation of a large monophyletic genus Sporobolus, including (among others) species previously included in the genera Spartina, Calamovilfa, and Sporobolus. Spartina species have contributed substantially (and continue contributing) to our knowledge in multiple disciplines, including ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, biogeography, experimental ecology, biological invasions, environmental management, restoration ecology, history, economics, and sociology. There is no rationale so compelling to subsume the name Spartina as a subgenus that could rival the striking, global iconic history and use of the name Spartina for over 200 yr. We do not agree with the subjective arguments underlying the proposal to change Spartina to Sporobolus. We understand the importance of both the objective phylogenetic insights and of the subjective formalized nomenclature and hope that by opening this debate we will encourage positive feedback that will strengthen taxonomic decisions with an interdisciplinary perspective. We consider that the strongly distinct, monophyletic clade Spartina should simply and efficiently be treated as the genus Spartina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Bortolus
- Grupo de Ecología en Ambientes Costeros (GEAC), Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC), CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn (U9120ACD), Chubut, Argentina
| | - Paul Adam
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Janine B Adams
- Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Malika L Ainouche
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecosystems, Biodiversity Evolution (ECOBIO), University of Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35 042, Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Debra Ayres
- Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Mark D Bertness
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, 02901, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Tjeerd J Bouma
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 140, 4400 AC, Yerseke, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - John F Bruno
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-3280, USA
| | - Isabel Caçador
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - James T Carlton
- Maritime Studies Program, Williams College, Mystic Seaport, Mystic, Connecticut, 96355, USA
| | - Jesus M Castillo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Cesar S B Costa
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Anthony J Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Deegan
- Woods Hole Research Center, 129 Woods Hole Road, Falmouth, Massachusetts, 02543, USA
| | - Bernardo Duarte
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Enrique Figueroa
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Joel Gerwein
- California State Coastal Conservancy, Oakland, California, 94612-1401, USA
| | - Alan J Gray
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin D Grosholz
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Sally D Hacker
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA
| | - A Randall Hughes
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Nahant, Massachusetts, 01908, USA
| | - Enrique Mateos-Naranjo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Irving A Mendelssohn
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA
| | - James T Morris
- Belle Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | | | - Francisco J J Nieva
- Integrative Oceanography Division and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Lisa A Levin
- Integrative Oceanography Division and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Bo Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Coastal Ecosystems Research Station of the Yangtze River Estuary, Institute of Biodiversity Science and Institute of Eco-Chongming, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Steven C Pennings
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, USA
| | - Andrea Pickart
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 6800 Lanphere Road, Arcata, California, 95521, USA
| | - Susana Redondo-Gómez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
| | - David M Richardson
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Armel Salmon
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecosystems, Biodiversity Evolution (ECOBIO), University of Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35 042, Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Evangelina Schwindt
- Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos (IBIOMAR-CONICET), U9120 ACD, Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Brian R Silliman
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA
| | - Erik E Sotka
- Grice Marine Laboratory and the Department of Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
| | - Clive Stace
- Apletree House, Larters Lane, Middlewood Green, Sufolk, IP14 5HB, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Sytsma
- Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, 97207, USA
| | - Stijn Temmerman
- Ecosystem Management Research Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, BE-2610, Belgium
| | - R Eugene Turner
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA
| | - Ivan Valiela
- The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, 02543, USA
| | | | - Judith S Weis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, 07102, USA
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9
