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D'Agui HM, van der Heyde ME, Nevill PG, Mousavi‐Derazmahalleh M, Dixon KW, Moreira‐Grez B, Valliere JM. Evaluating biological properties of topsoil for post‐mining ecological restoration: different assessment methods give different results. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haylee M. D'Agui
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley Western Australia Australia 6102
| | - Mieke E. van der Heyde
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley Western Australia Australia 6102
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley Western Australia 6102
| | - Paul G. Nevill
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley Western Australia Australia 6102
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley Western Australia 6102
| | - Mahsa Mousavi‐Derazmahalleh
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley Western Australia 6102
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley Western Australia Australia 6102
| | - Benjamin Moreira‐Grez
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway Crawley Western Australia Australia 6009
| | - Justin M. Valliere
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley Western Australia Australia 6102
- UWA School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway Crawley Western Australia Australia 6009
- California State University, Dominguez Hills, 1000 E Victoria Street Carson California USA 90747
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2
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Davis B, Lim WH, Lambers H, Dixon KW, Read DJ. Inorganic phosphorus nutrition in green-leaved terrestrial orchid seedlings. Ann Bot 2022; 129:669-678. [PMID: 35247265 PMCID: PMC9113155 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Many terrestrial orchids have an obligate dependence on their mycorrhizal associations for nutrient acquisition, particularly during germination and early seedling growth. Though important in plant growth and development, phosphorus (P) nutrition studies in mixotrophic orchids have been limited to only a few orchid species and their fungal symbionts. For the first time, we demonstrate the role of a range of fungi in the acquisition and transport of inorganic P to four phylogenetically distinct green-leaved terrestrial orchid species (Diuris magnifica, Disa bracteata, Pterostylis sanguinea and Microtis media subsp. media) that naturally grow in P-impoverished soils. METHODS Mycorrhizal P uptake and transfer to orchids was determined and visualized using agar microcosms with a diffusion barrier between P source (33P orthophosphate) and orchid seedlings, allowing extramatrical hyphae to reach the source. KEY RESULTS Extramatrical hyphae of the studied orchid species were effective in capturing and transporting inorganic P into the plant. Following 7 d of exposure, between 0.5 % (D. bracteata) and 47 % (D. magnifica) of the P supplied was transported to the plants (at rates between 0.001 and 0.097 fmol h-1). This experimental approach was capable of distinguishing species based on their P-foraging efficiency, and highlighted the role that fungi play in P nutrition during early seedling development. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that orchids occurring naturally on P-impoverished soils can obtain significant amounts of inorganic P from their mycorrhizal partners, and significantly more uptake of P supplied than previously shown in other green-leaved orchids. These results provide support for differences in mycorrhiza-mediated P acquisition between orchid species and fungal symbionts in green-leaved orchids at the seedling stage. The plant-fungus combinations of this study also provide evidence for plant-mediated niche differentiation occurring, with ecological implications in P-limited systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Davis
- Kings Park Science, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Wei-Han Lim
- Kings Park Science, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, Australia
- Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Western Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, Australia
- Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Western Australia
| | - David J Read
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Alfred Denny Building, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
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van der Heyde M, Bunce M, Dixon KW, Fernandes K, Majer J, Wardell-Johnson G, White NE, Nevill P. Evaluating restoration trajectories using DNA metabarcoding of ground-dwelling and airborne invertebrates and associated plant communities. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:2172-2188. [PMID: 35092102 PMCID: PMC9304231 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Invertebrates are important for restoration processes as they are key drivers of many landscape‐scale ecosystem functions; including pollination, nutrient cycling and soil formation. However, invertebrates are often overlooked in restoration monitoring because they are highly diverse, poorly described, and time‐consuming to survey, and require increasingly scarce taxonomic expertise to enable identification. DNA metabarcoding is a relatively new tool for rapid survey that is able to address some of these concerns, and provide information about the taxa with which invertebrates are interacting via food webs and habitat. Here, we evaluate how invertebrate communities may be used to determine ecosystem trajectories during restoration. We collected ground‐dwelling and airborne invertebrates across chronosequences of mine‐site restoration in three ecologically disparate locations in Western Australia and identified invertebrate and plant communities using DNA metabarcoding. Ground‐dwelling invertebrates showed the clearest restoration signals, with communities becoming more similar to reference communities over time. These patterns were weaker in airborne invertebrates, which have higher dispersal abilities and therefore less local fidelity to environmental conditions. Although we detected directional changes in community composition indicative of invertebrate recovery, patterns observed were inconsistent between study locations. The inclusion of plant assays allowed identification of plant species, as well as potential food sources and habitat. We demonstrate that DNA metabarcoding of invertebrate communities can be used to evaluate restoration trajectories. Testing and incorporating new monitoring techniques such as DNA metabarcoding is critical to improving restoration outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van der Heyde
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.,Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - M Bunce
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.,Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), Kenepuru, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand
| | - K W Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - K Fernandes
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - J Majer
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - G Wardell-Johnson
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - N E White
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - P Nevill
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.,Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, School of Life and Molecular Sciences, Curtin University, GPP Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pedrini
- Australian Research Council Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley 6102 Western Australia Australia
| | - Haylee M. D'Agui
- Australian Research Council Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley 6102 Western Australia Australia
| | - Tiana Arya
- Australian Research Council Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley 6102 Western Australia Australia
| | - Shane Turner
- Australian Research Council Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley 6102 Western Australia Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- Australian Research Council Centre for Mine Site Restoration School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley 6102 Western Australia Australia
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Zhong H, Lambers H, Wong WS, Dixon KW, Stevens JC, Cross AT. Initiating pedogenesis of magnetite tailings using Lupinus angustifolius (narrow-leaf lupin) as an ecological engineer to promote native plant establishment. Sci Total Environ 2021; 788:147622. [PMID: 34034171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Mine tailings pose physical and chemical challenges for plant establishment. Our aim was to learn from natural processes in long-term soil and ecosystem development to use tailings as novel parent materials and pioneer ecological-engineering plant species to ameliorate extreme conditions of tailings, and facilitate the establishment of subsequent native plants. A glasshouse trial was conducted using magnetite tailings containing various amendments, investigating the potential of the nitrogen (N)-fixing, non-native pioneer species Lupinus angustifolius (Fabaceae), narrow-leaf lupin, as a potential eco-engineer to promote soil formation processes, and whether amendment type or the presence of pioneer vegetation improved the subsequent establishment and growth of 40 species of native plants. We found that L. angustifolius eco-engineered the mine tailings, by enhancing the N status of tailings and mobilising primary mineral P into organic P via a carboxylate-exudation strategy, thereby enabling subsequent growth of native species. The substantial increases of the soil organic P (from ca. 10 to 150 mg kg-1) pool and organo-bound Al minerals (from 0 to 2 mg kg-1) were particularly evident, indicating the initiation of pedogenesis in mine tailings. Our findings suggest that the annual legume L. angustifolius has eco-engineering potential on mine tailings through N-fixation and P-mobilisation, promoting the subsequent growth of native plants. We proposed Daviesia (Fabaceae) species as native species alternatives for the non-native L. angustifolius in the Western Australian context. Our findings are important for restoration practitioners tasked with mine site restoration in terms of screening pioneer eco-engineering plant species, where native plants are required to restore after mine operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Zhong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Wei San Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Jason C Stevens
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA 6005, Australia
| | - Adam T Cross
- EcoHealth Network, 1330 Beacon St, Suite 355a, Brookline, MA 02446, United States; School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia.
