@article{ ISI:000411897700143, Author = {Paffetti, Donatella and Travaglini, Davide and Labriola, Mariaceleste and Buonamici, Anna and Bottalico, Francesca and Materassi, Alessandro and Fasano, Gianni and Nocentini, Susanna and Vettori, Cristina}, Title = {{Land use and wind direction drive hybridization between cultivated poplar and native species in a Mediterranean floodplain environment}}, Journal = {{SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT}}, Year = {{2018}}, Volume = {{610}}, Pages = {{1400-1412}}, Month = {{JAN 1}}, Abstract = {{Deforestation and intensive land use managementwith plantations of fast-growing tree species, like Populus spp., may endanger native trees not only by eliminating or reducing their habitats, but also by diminishing their species integrity via hybridization and introgression. The genus Populus has persistent natural hybrids because clonal and sexual reproduction is common. The objective of this studywas to assess the effect of land use management of poplar plantations on the spatial genetic structure and species composition in poplar stands. Specifically, we studied the potential breeding between natural and cultivated poplar populations in the Mediterranean environment to gain insight into spontaneous hybridization events between exotic and native poplars; we also used a GIS-based model to evaluate the potential threats related to an intensive land use management. Two study areas, both near to poplar plantations (P. x euramericana), were designated in the native mixed stands of P. alba, P. nigra and P. x canescens within protected areas. We found that the spatial genetic structure differed between the two stands and their differences depended on their environmental features. We detected a hybridization event with P. x canescens that was made possible by the synchrony of flowering between the poplar plantation and P. x canescens and facilitated by the wind intensity and direction favoring the spread of pollen. Taken together, our results indicate that natural and artificial barriers are crucial to mitigate the threats, and so they should be explicitly considered in land use planning. For example, our results suggest the importance of conserving rows of trees and shrubs along rivers and in agricultural landscapes. In sum, it is necessary to understand, evaluate, and monitor the spread of exotic species and geneticmaterial to ensure effective land use management and mitigation of their impact on native tree populations. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.238}}, ISSN = {{0048-9697}}, EISSN = {{1879-1026}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000411897700143}}, } @article{ ISI:000413378000009, Author = {Nel, Lyndre and Pryke, James S. and Carvalheiro, Luisa G. and Thebault, Elisa and van Veen, F. J. Frank and Seymour, Colleen L.}, Title = {{Exotic plants growing in crop field margins provide little support to mango crop flower visitors}}, Journal = {{AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS \& ENVIRONMENT}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{250}}, Pages = {{72-80}}, Month = {{DEC 1}}, Abstract = {{Introduced plant species integrate into native trophic networks, often disrupting flower-visitation patterns. Although non-native invasive plants frequently occur in disturbed natural vegetation bordering crop fields, their impact on crop pollination has not been studied. We investigated whether an invasive plant (Lantana camara) influences flower visitation to mango (Mangifera indica), a pollinator-dependent crop, and whether the invasive supports mango pollinators when mango is not flowering. We surveyed insect flower-visitation in mango orchards bordering natural vegetation and within adjacent natural vegetation, with and without L. camara present, before, during and after mango flowering. We used these data to calculate the indirect effect of L. camara on mango through shared flower visitors before, during and after mango flowering, and the effects of the invasive on crop productivity. Lantana camara had a positive effect on mango flower visitation at low to medium mango flower density, but not at high mango flower densities. Although L. camara and mango shared flower visitor species, the frequency with which these flower visitor species visited the crop and the invasive differed markedly before, during and after mango flowering. Furthermore, the potential indirect effect of L. camara on mango via shared visitors was greatest when mango was flowering, but significantly lower before and after mango flowering, suggesting that the invasive is unimportant in the diet of mango flower visitors when the crop is not flowering. Contrary to findings in previous studies using native species in mango fields, there was a trend (not significant) for lower mango fruit production in fields with L. camara. This suggests that Lantana does not contribute to an increase in successful pollination of mango. Although our focal alien invasive plant species facilitated flower visitation of crops, it had no effect on mango production, and provided little support to mango flower visitor species that live longer than the crop's flowering period. Given that L camara is detrimental to grazing and was not associated with increased mango production, the removal of this invasive is advisable.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.agee.2017.09.002}}, ISSN = {{0167-8809}}, EISSN = {{1873-2305}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000413378000009}}, } @article{ ISI:000412959800048, Author = {Grant, Elektra L. and Wallace, Helen M. and Trueman, Stephen J. and Reddell, Paul W. and Ogbourne, Steven M.}, Title = {{Floral and reproductive biology of the medicinally significant rainforest tree, Fontainea picrosperma (Euphorbiaceae)}}, Journal = {{INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{108}}, Pages = {{416-422}}, Month = {{DEC 1}}, Abstract = {{Fontainea picrosperma (Euphorbiaceae) is a dioecious rainforest tree from northern Australia that is of commercial interest following the recent discovery of the putative anti-cancer agent, tigilanol tiglate, in its seed. Production of tigilanol tiglate will rely on purification from harvested fruit and therefore an understanding of the reproductive characteristics that determine fruit set of this species is critical. Most rainforest plant species rely exclusively on animal vectors to transport pollen between plants for successful reproduction. Flower traits and phenology can facilitate sexual reproduction by attracting pollinators whereas failure to attract pollinators can result in low fruit set due to pollen limitation. Here, we describe the floral morphology, flowering phenology and reproductive biology of F. picrosperma. This species bears small, white, actinomorphic flowers with a shallow receptacle. These floral traits are often associated with generalist insect pollination and are common to other dioecious tropical rainforest flowers. Individual female flowers persisted on the tree for several days longer than individual male flowers. Male panicles contained significantly more flowers than female inflorescences, and male flowers opened sequentially on a panicle whereas female flowers opened almost simultaneously within an inflorescence. F. picrosperma was pollen limited, as hand pollinated female flowers produced almost double the final fruit set (39.6 +/- 4.4\%) of open pollinated flowers (21.3 +/- 3.4\%). Optimised production of tigilanol tiglate may therefore rely on improving pollen flow from male to female trees.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.indcrop.2017.07.013}}, ISSN = {{0926-6690}}, EISSN = {{1872-633X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000412959800048}}, } @article{ ISI:000414259400001, Author = {Yang, Yuhua and Wang, Ying and Zhan, Jiepeng and Shi, Jiaqin and Wang, Xinfa and Liu, Guihua and Wang, Hanzhong}, Title = {{Genetic and Cytological Analyses of the Natural Variation of Seed Number per Pod in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)}}, Journal = {{FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{8}}, Month = {{NOV 2}}, Abstract = {{Seed number is one of the key traits related to plant evolution/domestication and crop improvement/breeding. In rapeseed germplasm, the seed number per pod (SNPP) shows a very wide variation from several to nearly 30; however, the underlying causations/mechanisms for this variation are poorly known. In the current study, the genetic and cytological bases for the natural variation of SNPP in rapeseed was firstly and systematically investigated using the representative four high-SNPP and five low-SNPP lines. The results of self-or cross-pollination experiment between the high- and low-SNPP lines showed that the natural variation of SNPP was mainly controlled by maternal effect (mean = 0.79), followed by paternal effect (mean = 0.21). Analysis of the data using diploid seed embryo-cytoplasmic-maternal model further showed that the maternal genotype, embryo, and cytoplasm effects, respectively, explained 47.6, 35.2, and 7.5\% of the genetic variance. In addition, the analysis of combining ability showed that for the SNPP of hybrid F-1 was mainly determined by the general combining ability of parents (63.0\%), followed by special combining ability of parental combination (37.0\%). More importantly, the cytological observation showed that the SNPP difference between the high- and low-SNPP lines was attributable to the accumulative differences in its components. Of which, the number of ovules, the proportion of fertile ovules, the proportion of fertile ovules to be fertilized, and the proportion of fertilized ovules to develop into seeds accounted for 30.7, 18.2, 7.1, and 43.9\%, respectively. The accordant results of both genetic and cytological analyses provide solid evidences and systematic insights to further understand the mechanisms underlying the natural variation of SNPP, which will facilitate the development of high-yield cultivars in rapeseed.}}, DOI = {{10.3389/fpls.2017.01890}}, Article-Number = {{1890}}, ISSN = {{1664-462X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000414259400001}}, } @article{ ISI:000413145900013, Author = {Charlebois, Julia A. and Sargent, Risa D.}, Title = {{No consistent pollinator-mediated impacts of alien plants on natives}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY LETTERS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{20}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{1479-1490}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{The introduction of an alien plant is widely assumed to have negative consequences for the pollinator-mediated fitness of nearby natives. Indeed, a number of studies, including a highly cited meta-analysis, have concluded that the trend for such interactions is competitive. Here we provide evidence that publication bias and study design have obscured our ability to assess the pollinator-mediated impacts of alien plants. In a meta-analysis of 76 studies, we demonstrate that alien/native status does not predict the outcome of pollinator-mediated interactions among plants. Moreover, we found no evidence that similarity in floral traits or phylogenetic distance between species pairs influences the outcome of pollinator-mediated interactions. Instead, we report that aspects of study design, such as distance between the control and nearest neighbour, and/or the arrangement of study plants better predict the impact of a neighbour than does alien/native status. Our study sheds new light on the role that publication bias and experimental design play in the evaluation of key patterns in ecology. We conclude that, due to the absence of clear, generalisable pollinator-mediated impacts of alien species, management schemes should base decisions on community-wide assessments of the impacts of individual alien plant species, and not solely on alien/native status itself.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/ele.12831}}, ISSN = {{1461-023X}}, EISSN = {{1461-0248}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000413145900013}}, } @article{ ISI:000412904000009, Author = {Pucci, Anna and Picarella, Maurizio Enea and Mazzucato, Andrea}, Title = {{Phenotypic, genetic and molecular characterization of 7B-1, a conditional male-sterile mutant in tomato}}, Journal = {{THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{130}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{2361-2374}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{We characterized the photoperiod-sensitive 7B - 1 male-sterile mutant in tomato, showing its allelism with stamenless - 2 . Mapping experiments indicated SlGLO2 , a B-class MADS-box family member, as a strong candidate to underlie the 7B - 1 mutation. The interest in male sterility (MS) dates back to a long time due to its perspective use in hybrid seed production. Here, we characterize 7B-1, a photoperiod-sensitive male-sterile (ms) mutant in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), in which stamens are restored to fertility by permissive growth conditions in short days (SD). This system represents a useful strategy to facilitate the maintenance of the ms line. Examination of 7B-1 and other structural mutants, vms, sl, sl-2 and tap3, showed carpellization of stamens in the third floral whorl. 7B-1 exhibits strong expressivity in long days (LD), producing 100\% aberrant anthers and virtually no seed production under open pollination, whereas it recovered fertility in SD. By genetic analysis, we demonstrate that 7B-1 is not allelic to sl nor to vms; instead it shows allelism to sl-2. Because the homeotic phenotype of the mutation resembles lesions to members of the B-class MADS-box transcription factor family, that specify petal and stamen identity, we pursued a candidate gene approach towards these targets. Using an interspecific backcross mapping population and markers linked to B-class MADS-box genes, significant linkage was found between 7B-1 and the SlGLO2 gene on Chr6. This result was supported by the 7B-1 phenotype that is similar to that of SlGLO2 knock outs and by the strong downregulation of the gene in the mutant. Although the lesion underlying the mutant phenotype is still elusive, our results pave the way for the final demonstration that SlGLO2 underlies 7B-1 and further the use of 7B-1 mutant in tomato hybrid seed production schemes.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00122-017-2964-7}}, ISSN = {{0040-5752}}, EISSN = {{1432-2242}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000412904000009}}, } @article{ ISI:000412322700041, Author = {Lichtenberg, Elinor M. and Kennedy, Christina M. and Kremen, Claire and Batary, Peter and Berendse, Frank and Bommarco, Riccardo and Bosque-Perez, Nilsa A. and Carvalheiro, Luisa G. and Snyder, William E. and Williams, Neal M. and Winfree, Rachael and Klatt, Bjoern K. and Astrom, Sandra and Benjamin, Faye and Brittain, Claire and Chaplin-Kramer, Rebecca and Clough, Yann and Danforth, Bryan and Diekoetter, Tim and Eigenbrode, Sanford D. and Ekroos, Johan and Elle, Elizabeth and Freitas, Breno M. and Fukuda, Yuki and Gaines-Day, Hannah R. and Grab, Heather and Gratton, Claudio and Holzschuh, Andrea and Isaacs, Rufus and Isaia, Marco and Jha, Shalene and Jonason, Dennis and Jones, Vincent P. and Klein, Alexandra-Maria and Krauss, Jochen and Letourneau, Deborah K. and Macfadyen, Sarina and Mallinger, Rachel E. and Martin, Emily A. and Martinez, Eliana and Memmott, Jane and Morandin, Lora and Neame, Lisa and Otieno, Mark and Park, Mia G. and Pfiffner, Lukas and Pocock, Michael J. O. and Ponce, Carlos and Potts, Simon G. and Poveda, Katja and Ramos, Mariangie and Rosenheim, Jay A. and Rundlof, Maj and Sardinas, Hillary and Saunders, Manu E. and Schon, Nicole L. and Sciligo, Amber R. and Sidhu, C. Sheena and Steffan-Dewenter, Ingolf and Tscharntke, Teja and Vesely, Milan and Weisser, Wolfgang W. and Wilson, Julianna K. and Crowder, David W.}, Title = {{A global synthesis of the effects of diversified farming systems on arthropod diversity within fields and across agricultural landscapes}}, Journal = {{GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{23}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{4946-4957}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Agricultural intensification is a leading cause of global biodiversity loss, which can reduce the provisioning of ecosystem services in managed ecosystems. Organic farming and plant diversification are farm management schemes that may mitigate potential ecological harm by increasing species richness and boosting related ecosystem services to agroecosystems. What remains unclear is the extent to which farm management schemes affect biodiversity components other than species richness, and whether impacts differ across spatial scales and landscape contexts. Using a global metadataset, we quantified the effects of organic farming and plant diversification on abundance, local diversity (communities within fields), and regional diversity (communities across fields) of arthropod pollinators, predators, herbivores, and detritivores. Both organic farming and higher in-field plant diversity enhanced arthropod abundance, particularly for rare taxa. This resulted in increased richness but decreased evenness. While these responses were stronger at local relative to regional scales, richness and abundance increased at both scales, and richness on farms embedded in complex relative to simple landscapes. Overall, both organic farming and in-field plant diversification exerted the strongest effects on pollinators and predators, suggesting these management schemes can facilitate ecosystem service providers without augmenting herbivore (pest) populations. Our results suggest that organic farming and plant diversification promote diverse arthropod metacommunities that may provide temporal and spatial stability of ecosystem service provisioning. Conserving diverse plant and arthropod communities in farming systems therefore requires sustainable practices that operate both within fields and across landscapes.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/gcb.13714}}, ISSN = {{1354-1013}}, EISSN = {{1365-2486}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Macfadyen, Sarina/C-1511-2008 Batary, Peter/A-2349-2008 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Macfadyen, Sarina/0000-0003-3553-4910 Batary, Peter/0000-0002-1017-6996 Lichtenberg, Elinor/0000-0002-2729-4534 Eigenbrode, Sanford/0000-0003-0054-8511}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000412322700041}}, } @article{ ISI:000412131900030, Author = {Hofmann, Sylvia and Everaars, Jeroen and Schweiger, Oliver and Frenzel, Mark and Bannehr, Lutz and Cord, Anna F.}, Title = {{Modelling patterns of pollinator species richness and diversity using satellite image texture}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{12}}, Number = {{10}}, Month = {{OCT 3}}, Abstract = {{Assessing species richness and diversity on the basis of standardised field sampling effort represents a cost-and time-consuming method. Satellite remote sensing (RS) can help overcome these limitations because it facilitates the collection of larger amounts of spatial data using cost-effective techniques. RS information is hence increasingly analysed to model biodiversity across space and time. Here, we focus on image texture measures as a proxy for spatial habitat heterogeneity, which has been recognized as an important determinant of species distributions and diversity. Using bee monitoring data of four years (2010-2013) from six 4 x 4 km field sites across Central Germany and a multimodel inference approach we test the ability of texture features derived from Landsat-TM imagery to model local pollinator biodiversity. Textures were shown to reflect patterns of bee diversity and species richness to some extent, with the first-order entropy texture and terrain roughness being the most relevant indicators. However, the texture measurements accounted for only 3-5\% of up to 60\% of the variability that was explained by our final models, although the results are largely consistent across different species groups (bumble bees, solitary bees). While our findings provide indications in support of the applicability of satellite imagery textures for modeling patterns of bee biodiversity, they are inconsistent with the high predictive power of texture metrics reported in previous studies for avian biodiversity. We assume that our texture data captured mainly heterogeneity resulting from landscape configuration, which might be functionally less important for wild bees than compositional diversity of plant communities. Our study also highlights the substantial variability among taxa in the applicability of texture metrics for modelling biodiversity.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0185591}}, Article-Number = {{e0185591}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000412131900030}}, } @article{ ISI:000413976200011, Author = {Wright, Boyd R. and Fensham, Roderick J.}, Title = {{Fire after a mast year triggers mass recruitment of slender mulga (Acacia aptaneura), a desert shrub with heat-stimulated germination}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{104}}, Number = {{10}}, Pages = {{1474-1483}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Fire typically triggers extensive regeneration of plants with heat-stimulated germination by causing short periods of intense soil heating. If plants with heat-stimulated germination are also subject to seed predation and display mast-seeding cycles, postfire recruitment may be contingent on the seedfall density of prefire masts, and on whether granivores are satiated at the time of fire. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal seedbank study and a mensurative field experiment in central Australia to examine whether fire and the variation in seedfall density across sites in a mast year interact to influence recruitment of slender mulga (Acacia aptaneura), an iteroparous masting shrub with heat-stimulated germination. KEY RESULT: The seedbank study showed seedbank pulsing after masting, with mean seed counts in the upper 4-cm soil layer being 132.8 seeds/m(2) 12-mo after a dense seedfall, but only 3.8 seeds/m(2) following a year with no seed production. Consistent with this, recruitment increased postfire at sites where denser seedfall had occurred during the preburn mast year. Conversely, little recruitment occurred at unburnt populations, irrespective of prefire seedfall density. CONCLUSIONS: We attribute our findings to: (1) elevated soil temperatures during fires stimulating germination of heat-cued seeds; and (2) granivore satiation following masting facilitating assimilation of seeds into the soil seedbank. These results highlight the importance of rare seed-input events for regeneration in fire-prone systems dominated by masting plants, and provide the first example from an arid biome of fire interacting with masting to influence recruitment.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1700008}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, EISSN = {{1537-2197}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000413976200011}}, } @article{ ISI:000412480400004, Author = {Fischman, Brielle J. and Pitts-Singer, Theresa L. and Robinson, Gene E.}, Title = {{Nutritional Regulation of Phenotypic Plasticity in a Solitary Bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)}}, Journal = {{ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{46}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1070-1079}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Phenotypic plasticity involves adaptive responses to predictable environmental fluctuations and may promote evolutionary change. We studied the regulation of phenotypic plasticity in an important agricultural pollinator, the solitary alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata F.). Specifically, we investigated how larval nutrition affects M. rotundata diapause plasticity and how diapause plasticity affects adult female reproductive behavior. Field surveys and laboratory manipulations of aspects of larval diet demonstrated nutritional regulation of M. rotundata diapause plasticity. Manipulation of larval diet quality through the addition of royal jelly, the caste-determining substance of the honey bee Apis mellifera L., increased the probability of diapause in M. rotundata. We also found that larval nutrition and diapause status affected M. rotundata adult female reproductive behavior. Nutritional effects on larval diapause that also impact adult fitness have intriguing implications for the evolution of developmental plasticity in bees. In particular, as the solitary lifestyle of M. rotundata is considered to be the ancestral condition in bees, nutritionally regulated plasticity may have been an ancestral condition in all bees that facilitated the evolution of other forms of phenotypic plasticity, such as the castes of social bees.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/ee/nvx119}}, ISSN = {{0046-225X}}, EISSN = {{1938-2936}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000412480400004}}, } @article{ ISI:000412118300014, Author = {Costa, Ana C. G. and Thomas, William W. and Machado, Isabel C.}, Title = {{Comparative floral biology of Rhynchospora ciliata (Vahl) Kukenth and R. pubera (Vahl) Boeckeler (Cyperaceae): the role of white involucral bracts in attracting pollinating insects}}, Journal = {{PLANT SPECIES BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{32}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{403-411}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Although Cyperaceae are considered anemophilous, some species exhibit features that are attractive to pollinators, such as the white UV-reflecting involucral bracts of Rhynchospora ciliata. But how effective are these conspicuous adaptations? To address this question, we tested the hypothesis that species such as R. ciliata are visited by greater numbers of pollinating insects than similar species with green involucral bracts, such as R. pubera. We compared the floral biology of both species and the number of visits to sympatric populations of each species, associating them with the availability of pollen and the pollination system. We verified that species with white involucral bracts are preferred, because there were more visits to R. ciliata in the first 2 h the flowers were open. The peak visitation in R. pubera was 2 h after the flowers opened, when the pollen of R. ciliata was exhausted. Although the involucral bracts of R. pubera are green, the spikelet scales and anthers are white and reflect ultraviolet light. Overall, flowers of R. pubera exhibit fewer white or reflective surfaces and are probably less conspicuous to a bee than those of R. ciliata. It is possible that R. pubera is a second option for visitors after the first 2 h of anthesis. The two different peaks in visitation minimize interspecific competition for pollinators, suggesting that R. ciliata and R. pubera together could attract more generalist pollinators and, instead of competing, facilitate the pollination of both species. Although R. pubera is autogamous and self-compatible, both wind and insects are important to its reproductive success.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1442-1984.12173}}, ISSN = {{0913-557X}}, EISSN = {{1442-1984}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000412118300014}}, } @article{ ISI:000410535100008, Author = {Davila-Lara, A. and Affenzeller, M. and Tribsch, A. and Diaz, V. and Comes, H. P.}, Title = {{AFLP diversity and spatial structure of Calycophyllum candidissimum (Rubiaceae), a dominant tree species of Nicaragua's critically endangered seasonally dry forest}}, Journal = {{HEREDITY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{119}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{275-286}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{The Central American seasonally dry tropical (SDT) forest biome is one of the worlds' most endangered ecosystems, yet little is known about the genetic consequences of its recent fragmentation. A prominent constituent of this biome is Calycophyllum candidissimum, an insect-pollinated and wind-dispersed canopy tree of high socio-economic importance, particularly in Nicaragua. Here, we surveyed amplified fragment length polymorphisms across 13 populations of this species in Nicaragua to elucidate the relative roles of contemporary vs historical factors in shaping its genetic variation. Genetic diversity was low in all investigated populations (mean H-E= 0.125), and negatively correlated with latitude. Overall population differentiation was moderate (Phi(ST) = 0.109, P<0.001), and Bayesian analysis of population structure revealed two major latitudinal clusters (I: `Pacific North'+'Central Highland'; II: `Pacific South'), along with a genetic cline between I and II. Population-based cluster analyses indicated a strong pattern of `isolation by distance' as confirmed by Mantel's test. Our results suggest that (1) the low genetic diversity of these populations reflects biogeographic/population history (colonisation from South America, Pleistocene range contractions) rather than recent human impact; whereas (2) the underlying process of their isolation by distance pattern, which is best explained by `isolation by dispersal limitation', implies contemporary gene flow between neighbouring populations as likely facilitated by the species' efficient seed dispersal capacity. Overall, these results underscore that even tree species from highly decimated forest regions may be genetically resilient to habitat fragmentation due to species-typical dispersal characteristics, the necessity of broad-scale measures for their conservation notwithstanding.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/hdy.2017.45}}, ISSN = {{0018-067X}}, EISSN = {{1365-2540}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000410535100008}}, } @article{ ISI:000410913100015, Author = {Bruznican, Silvia and Eeckhaut, Tom and Van Huylenbroeck, Johan and De Clercq, Herve and Geelen, Danny}, Title = {{Regeneration of cell suspension derived Apium graveolens L. protoplasts}}, Journal = {{PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{131}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{163-174}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Cytoplasmatic male sterility (CMS), which can be achieved by protoplast fusion and regeneration, has potential to greatly facilitate hybrid breeding of celery (Apium graveolens L.). Therefore as a first step we developed a simple and efficient protoplast isolation and regeneration protocol for three commercial A. graveolens varieties (green and white celery and celeriac). To this end, cell suspensions from independent cell lines of open pollinated cultivars and inbred lines were initiated as a source for protoplast isolation. Comparative analyses showed that culturing was most successful in modified Kao and Michayluk liquid medium supplemented with 0.3 mg l(-1) 2,4-D. The cytokinin type (TDZ or zeatin) and concentration had no significant effect on regeneration efficiency. Microcalli were obtained within 15 days to 5 weeks after protoplast isolation. Supplementing the culture medium with 25\% conditioned medium increased microcolony formation for some of the cultured lines. Plants were obtained within 2 months of microcallus culturing and these were all diploid, suggesting genetic inheritance consistency. The efficiency of regeneration mainly depended on the specific genotype, with outcrossing genotypes displaying high heterogeneity in regeneration responses whereas inbred lines did not regenerate. The protocol presented here enables to implement protoplast fusion in celery breeding.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11240-017-1273-9}}, ISSN = {{0167-6857}}, EISSN = {{1573-5044}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000410913100015}}, } @article{ ISI:000411671000028, Author = {Budge, Giles E. and Hodgetts, Jennifer and Jones, Eleanor P. and Ostoja-Starzewski, Jozef C. and Hall, Jayne and Tomkies, Victoria and Semmence, Nigel and Brown, Mike and Wakefield, Maureen and Stainton, Kirsty}, Title = {{The invasion, provenance and diversity of Vespa velutina Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in Great Britain}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{12}}, Number = {{9}}, Month = {{SEP 26}}, Abstract = {{The yellow-legged or Asian hornet (Vespa velutina colour form nigrithorax) was introduced into France from China over a decade ago. Vespa velutina has since spread rapidly across Europe, facilitated by suitable climatic conditions and the ability of a single nest to disperse many mated queens over a large area. Yellow-legged hornets are a major concern because of the potential impact they have on populations of many beneficial pollinators, most notably the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), which shows no effective defensive behaviours against this exotic predator. Here, we present the first report of this species in Great Britain. Actively foraging hornets were detected at two locations, the first around a single nest in Gloucestershire, and the second a single hornet trapped 54 km away in Somerset. The foraging activity observed in Gloucestershire was largely restricted to within 700 m of a single nest, suggesting highly localised movements. Genetic analyses of individuals from the Gloucestershire nest and the single hornet from Somerset suggest that these incursions represent an expansion of the European population, rather than a second incursion from Asia. The founding queen of the Gloucestershire nest mated with a single male, suggesting that sexual reproduction may have occurred in an area of low nest density. Whilst the nest contained diploid adult males, haploid `true' males were only present at the egg stage, indicating that the nest was detected and removed before the production of queens. Members of the public reported additional dead hornets associated with camping equipment recently returned from France and imported timber products, highlighting possible pathways of incursion. The utility of microsatellites to inform surveillance during an incursion and the challenge of achieving eradication of this damaging pest are discussed.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0185172}}, Article-Number = {{e0185172}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000411671000028}}, } @article{ ISI:000411287100001, Author = {Blaszka, David and Sanders, Elischa and Riffell, Jeffrey A. and Shlizerman, Eli}, Title = {{Classification of Fixed Point Network Dynamics from Multiple Node Timeseries Data}}, Journal = {{FRONTIERS IN NEUROINFORMATICS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{11}}, Month = {{SEP 20}}, Abstract = {{Fixed point networks are dynamic networks encoding stimuli via distinct output patterns. Although, such networks are common in neural systems, their structures are typically unknown or poorly characterized. It is thereby valuable to use a supervised approach for resolving how a network encodes inputs of interest and the superposition of those inputs from sample dmultiple node time series. In this paper, we show that accomplishing such a task involves finding a low-dimensional state space from supervised noisy recordings. We demonstrate that while standard methods for dimension reduction are unable to provide optimal separation of fixed points and transient trajectories approaching them, the combination of dimension reduction with selection (clustering) and optimization can successfully provide such functionality. Specifically, we propose two methods: Exclusive Threshold Reduction (ETR) and Optimal Exclusive Threshold Reduction (OETR) for finding a basis for the classification state space. We show that the classification space-constructed through the combination of dimension reduction and optimal separation-can directly facilitate recognition of stimuli, and classify complex inputs (mixtures) into similarity classes. We test our methodology on a benchmark data-set recorded from the olfactory system. We also use the benchmark to compare our results with the state-of-the-art. The comparison shows that our methods are capable to construct classification spaces and perform recognition at a significantly better rate than previously proposed approaches.}}, DOI = {{10.3389/fninf.2017.00058}}, Article-Number = {{58}}, ISSN = {{1662-5196}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000411287100001}}, } @article{ ISI:000413418800003, Author = {Kwan, Yen-Yen and Yahaya, Ezdiawati and Ishak, Nur Adibah and Leao, Ling-Jiun}, Title = {{LEGITIMACY ASSESSMENT OF POLLEN WITH SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEATS MARKERS}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF OIL PALM RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{29}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{318-322}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{It is essential that only good quality planting materials are used in oil palm breeding and commercial seed production. Best parents are usually selected from the best families for commercial production. Stringent quality measures of seed had already been employed to produce high quality planting materials. However, pollination with illegitimate pollen still arise in oil palm breeding programme and compromise quality of planting materials. To date, legitimacy of pollen is traced through data recording. Therefore, illegitimate pollen due to errors occur during pollen processing may have been overlooked. Concurring genotyping profiles generated by panel of Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers in leaf and pollen grains of the same palm, facilitate assessment of pollen legitimacy. Utilisation of this assessment may exclude utilisation of illegitimate pollen in oil palm breeding programme and improve the quality of breeding procedure.}}, DOI = {{10.21894/jopr.2017.2903.03}}, ISSN = {{1511-2780}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000413418800003}}, } @article{ ISI:000411133700007, Author = {Jones, Ian M. and Koptur, Suzanne and Pena, Jorge E.}, Title = {{Exploring whether and how ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) affect reproductive fitness in Senna mexicana var. chapmanii (Fabaceae)}}, Journal = {{FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{100}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{539-545}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Extrafloral nectar mediates food-for-protection mutualisms between plants and ants. Ant-plant mutualisms are keystone associations, occurring within a complex web of biotic interactions. As such, these interactions may affect plant fitness in a number of ways, both positive and negative. In Senna mexicana var. chapmanii (Isely) H.S. Irwin \& Barneby (Fabaceae), the presence of ants has been shown to reduce herbivory and increase fruit and seed set. These effects, however, are not the result of only one interaction but the balance of many. We conducted a field study to determine the processes by which ants affect reproductive fitness in S. chapmanii. Thirty plants were established in a semi-natural area adjacent to native pine rockland habitat in southern Florida. Ants were excluded from half of the plants by painting a sticky resin (Tanglefoot T) around the base of each stem. Over the course of a single flowering season (Oct-May), we observed the effects of ants on the activity of herbivores, predators, pollinators, and pre-dispersal seed predators. We also observed the overall effects of ants on plant size and reproductive output. Plants with ants were quicker to establish, grew larger, and produced floral displays that attracted more pollinators. Contrary to our expectations, relative pollinator efficiency and rates of pre-dispersal seed predation were unaffected by ants. In S. chapmanii, ants did not appear to affect the outcome of other plant-insect associations, but they affected the scale at which they occurred. Ants facilitated plant growth and establishment in S. chapmanii, with subsequent effects on reproductive investment.}}, ISSN = {{0015-4040}}, EISSN = {{1938-5102}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000411133700007}}, } @article{ ISI:000410475500006, Author = {Wang, Kun and Wang, Xin and Li, Ming and Shi, Tao and Yang, Pingfang}, Title = {{Low genetic diversity and functional constraint of miRNA genes participating pollen-pistil interaction in rice}}, Journal = {{PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{95}}, Number = {{1-2}}, Pages = {{89-98}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Pollen-pistil interaction is an essential reproductive process for all flowering plants. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are important noncoding small RNAs that regulate mRNA levels in eukaryotic cells, there is little knowledge about which miRNAs involved in the early stages of pollen-pistil interaction in rice and how they evolve under this conserved process. In this study, we sequenced the small RNAs in rice from unpollinated pistil (R0), pistil from 5 min and 15 min after pollination, respectively, to identify known and novel miRNAs that are involved in this process. By comparing the corresponding mRNA-seq dataset, we identified a group of miRNAs with strong negative expression pattern with their target genes. Further investigation of all miRNA loci (MIRNAs) across 1083 public rice accessions revealed significantly reduced genetic diversity in MIRNAs with strong negative expression of their targets when comparing to those with little or no impact on targets during pollen-pistil interaction. Annotation of targets suggested that those MIRNAs with strong impact on targets were pronounced in cell wall related processes such as xylan metabolism. Additionally, plant conserved miRNAs, such as those with functions in gibberellic acid, auxin and nitrate signaling, were also with strong negative expression of their targets. Overall, our analyses identified key miRNAs participating pollen-pistil interaction and their evolutionary patterns in rice, which can facilitate the understanding of molecular mechanisms associated with seed setting.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11103-017-0638-0}}, ISSN = {{0167-4412}}, EISSN = {{1573-5028}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000410475500006}}, } @article{ ISI:000408908700004, Author = {Richman, Sarah K. and Irwin, Rebecca E. and Bronstein, Judith L.}, Title = {{Foraging strategy predicts foraging economy in a facultative secondary nectar robber}}, Journal = {{OIKOS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{126}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{1250-1257}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{In mutualistic interactions, the decision whether to cooperate or cheat depends on the relative costs and benefits of each strategy. In pollination mutualisms, secondary nectar robbing is a facultative behavior employed by a diverse array of nectar-feeding organisms, and is thought to be a form of cheating. Primary robbers create holes in floral tissue through which they feed on nectar, whereas secondary robbers, which often lack chewing mouthparts, feed on nectar through existing holes. Because primary robbers make nectar more readily available to secondary robbers, primary robbers facilitate the behaviors of secondary robbers. However, the net effect of facilitation on secondary robber fitness has not been empirically tested: it is unknown whether the benefit secondary robbers receive is strong enough to overcome the cost of competing with primary robbers for a shared resource. We conducted foraging experiments using the bumble bee Bombus bifarius, which can alternatively forage legitimately' (from the floral opening) or secondary-rob. We measured the relative foraging efficiencies (handling time per flower, flowers visited per minute, proportion of foraging bout spent consuming nectar) of these alternative behaviors, and tested whether the frequency of primary robbing and nectar standing crop in primary-robbed flowers of Linaria vulgaris (Plantaginaceae) affected foraging efficiency. Surprisingly, there was no effect of primary robbing frequency on the foraging efficiency of secondary-robbing B. bifarius. Instead, foraging strategy was a major predictor of foraging efficiency, with legitimate foraging being significantly more efficient than secondary robbing. Legitimate foraging was the more common strategy used by B. bifarius in our study; however, it is rarely used by B. bifarius foraging on L. vulgaris in nature, despite indications that it is more efficient. Our results suggest the need for deeper investigations into why bees adopt secondary robbing as a foraging strategy, specifically, the environmental contexts that promote the behavior.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/oik.04229}}, ISSN = {{0030-1299}}, EISSN = {{1600-0706}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000408908700004}}, } @article{ ISI:000407793200004, Author = {Bouhours, Juliette and Mesgaran, Mohsen B. and Cousens, Roger D. and Lewis, Mark A.}, Title = {{Neutral hybridization can overcome a strong Allee effect by improving pollination quality}}, Journal = {{THEORETICAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{319-339}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Small populations of plant species can be susceptible to demographic Allee effects mainly due to pollen limitation. Although sympatry with a common, co-flowering species may somewhat alleviate the problem of pollinator visitation (pollination quantity), the interspecific pollen transfer, IPT, (pollination quality) may remain a barrier to reproduction in small populations such as new introductions. However, if the two species are crosscompatible, our hypothesis is that neutral hybridization can help the small founding population overcome the Allee effect by improving the quality of pollination. We tested this hypothesis by using a novel modelling approach based on the theory of kinetic reactions wherein pollinators act as enzymes to catalyse the reaction between the two substrates: pollen and unselfed ovule. Using a single locus, two-allele genetic model, we developed a generic model that allows for hybridization between the invading and the native genotypes. Analysing the stability properties of the trivial equilibria in hybridization model as compared with the single genotype invasion model, we found that hybridization can either remove or reduce the Allee effect by making an otherwise stable trivial equilibrium unstable. Our study suggests that hybridization can be neutral but still be the key driver of a successful invasion by mediating pollen limitation. Conservation programmes should therefore account for this cryptic role that hybridization could play in plant invasions.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s12080-017-0333-4}}, ISSN = {{1874-1738}}, EISSN = {{1874-1746}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000407793200004}}, } @article{ ISI:000407407100016, Author = {Roy, Rahul and Schmitt, Anthony J. and Thomas, Jason B. and Carter, Clay J.}, Title = {{Review: Nectar biology: From molecules to ecosystems}}, Journal = {{PLANT SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{262}}, Pages = {{148-164}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Plants attract mutualistic animals by offering a reward of nectar. Specifically, floral nectar (FN) is produced to attract pollinators, whereas extrafloral nectar (EFN) mediates indirect defenses through the attraction of mutualist predatory insects to limit herbivory. Nearly 90\% of all plant species, including 75\% of domesticated crops, benefit from animal-mediated pollination, which is largely facilitated by FN. Moreover, EFN represents one of the few defense mechanisms for which stable effects on plant health and fitness have been demonstrated in multiple systems, and thus plays a crucial role in the resistance phenotype of plants producing it. In spite of its central role in plant-animal interactions, the molecular events involved in the development of both floral and extrafloral nectaries (the glands that produce nectar), as well as the synthesis and secretion of the nectar itself, have been poorly understood until recently. This review will cover major recent developments in the understanding of (1) nectar chemistry and its role in plant-mutualist interactions, (2) the structure and development of nectaries, (3) nectar production, and (4) its regulation by phytohormones.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.plantsci.2017.04.012}}, ISSN = {{0168-9452}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000407407100016}}, } @article{ ISI:000408035500004, Author = {Otto, Lars-Gernot and Mondal, Prodyut and Brassac, Jonathan and Preiss, Susanne and Degenhardt, Joerg and He, Sang and Reif, Jochen Christoph and Sharbel, Timothy Francis}, Title = {{Use of genotyping-by-sequencing to determine the genetic structure in the medicinal plant chamomile, and to identify flowering time and alpha-bisabolol associated SNP-loci by genome-wide association mapping}}, Journal = {{BMC GENOMICS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{18}}, Month = {{AUG 10}}, Abstract = {{Background: Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) has a long history of use in herbal medicine with various applications, and the flower heads contain numerous secondary metabolites which are medicinally active. In the major crop plants, next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches are intensely applied to exploit genetic resources, to develop genomic resources and to enhance breeding. Here, genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) has been used in the non-model medicinal plant chamomile to evaluate the genetic structure of the cultivated varieties/populations, and to perform genome wide association study (GWAS) focusing on genes with large effect on flowering time and the medicinally important alpha-bisabolol content. Results: GBS analysis allowed the identification of 6495 high-quality SNP-markers in our panel of 91 M. recutita plants from 33 origins (2-4 genotypes each) and 4 M. discoidea plants as outgroup, grown in the greenhouse in Gatersleben, Germany. M. recutita proved to be clearly distinct from the outgroup, as was demonstrated by different cluster and principal coordinate analyses using the SNP-markers. Chamomile genotypes from the same origin were mostly genetically similar. Model-based cluster analysis revealed one large group of tetraploid genotypes with low genetic differentiation including 39 plants from 14 origins. Tetraploids tended to display lower genetic diversity than diploids, probably reflecting their origin by artificial polyploidisation from only a limited set of genetic backgrounds. Analyses of flowering time demonstrated that diploids generally flowered earlier than tetraploids, and the analysis of alpha-bisabolol identified several tetraploid genotypes with a high content. GWAS identified highly significant (P < 0.01) SNPs for flowering time (9) and alpha-bisabolol (71). One sequence harbouring SNPs associated with flowering time was described to play a role in self-pollination in Arabidopsis thaliana, whereas four sequences harbouring SNPs associated with alpha-bisabolol were identified to be involved in plant biotic and abiotic stress response in various plants species. Conclusions: The first genomic resource for future applications to enhance breeding in chamomile was created, andanalyses of diversity will facilitate the exploitation of these genetic resources. The GWAS data pave the way for future research towards the genetics underlying important traits in chamomile, the identification of marker-trait associations, and development of reliable markers for practical breeding.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12864-017-3991-0}}, Article-Number = {{599}}, ISSN = {{1471-2164}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Otto, Lars-Gernot/0000-0002-8566-680X Reif, Jochen/0000-0002-6742-265X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000408035500004}}, } @article{ ISI:000407284300042, Author = {Knop, Eva and Zoller, Leana and Ryser, Remo and Erpe, Christopher G. and Horler, Maurin and Fontaine, Colin}, Title = {{Artificial light at night as a new threat to pollination}}, Journal = {{NATURE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{548}}, Number = {{7666}}, Pages = {{206+}}, Month = {{AUG 10}}, Abstract = {{Pollinators are declining worldwide(1) and this has raised concerns for a parallel decline in the essential pollination service they provide to both crops and wild plants(2,3). Anthropogenic drivers linked to this decline include habitat changes, intensive agriculture, pesticides, invasive alien species, spread of pathogens and climate change(1). Recently, the rapid global increase in artificial light at night(4) has been proposed to be a new threat to terrestrial ecosystems; the consequences of this increase for ecosystem function are mostly unknown(5,6). Here we show that artificial light at night disrupts nocturnal pollination networks and has negative consequences for plant reproductive success. In artificially illuminated plant-pollinator communities, nocturnal visits to plants were reduced by 62\% compared to dark areas. Notably, this resulted in an overall 13\% reduction in fruit set of a focal plant even though the plant also received numerous visits by diurnal pollinators. Furthermore, by merging diurnal and nocturnal pollination sub-networks, we show that the structure of these combined networks tends to facilitate the spread of the negative consequences of disrupted nocturnal pollination to daytime pollinator communities. Our findings demonstrate that artificial light at night is a threat to pollination and that the negative effects of artificial light at night on nocturnal pollination are predicted to propagate to the diurnal community, thereby aggravating the decline of the diurnal community. We provide perspectives on the functioning of plant-pollinator communities, showing that nocturnal pollinators are not redundant to diurnal communities and increasing our understanding of the human-induced decline in pollinators and their ecosystem service.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/nature23288}}, ISSN = {{0028-0836}}, EISSN = {{1476-4687}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000407284300042}}, } @article{ ISI:000407186000024, Author = {Radenkovic, S. and Schweiger, O. and Milic, D. and Harpke, A. and Vujic, A.