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Pramanik D, Becker A, Roessner C, Rupp O, Bogarín D, Pérez-Escobar OA, Dirks-Mulder A, Droppert K, Kocyan A, Smets E, Gravendeel B. Evolution and development of fruits of Erycina pusilla and other orchid species. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286846. [PMID: 37815982 PMCID: PMC10564159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruits play a crucial role in seed dispersal. They open along dehiscence zones. Fruit dehiscence zone formation has been intensively studied in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, little is known about the mechanisms and genes involved in the formation of fruit dehiscence zones in species outside the Brassicaceae. The dehiscence zone of A. thaliana contains a lignified layer, while dehiscence zone tissues of the emerging orchid model Erycina pusilla include a lipid layer. Here we present an analysis of evolution and development of fruit dehiscence zones in orchids. We performed ancestral state reconstructions across the five orchid subfamilies to study the evolution of selected fruit traits and explored dehiscence zone developmental genes using RNA-seq and qPCR. We found that erect dehiscent fruits with non-lignified dehiscence zones and a short ripening period are ancestral characters in orchids. Lignified dehiscence zones in orchid fruits evolved multiple times from non-lignified zones. Furthermore, we carried out gene expression analysis of tissues from different developmental stages of E. pusilla fruits. We found that fruit dehiscence genes from the MADS-box gene family and other important regulators in E. pusilla differed in their expression pattern from their homologs in A. thaliana. This suggests that the current A. thaliana fruit dehiscence model requires adjustment for orchids. Additionally, we discovered that homologs of A. thaliana genes involved in the development of carpel, gynoecium and ovules, and genes involved in lipid biosynthesis were expressed in the fruit valves of E. pusilla, implying that these genes may play a novel role in formation of dehiscence zone tissues in orchids. Future functional analysis of developmental regulators, lipid identification and quantification can shed more light on lipid-layer based dehiscence of orchid fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewi Pramanik
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia (BRIN), Central Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Annette Becker
- Development Biology of Plants, Institute for Botany, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Clemens Roessner
- Development Biology of Plants, Institute for Botany, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Rupp
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Diego Bogarín
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Jardín Botánico Lankester, Universidad de Costa Rica, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | | | - Anita Dirks-Mulder
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Droppert
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kocyan
- Botanical Museum, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erik Smets
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Barbara Gravendeel
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Lee YI, Yeung EC. The orchid seed coat: a developmental and functional perspective. BOTANICAL STUDIES 2023; 64:27. [PMID: 37755558 PMCID: PMC10533777 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-023-00400-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Orchid seeds are 'dust-like.' The seed coat is usually thin, with only one to a few cell layers. It originates from the integuments formed during ovule development. In orchids, the outer integument is primarily responsible for forming a mature seed coat. The inner integument usually fails to develop after fertilization, becomes compressed, and collapses over the expanding embryo. Hence, the seed coat is formed from the funiculus, chalaza, and outer integumentary cells. The outermost layer of the seed coat, the testa, is lignified, usually at the radial and inner tangential walls. The subepidermal thin-walled layer(s), the tegmen, subsequently cold, resulting in seeds having only a single layer of seed coat cells. In some species, cells of the inner integument remain alive with the ability to synthesize and accumulate lipidic and or phenolic compounds in their walls covering the embryo. This cover is called the 'carapace,' a protective shield contributing to the embryo's added protection. A developmental and functional perspective of the integuments and seed coat during seed development and germination is presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-I Lee
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
- Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Edward C Yeung
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Nagy A, Ősz A, Tóth M, Rácz IA, Kovács S, Szanyi S. Nontarget catches of traps with chemical lures may refer to the flower-visitation, probable pollination, and feeding of bush crickets (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10249. [PMID: 37415641 PMCID: PMC10319520 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The diurnal bees, lepidopterans, and other pollinators are among the most studied flower-visiting insect taxa. They mostly play distinct functions in temperate grasslands and ecotones of grassland-forest mosaics (such as in forest steppes). Although orthopterans are widely distributed in these habitats, however, their flower visitation is nearly unknown, especially in the temperate zone. During the development of traps with chemical lures to catch Lepidoptera pests, large numbers of Orthoptera were caught that provide a