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Prendergast KS, Dixon KW, Bateman PW. Corrigendum to: Interactions between the introduced European honey bee and native bees in urban areas varies by year, habitat type and native bee guild. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kit S Prendergast
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley WA 6845, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley WA 6845, Australia
| | - Philip W Bateman
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley WA 6845, Australia
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Mounsey CM, Stevens JC, Renton M, Dixon KW, Miller BP. The influence of environmental drivers and restoration intervention methods on postmine restoration trajectories. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron M. Mounsey
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park Science West Perth Western Australia 6005 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
- Spectrum Ecology Western Australia 660C Newcastle Street Leederville Western Australia 6007 Australia
| | - Jason C. Stevens
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park Science West Perth Western Australia 6005 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Michael Renton
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
- School of Agriculture and Environment University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Bentley Western Australia 6102 Australia
| | - Ben P. Miller
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park Science West Perth Western Australia 6005 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
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Pedrini S, Stevens JC, Dixon KW. Seed encrusting with salicylic acid: A novel approach to improve establishment of grass species in ecological restoration. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0242035. [PMID: 34106919 PMCID: PMC8189473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To achieve global ambitions in large scale ecological restoration, there is a need for approaches that improve the efficiency of seed-based interventions, particularly in overcoming the bottleneck in the transition from germination to seedling establishment. In this study, we tested a novel seed-based application of the plant stress modulator compound salicylic acid as a means to reduce seedling losses in the seed-to-seedling phase. Seed coating technology (encrusting) was developed as a precursor for optimising field sowing for three grass species commonly used in restoration programs, Austrostipa scabra, Microlaena stipoides, and Rytidosperma geniculatum. Salicylic acid (SA, 0.1mM) was delivered to seeds via imbibition and seed encrusting. The effects of SA on seed germination were examined under controlled water-limited conditions (drought resilience) in laboratory setting and on seed germination, seedling emergence, seedling growth and plant survival in field conditions. Salicylic acid did not impact germination under water stress in controlled laboratory conditions and did not affect seedling emergence in the field. However, seedling survival and growth were improved in plants grown from SA treated seeds (imbibed and encrusted) under field conditions. When SA delivery methods of imbibing and coating were compared, there was no significant difference in survival and growth, showing that seed coating has potential to deliver SA. Effect of intraspecific competition as a result of seedling density was also considered. Seedling survival over the dry summer season was more than double at low seedling density (40 plants/m2) compared to high seedling density (380 plants/m2). Overall, adjustment of seeding rate according to expected emergence combined with the use of salicylic acid via coating could improve seed use efficiency in seed-based restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pedrini
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jason C. Stevens
- Department of Biodiversity, Kings Park Science, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Prendergast KS, Dixon KW, Bateman PW. Interactions between the introduced European honey bee and native bees in urban areas varies by year, habitat type and native bee guild. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
European honey bees have been introduced across the globe and may compete with native bees for floral resources. Compounding effects of urbanization and introduced species on native bees are, however, unclear. Here, we investigated how honey bee abundance and foraging patterns related to those of native bee abundance and diversity in residential gardens and native vegetation remnants for 2 years in urbanized areas of the Southwest Australian biodiversity hotspot and assessed how niche overlap influenced these relationships. Honey bees did not overtly suppress native bee abundance; however, complex relationships emerged when analysing these relationships according to body size, time of day and floral resource levels. Native bee richness was positively correlated with overall honeybee abundance in the first year, but negatively correlated in the second year, and varied with body size. Native bees that had higher resource overlap with honey bees were negatively associated with honey bee abundance, and resource overlap between honey bees and native bees was higher in residential gardens. Relationships with honey bees varied between native bee taxa, reflecting adaptations to different flora, plus specialization. Thus, competition with introduced bees varies by species and location, mediated by dietary breadth and overlap and by other life-history traits of individual bee species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit S Prendergast
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley WA, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley WA, Australia
| | - Philip W Bateman
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley WA, Australia
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Abstract
Ant Forest, a mobile app developed by the monolithic Alibaba Group, is greening individuals' daily activities and transforming human capacity to reverse global environmental degradation. Over 500 million e-trees are being cultivated every day in China using Ant Forest, and over 122 million real trees have been planted over more than 112 000 ha of degraded land. Ant Forest showcases how internet technology innovation combined with digital financing and philanthropy is contributing to solving environmental issues while attracting and retaining customer loyalty. This powerful business model has the potential to spread to all manner of environmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Zhong
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia.,Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
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Pedrini S, Balestrazzi A, Madsen MD, Bhalsing K, Hardegree SP, Dixon KW, Kildisheva OA. Seed enhancement: getting seeds restoration‐ready. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pedrini
- ARC‐Centre for Mine Site Restoration, Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin University Kent Street Bentley 6102 Australia
| | - Alma Balestrazzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani’University of Pavia via Ferrata 1 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Matthew D. Madsen
- Department of Plant and Wildlife SciencesBrigham Young University Provo UT 84602 U.S.A
| | - Khiraj Bhalsing
- ARC‐Centre for Mine Site Restoration, Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin University Kent Street Bentley 6102 Australia
| | | | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- ARC‐Centre for Mine Site Restoration, Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin University Kent Street Bentley 6102 Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T. Cross
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin University, Kent Street Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Simone Pedrini
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin University, Kent Street Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin University, Kent Street Bentley WA 6102 Australia
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Cross SL, Craig MD, Tomlinson S, Dixon KW, Bateman PW. Using monitors to monitor ecological restoration: Presence may not indicate persistence. AUSTRAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L. Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration; School of Molecular and Life Sciences; Curtin University; Kent Street Bentley Perth WA 6102 Australia
| | - Michael D. Craig
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Western Australia; Crawley WA Australia
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Murdoch WA Australia
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration; School of Molecular and Life Sciences; Curtin University; Kent Street Bentley Perth WA 6102 Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration; School of Molecular and Life Sciences; Curtin University; Kent Street Bentley Perth WA 6102 Australia
| | - Philip W. Bateman
- Behavioural Ecology Laboratory; School of Molecular and Life Sciences; Curtin University; Bentley Perth WA Australia
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Prendergast KS, Menz MHM, Dixon KW, Bateman PW. The relative performance of sampling methods for native bees: an empirical test and review of the literature. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kit S. Prendergast
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Perth Bentley Western Australia 6102 Australia