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Gallego-Tévar B, Infante-Izquierdo MD, Figueroa E, Nieva FJJ, Muñoz-Rodríguez AF, Grewell BJ, Castillo JM. Some Like It Hot: Maternal-Switching With Climate Change Modifies Formation of Invasive Spartina Hybrids. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:484. [PMID: 31057586 PMCID: PMC6477182 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Climate change can induce temporary, spatial or behavioral changes in species, so that only some species can adapt to the new climatic conditions. In the case of invasive species, it is expected that they will be promoted in a context of global change, given their high tolerance to environmental factors and phenotypic plasticity. Once in the invaded range, these species can hybridize with native species thus introducing their genotype in the native biota. However, the effects that climate change will have on this process of invasion by hybridization remain unclear. We evaluated the historical establishment of the reciprocal hybrids between the native Spartina maritima and the invasive S. densiflora in the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Iberian Peninsula) and we related it to climatic changes during the period 1955-2017. Our results showed that, according to their dating based on their rate of lateral expansion rates, the establishment of S. maritima × densiflora and S. densiflora × maritima in the Gulf of Cadiz has occurred in the last two centuries and has been related to changes in air temperature and rainfall during the flowering periods of their parental species, with antagonist impacts on both hybrids. Thus, the hybrid S. densiflora × maritima has been established in years with mild ends of spring and beginning of summer when the flowering of S. maritima lengthened and its pollen production was higher, and it coincided with the beginning of the flowering period of S. densiflora. Moreover, the establishment of this hybrid was related to higher spring/summer rainfalls, probably due to the reduction in salinity in middle marshes. However, the hybrid S. maritima × densiflora, was established mainly in warmer spring/summers in which the proportion of pollen:ovule of S. maritima was reduced favoring its pollination by S. densiflora. As a consequence of the promotion of S. maritima × densiflora with climate change, the native and endangered species S. maritima would be threatened, as both taxa share the same habitat and the hybrid shows a remarkably higher competitive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Gallego-Tévar
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Enrique Figueroa
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Brenda J. Grewell
- USDA-ARS Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jesús M. Castillo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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Gallego-Tévar B, Rubio-Casal AE, de Cires A, Figueroa E, Grewell BJ, Castillo JM. Phenotypic plasticity of polyploid plant species promotes transgressive behaviour in their hybrids. AOB PLANTS 2018; 10:ply055. [PMID: 30377487 PMCID: PMC6201833 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/ply055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Hybridization is a frequent process that leads to relevant evolutionary consequences, but there is a lack of studies regarding the relationships of the variability of the response of parental plant species to environmental gradients and the responses of their hybrids at a phenotypic level. We designed an experiment in which we exposed two reciprocal cordgrass hybrids, Spartina maritima × densiflora and S. densiflora × maritima, and their parental species to four salinity concentrations for 30 days. The main objectives were to compare the performance of the hybrids with that of their parents, to distinguish the phenotypic inheritance operating in the hybrids and to analyse the relationships between the variability in the responses of the parents and the responses of their hybrids to salinity. We characterized the responses and the degree of variability for 37 foliar traits. Both hybrids presented greater salinity tolerance than their parents, showing their highest percentage of transgressive traits at both extremes of the salinity gradient. When the parental plants themselves showed a more plastic response for a given trait, there was a greater chance that their hybrid developed a transgressive behaviour for this trait. This finding supports a new focus to be applied for the artificial development of vigorous hybrid crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Gallego-Tévar
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap, Sevilla, Spain
- Corresponding author’s e-mail address:
| | - Alfredo E Rubio-Casal
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alfonso de Cires
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Enrique Figueroa
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Brenda J Grewell
- USDA-ARS Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Unit, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jesús M Castillo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap, Sevilla, Spain
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Gallego-Tévar B, Curado G, Grewell BJ, Figueroa ME, Castillo JM. Realized niche and spatial pattern of native and exotic halophyte hybrids. Oecologia 2018; 188:849-862. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4251-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lee AK, Ayres DR, Pakenham-Walsh MR, Strong DR. Responses to salinity of Spartina hybrids formed in San Francisco Bay, California (S. alterniflora × foliosa and S. densiflora × foliosa ). Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-015-1011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Phenotypic plasticity and population differentiation in response to salinity in the invasive cordgrass Spartina densiflora. Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-015-1041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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15
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Baumel A, Rousseau-Gueutin M, Sapienza-Bianchi C, Gareil A, Duong N, Rousseau H, Coriton O, Amirouche R, Sciandrello S, Duarte B, Caçador I, Castillo JM, Ainouche M. Spartina versicolor Fabre: Another case of Spartina trans-Atlantic introduction? Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-016-1128-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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17