chance for studying the flower visitation and odor and indirectly the host plant preference of seven temperate zone Tettigoniidae species. Data on the attractivity of isoamyl alcohol-based semisynthetic lures for Meconema thalassinum and efficiency of phenylacetaldehyde-based lures on Leptophyes albovittata and Phaneroptera falcata were reported for the first time. Additionally, analysis of nature photos collected from internet sources, as part of a passive citizen science also supports the revealed preference of these species. Based on photos, the studied orthopterans mainly visit Asteraceae species including the most preferred Tanacetum vulgare, Pulicaria dysenterica, Achillea millefolium, Solidago canadensis, and Centaurea scabiosa. Based on catches of volatile traps, the first data were recorded on the attractivity of phenylacetaldehyde- and isoamyl alcohol-based lures on three temperate zone Orthoptera species. Results of a passive citizen science study strengthen these results that may increase the knowledge on the host plant and habitat preference of Orthoptera species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antal Nagy
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Plant ProtectionUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Aletta Ősz
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Plant ProtectionUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Miklós Tóth
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural ResearchELKHBudapestHungary
| | - István András Rácz
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human BiologyUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Szilvia Kovács
- Department of Applied Plant Biology, Institute of Crop Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental ManagementUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Szabolcs Szanyi
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Plant ProtectionUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
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Suetsugu K, Okada H, Hirota SK, Suyama Y. Evolutionary history of mycorrhizal associations between Japanese Oxygyne (Thismiaceae) species and Glomeraceae fungi. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 235:836-841. [PMID: 35445414 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Suetsugu
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hidehito Okada
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shun K Hirota
- Field Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi, 989-6711, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Suyama
- Field Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi, 989-6711, Japan
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Pansarin ER. Unravelling the enigma of seed dispersal in Vanilla. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2021; 23:974-980. [PMID: 34490689 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vanilla bean is the second most expensive spice in the world. While widely cultivated for centuries due to its importance for industry and gastronomy, its dispersers are unknown. In the present study, I investigated the system of seed dispersal of Neotropical vanillas based on experimental observations, the morpho-anatomy of fruits and seeds, and the effect of dormancy breakdown on seed germination. My results show the central cavity of the fruit contains copious amounts of seed with sclerified coats that are consumed by birds. The combination of gradually opening dehiscent fruits and a well-developed mesocarp rich in raphide idioblasts reinforces the idea that seed dispersal in Vanilla is more adapted to non-chewing animals. The digestive acids of birds sclerify the hard seed coats, breaking dormancy and promoting germination at the beginning of the wet season, which is fundamental for seedling survival and for the establishment of plants in the early stages of development during the rainy season. Zoochory in Vanilla is show for the first time. The chemical scarification of the seed coat is crucial for synchronizing the biological processes involved in seed germination. My evidence on endozoochory and the processes involved in seed germination of Neotropical vanillas provides new insights into understanding of the early evolution of seed dispersal in orchids.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Pansarin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
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Pufal G, Skarbek C. Environmental conditions and seed traits affect seed dispersal patterns in a slug–legume model system. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gesine Pufal
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, Univ. of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
- Freiburg Research Inst. of Advanced Studies, Univ. of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Carl Skarbek
- Biometry and Environmental Systems Analysis, Univ. of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