| | - Myles H. M. Menz
- Department of Migration Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell 78315 Germany
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Konstanz Germany
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Perth Bentley Western Australia 6102 Australia
| | - Philip W. Bateman
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Perth Bentley Western Australia 6102 Australia
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pedrini
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin University Kent Street, Bentley 6102 WA Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin University Kent Street, Bentley 6102 WA Australia
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Kildisheva OA, Dixon KW, Silveira FAO, Chapman T, Di Sacco A, Mondoni A, Turner SR, Cross AT. Dormancy and germination: making every seed count in restoration. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Fernando A. O. Silveira
- Department of Genetics, Ecology and EvolutionFederal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte Brazil
| | - Ted Chapman
- Conservation Science, Royal Botanic Gardens KewMillennium Seed Bank Wakehurst, Ardingly West Sussex RH17 6TN UK
| | - Alice Di Sacco
- Conservation Science, Royal Botanic Gardens KewMillennium Seed Bank Wakehurst, Ardingly West Sussex RH17 6TN UK
| | - Andrea Mondoni
- Department of Earth and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Pavia Pavia Italy
| | - Shane R. Turner
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
- Kings Park Science, Department of BiodiversityConservation and Attractions Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western Australia Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Adam T. Cross
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
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Abstract
The global demand for restoration has increased orders of magnitude in the last decade, and hundreds of thousands of tonnes of native seed are required to feed this restoration engine [1] (Figure 1). But where are all the seeds required by restoration going to come from? Wild seed resources continue to be depleted by habitat loss, land degradation and climatic change, and over-collection of seed from wild populations threatens to erode these resources further. Ethical seed sourcing for restoration now represents a core issue in responsible restoration practice. Solutions include the introduction of regulatory frameworks controlling seed sourcing from wild populations, the development of seed farming capacity and advancement of seed enhancement technologies and precision delivery systems reducing seed wastage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Nevill
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Adam T Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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Gann GD, McDonald T, Walder B, Aronson J, Nelson CR, Jonson J, Hallett JG, Eisenberg C, Guariguata MR, Liu J, Hua F, Echeverría C, Gonzales E, Shaw N, Decleer K, Dixon KW. International principles and standards for the practice of ecological restoration. Second edition. Restor Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- George D. Gann
- The Institute for Regional Conservation Delray Beach FL 33483 U.S.A
- Society for Ecological Restoration Washington, D.C. 20005 U.S.A
| | - Tein McDonald
- Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia, 10 East St Cooma NSW 2630 Australia
| | - Bethanie Walder
- Society for Ecological Restoration Washington, D.C. 20005 U.S.A
| | - James Aronson
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development Missouri Botanical Garden St Louis MO 63166 U.S.A
| | - Cara R. Nelson
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 U.S.A
- Ecosystem Restoration Thematic Group, Commission on Ecosystem Management International Union for Conservation of Nature 1196 Gland Switzerland
| | - Justin Jonson
- Threshold Environmental, PO Box 1124 Albany WA 6331 Australia
- Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management, School of Agriculture and Environment The University of Western Australia Albany WA 6330 Australia
| | | | - Cristina Eisenberg
- College of Forestry, Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97331 U.S.A
| | | | - Junguo Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen 518055 China
- Society for Ecological Rehabilitation of Beijing Beijing China
| | - Fangyuan Hua
- Institute of Ecology Peking University, Haidian Road Beijing 100871 China
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 3EJ UK
| | - Cristian Echeverría
- Laboratory of Landscape Ecology, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales Universidad de Concepción Concepción Chile
| | - Emily Gonzales
- Parks Canada, 300‐300 West Georgia Street Vancouver BC V6B 6B4 Canada
| | - Nancy Shaw
- Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystem Research USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, 322 E. Front Street, Suite 401 Boise ID 83702 U.S.A
| | - Kris Decleer
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest Herman Teirlinckgebouw, Havenlaan 88 bus 73 Brussels 1000 Belgium
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
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Skates LM, Paniw M, Cross AT, Ojeda F, Dixon KW, Stevens JC, Gebauer G. An ecological perspective on 'plant carnivory beyond bogs': nutritional benefits of prey capture for the Mediterranean carnivorous plant Drosophyllum lusitanicum. Ann Bot 2019; 124:65-76. [PMID: 31329814 PMCID: PMC6676385 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcz045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Little is known about the evolutionary and ecological drivers of carnivory in plants, particularly for those terrestrial species that do not occur in typical swamp or bog habitats. The Mediterranean endemic Drosophyllum lusitanicum (Drosophyllaceae) is one of very few terrestrial carnivorous plant species outside of Australia to occur in seasonally dry, fire-prone habitats, and is thus an ecological rarity. Here we assess the nutritional benefits of prey capture for D. lusitanicum under differing levels of soil fertility in situ. METHODS We measured the total nitrogen and stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios of D. lusitanicum leaves, neighbouring non-carnivorous plant leaves, and groups of insect prey in three populations in southern Spain. We calculated trophic enrichment (ε15N) and estimated the proportion of prey-derived nitrogen (%Nprey) in D. lusitanicum leaves, and related these factors to soil chemistry parameters measured at each site. KEY RESULTS In all three populations studied, D. lusitanicum plants were significantly isotopically enriched compared with neighbouring non-carnivorous plants. We estimated that D. lusitanicum gain ~36 %Nprey at the Puerto de Gáliz site, ~54 %Nprey at the Sierra Carbonera site and ~75 %Nprey at the Montera del Torero site. Enrichment in N isotope (ε15N) differed considerably among sites; however, it was not found to be significantly related to log10(soil N), log10(soil P) or log10(soil K). CONCLUSIONS Drosophyllum lusitanicum individuals gain a significant nutritional benefit from captured prey in their natural habitat, exhibiting proportions of prey-derived nitrogen that are similar to those recorded for carnivorous plants occurring in more mesic environments. This study adds to the growing body of literature confirming that carnivory is a highly beneficial nutritional strategy not only in mesic habitats but also in seasonally dry environments, and provides insights to inform conservation strategies for D. lusitanicum in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Skates
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Maria Paniw
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Departamento de Biologia – IVAGRO, Universidad de Cadiz, Campus Rio San Pedro, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Adam T Cross
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Fernando Ojeda
- Departamento de Biologia – IVAGRO, Universidad de Cadiz, Campus Rio San Pedro, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Jason C Stevens
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Gerhard Gebauer
- BAYCEER – Laboratory of Isotope Biogeochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T. Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life ScienceCurtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley Perth WA 6102 Australia
| | - Paul G. Nevill
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life ScienceCurtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley Perth WA 6102 Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life ScienceCurtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley Perth WA 6102 Australia
| | - James Aronson
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentMissouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd St Louis MO 63166‐0299 U.S.A
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21
