Living the difference: alternative functional designs in five perennial herbs coexisting in a coastal dune environment

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 1187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raimundo Bermúdez ◽  
Rubén Retuerto
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Water Status ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Coastal Dune ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Harsh Environments ◽  
Limiting Similarity ◽  
Environmental Filters ◽  
Trade Offs

Ecological theory suggests that in harsh environments major abiotic stress factors may act as environmental filters, thereby reducing the range of possible plant strategies through environmental trait selection. This would lead to functional similarity of species coexisting in hostile environments. To test this prediction, we evaluated six functional leaf traits at three different times of year in five species coexisting in a coastal dune ecosystem. The functional traits examined were associated with water status and light interception and use – two of the most limiting factors that lead to stress in dune systems. Species differed in traits associated with light absorption, namely chlorophyll content, the vigour index NDVI, and the proportion of the light absorbed that is used in photochemistry (as expressed by the effective and maximum quantum yield of PSII and the photochemical reflectance index). For most of the traits, the relative performance of species depended significantly on time. This research revealed a significant divergence in functional traits of coexisting species, which does not conform to findings in other harsh environments where species tend to functional convergence. The data provide experimental support for the hypothesis that there is no single combination of traits for a given environment, but that alternative functional designs of similar fitness may evolve in the same environment as a result of complex interactions and trade-offs among traits. This suggests that factors claimed to promote divergence, such as limiting similarity and disturbance processes, may play an important role in structuring the dune community under study. The high variability in functional traits suggests a significant degree of functional diversity and highlights the importance of preserving the species composition of threatened coastal dune habitats in order to preserve distinctive functional processes that may be unique to the systems.

scholarly journals Is coexistence between non-native and native Erythrinidae species mediated by niche differentiation or environmental filtering? A case study in the upper Paraná River floodplain

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa S. Pereira ◽  
Fábio T. Mise ◽  
Luiz F. C. Tencatt ◽  
Matheus T. Baumgartner ◽  
Angelo A. Agostinho
Keyword(s):  
Introduced Species ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Similarity Theory ◽  
Environmental Filtering ◽  
Niche Differentiation ◽  
Limiting Similarity ◽  
Environmental Filters

ABSTRACT The limiting similarity theory predicts that divergence in the functional traits of native and introduced species is an essential component in species establishment, as introduced species must occupy a niche that is unoccupied by resident species. On the other hand, the environmental filtering hypothesis predicts convergence between introduced and native species, as both possess traits that make them adapted to the local abiotic environment. Morphology, spatial co-occurrence, diet, feeding selectivity, and niche breadth and overlap of Erythrinidae were evaluated to detect possible mechanisms acting in the coexistence between non-native and native species. Native (Hoplias sp. B and Hoplias cf. malabaricus) and non-native (Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus and Hoplias mbigua) species presented differences in morphological traits, spatial co-occurrence, diet, selectivity, and niche breadth and overlap. The mechanisms mediating species coexistence seem to vary according to species. The absence of spatial and feeding overlap suggests that non-native species H. unitaeniatus occupy a different niche than native species, supporting its successful establishment without eliminating the native species. However, low feeding overlap and similar morphologies between non-native and native species of Hoplias point to environmental filters; in this case, the non-native H. mbigua is able to establish due to similarities in functional traits.

scholarly journals Substantiation of the adaptability of Zizyphus jujuba varieties to the climatic conditions of the Volgograd region

2021 ◽  
pp. 82-101
Author(s):  
В.А. Семенютина ◽  
И.П. Свинцов
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Acid Content ◽  
Water Status ◽  
Ascorbic Acid Content ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Volgograd Region ◽  
Zizyphus Jujuba ◽  
Adaptive Reactions