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Glotzbecker GJ, Walters DM, Blum MJ. Rapid movement and instability of an invasive hybrid swarm. Evol Appl 2016; 9:741-55. [PMID: 27330551 PMCID: PMC4908461 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unstable hybrid swarms that arise following the introduction of non‐native species can overwhelm native congeners, yet the stability of invasive hybrid swarms has not been well documented over time. Here, we examine genetic variation and clinal stability across a recently formed hybrid swarm involving native blacktail shiner (Cyprinella venusta) and non‐native red shiner (C. lutrensis) in the Upper Coosa River basin, which is widely considered to be a global hot spot of aquatic biodiversity. Examination of phenotypic, multilocus genotypic, and mitochondrial haplotype variability between 2005 and 2011 revealed that the proportion of hybrids has increased over time, with more than a third of all sampled individuals exhibiting admixture in the final year of sampling. Comparisons of clines over time indicated that the hybrid swarm has been rapidly progressing upstream, but at a declining and slower pace than rates estimated from historical collection records. Clinal comparisons also showed that the hybrid swarm has been expanding and contracting over time. Additionally, we documented the presence of red shiner and hybrids farther downstream than prior studies have detected, which suggests that congeners in the Coosa River basin, including all remaining populations of the threatened blue shiner (Cyprinella caerulea), are at greater risk than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David M Walters
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins CO USA
| | - Michael J Blum
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLAUSA; Tulane - Xavier Center for Bioenvironmental ResearchTulane UniversityNew OrleansLAUSA
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18
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Bernik BM, Li H, Blum MJ. Genetic variation of Spartina alterniflora intentionally introduced to China. Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-016-1096-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Rousseau-Gueutin M, Bellot S, Martin GE, Boutte J, Chelaifa H, Lima O, Michon-Coudouel S, Naquin D, Salmon A, Ainouche K, Ainouche M. The chloroplast genome of the hexaploid Spartina maritima (Poaceae, Chloridoideae): Comparative analyses and molecular dating. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2015; 93:5-16. [PMID: 26182838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The history of many plant lineages is complicated by reticulate evolution with cases of hybridization often followed by genome duplication (allopolyploidy). In such a context, the inference of phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic scenarios based on molecular data is easier using haploid markers like chloroplast genome sequences. Hybridization and polyploidization occurred recurrently in the genus Spartina (Poaceae, Chloridoideae), as illustrated by the recent formation of the invasive allododecaploid S. anglica during the 19th century in Europe. Until now, only a few plastid markers were available to explore the history of this genus and their low variability limited the resolution of species relationships. We sequenced the complete chloroplast genome (plastome) of S. maritima, the native European parent of S. anglica, and compared it to the plastomes of other Poaceae. Our analysis revealed the presence of fast-evolving regions of potential taxonomic, phylogeographic and phylogenetic utility at various levels within the Poaceae family. Using secondary calibrations, we show that the tetraploid and hexaploid lineages of Spartina diverged 6-10 my ago, and that the two parents of the invasive allopolyploid S. anglica separated 2-4 my ago via long distance dispersal of the ancestor of S. maritima over the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, we discuss the meaning of divergence times between chloroplast genomes in the context of reticulate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rousseau-Gueutin
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio, OSUR (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1/Université Européenne de Bretagne, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - S Bellot
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio, OSUR (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1/Université Européenne de Bretagne, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - G E Martin
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio, OSUR (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1/Université Européenne de Bretagne, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - J Boutte
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio, OSUR (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1/Université Européenne de Bretagne, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - H Chelaifa
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio, OSUR (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1/Université Européenne de Bretagne, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - O Lima
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio, OSUR (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1/Université Européenne de Bretagne, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - S Michon-Coudouel
- Plate-forme Génomique Environnementale et Fonctionnelle, OSUR-CNRS, Université de Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - D Naquin
- Plate-Forme de Bioinformatique, Genouest INRIA/IRISA, Université de Rennes-1, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - A Salmon
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio, OSUR (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1/Université Européenne de Bretagne, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - K Ainouche
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio, OSUR (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1/Université Européenne de Bretagne, 35042 Rennes, France
| | - M Ainouche
- UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio, OSUR (Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1/Université Européenne de Bretagne, 35042 Rennes, France.