}, Title = {{Living on the edge: Forecasting the trends in abundance and distribution of the largest hoverfly genus (Diptera: Syrphidae) on the Balkan Peninsula under future climate change}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{212}}, Number = {{A}}, Pages = {{216-229}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Responses of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) to climate change remain mostly unexplored. Here, for the first time, we investigate the impact of climate change on both presence/absence and abundances of hoverfly species. We used generalized linear models to analyse the relationships of climatic and soil variables with the occurrence and abundance of Cheilosia species on the Balkan Peninsula. Our results show that the ranges of all and the abundances of many species are projected to decrease in the future. Climatically suitable conditions for mountainous species are predicted to generally shift northwards. Species adapted to high mountains are projected to almost vanish from the Balkans and only regions of the Alps would remain suitable for them. We found climatic variables were more important in determining abundance than occurrence. Given that environmental factors differed in terms of their impact on abundance and occurrence, we highlight the importance of monitoring both parameters to ensure effective conservation. Considering the different projected responses of hoverflies to future climate change, as well as their value as pollinators and the increasing threats they currently face, knowledge on their responses to the major drivers of their life-histories is indispensable for proper management and conservation action. We reveal that nationally-designated protected areas are insufficient to conserve the species considered here, both currently and under projected climate change. We recommend implementation of an integrated conservation management plan that can provide a continuum of protected areas along the Dinaric mountain chain to facilitate movement of species to enhance species survival.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.biocon.2017.06.026}}, ISSN = {{0006-3207}}, EISSN = {{1873-2917}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Schweiger, Oliver/B-4909-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Schweiger, Oliver/0000-0001-8779-2335}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000407186000024}}, } @article{ ISI:000407255100014, Author = {Rhodes, Matthew K. and Fant, Jeremie B. and Skogen, Krissa A.}, Title = {{Pollinator identity and spatial isolation influence multiple paternity in an annual plant}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{26}}, Number = {{16}}, Pages = {{4296-4308}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{The occurrence and extent of multiple paternity is an important component of variation in plant mating dynamics. However, links between pollinator activity and multiple paternity are generally lacking, especially for plant species that attract functionally diverse floral visitors. In this study, we separated the influence of two functionally distinct floral visitors (hawkmoths and solitary bees) and characterized their impacts on multiple paternity in a self-incompatible, annual forb, Oenothera harringtonii (Onagraceae). We also situated pollinator-mediated effects in a spatial context by linking variation in multiple paternity to variation in plant spatial isolation. We documented pronounced differences in the number of paternal sires as function of pollinator identity: on average, the primary pollinator (hawkmoths) facilitated mating with nearly twice as many pollen donors relative to the secondary pollinator (solitary bees). This effect was consistent for both isolated and nonisolated individuals, but spatial isolation imposed pronounced reductions on multiple paternity regardless of pollinator identity. Considering that pollinator abundance and pollen dispersal distance did not vary significantly with pollinator identity, we attribute variation in realized mating dynamics primarily to differences in pollinator morphology and behaviour as opposed to pollinator abundance or mating incompatibility arising from underlying spatial genetic structure. Our findings demonstrate that functionally distinct pollinators can have strongly divergent effects on polyandry in plants and further suggest that both pollinator identity and spatial heterogeneity have important roles in plant mating dynamics.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/mec.14115}}, ISSN = {{0962-1083}}, EISSN = {{1365-294X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000407255100014}}, } @article{ ISI:000403117900030, Author = {Shaik, Razia S. and Burrows, Geoffrey E. and Urwin, Nigel A. R. and Gopurenko, David and Lepschi, Brendan J. and Weston, Leslie A.}, Title = {{The biology, phenology and management of Australian weed-camel melon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai)}}, Journal = {{CROP PROTECTION}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{98}}, Pages = {{222-235}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Citrullus lanatus (camel melon) is an important summer weed of Australian fallows, and can rapidly develop monocultural stands in sandy soils receiving adequate soil moisture. As a general review on the biology of C lanatus, this paper reviewed the current published literature (including our recent published studies) and also summarised extensive field and laboratory studies performed on its biology, phenology and management in the South-West Slopes of New South Wales. Recent population genetics studies conducted in Australia have shown that the species is monotypic, and was introduced as a single colonisation event in the mid 1800's. Our studies showed genetic diversity in C. lanatus to be nonexistent across Australia and invasive ranges and highest in the native range in Africa. Further genetic analyses have shown the species in Australia is identical to Citrullus lanatus var. citroides, the citron melon, native to Africa and now naturalised across Africa, Asia and North America, where it is a weedy nuisance or occasionally a food source for livestock and humans. Although limited genotypic diversity may facilitate potential biocontrol strategies for Citrullus lanatus in Australia, biocontrol may be difficult due to its close genetic similarity to commercial watermelon, a major horticultural crop in Australia and more globally. In Australia, field germination was observed to occur during a two to three-month period between late spring and summer, when warm soil temperatures occurred and field establishment was typically observed after significant rainfall events and was associated with soil moisture availability. Controlled environment seed dormancy findings indicated that dormancy was significantly reduced by storage at ambient laboratory temperatures over eighteen months. Seed dormancy was transient and appeared to be both physical and physiological in nature, and was dependent on the period of after ripening during the post-harvest period. Key reproductive attributes, including high seed production, self-compatibility and pollination facilitated by several non-specific pollinators have likely resulted in increased spread of this weed in Australia and more globally. Management of C lanatus is achieved using IWM strategies including pre and post-emergent applications of herbicides as well as limiting fruit production by cultural practices including mowing, grazing and cultivation. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.cropro.2017.03.005}}, ISSN = {{0261-2194}}, EISSN = {{1873-6904}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Gopurenko, David/H-3341-2014}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Gopurenko, David/0000-0003-2886-1614}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000403117900030}}, } @article{ ISI:000406067800014, Author = {Paudel, Babu Ram and Shrestha, Mani and Dyer, Adrian G. and Li, Qing-Jun}, Title = {{Ginger and the beetle: Evidence of primitive pollination system in a Himalayan endemic alpine ginger (Roscoea alpina, Zingiberaceae)}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{12}}, Number = {{7}}, Month = {{JUL 19}}, Abstract = {{The Himalayan endemic alpine genus Roscoea, like other members of ginger family, exhibits the combination of floral traits that would fit pollination by long distant foragers such as bees, birds or flies. We studied the pollination biology of Roscoea alpina, observed potential floral visitors and determined their foraging behaviour, visitation frequency and pollination efficiency, to seek evidence in support of the pollination syndrome hypothesis. We also measured the floral spectra of R. alpina flowers to evaluate if signals fit with the currently known framework for observed floral visitors. We found that R. alpina have autonomous selfing and pollinator-mediated crossing, but lack apomixis. We observed that a beetle (Mylabris sp.), and a moth (Macroglossum nycteris) visit the flowers of R. alpina for pollen and nectar feeding respectively. Our field observations, the stigmatic pollen count and fruit set data indicated that the visit by the beetle was legitimate, while that of the moth was illegitimate. Emasculated flowers visited by beetles set as many fruits and seeds/fruit as autoselfed and naturally pollinated flowers, while emasculated flowers excluded from beetle visits did not set fruit and seed; indicating that a single visit of a beetle to the flowers of R. alpina can facilitate pollination. We found that flower spectral signal of R. alpina does not fit typical spectra previously reported for beetle or bee-visited flowers. Our results suggest that, to ensure reproductive success in alpine habitat, R. alpina has evolved autonomous selfing as a predominant mode of reproduction, while beetle pollination would promote genetic diversity of this plant species. The visitation of beetles to the flowers of R. alpina, despite floral signal mismatch with the classically associated beetle vision, suggests that a different visual processing may operate in this plant-pollinator interaction at high altitudes.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0180460}}, Article-Number = {{e0180460}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Shrestha, Mani/0000-0002-6165-8418}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000406067800014}}, } @article{ ISI:000408534800013, Author = {Jiang, Jianxiong and Guan, Yuefeng and McCormick, Sheila and Juvik, Jack and Lubberstedt, Thomas and Fei, Shui-zhang}, Title = {{Gametophytic Self-Incompatibility Is Operative in Miscanthus sinensis (Poaceae) and Is Affected by Pistil Age}}, Journal = {{CROP SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{57}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1948-1956}}, Month = {{JUL-AUG}}, Abstract = {{Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. (Poaceae) has desirable traits for a dedicated biomass crop. An important breeding goal for M. sinensis is to develop F-1 hybrid cultivars. A clear understanding of its reproductive mode will help to identify effective breeding strategies toward that goal. We performed > 1000 semi-in-vivo reciprocal crosses and self-pollinations to determine pollen-pistil compatibility responses. Self-pollination showed a self-incompatibility (SI) response typical for grasses, indicating that SI is operative in M. sinensis. The majority of self-pollen produced short tubes that terminated at the stigmatic surface of mature pistils, but some self-pollen tubes entered into the transmitting tract. The developmental stage of pistils affects pollen-pistil interactions, as younger pistils allowed significantly more self-pollen to enter the transmitting tract, with some even reaching the ovule. Cross pollinations among progeny of reciprocal crosses between the cultivar Gross Fontaine and the cultivar Undine showed four classes of compatibility responses with 0, 50, 75, and 100\% compatible pollen and exhibited differences in reciprocal compatibility for certain crosses. Taken together, our results showed that SI in M. sinensis is gametophytic and is likely controlled by a multiallelic, two-locus S and Z system, similar to those reported for other grasses. The findings from this study will facilitate the identification and isolation of genes related to SI and ultimately F1 hybrid production in M. sinensis.}}, DOI = {{10.2135/cropsci2016.11.0932}}, ISSN = {{0011-183X}}, EISSN = {{1435-0653}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000408534800013}}, } @article{ ISI:000407590000007, Author = {Russell, Avery L. and Buchmann, Stephen L. and Papaj, Daniel R.}, Title = {{How a generalist bee achieves high efficiency of pollen collection on diverse floral resources}}, Journal = {{BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{28}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{991-1003}}, Month = {{JUL-AUG}}, Abstract = {{Bees foraging for floral rewards are one of our most thoroughly studied examples of generalist foraging ecology. Generalist bees rely considerably on instrumental (associative) learning to acquire routines that allow them to collect nectar efficiently from diverse plant species. Although such bees must also collect pollen from diverse species, few studies have examined if and how high efficiency is achieved. We characterized how generalist bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) foraged effectively for pollen from diverse floral resources, by manipulating the presence of pollen and anther cues, in a series of experiments using pollen-bearing live flowers, flowers of a sterile pollenless horticultural hybrid, and artificial flowers. We show that generalist bumble bees exhibit flexible and effective pollen collection by switching between 2 routines: ``scrabbling{''} when pollen is abundant and ``sonicating{''} when pollen is scarce. Efficient switching between these behaviors is regulated by the interplay of 2 ubiquitous floral cues: chemical anther cues stimulating pollen collection behavior and mechanical pollen cues suppressing sonication (and eliciting scrabbling). Flexible pollen collection behavior is functional: When pollen on anthers was scarce, bees collected it at a greater rate by sonicating than scrabbling. This mechanism of behavioral flexibility likely allows generalist bees to handle diverse anther morphologies efficiently and may have facilitated the recurrent evolution of plant species that conceal pollen rewards via pored floral morphology. Whereas effective nectar foraging relies heavily on associative learning of unique routines for each flower type, a weighing of 2 types of cues regulates the flexible pollen collection mechanism we describe.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/beheco/arx058}}, ISSN = {{1045-2249}}, EISSN = {{1465-7279}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000407590000007}}, } @article{ ISI:000406615300042, Author = {Xu, Yang and Yang, Jie and Wang, Yihua and Wang, Jiachang and Yu, Yang and Long, Yu and Wang, Yunlong and Zhang, Huan and Ren, Yulong and Chen, Jun and Wang, Ying and Zhang, Xin and Guo, Xiuping and Wu, Fuqing and Zhu, Shanshan and Lin, Qibing and Jiang, Ling and Wu, Chuanyin and Wang, Haiyang and Wan, Jianmin}, Title = {{OsCNGC13 promotes seed-setting rate by facilitating pollen tube growth in stylar tissues}}, Journal = {{PLOS GENETICS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{13}}, Number = {{7}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Seed-setting rate is a critical determinant of grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Rapid and healthy pollen tube growth in the style is required for high seed-setting rate. The molecular mechanisms governing this process remain largely unknown. In this study, we isolate a dominant low seed-setting rate rice mutant, sss1-D. Cellular examination results show that pollen tube growth is blocked in about half of the mutant styles. Molecular cloning and functional assays reveals that SSS1-D encodes OsCNGC13, a member of the cyclic nucleotidegated channel family. OsCNGC13 is preferentially expressed in the pistils and its expression is dramatically reduced in the heterozygous plant, suggesting a haploinsufficiency nature for the dominant mutant phenotype. We show that OsCNGC13 is permeable to Ca2+. Consistent with this, accumulation of cytoplasmic calcium concentration ({[}Ca2+](cyt)) is defective in the sss1-D mutant style after pollination. Further, the sss1-D mutant has altered extracellular matrix (ECM) components and delayed cell death in the style transmission tract (STT). Based on these results, we propose that OsCNGC13 acts as a novel maternal sporophytic factor required for stylar {[}Ca2+](cyt) accumulation, ECM components modification and STT cell death, thus facilitating the penetration of pollen tube in the style for successful double fertilization and seed-setting in rice.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pgen.1006906}}, Article-Number = {{e1006906}}, ISSN = {{1553-7404}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000406615300042}}, } @article{ ISI:000406973200008, Author = {Borges, Renee M.}, Title = {{Co-niche construction between hosts and symbionts: ideas and evidence}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF GENETICS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{96}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{483-489}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Symbiosis is a process that can generate evolutionary novelties and can extend the phenotypic niche space of organisms. Symbionts can act together with their hosts to co-construct host organs, within which symbionts are housed. Once established within hosts, symbionts can also influence various aspects of host phenotype, such as resource acquisition, protection from predation by acquisition of toxicity, as well as behaviour. Once symbiosis is established, its fidelity between generations must be ensured. Hosts evolve various mechanisms to screen unwanted symbionts and to facilitate faithful transmission of mutualistic partners between generations. Microbes are the most important symbionts that have influenced plant and animal phenotypes; multicellular organisms engage in developmental symbioses with microbes at many stages in ontogeny. The co-construction of niches may result in composite organisms that are physically nested within each other. While it has been advocated that these composite organisms need new evolutionary theories and perspectives to describe their properties and evolutionary trajectories, it appears that standard evolutionary theories are adequate to explore selection pressures on their composite or individual traits. Recent advances in our understanding of composite organisms open up many important questions regarding the stability and transmission of these units.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s12041-017-0792-9}}, ISSN = {{0022-1333}}, EISSN = {{0973-7731}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000406973200008}}, } @article{ ISI:000406236200032, Author = {El-Yazal, S. A. Seif and Alharby, H. F. and El-Yazal, M. A. Seif and Hassan, G. M. and Rady, M. M.}, Title = {{MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF SOME SEEDLING OF DATE PALM (Phoenix dactylifera L.) MALES' TREES}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND PLANT SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{27}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1287-1294}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{The present investigation was conducted during the season of 2014 using five seedlings of date palm males selected from the evaluation of fifty male seedlings of date palm grown in Tamiya district, Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. To facilitate the selection and identification of good male pollinators for further using in breeding programs, the selection was carried out for promising males to be used to pollinate the females of date palm. The selected five male seedlings of date palm were analyzed using RAPD marker. Among a total of 77 bands obtained, 75 bands were polymorphic and the other 2 bands were monomorphic. Amplification size ranged between 280 and 2000 bp. UPGMA based cluster diagram showed that the all five different genotypes were grouped into two major clusters. Polymorphism percentage (96.4\%) was indicated a high genetic diversity among the date palm studied.}}, ISSN = {{1018-7081}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000406236200032}}, } @article{ ISI:000406206000006, Author = {Wang, Yunzhu and Zhang, Zhentao and Jia, Li and Li, Ziang and Li, Ji and Lou, Qunfeng and Chen, Jinfeng}, Title = {{Molecular and cytogenetic analyses provide evidence of the introgression of chromosomal segments from the wild Cucumis hystrix into the cultivated cucumber through the bridge of a synthetic allotetraploid}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR BREEDING}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{37}}, Number = {{7}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Cucumis x hytivus (2n = 4x = 38) is a synthetic allotetraploid obtained from interspecific hybridization between the cucumber (2n = 2x = 14) and its wild relative C. hystrix (2n = 2x = 24). The synthesis of this species built a bridge for cucumber improvement through gene introgression. Allotriploid and introgression lines (ILs) have previously been produced and characterized with respect to morphology, cytology, and molecular markers. However, no clear evidence of how the chromosomal segments of C. hystrix were introgressed and inherited was found owing to the small size of chromosomes. In the present study, cucumber-C. hystrix introgression lines were developed by backcrossing the allotriploid to North China cucumber breeding line ``P01{''} followed by self-pollination. The introgressed segments of C. hystrix in the ILs were revealed by meiotic pachytene chromosome analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization ( FISH) was performed on pachytene chromosomes using fosmid clones from cucumber, which confirmed that introgression occurred in the long arm of chromosome 7. Molecular analysis using a set of 53 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) indicated that the chromosomal segments of C. hystrix were introduced into 4 cucumber chromosomes, the short arms of chromosomes 2 and 6, and long arms of chromosomes 3 and 7. The inheritance of alien sequences in the long arm of chromosome 7 was investigated with 21 SSRs in self-pollinated progenies. C. hystrix-specific bands of several SSRs were still present in some individuals, indicating that the introgressed segment was partially preserved. The first unambiguous identification of alien chromosome segments in cucumber ILs using combined molecular cytogenetics could facilitate the determination of effects of wild alleles and promote cucumber improvement.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11032-017-0679-8}}, Article-Number = {{89}}, ISSN = {{1380-3743}}, EISSN = {{1572-9788}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000406206000006}}, } @article{ ISI:000405251800042, Author = {Chauhan, S. and Chauhan, S. V. S. and Galetto, L.}, Title = {{Floral and pollination biology, breeding system and nectar traits of Callistemon citrinus (Myrtaceae) cultivated in India}}, Journal = {{SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{111}}, Pages = {{319-325}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{This study reports the influence of habitat on floral (flower and nectar characteristics, phenology) and pollination biology (flower visitors and breeding system) on Callistemon citrinus (syn. Callistemon lanceolatus), an Australian species of family Myrtaceae. In India, this small ornamental tree is cultivated in gardens, avenues and road sides and flowers throughout the year. At Agra (Uttar Pradesh, northern India) this species flowers twice a year (February-May and August-November). Flowers open early in the morning and can be characterized as protandrous for a brief period. Fresh open flowers presented ca. 25\% of total produced nectar. Nectar sugar composition consisted of only glucose and fructose. A wide array of visitors (honey bees (Apis dorsata), butterflies, wasps, ants, moth, hover flies, several birds and Indian palm squirrel) visit flowers either for pollen or nectar or for facilitating self- and cross-pollination by their intra-and inter-tree movements. Among these, honey bees are dominant in number and in the amount of pollen on their body, while butterflies, ants, wasps, sunbirds, parrots, oriental white-eye sparrow and squirrels forage only for nectar and can be considered occasional pollinators or nectar thieves. Although flowers are highly visited, nectar in standing crop showed that flower visitors did not consume the total nectar produced. Nectar replenishment decreased with age in both bagged- and exposed flowers, showing the capability of secreting nectar after removal during the entire flower lifetime. Experimental hand-pollinations showed that naturalized C. citrinus fruits matured through autogamy, geitonogamy or xenogamy as was reported for native Australian populations. C citrinus displays an interesting reproductive strategy, shows phenotypic plasticity of flowering periodicity and interacts with a generalized pollinator system, attracts a wide array of animal species with a conspicuous amount or replenished nectar after removals, and uses both compatibility strategies- xenogamy and autogamy- to ensure successful pollination and seed production at native or naturalized habitats. (C) 2017 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.sajb.2017.04.010}}, ISSN = {{0254-6299}}, EISSN = {{1727-9321}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000405251800042}}, } @article{ ISI:000404809900003, Author = {Smith, Barbara M. and Chakrabarti, Priyadarshini and Chatterjee, Arnob and Chatterjee, Soumik and Dey, Uday Kumar and Dicks, Lynn V. and Giri, Bhagirath and Laha, Supratim and Majhi, Rabindra Kumar and Basu, Parthiba}, Title = {{Collating and validating indigenous and local knowledge to apply multiple knowledge systems to an environmental challenge: A case-study of pollinators in India}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{211}}, Number = {{A}}, Pages = {{20-28}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{There is an important role for indigenous and local knowledge in a Multiple Evidence Base to make decisions about the use of biodiversity and its management. This is important both to ensure that the knowledge base is complete (comprising both scientific and local knowledge) and to facilitate participation in the decision making process. We present a novel method to gather evidence in which we used a peer-to-peer validation process among farmers that we suggest is analogous to scientific peer review. We used a case-study approach to trial the process focussing on pollinator decline in India. Pollinator decline is a critical challenge for which there is a growing evidence base, however, this is not the case world wide. In the state of Orissa, India, there are no validated scientific studies that record historical pollinator abundance, therefore local knowledge can contribute substantially and may indeed be the principle component of the available knowledge base. Our aim was to collate and validate local knowledge in preparation for integration with scientific knowledge from other regions, for the purpose of producing a Multiple Evidence Base to develop conservation strategies for pollinators. Farmers reported that vegetable crop yields were declining in many areas of Orissa and that the abundance of important insect crop pollinators has declined sharply across the study area in the last 10-25 years, particularly Apis cerana, Amegilla sp. and.Xylocopa sp. Key pollinators for commonly grown crops were identified; both Apis cerana and Xylocopa sp. were ranked highly as pollinators by farmer participants. Crop yield declines were attributed to soil quality, water management, pests, climate change, overuse of chemical inputs and lack of agronomic expertise. Pollinator declines were attributed to the quantity and number of pesticides used. Farmers suggested that fewer pesticides, more natural habitat and the introduction of hives would support pollinator populations. This process of knowledge creation was supported by participants, which led to this paper being co-authored by both scientists and farmers.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.biocon.2017.04.032}}, ISSN = {{0006-3207}}, EISSN = {{1873-2917}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000404809900003}}, } @article{ ISI:000404875100012, Author = {Bergamo, Pedro Joaquim and Wolowski, Marina and Maruama, Pietro Kiyoshi and Vizentin-Bugoni, Jeferson and Carvalheiro, Luisa G. and Sazima, Marlies}, Title = {{The potential indirect effects among plants via shared hummingbird pollinators are structured by phenotypic similarity}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{98}}, Number = {{7}}, Pages = {{1849-1858}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Plant species within communities may overlap in pollinators' use and influence visitation patterns of shared pollinators, potentially engaging in indirect interactions (e.g., facilitation or competition). While several studies have explored the mechanisms regulating insect-pollination networks, there is a lack of studies on bird-pollination systems, particularly in species-rich tropical areas. Here, we evaluated if phenotypic similarity, resource availability (floral abundance), evolutionary relatedness and flowering phenology affect the potential for indirect effects via shared pollinators in hummingbird-pollinated plant species within four communities in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Among the evaluated factors, phenotypic similarity (corolla length and anther height) was the most important variable, while resource availability (floral abundance) had a secondary importance. On the other hand, evolutionary relatedness and flowering phenology were less important, which altogether highlights the relevance of convergent evolution and that the contribution of a plant to the diet of the pollinators of another plant is independent of the level of temporal overlap in flowering in this tropical system. Interestingly, our findings contrast with results from multiple insect-pollinated plant communities, mostly from temperate regions, in which floral abundance was the most important driver, followed by evolutionary relatedness and phenotypic similarity. We propose that these contrasting results are due to high level of specialization inherent to tropical hummingbird-pollination systems. Moreover, our results demonstrated that factors defining linkage rules of plant-hummingbird networks also determinate plant-plant potential indirect effects. Future studies are needed to test if these findings can be generalized to other highly specialized systems. Overall, our results have important implications for the understanding of ecological processes due resource sharing in mutualistic systems.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/ecy.1859}}, ISSN = {{0012-9658}}, EISSN = {{1939-9170}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000404875100012}}, } @article{ ISI:000404628700001, Author = {Moran, Nicholas P. and Wong, Bob B. M. and Thompson, Ross M.}, Title = {{Weaving animal temperament into food webs: implications for biodiversity}}, Journal = {{OIKOS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{126}}, Number = {{7}}, Pages = {{917-930}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Recent studies into community level dynamics are revealing processes and patterns that underpin the biodiversity and complexity of natural ecosystems. Theoretical food webs have suggested that species-rich and highly complex communities are inherently unstable, but incorporating certain characteristics of empirical communities, such as allometric body size scaling and non-random interaction distributions, have been shown to enhance stability and facilitate species coexistence. Incorporating individual level traits and variability into food web theory is seen as a future pathway for this research and our growing knowledge of individual behaviours, in the form of temperament (or personality) traits, can inform the direction of this research. Temperament traits are consistent differences in behaviour between individuals, which are repeatable across time and/or across ecological contexts, such as aggressive or boldness behaviours that commonly differ between individuals of the same species. These traits, under the framework of behavioural reaction norms, show both individual consistency as well as contextual and phenotypic plasticity. This is likely to contribute significantly to the effects of individual trait variability and adaptive trophic behaviour on the structure and dynamics of food webs, which are apparently stabilizing. Exploring the role of temperament in the context of community ecology is a unique opportunity for cross-pollination between ecological fields, and can provide new insights into community stability and biodiversity.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/oik.03642}}, ISSN = {{0030-1299}}, EISSN = {{1600-0706}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000404628700001}}, } @article{ ISI:000403791000022, Author = {Kraaij, T. and Baard, J. A. and Crain, B. J.}, Title = {{Conservation status and management insights from tracking a cryptic and Critically Endangered species of Orchidaceae}}, Journal = {{ORYX}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{51}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{441-450}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Ninety-five percent of orchid species associated with fynbos shrublands of South Africa's Cape Floristic Kingdom have been assessed for the IUCN Red List, yet aspects of their demography and population biology remain poorly understood. We conducted a 6-year demographic study of the Critically Endangered Disa procera, a cryptic, terrestrial species from South Africa with a global population of c. 50 individuals known from a single location. We aimed to provide management recommendations that would facilitate its persistence. Our findings indicate that the population of D. procera is larger than previously thought, and the species occurs at two distinct locations. These orchids exhibit high interannual variation in population size and turnover of individuals, potentially indicative of a species with a short life span, and still meet the criteria for Critically Endangered status. The species benefits from disturbances, such as brush cutting along trails, or fire, which open up clearances in the vegetation. However, physical damage to plants during their aboveground growing season (September-January) is particularly detrimental and should be avoided in habitat management for the species. Fire had beneficial effects at the population and individual levels and is recommended at 10-25-year intervals, outside the orchid's growing season. The species exhibited comparatively high rates of fruit set (68\%), suggesting that pollination limitation does not currently constrain its performance. Its patchy distribution may, however, indicate constraints on dispersal or recruitment. We recommend that management strategies should include continued protection and monitoring of both populations, studies on pollination, habitat requirements and mycorrhizal associates, and a prescribed disturbance regime.}}, DOI = {{10.1017/S0030605316000272}}, ISSN = {{0030-6053}}, EISSN = {{1365-3008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Crain, Benjamin/0000-0001-5143-0957 Kraaij, Tineke/0000-0002-8891-2869}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000403791000022}}, } @article{ ISI:000402957400081, Author = {Guo, Yufang and Lin, Wei-Kuang and Chen, QiuXia and Vallejo, Veronica A. and Warner, Ryan M.}, Title = {{Genetic Determinants of Crop Timing and Quality Traits in Two Interspecific Petunia Recombinant Inbred Line Populations}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIFIC REPORTS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{7}}, Month = {{JUN 9}}, Abstract = {{The rate at which plants develop new nodes (development rate) is a major determinant of crop production time, yet the genetic control of this process, including genetic interactions with crop quality parameters, is poorly understood. We employed a modified genotyping-by-sequencing approach and generated genetic linkage maps with 6,291 and 3,297 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the interspecific Petunia recombinant inbred line (RIL) population - P. axillaris x P. exserta (AE) and P. integrifolia x P. axillaris (IA), respectively. Comparative mapping between the populations revealed perfect collinearity of marker order but different recombination frequency at the corresponding linkage groups (LGs). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping conducted for development traits and other important quality traits indicated QTL clustered on chromosome 1, 2, 4 and 6 for the AE population and chromosome 1, 2, 5 and 6 for the IA population. Additionally, 209 differentially expressed unique transcripts were identified in shoot apex tissue between fast- and slow-developing RILs, 13 of which mapped to within 1 cM of a development rate QTL. These results will facilitate the identification of novel genes controlling crop timing and quality traits in Petunia and highlight the power of using multiple interspecific populations to elucidate genetic determinants of natural variation.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/s41598-017-03528-9}}, Article-Number = {{3200}}, ISSN = {{2045-2322}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000402957400081}}, } @article{ ISI:000401783600007, Author = {Mesgaran, Mohsen B. and Bouhours, Juliette and Lewis, Mark A. and Cousens, Roger D.}, Title = {{How to be a good neighbour: Facilitation and competition between two co-flowering species}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{422}}, Pages = {{72-83}}, Month = {{JUN 7}}, Abstract = {{Empirical evidence suggests that co-flowering species can facilitate each other through shared pollinators. However, the extent to which one co-flowering species can relieve pollination limitation of another while simultaneously competing for abiotic resource has rarely been examined. Using a deterministic model we explored the demographic outcome for one ({''}focal{''}) species of its co-occurrence with a species that shares pollinators and competes for both pollinator visitation and abiotic resources. In this paper we showed how the overall impact can be positive or negative, depending on the balance between enhanced fertilization versus increased competition. Our model could predict the density of co-flowering species that will maximize the pollination rate of the focal species by attracting pollinators. Because that density will also give rise to competitive effects, a lower density of co-flowering species is required for optimizing the trade-off between enhanced fertilization and competition so as to give the maximum possible facilitation of reproduction in the focal species. Results were qualitatively different when we considered attractiveness of the co-flowering species, as opposed to its density, because attractiveness, unlike density, had no effect on competition for abiotic resources. Whereas unattractive neighbours would not bring in pollinators, very attractive neighbours would captivate pollinators, not sharing them with the focal species. Thus optimal benefit to the focal species came at intermediate levels of attractiveness in the co-flowering species. This intermediate level of attractiveness in co-flowering species simultaneously maximized pollination and overall facilitation of reproduction for the focal species. The likelihood of facilitation was predicted to decline with the selfing rate of the focal species, revealing an indirect cost for an inbreeding mating system. Whether a co-flowering species can be facilitative depends on the way pollinators respond to the plant density: only a Type III functional response for visitation rate can result in facilitation. Our model provided both a conceptual framework and precise quantitative measures for determining the impacts of a neighbouring co-flowering species on reproduction. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.jtbi.2017.04.011}}, ISSN = {{0022-5193}}, EISSN = {{1095-8541}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000401783600007}}, } @article{ ISI:000402673000001, Author = {Shanmugavadivel, P. S. and Mithra, V, Amitha S. and Prakash, Chandra and Ramkumar, M. K. and Tiwari, Ratan and Mohapatra, Trilochan and Singh, Nagendra Kumar}, Title = {{High Resolution Mapping of QTLs for Heat Tolerance in Rice Using a 5K SNP Array}}, Journal = {{RICE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{10}}, Month = {{JUN 5}}, Abstract = {{Background: Heat stress is one of the major abiotic threats to rice production, next to drought and salinity stress. Incidence of heat stress at reproductive phase of the crop results in abnormal pollination leading to floret sterility, low seed set and poor grain quality. Identification of QTLs and causal genes for heat stress tolerance at flowering will facilitate breeding for improved heat tolerance in rice. In the present study, we used 272 F-8 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between Nagina22, a well-known heat tolerant Aus cultivar and IR64, a heat sensitive popular Indica rice variety to map the QTLs for heat tolerance. Results: To enable precise phenotyping for heat stress tolerance, we used a controlled phenotyping facility available at ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India. Based on `days to 50\% flowering' data of the RILs, we followed staggered sowing to synchronize flowering to impose heat stress at uniform stage. Using the Illumina infinium 5K SNP array for genotyping the parents and the RILs, and stress susceptibility and stress tolerance indices (SSI and STI) of percent spikelet sterility and yield per plant (g), we identified five QTLs on chromosomes 3, 5, 9 and 12. The identified QTLs explained phenotypic variation in the range of 6.27 to 21. 29\%. Of these five QTLs, two high effect QTLs, one novel (qSTIPSS9.1) and one known (qSTIY5.1/qSSIY5.2), were mapped in less than 400 Kbp genomic regions, comprising of 65 and 54 genes, respectively. Conclusions: The present study identified two major QTLs for heat tolerance in rice in narrow physical intervals, which can be employed for crop improvement by marker assisted selection (MAS) after development of suitable scorable markers for breeding of high yielding heat tolerant rice varieties. This is the first report of a major QTL for heat tolerance on chromosome 9 of rice. Further, a known QTL for heat tolerance on chromosome 5 was narrowed down from 23 Mb to 331 Kbp in this study.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12284-017-0167-0}}, Article-Number = {{28}}, ISSN = {{1939-8425}}, EISSN = {{1939-8433}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000402673000001}}, } @article{ ISI:000404822800003, Author = {Arnold, Paige M. and Michaels, Helen J.}, Title = {{NECTAR SAMPLING FOR PRAIRIE AND OAK SAVANNA BUTTERFLY RESTORATION}}, Journal = {{APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{5}}, Number = {{6}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Premise of the study: Understanding floral resources is vital for restoring pollinators in habitats affected by anthropogenic development and climate change. As the primary adult food, nectar can limit butterfly longevity and reproduction. For pollinator restoration, it would therefore be useful to examine nectar resources. However, because many flowers preferred by butterflies are too small for microcapillary sampling and the potential for nectar contamination can make accurate measurement difficult, we developed a modified centrifugation method to extract and separate nectar and pollen. Methods: We sampled nectar from 19 forbs using a glass wool filter to exclude potentially contaminating pollen during centrifugation. To minimize costs, we measured sugar concentration by refractometry and simple ninhydrin tests for amino acids and improved test accuracy by subsequent image analysis. Artificial nectars were used to verify the new techniques. Results: This method eliminated pollen from samples, while only slightly increasing sugar concentrations. Some amino acids were lost during centrifugation, but only samples with high concentrations exhibited substantial loss. We found significant differences in nectar quality among species, as well as an unexpected inverse relationship between amino acid and sugar concentrations. Discussion: This modified centrifugation technique is an efficient, less damaging, inexpensive approach for collecting nectar from small flowers while eliminating pollen contamination, and will facilitate restoration of declining pollinators and thereby the plants they service.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/apps.1600148}}, Article-Number = {{1600148}}, ISSN = {{2168-0450}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000404822800003}}, } @article{ ISI:000404822900025, Author = {Rios, Luis D. and Cascante-Marin, Alfredo}, Title = {{High selfing capability and low pollinator visitation in the hummingbird-pollinated epiphyte Pitcairnia heterophylla (Bromeliaceae) at a Costa Rican mountain forest}}, Journal = {{REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{65}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{735-743}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Pitcairnioideae is the second most diverse subfamily of bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), a group exclusive to tropical regions of the New World. Pitcairnioid bromeliads have floral traits assumed to promote outcrossing through biotic pollination systems; however, the reproductive biology of most of the species of this group has not been documented. Pitcairnia heterophylla is an epiphytic (seldom saxicolous) bromeliad occurring from Southern Mexico, into the Northern Andes. We studied the pollination and breeding system of P. heterophylla in an epiphytic population at a mountain forest in Costa Rica from January to April 2013. We performed hand pollination experiments (agamospermy, autonomous self-pollination, hand self-pollination and hand cross-pollination) on 89 flowers from 23 individuals (3-6 flowers per individual) in 2013 flowering season. Nectar production was measured on 18 unvisited flowers of six individuals with a hand-held refractometer. Simultaneously, floral visitors were recorded on eight individuals with trail cameras for a total of 918 hours (115 +/- 52 hours per individual, mean +/- SE). Under natural conditions, seed set (540.4 +/- 55.2) was similar to manually selfed flowers (516.3 +/- 41.5) and autonomously selfed flowers (521.1 +/- 29.0), but lower to manually outcrossed flowers (670.2 +/- 31.3). The flowers of P. heterophylla are self-compatible, capable of autonomous pollination, and non-agamospermous. Intrafloral self-pollination is facilitated by adichogamy and lack of floral herkogamy. The scentless red flowers of P. heterophylla with tubular corollas and nectar production suggested ornithophilic pollination which was confirmed by video recording of 46 hummingbird visits. The most common floral visitor was the short-billed hummingbird Lampornis calolaemus which accounted for 78 \% of the visits. However, the visitation rate during the flowering season was low (0.6 visits per day per plant). Selfing in P. heterophylla might be explained as a mechanism of reproductive assurance and to reduce interspecific pollen flow with taxonomically unrelated plants.}}, ISSN = {{0034-7744}}, EISSN = {{2215-2075}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000404822900025}}, } @article{ ISI:000403566000002, Author = {Cousins, S. R. and Witkowski, E. T. F.}, Title = {{African Cycad Ecology, Ethnobotany and Conservation: A Synthesis}}, Journal = {{BOTANICAL REVIEW}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{83}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{152-194}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Africa hosts a rich assemblage of cycads: 66 Encephalartos species, Stangeria eriopus and Cycas thouarsii. Most Encephalartos and S. eriopus adults appear to be fire-tolerant, and certain Encephalartos species may be fire-dependent. Four Encephalartos species and S. eriopus are primarily insect-pollinated. African cycad populations typically have sex ratios of 1:1, with very small populations often male-biased. Coning is typically infrequent and erratic, with many species exhibiting mast-seeding. Viable seed production in Encephalartos populations tends to decline with decreasing population size, and seed predation by weevils is common. Seed dispersal in Encephalartos is usually localized, but vertebrates may facilitate dispersal over longer distances. Stem material of 25 Encephalartos species and S. eriopus is used for traditional medicine, primarily in South Africa. Two-thirds of Africa's cycad species are threatened, with four species already Extinct in the Wild. The illegal acquisition of cycads from wild populations is the principle threat to their persistence. Further research is recommended on seed and fire ecology, population dynamics, and the outcomes of conservation interventions.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s12229-017-9183-4}}, ISSN = {{0006-8101}}, EISSN = {{1874-9372}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Witkowski, Edward/0000-0001-5453-1390}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000403566000002}}, } @article{ ISI:000402642900003, Author = {Katsuhara, Koki R. and Kitamura, Shumpei and Ushimaru, Atushi}, Title = {{Functional significance of petals as landing sites in fungus-gnat pollinated flowers of Mitella pauciflora (Saxifragaceae)}}, Journal = {{FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1193-1200}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Despite the well-known visual attraction function of angiosperm petals, additional roles of these floral organs (e.g. the provision of landing-site platforms for pollinators) have rarely been examined. This is likely because most petals perform multiple functions, making it difficult to isolate the importance of landing sites in pollination success. We investigated the landing-site function of dull-coloured pinnately branched petals in Mitella pauciflora flowers, which are predominantly pollinated by fungus gnats. We conducted a field experiment, in which the effects of experimental petal removal on pollinators' approach, landing and visit duration and floral reproductive success were examined in naturally pollinated flowers. According to direct and time-lapse camera observations, petal removal did not influence pollinators' approach frequency or visit duration, but did significantly decrease their landings. Fruit set and pollen dispatch both significantly decreased with petal removal, indicating that petals promote female and male reproductive success in M.pauciflora by facilitating pollinator landing. This demonstrates that inconspicuous petals primarily have a landing-site function rather than a visual attraction function in M.pauciflora. Discriminating between diverse petal functions is a challenging problem, and new approaches are required to elucidate the functional features of angiosperm flowers. A is available for this article.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2435.12842}}, ISSN = {{0269-8463}}, EISSN = {{1365-2435}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000402642900003}}, } @article{ ISI:000402299300010, Author = {Liu, Wenwen and Strong, Donald R. and Pennings, Steven C. and Zhang, Yihui}, Title = {{Provenance-by-environment interaction of reproductive traits in the invasion of Spartina alterniflora in China}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{98}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1591-1599}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Ecological invasions are facilitated by pre-adaptation and phenotypic plasticity, upon which evolution can act. The rapid invasion of the intertidal grass Spartina alterniflora in China during the last 36 yr is a test case for the roles of these mechanisms. A previous study of S. alterniflora in China found strong latitudinal clines in vegetative and sexual traits and concluded that most of this variation was due to phenotypic plasticity. Recent observations suggested provenance-by-environment interactions, and we employed common gardens at multiple latitudes as a test of this idea. Phenotypically, field plant height, which correlates strongly with biomass and other indices of vegetative performance in this species, showed a hump-shaped relationship across 10 sites, covering 19 degrees of latitude; field seed set increased linearly with latitude. To assess the role of plasticity vs. genetic differentiation in these patterns, we grew plants from the ten field sites in three common gardens at low (20.9 degrees N), mid (28.3 degrees N), and high (38.0 degrees N) latitudes to maturity, at 18 months. Plant height varied among common gardens, with the tallest plants at mid latitude, mirroring the field pattern, consistent with the previous study. Within the gardens, latitude of origin also affected plant height. Seed set varied among the gardens, with the greatest values at high latitudes, again mirroring the field pattern and indicating substantial plasticity. Evidence of evolution was found as increasing seed set with latitude among provenances within common gardens. However, the effect differed among common gardens, with the greatest slope in the high-latitude garden, lower slope in the mid-latitude garden, and no relationship in the low-latitude garden, indicating a provenanceby- environment interaction. The number of surviving plants also suggested a provenance-byenvironment interaction; no relationship with latitude among provenances in the two southern gardens and increasing survival with latitude in the northern garden. Field seedling density was similar to 200-fold greater at high than at low latitude sites. The profuse seed germination and recruitment in the north could have created high selection intensity resulting in evolution of reproductive traits at high latitudes with the result that the mechanisms of the invasion differ with latitude.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/ecy.1815}}, ISSN = {{0012-9658}}, EISSN = {{1939-9170}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Pennings, Steven/0000-0003-4757-7125}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000402299300010}}, } @article{ ISI:000401742400013, Author = {Sosa-Pivatto, M. and Cosacov, A. and Baranzelli, M. C. and Iglesias, M. R. and Espindola, A. and Sersic, A. N.