Актуальность обусловлена интродукцией субтропической плодовой культуры Zizyphus jujuba(унаби) в Волгоградскую область. Впервые в условиях Волгоградской области проанализирован и обобщен материал по биохимическим свойствам различных сортов плодов унаби. Цель исследований – изучение адаптивных реакций субтропических растений Zizyphus jujubа в северных точках возделывания на основе их биохимических и физиологических параметров. Объекты - растительные генотипы Z. jujuba: крупноплодные, среднеплодные и мелкоплодные. Опытные посадки с их участием возделываются на коллекционном участке ФНЦ агроэкологии РАН (Волгоград, Россия). Исследование адаптивных реакций на изменение условий среды базируется на фиксации экологических факторов и биоэкологии растительных особей на основе их физиологических и биохимических параметров в полевых и лабораторных условиях. В задачи исследований входило: выявление лимитирующих факторов, ограничивающих развитие; анализ критических периодов развития растений по изменению водного обмена и температурного режима; сравнительная оценка биохимических характеристик плодов в северной точке ареала культивирования с учетом адаптации к стресс-факторам (генотип-среда). Выявлено, что недостаток воды приводит к увеличению концентрации растворимых веществ. Обезвоживание приводит к нарушению целостности мембран и оказывает влияние на состав пигментного комплекса. Установлена вариабельность содержания аскорбиновой кислоты по годам: у крупноплодных и среднеплодных растений от 31,9 до 66,5 мг %. У мелкоплодных растений в условиях культивирования вариабельность по годам менее выражена. В засушливый период (общий запас влаги в почве до двух метров 130-141 мм) содержание аскорбиновой кислоты снижается. Мелкоплодные растения, проявляющие высокую степень адаптации, имеют большие показатели содержания аскорбиновой кислоты (до 740,3 мг %). Ограничивающими факторами являются повышения температур и снижение влажности воздуха в летний период при малом количестве осадков и запаса влаги в корнеобитаемом слое почвы. Продуктивность растений при стрессе сильно зависит от поддержания водного статуса растений. Любая оценка водного статуса должна учитывать реакцию растений на условия окружающей среды и характеристику этих условий The relevance is due to the introduction of the subtropical fruit culture Zizyphus jujuba (unabi) to the Volgograd region. For the first time in the conditions of the Volgograd region, the material on the biochemical properties of various varieties of una-bi fruits was analyzed and generalized. The aim of the research is to study the adaptive reactions of subtropical plants of Zizyphus jujuba in the northern points of cultivation based on their biochemical and physiological parameters. The objects are plant genotypes of Z. jujuba: large-fruited, medium-fruited and small-fruited. Experimental plantings with their participation are cultivated at the collection site of the Federal Research Center for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Volgograd, Russia). The study of adaptive reactions to changing environmental conditions is based on the fixation of environmental factors and bioecology of growing individuals based on their physiological and biochemical parameters in the field and laboratory conditions. The research objectives included: identification of limiting factors limiting development; analysis of critical periods of plant development by changes in water metabolism and temperature regime; comparative assessment of the biochemical characteristics of fruits in the northern point of the cultivation area, taking into account adaptation to stress factors (genotype-environment). It was revealed that the lack of water leads to an increase in the concentration of soluble substances. Dehydration leads to a violation of the integrity of the membranes and affects the composition of the pigment complex. The variability of ascorbic acid content by years was established: in large-fruited and medium-fruited plants from 31.9 to 66.5 mg %. In small-fruited plants under cultivation, the variability over the years is less pronounced. During the dry period (the total moisture reserve in the soil is up to two meters 130-141 mm), the content of ascorbic acid decreases. Small-fruited plants showing a high degree of adaptation have high rates of ascorbic acid content (up to 740.3 mg%). Limiting factors are temperature increases and a decrease in air humidity in summer with low rainfall and moisture reserves in the root layer of the soil.The productivity of plants under stress strongly depends on the maintenance of the water status of plants. Any assessment of the water status should take into account the reaction of plants to environmental conditions and the characteristics of these conditions

scholarly journals Mapping the adaptive landscape of a major agricultural pathogen reveals evolutionary constraints across heterogeneous environments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anik Dutta ◽  
Fanny E. Hartmann ◽  
Carolina Sardinha Francisco ◽  
Bruce A. McDonald ◽  
Daniel Croll
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Life History Trait ◽  
Adaptive Landscape ◽  
Heterogeneous Environments ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Trade Offs