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Yamada M, Hojo MK, Imamura A. Odor of achlorophyllous plants' seeds drives seed-dispersing ants. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:9308-9317. [PMID: 34306623 PMCID: PMC8293788 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Seed dispersal by ants is an important means of migration for plants. Many myrmecochorous plants have specialized appendages in their seeds called elaiosome, which provides nutritional rewards for ants, and enable effective seed dispersal. However, some nonmyrmecochorous seeds without elaiosomes are also dispersed by ant species, suggesting the additional mechanisms other than elaiosomes for seed dispersal by ants. The seeds of the achlorophyllous and myco-heterotrophic herbaceous plant Monotropastrum humile are very small without elaiosomes; we investigated whether odor of the seeds could mediate seed dispersal by ants. We performed a bioassay using seeds of M. humile and the ant Nylanderia flavipes to demonstrate ant-mediated seed dispersal. We also analyzed the volatile odors emitted from M. humile seeds and conducted bioassays using dummy seeds coated with seed volatiles. Although elaiosomes were absent from the M. humile seeds, the ants carried the seeds to their nests. They also carried the dummy seeds coated with the seed volatile mixture to the nest and left some dummy seeds inside the nest and discarded the rest of the dummy seeds outside the nest with a bias toward specific locations, which might be conducive to germination. We concluded that, in M. humile seeds, volatile odor mixtures were sufficient to induce seed-carrying behavior by the ants even without elaiosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masaru K. Hojo
- Department of BioscienceSchool of Science and TechnologyKwansei Gakuin UniversitySandaJapan
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Ren Y, Huang C, Zhang J, Ma Y, Tian X. Dispersal and germination of winged seeds of Brandisia hancei, a shrub in karst regions of China. PLANT DIVERSITY 2021; 43:234-238. [PMID: 34195508 PMCID: PMC8233529 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Brandisia hancei (Paulowniaceae) is a widely distributed shrub in karst regions in southwestern China. Its seeds have a membranous wing, and they mature just before the rainy season begins. To assess the effect of the wing on seed dispersal and germination of B. hancei, we measured the dispersal distance at varying wind speeds and release heights, falling duration from different release heights, floating duration on still water, rates of imbibition of water, and drying and soil adherence to seeds. Germination experiments were conducted on intact and de-winged seeds immediately after harvest. The wing increased the falling duration in still air and the floating ability on water. Dispersal distance of winged and de-winged seeds did not differ at a wind speed of 2.8 m s-1, but at 3.6 and 4.0 m s-1 dispersal distances were greater for de-winged than for winged seeds. Seed wing had little effect of absorption and retention of water, but significantly increased soil adherence to the seeds. Mature seeds were non-dormant and germinated to over 90% with a mean germination time of about 10 days. By combining the environmental conditions in karst habitat with the seed traits of B. hancei, we conclude that dispersal and germination of winged seeds are adapted to the precipitation seasonality in heterogeneous habitats absence of soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongquan Ren
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Chengling Huang
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yongpeng Ma
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming Institute of Botany, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xiaoling Tian
- The College of Humanities and Science of Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
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9
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Yeh CH, Chen KY, Lee YI. Asymbiotic germination of Vanilla planifolia in relation to the timing of seed collection and seed pretreatments. BOTANICAL STUDIES 2021; 62:6. [PMID: 33939032 PMCID: PMC8093353 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-021-00311-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vanilla planifolia is an important tropical orchid for production of natural vanilla flavor. Traditionally, V. planifolia is propagated by stem cuttings, which produces identical genotype that are sensitive to virulent pathogens. However, propagation with seed germination of V. planifolia is intricate and unstable because the seed coat is extremely hard with strong hydrophobic nature. A better understanding of seed development, especially the formation of impermeable seed coat would provide insights into seed propagation and conservation of genetic resources of Vanilla. RESULTS We found that soaking mature seeds in 4% sodium hypochlorite solution from 75 to 90 min significantly increased germination. For the culture of immature seeds, the seed collection at 45 days after pollination (DAP) had the highest germination percentage. We then investigated the anatomical features during seed development that associated with the effect of seed pretreatment on raising seed germination percentage. The 45-DAP immature seeds have developed globular embryos and the thickened non-lignified cell wall at the outermost layer of the outer seed coat. Seeds at 60 DAP and subsequent stages germinated poorly. As the seed approached maturity, the cell wall of the outermost layer of the outer seed coat became lignified and finally compressed into a thick envelope at maturity. On toluidine blue O staining, the wall of outer seed coat stained greenish blue, indicating the presence of phenolic compounds. As well, on Nile red staining, a cuticular substance was detected in the surface wall of the embryo proper and the innermost wall of the inner seed coat. CONCLUSION We report a reliable protocol for seed pretreatment of mature seeds and for immature seeds culture based on a defined time schedule of V. plantifolia seed development. The window for successful germination of culturing immature seed was short. The quick accumulation of lignin, phenolics and/or phytomelanins in the seed coat may seriously inhibit seed germination after 45 DAP. As seeds matured, the thickened and lignified seed coat formed an impermeable envelope surrounding the embryo, which may play an important role in inducing dormancy. Further studies covering different maturity of green capsules are required to understand the optimal seed maturity and germination of seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsin Yeh
- Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Taoyuan, 327, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Agronomy, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kai-Yi Chen
- Department of Agronomy, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yung-I Lee
- Biology Department, National Museum of Natural Science, 40453, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, 40227, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
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Zhang Y, Li YY, Wang M, Liu J, Luo F, Lee YI. Seed dispersal in Neuwiedia singapureana: novel evidence for avian endozoochory in the earliest diverging clade in Orchidaceae. BOTANICAL STUDIES 2021; 62:3. [PMID: 33433706 PMCID: PMC7803844 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-020-00308-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seed dispersal allows plants to colonize new habitats that has an significant influence on plant distribution and population dynamics. Orchids produce numerous tiny seeds without endosperm, which are considered to be mainly wind-dispersed. Here, we report avian seed dispersal for an early diverging orchid species, Neuwiedia singapureana, which produces fleshy fruits with hard seed coats in the understory of tropical forests. RESULTS Neuwiedia singapureana produced fleshy fruits that turned red in autumn, and birds were confirmed to be the primary seed dispersers. As compared to its sister species, N. veratrifolia with dehiscent capsular fruits, embryos of N. singapureana were larger and enclosed by thickened and lignified seed coats. After passing through the digestive tracts of birds, the seeds still stayed alive, and the walls of seed coat contained several cracks. The germination percentage increased significantly for digested seeds as compared with seeds from intact fruits. CONCLUSION The thickened and lignified seed coat may protect seeds as they passed through the digestive tracts of birds. Taken together with a recent report of insect-mediated seed dispersal system in the subfamily Apostasioideae, the animal-mediated seed dispersal may be an adaptive mechanism promoting the success of colonization in dark understory habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Beijing Floriculture Engineering Technology Research Centre, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China.
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- College of Plant Protection/Beijing Key Laboratory of Seed Disease Testing and Control, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- Beijing Floriculture Engineering Technology Research Centre, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Beijing Floriculture Engineering Technology Research Centre, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Fanqiang Luo
- Administration Bureau of Hainan Diaoluoshan National Nature Reserve, Diaoluoshan Forestry Bureau of Hainan Province, Lingshui County, 572433, Hainan, China
| | - Yung-I Lee
- Biology Department, National Museum of Natural Science, 40453, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, 40227, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Ogura-Tsujita Y, Yukawa T, Kinoshita A. Evolutionary histories and mycorrhizal associations of mycoheterotrophic plants dependent on saprotrophic fungi. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2021; 134:19-41. [PMID: 33417080 PMCID: PMC7817554 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-020-01244-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Mycoheterotrophic plants (MHPs) are leafless, achlorophyllous, and completely dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for their carbon supply. Mycorrhizal symbiosis is a mutualistic association with fungi that is undertaken by the majority of land plants, but mycoheterotrophy represents a breakdown of this mutualism in that plants parasitize fungi. Most MHPs are associated with fungi that are mycorrhizal with autotrophic plants, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) or ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. Although these MHPs gain carbon via the common mycorrhizal network that links the surrounding autotrophic plants, some mycoheterotrophic lineages are associated with saprotrophic (SAP) fungi, which are free-living and decompose leaf litter and wood materials. Such MHPs are dependent on the forest carbon cycle, which involves the decomposition of wood debris and leaf litter, and have a unique biology and evolutionary history. MHPs associated with SAP fungi (SAP-MHPs) have to date been found only in the Orchidaceae and likely evolved independently at least nine times within that family. Phylogenetically divergent SAP Basidiomycota, mostly Agaricales but also Hymenochaetales, Polyporales, and others, are involved in mycoheterotrophy. The fungal specificity of SAP-MHPs varies from a highly specific association with a single fungal species to a broad range of interactions with multiple fungal orders. Establishment of symbiotic culture systems is indispensable for understanding the mechanisms underlying plant-fungus interactions and the conservation of MHPs. Symbiotic culture systems have been established for many SAP-MHP species as a pure culture of free-living SAP fungi is easier than that of biotrophic AM or ECM fungi. Culturable SAP-MHPs are useful research materials and will contribute to the advancement of plant science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Ogura-Tsujita
- Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, 1 Honjo-machi, Saga, 840-8502, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-8580, Japan.