}, Title = {{Do 120,000 years of plant-pollinator interactions predict floral phenotype divergence in Calceolaria polyrhiza? A reconstruction using species distribution models}}, Journal = {{ARTHROPOD-PLANT INTERACTIONS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{3, SI}}, Pages = {{351-361}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Quaternary climatic changes impacted species' demography and distribution worldwide. Although response to climate change could have been modulated by mutualistic interactions with other species, studies exploring the dynamics of these interactions and their role facilitating species persistence during past climatic variations are scarce. In this work, we attempt to explore the spatial dynamic of Calceolaria polyrhiza and its oil-collecting bee pollinators during the last 120,000 years, identifying stable areas of persistence and statistically determining whether the distribution of pollinator-related floral ecotypes is associated with these shared areas of persistence. To do this, we used 395 presence records of the interacting species and constructed species palaeodistribution models. Additionally, we gathered phenotypic measures of the plant and used decision tree and multiple regression analyses to link the plant phenotypic divergence with the distribution of stable areas. Our species distribution models suggest that past climatic changes affected the interaction between C. polyrhiza and both bee species in time and space. While the interaction between the plant and C. caeruleus predominated in the Andean-Patagonian forest and was relatively stable in space and time, that was not the case for the pollinator C. cineraria in the Patagonian steppe. This, along with our analyses of spatial phenotypic divergence, indicates that current floral phenotypes are the result of two historical different pollination regimes.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11829-016-9490-4}}, ISSN = {{1872-8855}}, EISSN = {{1872-8847}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000401742400013}}, } @article{ ISI:000400952700022, Author = {Booton, Ross D. and Iwasa, Yoh and Marshall, James A. R. and Childs, Dylan Z.}, Title = {{Stress-mediated Allee effects can cause the sudden collapse of honey bee colonies}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{420}}, Pages = {{213-219}}, Month = {{MAY 7}}, Abstract = {{The recent rapid decline in global honey bee populations could have significant implications for ecological systems, economics and food security. No single cause of honey bee collapse has yet to be identified, although pesticides, mites and other pathogens have all been shown to have a sublethal effect. We present a model of a functioning bee hive and introduce external stress to investigate the impact on the regulatory processes of recruitment to the forager class, social inhibition and the laying rate of the queen. The model predicts that constant density-dependent stress acting through an Allee effect on the hive can result in sudden catastrophic switches in dynamical behaviour and the eventual collapse of the hive. The model proposes that around a critical point the hive undergoes a saddle-node bifurcation, and that a small increase in model parameters can have irreversible consequences for the entire hive. We predict that increased stress levels can be counteracted by a higher laying rate of the queen, lower levels of forager recruitment or lower levels of natural mortality of foragers, and that increasing social inhibition can not maintain the colony under high levels of stress. We lay the theoretical foundation for sudden honey bee collapse in order to facilitate further experimental and theoretical consideration.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.jtbi.2017.03.009}}, ISSN = {{0022-5193}}, EISSN = {{1095-8541}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000400952700022}}, } @article{ ISI:000400925700001, Author = {Kishore, K. and Samant, D. and Singh, H. S. and Behera, S.}, Title = {{Studies on the reproductive strategies of sapota (Manilkara zapota)}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{38}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{361-366}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Aim: M. zapota is inadequately known with respect to its reproductive strategy and functional specialization which are crucial aspects in determining its reproductive success. The present investigation was conducted to study the role of floral traits in pollinator recruitment, pollinators' involvement in selection of floral traits and strategies of plants to ensure pollination services. Methodology: Fifteen-year-old trees of sapota (var. Kalipatti) were taken as an experimental material. Floral characters like floral morphology, anthesis, pollen dehiscence, stigma receptivity, pollen production were studied by tagging twenty flowering branches distributed across ten plants. Pollination efficiency was also studied. The relation between parameters was worked outthrough simple linear regression equation. Results: Flowers were characterized by small aperture, floral chamber, long spell of stigma receptivity (48 hrs), imperceptible nectar secretion, high pollen ovule ratio (980:1) and self-compatibility. The peak stigma receptivity was between 07:00 10:00 hr on the day of anthesis. On the basis of visitation rate (3.0-5.5/flower) and pollination efficiency (13.85 - 17.87\%) thrips were considered as primary pollinators and Silvanopsis sp. (beetle) as a co-pollinator. Presence of narrow aperture, floral chamber and imperceptible secretion of nectar make the flowers of sapota functionally specialized. Interpretation: Floral traits like narrow flower aperture played a crucial role in filtering specific visitors (thrips and beetle) to access floral rewards. Moreover, the morphological adaptation like floral chamber facilitated better pollen services by providing shelter and breeding place for pollinators.}}, DOI = {{10.22438/jeb/38/3/MS-264}}, ISSN = {{0254-8704}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000400925700001}}, } @article{ ISI:000401099700002, Author = {Fedenko, Volodymyr S. and Shemet, Sergiy A. and Landi, Marco}, Title = {{UV-vis spectroscopy and colorimetric models for detecting anthocyanin-metal complexes in plants: An overview of in vitro and in vivo techniques}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{212}}, Pages = {{13-28}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Although anthocyanin (ACN) biosynthesis is one of the best studied pathways of secondary metabolism in plants, the possible physiological and ecological role(s) of these pigments continue to intrigue scientists. Like other dihydroxy B-ring substituted flavonoids, ACNs have an ability to bind metal and metalloid ions, a property that has been exploited for a variety of purposes. For example, the metal binding ability may be used to stabilize ACNs from plant food sources, or to modify their colors for using them as food colorants. The complexation of metals with cyanidin derivatives can also be used as a simple, sensitive, cheap, and rapid method for determination concentrations of several metals in biological and environmental samples using UV-vis spectroscopy. Far less information is available on the ecological significance of ACN-metal complexes in plant-environment interactions. Metalloanthocyanins (protocyanin, nemophilin, commelinin, protodelphin, cyanosalvianin) are involved in the copigmentation phenomenon that leads to blue-pigmented petals, which may facilitate specific plant-pollinator interactions. ACN-metal formation and compartmentation into the vacuole has also been proposed to be part of an orchestrated detoxification mechanism in plants which experience metal/metalloid excess. However, investigations into ACN-metal interactions in plant biology may be limited because of the complexity of the analytical techniques required. To address this concern, here we describe simple methods for the detection of ACN-metal both in vitro and in vivo using UV-vis spectroscopy and colorimetric models. In particular, the use of UV-vis spectra, difference absorption spectra, and colorimetry techniques will be described for in vitro determination of ACN-metal features, whereas reflectance spectroscopy and colorimetric parameters related to CIE L{*}a{*}b{*} and CIE XYZ systems will be detailed for in vivo analyses. In this way, we hope to make this high-informative tool more accessible to plant physiologists and ecologists. (C) 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.jplph.2017.02.001}}, ISSN = {{0176-1617}}, EISSN = {{1618-1328}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Landi, Marco/0000-0003-0121-0715}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000401099700002}}, } @article{ ISI:000400291300003, Author = {Picanco, Ana and Rigal, Francois and Matthews, Thomas J. and Cardoso, Pedro and Borges, Paulo A. V.}, Title = {{Impact of land-use change on flower-visiting insect communities on an oceanic island}}, Journal = {{INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{211-223}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{1. Land-use change has profoundly impacted pollinator communities throughout the world. However, the processes through which it acts on pollinator diversity and composition are still poorly understood, especially in highly vulnerable island ecosystems. 2. In this study, we investigated the distribution, abundance, richness and composition of flower-visiting insects to assess their response to land-use change in Terceira Island (Azores). 3. Flower-visiting insects were sampled over 2 years using a standardised protocol along 50 transects across five different habitats corresponding to a land-use gradient. Insect species were classified as indigenous or exotics. We assessed changes across habitats using multiple diversity indices, species abundance distribution models (SAD) and species composition metrics (-diversity), along with plant species composition. 4. We observed that indigenous flower-visiting insects were dominant, both in abundance and species richness, across the entire land-use gradient. Species diversity varied only slightly across the gradient. SADs were lognormal in all habitats, with very few truly common and rare flower-visiting insects and a prevalence of species of intermediate abundance. Species replacement was significantly higher mainly between the two most contrasting habitats (i.e. natural forests and intensive pastures) but was significantly correlated with species replacement of host plant species across the gradient. 5. Our results revealed that the Azorean flower-visiting insect communities were highly simplified across the entire gradient with little difference between habitats. In the absence of strong exotic competitors, indigenous flower-visiting insects expand their range and occupy new anthropogenic habitats, also facilitating the expansion of a large number of exotic plant species.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/icad.12216}}, ISSN = {{1752-458X}}, EISSN = {{1752-4598}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Borges, Paulo/B-2780-2008 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Borges, Paulo/0000-0002-8448-7623 Picanco, Ana/0000-0002-1188-6519 Cardoso, Pedro/0000-0001-8119-9960 Matthews, Thomas/0000-0002-7624-244X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000400291300003}}, } @article{ ISI:000398738700015, Author = {Duffy, K. J. and Johnson, S. D.}, Title = {{Effects of distance from models on the fitness of floral mimics}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{19}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{438-443}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Rewardless plants can attract pollinators by mimicking floral traits of rewarding heterospecific plants. This should result in the pollination success of floral mimics being dependent on the relative abundance of their models, as pollinator abundance and conditioning on model signals should be higher in the vicinity of the models. However, the attraction of pollinators to signals of the models may be partially innate, such that spatial isolation of mimics from model species may not strongly affect pollination success of mimics. We tested whether pollination rates and fruit set of the rewardless orchid Disa pulchra were influenced by proximity and abundance of its rewarding model species, Watsonia lepida. Pollination success of the orchid increased with proximity to the model species, while fruit set of the orchid increased with local abundance of the model species. Orchids that were experimentally translocated outside the model population experienced reduced pollinaria removal and increased pollinator-mediated self-pollination. These results confirm predictions that the pollination success of floral mimics should be dependent on the proximity and abundance of model taxa, and thus highlight the importance of ecological facilitation among species involved in mimicry systems.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/plb.12555}}, ISSN = {{1435-8603}}, EISSN = {{1438-8677}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000398738700015}}, } @article{ ISI:000397691200044, Author = {Valdespino, Carolina and Sosa, Vinicio J.}, Title = {{Effect of landscape tree cover, sex and season on the bioaccumulation of persistent organochlorine pesticides in fruit bats of riparian corridors in eastern Mexico}}, Journal = {{CHEMOSPHERE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{175}}, Pages = {{373-382}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Riparian forests are recognized as important ecosystems for biodiversity conservation in transformed landscapes. Many animal species that use this type of vegetation facilitate its recovery through pollination and seed dispersal. In landscapes dominated by agrosystems and cattle ranching, persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the riparian system may have an effect on the physiology and fitness of animals. In this study, we measured bioaccumulation of OCPs in the most abundant frugivorous bat, Sturnira hondurensis, from the upper part of La Antigua basin, Veracruz, Mexico and, from these data, estimated accumulation by the frugivorous bat community of riparian forests in contrasting, transformed (TL) and forested (FL) landscapes. Concentration of Sigma DDT, Sigma drines, Sigma clordano, Sigma HCH, Sigma heptachlor and Sigma endosulfan was measured by gas-chromatography in 23 female and 33 male adult Sturnira captured during the dry and rainy seasons. Using censored data statistics, we found that the sex of the individual was significant for Sigma HCH, and that interactions of landscape type (TL vs. FL) and season (dry vs. wet), and sex and season were significant for Sigma endosulfan and Sigma drines, respectively. Mean Sigma DDT (6.86 mu g/g) and Sigma HCH (28.22 mu g/g) concentrations were lower than those reported for frugivorous bats in India but concentrations of Sigma drines (13.86 mu g/g) were higher than those reported in insectivorous bats. In our study sites, frugivorous bats are bioaccumulating higher amounts of OCPs in TL than in FL. We discuss the potential of this species as a bio-indicator of OCPs contamination in river basins. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.02.071}}, ISSN = {{0045-6535}}, EISSN = {{1879-1298}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Sosa, Vinicio/0000-0002-4712-3900}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000397691200044}}, } @article{ ISI:000400197000001, Author = {Dong, Rui and Dong, Deke and Luo, Dong and Zhou, Qiang and Chai, Xutian and Zhang, Jiyu and Xie, Wengang and Liu, Wenxian and Dong, Yang and Wang, Yanrong and Liu, Zhipeng}, Title = {{Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Candidate Pod Shattering-Associated Genes Involved in the Pod Ventral Sutures of Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.)}}, Journal = {{FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{8}}, Month = {{APR 27}}, Abstract = {{The seed dispersion caused by pod shattering is a form of propagation used by many wild species. Loss of seeds from pod shattering is frequent in the common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), an important self-pollinating annual forage legume. However, pod shattering is one of the most important defects that limits the reproduction of the vetch in the field and the usage as a leguminous forage crop. To better understand the vetch pod shattering mechanism, we used high-throughput RNA sequencing to assess the global changes in the transcriptomes of the pod ventral sutures of shattering-susceptible and shattering-resistant vetch accessions screened from 541 vetch germplasms. A total of 1,285 significantly differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) were detected, including 575 up-regulated unigenes and 710 down-regulated unigenes. Analyses of Gene Ontology and KEGG metabolic enrichment pathways of 1,285 DEGs indicated that 22 DEGs encoding cell wall modifications and hydrolases associated with pod shattering were highly expressed in shattering-susceptible accessions. These genes were mainly enriched in ``hydrolase activity,{''} ``cytoplasm,{''} and ``carbohydrate metabolic process{''} systems. These cell wall modifications and hydrolases genes included beta-glucosidase and endo-polygalacturonase, which work together to break down the glycosidic bonds of pectin and cellulose, and to promote the dissolution and disappearance of the cell wall in the ventral suture of the pod and make the pod more susceptible to shattering. We demonstrated the differences in gene transcription levels between the shattering-susceptible and shattering-resistant vetch accessions for the first time and our results provided valuable information for the identifying and characterizing of pod shattering regulation networks in vetch. This information may facilitate the future identification of pod shattering-related genes and their underlying molecular mechanisms in the common vetch.}}, DOI = {{10.3389/fpls.2017.00649}}, Article-Number = {{649}}, ISSN = {{1664-462X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000400197000001}}, } @article{ ISI:000396957300017, Author = {O'Sullivan, Odhran S. and Holt, Alison R. and Warren, Philip H. and Evans, Karl L.}, Title = {{Optimising UK urban road verge contributions to biodiversity and ecosystem services with cost-effective management}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{191}}, Pages = {{162-171}}, Month = {{APR 15}}, Abstract = {{Urban road verges can contain significant biodiversity, contribute to structural connectivity between other urban greenspaces, and due to their proximity to road traffic are well placed to provide ecosystem services. Using the UK as a case study we review and critically evaluate a broad range of evidence to assess how this considerable potential can be enhanced despite financial, contractual and public opinion constraints. Reduced mowing frequency and other alterations would enhance biodiversity, aesthetics and pollination services, whilst delivering costs savings and potentially being publically acceptable. Retaining mature trees and planting additional ones is favourable to residents and would enhance biodiversity, pollution and climate regulation, carbon storage, and stormwater management. Optimising these services requires improved selection of tree species, and creating a more diverse tree stock. Due to establishment costs additional tree planting and maintenance could benefit from payment for ecosystem service schemes. Verges could also provide areas for cultivation of biofuels and possibly food production. Maximising the contribution of verges to urban biodiversity and ecosystem services is economical and becoming an increasingly urgent priority as the road network expands and other urban greenspace is lost, requiring enhancement of existing greenspace to facilitate sustainable urban development. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.12.062}}, ISSN = {{0301-4797}}, EISSN = {{1095-8630}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000396957300017}}, } @article{ ISI:000404869900004, Author = {Kaur, Rajdavinder and Soodan, Amarjit Singh}, Title = {{Reproductive biology of Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. (Poaceae; Panicoideae; Andropogoneae) in relation to invasibility}}, Journal = {{FLORA}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{229}}, Pages = {{32-49}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. is the most aggressive grass weed of the world resulting from an efficient system of its reproduction and propagation through a combination of vegetative and sexual means. However, reproductive biology of the species is not understood in sufficient details and had serious gaps of information on its pollen and pollination system, breeding behaviour, fruit and dispersal biology. The species was found to be chasmogamous with an andromonoecious sexual system of well-developed bisexual and male spikelets in pairs and terminal triads. Precocious extrusion of receptive stigmas preceding anther dehiscence, abundant pollen of high fertility and longevity and a high pollen-ovule ratio strongly indicate xenogamy in the species. Laser Confocal Microscopy revealed rapid germination of pollen and growth of pollen tubes down the pistil to the ovule which caused high fruit set and facilitated the amphimictic cycle. The present study is presumably the first report on the role of several insect pollinators mainly from the order Diptera (Isomyia paurogonita Fang \& Fan.) and Hymenoptera (Hy laeus sp., Sphecodes ephippius Linnaeus, Megachile sp.). The visitation time of insect pollinators closely synchronized with peak anthesis resulting in high pollen loads. Breeding experiments revealed significantly higher fruit set in open pollinated in comparison to bagged synflorescences. The diaspore enclosed a well-developed caryopsis surrounded by accessory bracts along with persistent pedicels and a rachis segment preparing them for dispersal through autochory and endozoochory. Thus, cosmopolitan and invasive nature of S. halepense could be attributed to a combination of xenogamous breeding system, high seed production and efficient fruit dispersal through resistant diaspores. This study on the reproductive system of S. halepense shall provide a framework for developing management strategies both for the control of this invasive grass species as also for its propagation as a fodder crop in vacant rangelands. (C) 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.flora.2017.02.009}}, ISSN = {{0367-2530}}, EISSN = {{1618-0585}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000404869900004}}, } @article{ ISI:000402091500014, Author = {Binkenstein, Julia and Stang, Martina and Renoult, Julien P. and Martin Schaefer, H.}, Title = {{Weak correlation of flower color and nectar-tube depth in temperate grasslands}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{397-405}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Aims Nectar is one of the most common floral rewards offered to pollinators by plants. Depending on the plant species, nectar is offered openly or in tubes of various lengths restricting accessibility of this resource for flower visitors with short mouthparts. If attracting pollinators that match floral morphology increases pollination efficiency, flowers could profit from signaling nectar-tube depth to pollinators. Since flower colors are important signals in plant-pollinator communication, we investigated whether and which different chromatic or achromatic aspects of flower color might indicate nectar-tube depth or whether flower colors facilitate the differentiation between flowers with long nectar tubes by means of high chromatic uniqueness. Methods To this end, we collected flower reflectance spectra of 135 grassland plant species. We analyzed flower colors as raw reflectance spectra in principal component analysis (PCA) and in the color space of honeybees. Important Findings The correlation between flower colors and tube depths was weak. From the bee's point of view, blue flowers had on average deeper tubes than green, blue-green and UV-green flowers potentially allowing insects to predict tube depths based on blue color. Spectral purity did not correlate with nectar-tube depth, nor did the chromatic uniqueness of flower colors in the honeybee color space. Dominant wavelength showed a significant but very weak correlation with tube depth. The achromatic green contrast decreased with increasing tube depth as did brightness; thus deep tubes were less conspicuous than shallow tubes. Chromatic components resulting from PCA did not or only slightly correlate with tube depth. Our results illustrate that flower colors may have a certain potential to indicate tube depth, i.e. nectar accessibility, from a bee's perspective.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/jpe/rtw029}}, ISSN = {{1752-9921}}, EISSN = {{1752-993X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000402091500014}}, } @article{ ISI:000402091500015, Author = {Bigio, Laura and Lebel, Merav and Sapir, Yuval}, Title = {{Do different measures of maternal fitness affect estimation of natural selection on floral traits? A lesson from Linum pubescens (Linaceae)}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{406-413}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Aims Floral traits in animal-pollinated plants are proposed to be selected by the behavior of pollinators, which create differential fitness. However, fitness estimation is not trivial and there is no agreed or universal measure of fitness. In plants, fitness can be measured in various ways, including the number of fruits or seeds, probability of survival, or growth rate. Methods Because each fitness measure can be associated with different pollinator behavior, estimating pollinator-mediated selection on floral traits can differ among various fitness measures. We used the annual Mediterranean plant, Linum pubescens, as a model to assess the relative role of various fitness measures in estimating pollinator-mediated selection on floral traits. We compared four maternal fitness measures and estimated their relative advantage in assessing natural selection on floral traits of L. pubescens. To identify whether each trait is under pollinator-mediated selection, we used mediational analysis. Important Findings We found that each floral trait was under natural selection assessed by a different fitness measure. The color combination of floral tube throat and stamen color was under selection when using seed mass as a fitness measure, and floral diameter was under positive directional selection when the number of seeds or number of fruits was used as a fitness measure. Selection on floral color was not mediated by pollinators' visitation rates, while flower diameter showed partial pollinator-mediated selection. We conclude that using several fitness measures gives an insight into the mechanisms underlying phenotypic selection on a floral trait, and facilitates the understanding of pollinator-mediated selection.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/jpe/rtw035}}, ISSN = {{1752-9921}}, EISSN = {{1752-993X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000402091500015}}, } @article{ ISI:000398840700003, Author = {Liu, Zhao and Seiler, Gerald J. and Gulya, Thomas J. and Feng, Jiuhuan and Rashid, Khalid Y. and Cai, Xiwen and Jan, Chao-Chien}, Title = {{Triploid Production from Interspecific Crosses of Two Diploid Perennial Helianthus with Diploid Cultivated Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)}}, Journal = {{G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{7}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1097-1108}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Wild Helianthus species are a valuable genetic resource for the improvement of cultivated sunflower. We report the discovery and characterization of a unique high frequency production of triploids when cultivated sunflower was pollinated by specific accessions of diploid Helianthus nuttallii T. \& G. and H. maximiliani Schr. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analyses indicated that the triploid F(1)s had two genomes from the wild pollen sources and one from the cultivated line. Mitotic chromosome analyses indicated that the frequency of triploid progenies from the crosses of cultivated lines x H. nuttallii accession 102 (N102) was significantly higher than those of unexpected polyploid progenies from the crosses of wild perennial species x N102, and no unexpected polyploids were obtained from the reverse crosses. Pollen stainability analysis suggested the existence of a low percentage of unreduced (2n) male gametes in some accessions, especially N102 and H. maximiliani accession 1113 (M1113), which were generated at the telophase II and tetrad stages of meiosis. The triploid F(1)s could be the results of preferred fertilization of the low frequency of 2n male gametes with the female gametes of the cultivated sunflower, due to the dosage factors related to recognition and rejection of foreign pollen during fertilization. The triploids have been used to produce amphiploids and aneuploids. Future studies of the male gametes' fate from pollination through fertilization will further uncover the mechanism of this whole genome transmission. Studies of the genetic control of this trait will facilitate research on sunflower polyploidy speciation and evolution, and the utilization of this trait in sunflower breeding.}}, DOI = {{10.1534/g3.116.036327}}, ISSN = {{2160-1836}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000398840700003}}, } @article{ ISI:000398638700018, Author = {Spanani, Soheila and Majidi, Mohammad Mahdi}, Title = {{Magnitude of inbreeding depression and genetic variation analysis of agro-morphological traits in orchardgrass}}, Journal = {{PLANT BREEDING}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{136}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{261-269}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Inbreeding depression is the reduction in the fitness of inbred offspring relative to progeny from unrelated parents. In orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), limited efforts have been made to evaluate the effects of deliberate selfing on agro-morphological traits and to estimate the genetic variation of traits. Twenty-five genotypes of orchardgrass, along with 25 S-1 (full-sibs) and 25 families of half-sibs, were created in 2012 and used to assess the consequences of the first generation of inbreeding and outcrossing for offspring fitness and to estimate heritabilities, genetic parameters and correlations of agro-morphological traits during the period of 2013-2014 in the field. Different levels of inbreeding depression were observed for the traits, with higher values for plant height, days to inflorescence emergence and dry matter yield. The degree of inbreeding or outbreeding effects varied among the studied genotypes. This facilitates the development of inbred lines for further studies. The results showed that some of the studied genotypes were self-fertile, thereby indicating the possibility of developing inbred lines from these genotypes. Heritabilities ranged from 0.10 for the number of stems per plant to 0.64 for spread among the studied populations. Spread had high heritability as well as high correlation with forage yield, thereby indicating that this trait could be used to improve forage yield indirectly.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/pbr.12460}}, ISSN = {{0179-9541}}, EISSN = {{1439-0523}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000398638700018}}, } @article{ ISI:000398082600005, Author = {Gillespie, S. D. and Bayley, J. and Elle, E.}, Title = {{Native bumble bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) pollinators vary in floral resource use across an invasion gradient}}, Journal = {{CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{149}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{204-213}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Integration of pollinator-dependent invasive plants into native pollination networks can have direct and indirect effects on local plant and pollinator communities. Impacts on local plants are well documented; however effects on native pollinators have gained less attention. We examine these issues in habitat fragments of the endangered oak-savannah ecosystem in British Columbia, Canada. We measured pollen collection by native bumble bees (Bombus Latreille; Hymenoptera: Apidae) and the introduced honey bee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus; Hymenoptera: Apidae) foraging on two common native plants in habitat fragments with varying invasive (Cytisus scoparius (Linnaeus) Link; Fabaceae) density. The Bombus species with the largest workers had higher proportions of invasive pollen on their bodies and in their corbiculae than smaller workers. Honey bees rarely collected C. scoparius pollen. While some native bumble bees species collect an increasing proportion of C. scoparius pollen with increasing C. scoparius density, this did not translate into an increased potential for pollination. Rather, measures of effective pollination decline with C. scoparius density. Overall, our results suggest that some bee species may be better at finding resources at highly invaded sites. Apis mellifera is likely not playing a major role in facilitating the spread of C. scoparius in our region. Rather C. scoparius is visited by a complement of native bumble bees that are similar to pollinators in the native range of this plant.}}, DOI = {{10.4039/tce.2016.67}}, ISSN = {{0008-347X}}, EISSN = {{1918-3240}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000398082600005}}, } @article{ ISI:000397595600002, Author = {Bukovac, Zoe and Dorin, Alan and Finke, Valerie and Shrestha, Mani and Garcia, Jair and Avargues-Weber, Aurore and Burd, Martin and Schramme, Juergen and Dyer, Adrian}, Title = {{Assessing the ecological significance of bee visual detection and colour discrimination on the evolution of flower colours}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{2, SI}}, Pages = {{153-172}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Bee pollinators interact with flowers in a complex signal-receiver system. Chromatic traits that allow reliable discrimination between rewarding and non-rewarding flowers have been proposed as an important feature of pollination syndromes: bee-pollinated flowers have spectral profiles that closely match the discrimination peaks of their pollinators across the visual spectrum. However, in the complexity of a natural environment, it may be hard for bees to even detect the presence of flowers. In particular, little is known about how discrimination and detection by bees may together contribute to pollinator-mediated selection on floral colour signals. We address here an unexplained feature of floral colour evolution: the extreme paucity of spectral patterns with pronounced changes in reflectance around 420-480 nm wavelength. We began by conducting experiments with honeybees in a Y-maze to determine their capacity to detect a stimulus rarely found in bee-pollinated flowers-one with a single sharp spectral reflectance change at 478 nm. We found bees to be poor at detecting this stimulus against a neutral background. We then conducted behaviourally-informed computer simulations that test how bee visual discrimination and detection interact, which yielded information about which flower colours most effectively facilitate cross-pollination. Finally, we identified from our previous work those bird-pollinated species whose floral colours had spectral characteristics similar to the stimulus used in the Y-maze experiment. These data demonstrate that plants can, and do, produce such spectra for pollinators other than bees. In combination, our results show that the interaction between colour discrimination and detection is important for understanding flower community assembly.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10682-016-9843-6}}, ISSN = {{0269-7653}}, EISSN = {{1573-8477}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Shrestha, Mani/0000-0002-6165-8418 Burd, Martin/0000-0002-1175-2596}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000397595600002}}, } @article{ ISI:000397595600005, Author = {Gaskett, A. C. and Endler, J. A. and Phillips, R. D.}, Title = {{Convergent evolution of sexual deception via chromatic and achromatic contrast rather than colour mimicry}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{2, SI}}, Pages = {{205-227}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{The Orchidaceae is characterised by the repeated evolution of sexual deception, one of the most specialised pollination strategies. In orchids, sexual deception involves long-range pollinator attraction via mimicry of female insect sex pheromones. At close range, visual signals involving colour mimicry, contrast to the background, and exploitation of pollinator sensory biases could attract pollinators, but remain largely untested. Here we focus on a remarkable system in which species from two only distantly related sexually deceptive orchid genera with strikingly different flowers (Drakaea livida and three species of Caladenia) share the same pollinator, males of the thynnine wasp Zaspilothynnus nigripes. We used spectral reflectance measurements and modelling to investigate pollinator perception of colour, including the first examination of overall colour patterns in flowers via colour pattern geometry analyses. Rather than closely matching the colours of female Z. nigripes, these orchids had strong chromatic and achromatic contrast against their backgrounds. For Caladenia, the sepals and petals show high contrast, while in D. livida, which has diminutive petals and sepals, it is the labellum that contrasts strongly against the background. Despite varying in colour, the Caladenia species all had strong within-flower contrast between a UV-bright central target (column and labellum) and a corolla of radiating stripes (petals and sepals). The colour pattern geometry analyses also indicated that the orchids' overall colour patterns are highly conspicuous against their backgrounds. Contrast, UV, and target patterns could all enhance detection, and exploit pollinators' innate preferences. Since colour contrast may function with a range of colours and floral forms, attracting pollinators via contrast rather than visual mimicry may be a critical but previously overlooked process facilitating the evolution of sexual deception.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10682-016-9863-2}}, ISSN = {{0269-7653}}, EISSN = {{1573-8477}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Endler, John/B-6659-2009 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Endler, John/0000-0002-7557-7627 Gaskett, Anne/0000-0002-7659-9537}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000397595600005}}, } @article{ ISI:000398543900005, Author = {Theodorou, Panagiotis and Albig, Karoline and Radzeviciute, Rita and Settele, Josef and Schweiger, Oliver and Murray, Tomas E. and Paxton, Robert J.}, Title = {{The structure of flower visitor networks in relation to pollination across an agricultural to urban gradient}}, Journal = {{FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{838-847}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{1. Pollination is a major ecosystem service in which insects, particularly bees, play an important role for the reproduction of most angiosperms. Currently, this service is considered under threat due to reported bee declines. Moderately urbanised areas could be important for pollinators and pollination; however, compared to agricultural and natural systems, they are poorly studied. 2. Here, we investigated the relative effects of local habitat quality and anthropogenic land use across an agricultural to urban gradient for local plant and flying insect communities. We quantified local flower visitor networks and related network architecture to these local and landscape factors using structural equationmodelling. Flower visitor network architecture is often assumed to act as a surrogate for the ecosystem service of pollination. To test this idea, we related network metrics to pollination of four experimental, insect pollinator-dependent plant species. 3. Overall, local land use markedly influenced plant and flying insect communities. Flower richness and bee richness were higher in urban compared to agricultural areas. Flower visitor network metrics (e.g. linkage density) increased with the proportion of urban area surrounding a site. Also, relative to agricultural areas, urban flower visitors were more generalised and foraged from a higher number of plant species, likely a consequence of higher urban flowering plant richness. However, urban bees also visited a lower proportion of the available flowering plants (higher specialisation). Surprisingly, linkage density, network specialisation and flower visitor generality were not related to pollination of our four experimental plants per se. Rather, it was the proportion of urban cover, flying insect abundance and bee richness that were positively related to pollination. 4. Our findings show strong effects of local land use on plant and flying insect communities and flower visitor interaction networks. We observed increased overall visitation rates and pollination services to our experimental plants in urban compared to agricultural areas, despite increased urban flower visitor generality. Indeed, flower visitor network metrics were a poor proxy of provision of the ecosystem service of pollination. Nevertheless, our results point to potential facilitating effects of diverse urban floral and bee communities for pollination.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2435.12803}}, ISSN = {{0269-8463}}, EISSN = {{1365-2435}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Schweiger, Oliver/B-4909-2008 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Schweiger, Oliver/0000-0001-8779-2335 Radzeviciute, Rita/0000-0002-5800-3787 Theodorou, Panagiotis/0000-0002-4056-5300}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000398543900005}}, } @article{ ISI:000397930300005, Author = {Dainese, Matteo and Montecchiari, Silvia and Sitzia, Tommaso and Sigura, Maurizia and Marini, Lorenzo}, Title = {{High cover of hedgerows in the landscape supports multiple ecosystem services in Mediterranean cereal fields}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{54}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{380-388}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{1. Field-margin diversification through conservation and restoration of hedgerows is becoming a prominent intervention for promoting biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in intensive agricultural landscapes. However, how increasing cover of hedgerows in the landscape can affect ecosystem services has rarely been considered. 2. Here, we assessed the effect of increased field-margin complexity at the local scale and increasing cover of hedgerows in the landscape on the provision of pest control, weed control and potential pollination. Locally, three types of field margin were compared as follows: (i) standard grass margin, (ii) simple hedgerow and (iii) complex hedgerow, along two independent gradients of hedgerow cover and arable land cover in the landscape. We performed an exclusion experiment to measure biological control of cereal aphids and assessed natural enemy and pest abundance in the field. We sampled plant weed communities and performed a phytometer experiment to test the effects of pollinators on plant reproductive success. 3. At the local scale, planting a new hedgerow or improving its structural complexity and vegetation diversity did not enhance the delivery of ecosystem services in the neighbouring field. 4. However, high cover of hedgerows in the landscape enhanced aphid parasitism (from 12 to 18\%) and potential pollination (visitation rate and seed set increased up to 70\%) irrespective of local margin quality. The cover of arable land in the landscape reduced the abundance of plant-dwelling predators and weed diversity, but did not affect the delivery of the investigated ecosystem services. 5. Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight the key importance of the surrounding landscape context, rather than local factors, to the delivery of ecosystem services. This suggests a need for new policies that pay particular attention to the conservation of hedgerows at large scales for promoting multiple ecosystem services in agroecosystems. Specifically, hedgerows can serve to develop a network of ecological corridors that can facilitate the movement of beneficial organisms, such as pollinators and natural enemies in the agricultural matrix. Such interventions may be a `low cost-high benefit solution', since farmers can create or conserve high-quality habitats taking little or no land from crop production and without the need to change their crop management.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2664.12747}}, ISSN = {{0021-8901}}, EISSN = {{1365-2664}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Dainese, Matteo/M-1472-2017 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Dainese, Matteo/0000-0001-7052-5572 Marini, Lorenzo/0000-0001-7429-7685}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000397930300005}}, } @article{ ISI:000397539100001, Author = {Grab, Heather and Blitzer, Eleanor J. and Danforth, Bryan and Loeb, Greg and Poveda, Katja}, Title = {{Temporally dependent pollinator competition and facilitation with mass flowering crops affects yield in co-blooming crops}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIFIC REPORTS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{7}}, Month = {{MAR 27}}, Abstract = {{One of the greatest challenges in sustainable agricultural production is managing ecosystem services, such as pollination, in ways that maximize crop yields. Most efforts to increase services by wild pollinators focus on management of natural habitats surrounding farms or non-crop habitats within farms. However, mass flowering crops create resource pulses that may be important determinants of pollinator dynamics. Mass bloom attracts pollinators and it is unclear how this affects the pollination and yields of other co-blooming crops. We investigated the effects of mass flowering apple on the pollinator community and yield of co-blooming strawberry on farms spanning a gradient in cover of apple orchards in the landscape. The effect of mass flowering apple on strawberry was dependent on the stage of apple bloom. During early and peak apple bloom, pollinator abundance and yield were reduced in landscapes with high cover of apple orchards. Following peak apple bloom, pollinator abundance was greater on farms with high apple cover and corresponded with increased yields on these farms. Spatial and temporal overlap between mass flowering and co-blooming crops alters the strength and direction of these dynamics and suggests that yields can be optimized by designing agricultural systems that avoid competition while maximizing facilitation.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/srep45296}}, Article-Number = {{45296}}, ISSN = {{2045-2322}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000397539100001}}, } @article{ ISI:000396759800003, Author = {Roberts, Wade R. and Roalson, Eric H.}, Title = {{Comparative transcriptome analyses of flower development in four species of Achimenes (Gesneriaceae)}}, Journal = {{BMC GENOMICS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{18}}, Month = {{MAR 20}}, Abstract = {{Background: Flowers have an amazingly diverse display of colors and shapes, and these characteristics often vary significantly among closely related species. The evolution of diverse floral form can be thought of as an adaptive response to pollination and reproduction, but it can also be seen through the lens of morphological and developmental constraints. To explore these interactions, we use RNA-seq across species and development to investigate gene expression and sequence evolution as they relate to the evolution of the diverse flowers in a group of Neotropical plants native to Mexico-magic flowers (Achimenes, Gesneriaceae). Results: The assembled transcriptomes contain between 29,000 and 42,000 genes expressed during development. We combine sequence orthology and coexpression clustering with analyses of protein evolution to identify candidate genes for roles in floral form evolution. Over 25\% of transcripts captured were distinctive to Achimenes and overrepresented by genes involved in transcription factor activity. Using a model-based clustering approach we find dynamic, temporal patterns of gene expression among species. Selection tests provide evidence of positive selection in several genes with roles in pigment production, flowering time, and morphology. Combining these approaches to explore genes related to flower color and flower shape, we find distinct patterns that correspond to transitions of floral form among Achimenes species. Conclusions: The floral transcriptomes developed from four species of Achimenes provide insight into the mechanisms involved in the evolution of diverse floral form among closely related species with different pollinators. We identified several candidate genes that will serve as an important and useful resource for future research. High conservation of sequence structure, patterns of gene coexpression, and detection of positive selection acting on few genes suggests that large phenotypic differences in floral form may be caused by genetic differences in a small set of genes. Our characterized floral transcriptomes provided here should facilitate further analyses into the genomics of flower development and the mechanisms underlying the evolution of diverse flowers in Achimenes and other Neotropical Gesneriaceae.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12864-017-3623-8}}, Article-Number = {{240}}, ISSN = {{1471-2164}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000396759800003}}, } @article{ ISI:000400956300029, Author = {Pramanik, Achintya and Dey, Debjani}, Title = {{A new species of Walkerella Westwood (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae: Otitesellinae) from India}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ASIA-PACIFIC ENTOMOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{20}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{207-213}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Walkerella Westwood, a non-pollinating fig wasp genus belonging to subfamily Otitesellinae (Chalcidoidea, Pteromalidae) is represented by eight known species. A new species Walkerella tridentata Pramanik \& Dey sp. nov. is described in this paper. This new species exhibiting extreme sexual dimorphism is reared from Ficus amplissima in New Delhi, India. Available species level diagnostic key is supplemented to facilitate identification of both sexes of the new species. (C) 2017 Korean Society of Applied Entomology, Taiwan Entomological Society and Malaysian Plant Protection Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.aspen.2017.01.003}}, ISSN = {{1226-8615}}, EISSN = {{1876-7990}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000400956300029}}, } @article{ ISI:000400465400064, Author = {Coetzee, A. and Barnard, P. and Pauw, A.}, Title = {{Indigenous plants and artificial nectar sources facilitate urban adjustment of avian pollinators in Cape Town}}, Journal = {{SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{109}}, Pages = {{330}}, Month = {{MAR}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.039}}, ISSN = {{0254-6299}}, EISSN = {{1727-9321}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000400465400064}}, } @article{ ISI:000397559100021, Author = {Pulgar, Manuel and Alcantara, Julio M. and Rey, Pedro J.}, Title = {{Effects of sampling effort on estimates of the structure of replacement networks}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{28}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{445-457}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{AimsImportant aspects of plant community dynamics depend on interactions between plant species that affect the processes of recruitment and the replacement of dead individuals by new ones. These interactions blend in the replacement network of the community. The qualitative and functional structure of replacement networks can provide insights on community stability properties. The goal of this study was to analyse how sampling effort affects estimates of different descriptors of replacement networks. LocationMixed pine-oak forests in southern Spain. MethodsWe sampled the replacement networks of nine forest patches. In each forest we surveyed 16 plots of 25mx25m, locating all the saplings of woody species and noting whether they were recruiting under the canopy of some plant species or in open interspaces. Using the replacement networks from the plots of each forest we constructed curves relating network descriptor estimates to sampling effort. Additionally we calculated the completeness of basic network elements (number of species and interactions) using rarefaction and extrapolation techniques. ResultsNumber of species (S) and connectance (C) stabilized within our range of sampling effort. The estimates of S reached completeness values above 97\%. However, the number of interactions in the network (L) and the mean number or interactions per species (k) did not stabilize, although the estimates of L reached completeness values above 86\%. With few exceptions, the parameters describing the functional structure of the network and those related to community stability stabilized within our range of sampling effort. ConclusionsOur results suggest that most replacement networks descriptors in the studied forests can be reliably estimated from samples of around 1ha. Since plots used in forest ecology are commonly around that size, replacement network monitoring can be easily incorporated in forest ecology studies as a highly cost-effective tool to explore community dynamics. The reliability of replacement network estimates will provide both a solid foundation for further developments and also a straightforward comparison of results obtained from multiple communities.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jvs.12492}}, ISSN = {{1100-9233}}, EISSN = {{1654-1103}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Alcantara, Julio/O-4400-2017}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Alcantara, Julio/0000-0002-8003-7844}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000397559100021}}, } @article{ ISI:000398183500002, Author = {Watson, David M.