AbstractThe adaptive potential of pathogens in novel or heterogeneous environments underpins the risk of disease epidemics. Antagonistic pleiotropy or differential resource allocation among life-history traits can constrain pathogen adaptation. However, we lack understanding of how the genetic architecture of individual traits can generate trade-offs. Here, we report a large-scale study based on 145 global strains of the fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici from four continents. We measured 50 life-history traits, including virulence and reproduction on 12 different wheat hosts and growth responses to several abiotic stressors. To elucidate the genetic basis of adaptation, we used genome-wide association mapping coupled with genetic correlation analyses. We show that most traits are governed by polygenic architectures and are highly heritable suggesting that adaptation proceeds mainly through allele frequency shifts at many loci. We identified negative genetic correlations among traits related to host colonization and survival in stressful environments. Such genetic constraints indicate that pleiotropic effects could limit the pathogen’s ability to cause host damage. In contrast, adaptation to abiotic stress factors was likely facilitated by synergistic pleiotropy. Our study illustrates how comprehensive mapping of life-history trait architectures across diverse environments allows to predict evolutionary trajectories of pathogens confronted with environmental perturbations.

scholarly journals Role of salicylic acid in acclimation to low temperature

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pál ◽  
O. Gondor ◽  
T. Janda
Keyword(s):  
Salicylic Acid ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Metabolic Reactions ◽  
Related Compounds

Low temperature is one of the most important limiting factors for plant growth throughout the world. Exposure to low temperature may cause various phenotypic and physiological symptoms, and may result in oxidative stress, leading to loss of membrane integrity and to the impairment of photosynthesis and general metabolic processes. Salicylic acid (SA), a phenolic compound produced by a wide range of plant species, may participate in many physiological and metabolic reactions in plants. It has been shown that exogenous SA may provide protection against low temperature injury in various plant species, while various stress factors may also modify the synthesis and metabolism of SA. In the present review, recent results on the effects of SA and related compounds in processes leading to acclimation to low temperatures will be discussed.

scholarly journals Plant-Microbe Interactions in Alleviating Abiotic Stress—A Mini Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Prabhu Inbaraj
Keyword(s):  
Abiotic Stress ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Abiotic Stresses ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Crop Plants ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
The Impact

Crop plants are continuously exposed to various abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, ultraviolet radiation, low and high temperatures, flooding, metal toxicities, nutrient deficiencies which act as limiting factors that hampers plant growth and low agricultural productivity. Climate change and intensive agricultural practices has further aggravated the impact of abiotic stresses leading to a substantial crop loss worldwide. Crop plants have to get acclimatized to various environmental abiotic stress factors. Though genetic engineering is applied to improve plants tolerance to abiotic stresses, these are long-term strategies, and many countries have not accepted them worldwide. Therefore, use of microbes can be an economical and ecofriendly tool to avoid the shortcomings of other strategies. The microbial community in close proximity to the plant roots is so diverse in nature and can play an important role in mitigating the abiotic stresses. Plant-associated microorganisms, such as endophytes, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), are well-documented for their role in promoting crop productivity and providing stress tolerance. This mini review highlights and discusses the current knowledge on the role of various microbes and it's tolerance mechanisms which helps the crop plants to mitigate and tolerate varied abiotic stresses.

scholarly journals Fine-tuning functional syndromes for stressful environments: lessons on survival from the South African resurrection plant Myrothamnus flabellifolia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose A. Marks ◽  
Mpho Mbobe ◽  
Marilize Greyling ◽  
Jennie Pretorius ◽  
D. Nicholas McLetchie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Tolerance ◽  
South African ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Natural Variation ◽  
Reproductive Allocation ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Resurrection Plant ◽  
The South ◽  
Lower Growth ◽  
Trade Offs

ABSTRACTResilience to abiotic stress is associated with a suite of functional traits related to defense and longevity. Stress tolerant plants are generally slow growing with extended leave lifespans and reduced allocation to reproduction. Resurrection plants are ideal systems to test for trade-offs associated with stress tolerance due to their extreme resiliency. While, growth defense trade-offs are well-characterized, few studies have tested for natural variation associated with tolerating the harshest environments. Here, we surveyed a suite of functional traits related to stress tolerance, leaf economics, and reproductive allocation in natural populations of the South African resurrection plant Myrothamnus flabellifolia. We selected three distinct field sites in South Africa ranging from mesic to xeric. Despite considerable environmental variation across the study area, M. flabellifolia plants were extremely and similarly stress tolerant at all sites. However, we detected notable variation in other life history and morphological traits. Plants in more mesic sites were larger, faster growing, and had more inflorescences. In contrast, plants from the most xeric sites appeared to invest more in persistence and defense, with lower growth rates and less reproductive allocation. Together, this suggests that desiccation tolerance is a binary trait in M. flabellifolia with little natural variation, but that other phenotypes are more labile. The trait syndromes exhibited by plants at the different study sites align with general expectations about growth defense tradeoffs associated with the colonization of extreme environments. We show that plants from the least stressful sites are more reproductive and faster growing, whereas plants from the most stressful sites were slower growing and less reproductive. These findings suggest that M. flabellifolia plants are finely tuned to their environment.