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Ferreira de Carvalho J, Chelaifa H, Boutte J, Poulain J, Couloux A, Wincker P, Bellec A, Fourment J, Bergès H, Salmon A, Ainouche M. Exploring the genome of the salt-marsh Spartina maritima (Poaceae, Chloridoideae) through BAC end sequence analysis. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 83:591-606. [PMID: 23877482 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-013-0111-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Spartina species play an important ecological role on salt marshes. Spartina maritima is an Old-World species distributed along the European and North-African Atlantic coasts. This hexaploid species (2n = 6x = 60, 2C = 3,700 Mb) hybridized with different Spartina species introduced from the American coasts, which resulted in the formation of new invasive hybrids and allopolyploids. Thus, S. maritima raises evolutionary and ecological interests. However, genomic information is dramatically lacking in this genus. In an effort to develop genomic resources, we analysed 40,641 high-quality bacterial artificial chromosome-end sequences (BESs), representing 26.7 Mb of the S. maritima genome. BESs were searched for sequence homology against known databases. A fraction of 16.91% of the BESs represents known repeats including a majority of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons (13.67%). Non-LTR retrotransposons represent 0.75%, DNA transposons 0.99%, whereas small RNA, simple repeats and low-complexity sequences account for 1.38% of the analysed BESs. In addition, 4,285 simple sequence repeats were detected. Using the coding sequence database of Sorghum bicolor, 6,809 BESs found homology accounting for 17.1% of all BESs. Comparative genomics with related genera reveals that the microsynteny is better conserved with S. bicolor compared to other sequenced Poaceae, where 37.6% of the paired matching BESs are correctly orientated on the chromosomes. We did not observe large macrosyntenic rearrangements using the mapping strategy employed. However, some regions appeared to have experienced rearrangements when comparing Spartina to Sorghum and to Oryza. This work represents the first overview of S. maritima genome regarding the respective coding and repetitive components. The syntenic relationships with other grass genomes examined here help clarifying evolution in Poaceae, S. maritima being a part of the poorly-known Chloridoideae sub-family.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ferreira de Carvalho
- UMR CNRS 6553 ECOBIO, OSUR, University of Rennes 1, Bât 14A Campus Scientifique de Beaulieu, 35042, Rennes Cedex, France
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Strong DR, Ayres DR. Ecological and Evolutionary Misadventures of Spartina. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2013. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110512-135803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spartina species of the mid-low intertidal areas are powerful ecological engineers that are highly valued where they are native. Elsewhere, they overgrow native salt marsh and open intertidal mudflats, diminish biota, increase costs of managing wildlife, and interfere with human uses of estuaries. Huge efforts have been mounted to kill some populations of invading Spartina. All large Spartina invasions are by S. densiflora (2n = 7x = 70) or S. alterniflora (2n = 6x = 62) or hybrids between the hexaploid species (2n = 6x). Hybridization is a recurrent theme in Spartina; the allododecaploid S. anglica (2n = 12x = 120) and the hybrid swarm in San Francisco Bay arose through the introductions of S. alterniflora into the range of native Spartina species. The ancient hybrid S. densiflora also hybridized with native Spartina species. Hybridization promotes the evolution of highly invasive populations and hampers control efforts. Whether Spartina, native and not, would protect the shore as sea levels rise depends upon unimpeded areas for upward marsh growth and sufficient sediment, conditions that are often not satisfied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald R. Strong
- Section of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California 95616;,
| | - Debra R. Ayres
- Section of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California 95616;,