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Kildisheva OA, Erickson TE, Madsen MD, Dixon KW, Merritt DJ. Seed germination and dormancy traits of forbs and shrubs important for restoration of North American dryland ecosystems. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2019; 21:458-469. [PMID: 30098068 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In degraded dryland systems, native plant community re-establishment following disturbance is almost exclusively carried out using seeds, but these efforts commonly fail. Much of this failure can be attributed to the limited understanding of seed dormancy and germination traits. We undertook a systematic classification of seed dormancy of 26 species of annual and perennial forbs and shrubs that represent key, dominant genera used in restoration of the Great Basin ecosystem in the western United States. We examined germination across a wide thermal profile to depict species-specific characteristics and assessed the potential of gibberellic acid (GA3 ) and karrikinolide (KAR1 ) to expand the thermal germination envelope of fresh seeds. Of the tested species, 81% produce seeds that are dormant at maturity. The largest proportion (62%) exhibited physiological (PD), followed by physical (PY, 8%), combinational (PY + PD, 8%) and morphophysiological (MPD, 4%) dormancy classes. The effects of chemical stimulants were temperature- and species-mediated. In general, mean germination across the thermal profile was improved by GA3 and KAR1 for 11 and five species, respectively. We detected a strong germination response to temperature in freshly collected seeds of 20 species. Temperatures below 10 °C limited the germination of all except Agoseris heterophylla, suggesting that in their dormant state, the majority of these species are thermally restricted. Our findings demonstrate the utility of dormancy classification as a foundation for understanding the critical regenerative traits in these ecologically important species and highlight its importance in restoration planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- O A Kildisheva
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL, USA
| | - T E Erickson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, WA, Australia
| | - M D Madsen
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - K W Dixon
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - D J Merritt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, WA, Australia
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22
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Pedrini S, Lewandrowski W, Stevens JC, Dixon KW. Optimising seed processing techniques to improve germination and sowability of native grasses for ecological restoration. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2019; 21:415-424. [PMID: 30076679 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Grasslands across the globe are undergoing expansive degradation due to human impacts and climate change. If restoration of degraded native grassland is to be achieved at the scale now required, cost-effective means for seed-based establishment of grass species is crucial. However, grass seeds present numerous challenges associated with handling and germination performance that must be overcome to improve the efficiency of seeding. Previous research has demonstrated that complete removal of the palea and lemma (husk) maximises germination performance, hence we investigated the effects of complete husk removal on seed handling and germination of four temperate Australian grass species. Three techniques were tested to remove the husk - manual cleaning, flaming or acid digestion (the latter two followed by a manual cleaning step); these techniques were refined and adapted to the selected species, and germination responses were compared. The complete removal of the husk improved seed handling and sowability for all species. Germination was improved in Microlaena stipoides by 19% and in Rytidosperma geniculatum by 11%. Of the husk removal methods tested, flaming was detrimental to seed germination and fatal for one species (R. geniculatum). Compared to manual cleaning, sulphuric acid improved the overall efficacy of the cleaning procedure and increased germination speed (T50) in Austrostipa scabra, Chloris truncata and M. stipoides, and improved final germination in R. geniculatum by 13%. The seed processing methods developed and tested in the present study can be applied to grass species that present similar handling and germination performance impediments. These and other technological developments (seed coating and precision sowing) will facilitate more efficient grassland restoration at large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pedrini
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - W Lewandrowski
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - J C Stevens
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - K W Dixon
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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23
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Scaccabarozzi D, Cozzolino S, Guzzetti L, Galimberti A, Milne L, Dixon KW, Phillips RD. Masquerading as pea plants: behavioural and morphological evidence for mimicry of multiple models in an Australian orchid. Ann Bot 2019; 123:743-746. [PMID: 30475940 PMCID: PMC6417468 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcy205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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McDonald T, Aronson J, Eisenberg C, Gann GD, Dixon KW, Hallett JG. The SER Standards, cultural ecosystems, and the nature-culture nexus-a reply to Evans and Davis. Restor Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tein McDonald
- Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia; Woodburn NSW 2472 Australia
| | - James Aronson
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development, Missouri Botanical Garden; St. Louis MO 63110 U.S.A
| | | | - George D. Gann
- The Institute for Regional Conservation; Delray Beach FL 33483 U.S.A
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences; Curtin University; Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - James G. Hallett
- Biology Department and Turnbull Laboratory for Ecological Studies; Eastern Washington University; Cheney WA 99004 U.S.A
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25
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Wu S, Liu Y, Southam G, Robertson L, Chiu TH, Cross AT, Dixon KW, Stevens JC, Zhong H, Chan TS, Lu YJ, Huang L. Geochemical and mineralogical constraints in iron ore tailings limit soil formation for direct phytostabilization. Sci Total Environ 2019; 651:192-202. [PMID: 30227289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to characterize key physico-chemical and mineralogical attributes of magnetite iron (Fe) ore tailings to identify potential constraints limiting in situ soil formation and direct phytostabilization. Tailings of different age, together with undisturbed local native soils, were sampled from a magnetite mine in Western Australia. Tailings were extremely alkaline (pH > 9.0), with a lack of water stable aggregate and organic matter, and contained abundant primary minerals including mica (e.g., biotite), with low specific surface area (N2-BET around 1.2 m2 g-1). These conditions remained relatively unchanged after four years' aging under field conditions. Chemical extraction and spectroscopic analysis [e.g., X-ray diffraction (XRD) and synchrotron-based Fe K edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) analysis] revealed that the aging process decreased biotite-like minerals, but increased hematite and magnetite in the tailings. However, the aged tailings lacked goethite, a compound abundant in natural soils. Examination using backscattered-scanning electron microscope - energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (BSE-SEM-EDS) revealed that aged tailings contained discrete sharp edged Fe-bearing minerals that did not physically integrate with other minerals (e.g., Si/Al bearing minerals). In contrast, Fe minerals in native soils appeared randomly distributed and closely amassed with Si/Al rich phyllosilicates, with highly eroded edges. The lack of labile organic matter and the persistence of alkaline-saline conditions may have significantly hindered the bioweathering of Fe-minerals and the biogenic formation of secondary Fe-minerals in tailings. However, there is signature that a native pioneer plant, Maireana brevifolia can facilitate the bioweathering of Fe-bearing minerals in tailings. We propose that eco-engineering inputs like organic carbon accumulation, together with the introduction of functional microbes and pioneer plants, should be adopted to accelerate bioweathering of Fe-bearing minerals as a priority for initiating in situ soil formation in the Fe ore tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Wu
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yunjia Liu
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Gordon Southam
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Lachlan Robertson
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Tsz Ho Chiu
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Adam T Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Science, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Science, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Jason C Stevens
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA 6005, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hongtao Zhong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ting-Shan Chan
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Jui Lu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
| | - Longbin Huang