Community assembly and species traits

2019 ◽  
pp. 231-246
Author(s):  
Gary G. Mittelbach ◽  
Brian J. McGill
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Community Assembly ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Fundamental Question ◽  
Species Pool ◽  
Environmental Filters ◽  
Abiotic Environment ◽  
Local Site ◽  
Powerful Approach ◽  
Regional Species Pool

There is perhaps no more fundamental question in ecology than what determines the number and kinds of species found in a community and their relative abundances. This chapter lays out a powerful approach to answering this question, based on the concepts of a regional species pool and environmental filters. The species pool is the set of species that could potentially colonize a local site or community. Of these potential colonists, some species are limited in their ability to disperse to site, some are limited by their ability to survive the abiotic environment, and some are limited by their interactions with other species. These “filters” act individually or in concert, and the functional traits of species determine their success in passing through these filters to colonize a local site. There is growing empirical evidence that both abiotic and biotic processes select for specific functional traits. Focusing on the functional traits of species may lead to rules of community assembly that are general and help unify a variety of more specific theories.

scholarly journals Silicon and the Association with an Arbuscular-Mycorrhizal Fungus (Rhizophagus clarus) Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Drought Stress on Strawberry

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narges Moradtalab ◽  
Roghieh Hajiboland ◽  
Nasser Aliasgharzad ◽  
Tobias E. Hartmann ◽  
Günter Neumann
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus ◽  
Water Status ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungus ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Leaf Water Content ◽  
Rhizophagus Clarus ◽  
Effects Of Drought

Silicon (Si) is a beneficial element that alleviates the effects of stress factors including drought (D). Strawberry is a Si-accumulator species sensitive to D; however, the function of Si in this species is obscure. This study was conducted to examine the effect of Si and inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) on physiological and biochemical responses of strawberry plants under D. Plants were grown for six weeks in perlite and irrigated with a nutrient solution. The effect of Si (3 mmol L‒1), AMF (Rhizophagus clarus) and D (mild and severe D) was studied on growth, water relations, mycorrhization, antioxidative defense, osmolytes concentration, and micronutrients status. Si and AMF significantly enhanced plant biomass production by increasing photosynthesis rate, water content and use efficiency, antioxidant enzyme defense, and the nutritional status of particularly Zn. In contrast to the roots, osmotic adjustment did not contribute to the increase of leaf water content suggesting a different strategy of both Si and AMF for improving water status in the leaves and roots. Our results demonstrated a synergistic effect of AMF and Si on improving the growth of strawberry not only under D but also under control conditions.

scholarly journals A handbook for the standardised sampling of plant functional traits in disturbance-prone ecosystems, with a focus on open ecosystems

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (8) ◽  
pp. 473
Author(s):  
B. J. Wigley ◽  
T. Charles-Dominique ◽  
G. P. Hempson ◽  
N. Stevens ◽  
M. TeBeest ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
Plant Functional Traits ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Environmental Filters ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Plant Life ◽  
Species Performance

Plant functional traits provide a valuable tool to improve our understanding of ecological processes at a range of scales. Previous handbooks on plant functional traits have highlighted the importance of standardising measurements of traits to improve our understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes. In open ecosystems (i.e. grasslands, savannas, open woodlands and shrublands), traits related to disturbance (e.g. herbivory, drought, and fire) play a central role in explaining species performance and distributions and are the focus of this handbook. We provide brief descriptions of 34 traits and list important environmental filters and their relevance, provide detailed sampling methodologies and outline potential pitfalls for each trait. We have grouped traits according to plant functional type (grasses, forbs and woody plants) and, because demographic stages may experience different selective pressures, we have separated traits according to the different plant life stages (seedlings saplings and adults). We have attempted to not include traits that have been covered in previous handbooks except for where updates or additional information was considered beneficial.

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