| | - Tomohisa Yukawa
- National Museum of Nature and Science, 4-1-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, 305-0005, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kinoshita
- Kyushu Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Kumamoto city, Chuo-ku, Kurokami, Kumamoto, 860-0862, Japan
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Suetsugu K. A novel seed dispersal mode of Apostasia nipponica could provide some clues to the early evolution of the seed dispersal system in Orchidaceae. Evol Lett 2020; 4:457-464. [PMID: 33014421 PMCID: PMC7523560 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being one of the most diverse families, scant attention has been paid to the seed dispersal system in Orchidaceae, owing to the widely accepted notion that wind dispersal is the dominant strategy. However, the indehiscent fruits, with seeds immersed in fleshy tissue, evoke the possibility of endozoochory in Apostasioideae, the earliest diverging lineage of orchids. In the present study, I investigated the seed dispersal system of Apostasia nipponica by direct observation, time-lapse photography, and investigation of the viability of seeds passing through the digestive tract of orthopterans. This study revealed a previously undocumented seed dispersal system in A. nipponica, in which the cricket, Eulandrevus ivani, and the camel cricket, Diestrammena yakumontana, consume the fruit and defecate viable seeds. Orthopterans are rarely considered seed dispersers, but the gross fruit morphology and pigmentation patterns of some Apostasia species parallel those seen in A. nipponica, suggesting that similar seed dispersal systems could be widespread among Apostasia species. Whether seed dispersal by orthopteran frugivores is common in Apostasioideae warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Suetsugu
- Department of BiologyGraduate School of ScienceKobe UniversityKobeHyogo657–8501Japan
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Suetsugu K. Social wasps, crickets and cockroaches contribute to pollination of the holoparasitic plant Mitrastemon yamamotoi (Mitrastemonaceae) in southern Japan. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2019; 21:176-182. [PMID: 30098096 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mitrastemon yamamotoi is completely embedded within the tissues of its hosts, except during the reproductive stage, when aboveground parts emerge from host tissues. Its highly modified appearance has attracted attention of many botanists, but very little is known about the reproductive system. Floral visitors to M. yamamotoi were observed in southern Japan. Pollination experiments were conducted to determine the plant's self-compatibility and pollen limitation, as well as the contribution of diurnal and nocturnal visitors to fruit set and outcrossing. Mitrastemon yamamotoi is mainly pollinated by social wasps, but previously unnoticed pollinators (i.e. crickets and cockroaches) are also important, based on visitation frequency and pollen loads. Results of the pollination experiments suggest that nocturnal visitors, such as crickets and cockroaches, contribute to geitonogamous pollination, whereas diurnal visitors, such as social wasps, facilitate outcrossing. The unexpected pollinator assemblage of M. yamamotoi might be influenced by multiple factors, including the highly modified flowers that are produced close to the ground in dark understorey environments, the species' winter-flowering habit and the location of the study site (i.e. near the northern limit of the species' range). Considering that M. yamamotoi occurs widely in subtropical and tropical forests in Asia, additional studies are needed to assess pollinator assemblages of M. yamamotoi at other locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Suetsugu
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
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Chen G, Wang ZW, Wen P, Wei W, Chen Y, Ai H, Sun WB. Hydrocarbons mediate seed dispersal: a new mechanism of vespicochory. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2018; 220:714-725. [PMID: 29677396 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Vespicochory, seed dispersal by hornets, is an uncommon seed dispersal pattern in angiosperms. To date, this phenomenon has been recorded in only four families. Because of its rarity, the causes and consequences of vespicochory remain unclear. Hence, this seed dispersal syndrome is often regarded as anecdotal. Through field investigations, chemical analyses, electrophysiological tests, identification of chemosensory proteins from the antennae of hornets, and behavioral assays, we investigated whether olfactory and/or visual cues of the diaspores of Stemona tuberosa mediate the behavior of the social hornets and maintain their mutualism. This study demonstrated that the elaiosome of