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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Nevill PG, Howell KA, Cross AT, Williams AV, Zhong X, Tonti-Filippini J, Boykin LM, Dixon KW, Small I. Plastome-Wide Rearrangements and Gene Losses in Carnivorous Droseraceae. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:472-485. [PMID: 30629170 PMCID: PMC6380313 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The plastid genomes of four related carnivorous plants (Drosera regia, Drosera erythrorhiza, Aldrovanda vesiculosa, and Dionaea muscipula) were sequenced to examine changes potentially induced by the transition to carnivory. The plastid genomes of the Droseraceae show multiple rearrangements, gene losses, and large expansions or contractions of the inverted repeat. All the ndh genes are lost or nonfunctional, as well as in some of the species, clpP1, ycf1, ycf2 and some tRNA genes. Uniquely, among land plants, the trnK gene has no intron. Carnivory in the Droseraceae coincides with changes in plastid gene content similar to those induced by parasitism and mycoheterotrophy, suggesting parallel changes in chloroplast function due to the similar switch from autotrophy to (mixo-) heterotrophy. A molecular phylogeny of the taxa based on all shared plastid genes indicates that the "snap-traps" of Aldrovanda and Dionaea have a common origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Nevill
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katharine A Howell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Adam T Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anna V Williams
- School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Xiao Zhong
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Julian Tonti-Filippini
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Laura M Boykin
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ian Small
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Dalziell EL, Baskin CC, Baskin JM, Young RE, Dixon KW, Merritt DJ. Morphophysiological dormancy in the basal angiosperm order Nymphaeales. Ann Bot 2019; 123:95-106. [PMID: 30052753 PMCID: PMC6344092 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcy142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Substantial evidence supports the hypothesis that morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) is the basal kind of seed dormancy in the angiosperms. However, only physiological dormancy (PD) is reported in seeds of the ANA-grade genus Nymphaea. The primary aim of this study was to determine the kind of dormancy in seeds of six species of Nymphaea from the wet-dry tropics of Australia. METHODS The effects of temperature, light and germination stimulants on germination were tested on multiple collections of seeds of N. immutabilis, N. lukei, N. macrosperma, N. ondinea, N. pubescens and N. violacea. Embryo growth prior to hypocotyl emergence was monitored. KEY RESULTS Germination was generally <10 % after 28 d in control treatments. Germination percentage was highest at 30 or 35 °C for seeds exposed to light and treated with ethylene or in anoxic conditions in sealed vials of water, and it differed significantly between collections of N. lukei, N. macrosperma and N. violacea. Seeds of N. pubescens did not germinate under any of the conditions. Embryo growth (8-37 % in length) occurred before hypocotyl emergence (germination) in seeds of the five species that germinated. CONCLUSIONS Fresh seeds were dormant, and the amount of pregermination embryo growth in seeds of N. lukei and N. immutabilis was relatively small, while in seeds of N. macrosperma, N. ondinea and N. violacea it was relatively large. Thus, seeds of N. lukei and N. immutabilis had PD and those of N. macrosperma, N. ondinea and N. violacea had MPD. Overall, we found that seeds in the most phylogenetically derived clades within Nymphaea have MPD, suggesting that PD is the most likely basal trait within the Nymphaeales. This study also highlights the broad range of dormancy types and germination strategies in the ANA-grade angiosperms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Dalziell
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, WA, Australia
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Carol C Baskin
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jerry M Baskin
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Renee E Young
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - David J Merritt
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, WA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
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Scaccabarozzi D, Cozzolino S, Guzzetti L, Galimberti A, Milne L, Dixon KW, Phillips RD. Masquerading as pea plants: behavioural and morphological evidence for mimicry of multiple models in an Australian orchid. Ann Bot 2018; 122:1061-1073. [PMID: 30184161 PMCID: PMC6266105 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcy166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims While there is increasing recognition of Batesian floral mimicry in plants, there are few confirmed cases where mimicry involves more than one model species. Here, we test for pollination by mimicry in Diuris (Orchidaceae), a genus hypothesized to attract pollinators via mimicry of a range of co-occurring pea plants (Faboideae). Methods Observations of pollinator behaviour were made for Diuris brumalis using arrays of orchid flowers. An analysis of floral traits in the co-flowering community and spectral reflectance measurements were undertaken to test if Di. brumalis and the pea plants showed strong similarity and were likely to be perceived as the same by bees. Pollen removal and fruit-set were recorded at 18 sites over two years to test if fitness of Di. brumalis increased with the abundance of the model species. Key Results Diuris brumalis shares the pollinator species Trichococolletes capillosus and T. leucogenys (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) with co-flowering Faboideae from the genus Daviesia. On Di. brumalis, Trichocolletes exhibited the same stereotyped food-foraging and mate-patrolling behaviour that they exhibit on Daviesia. Diuris and pea plants showed strong morphological similarity compared to the co-flowering plant community, while the spectral reflectance of Diuris was similar to that of Daviesia spp. Fruit-set and pollen removal of Di. brumalis was highest at sites with a greater number of Daviesia flowers. Conclusions Diuris brumalis is pollinated by mimicry of co-occurring congeneric Faboideae species. Evidence for mimicry of multiple models, all of which share pollinator species, suggests that this may represent a guild mimicry system. Interestingly, Di. brumalis belongs to a complex of species with similar floral traits, suggesting that this represents a useful system for investigating speciation in lineages that employ mimicry of food plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Scaccabarozzi
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario MSA, Naples, Italy
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, The Botanic Garden and Parks Authority, West Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Salvatore Cozzolino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario MSA, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Guzzetti
- Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, ZooPlantLab, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Piazza della Scienza, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Galimberti
- Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, ZooPlantLab, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Piazza della Scienza, Milano, Italy
| | - Lynne Milne
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Ryan D Phillips
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, The Botanic Garden and Parks Authority, West Perth, WA, Australia
- Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Vic., Australia
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Gann GD, McDonald T, Aronson J, Dixon KW, Walder B, Hallett JG, Decleer K, Falk DA, Gonzales EK, Murcia C, Nelson CR, Unwin AJ. The SER Standards: a globally relevant and inclusive tool for improving restoration practice-a reply to Higgs et al. Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- George D. Gann
- The Institute for Regional Conservation; Delray Beach FL 33483 U.S.A
| | - Tein McDonald
- Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia c/o P.O. Box 42; Woodburn NSW 2472 Australia
| | - James Aronson
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development; Missouri Botanical Garden; St. Louis MO 63166 U.S.A
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- Department of Environment and Agriculture; Curtin University, Kent Street; Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Bethanie Walder
- Society for Ecological Restoration; Washington DC 20005 U.S.A
| | - James G. Hallett
- Biology Department and Turnbull Laboratory for Ecological Studies; Eastern Washington University; Cheney WA 99004 U.S.A
| | - Kris Decleer
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, 1000 Brussels; BE
| | - Donald A. Falk
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment; University of Arizona; Tucson AZ 85721 U.S.A
| | | | - Carolina Murcia
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas; Pontificia Universidad Javeriana-Seccional Cali; Cali 760031 Colombia
| | - Cara R. Nelson
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, Franke College of Forestry and Conservation; University of Montana; Missoula MT 59812 U.S.A
| | - Alan J. Unwin
- School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies; Niagara College, NOTL Campus; Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0 Canada