}, Title = {{On tropical mistletoes: tractable models for evolutionary ecology, ecosystem function, and phytochemistry}}, Journal = {{BOTANY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{95}}, Number = {{3, SI}}, Pages = {{211-217}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{In 2001, I synthesised published information on mistletoe-animal interactions, demonstrating the pervasive influence these hemiparasites have on community composition and proposing that mistletoes represent keystone resources. Although the review was global in scope, I noted ``Tropical regions, in particular, are under-represented in the mistletoe literature, and it is unclear if mistletoe is as important in structuring these highly diverse ecosystems as in less diverse temperate areas{''}. Since then, research on tropical mistletoes has burgeoned, as a growing number of researchers use these forest and woodland hemiparasites to address a wide range of ecological and evolutionary questions. In this commentary, I highlight some recent findings, revisit and refine some emergent inferences, and suggest that tropical mistletoes offer many opportunities for further research, representing tractable models to address many unanswered questions in the life sciences. As well as reinforcing the role of mistletoes as facilitators for plant communities and keystone resources for animal assemblages, research on mistletoe pollination, seed dispersal, and host-range, challenge the established views about the ecological maintenance and evolutionary trajectory of specialization.}}, DOI = {{10.1139/cjb-2016-0232}}, ISSN = {{1916-2790}}, EISSN = {{1916-2804}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000398183500002}}, } @article{ ISI:000395643400005, Author = {Hosaka, Tetsuro and Yumoto, Takakazu and Chen, Yu-Yun and Sun, I-Fang and Wright, S. Joseph and Numata, Shinya and Supardi, Noor Md Nur}, Title = {{Responses of pre-dispersal seed predators to sequential flowering of Dipterocarps in Malaysia}}, Journal = {{BIOTROPICA}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{49}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{177-185}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Many species of Dipterocarpaceae and other plant families reproduce synchronously at irregular, multi-year intervals in Southeast Asian forests. These community-wide general flowering events are thought to facilitate seed survival through satiation of generalist seed predators. During a general flowering event, closely related Shorea species (Dipterocarpaceae) stagger their flowering times by several weeks, which may minimize cross pollination and interspecific competition for pollinators. Generalist, pre-dispersal seed predators might also track flowering hosts and influence predator satiation. We addressed the question of whether pre-dispersal seed predation differed between early and late flowering Shorea species by monitoring flowering, fruiting and seed predation intensity over two general flowering events at the Pasoh Research Forest, Malaysia. Pre-dispersal insect seed predators killed up to 63 percent of developing seeds, with Nanophyes shoreae, a weevil that feeds on immature seeds being the most important predator for all Shorea species. This weevil caused significantly greater pre-dispersal seed predation in earlier flowering species. Long larval development time precluded oviposition by adults that emerged from the earliest flowering Shorea on the final flowering Shorea. In contrast, larvae of weevils that feed on mature seeds before seed dispersal (Alcidodes spp.), appeared in seeds of all Shorea species almost simultaneously. We conclude that general flowering events have the potential to satiate post-dispersal seed predators and pre-dispersal seed predators of mature fruit, but are less effective at satiating pre-dispersal predators of immature fruit attacking early flowering species. Abstrak Pelbagai spesies Dipterocarpaceae serta keluarga tumbuhan lain berbunga serentak di hutan Asia Tenggara dalam jangka masa yang tidak dapat dijangka. Pembungaan umum ini dianggap memudahkan kemandirian biji benih melalui lambakan biji benih yang memenuhi keperluan pemangsa biji benih. Semasa pembungaan besar-besaran ini spesies-spesies Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) yang bertalian rapat mengeluarkan bunga secara berperingkat dalam beberapa minggu. Hal ini dapat mengurangkan pendebungaan serentak serta persaingan interspesifik untuk pendebunga. Pemangsa umum bagi biji benih yang belum gugur (prapenyebaran) mungkin juga mengesan pokok-pokok yang berbunga dan mempengaruhi keperluan pemangsa. Persoalan kami adalah sama ada pemangsa biji benih berbeza semasa awal atau akhir waktu pembungaan spesies Shorea berdasarkan hasil pemeriksaan intensiti pembungaan, pembuahan serta pemangsa biji benih semasa dua musim pembungaan besar-besaran di hutan penyelidikan Pasoh. Serangga pemangsa biji benih merosakkan sehingga 63\% daripada biji benih yang sedang membesar dengan Nanophyes shoreae sebagai kumbang yang paling banyak memakan biji benih yang belum matang bagi semua spesies Shorea. Kumbang ini memberi kesan paling signifikan terhadap biji benih yang belum matang bagi spesies yang berbunga awal. Masa perkembangan larva yang panjang menghalang oviposisi kumbang dewasa yang muncul dari awal pembungaan Shorea hingga akhir pembungaan Shorea. Sebaliknya, larva kumbang yang memakan biji benih matang sebelum penyebaran biji benih (Alcidodes spp.) terdapat dalam setiap biji benih spesies Shorea hampir serentak. Kami simpulkan bahawa kejadian pembungaan besar-besaran berpotensi dalam memenuhi keperluan pemangsa biji benih selepas penyebaran serta prapenyebaran untuk buah-buahan matang, tetapi kurang efektif dalam memenuhi keperluan pemangsa prapenyebaran buah-buahan tidak matang yang menyerang spesies berbunga awal.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/btp.12371}}, ISSN = {{0006-3606}}, EISSN = {{1744-7429}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000395643400005}}, } @article{ ISI:000397238600008, Author = {Schiavon, Michela and Pilon-Smits, Elizabeth A. H.}, Title = {{The fascinating facets of plant selenium accumulation - biochemistry, physiology, evolution and ecology}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{213}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1582-1596}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{The importance of selenium (Se) for medicine, industry and the environment is increasingly apparent. Se is essential for many species, including humans, but toxic at elevated concentrations. Plant Se accumulation and volatilization may be applied in crop biofortification and phytoremediation. Topics covered here include beneficial and toxic effects of Se on plants, mechanisms of Se accumulation and tolerance in plants and algae, Se hyperaccumulation, and ecological and evolutionary aspects of these processes. Plant species differ in the concentration and forms of Se accumulated, Se partitioning at the whole-plant and tissue levels, and the capacity to distinguish Se from sulfur. Mechanisms of Se hyperaccumulation and its adaptive significance appear to involve constitutive up-regulation of sulfate/selenate uptake and assimilation, associated with elevated concentrations of defense-related hormones. Hyperaccumulation has evolved independently in at least three plant families, probably as an elemental defense mechanism and perhaps mediating elemental allelopathy. Elevated plant Se protects plants from generalist herbivores and pathogens, but also gives rise to the evolution of Seresistant specialists. Plant Se accumulation affects ecological interactions with herbivores, pollinators, neighboring plants, and microbes. Hyperaccumulation tends to negatively affect Sesensitive ecological partners while facilitating Se-resistant partners, potentially affecting species composition and Se cycling in seleniferous ecosystems.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.14378}}, ISSN = {{0028-646X}}, EISSN = {{1469-8137}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000397238600008}}, } @article{ ISI:000394587000005, Author = {Wolowski, Marina and Carvalheiro, Luisa G. and Freitas, Leandro}, Title = {{Influence of plant-pollinator interactions on the assembly of plant and hummingbird communities}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{105}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{332-344}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Understanding how ecological processes structure species assemblages is a central issue in community ecology. While the influence of plant-pollinator interactions on each other's evolution is well recognized, their role in the assembly of interdependent communities of plants and pollinators is still unclear. Using data from seven communities of hummingbirds and plants that they pollinate from two tropical rain forest types (lowland and montane), we evaluated phylogenetic relationships and signal of functional traits, over space and time, to test predictions on the main processes (environmental filtering, facilitation or competition) that are driving these hummingbird-plant assemblages. Our findings suggest that the main processes driving these assemblages varied between hummingbirds and plants and between habitats, and even among communities at the same habitat. The non-conserved floral trait and the phylogenetic patterns (even or random) give support to the hypothesis of facilitation or competition as processes regulating the composition of plant assemblages. Moreover, the positive relationship between fitness and flowering synchrony suggests facilitation as the most important mechanism for montane plant communities. Distinctively, for lowland plant communities, the combination of non-conserved traits and clustered phylogenetic patterns may be a result of either adaptive radiation or biotic filtering driven by a particular pollinator species that plays a main role as plant community organizer. Lastly, evidence of trait conservatism, together with clustered or even phylogenetic patterns, suggests that facilitation or competition may drive the assembly of montane hummingbird communities, despite the predominance of random phylogenetic patterns. Synthesis. Overall, we present a pathway to identify central ecological processes that may drive the assembly of plant-pollinator communities. We show that different processes related with pollination that vary in space and time may contribute to the assembly of the interdependent tropical communities of plants and pollinators. These findings highlight the importance of considering ecological interactions when evaluating community assembly processes.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2745.12684}}, ISSN = {{0022-0477}}, EISSN = {{1365-2745}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Freitas, Leandro/E-6975-2011}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000394587000005}}, } @article{ ISI:000394908600003, Author = {Costa, V. B. S. and Pimentel, R. M. M. and Chagas, M. G. S. and Alves, G. D. and Castro, C. C.}, Title = {{Petal micromorphology and its relationship to pollination}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{19}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{115-122}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{The characteristics of petal epidermal conical cells affect the quality of the signals perceived by various pollinators. This study aimed to identify variations in micromorphological characteristics of flower petals and their relationship to melittophily, ornithophily and chiropterophily pollination systems. The petals of 11 species were analysed using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy and the micromorphological traits were described, measured and compared using Tukey's test, PCA and cluster analysis. Unlike chiropterophily, all melittophilous and some ornithophilous species possessed adaxial epidermal conical cells. Cluster grouping separated chiropterophilous flowers from melittophilous and ornithophilous. PCA analysis showed that the two morphometric profile of conical cells was the attribute that most strongly influenced the grouping of species. When considering the data set of the three pollination systems, melittophilous and ornithophilous plants were more similar to each other than they were to chriopterophilous species. The distance between conical cell apices is an important parameter in interactions with pollinators. This study facilitated recognition of smoothing pollinator resource access through petal micromorphological characteristics. Further research regarding the biometry of micromorphological traits related to pollination is required.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/plb.12523}}, ISSN = {{1435-8603}}, EISSN = {{1438-8677}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000394908600003}}, } @article{ ISI:000394325700015, Author = {Ribalta, Federico M. and Pazos-Navarro, Maria and Nelson, Karen and Edwards, Kylie and Ross, John J. and Bennett, Richard G. and Munday, Christine and Erskine, William and Ochatt, Sergio J. and Croser, Janine S.}, Title = {{Precocious floral initiation and identification of exact timing of embryo physiological maturity facilitate germination of immature seeds to truncate the lifecycle of pea}}, Journal = {{PLANT GROWTH REGULATION}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{81}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{345-353}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{We propose herein a novel single seed descent protocol that has application across a broad phenotypic range of pea genotypes. Manipulation of key in vivo growing conditions, including light, photoperiod and temperature, combined with precocious in vitro germination of the embryo at full physiological maturity substantially shortened the pea lifecycle. We define full embryo physiological maturity as the earliest point in seed development when precocious in vitro germination and robust seedling growth can be reliably achieved without supply of exogenous hormones. Under our optimised conditions for accelerated plant growth, embryo physiological maturity was attained at c. 18 days after pollination, when seed moisture content was below 60 \% and sucrose level under 100 mg g(-1) DW. No delay penalty in terms of time to flowering and plant development was caused by the culture of immature seeds 18 days after pollination compared to the used of mature ones. Determining the role embryo maturity plays in the fitness of the germinated plant has facilitated the truncation of the lifecycle across pea genotypes. The accelerated single seed descent system proposed within this research will benefit complex genetic studies via the rapid development of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) and multi-parental advanced generation intercrosses (MAGIC) populations.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10725-016-0211-x}}, ISSN = {{0167-6903}}, EISSN = {{1573-5087}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Bennett, Richard/A-6099-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Bennett, Richard/0000-0001-7519-3036}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000394325700015}}, } @article{ ISI:000394505700006, Author = {Ha, Melissa K. and Ivey, Christopher T.}, Title = {{Pollinator-mediated interactions in experimental arrays vary with neighbor identity(1)}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{104}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{252-260}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Local ecological conditions influence the impact of species interactions on evolution and community structure. We investigated whether pollinator-mediated interactions between coflowering plants vary with plant density, coflowering neighbor identity, and flowering season. METHODS: We conducted a field experiment in which flowering time and floral neighborhood were manipulated in a factorial design. Early- and late-flowering Clarkia unguiculata plants were placed into arrays with C. biloba neighbors, noncongeneric neighbors, additional conspecific plants, or no additional plants as a density control. We compared whole-plant pollen limitation of seed set, pollinator behavior, and pollen deposition among treatments. KEY RESULTS: Interactions mediated by shared pollinators depended on the identity of the neighbor and possibly changed through time, although flowering-season comparisons were compromised by low early-season plant survival. Interactions with conspecific neighbors were likely competitive late in the season. Interactions with C. biloba appeared to involve facilitation or neutral interactions. Interactions with noncongeners were more consistently competitive. The community composition of pollinators varied among treatment combinations. CONCLUSIONS: Pollinator-mediated interactions involved competition and likely facilitation, depending on coflowering neighbor. Experimental manipulation helped to reveal context-dependent variation in indirect biotic interactions.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1600293}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, EISSN = {{1537-2197}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000394505700006}}, } @article{ ISI:000396058400011, Author = {Sykes, Timothy and Yates, Steven and Nagy, Istvan and Asp, Torben and Small, Ian and Studer, Bruno}, Title = {{In Silico Identification of Candidate Genes for Fertility Restoration in Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)}}, Journal = {{GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{351+}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is widely used for forage production in both permanent and temporary grassland systems. To increase yields in perennial ryegrass, recent breeding efforts have been focused on strategies to more efficiently exploit heterosis by hybrid breeding. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a widely applied mechanism to control pollination for commercial hybrid seed production and although CMS systems have been identified in perennial ryegrass, they are yet to be fully characterized. Here, we present a bioinformatics pipeline for efficient identification of candidate restorer of fertility (Rf) genes for CMS. From a high-quality draft of the perennial ryegrass genome, 373 pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) genes were identified and classified, further identifying 25 restorer of fertility-like PPR (RFL) genes through a combination of DNA sequence clustering and comparison to known Rf genes. This extensive gene family was targeted as the majority of Rf genes in higher plants are RFL genes. These RFL genes were further investigated by phylogenetic analyses, identifying three groups of perennial ryegrass RFLs. These three groups likely represent genomic regions of active RFL generation and identify the probable location of perennial ryegrass PPR-Rf genes. This pipeline allows for the identification of candidate PPR-Rf genes from genomic sequence data and can be used in any plant species. Functional markers for PPR-Rf genes will facilitate map-based cloning of Rf genes and enable the use of CMS as an efficient tool to control pollination for hybrid crop production.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/gbe/evw047}}, ISSN = {{1759-6653}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Studer, Bruno/O-2237-2017}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000396058400011}}, } @article{ ISI:000397239600020, Author = {Priyadarshan, P. M.}, Title = {{Refinements to Hevea rubber breeding}}, Journal = {{TREE GENETICS \& GENOMES}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{13}}, Number = {{1}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. Ex. A. de. Juss. Muell-Arg.) is the prime source of natural rubber. Domestication of rubber began since 1876 with Wickham collecting 70,000 seeds from Upper Amazon and transported them to Kew Botanic Gardens. Somehow, rubber trees covering millions of hectares are believed to be derived from ``22 seedlings{''} of Wickham's original stock. Improving dry rubber yield is the exclusive and ultimate objective of Hevea breeding with consistent yield of 70 to 80 g/tree/tapping. Ultimately, in a small holding, a planter must gain an average yield of around 2200 to 2400 kg/ha from his stand (under optimal conditions), after accommodating tree-to-tree variations due to stock-scion interactions and soil heterogeneity. This is arduous, but achievable. Initial production of high-yielding clones gave 1600 kg/ha against 496 kg/ha of unselected seedlings. Adaptation and yielding potential of clones to specific environments are optimized through localized experimentation. Studies on adaptation of clones to new environments, especially to sub-optimal or marginal areas, are gaining momentum. As this extension happens, demand for new clones is on the rise. Possibilities of using rubber trees for reforestation, carbon sequestration and application of genomics in deriving climate resilient clones may come up in future, which breeders may have to take up with required priority. Five major methodologies followed are (a) primary clones and seed gardens, (b) derivation of recombinants and clone selection, (c) genetic analysis and variability management (d) early selection and estimation of genetic value and (e) application of genomics. Primary clones have immensely contributed in exploiting heterosis and production of new clones. For evaluation of recombinants, families are to be raised in closer spacing (2 or 3 m) and allowed to attain tappable girth for evaluation. While a normal breeding cycle takes 35 to 40 years, through skipping SSCTs and LSCTs, the scheme proposed can derive a clone in 17 years. Recent advances like transcriptome sequencing of bark and EST sequences generated from suppression subtractive hybridization-cDNA libraries could facilitate marker-assisted selection that could very well be used for selecting high-yielding genotypes at juvenile stage. Paternity identification can be done through breeding without breeding (BwB) in half-sibs and poly-cross (open pollinated) seedlings. Transcriptome studies have to come a long way to yield meaningful results to tag vivid genes responsible for QTLs, resistance and other quality traits, especially markers for cold/drought stress. It is opined that instead of subjecting plants for artificial cold/drought conditions, plants continuously exposed to such stress conditions must be used for analyses that can give a comprehensive indication of stress tolerance. The application of genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technique to simultaneously discover and delineate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers is a robust and cost-effective approach for generating a common set of genome-wide SNP data suitable for constructing integrated linkage maps from multiple populations. Studies on mitochondrial and chloroplast DNAs are welcome steps towards understanding ATP efficiency of accessions that need to be augmented further, so that clones with higher ATP efficiency can be used for breeding. Such innovative techniques shall govern breeding Hevea rubber in the future, only when breeders and genomic specialists are working in tandem.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11295-017-1101-8}}, Article-Number = {{20}}, ISSN = {{1614-2942}}, EISSN = {{1614-2950}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000397239600020}}, } @article{ ISI:000390575200010, Author = {Cowie, Blair W. and Witkowski, Ed T. F. and Byrne, Marcus J. and Venter, Nic}, Title = {{A villainous hero: Does the biological control agent, Anthonomus santacruzi, pollinate its target weed, Solanum mauritianum?}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL CONTROL}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{105}}, Pages = {{79-85}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Weed biological control programmes frequently make use of flower feeding agents to reduce the fruit and seed output of invasive plants. Florivorous species have the potential for both direct and indirect effects on the reproductive success of their target plants. The flowerbud-feeding weevil, Anthonomus santacruzi, was first released in South Africa during 2008 for biological control of an invasive tree, Solanum mauritianum. This study assessed the impact of A. santacruzi florivory as well as the potential of the agent to act as an indirect pollinator. Floral damage caused by A. santacruzi was trivial, with only similar to 5\% of the anther and similar to 2\% of petal areas being removed. However, the subsequent effects of A. santacruzi were considerably more damaging, with 25\% and 66\% reductions in the flowering and fruiting of S. mauritianum inflorescences respectively. Additionally, fruit produced from inflorescences exposed to A. santacruzi were smaller in size, with fewer viable seeds. This suggests that in areas with well-established A. santacruzi populations, the agent may facilitate the self-pollination and subsequent inbreeding of S. mauritianum. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.biocontrol.2016.11.012}}, ISSN = {{1049-9644}}, EISSN = {{1090-2112}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Witkowski, Edward/0000-0001-5453-1390}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000390575200010}}, } @article{ ISI:000392852300001, Author = {Hao, Chenyang and Wang, Yuquan and Chao, Shiaoman and Li, Tian and Liu, Hongxia and Wang, Lanfen and Zhang, Xueyong}, Title = {{The iSelect 9 K SNP analysis revealed polyploidization induced revolutionary changes and intense human selection causing strong haplotype blocks in wheat}}, Journal = {{Scientific Reports}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{7}}, Month = {{JAN 30}}, Abstract = {{A Chinese wheat mini core collection was genotyped using the wheat 9 K iSelect SNP array. Total 2420 and 2396 polymorphic SNPs were detected on the A and the B genome chromosomes, which formed 878 haplotype blocks. There were more blocks in the B genome, but the average block size was significantly (P < 0.05) smaller than those in the A genome. Intense selection (domestication and breeding) had a stronger effect on the A than on the B genome chromosomes. Based on the genetic pedigrees, many blocks can be traced back to a well-known Strampelli cross, which was made one century ago. Furthermore, polyploidization of wheat (both tetraploidization and hexaploidization) induced revolutionary changes in both the A and the B genomes, with a greater increase of gene diversity compared to their diploid ancestors. Modern breeding has dramatically increased diversity in the gene coding regions, though obvious blocks were formed on most of the chromosomes in both tetraploid and hexaploid wheats. Tag-SNP markers identified in this study can be used for marker assisted selection using haplotype blocks as a wheat breeding strategy. This strategy can also be employed to facilitate genome selection in other self-pollinating crop species.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/srep41247}}, Article-Number = {{41247}}, ISSN = {{2045-2322}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000392852300001}}, } @article{ ISI:000394378800006, Author = {Brockmoeller, Thomas and Ling, Zhihao and Li, Dapeng and Gaquerel, Emmanuel and Baldwin, Ian T. and Xu, Shuqing}, Title = {{Nicotiana attenuata Data Hub (NaDH): an integrative platform for exploring genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic data in wild tobacco}}, Journal = {{BMC GENOMICS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{18}}, Month = {{JAN 13}}, Abstract = {{Background: Nicotiana attenuata (coyote tobacco) is an ecological model for studying plant-environment interactions and plant gene function under real-world conditions. During the last decade, large amounts of genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic data have been generated with this plant which has provided new insights into how native plants interact with herbivores, pollinators and microbes. However, an integrative and open access platform that allows for the efficient mining of these - omics data remained unavailable until now. Description: We present the Nicotiana attenuata Data Hub (NaDH) as a centralized platform for integrating and visualizing genomic, phylogenomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic data in N. attenuata. The NaDH currently hosts collections of predicted protein coding sequences of 11 plant species, including two recently sequenced Nicotiana species, and their functional annotations, 222 microarray datasets from 10 different experiments, a transcriptomic atlas based on 20 RNA-seq expression profiles and a metabolomic atlas based on 895 metabolite spectra analyzed by mass spectrometry. We implemented several visualization tools, including a modified version of the Electronic Fluorescent Pictograph (eFP) browser, co-expression networks and the Interactive Tree Of Life (iTOL) for studying gene expression divergence among duplicated homologous. In addition, the NaDH allows researchers to query phylogenetic trees of 16,305 gene families and provides tools for analyzing their evolutionary history. Furthermore, we also implemented tools to identify co-expressed genes and metabolites, which can be used for predicting the functions of genes. Using the transcription factor NaMYB8 as an example, we illustrate that the tools and data in NaDH can facilitate identification of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites. Conclusion: The NaDH provides interactive visualization and data analysis tools that integrate the expression and evolutionary history of genes in Nicotiana, which can facilitate rapid gene discovery and comparative genomic analysis. Because N. attenuata shares many genome-wide features with other Nicotiana species including cultivated tobacco, and hence NaDH can be a resource for exploring the function and evolution of genes in Nicotiana species in general. The NaDH can be accessed at: http://nadh.ice.mpg.de/.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12864-016-3465-9}}, Article-Number = {{79}}, ISSN = {{1471-2164}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Baldwin, Ian /K-1809-2013 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Xu, Shuqing/0000-0001-7010-4604 Brockmoller, Thomas/0000-0002-3723-9715}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000394378800006}}, } @article{ ISI:000411521200007, Author = {Lisek, Anna and Kucharska, Danuta and Glowacka, Agnieszka and Rozpara, Elzbieta}, Title = {{Identification of S-haplotypes of European cultivars of sour cherry}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE \& BIOTECHNOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{92}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{484-492}}, Abstract = {{The sour cherry is known to exhibit the phenomenon of gametophytic self-incompatibility which prevents self-fertilization. In sour cherry, besides self-incompatible cultivars, there often occur self-compatible cultivars. This is due to the occurrence of natural mutations of the S-RNase or SFB genes and, consequently, loss of functionality of S-alleles. Here we present the results of the identification of S-haplotypes of 21 cultivars of sour cherry from various regions of Europe. The analyses were performed using methods based on the amplification of intron I and intron II of the S-RNase gene and fragments specific to the individual alleles of the S-RNase or SFB genes. The tested cultivars were found to contain 15 S-haplotypes: S-1, S-1', S-4, S-6, S-6m, S-6m2, S-9, S-12, S-13, S-13', S-26, S-35, S-36a, S-36b, and S-36b2. The most frequently occurring S-haplotypes were S-13' (61.9\%), S-36a (57.1\%), and S-26 (47.6\%). On the basis of the results, 17 of the 21 cultivars were deduced to be self-compatible. The results will be of use in the production of sour cherry fruit by facilitating the selection of suitable pollinating cultivars. The results are also expected to be useful in the breeding of new cultivars of sour cherry when selecting genotypes for crosses.}}, DOI = {{10.1080/14620316.2017.1289071}}, ISSN = {{1462-0316}}, EISSN = {{2380-4084}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000411521200007}}, } @incollection{ ISI:000406858000005, Author = {Geslin, B. and Gauzens, B. and Baude, M. and Dajoz, I. and Fontaine, C. and Henry, M. and Ropars, L. and Rollin, O. and Thebault, E. and Vereecken, N. J.}, Editor = {{Bohan, DA and Dumbrell, AJ and Massol, F}}, Title = {{Massively Introduced Managed Species and Their Consequences for Plant-Pollinator Interactions}}, Booktitle = {{NETWORKS OF INVASION: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE AND CASE STUDIES}}, Series = {{Advances in Ecological Research}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{57}}, Pages = {{147-199}}, Abstract = {{Since the rise of agriculture, human populations have domesticated plant and animal species to fulfil their needs. With modern agriculture, a limited number of these species has been massively produced over large areas at high local densities. Like invasive species, these Massively Introduced Managed Species (MIMS) integrate local communities and can trigger cascading effects on the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Here, we focus on plant and insect MIMS in the context of plant-pollinator systems. Several crop species such as mass flowering crops (e.g. Brassica napus) and domesticated pollinating insects (e.g. Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris) have been increasingly introduced worldwide and their impact on natural communities is addressed by an increasing number of scientific studies. First, we review the impacts of major insect and plant MIMS on natural communities by identifying how they affect other species through competition (direct and apparent competition) or facilitation (attraction, spillover). Second, we show how MIMS can alter the structure of plant-pollinator networks. We specifically analysed the position of A. mellifera from 63 published plant-pollinator webs to illustrate that MIMS can occupy a central position in the networks, leading to functional consequences. Finally, we present the features of MIMS in sensitive environments ranging from oceanic islands to protected areas, as a basis to discuss the impacts of MIMS in urban context and agrosystems. Through the case study of MIMS in plant-pollinator interactions, we thus provide here a first perspective of the role of MIMS in the functioning of ecosystems.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/bs.aecr.2016.10.007}}, ISSN = {{0065-2504}}, ISBN = {{978-0-12-813329-3; 978-0-12-801431-8}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000406858000005}}, } @article{ ISI:000406790900015, Author = {Fagundes, Roberth and Antonini, Yasmine and Aguiar, Ludmilla M. S.}, Title = {{Overlap in Cave Usage and Period of Activity as Factors Structuring the Interactions between Bats and Ectoparasites}}, Journal = {{ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{56}}, Abstract = {{Bats perform important ecosystem services such as pollination and seed dispersal. Bats are also hosts to obligate ectoparasites, which influence their behavior and, thus, compromise their ecosystem functions. Therefore, the study of the bat-ectoparasitic interaction network and its driven factors is basic for understanding variation in the ecosystem services provided by bats. In this study, we evaluated the structure of the network of interactions between bats and their ectoparasite arthropods, testing the roles of overlap in cave usage and period of activity as factors structuring the interactions. We conducted the study in caves within the Cerrado ecosystem near Brasilia, Brazil. Our results show that the bat-ectoparasite network has a modular pattern and is highly specialized. The observed pattern was explained by the greater probability of transmission of ectoparasites among bats sharing the same cave during the same period of the year. Furthermore, our data showed that the rate of bat infestation by different ectoparasite species is related to the degree of exposure of bats according to their abundance and activity period, but not with the number of caves used to roost. Thus, we believe that the frequency of activity and encounters between bats, and therefore the rate of ectoparasite transmission, is an important regulatory mechanism of bat-ectoparasite networks. This ecological mechanism may facilitate the formation of specific interactions by spatial and temporal segregation and co-evolution of parasite species among groups of roosting bats.}}, DOI = {{10.6620/ZS.2017.56-22}}, Article-Number = {{22}}, ISSN = {{1021-5506}}, EISSN = {{1810-522X}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Aguiar, Ludmilla/H-7339-2015}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Aguiar, Ludmilla/0000-0002-9180-5052}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000406790900015}}, } @article{ ISI:000406131200007, Author = {Zilko, Joseph P. and Hoebee, Susan E. and Edwards, Trevor J.}, Title = {{Floral morphology of Eucalyptus leucoxylon (Myrtaceae) facilitates pollination by lorikeet (Aves: Psittacidae) tongues}}, Journal = {{AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{65}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{368-374}}, Abstract = {{Bird pollination is particularly common and widespread in the southern regions of Australia. Despite some eucalypts being heavily frequented by birds, they are usually considered to have a generalist pollination system because of their apparently unspecialised floral morphology. A few species possess protandrous anthers that dehisce within a tightly furled dome of filaments. We hypothesised that this facilitates pollen transport via the brush tongues of lorikeets. Using Eucalyptus leucoxylon F.Muell. and five captive rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus hematodus) as a model, we demonstrated that lorikeets remove significant quantities of pollen from flowers with inflexed filaments in a short time (30 min), compared with bagged control flowers (Mann-Whitney U test, Z = 165.4, d.f. = 29, P = 0.008). Some of this pollen is deposited on stigmas by the tongue, which is the organ that most regularly and reliably contacts stigmas. The mean number of pollen grains deposited on stigmas by each bird was as high as 121.2. Adhesive tape contacted by the tongue during foraging removed up to 2104 pollen grains, which was significantly greater than for uncontacted control tape (Mann-Whitney U test, Z = 110, d.f. = 21, P < 0.001). Scanning electron micrograph imaging of a lorikeet tongue showed many pollen grains that had been transferred onto its keratin papillae, which is likely to have contributed to high carryover rates by retaining pollen for a substantial amount of time. Minimal pollen is available for generalist pollination once the filaments unfurl. It appears highly unlikely that insects are able to access pollen from these male-phase flowers and inflexed filaments may therefore fulfil an exclusionary role.}}, DOI = {{10.1071/BT16242}}, ISSN = {{0067-1924}}, EISSN = {{1444-9862}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000406131200007}}, } @article{ ISI:000402124300010, Author = {Rather, Aabid M. and Nawchoo, Irshad A. and Raina, R.}, Title = {{Besides regular chromosome segregation and allied reproductive traits in Valeriana jatamansi Jones (Valerianoideae, Caprifoliaceae) - the gynodioecious species develops multiple evolutionary pathways as subsistence links}}, Journal = {{CARYOLOGIA}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{70}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{174-183}}, Abstract = {{This study has been carried out to assess and explore the sexual diversity in an important medicinal plant, Valeriana jatamansi. The species is gynodioecious and produces hermaphrodite and female flowered plants that grow sympatrically. It was observed that hermaphrodite and female flowered plants can be segregated only during the flowering phase. In addition to gynodioecy, the production of a sterile flower at each branching point (dichotomy) of inflorescence and the reduction in the length of peduncles in acropetal manner results in reduction of the angle of branches from first dichotomy to top of inflorescence, resulting in flagship effect. This crowding effect of flowers helps to attract pollinators and the fertilization of a flower by pollen from another flower on the same plant (known as geitonogamy) by means of staminal movement in hermaphrodite flowers. Female flowered plants did not set any seeds when isolated from bisexual flowered plants. Female seeds showed more seed viability (89.5\%) than hermaphrodite ones (84.25\%). The species also operates a unique mechanism of piercing of stamens through closed floral buds to facilitate cross pollination. Pollen/ovule ratio was in favor of Cruden's xenogamous nature. In all populations of Valeriana jatamansi, we observed 16 bivalents at metaphase-I indicating the chromosome number to be 2n = 32 and normal meiosis without any abnormalities (e.g. laggards, bridges, and micronuclei). Valeriana jatamansi seed germination responded best to the nitrogenous compounds apart from scarification (85\% with MGT 4.25 days), showing 80\% in 1 mM of thiourea with MGT of 3.75 days. The paper discusses the multiple reproductive strategies employed by the species to increase its fitness and points out that the species follows unique pathways of evolution.}}, DOI = {{10.1080/00087114.2017.1317068}}, ISSN = {{0008-7114}}, EISSN = {{2165-5391}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000402124300010}}, } @article{ ISI:000402315100011, Author = {Carvalho, Agnaldo D. F. and Silva, Giovani O. and Resende, Francisco V.}, Title = {{Adaptability and stability of carrot populations by the REML/BLUP method}}, Journal = {{HORTICULTURA BRASILEIRA}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{35}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{69-74}}, Month = {{JAN-MAR}}, Abstract = {{The aim was to evaluate the adaptability and stability of the genotypes by REML/BLUP method. The experiments were carried out in 20 environments in the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014 in different carrot producing regions in Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block design with three replications and plots of 1 m(2). Four carrot populations in breeding phase were evaluated: CNPH-14, CNPH-15, CNPH-16 and CNPH-17, the open-pollinated cvs. BRS Planalto and Brasilia and the hybrid Juliana. At 100 days after sowing we determined in each plot the root yield with commercial standard. We used the REML/BLUP methodology to estimate the adaptability and stability of genotypes. We observed that populations with better performance and adaptability and stability in the study sites were the populations CNPH-14 and CNPH-17. The cv. Juliana and the population CNPH-15 showed the worst results compared to the average of the environment, and Juliana had specific adaptation to Sao Gotardo, Minas Gerais State and Canoinhas, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The populations CNPH-14 and CNPH-17 have broad adaptation which facilitates the recommendation as future cultivars.}}, DOI = {{10.1590/S0102-053620170111}}, ISSN = {{0102-0536}}, EISSN = {{1806-9991}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000402315100011}}, } @article{ ISI:000400483900002, Author = {Gonzalez, Victor H. and Griswold, Terry and Simoes, Marianna}, Title = {{On the identity of the adventive species of Eufriesea Cockerell in the USA: systematics and potential distribution of the coerulescens species group ( Hymenoptera, Apidae)}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF HYMENOPTERA RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{55}}, Pages = {{55-101}}, Abstract = {{In the summer of 2010, two male specimens of the neotropical orchid bee genus Eufriesea Cockerell were collected in the Guadalupe Mountains of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, USA. We tentatively identified them as E. coerulescens (Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau) because of the uncertainty surrounding the limits of this taxon and hypothesized that they were members of a persistent bee population, rather than long-distance transient vagrants. The goals of this paper are to clarify the identity of these specimens, assess the species limits of E. coerulescens, and to evaluate suitability of habitats in the USA for this adventive species. Herein, we revise the species in the coerulescens group using morphological features of both sexes and confirm that the specimens of Eufriesea from the USA are E. coerulescens. We recognize the following six species in the coerulescens group: E. coerulescens, E. micheneri Ayala \& Engel, E. simillima (Moure \& Michener), which is reinstated from synonym with E. coerulescens, and three new species from Mexico (E. barthelli Gonzalez \& Griswold, sp. n., E. engeli Gonzalez \& Griswold, sp. n., and E. oliveri Gonzalez \& Griswold, sp. n.). To facilitate the identification of these taxa, we present a fully illustrated account of the species, comparative diagnoses, descriptions, and an updated key to all Mexican species of Eufriesea. Our analyses using species distribution modelling show an absence of suitable habitat for E. coerulescens in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, thus favoring the long-distance dispersal hypothesis. The analyses also suggest high suitability of habitats across the Caribbean and some areas in Florida, as well as in other regions in Mexico and Central America. We discuss the implications of these results and compare them with the predicted distribution available for the other two known adventive orchid bee species in the USA.}}, DOI = {{10.3897/jhr.55.12209}}, ISSN = {{1070-9428}}, EISSN = {{1314-2607}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000400483900002}}, } @article{ ISI:000400520600001, Author = {Popovici, Elena}, Title = {{Bridging Supervised Learning and Test-Based Co-optimization}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF MACHINE LEARNING RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{18}}, Abstract = {{This paper takes a close look at the important commonalities and subtle differences between the well-established field of supervised learning and the much younger one of cooptimization. It explains the relationships between the problems, algorithms and views on cost and performance of the two fields, all throughout providing a two-way dictionary for the respective terminologies used to describe these concepts. The intent is to facilitate advancement of both fields through transfer and cross-pollination of ideas, techniques and results. As a proof of concept, a theoretical study is presented on the connection between existence / lack of free lunch in the two fields, showcasing a few ideas for improving computational complexity of certain supervised learning approaches.}}, Article-Number = {{38}}, ISSN = {{1532-4435}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000400520600001}}, } @article{ ISI:000399081500004, Author = {Rodriguez, Lillian J. and Young, Freya and Rasplus, Jean-Yves and Kjellberg, Finn and Compton, Stephen G.}, Title = {{Constraints on convergence: hydrophobic hind legs allow some male pollinator fig wasps early access to submerged females}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{51}}, Number = {{13-14}}, Pages = {{761-782}}, Abstract = {{Pollinator fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae) display numerous adaptations linked to their obligate association with fig trees (Ficus). Ceratosolen fig wasps pollinate figs that often fill temporarily with liquid, and one clade has males with unusually long hind legs. We investigated their morphology and behaviour. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the cuticle of their hind legs is highly modified and covered with numerous hydrophobic setae and microtrichia that can prevent blockage of the wasps' large propodeal spiracles by liquids. In deep liquid, the males floated on the surface, but when only a thin layer of liquid was present, the legs allowed males to access females without the risk of drowning. Access to females was facilitated by an air bubble that forms between the hind legs and maintains a column of air between the spiracles and the centre of the figs. Sexual selection should favour males that can gain earlier access to mates, and the modified legs represent an adaptation to achieve this. Convergent adaptations are known in some unrelated non-pollinating fig wasps that develop in similar liquid-filled figs, but these species have enlarged hydrophobic peritremata at the ends of their metasoma to protect the spiracles located there. Unlike non-pollinating fig wasps, pollinator males need to insert their metasoma deep into females' galls during mating. This difference in mating behaviour has constrained the extent of convergence.}}, DOI = {{10.1080/00222933.2017.1293746}}, ISSN = {{0022-2933}}, EISSN = {{1464-5262}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Rasplus, Jean-Yves/O-2873-2017}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Rasplus, Jean-Yves/0000-0001-8614-6665}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000399081500004}}, } @article{ ISI:000398041000001, Author = {Joanna Rojas-Mendez, Karla and Manuel Penaloza-Ramirez, Juan and Rocha-Ramirez, Victor and Cortes-Palomec, Aurea and McCauley, Ross A. and Oyama, Ken}, Title = {{Massive Extraction of the Orchid Laelia speciosa (HBK) Schltr. for Trading in Local Markets Affect Its Population Genetic Structure in a Fragmented Landscape in Central Mexico}}, Journal = {{TROPICAL CONSERVATION SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{10}}, Abstract = {{Laelia speciosa is an orchid species listed as threatened of extinction in the Mexican standard NOM-059. Wild populations of L speciosa have been declining due to fragmentation of its habitat and massive extraction for trading in local markets in Mexico. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the evolutionary potential of L. speciosa within a fragmented landscape of ca. 4000 km 2 in the Cuitzeo basin, State of Michoacan. We sampled 15 populations throughout the Cuitzeo basin and amplified eight nuclear microsatellite markers to assess genetic diversity, structure, and connectivity and to test for evidence of recent bottlenecks. Surprisingly, L. speciosa populations showed high genetic diversity, with values ranging from moderate to high compared with those reported for other orchid species. Also, the analysis of molecular variance and R-ST results indicated the existence of low genetic differentiation, favored by its cross pollination habit which facilitates the maintenance of gene flow and that have been observed in other orchid species. Wright's within-population inbreeding (F-IS) was positive in all cases, denoting a heterozygosity deficit, with moderate-to-high values. Fragmentation may also lead to inbreeding due to either increased self-fertilization or mating between related individuals within remnant fragments. The L. speciosa populations examined showed evidence suggesting that some populations had recently gone through a bottleneck. We also observed that all the L. speciosa populations had a moderate effective population size. The history of L. speciosa in the Cuitzeo basin suggests that both fragmented and non-fragmented populations may have been recently subject to moderate reductions in effective population size, large enough to affect their allelic diversity, FIS, but not their HE. Such reductions may have been caused by episodic environmental fluctuations or resulted from the recent founding of some of the populations. The effective population size can be used as an indicator of habitat quality, and this was confirmed for the L. speciosa populations, which have undergone a drastic decline due to environmental changes, habitat destruction, and illegal collection. The ultimate goals of conservation are to ensure the continuous survival of populations and maintain their evolutionary potential by preserving natural levels of genetic diversity. Great efforts should be made to preserve this species' extant populations and their habitats to prevent further population reductions and preserve its overall genetic basis. Collection of this orchid should be banned and robust legal protection measures should be enforced through local authorities.}}, DOI = {{10.1177/1940082917693235}}, ISSN = {{1940-0829}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000398041000001}}, } @article{ ISI:000397873000011, Author = {Harley, Raymond M. and Giulietti, Ana Maria and Abreu, Ivan Silva and Bitencourt, Cassia and de Oliveira, Favizia F. and Endress, Peter K.}, Title = {{Resupinate Dimorphy, a novel pollination strategy in two-lipped flowers of Eplingiella (Lamiaceae)}}, Journal = {{ACTA BOTANICA BRASILICA}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{102-107}}, Month = {{JAN-MAR}}, Abstract = {{This work provides a summary of the typical floral structure of subtribe Hyptidinae (Lamiaceae), in which both style and stamens are declinate within or near the concave anterior corolla lobe. Cross-pollination is facilitated by protandry, acting in conjunction with the explosive release of the stamens and pollen. In contrast, we report that in the three species of the genus Eplingiella we found individuals with either resupinate or non-resupinate flowers, which represents a novel floral dimorphism. In these species of Eplingiella, the style occupies a position towards the posterior corolla lip and opposes the declinate stamens. Thus, in non-resupinate flowers the pollinating bee receives pollen on its ventral side and makes contact with the style on its dorsal side, whereas in resupinate flowers, the bee receives pollen on its dorsal side, and contacts the style on its ventral side. Both floral morphs seem to be required to achieve cross-pollination. In the two populations studied, each of the two morphs is present and in similar proportions, providing a novel means of promoting cross-pollination and reducing selfing. The situation in Eplingiella is compared to some other examples of floral polymorphism, but appears to be a unique pollination strategy, here termed Resupinate Dimorphy.