S. tuberosa emits hydrocarbons, which are attractive to hornets. However, these compounds, which induce responses in the antennae of naive hornets, are ubiquitous substances on insect cuticle surfaces. Innate preference and experienced foraging behavior of hornets can increase their seed dispersal efficiency. This is the first example in which hydrocarbons have been identified as a diaspore odour involved in the attraction of hornets. Given that the ubiquity of hornets, and the communication function of hydrocarbons in insects, we predict that this rare seed dispersal mechanism may be an overlooked mechanism of insect-plant mutualism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrative Conservation for Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming, 650204, China
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, China
| | - Zheng-Wei Wang
- Chemical Ecology Group of Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming, 650204, China
| | - Ping Wen
- Chemical Ecology Group of Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming, 650204, China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ya Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Hui Ai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Wei-Bang Sun
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrative Conservation for Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming, 650204, China
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, China
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Suetsugu K, Ohta T, Tayasu I. Partial mycoheterotrophy in the leafless orchid Cymbidium macrorhizon. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2018; 105:1595-1600. [PMID: 30129024 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY The evolution of full mycoheterotrophy is one of the most interesting topics within plant evolution. The leafless orchid Cymbidium macrorhizon is often assumed to be fully mycoheterotrophic even though it has a green stem and fruit capsule. Here, we assessed the trophic status of this species by analyzing the chlorophyll content and the natural 13 C and 15 N abundance in the sprouting and the fruiting season. METHODS The chlorophyll content was measured in five sprouting and five fruiting individuals of C. macrorhizon that were co-occurring. In addition, their 13 C and 15 N isotopic signatures were compared with those of neighboring autotrophic and partially mycoheterotrophic reference plants. KEY RESULTS Fruiting individuals of C. macrorhizon were found to contain a remarkable amount of chlorophyll compared to their sprouting counterparts. In addition, the natural abundance of 13 C in the tissues of the fruiting plants was slightly depleted relative to the sprouting ones. Linear two-source mixing model analysis revealed that fruiting C. macrorhizon plants obtained approximately 73.7 ± 2.0% of their total carbon from their mycorrhizal fungi when the sprouting individuals were used as the 100% carbon gain standard. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that despite its leafless status, fruiting plants of C. macrorhizon were capable of fixing significant quantities of carbon. Considering the autotrophic carbon gain increases during the fruiting season, its photosynthetic ability may contribute to fruit and seed production. These results indicate that C. macrorhizon should, therefore, be considered a partially mycoheterotrophic species rather than fully mycoheterotrophic, at least during the fruiting stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Suetsugu
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tamihisa Ohta
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, 457-4 Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8047, Japan
- Environmental Biology and Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Gofuku 3190, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Ichiro Tayasu
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, 457-4 Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8047, Japan
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Suetsugu K. Seed dispersal in the mycoheterotrophic orchid Yoania japonica: Further evidence for endozoochory by camel crickets. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2018; 20:707-712. [PMID: 29656468 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Although orthopterans are rarely considered to be effective seed dispersal agents, the large flightless crickets known as 'weta' have been suggested to function as ecological replacements for small mammals in New Zealand, where such mammals are absent. In addition, a recent study reported that camel crickets mediate seed dispersal of several heterotrophic plants, including Yoania amagiensis in Japan. I investigated the seed dispersal mechanism of Yoania japonica because the fruit morphology is similar to Y. amagiensis. Specifically, I aimed to determine whether Y. japonica fruits are consumed by camel crickets and, if so, whether the seeds defecated by camel crickets remains intact, by checking seed viability with TTC staining, and whether germination rate is different between seeds collected directly from fruits and defecated seeds by comparing in situ seed germinability. The present study provides evidence that camel crickets function as seed dispersal agents of Y. japonica. Camel crickets were important consumers of Y. japonica fruits, and a substantial portion of the consumed seeds remained viable after passing through the digestive tract. In situ seed germination experiments revealed that the seeds defecated by camel crickets actually germinated in the field. In addition, the germination rate of defecated seeds was even higher than that of intact seeds, although the difference was not significant. Taken together with recent reports of insect-mediated endozoochory, such a seed dispersal system may be common in plants with fleshy indehiscent fruits and small seeds, even in locations where other seed dispersal agents are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Suetsugu
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
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17
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Cheek M, Tsukaya H, Rudall PJ, Suetsugu K. Taxonomic monograph of Oxygyne (Thismiaceae), rare achlorophyllous mycoheterotrophs with strongly disjunct distribution. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4828. [PMID: 29844979 PMCID: PMC5970556 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygyne Schltr. (Thismiaceae) is a rare and little-known genus of achlorophyllous mycoheterotrophic perennial herbs with one of the most remarkable distributions of all angiosperm plant genera globally, being disjunct between Japan and West-Central Africa. Each species is known only from a single location, and in most cases from a single specimen. This monographic study names, describes and maps two new species, Oxygyne duncanii Cheek from cloud forest in SW Region Cameroon and O. frankei Cheek from gallery forest in the Central African Republic, representing the first new Oxygyne species described from Africa in 112 years, and raising the number of described Oxygyne species from four to six. Oxygyne duncanii is remarkable for sharing more morphological characters with two of the three Japanese species (O. hyodoi C.Abe & Akasawa, O. shinzatoi (H. Ohashi) Tsukaya) than with the geographically much closer type species of the genus, O. triandra from Mt Cameroon. Based mainly on herbarium specimens and field observations made in Cameroon and Japan during a series of botanical surveys, we provide descriptions, synonymy, mapping and extinction risk assessments for each species of Oxygyne, together with keys to the genera of Thismiaceae and the species of Oxygyne. The subterranean structures of African Oxygyne are described for the first time, and found to be consistent with those of the Japanese species. We review and reject an earlier proposal that the Japanese species should be segregated from the African species as a separate genus, Saionia Hatus. The only character that separates the two disjunct species groups is now flower colour: blue or partly-blue in the Japanese species compared with orange-brown in the African species. Studies of the pollination biology and mycorrhizal partners of Oxygyne are still lacking. Two of the six species, O. triandra Schltr. and O. hyodoi, appear to be extinct, and the remaining four are assessed as Critically Endangered using the IUCN 2012 criteria. To avoid further extinction, an urgent requirement is for conservation management of the surviving species in the wild. Since few achlorophyllous mycoheterotrophs have been successfully cultivated from seed to maturity, ex situ conservation will not be viable for these species and protection in the wild is the only viable option. While natural habitat survives, further botanical surveys could yet reveal additional new species between Central Africa and Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Cheek
- Science, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK
| | - Hirokazu Tsukaya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paula J Rudall
- Science, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK
| | - Kenji Suetsugu
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
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Tan MK, Tan HTW. A gentle floriphilic katydid Phaneroptera brevis can help with the pollination of Bidens pilosa. Ecology 2018; 99:2125-2127. [PMID: 29705990 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kai Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Hugh T W Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
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