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Tomlinson S, Dalziell EL, Withers PC, Lewandrowski W, Dixon KW, Merritt DJ. Measuring metabolic rates of small terrestrial organisms by fluorescence-based closed-system respirometry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.172874. [PMID: 29444841 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.172874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We explore a recent, innovative variation of closed-system respirometry for terrestrial organisms, whereby oxygen partial pressure (PO2 ) is repeatedly measured fluorometrically in a constant-volume chamber over multiple time points. We outline a protocol that aligns this technology with the broader literature on aerial respirometry, including the calculations required to accurately convert O2 depletion to metabolic rate (MR). We identify a series of assumptions, and sources of error associated with this technique, including thresholds where O2 depletion becomes limiting, that impart errors to the calculation and interpretation of MR. Using these adjusted calculations, we found that the resting MR of five species of angiosperm seeds ranged from 0.011 to 0.640 ml g-1 h-1, consistent with published seed MR values. This innovative methodology greatly expands the lower size limit of terrestrial organisms that can be measured, and offers the potential for measuring MR changes over time as a result of physiological processes of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia .,Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emma L Dalziell
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia.,Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Philip C Withers
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Lewandrowski
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David J Merritt
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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31
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Ong JW, Li H, Sivasithamparam K, Dixon KW, Jones MG, Wylie SJ. Novel and divergent viruses associated with Australian orchid-fungus symbioses. Virus Res 2018; 244:276-283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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32
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Statton J, Montoya LR, Orth RJ, Dixon KW, Kendrick GA. Identifying critical recruitment bottlenecks limiting seedling establishment in a degraded seagrass ecosystem. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14786. [PMID: 29093460 PMCID: PMC5665928 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13833-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying early life-stage transitions limiting seagrass recruitment could improve our ability to target demographic processes most responsive to management. Here we determine the magnitude of life-stage transitions along gradients in physical disturbance limiting seedling establishment for the marine angiosperm, Posidonia australis. Transition matrix models and sensitivity analyses were used to identify which transitions were critical for successful seedling establishment during the first year of seed recruitment and projection models were used to predict the most appropriate environments and seeding densities. Total survival probability of seedlings was low (0.001), however, transition probabilities between life-stages differed across the environmental gradients; seedling recruitment was affected by grazing and bioturbation prevailing during the first life-stage transition (1 month), and 4-6 months later during the third life-stage transition when establishing seedlings are physically removed by winter storms. Models projecting population growth from different starting seed densities showed that seeds could replace other more labour intensive and costly methods, such as transplanting adult shoots, if disturbances are moderated sufficiently and if large numbers of seed can be collected in sufficient quantity and delivered to restoration sites efficiently. These outcomes suggest that by improving management of early demographic processes, we could increase recruitment in restoration programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Statton
- University of Western Australia, Oceans Institute, Perth, 6009, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Leonardo R Montoya
- University of Western Australia, Oceans Institute, Perth, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Robert J Orth
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Pt., 23061, VA, USA
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Perth, Western, Australia
| | - Gary A Kendrick
- University of Western Australia, Oceans Institute, Perth, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
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33
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Cross AT, Paniw M, Ojeda F, Turner SR, Dixon KW, Merritt DJ. Defining the role of fire in alleviating seed dormancy in a rare Mediterranean endemic subshrub. AoB Plants 2017; 9:plx036. [PMID: 28948008 PMCID: PMC5603962 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plx036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Fire is a topical issue in the management of many ecosystems globally that face a drying climate. Understanding the role of fire in such ecosystems is critical to inform appropriate management practices, particularly in the case of rare and ecologically specialized species. The Mediterranean heathlands are highly fire-prone and occur in a biodiversity hotspot increasingly threatened by human activities, and determining the reproductive thresholds of at-risk heathland species is critical to ensuring the success of future conservation initiatives. This study examined the germination biology of the threatened carnivorous subshrub Drosophyllum lusitanicum, with specific focus on the role of fire-related cues (heat and smoke) in combination with seasonal temperatures and moisture conditions to determine how these factors regulate seed dormancy and germination. We found that D. lusitanicum produces water-permeable, physiologically dormant seeds with a fully developed, capitate embryo that when fresh (~1 month old) and without treatment germinate to 20-40 % within 4-8 weeks. Seeds possess a restricted thermal window (15-20 °C) for germination and a neutral photoblastic response. Seed dormancy was overcome through precision nicking of the seed coat (>90 % germination) or by short exposure to dry heat (80 or 100 °C) for 5-30 min (60-100 % germination). We propose seedling emergence from the soil seed bank may be cued by the passage of fire, or by soil disturbance from the movement and browsing of animals. Long-term population viability is likely to be contingent upon appropriate management of the persistent soil seed bank, as well as the adequate management of key ecological disturbances such as fire. Drosophyllum lusitanicum faces an increasingly bleak future in the absence of conservation and management initiatives aimed at reducing habitat fragmentation in heathlands and aligning fire management and livestock practices with biodiversity outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T Cross
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Perth, WA 6005, Australia
- Corresponding author’s e-mail address:
| | - Maria Paniw
- Departamento de Biologia – IVAGRO, Universidad de Cadiz, Campus Rio San Pedro, Puerto Real 11510, Spain
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Fernando Ojeda
- Departamento de Biologia – IVAGRO, Universidad de Cadiz, Campus Rio San Pedro, Puerto Real 11510, Spain
| | - Shane R Turner
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Perth, WA 6005, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Perth, WA 6005, Australia
| | - David J Merritt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Perth, WA 6005, Australia
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34
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Ong JWL, Li H, Sivasithamparam K, Dixon KW, Jones MGK, Wylie SJ. The challenges of using high-throughput sequencing to track multiple bipartite mycoviruses of wild orchid-fungus partnerships over consecutive years. Virology 2017; 510:297-304. [PMID: 28797947 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The bipartite alpha- and betapartitiviruses are recorded from a wide range of fungi and plants. Using a combination of dsRNA-enrichment, high-throughput shotgun sequencing and informatics, we report the occurrence of multiple new partitiviruses associated with mycorrhizal Ceratobasidium fungi, themselves symbiotically associated with a small wild population of Pterostylis sanguinea orchids in Australia, over two consecutive years. Twenty-one partial or near-complete sequences representing 16 definitive alpha- and betapartitivirus species, and further possible species, were detected from two fungal isolates. The majority of partitiviruses occurred in fungal isolates from both years. Two of the partitiviruses represent phylogenetically divergent forms of Alphapartitivirus, suggesting that they may have evolved under long geographical isolation there. We address the challenge of pairing the two genomic segments of partitiviruses to identify species when multiple partitiviruses co-infect a single host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie W L Ong
- Plant Biotechnology Group - Plant Virology, Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Hua Li
- Plant Biotechnology Group - Plant Virology, Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Krishnapillai Sivasithamparam
- Plant Biotechnology Group - Plant Virology, Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, School of Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Michael G K Jones
- Plant Biotechnology Group - Plant Virology, Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Stephen J Wylie