}}, DOI = {{10.1590/0102-33062016abb0381}}, ISSN = {{0102-3306}}, EISSN = {{1677-941X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000397873000011}}, } @article{ ISI:000396418100002, Author = {Stanhope, Jessica and Carver, Scott and Weinstein, Philip}, Title = {{Health outcomes of beekeeping: a systematic review}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{56}}, Number = {{2}}, Abstract = {{Honey bees and the business of beekeeping have profound economic importance for global agricultural production. Bee populations and the beekeeping industry are experiencing threats to sustainability. The beekeeping industry brings with it health risks for beekeepers and those living in proximity to hives. While there are a wide range of potential adverse health outcomes there has been no systematic review of these. We address this gap, examining the symptomatic adverse health outcomes among beekeepers and those living in proximity to hives. We demonstrate a dearth of published studies (nine unique studies) on the health impacts. Adverse outcomes included bee venom and propolis allergies (including anaphylaxis) and Lyme borreliosis associated with tick bites while beekeeping. Systemic reactions to bee venom allergies were associated with a range of risk factors. However, the probability of allergic reactions decreased as years of beekeeping increased. There is a clear need for greater research into the adverse health outcomes for this population. Nevertheless, our systematic review demonstrates important health consequences, and suggests an appreciation of the range of consequences is relevant. This is appropriate for reducing the disease burden of beekeeping in order to facilitate greater participation and aid in maintaining global pollination services and food security.}}, DOI = {{10.1080/00218839.2017.1291208}}, ISSN = {{0021-8839}}, EISSN = {{2078-6913}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Stanhope, Jessica/0000-0002-6657-3317}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000396418100002}}, } @article{ ISI:000396406800009, Author = {Groom, Scott V. C. and Stevens, Marki. and Ramage, Thibault and Schwarz, Michael P.}, Title = {{Origins and implications of apid bees (Hymentopera: Apidae) in French Polynesia}}, Journal = {{ENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{20}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{65-75}}, Month = {{JAN-DEC}}, Abstract = {{Island plant-pollinator networks are typically simpler than their continental counterparts and this can make them less resilient to disturbance from exotic species. French Polynesia has a very low diversity of bees, but their status as either native or introduced species has been largely speculative. We combine previous studies with new DNA sequence data to show that 11 bee species have now been recorded for French Polynesia. Haplotype variation at the `barcode' region of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) for four of these species, Ceratina dentipes Freise, Xylocopa sonorina Smith, Braunsapis puangensis (Cockerell) and Amegilla pulchra (Smith), indicates that they all represent very recent introductions. Apis mellifera Linnaeus was a purposefully introduced species, and four megachilid species probably arrived due to human-aided dispersal through maritime activities in the Pacific. The two remaining bee species, an unidentified partial specimen of a halictid bee and the colletid bee Hylaeus (P.) tuamotuensis Michener, are collectively known from only four specimens collected in the 1930s and their provenance is uncertain. French Polynesia therefore comprises a region where recently introduced bee species greatly overwhelm any possible native bee fauna. These introductions are likely to have major ecosystem impacts, including disruptions of existing plant-pollinator networks and facilitating the spread of weedy plant species, as well as positive impacts for agriculture. Future biosecurity initiatives need to consider these potential impacts and the likely routes of dispersal to effectively control any further unintended introductions.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/ens.12230}}, ISSN = {{1343-8786}}, EISSN = {{1479-8298}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000396406800009}}, } @article{ ISI:000394372700016, Author = {Montero-Castano, Ana and Vila, Montserrat}, Title = {{Influence of the honeybee and trait similarity on the effect of a non-native plant on pollination and network rewiring}}, Journal = {{FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{142-152}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{1. Introduced entomophilous non-native plants usually become well integrated into the diet of generalist pollinators. This integration can affect the entire recipient plant-pollinator network. Effects vary from facilitative to competitive, and understanding the factors that govern such variability is one of the fundamental goals in invasion ecology. Species traits determine the linking patterns between plant and pollinator species. Therefore, trait similarity among plants or among pollinators might modulate how they affect each other. 2. We conducted a flower removal experiment to investigate the effects of the non-native entomophilous legume Hedysarum coronarium on the pollination patterns of a Mediterranean shrubland plant-pollinator network. Specifically, we explored whether effects were influenced by similarity with the resident plant species in flower morphology (papilionate vs. non-papilionate), and whether effects on the pollinator community were influenced by similarity in functional group with its main visitor species (bees vs. non-bees). In addition, we explored whether Hedysarum had an effect on the identity of interactions. For this purpose, we calculated the interaction rewiring, that is the number of plant-pollinator interactions that were gained or lost after invasion. 3. Hedysarum was well integrated into the diet of 15 generalist pollinators having the honeybee as its main visitor species. Such integration did not affect visitation rates, normalized degree (i. e. proportion of pollinators they are visited by) nor niche overlap (i. e. proportion of plant species they share pollinators with) of plants, irrespective of their flower morphology. Only the proportion of honeybee visits to resident plants decreased with invasion. On the other hand, Hedysarum reduced visitation rates and niche overlap of pollinators, mainly those of bee species. Finally, we observed that changes in the foraging behaviour of the honeybee were positively associated with the interaction rewiring involving the rest (92 taxa) of pollinators. 4. In conclusion, pollinators show a plastic use of floral resources, responding to the presence of non-native plants. When the non-native attracts highly competitive pollinators such as the honeybee, plasticity is especially significant in pollinators that are functionally close to that competitive pollinator. The result is an interaction rewiring, probably due to pollinators avoiding competition with the honeybee. Though this plasticity might not quantitatively affect the pollination of plants, consequences on their reproduction and the functioning of the network can derive from the interaction rewiring.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2435.12712}}, ISSN = {{0269-8463}}, EISSN = {{1365-2435}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Montero-Castano, Ana /0000-0003-2631-0085}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000394372700016}}, } @article{ ISI:000396153100002, Author = {Jogesh, Tania and Overson, Rick P. and Raguso, Robert A. and Skogen, Krissa A.}, Title = {{Herbivory as an important selective force in the evolution of floral traits and pollinator shifts}}, Journal = {{AOB PLANTS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{9}}, Abstract = {{Floral trait evolution is frequently attributed to pollinator-mediated selection but herbivores can play a key role in shaping plant reproductive biology. Here we examine the role of florivores in driving floral trait evolution and pollinator shifts in a recently radiated clade of flowering plants, Oenothera sect. Calylophus. We compare florivory by a specialist, internal feeder, Mompha, on closely related hawkmoth- and bee-pollinated species and document variation in damage based on floral traits within sites, species and among species. Our results show that flowers with longer floral tubes and decreased floral flare have increased Mompha damage. Bee-pollinated flowers, which have substantially smaller floral tubes, experience on average 13\% less Mompha florivory than do hawkmoth- pollinated flowers. The positive association between tube length and Mompha damage is evident even within sites of some species, suggesting that Mompha can drive trait differentiation at microevolutionary scales. Given that there are at least two independent shifts from hawkmoth to bee pollination in this clade, florivore-mediated selection on floral traits may have played an important role in facilitating morphological changes associated with transitions from hawkmoth to bee pollination.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aobpla/plw088}}, Article-Number = {{plw088}}, ISSN = {{2041-2851}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Skogen, Krissa/0000-0002-7868-9632}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000396153100002}}, } @article{ ISI:000395634300010, Author = {Shryock, Daniel F. and Havrilla, Caroline A. and DeFalco, Lesley A. and Esque, Todd C. and Custer, Nathan A. and Wood, Troy E.}, Title = {{Landscape genetic approaches to guide native plant restoration in the Mojave Desert}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{27}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{429-445}}, Abstract = {{Restoring dryland ecosystems is a global challenge due to synergistic drivers of disturbance coupled with unpredictable environmental conditions. Dryland plant species have evolved complex life-history strategies to cope with fluctuating resources and climatic extremes. Although rarely quantified, local adaptation is likely widespread among these species and potentially influences restoration outcomes. The common practice of reintroducing propagules to restore dryland ecosystems, often across large spatial scales, compels evaluation of adaptive divergence within these species. Such evaluations are critical to understanding the consequences of large-scale manipulation of gene flow and to predicting success of restoration efforts. However, genetic information for species of interest can be difficult and expensive to obtain through traditional common garden experiments. Recent advances in landscape genetics offer marker-based approaches for identifying environmental drivers of adaptive genetic variability in non-model species, but tools are still needed to link these approaches with practical aspects of ecological restoration. Here, we combine spatially explicit landscape genetics models with flexible visualization tools to demonstrate how cost-effective evaluations of adaptive genetic divergence can facilitate implementation of different seed sourcing strategies in ecological restoration. We apply these methods to Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers genotyped in two Mojave Desert shrub species of high restoration importance: the long-lived, wind-pollinated gymnosperm Ephedra nevadensis, and the short-lived, insect-pollinated angiosperm Sphaeralcea ambigua. Mean annual temperature was identified as an important driver of adaptive genetic divergence for both species. Ephedra showed stronger adaptive divergence with respect to precipitation variability, while temperature variability and precipitation averages explained a larger fraction of adaptive divergence in Sphaeralcea. We describe multivariate statistical approaches for interpolating spatial patterns of adaptive divergence while accounting for potential bias due to neutral genetic structure. Through a spatial bootstrapping procedure, we also visualize patterns in the magnitude of model uncertainty. Finally, we introduce an interactive, distance-based mapping approach that explicitly links marker-based models of adaptive divergence with local or admixture seed sourcing strategies, promoting effective native plant restoration.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/eap.1447}}, ISSN = {{1051-0761}}, EISSN = {{1939-5582}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Shryock, Daniel/0000-0003-0330-9815}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000395634300010}}, } @article{ ISI:000393648500005, Author = {Ruiz-Sanchez, Eduardo and Peredo, Luis C. and Santacruz, Jezabel B. and Ayala-Barajas, Ricardo}, Title = {{Bamboo flowers visited by insects: do insects play a role in the pollination of bamboo flowers?}}, Journal = {{PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{303}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{51-59}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Relatively little is known about pollination and other aspects of the reproductive biology of bamboos, but wind pollination is assumed to be the rule, at least in woody bamboos. Documenting the reproductive biology of woody bamboos is a complex task due to the long periods of time between flowering cycles, which range from 3 to 120 years. Insects visiting Guadua paniculata and G. inermis flowers were collected in the field. Scanning electron micrographs were taken of the visiting insects. Four species of bees, three from tribe Meliponini (Geotrigona acapulconis, Plebeia frontalis and Trigona fulviventris) and one from tribe Apini (Apis mellifera), along with a syrphid fly (Toxomerus teligera) were found visiting bamboo flowers. Some species of Hemiptera were also found feeding on the flowers, such as Neortholomus jamaicensis (Lygaeidae), or preying on the flower visitors (Apiomerus pictipes (Reduviidae)). Insects visiting bamboo inflorescences may facilitate the release of pollen grains into the air, promoting outcrossing and genetic flow among the individuals of the flowering bamboo populations.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00606-016-1351-1}}, ISSN = {{0378-2697}}, EISSN = {{1615-6110}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Ruiz-Sanchez, Eduardo/L-8073-2013 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Ruiz-Sanchez, Eduardo/0000-0002-7981-4490 Ayala, Ricardo/0000-0002-7718-1853}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000393648500005}}, } @article{ ISI:000392782500001, Author = {Shell, Wyatt A. and Rehan, Sandra M.}, Title = {{Range Expansion of the Small Carpenter Bee Ceratina smaragdula across the Hawaiian Archipelago with Potential Ecological Implications for Native Pollinator Systems}}, Journal = {{PACIFIC SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{71}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{1-15}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Invasive bee species may have a widely detrimental impact on their novel host ecosystem. Introduced bees can rapidly disrupt native plant pollinator mutualisms through competition with indigenous pollinator fauna and facilitation of invasive flora reproduction. Island ecosystems, which are inherently limited in physical range, resource availability, and trophic diversity, tend to be particularly sensitive to ecological impacts of invasive species. The small green carpenter bee Ceratina (Pithitis) smaragdula occurs throughout Southeast Asia and across the Hawaiian archipelago. Historical records indicate that C. smaragdula is nonnative to the Hawaiian archipelago and is recently introduced. Here we present a comprehensive synthesis of C. smaragdula's known biological and ecological history, as well as a population genetic analysis of C. smaragdula from Maui, and from locations across its native range, at the cytochrome oxidase I (C01) locus. We update C. smaragdula's known distribution and occurrence elevation in Hawai'i and reveal a lack of genetic structure between Hawaiian and native range populations. We discuss points of origin, means of introduction, and potential ecological impact of this nonnative pollinator.}}, DOI = {{10.2984/71.1.1}}, ISSN = {{0030-8870}}, EISSN = {{1534-6188}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000392782500001}}, } @article{ ISI:000393021000055, Author = {Gil-Lebrero, Sergio and Javier Quiles-Latorre, Francisco and Ortiz-Lopez, Manuel and Sanchez-Ruiz, Victor and Gamiz-Lopez, Victoria and Jesos Luna-Rodriguez, Juan}, Title = {{Honey Bee Colonies Remote Monitoring System}}, Journal = {{SENSORS}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{17}}, Number = {{1}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Bees are very important for terrestrial ecosystems and, above all, for the subsistence of many crops, due to their ability to pollinate flowers. Currently, the honey bee populations are decreasing due to colony collapse disorder (CCD). The reasons for CCD are not fully known, and as a result, it is essential to obtain all possible information on the environmental conditions surrounding the beehives. On the other hand, it is important to carry out such information gathering as non-intrusively as possible to avoid modifying the bees' work conditions and to obtain more reliable data. We designed a wireless-sensor networks meet these requirements. We designed a remote monitoring system (called WBee) based on a hierarchical three-level model formed by the wireless node, a local data server, and a cloud data server. WBee is a low-cost, fully scalable, easily deployable system with regard to the number and types of sensors and the number of hives and their geographical distribution. WBee saves the data in each of the levels if there are failures in communication. In addition, the nodes include a backup battery, which allows for further data acquisition and storage in the event of a power outage. Unlike other systems that monitor a single point of a hive, the system we present monitors and stores the temperature and relative humidity of the beehive in three different spots. Additionally, the hive is continuously weighed on a weighing scale. Real-time weight measurement is an innovation in wireless beehive-monitoring systems. We designed an adaptation board to facilitate the connection of the sensors to the node. Through the Internet, researchers and beekeepers can access the cloud data server to find out the condition of their hives in real time.}}, DOI = {{10.3390/s17010055}}, Article-Number = {{55}}, ISSN = {{1424-8220}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Quiles Latorre, Francisco Javier/0000-0002-2180-2497 Luna Rodriguez, Juan Jesus/0000-0003-3518-7373 Ortiz Lopez, Manuel Agustin/0000-0001-8312-1729}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000393021000055}}, } @article{ ISI:000390331000018, Author = {Richman, Sarah K. and Irwin, Rebecca E. and Nelson, Cherie J. and Bronstein, Judith L.}, Title = {{Facilitated exploitation of pollination mutualisms: fitness consequences for plants}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2017}}, Volume = {{105}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{188-196}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{1. Mutualisms are only rarely one-to-one interactions: each species generally interacts with multiple mutualists. Exploitation is ubiquitous in mutualisms, and we would therefore expect that each mutualist interacts with multiple exploiters as well. Exploiter species may also interact with one another. For example, the action of one exploiter species might open the opportunity for exploitation by a second species. 2. Exploitation is common in many plant-pollinator mutualisms: `primary' nectar robbers feed through holes they make in flowers, which can be subsequently used by `secondary' nectar robbers unable to create holes themselves. The overall effect of nectar robbing on plant fitness is often (although not always) negative. No study has separated the effects of interacting with primary vs. secondary robbers. 3. Here, we examine the effects of primary vs. secondary nectar robbing on pollinator visitation rate and female fitness in Ipomopsis aggregata. Manipulating the type of nectar robbing that flowers experienced, we found that secondary nectar robbing inflicted fitness costs to plants beyond that inflicted by primary robbing alone. Secondary nectar robbing significantly reduced pollen receipt to flowers, as well as fruit and seed production. Although the causes are elusive, the effect may be attributed to changes in pollinator behaviour at these plants. 4. Synthesis. Our findings provide evidence that interacting with multiple exploiters can lead to increased negative effects for mutualists, and highlight the importance of incorporating multiple exploiters into the conceptual framework of mutualism.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2745.12657}}, ISSN = {{0022-0477}}, EISSN = {{1365-2745}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000390331000018}}, } @article{ ISI:000391093600008, Author = {Habib, Thomas J. and Heckbert, Scott and Wilson, Jeffrey J. and Vandenbroeck, Andrew J. K. and Cranston, Jerome and Farr, Daniel R.}, Title = {{Impacts of land-use management on ecosystem services and biodiversity: an agent-based modelling approach}}, Journal = {{PEERJ}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{4}}, Month = {{DEC 22}}, Abstract = {{The science of ecosystem service (ES) mapping has become increasingly sophisticated over the past 20 years, and examples of successfully integrating ES into management decisions at national and sub-national scales have begun to emerge. However, increasing model sophistication and accuracyand therefore complexity-may trade-off with ease of use and applicability to real-world decision-making contexts, so it is vital to incorporate the lessons learned from implementation efforts into new model development. Using successful implementation efforts for guidance, we developed an integrated ES modelling system to quantify several ecosystem services: forest timber production and carbon storage, water purification, pollination, and biodiversity. The system is designed to facilitate uptake of ES information into land-use decisions through three principal considerations: (1) using relatively straightforward models that can be readily deployed and interpreted without specialized expertise; (2) using an agent-based modelling framework to enable the incorporation of human decision-making directly within the model; and (3) integration among all ES models to simultaneously demonstrate the effects of a single land-use decision on multiple ES. We present an implementation of the model for a major watershed in Alberta, Canada, and highlight the system's capabilities to assess a suite of ES under future management decisions, including forestry activities under two alternative timber harvest strategies, and through a scenario modelling analysis exploring different intensities of hypothetical agricultural expansion. By using a modular approach, the modelling system can be readily expanded to evaluate additional ecosystem services or management questions of interest in order to guide land-use decisions to achieve socioeconomic and environmental objectives.}}, DOI = {{10.7717/peerj.2814}}, Article-Number = {{e2814}}, ISSN = {{2167-8359}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000391093600008}}, } @article{ ISI:000390053500014, Author = {Gonzalez, Oscar and Loiselle, Bette A.}, Title = {{Species interactions in an Andean bird-flowering plant network: phenology is more important than abundance or morphology}}, Journal = {{PEERJ}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{4}}, Month = {{DEC 13}}, Abstract = {{Biological constraints and neutral processes have been proposed to explain the properties of plant pollinator networks. Using interactions between nectarivorous birds (hummingbirds and flowerpiercers) arid flowering plants in high elevation forests (i.e., ``elfin{''} forests) of the Andes, we explore the importance of biological constraints and neutral processes (random interactions) to explain the observed species interactions and network metrics, such as connectance, specialization, nestedness and asymmetry. In cold environments of elfin forests, which are located at the top of the tropical montane forest zone many plants are adapted for pollination by birds making this an ideal system to study plant pollinator networks. To build the network of interactions between birds and plants, we used direct field observations. We measured abundance of birds using mist-nets and flower abundance using transects, and phenology by scoring presence of birds and flowers over time. We compared the length of birds' bills to flower length to identify ``forbidden interactions{''} those interactions that could not result in legitimate floral visits based on mis-match in morphology. Diglossa flowerpiercers, which are characterized as ``illegitimate{''} flower visitors, were relatively abundant. We found that the elfin forest network was nested with phenology being the factor that best explained interaction frequencies and nestedness, providing support for biological constraints hypothesis. We did not find morphological constraints to be important in explaining observed interaction frequencies and network metrics. Other network metrics (connectance, evenness and asymmetry), however, were better predicted by abundance (neutral process) models. Flo werpiercers, which cut holes and access flowers at their base and, consequently, facilitate nectar access for other hummingbirds, explain, why morphological mis-matches were relatively unimportant in this system. Future work should focus on how changes in abundance and phenology, likely results of climate change and habitat fragmentation, and the role of nectar robbers impact ecological and evolutionary dynamics of plant pollinator (or flower-visitor) interactions.}}, DOI = {{10.7717/peerj.2789}}, Article-Number = {{e2789}}, ISSN = {{2167-8359}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Gonzalez, Oscar/0000-0002-8686-3119}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000390053500014}}, } @article{ ISI:000391648200009, Author = {Labios, Romeo V. and Manguiat, Proceso Ii. and Labios, Jocelyn D. and Malayang, Donna Bae N.}, Title = {{Considering Farmers' Preferences in the Breeding and Dissemination of White Corn Varieties as Staple Food}}, Journal = {{PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{99}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{379-390}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Improved open-pollinated white-corn varieties were evaluated through the use of participatory approaches in four seasons in selected municipalities of the Philippines in the provinces of Isabela, Quezon, Bohol, and North Cotabato to assess and understand farmers' preferences in the adoption of corn varieties. Fifteen improved open-pollinated white ``flint{''} corn varieties in comparison with the farmers' local variety were assessed on-farm by the farmers themselves in four seasons {[}wet season (WS) 2011, dry season (DS) 2011-2012, WS 2012, and DS 2012-2013]. Of the 15 varieties evaluated for crop stand (10-11 entries per cropping season), Bioseed White, IPB Var8, and IES8910 were highly preferred in the wet season, while Northland White, IPB Var8, and Bioseed White were the most preferred varieties during the dry season. The characteristics of improved corn varieties preferred by male farmers included resistance to pests and diseases, medium to tall plant height, large ear size and heavier weight, while good grain quality, large ear size and heavier weight and root anchorage were the characteristics most preferred by female farmers. Sensory evaluation was also conducted to ascertain farmers' rating of the entries based on cooking and eating quality. Northland White and the farmers' local varieties, particularly Takuro (Quezon) and Katorsa (Bohol), were consistently favored because of their taste, color, aroma, milling size, and softness. In Isabela, IES 8910, IPB Var6, and IES8912 were the three most favored varieties. The three highest-yielding varieties after four seasons of evaluation in farmers' fields were Bioseed White (4.5 t ha(-1) Var6 and IPB Var 8 (4.1 t ha(-1)). For the roll-over seed system scheme, 985 farmers were recipients of registered seeds during the dry season 2011-12 up to the dry season 2012-2013 seed distribution. This process of including farmers in selecting the most preferred varieties facilitates varietal improvement, adoption, and dissemination.}}, ISSN = {{0031-7454}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000391648200009}}, } @article{ ISI:000390195000006, Author = {Trojelsgaard, Kristian and Olesen, Jens M.}, Title = {{Ecological networks in motion: micro- and macroscopic variability across scales}}, Journal = {{FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{30}}, Number = {{12}}, Pages = {{1926-1935}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{1. There has been an intense focus on the response of species to environmental changes, and more recently, the interactions of species have been examined in a similar way in order to understand the stability of entire communities and networks of interacting species. As a consequence, ecological networks have been placed in spatial and temporal contexts in order to reveal what may drive network variability. Understanding the spatial and temporal variability of ecological networks, and in particular the underlying forces facilitating changes, seems pertinent in our attempts to understand and anticipate how ecological networks may vary and respond to future environmental scenarios. 2. Network variability has been studied at widely differing temporal and spatial scales. For example, studies exploring temporal variability ranges from within-season comparisons to comparisons over vast geological time spans, and the spatial extent ranges from the scale of a single pond to global analyses. Here, we highlight the outcomes from such studies and emphasize the identified mechanisms driving spatio-temporal variability in ecological networks. Specifically, we describe how ecological networks vary over different temporal (years, centuries and millennia) and spatial (local, regional and global) scales, discuss how this variability is monitored and identify potential future directions. 3. Present knowledge allows some tentative generalizations. First, ecological networks tend to exhibit considerable spatial and temporal stability in several macroscopic features (e.g. connectance, nestedness), but studies also show that macroscopic features may change, for example, in relation to mass extinction or steep environmental gradients. Secondly, microscopic features (e.g. individual specialization levels, species roles and partner affiliations), albeit less studied, seem to show strong variability, and in several cases, microscopic instability co-occurs with macroscopic stability. We therefore recommend a stronger focus on this macro-micro interplay and list ideas (e.g. temporal species centrality measures and interaction phenologies), towards expanding the microscopic toolbox of network ecologists.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2435.12710}}, ISSN = {{0269-8463}}, EISSN = {{1365-2435}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000390195000006}}, } @article{ ISI:000389308400013, Author = {Staples, Timothy L. and Dwyer, John M. and Loy, Xingwen and Mayfield, Margaret M.}, Title = {{Potential mechanisms of coexistence in closely related forbs}}, Journal = {{OIKOS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{125}}, Number = {{12}}, Pages = {{1812-1823}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{The stable coexistence of very similar species has perplexed ecologists for decades and has been central to the development of coexistence theory. According to modern coexistence theory, species can coexist stably (i.e. persist indefinitely with no long-term density trends) as long as species' niche differences exceed competitive ability differences, even if these differences are very small. Recent studies have directly quantified niche and competitive ability differences in experimental communities at small spatial scales, but provide limited information about stable coexistence across spatial scales in heterogeneous natural communities. In this study, we use experimental and observational approaches to explore evidence for niche and competitive ability differences between two closely related, ecologically similar and widely coexisting annual forbs: Trachymene cyanopetala and T. ornata. We experimentally tested for stabilizing niche differences and competitive ability differences between these species by manipulating species' frequencies, under both well-watered and water-stressed conditions. We considered these experimental results in light of extensive field observations to explore evidence of niche segregation at a range of spatial scales. We found little evidence of intra-specific stabilization or competitive ability differences in laboratory experiments while observational studies suggested niche segregation across pollinator assemblages and small-scale microclimate heterogeneity. Though we did not quantify long-term stabilization of coexisting populations of these species, results are consistent with expectations for stable coexistence of similar species via a spatial storage effect allowing niche differences to overcome even small (to absent) competitive ability differences.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/oik.03180}}, ISSN = {{0030-1299}}, EISSN = {{1600-0706}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Dwyer, John/O-5579-2017 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Dwyer, John/0000-0001-7389-5528 Mayfield, Margaret/0000-0002-5101-6542}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000389308400013}}, } @article{ ISI:000389208500002, Author = {Campanaro, Alberto and Battaglia, Raffaella and Galbiati, Massimo and Sadanandom, Ari and Tonelli, Chiara and Conti, Lucio}, Title = {{SUMO proteases OTS1 and 2 control filament elongation through a DELLA-dependent mechanism}}, Journal = {{Plant Reproduction}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{29}}, Number = {{4, 3}}, Pages = {{287-290}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{During fertilization, stamen elongation needs to be synchronized with pistil growth. The phytohormone gibberellic acid (GA) promotes stamen growth by stimulating the degradation of growth repressing DELLA proteins. DELLA accumulation is negatively regulated by GAs through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a proportion of DELLAs is also conjugated to the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein, which stabilizes DELLAs. Increased DELLA levels occur in the SUMO protease-deficient OVERLY TOLERANT TO SALT 1 and 2 (ots1 ots2) double mutants, especially under salt stress conditions. Here, we show that OTS genes play a redundant role in the control of plant fertility under non-stress conditions. Mutants of ots1 ots2 display reduced fertility compared with the wild type, owing to reduced stamen elongation. Stamen growth, pollination rate and seed production are restored in ots1 ots2 della mutants, thus linking OTS1 function to the control of DELLA activity in the context of filament elongation. OTS levels appear to be developmentally regulated as OTS1/2 transcript upregulation during stamen development overlaps with GAs accumulations. We propose that OTS genes enable synchronization of stamen development by facilitating DELLA degradation at a specific developmental stage.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00497-016-0292-8}}, ISSN = {{2194-7953}}, EISSN = {{2194-7961}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Galbiati, Massimo/0000-0002-9827-4506 Conti, Lucio/0000-0002-7837-4227}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000389208500002}}, } @article{ ISI:000388978000001, Author = {Svenson, Gavin J. and Brannoch, Sydney K. and Rodrigues, Henrique M. and O'Hanlon, James C. and Wieland, Frank}, Title = {{Selection for predation, not female fecundity, explains sexual size dimorphism in the orchid mantises}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIFIC REPORTS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Month = {{DEC 1}}, Abstract = {{Here we reconstruct the evolutionary shift towards floral simulation in orchid mantises and suggest female predatory selection as the likely driving force behind the development of extreme sexual size dimorphism. Through analysis of body size data and phylogenetic modelling of trait evolution, we recovered an ancestral shift towards sexual dimorphisms in both size and appearance in a lineage of flower-associated praying mantises. Sedentary female flower mantises dramatically increased in size prior to a transition from camouflaged, ambush predation to a floral simulation strategy, gaining access to, and visually attracting, a novel resource: large pollinating insects. Male flower mantises, however, remained small and mobile to facilitate mate-finding and reproductive success, consistent with ancestral male life strategy. Although moderate sexual size dimorphisms are common in many arthropod lineages, the predominant explanation is female size increase for increased fecundity. However, sex-dependent selective pressures acting outside of female fecundity have been suggested as mechanisms behind niche dimorphisms. Our hypothesised role of predatory selection acting on females to generate both extreme sexual size dimorphism coupled with niche dimorphism is novel among arthropods.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/srep37753}}, Article-Number = {{37753}}, ISSN = {{2045-2322}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000388978000001}}, } @article{ ISI:000387723300024, Author = {Lu, Yan and Zhang, Li and Cheng, Fangmei and Zhao, Jianguo and Cui, Jiawen and Li, Weixing and Wang, Li and Jin, Biao}, Title = {{The morphology, ultrastructure, element distribution and motion behaviour in pollen of Ginkgo biloba L.}}, Journal = {{TREES-STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{30}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{2189-2201}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{The morphology, structure, element distribution and motion of pollen grains in Ginkgo biloba are beneficial for pollination and germination in the pollination drop. The morphology and structure of pollen grains are important for pollination, and hence reproductive success in gymnosperms. To examine the role of pollen structures associated with pollination and germination in Ginkgo biloba L., scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe ultrastructure features of pollen. Compared with pollen grains before dispersal, the aperture area was sunken, spinules on the pollen surface disappeared, and the tectum and intine were thickened during pollen dispersal. However, after pollen hydration, the aperture area and spinules recovered and the thickness of tectum and intine were similar to those of pollen before dispersal, suggesting that G. biloba pollen grains could facilitate pollination and germination through changing their microstructure. In addition, calcium was mainly distributed in the intine. Calcium levels decreased significantly after ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid treatment, resulting in a low germination rate compared with untreated pollen. These results indicate that calcium could play an important role in pollen germination. Importantly, the use of both in vivo and in vitro pollen experiments revealed that after the pollen grains landed on the ovule, they hydrated and swelled on the surface of the pollination drop. This was accompanied by air bubble release at the exposed part of the aperture area. The viable Ginkgo pollen could get into the ovule easier than less-viable pollen. These results showed that the effectiveness of hydration and sinking as a selection mechanism is a result of the ability of G. biloba to exclude less-viable pollen grains and preferentially concentrate on viable pollen inside ovules.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00468-016-1444-z}}, ISSN = {{0931-1890}}, EISSN = {{1432-2285}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Jin, Biao/0000-0002-7330-334X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000387723300024}}, } @article{ ISI:000391826100009, Author = {Smitha, G. R. and Thondaiman, V.}, Title = {{Reproductive biology and breeding system of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde: a vulnerable medicinal plant}}, Journal = {{SPRINGERPLUS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{5}}, Month = {{NOV 28}}, Abstract = {{Ashoka (Saraca asoca) is a perennial, evergreen tree valued for its ornamental flowers and medicinal values. This species is classified as `vulnerable' under IUCN list due to its dwindling population because of destructive harvesting from natural habitats. Therefore, conservation and multiplication of this species is need of the hour to utilize its astonishing medicinal uses eternally. Conservation approaches of any plant species require in-depth study of its reproductive biology, which is lacking in this species. The present study is the first detailed report on reproductive biology of S. asoca. This tree bears fragrant flowers in paniculate corymbose inflorescence from December end to May, with peak flowering during February-March. The fruits attain its maturity during last week of May-July. Seeds were dispersed from the pod to the tree premises upon complete maturity. The time of anthesis in this species is noticed in the early morning from 3.00 to 5.30 am, which coincided with anther dehiscence, stigma receptivity and insect activity. The length of the stamen and pistil points towards the pollination compatibility in both male and female parts. Pollen viability was maximum within 2 h of anthesis, which decreased thereafter and no pollens were viable after 6 h. The stigma was receptive at the time of anthesis and continued for 24 h. The tree produces bright colour attractive flowers, which changed from yellow/light orange to scarlet/red from the inception of buds to wilting. The bright color of the flowers attracted floral visitors/pollinators thereby facilitated the pollination in this species. The observations of the floral biology and breeding system indicated the cross pollination behaviour, which limited the production of selfed seeds and would help to maintain the sustainable levels of heterozygosity among the various populations. Considerable amount of seeds produced in this species indicated that the species is capable of sustaining its progenies in the natural populations. Polyembryony to an extent of 5\% was also recorded in this species.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s40064-016-3709-9}}, Article-Number = {{2025}}, ISSN = {{2193-1801}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000391826100009}}, } @article{ ISI:000387909300025, Author = {McArt, Scott H. and Miles, Timothy D. and Rodriguez-Saona, Cesar and Schilder, Annemiek and Adler, Lynn S. and Grieshop, Matthew J.}, Title = {{Floral Scent Mimicry and Vector-Pathogen Associations in a Pseudoflower-Inducing Plant Pathogen System}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{11}}, Month = {{NOV 16}}, Abstract = {{Several fungal plant pathogens induce `pseudoflowers' on their hosts to facilitate insect-mediated transmission of gametes and spores. When spores must be transmitted to host flowers to complete the fungal life cycle, we predict that pseudoflowers should evolve traits that mimic flowers and attract the most effective vectors in the flower-visiting community. We quantified insect visitation to flowers, healthy leaves and leaves infected with Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi (Mvc), the causative agent of mummy berry disease of blueberry. We developed a nested PCR assay for detecting Mvc spores on bees, flies and other potential insect vectors. We also collected volatiles from blueberry flowers, healthy leaves and leaves infected with Mvc, and experimentally manipulated specific pathogen-induced volatiles to assess attractiveness to potential vectors. Bees and flies accounted for the majority of contacts with flowers, leaves infected with Mvc and healthy leaves. Flowers were contacted most often, while there was no difference between bee or fly contacts with healthy and infected leaves. While bees contacted flowers more often than flies, flies contacted infected leaves more often than bees. Bees were more likely to have Mvc spores on their bodies than flies, suggesting that bees may be more effective vectors than flies for transmitting Mvc spores to flowers. Leaves infected with Mvc had volatile profiles distinct from healthy leaves but similar to flowers. Two volatiles produced by flowers and infected leaves, cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamic aldehyde, were attractive to bees, while no volatiles manipulated were attractive to flies or any other insects. These results suggest that Mvc infection of leaves induces mimicry of floral volatiles, and that transmission occurs primarily via bees, which had the highest likelihood of carrying Mvc spores and visited flowers most frequently.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0165761}}, Article-Number = {{e0165761}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000387909300025}}, } @article{ ISI:000387070200001, Author = {Yuan, Cunquan and Sun, Yuhan and Sun, Peng and Li, Yunfei and Hu, Ruiyang and Zhao, Keqi and Wang, Jinxing and Li, Yun}, Title = {{Ovule positions within linear fruit are correlated with nonrandom mating in Robinia pseudoacacia}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIFIC REPORTS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Month = {{NOV 7}}, Abstract = {{Post-pollination processes can lead to nonrandom mating among compatible pollen donors. Moreover, morphological patterns of ovule development within linear fruits are reportedly nonrandom and depend on ovule position. However, little is known about the relationship between nonrandom mating and ovule position within linear fruit. Here, we combined controlled pollen competition experiments and paternity analyses on R. pseudoacacia to better understand nonrandom mating and its connection with ovule position. Molecular determination of siring success showed a significant departure from the expected ratio based on each kind of pollen mixture, suggesting a nonrandom mating. Outcrossed pollen grains, which were strongly favored, produced significantly more progeny than other pollen grains. Paternity analyses further revealed that the distribution of offspring produced by one specific pollen source was also nonrandom within linear fruit. The stylar end, which has a higher probability of maturation, produced a significantly higher number of outcrossed offspring than other offspring, suggesting a correlation between pollen source and ovule position. Our results suggested that a superior ovule position exists within the linear fruit in R. pseudoacacia, and the pollen that was strongly favored often preferentially occupies the ovules that were situated in a superior position, which ensured siring success and facilitated nonrandom mating.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/srep36664}}, Article-Number = {{36664}}, ISSN = {{2045-2322}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000387070200001}}, } @article{ ISI:000389549400005, Author = {Chiroma, Haruna and Khan, Abdullah and Abubakar, Adamu I. and Saadi, Younes and Hamza, Mukhtar F. and Shuib, Liyana and Gital, Abdulsalam Y. and Herawana, Tutut}, Title = {{A new approach for forecasting OPEC petroleum consumption based on neural network train by using flower pollination algorithm}}, Journal = {{APPLIED SOFT COMPUTING}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{48}}, Pages = {{50-58}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Petroleum is the live wire of modern technology and its operations, with economic development being positively linked to petroleum consumption. Many meta-heuristic algorithms have been proposed in literature for the optimization of Neural Network (NN) to build a forecasting model. In this paper, as an alternative to previous methods, we propose a new flower pollination algorithm with remarkable balance between consistency and exploration for NN training to build a model for the forecasting of petroleum consumption by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The proposed approach is compared with established meta-heuristic algorithms. The results show that the new proposed method outperforms existing algorithms by advancing OPEC petroleum consumption forecast accuracy and convergence speed. Our proposed method has the potential to be used as an important tool in forecasting OPEC petroleum consumption to be used by OPEC authorities and other global oil-related organizations. This will facilitate proper monitoring and control of OPEC petroleum consumption. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.asoc.2016.06.038}}, ISSN = {{1568-4946}}, EISSN = {{1872-9681}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Mohd Shuib, Nor Liyana/M-8698-2013 Abubakar, Adamu/Q-8279-2016 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Mohd Shuib, Nor Liyana/0000-0002-7907-0671 Abubakar, Adamu/0000-0002-9137-3974 ullah, abd/0000-0003-1718-7038}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000389549400005}}, } @article{ ISI:000386350400004, Author = {Delgado-Davila, R. and Marten-Rodriguez, S. and Huerta-Ramos, G.}, Title = {{Variation in floral morphology and plant reproductive success in four Ipomoea species (Convolvulaceae) with contrasting breeding systems}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{18}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{903-912}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{This study tested the hypothesis that self-compatibility would be associated with floral traits that facilitate autonomous self-pollination to ensure reproduction under low pollinator visitation. In a comparison of two pairs of Ipomoea species with contrasting breeding systems, we predicted that self-compatible (SC) species would have smaller, less variable flowers, reduced herkogamy, lower pollinator visitation and higher reproductive success than their self-incompatible (SI) congeners. We studied sympatric species pairs, I. hederacea (SC)-I. mitchellae (SI) and I. purpurea (SC)-I. indica (SI), in Mexico, over two years. We quantified variation in floral traits and nectar production, documented pollinator visitation, and determined natural fruit and seed set. Hand-pollination and bagging experiments were conducted to determine potential for autonomous self-pollination and apomixis. Self-compatible Ipomoea species had smaller flowers and lower nectar production than SI species; however, floral variation and integration did not vary according to breeding system. Bees were primary pollinators of all species, but visitation rates were seven times lower in SC than SI species. SC species had a high capacity for autonomous self-pollination due to reduced herkogamy at the highest anther levels. Self-compatible species had two to six times higher fruit set than SI species. Results generally support the hypothesis that self-compatibility and autonomous self-pollination ensure reproduction under low pollinator visitation. However, high variation in morphological traits of SC Ipomoea species suggests they maintain variation through outcrossing. Furthermore, reduced herkogamy was associated with high potential for autonomous self-pollination, providing a reproductive advantage that possibly underlies transitions to self-compatibility in Ipomoea.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/plb.12507}}, ISSN = {{1435-8603}}, EISSN = {{1438-8677}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000386350400004}}, } @article{ ISI:000385195700005, Author = {Jones, Natalie T. and Gilbert, Benjamin}, Title = {{Biotic forcing: the push-pull of plant ranges}}, Journal = {{PLANT ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{217}}, Number = {{11, SI}}, Pages = {{1331-1344}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Scientists now recognize the importance of species interactions for range shifts, but lack general predictions about when and how species interactions influence shifts. The `biotic envelopes' of plant species are defined by inter-specific interactions that influence their range limits. Two prominent hypotheses describe the biotic envelopes of plants by predicting that the outcome of inter-specific interactions is determined by climate, especially temperature and aridity. The first hypothesis posits that species distributions are structured by a trade-off between competitive ability and cold tolerance, so plant species exposed to warming climates will have trailing range edges that are limited by competitive interactions. The second hypothesis proposes that the effects of competition and facilitation from neighbouring plants change within a species range, such that facilitative interactions dominate in more environmentally stressful conditions; these facilitative interactions define leading range edges in a warming climate. We incorporate these hypotheses into a common framework that allows us to identify when mismatches in dispersal rates will lead to range expansion or contraction for a focal species. We provide general predictions about the biotic envelopes of plants, and how climate change will alter these envelopes, while highlighting uncertainties in applying these predictions beyond range edges.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11258-016-0603-z}}, ISSN = {{1385-0237}}, EISSN = {{1573-5052}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Gilbert, Benjamin/E-6616-2010}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Gilbert, Benjamin/0000-0002-4947-6822}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000385195700005}}, } @article{ ISI:000383935700001, Author = {Ruttan, Ally and Filazzola, Alessandro and Lortie, Christopher J.}, Title = {{Shrub-annual facilitation complexes mediate insect community structure in arid environments}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{134}}, Pages = {{1-9}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{In dryland systems, shrubs often increase the productivity, abundance, and diversity of understory plants, however these positive interactions can also scale to other trophic levels. The facilitative effect of Larrea tridentata was hypothesized to extend beyond plants to the local insect community in the Mojave Desert. Pan traps were placed under shrubs and in open microsites to test the following predictions: 1) shrub-annual facilitation complexes increase insect abundance, richness, and diversity; and 2) specific insect families or functional groups respond to the shrub-annual facilitation complex more strongly due to increased resources. Abundance, richness, and diversity of the insect communities associated with shrubs were significantly greater in shrub compared to open microsites. The families Sphecidae, Formicidae, Bradynobaenidae and Lauxaniidae were positively associated with shrubs while Scarabaeidae was associated with open microsites. However, there was no difference in the relative abundances of major functional groups, suggesting that the primary pollinators for this ecosystem are not sensitive to differences in floral resources at this scale. This study demonstrates that shrubs facilitate local insect communities and supports the hypothesis that plant-plant facilitation can extend to other trophic levels. Management of desert shrubs is thus an effective means to enhance many components of insect biodiversity. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights. reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.jaridenv.2016.06.009}}, ISSN = {{0140-1963}}, EISSN = {{1095-922X}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{lortie, christopher/F-6241-2014}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{lortie, christopher/0000-0002-4291-7023}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000383935700001}}, } @article{ ISI:000409057200002, Author = {Miranda, Miguel Angel and Bicout, Dominique and Botner, Anette and Butterworth, Andrew and Calistri, Paolo and Depner, Klaus and Edwards, Sandra and Garin-Bastuji, Bruno and Good, Margaret and Schmidt, Christian Gortazar and Michel, Virginie and More, Simon and Nielsen, Soren Saxmose and Raj, Mohan and Sihvonen, Lisa and Spoolder, Hans and Stegeman, Jan Arend and Thulke, Hans H. and Velarde, Antonio and Willeberg, Preben and Winckler, Christoph and EFSA Panel Anim Hlth Welf AHAW}, Title = {{Assessing the health status of managed honeybee colonies (HEALTHY-B): a toolbox to facilitate harmonised data collection}}, Journal = {{EFSA JOURNAL}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{14}}, Number = {{10}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Tools are provided to assess the health status of managed honeybee colonies by facilitating further harmonisation of data collection and reporting, design of field surveys across the European Union (EU) and analysis of data on bee health. The toolbox is based on characteristics of a healthy managed honeybee colony: an adequate size, demographic structure and behaviour; an adequate production of bee products (both in relation to the annual life cycle of the colony and the geographical location); and provision of pollination services. The attributes `queen presence and performance', `demography of the colony', `in-hive products' and `disease, infection and infestation' could be directly measured in field conditions across the EU, whereas `behaviour and physiology' is mainly assessed through experimental studies. Analysing the resource providing unit, in particular land cover/use, of a honeybee colony is very important when assessing its health status, but tools are currently lacking that could be used at apiary level in field surveys across the EU. Data on `beekeeping management practices' and `environmental drivers' can be collected via questionnaires and available databases, respectively. The capacity to provide pollination services is regarded as an indication of a healthy colony, but it is assessed only in relation to the provision of honey because technical limitations hamper the assessment of pollination as regulating service (e.g. to pollinate wild plants) in field surveys across the EU. Integrating multiple attributes of honeybee health, for instance, via a Health Status Index, is required to support a holistic assessment. Examples are provided on how the toolbox could be used by different stakeholders. Continued interaction between the Member State organisations, the EU Reference Laboratory and EFSA is required to further validate methods and facilitate the efficient use of precise and accurate bee health data that are collected by many initiatives throughout the EU. (C) 2016 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.}}, DOI = {{10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4578}}, Article-Number = {{UNSP 4578}}, ISSN = {{1831-4732}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000409057200002}}, } @article{ ISI:000386761600010, Author = {Svensson, Glenn P. and Raguso, Robert A. and Flatz, Ramona and Smith, Christopher I.}, Title = {{Floral scent of Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia sensu lato): Divergence in scent profiles between species but breakdown of signal integrity in a narrow hybrid zone}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{103}}, Number = {{10}}, Pages = {{1793-1802}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The role of floral scent in facilitating reproductive isolation between closely related plants remains poorly understood. Yucca brevifolia and Yucca jaegeriana are pollinated by different moth species in allopatry, but in a narrow contact zone, pollinator-host specificity breaks down, resulting in hybridization between species. We explored the chemical basis for reproductive isolation and hybridization in these Joshua trees by characterizing the floral scent of each species in allopatry, analyzing scent profiles from trees in the contact zone, and matching these data with genotypic and phenotypic data. METHODS: We analyzed floral volatiles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, tested for species divergence of scent profiles and classified trees in the contact zone as hybrid or either parental species. We used floral and vegetative morphological data and genotypic data to classify trees and analyzed whether certain trait combinations were more correlated than others with respect to assignment of trees and whether frequencies of classified tree types differed depending on which data set was used. KEY RESULTS: The Joshua tree floral scent included oxygenated 8-carbon compounds not reported for other yuccas. The two species differed (P < 0.001) in scent profiles. In the contact zone, many hybrids were found, and phenotypic traits were generally weakly correlated, which may be explained by extensive gene flow between species or by exposure to different selection pressures. CONCLUSIONS: Although the two Joshua tree species produce distinct floral scent profiles, it is insufficient to prevent attraction of associated pollinators to both hosts. Instead, floral morphology may be the key trait mediating gene flow between species.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1600033}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, EISSN = {{1537-2197}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000386761600010}}, } @article{ ISI:000386054300014, Author = {Buckley, Steve and Nabhan, Gary Paul}, Title = {{Food Chain Restoration for Pollinators: Regional Habitat Recovery Strategies Involving Protected Areas of the Southwest}}, Journal = {{NATURAL AREAS JOURNAL}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{36}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{489-497}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{The steep declines over the last quarter century of wild pollinators in the Southwest among native bees, monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus L.), hummingbirds, and nectar-feeding bats have come during a time of accelerated climate change, and are likely due to a variety of stresses interacting with climatic shifts. Nevertheless, there is mounting evidence that declining availability and altered timing of floral resources along ``nectar corridors{''} accessible to pollinators involves climatic shifts as a serious stressor that had been previously underestimated. Longitudinal studies from both urban heat islands and rural habitats in Southwestern North America suggest peak flowering of many wildflowers serving as floral resources for pollinators is occurring three to five weeks earlier in spring than a century ago, leaving ``phenological gaps{''} in nectar resource availability for certain pollinators. To avoid the threat of what A. Dobson (Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University) and others have termed ``food web collapse,{''} a range of groups have initiated ecological restoration efforts in semi-arid zones that attempt to (a) assemble more resilient plant-pollinator food chains, and (b) hydrologically restore watercourses to ensure water scarcity will be less likely to disrupt re-assembled food chains in the face of droughts, catastrophic floods, and other correlates of global climate change. We recommend ``bottom-up food chain restoration{''} strategies for restoring nectar corridors in protected areas on or near geopolitical and land management boundaries in all regions, but particularly in the Southwest or US-Mexico desert border states. We highlight binational and multicultural workshops facilitated to communicate about, and initiate restoration of, mutualistic relationships among plants, pollinators, and people to protected area managers on both sides of the border.}}, ISSN = {{0885-8608}}, EISSN = {{2162-4399}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000386054300014}}, } @article{ ISI:000385611300004, Author = {Moniem, H. E. M. Abdel and Schemerhorn, B. J. and Dewoody, J. A. and Holland, J. D.}, Title = {{Landscape genetics of a pollinator longhorn beetle {[}Typocerus v. velutinus (Olivier)] on a continuous habitat surface}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{25}}, Number = {{20}}, Pages = {{5015-5028}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Landscape connectivity, the degree to which the landscape structure facilitates or impedes organismal movement and gene flow, is increasingly important to conservationists and land managers. Metrics for describing the undulating shape of continuous habitat surfaces can expand the usefulness of continuous gradient surfaces that describe habitat and predict the flow of organisms and genes. We adopted a landscape gradient model of habitat and used surface metrics of connectivity to model the genetic continuity between populations of the banded longhorn beetle {[}Typocerus v. velutinus (Olivier)] collected at 17 sites across a fragmentation gradient in Indiana, USA. We tested the hypothesis that greater habitat connectivity facilitates gene flow between beetle populations against a null model of isolation by distance (IBD). We used next-generation sequencing to develop 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci and genotype the individual beetles to assess the population genetic structure. Isolation by distance did not explain the population genetic structure. The surface metrics model of habitat connectivity explained the variance in genetic dissimilarities 30 times better than the IBD model. We conclude that surface metrology of habitat maps is a powerful extension of landscape genetics in heterogeneous landscapes.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/mec.13819}}, ISSN = {{0962-1083}}, EISSN = {{1365-294X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000385611300004}}, } @article{ ISI:000382934400002, Author = {Brunet, Johanne and Zalapa, Juan and Guries, Raymond}, Title = {{Conservation of genetic diversity in slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) in Wisconsin despite the devastating impact of Dutch elm disease}}, Journal = {{CONSERVATION GENETICS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{17}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1001-1010}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Forest pest epidemics are responsible for many population declines reported in forest trees. While forest tree populations tend to be genetically diverse, in principle mortality resulting from disease could diminish that genetic diversity and alter the genetic structure of the remnant populations with consequences for the ability of a species to adapt to changing environments. Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra Muhl.) is a long-lived, wind-pollinated forest tree with a native range covering essentially all of eastern North America. Dutch elm disease (DED) caused by an introduced fungal pathogen (Ophiostoma ulmi) devastated North American elm populations, including slippery elm, beginning in the 1930s. Estimates of the numbers of elms lost to DED are unknown but range into the hundreds of millions of trees given their former abundance. In this study, the genotypes of 77 herbarium specimens collected between 1890 and 2004 in Wisconsin, and of 100 slippery elm trees from five wild Wisconsin populations, were characterized using 13 microsatellite loci. Levels of genetic diversity were compared between the herbarium specimens collected pre- and post-DED spread in Wisconsin. In addition, the levels of genetic diversity and degree of genetic differentiation were quantified in the five wild populations. The allelic diversity and expected levels of heterozygosity were similar between the pre- and post-DED herbarium specimens. The five wild populations were only slightly differentiated and no genetic bottleneck was detected for any population. At least in Wisconsin, slippery elm apparently has maintained levels of genetic diversity that could facilitate adaptation to future climatic and environmental changes.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10592-016-0838-1}}, ISSN = {{1566-0621}}, EISSN = {{1572-9737}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000382934400002}}, } @article{ ISI:000382906600008, Author = {Guiller, Clemence and Affre, Laurence and Albert, Cecile Helene and Tatoni, Thierry and Dumas, Estelle}, Title = {{How do field margins contribute to the functional connectivity of insect-pollinated plants?}}, Journal = {{LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{1747-1761}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Habitat fragmentation generates a loss of functional connectivity detrimental to the persistence of biodiversity. The French agricultural intensification initiated in the 1950s has caused a decline in field margins. As field margins may facilitate species dispersal while providing socio-economic benefits, it is of interest to assess their contribution to the functional connectivity of insect-pollinated plants in agro-ecosystems. This will help develop appropriate management strategies mitigating fragmentation. We addressed this issue by studying the links between landscape structure and the patterns of abundance and pollen dispersal (using fluorescent dye particles) for two contrasted insect-pollinated plants occurring in field margins (Crepis sancta and Euphorbia serrata). We investigated the influence of field margins quality and of the surrounding matrix on pollen dispersal and compared the relevance of the least-cost algorithm with a straight-line approach to depict pollinators' movements. The influence of landscape structure on plant abundance is species and scale-specific. Pollen dispersal decreases with distance from the source. For E. serrata, it was preferentially dispersed via field margins, confirming the relevance of the least-cost algorithm, while C. sancta dispersal followed a straight-line. Euphorbia serrata, which grows strictly on field margins with a greater dispersal ability and a more diversified pollinator guild than C. sancta, is less affected by land-use changes. Our study demonstrates the contrasting contributions of field margins to pollen dispersal as they may act as functional corridors favouring pollinators' movement depending on the species of interest.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10980-016-0359-9}}, ISSN = {{0921-2973}}, EISSN = {{1572-9761}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000382906600008}}, } @article{ ISI:000381635700009, Author = {Davidson, William and Rieske, Lynne K.}, Title = {{Establishment of classical biological control targeting emerald ash borer is facilitated by use of insecticides, with little effect on native arthropod communities}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL CONTROL}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{101}}, Pages = {{78-86}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is rapidly invading North America and has inflicted extensive ash, Fraxinus spp., mortality in affected areas, altering composition and structure of wildland and urban forests. Insecticides can effectively protect ash on a small scale and classical biological control efforts have been implemented. In the U.S. emerald ash borer kills native ash so quickly, and populations are so mobile, that establishing an effective biological control program is challenging. Consequently, we assessed the compatibility of using reduced rates of the insecticide imidacloprid applied as a soil drench coupled with releases of three species of parasitic wasps. In this way we hope to slow the process of ash decline and prolong the window of opportunity to allow biological control agents to become established. We compared the efficacy and effects of i) full strength imidacloprid applications, ii) reduced rates of imidacloprid coupled with classical biological control, iii) classical biological control alone, and iv) untreated controls. We monitored emerald ash borer adult activity through trapping and destructive sampling for larvae, evaluated larval parasitization rates, and also assessed the native hymenopteran communities. Chemical treatments were not adequate to prevent ash canopy decline, but they also did not impede parasitization of emerald ash borer eggs or larvae. Two of the three classical biological control agents, Oobius agrili and Tetrastichus planipennisi, were recovered from trees treated with imidacloprid, demonstrating that they were successfully reproducing and indicating the compatibility of the two management strategies. Non-target hymenopterans appeared unaffected by the insecticide applications. Importantly we found no negative effects of the imidacloprid applications on native pollinators. Collectively these data suggest that judicious use of insecticides coupled with classical biological control may be an effective and potentially sustainable approach to managing invading populations of emerald ash borer. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.biocontrol.2016.06.010}}, ISSN = {{1049-9644}}, EISSN = {{1090-2112}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000381635700009}}, } @article{ ISI:000383622600050, Author = {Huang, Ruiqi and O'Donnell, Andrew J. and Barboline, Jessica J. and Barkman, Todd J.}, Title = {{Convergent evolution of caffeine in plants by co-option of exapted ancestral enzymes}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{113}}, Number = {{38}}, Pages = {{10613-10618}}, Month = {{SEP 20}}, Abstract = {{Convergent evolution is a process that has occurred throughout the tree of life, but the historical genetic and biochemical context promoting the repeated independent origins of a trait is rarely understood. The well-known stimulant caffeine, and its xanthine alkaloid precursors, has evolved multiple times in flowering plant history for various roles in plant defense and pollination. We have shown that convergent caffeine production, surprisingly, has evolved by two previously unknown biochemical pathways in chocolate, citrus, and guarana plants using either caffeine synthaseor xanthine methyltransferase-like enzymes. However, the pathway and enzyme lineage used by any given plant species is not predictable from phylogenetic relatedness alone. Ancestral sequence resurrection reveals that this convergence was facilitated by co-option of genes maintained over 100 million y for alternative biochemical roles. The ancient enzymes of the Citrus lineage were exapted for reactions currently used for various steps of caffeine biosynthesis and required very few mutations to acquire modern-day enzymatic characteristics, allowing for the evolution of a complete pathway. Future studies aimed at manipulating caffeine content of plants will require the use of different approaches given the metabolic and genetic diversity revealed by this study.}}, DOI = {{10.1073/pnas.1602575113}}, ISSN = {{0027-8424}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000383622600050}}, } @article{ ISI:000383094500064, Author = {Mesgaran, Mohsen B. and Lewis, Mark A. and Ades, Peter K. and Donohue, Kathleen and Ohadi, Sara and Li, Chengjun and Cousens, Roger D.}, Title = {{Hybridization can facilitate species invasions, even without enhancing local adaptation}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{113}}, Number = {{36}}, Pages = {{10210-10214}}, Month = {{SEP 6}}, Abstract = {{The founding population in most new species introductions, or at the leading edge of an ongoing invasion, is likely to be small. Severe Allee effects-reductions in individual fitness at low population density-may then result in a failure of the species to colonize, even if the habitat could support a much larger population. Using a simulation model for plant populations that incorporates demography, mating systems, quantitative genetics, and pollinators, we show that Allee effects can potentially be overcome by transient hybridization with a resident species or an earlier colonizer. This mechanism does not require the invocation of adaptive changes usually attributed to invasions following hybridization. We verify our result in a case study of sequential invasions by two plant species where the outcrosser Cakile maritima has replaced an earlier, inbreeding, colonizer Cakile edentula (Brassicaceae). Observed historical rates of replacement are consistent with model predictions from hybrid-alleviated Allee effects in outcrossers, although other causes cannot be ruled out.}}, DOI = {{10.1073/pnas.1605626113}}, ISSN = {{0027-8424}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Mesgaran, Mohsen/0000-0002-0841-6188}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000383094500064}}, } @article{ ISI:000382944400002, Author = {Li, Hongju and Yang, Wei-Cai}, Title = {{RLKs orchestrate the signaling in plant male-female interaction}}, Journal = {{SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{59}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{867-877}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Different from animals, sessile plants are equipped with a large receptor-like kinase (RLK) superfamily. RLKs are a family of single trans-membrane proteins with divergent N-terminal extracellular domains capped by a signal peptide and C-terminal intracellular kinase. Researches in the last two decades have uncovered an increasing number of RLKs that regulate plant development, stress response and sexual reproduction, highlighting a dominant role of RLK signaling in cell-to-cell communications. Sexual reproduction in flowering plants is featured by interactions between the male gametophyte and the female tissues to facilitate sperm delivery and fertilization. Emerging evidences suggest that RLKs regulate almost every aspect of plant reproductive process, especially during pollination. Therefore, in this review we will focus mainly on the function and signaling of RLKs in plant male-female interaction and discuss the future prospects on these topics.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11427-016-0118-x}}, ISSN = {{1674-7305}}, EISSN = {{1869-1889}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000382944400002}}, } @article{ ISI:000382232000004, Author = {Paulino, Juliana Villela and Mansano, Vidal de Freitas and Prenner, Gerhard}, Title = {{EVIDENCE FOR DIVISION OF LABOR AND DIVISION OF FUNCTION RELATED TO THE POLLEN RELEASE IN PAPILIONOIDEAE (LEGUMINOSAE) WITH A HETEROMORPHIC ANDROECIUM}}, Journal = {{INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{177}}, Number = {{7}}, Pages = {{590-607}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Premise of research. Heterostemony occurs in all three traditional subfamilies of Leguminosae, but it is most commonly found in the Papilionoideae, which are characterized by papilionaceous corollas and complex pollenreleasing mechanisms. Our objective was to evaluate evolutionary and reproductive advantages of heterostemony in papilionoid legumes. Methodology. We investigated the functionality of pollen grains and floral ontogeny of two heterostemonous papilionoid species, Lupinus ``The Governor{''} and Cytisus scoparius, using SEM, LM, and TEM techniques. Pivotal results. Lupinus showed differences in pollen viability between the two stamen morphs. The antesepalous stamens (producing fertile pollen grains) are initiated in reversed unidirectional order and develop before the antepetalous stamens (producing sterile pollen grains). During the development, the keel petals fuse at their ventral and dorsal regions, forming a tube, which surrounds the reproductive column, leaving an apical opening through which the antepetalous stamens outgrow the antesepalous stamens and push their pollen grains out of the keel. In C. scoparius, the keel petals have lateral projections that fit into depressions in the wing petals, facilitating explosive pollen release. Stamen formation and elongation occur in a unidirectional order. The two distinct sets of stamens have mixed initiation, forming abaxial stamens for pollination and adaxial stamens for feeding. Conclusions. The androecium development corresponds with differences in the pollen structure and functionality, and there is strong evidence for a division of functions in both studied species. Cytisus scoparius shows a classic case of division of labor, with some stamens producing pollen for food and others for pollination. In Lupinus, the heterostemony is related to the pollen-releasing mechanism, with the smaller stamens producing sterile pollen and in much lower proportion.}}, DOI = {{10.1086/687351}}, ISSN = {{1058-5893}}, EISSN = {{1537-5315}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Mansano, Vidal/0000-0002-7204-0744}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000382232000004}}, } @article{ ISI:000380268500009, Author = {Yamasaki, Eri and Inui, Yoko and Sakai, Shoko}, Title = {{Ant-Repelling Pollinators of the Myrmecophytic Macaranga winkleri (Euphorbiaceae)}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{43}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{407-413}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Many plants have mutualistic relationships with ants, whereby plants provide food and/or nesting sites for the symbiotic ants, and in turn the ants protect the host plants by excluding herbivores. While the ants are useful as guards, they may negatively affect host reproduction by excluding pollinators. Here we studied this potential conflict in the myrmecophytic Macaranga winkleri pollinated by the thrips Dolichothrips fialae. Behavioural responses of ant guards to pollinator thrips and their chemicals, and related chemical analyses, provide evidence that thrips deter ant-guards by secreting droplets containing ant-repelling n-decanoic acid from their anuses. This is the first report of insect pollinators repelling their host's symbiotic guard ants to perform pollination. This is a novel strategy by which a plant host avoids interference with pollination by ant-guards in an ant-plant mutualism. The acquisition of a pollination system that is resistant to ant attacks may have facilitated the evolution of myrmecophytes in the genus Macaranga.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11692-015-9365-0}}, ISSN = {{0071-3260}}, EISSN = {{1934-2845}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000380268500009}}, } @article{ ISI:000381374200020, Author = {Revilla, Tomas A. and Krivan, Vlastimil}, Title = {{Pollinator Foraging Adaptation and Coexistence of Competing Plants}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{8}}, Month = {{AUG 9}}, Abstract = {{We use the optimal foraging theory to study coexistence between two plant species and a generalist pollinator. We compare conditions for plant coexistence for non-adaptive vs. adaptive pollinators that adjust their foraging strategy to maximize fitness. When pollinators have fixed preferences, we show that plant coexistence typically requires both weak competition between plants for resources (e.g., space or nutrients) and pollinator preferences that are not too biased in favour of either plant. We also show how plant coexistence is promoted by indirect facilitation via the pollinator. When pollinators are adaptive foragers, pollinator's diet maximizes pollinator's fitness measured as the per capita population growth rate. Simulations show that this has two conflicting consequences for plant coexistence. On the one hand, when competition between pollinators is weak, adaptation favours pollinator specialization on the more profitable plant which increases asymmetries in plant competition and makes their coexistence less likely. On the other hand, when competition between pollinators is strong, adaptation promotes generalism, which facilitates plant coexistence. In addition, adaptive foraging allows pollinators to survive sudden loss of the preferred plant host, thus preventing further collapse of the entire community.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0160076}}, Article-Number = {{e0160076}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Krivan, Vlastimil/F-1709-2010}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Krivan, Vlastimil/0000-0003-0971-1231}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000381374200020}}, } @article{ ISI:000391224600012, Author = {Mohammad, Zulkeflee and Othman, Nor' Azizi and Abu Bakar, Nooh and Hara, Hirofumi and Zakaria, Zuriati and Sugiura, Norio}, Title = {{INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY FOR FRESH FRUIT BUNCH (FFB) OF ELAIS GUINEESIS IN MALAYSIA USING ARTIFICIAL DOMESTIC POLLINATION SYSTEM (ADOPSY (TM))}}, Journal = {{JURNAL TEKNOLOGI}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{78}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{125-132}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Sustainability of the Fresh Fruit Bunch (FBB) is one of the most important elements at the plantation level. Most of Oil Palm planters at this stage do not get the desired result of output production due to inconsistency of number of fresh fruit bunch on the plants. The main element to ensure plants producing FBB at a sustainable level is to keep the existence of the weevil for pollination. Nowadays it is hard to ensure the population of the weevil in right condition constantly due to misconduct of the biodiversity as well as ecosystem in the plantation areas. Weevil species (Elaeidodius kamerunicus) brought by an entomologist, Syed Anwar Rahman, from Cameroon to Malaysia managed to increase the number of fruit set in 1981. Hence, this research is carried out to determine the new method of pollination that should help planters to get sustainable output of FBB in term of quantity. The main purpose of the research is to get sufficient numbers of FBB at individual oil palm plant using Artificial Domestic Pollination System (ADOPSY (TM)) that was invented by the researcher. Applied research base on case study undertaken in Felda Cawangan Tembangau 6, Pahang, under the management of Felda Global Venture (FGV). Data collection completed by the FGV staff by using standard format so called ``Bancian tandan hitam{''} or Fresh Fruit Bunch Census Format without influences by the researcher, ensuring data corroborated. The data is analyzed to examine the development in term of production referring to the increased quantity of fresh fruit bunch. FGV was chosen due to its worldwide establishment among the biggest oil palm production conglomerate in Malaysia. The most vital finding of this research is to confirm that the technology (ADOPSY (TM)) and supported product (PreMix-SP) used in this research, would produce sustainable output production of FBB. The research demonstrated the increasing value of production of FBB by implementing check and control method under treated test plot compared to untreated test plot for period of one year. This research will also facilitate opportunity profit by eliminating defect, referring to decreasing numbers of abortion in plantation production.}}, ISSN = {{0127-9696}}, EISSN = {{2180-3722}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000391224600012}}, } @article{ ISI:000384557300014, Author = {Vrdoljak, Sven M. and Samways, Michael J. and Simaika, John P.}, Title = {{Pollinator conservation at the local scale: flower density, diversity and community structure increase flower visiting insect activity to mixed floral stands}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{20}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{711-721}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Insect pollinators play a keystone role in terrestrial ecosystems. The parallel declines in plant and pollinator communities emphasizes that plant-pollinator interactions at the community level are highly relevant for biodiversity conservation. Here we examine relationships between plants and flower-visiting insects (anthophiles) at the scale of local floral patches. We conducted a visitation survey during the spring flowering season, a peak time for pollinator activity in the threatened Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. We tested floral density, diversity and composition as predictors of anthophile diversity (measured at the family/family group level) and visitation rates in multispecies stands of flowers. Although different anthophile groups responded differently, generally anthophile visitation rates and diversity were positively affected by floral density, diversity and community structure. Anthophiles were more abundant and diverse in areas with a high density and diversity of flowers. Plant community structure affected both the likelihood of occurrence and activity of anthophiles in the plots. The two mass flowering species examined here, Relhania fruticosa and Salvia chamaeleagnea, were strong determinants of anthophile activity, greatly increasing visitation rates, even though there was, on average, lower floral density and diversity. Our results show that anthophile activity is affected by highly localised, small-scale factors, namely the density and diversity of flowers and community structure. Important among these factors are patches of high quality habitat, high in floral abundance and diversity, both of which should be included in landscape-level plans for pollinator conservation, providing stepping stones for these insects in transformed landscapes.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10841-016-9904-8}}, ISSN = {{1366-638X}}, EISSN = {{1572-9753}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Samways, Michael J./0000-0003-4237-6025 Simaika, John/0000-0002-8073-2804}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000384557300014}}, } @article{ ISI:000382167600007, Author = {Moore, Jonathan D. and Kollar, Leslie M. and McLetchie, D. Nicholas}, Title = {{Does selection for gamete dispersal and capture lead to a sex difference in clump water-holding capacity?}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{103}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{1449-1457}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Differences in male and female reproductive function can lead to selection for sex-specific gamete dispersal and capture traits. These traits have been explored from shoot to whole plant levels in wind-pollinated species. While shoot traits have been explored in water-fertilized species, little is known about how whole plant morphology affects gamete dispersal and capture. We used the dioecious, water-fertilized plant Bryum argenteum to test for differences in clump morphology and water-holding characteristics consistent with divergent selection. We hypothesized that sex-specific clump morphology, arising at maturity, produces relatively low male water-holding capacity for gamete dispersal and high female capacity for gamete capture. METHODS: We measured isolated young shoot and clump water-holding capacity and clump morphological characteristics on greenhouse-grown plants. Young shoot capacity was used to predict clump capacity, which was compared with actual clump capacity. KEY RESULTS: Young male shoots held more water per unit length, and male clumps had higher shoot density, which extrapolated to higher clump water-holding capacity. However, female clumps held more water and were taller with more robust shoots. Actual clump capacity correlated positively with clump height and shoot cross-sectional area. CONCLUSIONS: The sex difference in actual clump capacity and its unpredictability from younger shoots are consistent with our hypothesis that males should hold less water than females to facilitate sexual reproduction. These results provide conceptual connections to other plant groups and implications for connecting divergent selection to female-biased sex ratios in B. argenteum and other bryophytes.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1600096}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, EISSN = {{1537-2197}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000382167600007}}, } @article{ ISI:000382167600008, Author = {Bruckman, Daniela and Campbell, Diane R.}, Title = {{Pollination of a native plant changes with distance and density of invasive plants in a simulated biological invasion}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{103}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{1458-1465}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Effects of an exotic plant on pollination may change as the invasive increases in density. Quantity of pollinator visits to a native may increase, decrease, or change nonlinearly, while visit quality is likely to decrease with greater interspecific pollen movement. How visit quantity and quality contribute to the effect on reproductive success at each invasion stage has not been measured. METHODS: We simulated four stages of invasion by Brassica nigra by manipulating the neighborhood of potted plants of the native Phacelia parryi in a field experiment. Stages were far from the invasion, near the invasion, intermixed with the invasive at low density, and intermixed at high density. We measured pollinator visitation, conspecific and invasive pollen deposition, and seed set for P. parryi at each stage. KEY RESULTS: Native individuals near invasive plants and within areas of low invasive density showed greatest seed production, as expected from concurrent changes in conspecific and invasive pollen deposition. Those plants experienced facilitation of visits and received more conspecific pollen relative to plants farther from invasives. Native individuals within high invasive density also received frequent visits by many pollinators (although not honeybees), but the larger receipt of invasive pollen predicted interference with pollen tubes that matched patterns in seed set. CONCLUSIONS: Pollinator visitation was highest when exotic plants were nearby. Detrimental effects of heterospecific pollen deposition were highest at high exotic density. Our study quantified how reproduction benefits from near proximity to a showy invasive, but is still vulnerable when the invasive reaches high density.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1600153}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, EISSN = {{1537-2197}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Campbell, Diane/A-1653-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Campbell, Diane/0000-0002-1147-846X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000382167600008}}, } @article{ ISI:000379937500007, Author = {Ruchisansakun, Saroj and Tangtorwongsakul, Pornpimon and Cozien, Ruth J. and Smets, Erik F. and van der Niet, Timotheus}, Title = {{Floral specialization for different pollinators and divergent use of the same pollinator among co-occurring Impatiens species (Balsaminaceae) from Southeast Asia}}, Journal = {{BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{181}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{651-666}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Floral variation among closely related species is thought to often reflect differences in pollination systems. Flowers of the large genus Impatiens are characterized by extensive variation in colour, shape and size and in anther and stigma positioning, but studies of their pollination ecology are scarce and most lack a comparative context. Consequently, the function of floral diversity in Impatiens remains enigmatic. This study documents floral variation and pollination of seven co-occurring Impatiens spp. in the Southeast Asian diversity hotspot. To assess whether floral trait variation reflects specialization for different pollination systems, we tested whether species depend on pollinators for reproduction, identified animals that visit flowers, determined whether these visitors play a role in pollination and quantified and compared key floral traits, including floral dimensions and nectar characteristics. Experimental exclusion of insects decreased fruit and seed set significantly for all species except I.muscicola, which also received almost no visits from animals. Most species received visits from several animals, including bees, birds, butterflies and hawkmoths, only a subset of which were effective pollinators. Impatiens psittacina, I.kerriae, I.racemosa and I.daraneenae were pollinated by bees, primarily Bombus haemorrhoidalis. Impatiens chiangdaoensis and I.santisukii had bimodal pollination systems which combined bee and lepidopteran pollination. Floral traits differed significantly among species with different pollination systems. Autogamous flowers were small and spurless, and did not produce nectar; bee-pollinated flowers had short spurs and large floral chambers with a wide entrance; and bimodally bee- and lepidopteran-pollinated species had long spurs and a small floral chamber with a narrow entrance. Nectar-producing species with different pollination systems did not differ in nectar volume and sugar concentration. Despite the high frequency of bee pollination in co-occurring species, individuals with a morphology suggestive of hybrid origin were rare. Variation in floral architecture, including various forms of corolla asymmetry, facilitates distinct, species-specific pollen-placement on visiting bees. Our results show that floral morphological diversity among Impatiens spp. is associated with both differences in functional pollinator groups and divergent use of the same pollinator. Non-homologous mechanisms of floral asymmetry are consistent with repeated independent evolution, suggesting that competitive interactions among species with the same pollination system have been an important driver of floral variation among Impatiens spp.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/boj.12427}}, ISSN = {{0024-4074}}, EISSN = {{1095-8339}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Smets, Erik/A-9875-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Smets, Erik/0000-0002-9416-983X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000379937500007}}, } @article{ ISI:000379937200005, Author = {Watson, David M.}, Title = {{Fleshing out facilitation - reframing interaction networks beyond top-down versus bottom-up}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{211}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{803-808}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Rather than direct plant-plant interactions, research on the community-scale influence of mistletoes reveals hitherto unappreciated roles of animals in mediating facilitation. Lacking roots and reliant upon animal vectors, mistletoes represent model systems with which to understand mechanisms underlying interaction networks. In addition to direct effects on nutrient dynamics via enriched litter-fall, mistletoes are visited by pollinators, seed dispersers and natural enemies, complementing increased heterogeneity in nutrient returns reallocated from infected hosts with increased external inputs. These amplified bottom-up effects are coupled with top-down influences of insectivores attracted to infected hosts and stands by increased availability of favoured prey. Simultaneously influencing nutrient dynamics and plant-plant interactions from below and above, visiting animals help explain variation in the context dependence of facilitation.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.14052}}, ISSN = {{0028-646X}}, EISSN = {{1469-8137}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{David, Watson/0000-0003-1821-4632}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000379937200005}}, } @article{ ISI:000379974500024, Author = {Noestheden, Matthew and Roberts, Simon and Hao, Chunyan}, Title = {{Nitenpyram degradation in finished drinking water}}, Journal = {{RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{30}}, Number = {{13}}, Pages = {{1653-1661}}, Month = {{JUL 15}}, Abstract = {{RATIONALE: Neonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites have been indicated as contributing factors in the decline of honey bee colonies. A thorough understanding of neonicotinoid toxicity requires knowledge of their metabolites and environmental breakdown products. This work investigated the rapid degradation of the neonicotinoid nitenpyram in finished drinking water. METHODS: Nitenpyram reaction products were characterized using liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOFMS). A software algorithm that compared degraded and control samples was utilized to facilitate efficient data reduction. Fragmentation pathways for six reaction products and nitenpyram were proposed using predictive software and manual product ion analysis. RESULTS: This study showed that nitenpyram degradation in unpreserved finished drinking water was likely the result of oxidation, hydrolysis and reaction with Cl-2. Structures for six nitenpyram reaction products were proposed that suggest the C9/C11 olefin as the key reactive site. CONCLUSIONS: Similarities between the identified nitenpyram reaction products and imidacloprid metabolites highlight the importance of this study, as the toxicity of neonicotinoids to pollinators has been linked to their metabolites. Based on the proposed reaction mechanisms, the identified nitenpyram reaction products in finished drinking water could also be present in the environment and water treatment facilities. As such, identifying these degradation products will aid in evaluating the environmental impact of neonicotinoid pesticides. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/rcm.7581}}, ISSN = {{0951-4198}}, EISSN = {{1097-0231}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000379974500024}}, } @article{ ISI:000379487400001, Author = {Russo, Isa-Rita M. and Sole, Catherine L. and Barbato, Mario and von Bramann, Ullrich and Bruford, Michael W.}, Title = {{Landscape determinants of fine-scale genetic structure of a small rodent in a heterogeneous landscape (Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa)}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIFIC REPORTS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Month = {{JUL 13}}, Abstract = {{Small mammals provide ecosystem services, acting, for example, as pollinators and seed dispersers. In addition, they are also disease reservoirs that can be detrimental to human health and they can also act as crop pests. Knowledge of their dispersal preferences is therefore useful for population management and landscape planning. Genetic data were used alongside landscape data to examine the influence of the landscape on the demographic connectedness of the Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) and to identify landscape characteristics that influence the genetic structure of this species across a spatially and temporally varying environment. The most significant landscape features shaping gene flow were aspect, vegetation cover, topographic complexity (TC) and rivers, with western facing slopes, topographic complexity and rivers restricting gene flow. In general, thicket vegetation was correlated with increased gene flow. Identifying features of the landscape that facilitate movement/dispersal in M. natalensis potentially has application for other small mammals in similar ecosystems. As the primary reservoir host of the zoonotic Lassa virus, a landscape genetics approach may have applications in determining areas of high disease risk to humans. Identifying these landscape features may also be important in crop management due to damage by rodent pests.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/srep29168}}, Article-Number = {{29168}}, ISSN = {{2045-2322}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Bruford, Michael/D-3750-2009 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Bruford, Michael/0000-0001-6357-6080 BARBATO, Mario/0000-0002-7203-1549}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000379487400001}}, } @article{ ISI:000383281100016, Author = {Palma-Silva, C. and Ferro, M. and Bacci, M. and Turchetto-Zolet, A. C.}, Title = {{De novo assembly and characterization of leaf and floral transcriptomes of the hybridizing bromeliad species (Pitcairnia spp.) adapted to Neotropical Inselbergs}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{16}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1012-1022}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{We present the leaf and floral transcriptomes of two hybridizing bromeliad species that differ in their major pollinator systems. Here we identified candidate genes responsible for pollinator attraction and reproductive isolation in these two species. We searched for candidate genes involved in floral traits, such as colour. Approximately 34 Gbp of cDNA sequence data were produced from both tissues and species, resulting in a total of 424 506 914 raw reads. The de novo-assembled transcriptomes consisted of a total of 263 955 contigs, further clustered into 110 977 unigenes. Over 58\% of the unigenes were functionally annotated and assigned to one or more Gene Ontology terms. The transcriptomes revealed 144 unique transcripts that encode key enzymes in the flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. The domain/family annotation and phylogenetic analysis allowed us to infer, by homology, potential functions of the genes encoding MYB, HD-ZIP and bZIP-HY5 transcription factors, as well as WD40 protein, which may be involved in anthocyanin and flavonoid regulation in these species. These candidate genes are associated with natural regulation in flower colour in other plant species and will facilitate future studies aimed at elucidating the molecular basis of adaptive differentiation and the evolution of mechanisms of pollinator-mediated reproductive isolation in these two bromeliads. In addition, we identified a total of 49 439 microsatellite loci. These resources will assist future research into adaptation and speciation events in bromeliad species, thus providing a starting point for investigation of the molecular mechanisms of the traits responsible for their reproductive isolation.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1755-0998.12504}}, ISSN = {{1755-098X}}, EISSN = {{1755-0998}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Palma-Silva, Clarisse/A-6464-2012 Turchetto-Zolet, Andreia /G-6288-2012 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Palma-Silva, Clarisse/0000-0003-0192-5489 Bacci, Mauricio/0000-0002-5619-1411}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000383281100016}}, } @article{ ISI:000380033400029, Author = {Minoarivelo, Henintsoa Onivola and Hui, Cang}, Title = {{Invading a mutualistic network: to be or not to be similar}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Number = {{14}}, Pages = {{4981-4996}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Biological invasion remains a major threat to biodiversity in general and a disruptor to mutualistic interactions in particular. While a number of empirical studies have directly explored the role of invasion in mutualistic pollination networks, a clear picture is yet to emerge and a theoretical model for comprehension still lacking. Here, using an eco-evolutionary model of bipartite mutualistic networks with trait-mediated interactions, we explore invader trait, propagule pressure, and network features of recipient community that contribute importantly to the success and impact of an invasion. High level of invasiveness is observed when invader trait differs from those of the community average, and level of interaction generalization equals to that of the community average. Moreover, multiple introductions of invaders with declining propagules enhance invasiveness. Surprisingly, the most successful invader is not always the one having the biggest impact on the recipient community. The network structure of recipient community, such as nestedness and modularity, is not a primary indicator of its invasibility; rather, the invasibility is best correlated with measurements of network stability such as robustness, resilience, and disruptiveness (a measure of evolutionary instability). Our model encompasses more general scenarios than previously studied in predicting invasion success and impact in mutualistic networks, and our results highlight the need for coupling eco-evolutionary processes to resolve the invasion dilemma.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/ece3.2263}}, ISSN = {{2045-7758}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Hui, Cang/A-1781-2008 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Hui, Cang/0000-0002-3660-8160 Minoarivelo, Henintsoa Onivola/0000-0002-0046-7597}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000380033400029}}, } @article{ ISI:000379882000013, Author = {Ren, Hai and Liu, Hong and Wang, Jun and Yuan, Lianlian and Cui, Xiaodong and Zhang, Qianmei and Fu, Lin and Chen, Hongfeng and Zhong, Wenchao and Yang, Keming and Guo, Qinfeng}, Title = {{The use of grafted seedlings increases the success of conservation translocations of Manglietia longipedunculata (Magnoliaceae), a Critically Endangered tree}}, Journal = {{ORYX}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{50}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{437-445}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{The distribution of the Critically Endangered tree Manglietia longipedunculata, of which there are only 11 known wild individuals, is restricted to the Nankunshan Nature Reserve in South China. The species is threatened with extinction because of its small number of individuals and the impediments to its reproduction (a combination of protogyny, a short period of stigma receptivity, and a lack of efficient pollinators). To reduce the risk of extinction we conducted two conservation translocation trials: one to augment the sole extant population, and the other 202 km north of the current range. The latter trial was a conservation introduction in which the goals were to increase the population and to buffer against the effects of climate change. We used emerged and grafted seedlings as translocation materials. We compared the survival, growth, and eco-physiological properties of emerged and grafted seedlings at the two sites. The survival rate and growth were higher for grafted seedlings than for emerged seedlings at both sites. Eco-physiological data indicated that grafted seedlings at both sites were as efficient or more so in light and water usage than wild individuals, whereas emerged seedlings were less efficient. Grafted seedlings attained the flowering stage sooner than emerged seedlings. Our study suggests that grafting can facilitate the augmentation and establishment of new populations of M. longipedunculata and perhaps of new populations of other threatened species facing reproductive difficulties and climate change.