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Curado G, Rubio-Casal AE, Figueroa E, Grewell BJ, Castillo JM. Native plant restoration combats environmental change: development of carbon and nitrogen sequestration capacity using small cordgrass in European salt marshes. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2013; 185:8439-8449. [PMID: 23591677 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3185-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Restoration of salt marshes is critical in the context of climate change and eutrophication of coastal waters because their vegetation and sediments may act as carbon and nitrogen sinks. Our primary objectives were to quantify carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks and sequestration rates in restored marshes dominated by Spartina maritima to provide support for restoration and management strategies that may offset negative aspects of eutrophication and climate change in estuarine ecosystems. Sediment C content was between ca. 13 mg C g(-1)and sediment N content was ca. 1.8 mg N g(-1). The highest C content for S. maritima was recorded in leaves and stems (ca. 420 mg C g(-1)) and the lowest in roots (361 ± 4 mg C g(-1)). S. maritima also concentrated more N in its leaves (31 ± 1 mg N g(-1)) than in other organs. C stock in the restored marshes was 29.6 t C ha(-1); ca. 16 % was stored in S. maritima tissues. N stock was 3.6 t N ha(-1), with 8.3 % stored in S. maritima. Our results showed that the S. maritima restored marshes, 2.5 years after planting, were sequestering atmospheric C and, therefore, provide some mitigation for global warming. Stands are also capturing nitrogen and reducing eutrophication. The concentrations of C and N contents in sediments, and cordgrass relative cover of 62 %, and low below-ground biomass (BGB) suggest restored marshes can sequester more C and N. S. maritima plantations in low marshes replace bare sediments and invasive populations of exotic Spartina densiflora and increase the C and N sequestration capacity of the marsh by increasing biomass production and accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Curado
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Ap. 1095, 41080, Sevilla, Spain
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te Beest M, Le Roux JJ, Richardson DM, Brysting AK, Suda J, Kubesová M, Pysek P. The more the better? The role of polyploidy in facilitating plant invasions. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2012; 109:19-45. [PMID: 22040744 PMCID: PMC3241594 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcr277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 426] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological invasions are a major ecological and socio-economic problem in many parts of the world. Despite an explosion of research in recent decades, much remains to be understood about why some species become invasive whereas others do not. Recently, polyploidy (whole genome duplication) has been proposed as an important determinant of invasiveness in plants. Genome duplication has played a major role in plant evolution and can drastically alter a plant's genetic make-up, morphology, physiology and ecology within only one or a few generations. This may allow some polyploids to succeed in strongly fluctuating environments and/or effectively colonize new habitats and, thus, increase their potential to be invasive. SCOPE We synthesize current knowledge on the importance of polyploidy for the invasion (i.e. spread) of introduced plants. We first aim to elucidate general mechanisms that are involved in the success of polyploid plants and translate this to that of plant invaders. Secondly, we provide an overview of ploidal levels in selected invasive alien plants and explain how ploidy might have contributed to their success. CONCLUSIONS Polyploidy can be an important factor in species invasion success through a combination of (1) 'pre-adaptation', whereby polyploid lineages are predisposed to conditions in the new range and, therefore, have higher survival rates and fitness in the earliest establishment phase; and (2) the possibility for subsequent adaptation due to a larger genetic diversity that may assist the 'evolution of invasiveness'. Alternatively, polyploidization may play an important role by (3) restoring sexual reproduction following hybridization or, conversely, (4) asexual reproduction in the absence of suitable mates. We, therefore, encourage invasion biologists to incorporate assessments of ploidy in their studies of invasive alien species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska te Beest
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
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