- Plant Biotechnology Group - Plant Virology, Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
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35
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Mayence CE, Carrick PJ, Van Beem D, Broenland E, Dixon KW. Seed dormancy, soil type and protective shelters influence seedling emergence at Shark Bay, Western Australia: Insight into global dryland revegetation. Ecol Manag Restor 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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36
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Kumaresan D, Cross AT, Moreira-Grez B, Kariman K, Nevill P, Stevens J, Allcock RJN, O'Donnell AG, Dixon KW, Whiteley AS. Microbial Functional Capacity Is Preserved Within Engineered Soil Formulations Used In Mine Site Restoration. Sci Rep 2017; 7:564. [PMID: 28373716 PMCID: PMC5428872 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00650-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mining of mineral resources produces substantial volumes of crushed rock based wastes that are characterised by poor physical structure and hydrology, unstable geochemistry and potentially toxic chemical conditions. Recycling of these substrates is desirable and can be achieved by blending waste with native soil to form a ‘novel substrate’ which may be used in future landscape restoration. However, these post-mining substrate based ‘soils’ are likely to contain significant abiotic constraints for both plant and microbial growth. Effective use of these novel substrates for ecosystem restoration will depend on the efficacy of stored topsoil as a potential microbial inoculum as well as the subsequent generation of key microbial soil functions originally apparent in local pristine sites. Here, using both marker gene and shotgun metagenome sequencing, we show that topsoil storage and the blending of soil and waste substrates to form planting substrates gives rise to variable bacterial and archaeal phylogenetic composition but a high degree of metabolic conservation at the community metagenome level. Our data indicates that whilst low phylogenetic conservation is apparent across substrate blends we observe high functional redundancy in relation to key soil microbial pathways, allowing the potential for functional recovery of key belowground pathways under targeted management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumaresan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Adam T Cross
- School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,Kings Park and Botanic Garden, 1 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA, 6005, Australia
| | - Benjamin Moreira-Grez
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Khalil Kariman
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Paul Nevill
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Jason Stevens
- School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,Kings Park and Botanic Garden, 1 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA, 6005, Australia
| | - Richard J N Allcock
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,Pathwest Laboratory Medicine WA, QEII Medical Centre, Monash Avenue, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Anthony G O'Donnell
- Faculty of Science, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Andrew S Whiteley
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
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37
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Tomlinson S, Dixon KW, Didham RK, Bradshaw SD. Landscape context alters cost of living in honeybee metabolism and feeding. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:rspb.2016.2676. [PMID: 28179522 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Field metabolic rate (FMR) links the energy budget of an animal with the constraints of its ecosystem, but is particularly difficult to measure for small organisms. Landscape degradation exacerbates environmental adversity and reduces resource availability, imposing higher costs of living for many organisms. Here, we report a significant effect of landscape degradation on the FMR of free-flying Apis mellifera, estimated using 86Rb radio-isotopic turnover. We validated the relationship between 86Rb kb and metabolic rate for worker bees in the laboratory using flow-through respirometry. We then released radioisotopically enriched individuals into a natural woodland and a heavily degraded and deforested plantation. FMRs of worker bees in natural woodland vegetation were significantly higher than in a deforested landscape. Nectar consumption, estimated using 22Na radio-isotopic turnover, also differed significantly between natural and degraded landscapes. In the deforested landscape, we infer that the costs of foraging exceeded energetic availability, and honeybees instead foraged less and depended more on stored resources in the hive. If this is generally the case with increasing landscape degradation, this will have important implications for the provision of pollination services and the effectiveness and resilience of ecological restoration practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tomlinson
- School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia .,Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Perth, WA 6005, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Perth, WA 6005, Australia.,Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Raphael K Didham
- School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.,CSIRO Land and Water, Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Floreat, WA 6014, Australia
| | - S Donald Bradshaw
- School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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38
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Lewandrowski W, Erickson TE, Dixon KW, Stevens JC. Increasing the germination envelope under water stress improves seedling emergence in two dominant grass species across different pulse rainfall events. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Lewandrowski
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kattidj Close Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Todd E. Erickson
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kattidj Close Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Department of Environment and Agriculture; Curtin University; PO Box U1987 Bentley WA 6854 Australia
| | - Jason C. Stevens
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kattidj Close Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 Australia
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39
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Ong JW, Li H, Sivasithamparam K, Dixon KW, Jones MG, Wylie SJ. Novel Endorna-like viruses, including three with two open reading frames, challenge the membership criteria and taxonomy of the Endornaviridae. Virology 2016; 499:203-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2016.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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40
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Muñoz-Rojas M, Lewandrowski W, Erickson TE, Dixon KW, Merritt DJ. Soil respiration dynamics in fire affected semi-arid ecosystems: Effects of vegetation type and environmental factors. Sci Total Environ 2016; 572:1385-1394. [PMID: 26927962 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Soil respiration (Rs) is the second largest carbon flux in terrestrial ecosystems and therefore plays a crucial role in global carbon (C) cycling. This biogeochemical process is closely related to ecosystem productivity and soil fertility and is considered as a key indicator of soil health and quality reflecting the level of microbial activity. Wildfires can have a significant effect on Rs rates and the magnitude of the impacts will depend on environmental factors such as climate and vegetation, fire severity and meteorological conditions post-fire. In this research, we aimed to assess the impacts of a wildfire on the soil CO2 fluxes and soil respiration in a semi-arid ecosystem of Western Australia, and to understand the main edaphic and environmental drivers controlling these fluxes for different vegetation types. Our results demonstrated increased rates of Rs in the burnt areas compared to the unburnt control sites, although these differences were highly dependent on the type of vegetation cover and time since fire. The sensitivity of Rs to temperature (Q10) was also larger in the burnt site compared to the control. Both Rs and soil organic C were consistently higher under Eucalyptus trees, followed by Acacia shrubs. Triodia grasses had the lowest Rs rates and C contents, which were similar to those found under bare soil patches. Regardless of the site condition (unburnt or burnt), Rs was triggered during periods of higher temperatures and water availability and environmental factors (temperature and moisture) could explain a large fraction of Rs variability, improving the relationship of moisture or temperature as single factors with Rs. This study demonstrates the importance of assessing CO2 fluxes considering both abiotic factors and vegetation types after disturbances such as fire which is particularly important in heterogeneous semi-arid areas with patchy vegetation distribution where CO2 fluxes can be largely underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Muñoz-Rojas
- The University of Western Australia, School of Plant Biology, Crawley 6009, WA, Australia; Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Perth 6005, WA, Australia; Curtin University, Department of Environment and Agriculture, Perth 6845, WA, Australia.