}}, DOI = {{10.1017/S0030605315000423}}, ISSN = {{0030-6053}}, EISSN = {{1365-3008}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000379882000013}}, } @article{ ISI:000378816500001, Author = {Albrecht, Matthias and Ramis, Margarita R. and Traveset, Anna}, Title = {{Pollinator-mediated impacts of alien invasive plants on the pollination of native plants: the role of spatial scale and distinct behaviour among pollinator guilds}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{18}}, Number = {{7}}, Pages = {{1801-1812}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Alien invasive plant species can affect pollination, reproductive success and population dynamics of co-flowering native species via shared pollinators. Consequences may range from reproductive competition to facilitation, but the ecological drivers determining the type and magnitude of such indirect interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we examine the role of the spatial scale of invader presence and spatially contingent behavioural responses of different pollinator groups as potential key drivers, using the invasive Oxalis pes-caprae and the self-incompatible native annual Diplotaxis erucoides as a model system. Three treatments were assigned to native focal plants: (1) invader present at the landscape scale (hectares) but experimentally removed at the floral neighbourhood scale (pa); (2) invader present at both scales (pp); (3) invader absent at both scales (aa). Interestingly, we found pronounced spatially contingent differences in the responses of pollinators: honeybees and bumblebees were strongly attracted into invaded sites at the landscape scale, translating into native plant visitation facilitation through honeybees, while bumblebees almost exclusively visited Oxalis. Non-corbiculate wild bees, in contrast, showed less pronounced responses in foraging behavior, primarily at the floral neighborhood scale. Average heterospecific (Oxalis) pollen deposition onto stigmas of Diplotaxis was low (<1 \%), but higher in the pp than in the pa treatment. Hand-pollination of Diplotaxis with Oxalis and conspecific pollen, however, reduced seed set by more than half when compared to hand-pollination with only conspecific pollen. Seed set of Diplotaxis, finally, was increased by 14 \% (reproductive facilitation) in the pp treatment, while it was reduced by 27 \% (reproductive competition) in the pa treatment compared to uninvaded populations. Our study highlights the crucial role of spatial scale and pollinator guild driving indirect effects of invasive on co-flowering native plant species.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10530-016-1121-6}}, ISSN = {{1387-3547}}, EISSN = {{1573-1464}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000378816500001}}, } @article{ ISI:000379904700002, Author = {Schmid, B. and Nottebrock, H. and Esler, K. J. and Pagel, J. and Pauw, A. and Boehning-Gaese, K. and Schurr, F. M. and Schleuning, M.}, Title = {{Responses of nectar-feeding birds to floral resources at multiple spatial scales}}, Journal = {{ECOGRAPHY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{39}}, Number = {{7}}, Pages = {{619-629}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{The responses of animal pollinators to the spatially heterogeneous distribution of floral resources are important for plant reproduction, especially in species-rich plant communities. We explore how responses of pollinators to floral resources varied across multiple spatial scales and studied the responses of two nectarivorous bird species (Cape sugarbird Promerops cafer, orange-breasted sunbird Anthobaphes violacea) to resource distributions provided by communities of co-flowering Protea species (Proteaceae) in South African fynbos. We used highly resolved maps of about 125 000 Protea plants at 27 sites and estimated the seasonal dynamics of standing crop of nectar sugar for each plant to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of floral resources. We recorded avian population sizes and the rates of bird visits to > 1300 focal plants to assess the responses of nectarivorous birds to floral resources at different spatial scales. The population sizes of the two bird species responded positively to the amount of sugar resources at the site scale. Within sites, the effects of floral resources on pollinator visits to plants varied across scales and depended on the resources provided by individual plants. At large scales (radii > 25 m around focal plants), high sugar density decreased per-plant visitation rates, i.e. plants competed for animal pollinators. At small scales (radii < 5 m around focal plants), we observed either competition or facilitation for pollinators between plants, depending on the sugar amount offered by individual focal plants. In plants with copious sugar, per-plant visitation rates increased with increasing local sugar density, but visitation rates decreased in plants with little sugar. Our study underlines the importance of scale-dependent responses of pollinators to floral resources and reveals that pollinators' responses depend on the interplay between individual floral resources and local resource neighbourhood.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/ecog.01621}}, ISSN = {{0906-7590}}, EISSN = {{1600-0587}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Schleuning, Matthias/H-2154-2015 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Schleuning, Matthias/0000-0001-9426-045X Pauw, Anton/0000-0002-4012-648X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000379904700002}}, } @article{ ISI:000379344400011, Author = {Abelleira Martinez, Oscar J. and Fremier, Alexander K. and Guenter, Sven and Bendana, Zayra Ramos and Vierling, Lee and Galbraith, Sara M. and Bosque-Perez, Nilsa A. and Ordonez, Jenny C.}, Title = {{Scaling up functional traits for ecosystem services with remote sensing: concepts and methods}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Number = {{13}}, Pages = {{4359-4371}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Ecosystem service-based management requires an accurate understanding of how human modification influences ecosystem processes and these relationships are most accurate when based on functional traits. Although trait variation is typically sampled at local scales, remote sensing methods can facilitate scaling up trait variation to regional scales needed for ecosystem service management. We review concepts and methods for scaling up plant and animal functional traits from local to regional spatial scales with the goal of assessing impacts of human modification on ecosystem processes and services. We focus our objectives on considerations and approaches for (1) conducting local plot-level sampling of trait variation and (2) scaling up trait variation to regional spatial scales using remotely sensed data. We show that sampling methods for scaling up traits need to account for the modification of trait variation due to land cover change and species introductions. Sampling intraspecific variation, stratification by land cover type or landscape context, or inference of traits from published sources may be necessary depending on the traits of interest. Passive and active remote sensing are useful for mapping plant phenological, chemical, and structural traits. Combining these methods can significantly improve their capacity for mapping plant trait variation. These methods can also be used to map landscape and vegetation structure in order to infer animal trait variation. Due to high context dependency, relationships between trait variation and remotely sensed data are not directly transferable across regions. We end our review with a brief synthesis of issues to consider and outlook for the development of these approaches. Research that relates typical functional trait metrics, such as the community-weighted mean, with remote sensing data and that relates variation in traits that cannot be remotely sensed to other proxies is needed. Our review narrows the gap between functional trait and remote sensing methods for ecosystem service management.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/ece3.2201}}, ISSN = {{2045-7758}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000379344400011}}, } @article{ ISI:000379344400025, Author = {Gonzalez de Leon, Salvador and Herrera, Ileana and Guevara, Roger}, Title = {{Mating system, population growth, and management scenario for Kalanchoe pinnata in an invaded seasonally dry tropical forest}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Number = {{13}}, Pages = {{4541-4550}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Ecological invasions are a major issue worldwide, where successful invasion depends on traits that facilitate dispersion, establishment, and population growth. The nonnative succulent plant Kalanchoe pinnata, reported as invasive in some countries, is widespread in remnants of seasonally dry tropical forest on a volcanic outcrop with high conservation value in east-central Mexico where we assessed its mating system and demographic growth and identified management strategies. To understand its local mating system, we conducted hand-pollination treatments, germination, and survival experiments. Based on the experimental data, we constructed a life-stage population matrix, identified the key traits for population growth, weighted the contributions of vegetative and sexual reproduction, and evaluated management scenarios. Hand-pollination treatments had slight effects on fruit and seed setting, as well as on germination. With natural pollination treatment, the successful germination of seeds from only 2/39 fruit suggests occasional effective natural cross-pollination. The ratios of the metrics for self-and cross-pollinated flowers suggest that K. pinnata is partially self-compatible. Most of the pollinated flowers developed into fruit, but the seed germination and seedling survival rates were low. Thus, vegetative propagation and juvenile survival are the main drivers of population growth. Simulations of a virtual K. pinnata population suggest that an intense and sustained weeding campaign will reduce the population within at least 10 years. Synthesis and applications. The study population is partially self-compatible, but sexual reproduction by K. pinnata is limited at the study site, and population growth is supported by vegetative propagation and juvenile survival. Demographic modeling provides key insights and realistic forecasts on invasion process and therefore is useful to design management strategies.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/ece3.2219}}, ISSN = {{2045-7758}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000379344400025}}, } @article{ ISI:000381247300020, Author = {Lopez-Uribe, Margarita M. and Cane, James H. and Minckley, Robert L. and Danforth, Bryan N.}, Title = {{Crop domestication facilitated rapid geographical expansion of a specialist pollinator, the squash bee Peponapis pruinosa}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{283}}, Number = {{1833}}, Month = {{JUN 29}}, Abstract = {{Squash was first domesticated in Mexico and is now found throughout North America (NA) along with Peponapis pruinosa, a pollen specialist bee species of the squash genus Cucurbita. The origin and spread of squash cultivation is well-studied archaeologically and phylogenetically; however, no study has documented how cultivation of this or any other crop has influenced species in mutualistic interactions. We used molecular markers to reconstruct the demographic range expansion and colonization routes of P. pruinosa from its native range into temperate NA. Populations east of the Rocky Mountains expanded from the wild host plant's range in Mexico and were established by a series of founder events. Eastern North America was most likely colonized from squash bee populations in the present-day continental Midwest USA and not from routes that followed the Gulf and Atlantic coasts from Mexico. Populations of P. pruinosa west of the Rockies spread north from the warm deserts much more recently, showing two genetically differentiated populations with no admixture: one in California and the other one in eastern Great Basin. These bees have repeatedly endured severe bottlenecks as they colonized NA, following human spread of their Cucurbita pollen hosts during the Holocene.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2016.0443}}, Article-Number = {{20160443}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, EISSN = {{1471-2954}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000381247300020}}, } @article{ ISI:000377835500005, Author = {Liu, Lifeng and Gu, Qinsheng and Ijaz, Raina and Zhang, Junhong and Ye, Zhibiao}, Title = {{Generation of transgenic watermelon resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus facilitated by an effective Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{205}}, Pages = {{32-38}}, Month = {{JUN 23}}, Abstract = {{Watermelon is an annual vegetable crop that suffers from various diseases during growth. Genetic engineering is an effective tool for improving plant disease resistance. This paper presents an effective transformation protocol designed for a female parent watermelon line mediated by Agrobacterium. In this protocol, 2 times MS Fe-EDTA were supplemented into Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium to suppress the chlorosis during watermelon explants culturing, and the optimal preculture time (5 days) and coculture time (5 days) were screened out to improve the frequency of shoots regeneration. Using our protocol, 17 putative transgenic plants expressing artificial microRNAs that target Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) 2a/2b genes were recovered, and seven of them were succeeded in obtaining T1 generation seeds because of the technique difficulties of self-pollination of the transgenic watermelon lines. PCR and Southern blot analyses confirmed that the transferred fragment was successfully imported and integrated into the genome of three of these seven transgenic lines. DAS-ELISA assay indicated that the CMV can be detected in the nontransgenic line but not in the transgenic lines, and the transgenic lines displayed resistance to CMV infection. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.scienta.2016.04.013}}, ISSN = {{0304-4238}}, EISSN = {{1879-1018}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000377835500005}}, } @article{ ISI:000377261000001, Author = {Stetter, Markus G. and Zeitler, Leo and Steinhaus, Adrian and Kroener, Karoline and Biljecki, Michelle and Schmid, Karl J.}, Title = {{Crossing Methods and Cultivation Conditions for Rapid Production of Segregating Populations in Three Grain Amaranth Species}}, Journal = {{FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{7}}, Month = {{JUN 7}}, Abstract = {{Grain amaranths (Amaranthus spp.) have been cultivated for thousands of years in Central and South America. Their grains are of high nutritional value, but the low yield needs to be increased by selection of superior genotypes from genetically diverse breeding populations. Amaranths are adapted to harsh conditions and can be cultivated on marginal lands although little is known about their physiology. The development of controlled growing conditions and efficient crossing methods is important for research on and improvement of this ancient crop. Grain amaranth was domesticated in the Americas and is highly self-fertilizing with a large inflorescence consisting of thousands of very small flowers. We evaluated three different crossing methods (open pollination, hot water emasculation and hand emasculation) for their efficiency in amaranth and validated them with genetic markers. We identified cultivation conditions that allow an easy control of flowering time by day length manipulation and achieved flowering times of 4 weeks and generation times of 2 months. All three different crossing methods successfully produced hybrid F1 offspring, but with different success rates. Open pollination had the lowest (10\%) and hand emasculation the highest success rate (74\%). Hot water emasculation showed an intermediate success rate (26\%) with a maximum of 94\% success. It is simple to perform and suitable for a more large-scale production of hybrids. We further evaluated 11 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and found that they were sufficient to validate all crosses of the genotypes used in this study for intra- and interspecific hybridizations. Despite its very small flowers, crosses in amaranth can be carried out efficiently and evaluated with inexpensive SNP markers. Suitable growth conditions strongly reduce the generation time and allow the control of plant height, flowering time, and seed production. In combination, this enables the rapid production of segregating populations which makes amaranth an attractive model for basic plant research but also facilitates further the improvement of this ancient crop by plant breeding.}}, DOI = {{10.3389/fpls.2016.00816}}, Article-Number = {{816}}, ISSN = {{1664-462X}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Stetter, Markus G/0000-0001-7136-0589}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000377261000001}}, } @article{ ISI:000384308300001, Author = {Valladares, Fernando and Laanisto, Lauri and Niinemets, Ulo and Zavala, Miguel A.}, Title = {{Shedding light on shade: ecological perspectives of understorey plant life}}, Journal = {{PLANT ECOLOGY \& DIVERSITY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{237-251}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Shade, in ecological sense, is not merely a lack of light, but a multi-faceted phenomenon that creates new and complex settings for community and ecosystem dynamics. Tolerating shade therefore affects plants' ability to cope with other stressors, and also shape its interactions with surrounding organisms. The aim of this broad review was to map our current knowledge about how shade affects plants, plant communities and ecosystems - to gather together knowledge of what we know, but also to point out what we do not yet know. This review covers the following topics: the nature of shade, and ecological and physiological complexities related to growing under a canopy; plants' capability of tolerating other stress factors while living under a shade - resource trade-offs and polytolerance of abiotic stress; ontogenetic effects of shade tolerance; coexistence patterns under the canopy - how shade determines the forest structure and diversity; shade-induced abiotic dynamics in understorey vegetation, including changing patterns of irradiance, temperature and humidity under the canopy; shade-driven plant-plant and plant-animal interactions - how shade mediates facilitation and stress, and how it creates differentiated environment for different herbivores and pollinators, including the role of volatile organic compounds. We also discuss the ways how vegetation in understorey environments will be affected by climate change, as shade might play a significant role in mitigating negative effects of climate change. Our review shows that living under a shade affects biotic and abiotic stress tolerance of plants, it also influences the outcomes of both symbiotic and competitive plant-plant and plant-animal interactions in a complex and dynamic manner. The current knowledge of shade-related mechanisms is rather ample, however there is much room for progress in integrating different implications of the multifaceted nature of shade into consistent and integral understanding how communities and ecosystems function.}}, DOI = {{10.1080/17550874.2016.1210262}}, ISSN = {{1755-0874}}, EISSN = {{1755-1668}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Zavala, Miguel/H-3603-2015}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Zavala, Miguel/0000-0003-1456-0132}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000384308300001}}, } @article{ ISI:000382788800005, Author = {Popic, Tony J. and Davila, Yvonne C. and Wardle, Glenda M.}, Title = {{Cheater or mutualist? Novel florivory interaction between nectar-rich Crotalaria cunninghamii and small mammals}}, Journal = {{AUSTRAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{41}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{390-398}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Animals visit flowers to access resources and by moving pollen to conspecific individuals act as pollinators. While biotic pollinators can increase the seed set of plants, other flower visitors can reduce seed set directly by damaging vital reproductive organs and indirectly by affecting the way the plant interacts with subsequent flower visitors. It is, therefore, vital to understand the varied effects of all visitors and not only pollinators on plant fitness, including those visitors that are temporally or spatially rare. We document the first known case of flower visitation by small mammals to Crotalaria cunninghamii (Fabaceae), a plant species morphologically suited to bird pollination. During a rain-driven resource pulse in the Simpson Desert in 2011, the rodents Mus musculus (Muridae) and Pseudomys hermannsburgensis (Muridae) visited flowers to remove nectar by puncturing the calyx. We investigated the effects of this novel interaction on the reproductive output of C. cunninghamii. Compared with another recent resource pulse in 2007, plants flowering during mammal visitation had five times as many inflorescences per plant, 90\% more flowers per inflorescence, and two to three times more nectar per flower, but this nectar was 30\% less sugar rich. Concurrently, rodent plagues were up to three times larger during this rain-driven resource pulse than during a previous pulse in 2007. Up to 75\% of flowers had evidence of small mammal florivory, but this was not necessarily destructive, as up to 90\% of fruit had the remains of florivory. Through a series of exclusion experiments, we found that small mammal florivory did not directly reduce seed set. We conclude that rain-driven resource pulses led to a unique combination of events that facilitated the novel florivory interaction. Our findings emphasize the dynamic nature of biotic interactions and the importance of testing the role of all visitors to pollination services.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/aec.12324}}, ISSN = {{1442-9985}}, EISSN = {{1442-9993}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Davila, Yvonne/0000-0002-5144-5742}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000382788800005}}, } @article{ ISI:000379211400026, Author = {Lagomarsino, Laura P. and Condamine, Fabien L. and Antonelli, Alexandre and Mulch, Andreas and Davis, Charles C.}, Title = {{The abiotic and biotic drivers of rapid diversification in Andean bellflowers (Campanulaceae)}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{210}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1430-1442}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{The tropical Andes of South America, the world's richest biodiversity hotspot, are home to many rapid radiations. While geological, climatic, and ecological processes collectively explain such radiations, their relative contributions are seldom examined within a single clade. We explore the contribution of these factors by applying a series of diversification models that incorporate mountain building, climate change, and trait evolution to the first dated phylogeny of Andean bellflowers (Campanulaceae: Lobelioideae). Our framework is novel for its direct incorporation of geological data on Andean uplift into a macroevolutionary model. We show that speciation and extinction are differentially influenced by abiotic factors: speciation rates rose concurrently with Andean elevation, while extinction rates decreased during global cooling. Pollination syndrome and fruit type, both biotic traits known to facilitate mutualisms, played an additional role in driving diversification. These abiotic and biotic factors resulted in one of the fastest radiations reported to date: the centropogonids, whose 550 species arose in the last 5 million yr. Our study represents a significant advance in our understanding of plant evolution in Andean cloud forests. It further highlights the power of combining phylogenetic and Earth science models to explore the interplay of geology, climate, and ecology in generating the world's biodiversity.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.13920}}, ISSN = {{0028-646X}}, EISSN = {{1469-8137}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Lagomarsino, Laura/0000-0003-4537-0761}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000379211400026}}, } @article{ ISI:000377219900008, Author = {Ogilvie, Jane E. and Thomson, James D.}, Title = {{Site fidelity by bees drives pollination facilitation in sequentially blooming plant species}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{97}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1442-1451}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Plant species can influence the pollination and reproductive success of coflowering neighbors that share pollinators. Because some individual pollinators habitually forage in particular areas, it is also possible that plant species could influence the pollination of neighbors that bloom later. When flowers of a preferred forage plant decline in an area, site-fidelity may cause individual flower feeders to stay in an area and switch plant species rather than search for preferred plants in a new location. A newly blooming plant species may quickly inherit a set of visitors from a prior plant species, and therefore experience higher pollination success than it would in an area where the first species never bloomed. To test this, we manipulated the placement and timing of two plant species, Delphinium barbeyi and later-blooming Gentiana parryi. We recorded the responses of individually marked bumble bee pollinators. About 63\% of marked individuals returned repeatedly to the same areas to forage on Delphinium. When Delphinium was experimentally taken out of bloom, most of those site-faithful individuals (78\%) stayed and switched to Gentiana. Consequently, Gentiana flowers received more visits in areas where Delphinium had previously flowered, compared to areas where Delphinium was still flowering or never occurred. Gentiana stigmas received more pollen in areas where Delphinium disappeared than where it never bloomed, indicating that Delphinium increases the pollination of Gentiana when they are separated in time. Overall, we show that individual bumble bees are often site-faithful, causing one plant species to increase the pollination of another even when separated in time, which is a novel mechanism of pollination facilitation.}}, DOI = {{10.1890/15-0903.1}}, ISSN = {{0012-9658}}, EISSN = {{1939-9170}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000377219900008}}, } @article{ ISI:000376087200016, Author = {Bartlett, Michael and Hale, Roddy and Hale, Marie}, Title = {{Habitat quality limits gene flow between populations of Bombus ruderatus in the South Island, New Zealand}}, Journal = {{CONSERVATION GENETICS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{17}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{703-713}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{One of the primary reasons for the decline of some bumblebee species has been habitat loss and fragmentation through land use change. Habitat fragmentation can limit connectivity between populations and gene flow between bumblebee populations can be limited by open water and human altered landscapes, however the influence of landscape features on gene flow has only been examined in non-declining species. The ruderal bumblebee, Bombus ruderatus, was successfully introduced to and is now relatively common in New Zealand, providing an opportunity to examine the biology of a species that is now rare in its native range in the UK. In this study, we examine the genetic structuring of B. ruderatus populations in the South Island of New Zealand and we demonstrate that a relatively simple classification of the landscape, into either good or poor foraging habitat at coarse resolution (800 m(2)), can predict levels of gene flow. We found populations of B. ruderatus as far apart as 160 km showing no significant genetic differentiation. However, this level of gene flow appears to be reliant upon continuous suitable habitat, as other populations < 100 km apart were found to be significantly differentiated. These results suggest that corridors of continuous habitat are required to facilitate gene flow over large distances for this species.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10592-016-0816-7}}, ISSN = {{1566-0621}}, EISSN = {{1572-9737}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Bartlett, Michael/0000-0002-4253-6589}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000376087200016}}, } @article{ ISI:000375669100006, Author = {Maruyama, Pietro K. and Vizentin-Bugoni, Jeferson and Sonne, Jesper and Martin Gonzalez, Ana M. and Schleuning, Matthias and Araujo, Andrea C. and Baquero, Andrea C. and Cardona, Juliana and Cardona, Paola and Cotton, Peter A. and Kohler, Glauco and Lara, Carlos and Malucelli, Tiago and Humberto Marin-Gomez, Oscar and Ollerton, Jeff and Rui, Ana M. and Timmermann, Allan and Varassin, Isabela G. and Zanata, Thais B. and Rahbek, Carsten and Sazima, Marlies and Dalsgaard, Bo}, Title = {{The integration of alien plants in mutualistic plant-hummingbird networks across the Americas: the importance of species traits and insularity}}, Journal = {{DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{22}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{672-681}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Aim To investigate the role of alien plants in mutualistic plant-hummingbird networks, assessing the importance of species traits, floral abundance and insularity on alien plant integration. Location Mainland and insular Americas. Methods We used species-level network indices to assess the role of alien plants in 21 quantitative plant-hummingbird networks where alien plants occur. We then evaluated whether plant traits, including previous adaptations to bird pollination, and insularity predict these network roles. Additionally, for a subset of networks for which floral abundance data were available, we tested whether this relates to network roles. Finally, we tested the association between hummingbird traits and the probability of interaction with alien plants across the networks. Results Within the 21 networks, we identified 32 alien plant species and 352 native plant species. On average, alien plant species attracted more hummingbird species (i.e. aliens had a higher degree) and had a higher proportion of interactions across their hummingbird visitors than native plants (i.e. aliens had a higher species strength). At the same time, an average alien plant was visited more exclusively by certain hummingbird species (i.e. had a higher level of complementary specialization). Large alien plants and those occurring on islands had more evenly distributed interactions, thereby acting as connectors. Other evaluated plant traits and floral abundance were unimportant predictors of network roles. Short-billed hummingbirds had higher probability of including alien plants in their interactions than long-billed species. Main conclusions Once incorporated into plant-hummingbird networks, alien plants appear strongly integrated and, thus, may have a large influence on network dynamics. Plant traits and floral abundance were generally poor predictors of how well alien species are integrated. Short-billed hummingbirds, often characterized as functionally generalized pollinators, facilitate the integration of alien plants. Our results show that plant-hummingbird networks are open for invasion.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/ddi.12434}}, ISSN = {{1366-9516}}, EISSN = {{1472-4642}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Maruyama, Pietro/I-9561-2016 Marin Gomez, Oscar Humberto/J-7625-2015 Varassin, Isabela/A-7655-2012 Schleuning, Matthias/H-2154-2015 Sazima, Marlies/B-6973-2013 publicationpage, cmec/B-4405-2017 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Cotton, Peter/0000-0002-4830-0868 Maruyama, Pietro/0000-0001-5492-2324 Baquero, Andrea C./0000-0002-2215-9149 Vizentin-Bugoni, Jeferson/0000-0002-6343-3650 Marin Gomez, Oscar Humberto/0000-0002-0743-8350 Varassin, Isabela/0000-0001-9189-8765 Schleuning, Matthias/0000-0001-9426-045X Dalsgaard, Bo/0000-0003-2867-2805}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000375669100006}}, } @article{ ISI:000375988400001, Author = {Porcher, Emmanuelle and Lande, Russell}, Title = {{Inbreeding depression under mixed outcrossing, self-fertilization and sib-mating}}, Journal = {{BMC EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{16}}, Month = {{MAY 17}}, Abstract = {{Background: Biparental inbreeding, mating between two relatives, occurs at a low frequency in many natural plant populations, which also often have substantial rates of self-fertilization. Although biparental inbreeding is likely to influence the dynamics of inbreeding depression and the evolution of selfing rates, it has received limited theoretical attention in comparison to selfing. The only previous model suggested that biparental inbreeding can favour the maintenance of stable intermediate selfing rates, but made unrealistic assumptions about the genetic basis of inbreeding depression. Here we extend a genetic model of inbreeding depression, describing nearly recessive lethal mutations at a very large number of loci, to incorporate sib-mating. We also include a constant component of inbreeding depression modelling the effects of mildly deleterious, nearly additive alleles. We analyze how observed rates of sib-mating influence the mean number of heterozygous lethals alleles and inbreeding depression in a population reproducing by a mixture of self-fertilization, sib-mating and outcrossing. We finally use the ensuing relationship between equilibrium inbreeding depression and population selfing rate to infer the evolutionarily stable selfing rates expected under such a mixed mating system. Results: We show that for a given rate of inbreeding, sib-mating is more efficient at purging inbreeding depression than selfing, because homozygosity of lethals increases more gradually through sib-mating than through selfing. Because sib-mating promotes the purging of inbreeding depression and the evolution of selfing, our genetic model of inbreeding depression also predicts that sib-mating is unlikely to maintain stable intermediate selfing rates. Conclusions: Our results imply that even low rates of sib-mating affect plant mating system evolution, by facilitating the evolution of selfing via more efficient purging of inbreeding depression. Alternative mechanisms, such as pollination ecology, are necessary to explain stable mixed selfing and outcrossing.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12862-016-0668-2}}, Article-Number = {{105}}, ISSN = {{1471-2148}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000375988400001}}, } @article{ ISI:000376589400010, Author = {Wang, Fang and Wu, Wenying and Wang, Dongzhi and Yang, Wenlong and Sun, Jiazhu and Liu, Dongcheng and Zhang, Aimin}, Title = {{Characterization and Genetic Analysis of a Novel Light-Dependent Lesion Mimic Mutant, lm3, Showing Adult-Plant Resistance to Powdery Mildew in Common Wheat}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{5}}, Month = {{MAY 13}}, Abstract = {{Lesion mimics (LMs) that exhibit spontaneous disease-like lesions in the absence of pathogen attack might confer enhanced plant disease resistance to a wide range of pathogens. The LM mutant, lm3 was derived from a single naturally mutated individual in the F1 population of a 3-1/Jing411 cross, backcrossed six times with 3-1 as the recurrent parent and subsequently self-pollinated twice. The leaves of young seedlings of the lm3 mutant exhibited small, discrete white lesions under natural field conditions. The lesions first appeared at the leaf tips and subsequently expanded throughout the entire leaf blade to the leaf sheath. The lesions were initiated through light intensity and day length. Histochemical staining revealed that lesion formation might reflect programmed cell death (PCD) and abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The chlorophyll content in the mutant was significantly lower than that in wildtype, and the ratio of chlorophyll a/b was increased significantly in the mutant compared with wildtype, indicating that lm3 showed impairment of the biosynthesis or degradation of chlorophyll, and that Chlorophyll b was prone to damage during lesion formation. The lm3 mutant exhibited enhanced resistance to wheat powdery mildew fungus (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici; Bgt) infection, which was consistent with the increased expression of seven pathogenesis-related (PR) and two wheat chemically induced (WCI) genes involved in the defense-related reaction. Genetic analysis showed that the mutation was controlled through a single partially dominant gene, which was closely linked to Xbarc203 on chromosome 3BL; this gene was delimited to a 40 Mb region between SSR3B450.37 and SSR3B492.6 using a large derived segregating population and the available Chinese Spring chromosome 3B genome sequence. Taken together, our results provide information regarding the identification of a novel wheat LM gene, which will facilitate the additional fine-mapping and cloning of the gene to understand the mechanism underlying LM initiation and disease resistance in common wheat.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0155358}}, Article-Number = {{e0155358}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000376589400010}}, } @article{ ISI:000382498000014, Author = {Runquist, R. Briscoe and Grossenbacher, D. and Porter, S. and Kay, K. and Smith, J.}, Title = {{Pollinator-mediated assemblage processes in California wildflowers}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{29}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1045-1058}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Community assembly is the result of multiple ecological and evolutionary forces that influence species coexistence. For flowering plants, pollinators are often essential for plant reproduction and establishment, and pollinator-mediated interactions may influence plant community composition. Here, we use null models and community phylogenetic analyses of co-occurrence patterns to determine the role of pollinator-mediated processes in structuring plant communities dominated by congeners. We surveyed three species-rich genera (Limnanthes, Mimulus and Clarkia) with centres of diversity in the Sierra Nevada of California. Each genus contains species that co-flower and share pollinators, and each has a robust phylogeny. Within each genus, we surveyed 44-48 communities at three spatial scales, measured floral and vegetative traits and tested for segregation or aggregation of: (i) species, (ii) floral traits (which are likely to be influenced by pollinators), and (iii) vegetative traits (which are likely affected by other environmental factors). We detected both aggregation and segregation of floral traits that were uncorrelated with vegetative trait patterns; we infer that pollinators have shaped the community assembly although the mechanisms may be varied (competition, facilitation, or filtering). We also found that mating system differences may play an important role in allowing species co-occurrence. Together, it appears that pollinators influence community assemblage in these three clades.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jeb.12845}}, ISSN = {{1010-061X}}, EISSN = {{1420-9101}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000382498000014}}, } @article{ ISI:000375941800006, Author = {Ma, Xiaokai and Shi, Jun and Banziger, Hans and Sun, Yangna and Guo, Yanyan and Liu, Zhongjian and Johnson, Steven D. and Luo, Yibo}, Title = {{The functional significance of complex floral colour pattern in a food-deceptive orchid}}, Journal = {{FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{30}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{721-732}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{1. Many non-rewarding orchid species mimic the signals of co-occurring food flowers and thereby attract food-seeking animal pollinators. These signals are often visually complex with a colour pattern that contrasts between outer and central parts. The significance of this colour complexity for the pollination success of flowers of deceptive orchids has scarcely been investigated. 2. We tested the effects of the colour patterns of the food-deceptive orchid Paphiopedilum micranthum on bumblebee visitation choices and pollination success using behavioural experiments in a community context. Using comparative phylogenetic analysis and a bee vision model, we also compared the colour patterns of P. micranthum with those of its congeners and sympatric food flowers. 3. The probability of both long-range approach and close-up choice by bumblebees to orchids was all enhanced in communities with food flowers similar in colour pattern to the orchid. Probability of long-range approach and close-up choice was negatively correlated with colour distance between orchid and food flowers in floral outer and centre, respectively. Flowers of P. micranthum that were manipulated to reduce visual complexity had reduced male and female pollination success. 4. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the outer floral colour of P. micranthum is apomorphic and thus likely represents an evolutionary innovation, whereas the central colour is plesiomorphic and thus likely to function in the bumblebee pollination system as an exaptation. The contrast between the inner and outer colours appears to exploit visual preferences of bumblebees acquired during foraging on local food plants with similar colour patterns. 5. This study highlights the adaptive significance of colour patterns in successful food deception and the importance of complex signals in facilitating interspecific interactions.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2435.12571}}, ISSN = {{0269-8463}}, EISSN = {{1365-2435}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000375941800006}}, } @article{ ISI:000375672400007, Author = {Norfolk, Olivia and Eichhorn, Markus P. and Gilbert, Francis}, Title = {{Flowering ground vegetation benefits wild pollinators and fruit set of almond within arid smallholder orchards}}, Journal = {{INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{236-243}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{1. Pollination studies tend to focus on the conventional agriculture associated with Europe and the USA, leaving a gap in our understanding of how pollination services are maintained in smallholder agricultural systems that dominate much of the developing world. 2. In South Sinai, Egypt, almond is cultivated as part of an arid agroforestry system in traditional orchard gardens that contain a mixture of fruit trees inter-planted with vegetables and herbs. This study investigated the relative contribution of honeybees and wild insects for pollination of almond trees and assessed how flowering ground vegetation influenced pollinator densities and fruit set. 3. Results showed that almond was highly dependent on insect pollination, with bagged flowers producing less than 8\% of the fruit set of insect- and hand-pollinated flowers. Fruit set was correlated with wild pollinator visitation, but not with honeybee visitation. Furthermore, the presence of honeybee hives had no effect upon fruit set. 4. The abundance and species richness of flowering ground vegetation was positively related to pollinator abundance within the gardens and associated with enhanced fruit set. Over half of the flowering ground flora were minority crops grown alongside almond, suggesting that facilitation can occur between simultaneously flowering crops. 5. In these diverse orchard gardens, flowering minority crops benefited wild pollinators and increased fruit set in the primary orchard crop. If mutual facilitation occurs between other crop species, then the diverse cropping systems associated with smallholder farms are likely to enhance pollination services within traditional agricultural landscapes.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/icad.12162}}, ISSN = {{1752-458X}}, EISSN = {{1752-4598}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Eichhorn, Markus/L-5027-2013 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Eichhorn, Markus/0000-0002-3381-0822 Norfolk, Olivia/0000-0002-2909-304X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000375672400007}}, } @article{ ISI:000374919300001, Author = {Benvenuti, Stefano and Benelli, Giovanni and Desneux, Nicolas and Canale, Angelo}, Title = {{Long lasting summer flowerings of Lythrum salicaria as honeybee-friendly flower spots in Mediterranean basin agricultural wetlands}}, Journal = {{AQUATIC BOTANY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{131}}, Pages = {{1-6}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{The purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, is a species native to Eurasia. It is rustic, produces both pollen and nectar, and may be a helpful food source for bees in Mediterranean wetlands, helping them to overcome hot summer periods characterised by food paucity. In this research, we investigated the flowering of L. salicaria plants in Mediterranean agricultural wetlands, as well as pollinator diversity and abundance. L. salicaria has a long lasting flowering, with more than 640 open flowers/plant from mid July to early September. 476 pollinators belonging to 3 orders, 7 families and 15 species of insects were studied. Scanning electron microscopy showed that all species carried L. salicaria pollen on their body parts. Hymenoptera pollinators were the most abundant (427 specimens), followed by Diptera (26) and Lepidoptera (23). Apoidea abundance reached a maximum in August and social bees largely dominate (94.38\%). Apis mellifera was the most abundant species, followed by 5 bumblebees, including the endangered Bombus sylvarum. Honeybee visits on L. salicaria were higher in August over the rest of the summer and early autumn, while no differences were detected for bumblebees, Halictidae and Megachilidae. Overall, we support L. salicaria as a suitable species for bee-friendly flower spots in Mediterranean agricultural wetlands, as well as in close proximity of beehives. The latter use may facilitate the honeybees collecting pollen for the colony, thereby ensuring robustness to overcome the winter season. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.aquabot.2016.02.002}}, ISSN = {{0304-3770}}, EISSN = {{1879-1522}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Benelli, Giovanni/A-9100-2013}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000374919300001}}, } @article{ ISI:000373789100001, Author = {Harder, Lawrence D. and Aizen, Marcelo A. and Richards, Shane A.}, Title = {{The population ecology of male gametophytes: the link between pollination and seed production}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY LETTERS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{19}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{497-509}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{The fate of male gametophytes after pollen reaches stigmas links pollination to ovule fertilisation, governing subsequent siring success and seed production. Although male gametophyte performance primarily involves cellular processes, an ecological analogy may expose insights into the nature and implications of male gametophyte success. We elaborate this analogy theoretically and present empirical examples that illustrate associated insights. Specifically, we consider pollen loads on stigmas as localised populations subject to density-independent mortality and density-dependent processes as they traverse complex stylar environments. Different combinations of the timing of pollen-tube access to limiting stylar resources (simultaneous or sequential), the tube distribution among resources (repulsed or random) and the timing of density-independent mortality relative to competition (before or after) create signature relations of mean pollen-tube success and its variation among pistils to pollen receipt. Using novel nonlinear regression analyses (two-moment regression), we illustrate contrasting relations for two species, demonstrating that variety in these relations is a feature of reproductive diversity among angiosperms, rather than merely a theoretical curiosity. Thus, the details of male gametophyte ecology should shape sporophyte reproductive success and hence the dynamics and structure of angiosperm populations.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/ele.12596}}, ISSN = {{1461-023X}}, EISSN = {{1461-0248}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Aizen, Marcelo/0000-0001-9079-9749}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000373789100001}}, } @article{ ISI:000373789100009, Author = {Tur, C. and Saez, A. and Traveset, A. and Aizen, M. A.}, Title = {{Evaluating the effects of pollinator-mediated interactions using pollen transfer networks: evidence of widespread facilitation in south Andean plant communities}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY LETTERS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{19}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{576-586}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Information about the relative importance of competitive or facilitative pollinator-mediated interactions in a multi-species context is limited. We studied interspecific pollen transfer (IPT) networks to evaluate quantity and quality effects of pollinator sharing among plant species on three high-Andean communities at 1600, 1800 and 2000 m a. s. l. To estimate the sign of the effects (positive, neutral or negative), the relation between conspecific and heterospecific pollen deposited on stigmas was analysed with GLMMs. Network analyses showed that communities were characterised by the presence of pollen hub-donors and receptors. We inferred that facilitative and neutral pollinator-mediated interactions among plants prevailed over competition. Thus, the benefits from pollinator sharing seem to outweigh the costs (i. e. heterospecific deposition and conspecific pollen loss). The largest proportion of facilitated species was found at the highest elevation community, suggesting that under unfavourable conditions for the pollination service and at lower plant densities facilitation can be more common.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/ele.12594}}, ISSN = {{1461-023X}}, EISSN = {{1461-0248}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Aizen, Marcelo/0000-0001-9079-9749}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000373789100009}}, } @article{ ISI:000374478600006, Author = {Endelman, Jeffrey B. and Jansky, Shelley H.}, Title = {{Genetic mapping with an inbred line-derived F2 population in potato}}, Journal = {{THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{129}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{935-943}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Key message This is the first report of the production and use of a diploid inbred line-based F2 population for genetic mapping in potato. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important global food crop, for which tetrasomic inheritance and self-incompatibility have limited both genetic discovery and breeding gains. We report here on the creation of the first diploid inbred line-derived F2 population in potato, and demonstrate its utility for genetic mapping. To create the population, the doubled monoploid potato DM1-3 was crossed as a female to M6, an S-7 inbred line derived from the wild relative S. chacoense, and a single F1 plant was then self-pollinated. A genetic linkage map with 2264 single nucleotide polymorphisms was constructed and used to improve the physical anchoring of superscaffolds in the potato reference genome, which is based on DM1-3. Segregation was observed for skin and flesh color, skin and flesh pigment intensity, tuber shape, anther development, jelly end, and the presence of eye tubers instead of normal sprouts. Using the R/qtl software, we detected 10 genes, 7 of which have been previously mapped and 3 for which this is the first publication. The latter category includes tightly linked genes for the jelly end and eye tuber traits on chromosome 5. The development of recombinant inbred lines from this F2 population by single-seed descent is underway and should facilitate even better resolution of these and other loci.