| | - Wolfgang Lewandrowski
- The University of Western Australia, School of Plant Biology, Crawley 6009, WA, Australia; Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Perth 6005, WA, Australia
| | - Todd E Erickson
- The University of Western Australia, School of Plant Biology, Crawley 6009, WA, Australia; Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Perth 6005, WA, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- The University of Western Australia, School of Plant Biology, Crawley 6009, WA, Australia; Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Perth 6005, WA, Australia; Curtin University, Department of Environment and Agriculture, Perth 6845, WA, Australia
| | - David J Merritt
- The University of Western Australia, School of Plant Biology, Crawley 6009, WA, Australia; Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Kings Park, Perth 6005, WA, Australia
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41
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Abstract
Wild‐collected seed can no longer meet global demand in restoration. Dedicated Seed Production Areas (SPA) for restoration are needed and these require application of ecological, economic, and population‐genetic science. SPA design and construction must embrace the ecological sustainability principles of restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Nevill
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden Kings Park WA Australia.,School of Plant Biology University of Western Australia Nedlands WA Australia.,Present address: Department of Environment and Agriculture ARC Centre for Mine Restoration Curtin University Bentley 6102 WA Australia
| | | | - Carole P Elliott
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden Kings Park WA Australia.,School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Environment and Conservation Sciences Murdoch University Murdoch WA Australia
| | | | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden Kings Park WA Australia.,School of Plant Biology University of Western Australia Nedlands WA Australia.,Present address: Department of Environment and Agriculture ARC Centre for Mine Restoration Curtin University Bentley 6102 WA Australia
| | - David J Merritt
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden Kings Park WA Australia.,School of Plant Biology University of Western Australia Nedlands WA Australia
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42
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Affiliation(s)
- Tein McDonald
- Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia, Board
- Tein McDonald & Associates P.O. Box 42 Woodburn NSW 2472 Australia
| | - Justin Jonson
- Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia, Board
- Threshold Environmental PO Box 1124 Albany WA 6331 Australia
- Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management (CENRM) The University of Western Australia Albany 6330 WA Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia, Board
- Department of Environment and Agriculture Curtin University Kent Street Bentley WA 6102 Australia
- School of Plant Biology The University of Western Australia Nedlands 6009 WA Australia
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43
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Kildisheva OA, Erickson TE, Merritt DJ, Dixon KW. Setting the scene for dryland recovery: an overview and key findings from a workshop targeting seed-based restoration. Restor Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Olga A. Kildisheva
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Todd E. Erickson
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
| | - David J. Merritt
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
- Department of Environment and Agriculture; Curtin University; Kent Street, Bentley Perth WA 6102 Australia
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44
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Weinstein AM, Davis BJ, Menz MHM, Dixon KW, Phillips RD. Behaviour of sexually deceived ichneumonid wasps and its implications for pollination inCryptostylis(Orchidaceae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M. Weinstein
- Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority; Fraser Avenue West Perth WA 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Belinda J. Davis
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority; Fraser Avenue West Perth WA 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Myles H. M. Menz
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Baltzerstrasse 6 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority; Fraser Avenue West Perth WA 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Department of Agriculture and Environment; Curtin University; Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Ryan D. Phillips
- Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority; Fraser Avenue West Perth WA 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
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Golos PJ, Dixon KW, Erickson TE. Plant recruitment from the soil seed bank depends on topsoil stockpile age, height, and storage history in an arid environment. Restor Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Golos
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park Perth Western Australia 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park Perth Western Australia 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
- Department of Environment and Agriculture; Curtin University; Bentley Western Australia 6102 Australia
| | - Todd E. Erickson
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park Perth Western Australia 6005 Australia
- School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
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Guzzomi AL, Erickson TE, Ling KY, Dixon KW, Merritt DJ. Flash flaming effectively removes appendages and improves the seed coating potential of grass florets. Restor Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L. Guzzomi
- School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Todd E. Erickson
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
| | - King Y. Ling
- School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- Department of Environment and Agriculture; Curtin University; Kent Street Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - David J. Merritt
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
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Muñoz-Rojas M, Erickson TE, Dixon KW, Merritt DJ. Soil quality indicators to assess functionality of restored soils in degraded semiarid ecosystems. Restor Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Muñoz-Rojas
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley 6009 WA Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Perth 6005 WA Australia
- Department of Environment and Agriculture; Curtin University; Perth 6845 WA Australia
| | - Todd E. Erickson
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley 6009 WA Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Perth 6005 WA Australia
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley 6009 WA Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Perth 6005 WA Australia
- Department of Environment and Agriculture; Curtin University; Perth 6845 WA Australia
| | - David J. Merritt
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Crawley 6009 WA Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Perth 6005 WA Australia
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Ayton S, Tomlinson S, Phillips RD, Dixon KW, Withers PC. Phenophysiological variation of a bee that regulates hive humidity, but not hive temperature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 219:1552-62. [PMID: 26994173 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.137588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal acclimatisation of thermal tolerance, evaporative water loss and metabolic rate, along with regulation of the hive environment, are key ways whereby hive-based social insects mediate climatic challenges throughout the year, but the relative importance of these traits remains poorly understood. Here, we examined seasonal variation in metabolic rate and evaporative water loss of worker bees, and seasonal variation of hive temperature and relative humidity (RH), for the stingless bee Austroplebeia essingtoni (Apidae: Meliponini) in arid tropical Australia. Both water loss and metabolic rate were lower in the cooler, dry winter than in the hot, wet summer at most ambient temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. Contrary to expectation, thermal tolerance thresholds were higher in the winter than in the summer. Hives were cooler in the cooler, dry winter than in the hot, wet summer, linked to an apparent lack of hive thermoregulation. The RH of hives was regulated at approximately 65% in both seasons, which is higher than unoccupied control hives in the dry season, but less than unoccupied control hives in the wet season. Although adaptations to promote water balance appear more important for survival of A. essingtoni than traits related to temperature regulation, their capacity for water conservation is coincident with increased thermal tolerance. For these small, eusocial stingless bees in the arid tropics, where air temperatures are relatively high and stable compared with temperate areas, regulation of hive humidity appears to be of more importance than temperature for maintaining hive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Ayton
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia Science Directorate, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, West Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- Science Directorate, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, West Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Ryan D Phillips
- Science Directorate, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, West Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Science Directorate, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, West Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6847, Australia
| | - Philip C Withers
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6847, Australia
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David E, Dixon KW, Menz MHM. Cooperative Extension: A Model of Science-Practice Integration for Ecosystem Restoration. Trends Plant Sci 2016; 21:410-417. [PMID: 26838476 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Restoration ecology is a science, driven by practical application. Despite the well-recognized disconnect between the science and practice of ecological restoration, there is a lack of practical solutions. In 2014, US agriculture marked the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Extension Service, providing a timely reminder that the divide between science and practice can be bridged successfully. Major restoration efforts are underway across the globe and integrated science-practice communication is required to avoid project failure and a significant waste of resources. Here, we propose a three-tiered approach, re-emphasizing the integration of science-based practice in restoration utilizing the structure, function, and potential for success of the Cooperative Extension Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a model for connecting science and practice in ecosystem restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica David
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, West Perth, WA 6005, Australia; University of Western Australia, School of Plant Biology, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Kingsley W Dixon
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, West Perth, WA 6005, Australia; University of Western Australia, School of Plant Biology, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6012, Australia
| | - Myles H M Menz
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
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Erickson TE, Shackelford N, Dixon KW, Turner SR, Merritt DJ. Overcoming physiological dormancy in seeds ofTriodia(Poaceae) to improve restoration in the arid zone. Restor Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Todd E. Erickson
- School of Plant Biology; University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
| | - Nancy Shackelford
- School of Environmental Studies; University of Victoria; Victoria BC V8W 2Y2 Canada
| | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- School of Plant Biology; University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
| | - Shane R. Turner
- School of Plant Biology; University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
| | - David J. Merritt
- School of Plant Biology; University of Western Australia; Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; Kings Park WA 6005 Australia
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