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00122-016-2673-7}}, ISSN = {{0040-5752}}, EISSN = {{1432-2242}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000374478600006}}, } @article{ ISI:000375211700126, Author = {Lunau, Klaus and Konzmann, Sabine and Bossems, Jessica and Harpke, Doerte}, Title = {{A Matter of Contrast: Yellow Flower Colour Constrains Style Length in Crocus species}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{4}}, Month = {{APR 28}}, Abstract = {{Most flowers display distinct colour patterns comprising two different areas. The peripheral large-area component of floral colour patterns attracts flower visitors from some distance and the central small-area component guides flower visitors towards landing sites. Whereas the peripheral colour is largely variable among species, the central colour, produced mostly by anthers and pollen or pollen mimicking floral guides, is predominantly yellow and UV-absorbing. This holds also for yellow flowers that regularly display a UV bull's eye pattern. Here we show that yellow-flowering Crocus species are a noticeable exception, since yellow-flowering Crocus species-being entirely UV-absorbing-exhibit low colour contrast between yellow reproductive organs and yellow tepals. The elongated yellow or orange-yellow style of Crocus flowers is a stamen-mimicking structure promoting cross-pollination by facilitating flower visitors' contact with the apical stigma before the flower visitors are touching the anthers. Since Crocus species possess either yellow, violet or white tepals, the colour contrast between the stamen-mimicking style and the tepals varies among species. In this study comprising 106 Crocus species, it was tested whether the style length of Crocus flowers is dependent on the corolla colour. The results show that members of the genus Crocus with yellow tepals have evolved independently up to twelve times in the genus Crocus and that yellow-flowering Crocus species possess shorter styles as compared to violet- and white-flowering ones. The manipulation of flower visitors by anther-mimicking elongated styles in Crocus flowers is discussed.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0154728}}, Article-Number = {{e0154728}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Harpke, Dorte/0000-0003-1667-2912}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000375211700126}}, } @article{ ISI:000384983400013, Author = {Taber, Sarah K. and Olmstead, James W.}, Title = {{Impact of Cross- and Self-pollination on Fruit Set, Fruit Size, Seed Number, and Harvest Timing Among 13 Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars}}, Journal = {{HORTTECHNOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{26}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{213-219}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Cross-pollination has been associated with improved fruit set, weight, and shortened time to ripening in southern highbush blueberry {[}SHB (Vaccinium corymbosum interspecific hybrids)]. Because of this, growers commonly plant two or more cultivars in small blocks to facilitate cross-pollination. However, many SHB cultivars may vary in the degree of improvement in each parameter after cross-pollination. Understanding the impacts of cross-pollination on a particular cultivar is crucial to forming planting recommendations, particularly as growers begin to transition to fields designed for machine harvest where large solid blocks would increase the harvest efficiency. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of cross-and self-pollination among 13 commonly planted or newly released SHB cultivars. Cross-pollination typically improved fruit set, fruit weight, and seed number while decreasing the average days to harvest. Cross-pollinated fruit always weighed more than self-pollinated fruit from the same cultivar, which was highly correlated to seed number per fruit. Although there was variation for each trait, interplanting with another unrelated cultivar sharing a similar bloom time remains the best recommendation to ensure early, high yield among these SHB cultivars.}}, ISSN = {{1063-0198}}, EISSN = {{1943-7714}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000384983400013}}, } @article{ ISI:000374062800009, Author = {Tinker, Nicholas A. and Bekele, Wubishet A. and Hattori, Jiro}, Title = {{Haplotag: Software for Haplotype-Based Genotyping-by-Sequencing Analysis}}, Journal = {{G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{857-863}}, Month = {{APR 1}}, Abstract = {{Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), and related methods, are based on high-throughput short-read sequencing of genomic complexity reductions followed by discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within sequence tags. This provides a powerful and economical approach to whole-genome genotyping, facilitating applications in genomics, diversity analysis, and molecular breeding. However, due to the complexity of analyzing large data sets, applications of GBS may require substantial time, expertise, and computational resources. Haplotag, the novel GBS software described here, is freely available, and operates with minimal user-investment on widely available computer platforms. Haplotag is unique in fulfilling the following set of criteria: (1) operates without a reference genome; (2) can be used in a polyploid species; (3) provides a discovery mode, and a production mode; (4) discovers polymorphisms based on a model of tag-level haplotypes within sequenced tags; (5) reports SNPs as well as haplotype-based genotypes; and (6) provides an intuitive visual passport for each inferred locus. Haplotag is optimized for use in a self-pollinating plant species.}}, DOI = {{10.1534/g3.115.024596}}, ISSN = {{2160-1836}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000374062800009}}, } @article{ ISI:000373732000009, Author = {Ren, Yong-Quan and Xu, You-Pin and Zhang, Ting and Ma, Yong-Peng and Marczewski, Tobias}, Title = {{Growth discrepancy between filament and style facilitates self-fertilization in Brandisia hancei (Paulowniaceae)}}, Journal = {{PLANT SPECIES BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{153-158}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Self-pollination has been hypothesized to be beneficial in environments where pollinators are rare as it can provide reproductive assurance. This study presents evidence for an autonomous self-fertilization mechanism in the winter flowering plant, Brandisia hancei. To determine changes in the spatial separation of stigma and anthers, the length of style and stamens was recorded. Additionally, pollination treatments were carried out to test fruit-set and seed production. Brandisia hancei is herkogamic in the early flowering stages. However, different growth rates of the filament and style lead to contact of stigma and anthers in the later stages, thereby facilitating self-pollination. The highest seeds number is produced under an out-crossing scenario but plants produce a considerable number of seeds even when purely selfed. Although pollinators are scarce, autonomous selfing alleviates the pollen limitation in B. hancei. Self-fertilization in B. hancei seems to be an adaptive strategy to ensure reproduction when pollinators are scarce.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1442-1984.12099}}, ISSN = {{0913-557X}}, EISSN = {{1442-1984}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000373732000009}}, } @article{ ISI:000373012000006, Author = {Zhou, Xiao-Jun and Ma, Li and Liu, Wen-Zhe}, Title = {{Functional androdioecy in the rare endemic tree Tapiscia sinensis}}, Journal = {{BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{180}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{504-514}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Tapiscia sinensis, a rare endemic woody plant with both male and hermaphrodite individuals, is distributed in southern China. Whether T.sinensis is functionally androdioecious is unknown. In this study, we compare the male fitness between male and hermaphrodite individuals and perform pollination experiments in different habitats, identify the ability of actual siring of pollen from hermaphrodites and males under natural pollination, and discuss the evolution and maintenance of androdioecy in T.sinensis. Research suggests that flowers and fruits grow synchronously on hermaphrodite plants of T.sinensis from April to June. The males of T.sinensis had more than twice the genetic contribution of hermaphrodites through their male function and the fruit set from male pollination and cross-pollination was the highest in all of the treatments, whereas that from self-pollination was the lowest. Additionally, paternity analysis showed that the hermaphroditic pollen could result in siring success under natural pollination. The results showed that T.sinensis is a functionally androdioecious tree, that male individuals might evolve from a hermaphroditic ancestor and that the synchronous growth of flowers and fruit in hermaphrodites might facilitate the evolution and maintenance of androdioecy in T.sinensis.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/boj.12379}}, ISSN = {{0024-4074}}, EISSN = {{1095-8339}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000373012000006}}, } @article{ ISI:000385273800001, Author = {Huang, Di-Ying and Bechly, Guenter and Nel, Patricia and Engel, Michael S. and Prokop, Jakub and Azar, Dany and Cai, Chen-Yang and van de Kamp, Thomas and Staniczek, Arnold H. and Garrouste, Romain and Krogmann, Lars and Rolo, Tomy dos Santos and Baumbach, Tilo and Ohlhoff, Rainer and Shmakov, Alexey S. and Bourgoin, Thierry and Nel, Andre}, Title = {{New fossil insect order Permopsocida elucidates major radiation and evolution of suction feeding in hemimetabolous insects (Hexapoda: Acercaria)}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIFIC REPORTS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Month = {{MAR 10}}, Abstract = {{With nearly 100,000 species, the Acercaria (lice, plant lices, thrips, bugs) including number of economically important species is one of the most successful insect lineages. However, its phylogeny and evolution of mouthparts among other issues remain debatable. Here new methods of preparation permitted the comprehensive anatomical description of insect inclusions from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber in astonishing detail. These ``missing links{''} fossils, attributed to a new order Permopsocida, provide crucial evidence for reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships in the Acercaria, supporting its monophyly, and questioning the position of Psocodea as sister group of holometabolans in the most recent phylogenomic study. Permopsocida resolves as sister group of Thripida + Hemiptera and represents an evolutionary link documenting the transition from chewing to piercing mouthparts in relation to suction feeding. Identification of gut contents as angiosperm pollen documents an ecological role of Permopsocida as early pollen feeders with relatively unspecialized mouthparts. This group existed for 185 million years, but has never been diverse and was superseded by new pollenivorous pollinators during the Cretaceous co-evolution of insects and flowers. The key innovation of suction feeding with piercing mouthparts is identified as main event that triggered the huge post-Carboniferous radiation of hemipterans, and facilitated the spreading of pathogenic vectors.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/srep23004}}, Article-Number = {{23004}}, ISSN = {{2045-2322}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{dos Santos Rolo, Tomy/F-5511-2016 van de Kamp, Thomas/G-1440-2016 Engel, Michael/C-5461-2012 Prokop, Jakub/B-1432-2008 Bechly, Gunter/M-6302-2017}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{dos Santos Rolo, Tomy/0000-0002-9771-3511 van de Kamp, Thomas/0000-0001-7390-1318 Engel, Michael/0000-0003-3067-077X Prokop, Jakub/0000-0001-6996-7832 Bechly, Gunter/0000-0002-9162-4294}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000385273800001}}, } @article{ ISI:000371992300015, Author = {Wang, Lei and Haccou, Patsy and Lu, Bao-Rong}, Title = {{High-Resolution Gene Flow Model for Assessing Environmental Impacts of Transgene Escape Based on Biological Parameters and Wind Speed}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{3}}, Month = {{MAR 9}}, Abstract = {{Environmental impacts caused by transgene flow from genetically engineered (GE) crops to their wild relatives mediated by pollination are longstanding biosafety concerns worldwide. Mathematical modeling provides a useful tool for estimating frequencies of pollen-mediated gene flow (PMGF) that are critical for assessing such environmental impacts. However, most PMGF models are impractical for this purpose because their parameterization requires actual data from field experiments. In addition, most of these models are usually too general and ignored the important biological characteristics of concerned plant species; and therefore cannot provide accurate prediction for PMGF frequencies. It is necessary to develop more accurate PMGF models based on biological and climatic parameters that can be easily measured in situ. Here, we present a quasi-mechanistic PMGF model that only requires the input of biological and wind speed parameters without actual data from field experiments. Validation of the quasi-mechanistic model based on five sets of published data from field experiments showed significant correlations between the model-simulated and field experimental- generated PMGF frequencies. These results suggest accurate prediction for PMGF frequencies using this model, provided that the necessary biological parameters and wind speed data are available. This model can largely facilitate the assessment and management of environmental impacts caused by transgene flow, such as determining transgene flow frequencies at a particular spatial distance, and establishing spatial isolation between a GE crop and its coexisting non-GE counterparts and wild relatives.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0149563}}, Article-Number = {{e0149563}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Lu, Bao-Rong/C-3130-2009 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Lu, Bao-Rong/0000-0002-0214-2390 Haccou, Patsy/0000-0002-0602-3866}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000371992300015}}, } @article{ ISI:000372464600016, Author = {Sletvold, Nina and Trunschke, Judith and Smit, Mart and Verbeek, Jeffrey and Agren, Jon}, Title = {{Strong pollinator-mediated selection for increased flower brightness and contrast in a deceptive orchid}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{70}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{716-724}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Contrasting flower color patterns that putatively attract or direct pollinators toward a reward are common among angiosperms. In the deceptive orchid Anacamptis morio, the lower petal, which makes up most of the floral display, has a light central patch with dark markings. Within populations, there is pronounced variation in petal brightness, patch size, amount of dark markings, and contrast between patch and petal margin. We tested whether pollinators mediate selection on these color traits and on morphology (plant height, number of flowers, corolla size, spur length), and whether selection is consistent with facilitated or negative frequency-dependent pollination. Pollinators mediated strong selection for increased petal brightness (Delta beta(poll) = 0.42) and contrast (Delta beta(poll) = 0.51). Pollinators also tended to mediate stabilizing selection on brightness (Delta gamma(poll) = -0.27, n.s.) favoring the most common phenotype in the population. Selection for reduced petal brightness among hand-pollinated plants indicated a fitness cost associated with brightness. The results demonstrate that flower color traits influence pollination success and seed production in A. morio, indicating that they affect attractiveness to pollinators, efficiency of pollen transfer, or both. The documented selection is consistent with facilitated pollination and selection for color convergence toward cooccurring rewarding species.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/evo.12881}}, ISSN = {{0014-3820}}, EISSN = {{1558-5646}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Agren, Jon/E-6093-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Agren, Jon/0000-0001-9573-2463}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000372464600016}}, } @article{ ISI:000373308600004, Author = {Sauve, Alix M. C. and Fontaine, Colin and Thebault, Elisa}, Title = {{Stability of a diamond-shaped module with multiple interaction types}}, Journal = {{THEORETICAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{1, SI}}, Pages = {{27-37}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Indirect interactions among species emerge from the complexity of ecological networks and can strongly affect the response of communities to disturbances. To determine these indirect interactions and understand better community dynamics, ecologists focused on the interactions within small sets of species or modules. Thanks to their analytical tractability, modules bring insights on the mechanisms occurring in complex interaction networks. So far, most studies have considered modules with a single type of interaction although numerous species are involved in mutualistic and antagonistic interactions simultaneously. In this study, we analyse the dynamics of a diamond-shaped module with multiple interaction types: two resource species sharing a mutualist and a consumer. We describe the different types of indirect interaction occurring between the resource species and the conditions for a stable coexistence of all species. We show that the nature of indirect interactions between resource species (i.e. apparent facilitation, competition or antagonism), as well as stable coexistence, depend on the species generalism and asymmetry of interactions, or in other words, on the distribution of interaction strengths among species. We further unveil that a balance between mutualistic and antagonistic interactions at the level of resource species favours stable coexistence, and that species are more likely to coexist stably if there is apparent facilitation between the two resource species rather than apparent competition. Our results echo existing knowledge on the trophic diamond-shaped module, and confirm that our understanding of communities combining different interaction types can gain from module analyses.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s12080-015-0260-1}}, ISSN = {{1874-1738}}, EISSN = {{1874-1746}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000373308600004}}, } @article{ ISI:000372278900007, Author = {Wanderley, A. M. and Galetto, L. and Machado, I. C. S.}, Title = {{Functional decoupling between flowers and leaves in the Ameroglossum pernambucense complex can facilitate local adaptation across a pollinator and climatic heterogeneous landscape}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{29}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{528-540}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Decoupling between floral and leaf traits is expected in plants with specialized pollination systems to assure a precise flower-pollinator fit, irrespective of leaf variation associated with environmental heterogeneity (functional modularity). Nonetheless, developmental interactions among floral traits also decouple flowers from leaves regardless of selection pressures (developmental modularity). We tested functional modularity in the hummingbird-pollinated flowers of the Ameroglossum pernambucense complex while controlling for developmental modularity. Using two functional traits responsible for flower-pollinator fit {[}floral tube length (TL) and anther-nectary distance (AN)], one floral trait not linked to pollination {[}sepal length (SL), control for developmental modularity] and one leaf trait {[}leaf length (LL)], we found evidence of flower functional modularity. Covariation between TL and AN was ca. two-fold higher than the covariation of either of these traits with sepal and leaf lengths, and variations in TL and AN, important for a precise flower-pollinator fit, were smaller than SL and LL variations. Furthermore, we show that previously reported among-population variation of flowers associated with local pollinator phenotypes was independent from SL and LL variations. These results suggest that TL and AN are functionally linked to fit pollinators and sufficiently decoupled from developmentally related floral traits (SL) and vegetative traits (LL). These results support previous evidences of population differentiation due to local adaptation in the A.pernambucense complex and shed light on the role of flower-leaf decoupling for local adaptation in species distributed across biotic and abiotic heterogeneous landscapes.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jeb.12802}}, ISSN = {{1010-061X}}, EISSN = {{1420-9101}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000372278900007}}, } @article{ ISI:000371161500002, Author = {Susic Martin, Cinthia and Farina, Walter M.}, Title = {{Honeybee floral constancy and pollination efficiency in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) crops for hybrid seed production}}, Journal = {{APIDOLOGIE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{47}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{161-170}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Honeybee Apis mellifera are considered essential pollinators in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) crops for hybrid seed production where they have to transfer pollen from male fertile (MF) to male sterile (MS) cultivars. Despite their biased preference for specific resources defined as floral constancy, it is unknown how they behave in hybrid sunflower seed crops exhibiting a noticeable dimorphism between parental lines. We studied honeybee foraging behavior in sunflower crop fields that exhibited a variable dimorphism among parental lines. Our results suggest low honeybee efficiency in terms of foraging flights between parental lines, since lower switching frequencies from MF to MS lines were observed for cultivars with increasing dimorphisms. Moreover, we also captured bees on MS capitula and at the hives to quantify the sunflower pollen grains adhered to their bee bodies with the aim to determine mechanisms responsible for the transfer of pollen between parental lines in cultivars with dimorphisms. Results show that honeybees located at the hive entrance, performing guarding and/or food receiving tasks, could act as agents facilitating pollen transfer between returning foragers and those that take off. This issue could partially compensate the low honeybee pollinating efficiency in terms of flights between parental lines.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s13592-015-0384-8}}, ISSN = {{0044-8435}}, EISSN = {{1297-9678}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000371161500002}}, } @article{ ISI:000370959300009, Author = {Larue, Anne-Amelie C. and Raguso, Robert A. and Junker, Robert R.}, Title = {{Experimental manipulation of floral scent bouquets restructures flower-visitor interactions in the field}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{85}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{396-408}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{A common structural feature of natural communities is the non-random distribution of pairwise interactions between organisms of different trophic levels. For plant-animal interactions, it is predicted that both stochastic processes and functional plant traits that facilitate or prevent interactions are responsible for these patterns. However, unbiased manipulative field experiments that rigorously test the effects of individual traits on community structure are lacking. We address this gap by manipulating floral scent bouquets in the field. Manipulation of floral scent bouquets led to quantitative as well as qualitative restructuring of flower-visitor networks, making them more generalized. Olfactometer trials confirmed both positive and negative responses to scent bouquets. Our results clearly show that the distribution of insect visitors to the two abundant study plant species reflects the insects' species-specific preferences for floral scents, rather than for visual or morphological floral traits. Thus, floral scents may be of major importance in partitioning flower-visitor interactions. Integrating experimental manipulations of plant traits with field observations of interaction patterns thus represents a promising approach for revealing the processes that structure species assemblages in natural communities.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2656.12441}}, ISSN = {{0021-8790}}, EISSN = {{1365-2656}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000370959300009}}, } @article{ ISI:000371204500051, Author = {Yuan, Yao-Wu and Rebocho, Alexandra B. and Sagawa, Janelle M. and Stanley, Lauren E. and Bradshaw, Jr., Harvey D.}, Title = {{Competition between anthocyanin and flavonol biosynthesis produces spatial pattern variation of floral pigments between Mimulus species}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{113}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{2448-2453}}, Month = {{MAR 1}}, Abstract = {{Flower color patterns have long served as a model for developmental genetics because pigment phenotypes are visually striking, yet generally not required for plant viability, facilitating the genetic analysis of color and pattern mutants. The evolution of novel flower colors and patterns has played a key role in the adaptive radiation of flowering plants via their specialized interactions with different pollinator guilds (e.g., bees, butterflies, birds), motivating the search for allelic differences affecting flower color pattern in closely related plant species with different pollinators. We have identified LIGHT AREAS1 (LAR1), encoding an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, as the causal gene underlying the spatial pattern variation of floral anthocyanin pigmentation between two sister species of monkeyflower: the bumblebee-pollinated Mimulus lewisii and the hummingbird-pollinated Mimulus cardinalis. We demonstrated that LAR1 positively regulates FLAVONOL SYNTHASE (FLS), essentially eliminating anthocyanin biosynthesis in the white region (i.e., light areas) around the corolla throat of M. lewisii flowers by diverting dihydroflavonol into flavonol biosynthesis from the anthocyanin pigment pathway. FLS is preferentially expressed in the light areas of the M. lewisii flower, thus prepatterning the corolla. LAR1 expression in M. cardinalis flowers is much lower than in M. lewisii, explaining the unpatterned phenotype and recessive inheritance of the M. cardinalis allele. Furthermore, our gene-expression analysis and genetic mapping results suggest that cis-regulatory change at the LAR1 gene played a critical role in the evolution of different pigmentation patterns between the two species.}}, DOI = {{10.1073/pnas.1515294113}}, ISSN = {{0027-8424}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Yuan, Yaowu/0000-0003-1376-0028 Stanley, Lauren/0000-0001-9579-0639}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000371204500051}}, } @article{ ISI:000371592700001, Author = {Zhang, Shaojun and Yang, Wenzhu and Zhao, Qianqian and Zhou, Xiaojin and Jiang, Ling and Ma, Shuai and Liu, Xiaoqing and Li, Ye and Zhang, Chunyi and Fan, Yunliu and Chen, Rumei}, Title = {{Analysis of weighted co-regulatory networks in maize provides insights into new genes and regulatory mechanisms related to inositol phosphate metabolism}}, Journal = {{BMC GENOMICS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{17}}, Month = {{FEB 24}}, Abstract = {{Background: D-myo-inositol phosphates (IPs) are a series of phosphate esters. Myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (phytic acid, IP6) is the most abundant IP and has negative effects on animal and human nutrition. IPs play important roles in plant development, stress responses, and signal transduction. However, the metabolic pathways and possible regulatory mechanisms of IPs in maize are unclear. In this study, the B73 (high in phytic acid) and Qi319 (low in phytic acid) lines were selected for RNA-Seq analysis from 427 inbred lines based on a screening of IP levels. By integrating the metabolite data with the RNA-Seq data at three different kernel developmental stages (12, 21 and 30 days after pollination), co-regulatory networks were constructed to explore IP metabolism and its interactions with other pathways. Results: Differentially expressed gene analyses showed that the expression of MIPS and ITPK was related to differences in IP metabolism in Qi319 and B73. Moreover, WRKY and ethylene-responsive transcription factors (TFs) were common among the differentially expressed TFs, and are likely to be involved in the regulation of IP metabolism. Six co-regulatory networks were constructed, and three were chosen for further analysis. Based on network analyses, we proposed that the GA pathway interacts with the IP pathway through the ubiquitination pathway, and that Ca2+ signaling functions as a bridge between IPs and other pathways. IP pools were found to be transported by specific ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Finally, three candidate genes (Mf3, DH2 and CB5) were identified and validated using Arabidopsis lines with mutations in orthologous genes or RNA interference (RNAi)-transgenic maize lines. Some mutant or RNAi lines exhibited seeds with a low-phytic-acid phenotype, indicating perturbation of IP metabolism. Mf3 likely encodes an enzyme involved in IP synthesis, DH2 encodes a transporter responsible for IP transport across organs and CB5 encodes a transporter involved in IP co-transport into vesicles. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into IP metabolism and regulation, and facilitates our development of a better understanding of the functions of IPs and how they interact with other pathways involved in plant development and stress responses. Three new genes were discovered and preliminarily validated, thereby increasing our knowledge of IP metabolism.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12864-016-2476-x}}, Article-Number = {{129}}, ISSN = {{1471-2164}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000371592700001}}, } @article{ ISI:000384272600004, Author = {Travis, Steven E. and Proffitt, C. Edward}, Title = {{Genotypic interactions limit growth and stimulate flowering in a salt marsh foundation plant species}}, Journal = {{PERSPECTIVES IN PLANT ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{18}}, Pages = {{33-44}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Ecologists have a growing appreciation for the influence of intraspecific, or genotypic, diversity on ecosystem functioning in species depauperate systems such as salt marshes, with intraspecific interactions serving as one potential driver of such diversity. We examined the role of intraspecific interactions, both competitive and facilitative, in structuring populations of Spartina alterniflora, a foundational salt marsh plant known to influence community structure and function throughout its native distribution in eastern North America. We conducted a transplantation experiment at a created site in southwestern Louisiana, USA, by growing five S. alterniflora genotypes, or clones, for two years in all possible combinations, and monitored their interactions using morphological measurements and molecular marker genotyping. Using stem densities as a proxy for above-ground biomass, we found support for our hypothesis that interactions have a mutually limiting effect on growth, although we were unable to find statistical support for competitive asymmetries between specific clone pairs, which would have explained earlier observations of declining genotypic diversity in aging marshes. Using proportions of stems flowering as a proxy for reproductive effort, we also found support for our hypothesis that interactions can have a stimulatory effect on flowering, which could promote genotypic diversity through the recruitment of out crossed seedlings in a species known for severe inbreeding depression. Reproductive interactions were at times mutually inhibitory or stimulatory, as evidenced by positive correlations of flowering responses between clones. To our knowledge, ours is one of the first studies to evaluate the outcome of one-on-one interactions among genotypes of a foundational clonal plant. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.ppees.2016.01.002}}, ISSN = {{1433-8319}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000384272600004}}, } @article{ ISI:000376765700009, Author = {Weber, Jennifer J. and Vary, Laura B. and Berg, Colette E. S. and Ansaldi, Beth H. and Franks, Steven J.}, Title = {{Population Evolution: The Pollination Game}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN BIOLOGY TEACHER}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{78}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{149-154}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{To teach the most central concepts in evolutionary biology, we present an activity in pollination biology. Students play the role of either pollinator or flower and work through a set of scenarios to maximize plant fitness. This ``Pollination Game{''} facilitates critical and inquiry-based thinking, and we accompany each round of the exercise with a set of discussion questions and answers. We have piloted and fine tuned this exercise with high school students, and improved the exercise with the input of high school teachers at a teaching conference. The activity could easily be adapted for freshman undergraduate students.}}, DOI = {{10.1525/abt.2016.78.2.149}}, ISSN = {{0002-7685}}, EISSN = {{1938-4211}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000376765700009}}, } @article{ ISI:000371183700011, Author = {Xi, Xinqiang and Mu, Junpeng and Peng, Youhong and Eisenhauer, Nico and Sun, Shucun}, Title = {{Capitulum density-dependent effects generate peak seed yield at an intermediate density of a Tibetan lotus}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{100-106}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Aims Theory suggests that species perform best at intermediate densities, where density-dependent facilitation and antagonism are balanced, but empirical evidence is scarce, particularly in plants. In a self-incompatible perennial herb (Saussurea nigrescens), whose recruitment heavily relies on seed output, we test whether both intraspecific facilitation and antagonism significantly affect seed production, resulting in highest seed yield at an intermediate capitulum density. Methods Plots with different S. nigrescens densities were sampled in an Eastern Tibetan meadow during the growing season of 2012 to investigate the relationships between capitulum density and pollinator visitation rate, seed set ratio, parasite ratio, seed damage ratio, and capitulum size. Both simple linear and quadratic models were employed to determine the shape of relationships. Important Findings In line with general theory, hump-shaped relationships of capitulum density versus seed set ratio and number of florets per capitulum indicate intraspecific facilitation in sparse populations, which can be attributed to positive density-dependent pollinator visitation and the amelioration of detrimental physical factors. However, the proportion of seeds damaged by pre-dispersal predators increased monotonically with capitulum density, which may have-in combination with increased intraspecific competition for light and soil nutrients-resulted in density-dependent antagonism. Both positive and negative density-dependent agents acted simultaneously throughout the density range investigated and led to the highest seed yield at intermediate density levels in the Tibetan lotus. More efforts concurrently exploring the two effects are needed to facilitate understanding species abundance and community structure.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/jpe/rtv025}}, ISSN = {{1752-9921}}, EISSN = {{1752-993X}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Eisenhauer, Nico/0000-0002-0371-6720}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000371183700011}}, } @article{ ISI:000369771700006, Author = {McAfee, Alison and Harpur, Brock A. and Michaud, Sarah and Beavis, Ronald C. and Kent, Clement F. and Zayed, Amro and Fostert, Leonard J.}, Title = {{Toward an Upgraded Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Genome Annotation Using Proteogenomics}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{15}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{411-421}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{The honey bee is a key pollinator in agricultural operations as well as a model organism for studying the genetics and evolution of social behavior. The Apis mellifera genome has been sequenced and annotated twice over, enabling proteomics and functional genomics methods for probing relevant aspects of their biology. One troubling trend that emerged from proteomic analyses is that honey bee peptide samples consistently result in lower peptide identification rates compared with other organisms. This suggests that the genome annotation can be improved, or atypical biological processes are interfering with the mass spectrometry workflow. First, we tested whether high levels of polymorphisms could explain some of the missed identifications by searching spectra against the reference proteome (OGSv3.2) versus a customized proteome of a single honey bee, but our results indicate that this contribution was minor. Likewise, error-tolerant peptide searches lead us to eliminate unexpected post-translational modifications as a major factor in missed identifications. We then used a proteogenomic approach with similar to 1500 raw files to search for missing genes and new exons, to revive discarded annotations and to identify over 2000 new coding regions. These results will contribute to a more comprehensive genome annotation and facilitate continued research on this important insect.}}, DOI = {{10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00589}}, ISSN = {{1535-3893}}, EISSN = {{1535-3907}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Kent, Clement/B-9982-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Kent, Clement/0000-0003-4994-0098}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000369771700006}}, } @article{ ISI:000375858400004, Author = {Dehling, D. Matthias and Jordano, Pedro and Schaefer, H. Martin and Boehning-Gaese, Katrin and Schleuning, Matthias}, Title = {{Morphology predicts species' functional roles and their degree of specialization in plant-frugivore interactions}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{283}}, Number = {{1823}}, Month = {{JAN 27}}, Abstract = {{Species' functional roles in key ecosystem processes such as predation, pollination or seed dispersal are determined by the resource use of consumer species. An interaction between resource and consumer species usually requires trait matching (e.g. a congruence in the morphologies of interaction partners). Species' morphology should therefore determine species' functional roles in ecological processes mediated by mutualistic or antagonistic interactions. We tested this assumption for Neotropical plant-bird mutualisms. We used a new analytical framework that assesses a species's functional role based on the analysis of the traits of its interaction partners in a multidimensional trait space. We employed this framework to test (i) whether there is correspondence between the morphology of bird species and their functional roles and (ii) whether morphologically specialized birds fulfil specialized functional roles. We found that morphological differences between bird species reflected their functional differences: (i) bird species with different morphologies foraged on distinct sets of plant species and (ii) morphologically distinct bird species fulfilled specialized functional roles. These findings encourage further assessments of species' functional roles through the analysis of their interaction partners, and the proposed analytical framework facilitates a wide range of novel analyses for network and community ecology.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2015.2444}}, Article-Number = {{20152444}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, EISSN = {{1471-2954}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Schleuning, Matthias/H-2154-2015 CSIC, EBD Donana/C-4157-2011 Jordano, Pedro/A-5162-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Schleuning, Matthias/0000-0001-9426-045X CSIC, EBD Donana/0000-0003-4318-6602 Jordano, Pedro/0000-0003-2142-9116}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000375858400004}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000406635200021, Author = {Mulo, S. and Jenkins, I. and O'Hare, P.}, Editor = {{McConchie, R and Jones, B and Stanley, J and Batt, P and Drew, R}}, Title = {{Development of video-based extension materials for decision-making and practice change in the Australian macadamia industry}}, Booktitle = {{XXIX INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL CONGRESS ON HORTICULTURE: SUSTAINING LIVES, LIVELIHOODS AND LANDSCAPES (IHC2014): PLENARY SESSIONS OF IHC2014 AND VII INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON EDUCATION, RESEARCH TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY}}, Series = {{Acta Horticulturae}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{1126}}, Pages = {{173-177}}, Note = {{29th International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture - Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC) / 7th International Symposium on Education, Research Training and Consultancy, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA, AUG 17-22, 2014}}, Organization = {{Int Soc Horticultural Sci}}, Abstract = {{The growing popularity of on-line video in Australia is evident from a range of recent studies. Many agricultural and horticultural industries are now utilising video as an alternative approach to information delivery and technology transfer. In 2011, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff trialled the use of web-based video within the Australia macadamia industry through its macSmart (TM) project. This project was funded to facilitate information delivery and exchange to support the macadamia industry's strategic priority of lifting farm productivity. Access to the latest research results and the ability to identify and adopt best practices are essential for improving and maximising productivity. Leading growers are also important sources of knowledge and experience as well as being effective agents for promoting practice change. A key feature of the macSmart project was its focus on grower experience as well as latest research outcomes. An initial two year pilot project focused on the topic of canopy management. Based on the success of this pilot and through industry consultation the focus was subsequently expanded to include soil health, breeding, pollination, pest and disease control, post-harvest handling, orchard rejuvenation and orchard productivity. The project produced a total of 55 video stories over four years. The stories were delivered to industry via a subscriber-only content management system with embedded video content streamed from YouTube. A total of 347 growers, consultants, researchers and other industry stakeholders subscribed to the macSmart site. More than two thirds of users surveyed indicated that the videos had directly contributed to them changing practices on their farm. This paper explores methodologies and results associated with this project.}}, DOI = {{10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1126.22}}, ISSN = {{0567-7572}}, ISBN = {{978-94-62611-36-8}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000406635200021}}, } @article{ ISI:000393054300013, Author = {Salomon-Montijo, Bladimir and Reyes-Olivas, Alvaro and Sanchez-Soto, Bardo H.}, Title = {{Reproductive phenology of Stenocereus thurberi (Cactaceae) in a transitional region of northern Sinaloa, Mexico}}, Journal = {{GAYANA BOTANICA}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{73}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{381-390}}, Abstract = {{Phenological patterns, which are molded by physical and biotic interactions, in marginal habitats could reveal peculiar characteristics for the permanence of a population. Phenology of Stenocereus thurberi, a columnar cactus from the Sonoran Desert, has shown geographic variation that is associated with the weather and pollinators, however, there is no information regarding its behavior in habitats that are more humid than its core distribution area. The aim of this study was to describe the reproductive dynamics and the size structure of three populations along a scrub-tropical dry forest transition 170 km in length. Plants were characterized by height, coverage and number of stems. Phenological stages were based on the Campbell scale and were registered fortnightly on 50 individuals from each population. We found differences in the individual architecture, plant size distribution and reproductive activity. Canopy structure in plants from the coastal population (Plan de Guadalupe, 244 mm) is more branched (23.3 +/- 3.0 stems/plant) and wider (4.6 +/- 0.7 m(2)) than the population from the deciduous forest (Las Cruces, 830 mm), on which plants showed higher vertical development (9.3 +/- 1.3 stems/plant, 1.2 +/- 0.2 m(2)). Populations exhibited differences in the size structure, with bigger plants on the coast than the other populations. Timing of the breeding season was delayed 15-30 days and was extended four more weeks in the coast than in the other populations. Production of reproductive structures in peak dates showed highly significant differences (F = 31.68, p< 0.001), with a mean of 69.5 +/- 8.7 in the coast, 28.3 +/- 3.2 in Buenavista and 16.6 +/- 5.4 in Las Cruces. Rainfall and temperature are key determinants in the production of reproductive structures and in the size structure of the local populations. It is likely that the low production of pitaya flowers and fruits in the deciduous forest be a consequence of high abortion rates, predation of structures and light competition, while pollination is improved by facilitation from other columnar cactus, Stenocereus montanus.}}, ISSN = {{0717-6643}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000393054300013}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000387927800032, Author = {Schlegel, Julia and Keitsch, Martina}, Editor = {{Bohemia, E and Buck, L and Eriksen, K and Kovacevic, A and Ovesen, N and Tollestrup, C}}, Title = {{BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND ACADEMIC RESEARCH - THE INDUSTRIAL PhD}}, Booktitle = {{DESIGN EDUCATION: COLLABORATION AND CROSS-DISCIPLINARY}}, Series = {{E\&PDE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Pages = {{198-203}}, Note = {{18th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E\&PDE), Aalborg Univ, Aalborg, DENMARK, SEP 08-09, 2016}}, Abstract = {{Design and architecture require a good deal of practice based learning and performing. By the same time theoretical knowledge and research training in these fields become increasingly important, especially on an advanced level. In academia, PhD candidates often grapple with this double challenge, not just during their studies but also applying results in the daily professional practice. In order to facilitate cross-pollination of theory and practice, the Industrial PhD. scheme has been introduced in Norway in 2008. Within this scheme companies can apply for support for a three-year period for an employee seeking to pursue an ordinary doctoral degree. This paper discusses the Industrial PhD approach in Norway based on documentations of last years' results and an in-depth case study from an Industrial PhD in a leading Norwegian Architecture Bureau. The paper is meant as input to the ongoing dispute on the relation between design research and practice in different European design and architecture schools and as contribution to appraise and develop doctoral schemes in design and architecture.}}, ISBN = {{978-1-904670-78-0}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000387927800032}}, } @article{ ISI:000388002200025, Author = {Carta, A. and Campigli, S. and Peruzzi, L. and Bedini, G.}, Title = {{The avoidance of self-interference in the Tuscan endemic spring geophyte Crocus etruscus Parl. (Iridaceae)}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOSYSTEMS}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{150}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1358-1363}}, Abstract = {{Spatial separation between sexes within hermaphrodite flowers (herkogamy) is widespread among angiosperms and is traditionally viewed as an adaptation that reduces the likelihood of self-pollination. While different degrees of herkogamy have been reported for Crocus, the relationship between sexual organ positions and reproductive fitness has not been explored yet, and studies of the breeding system within natural populations remain scarce within the genus. We analyzed the effects of different breeding systems (spontaneous self-pollination, facilitated self-pollination and cross-pollination) and of herkogamy degree on female reproductive success of the Tuscan endemic Crocus etruscus. Results showed that C. etruscus is monomorphic for style length and self-incompatible (SCI = 0.29). We also detected a significant negative effect of herkogamy on seed set of open-pollinated flowers. Thus, we conclude that the species avoids self-fertilization by self-incompatibility, but interestingly shows also a certain degree of spatial separation of male and female reproductive structures within the same flower. This floral trait could be useful to avoid self-interference thus reducing ovule discounting and pollen loss on its own stigma.}}, DOI = {{10.1080/11263504.2015.1118164}}, ISSN = {{1126-3504}}, EISSN = {{1724-5575}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Peruzzi, Lorenzo/A-4127-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Peruzzi, Lorenzo/0000-0001-9008-273X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000388002200025}}, } @article{ ISI:000384227800010, Author = {MacIvor, J. Scott}, Title = {{Building height matters: nesting activity of bees and wasps on vegetated roofs}}, Journal = {{ISRAEL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY \& EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{62}}, Number = {{1-2, SI}}, Pages = {{88-96}}, Abstract = {{Vegetated, green infrastructure, including terraces, balconies, and vegetated roofs and walls are increasingly common in urban landscapes, elevating habitat into novel contexts above ground. Highly mobile species, like bees and wasps, are often seen foraging on green infrastructure, but whether nesting opportunities are facilitated is not known. Cavity-nesting bees and wasps that provision brood in human-made trap nests were monitored over three years on 29 vegetated and non-vegetated roofs in Toronto, Canada. The study identified 27 species nesting on rooftops but found that building height was negatively correlated with the abundance of brood cells provisioned in trap nests, and positively correlated with the number of unfinished nests. A decline in green space area within a 600 m radius around each rooftop resulted in decreasing species richness and abundance. Although the introduced bee, Megachile rotundata (Fabricius) occupied more sites than any other bee or wasp (27.6\%) and was the most abundant species, amounting to half (48.9\%) of all brood reared, native bees were 73\% of all bee species reared. The most abundant wasp was the native spider-collecting Trypoxylon collinum Smith (11.4\%), but the introduced aphid-collecting Psenulus pallipes (Panzer) occurred at more sites (24.1\%). For the pollination and pest controlling services they provide, bees and wasps should be considered in the design of vegetated roofs. Evidence here suggests that building height and surrounding green space at ground level impact bee and wasp diversity on vegetated roofs. Efforts supporting their populations using trap nests should target low- and mid-rise buildings (<5 building levels).}}, DOI = {{10.1080/15659801.2015.1052635}}, ISSN = {{1565-9801}}, EISSN = {{2224-4662}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000384227800010}}, } @article{ ISI:000383363400007, Author = {Thynell, Marie}, Title = {{The Quest for Gender-Sensitive and Inclusive Transport Policies in Growing Asian Cities}}, Journal = {{SOCIAL INCLUSION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{4}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{72-82}}, Abstract = {{In cities all over the world, growing numbers of women are working or studying further away from home than ever before. This article presents policies by the World Bank and recommendations by the United Nations to improve conditions for women's mobility in cities. Although these stress different factors affecting women's experiences of traffic and transport, they all agree about the importance of enabling women's mobility. However, gender-sensitive policies have been largely unsuccessful. This article presents examples of conditions for women in New Delhi and other rapidly growing Asian cities that illustrate how gender norms operate. This study uses the perspectives of development research and gender studies to examine economic and political initiatives and the way women act and interact with transport in local contexts. It facilitates critical reflection upon existing transport policies and suggests `how' women's needs may be effectively addressed. More in-depth knowledge about women's needs and the problems they face when travelling will be useful for designing of policies that address more than simply the harassments of women. More inclusive urban access would enhance conditions for women and enable them to make choices according to their needs. In this way, social science and policy will cross-pollinate one another.}}, DOI = {{10.17645/si.v4i3.479}}, ISSN = {{2183-2803}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000383363400007}}, } @article{ ISI:000376892800009, Author = {Raju, Jacob Solomon A. and Rao, Mallikarjuna M.}, Title = {{POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF TARENNA ASIATICA (L.) KUNTZ EX. K. SCHUM. (RUBIACEAE), A KEYSTONE EVERGREEN SPECIES IN THE EASTERN GHATS FOREST- ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA}}, Journal = {{ANNALI DI BOTANICA}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Pages = {{97-104}}, Abstract = {{Tarenna asiatica flowers throughout the year with profuse flowering during December-April. the flowers are hermaphroditic, self-and cross-compatible, protandrous, nectariferous and entomophilous. the mating system is facultatively xenogamous with highest fruit set in xenogamy. the protandry facilitates autonomous selfing. bees and butterflies effect both self-and cross-pollinations. fruits mature within a short period and the fallen seeds germinate following monsoon rains in June-July. a dearth of floral resources exists during December-April period; T. asiatica with profuse flowering during this period plays a key role to provide pollen and nectar for the probing flower foragers and hence is considered to be a keystone species in the Eastern Ghats Forest.}}, DOI = {{10.4462/annbotrm-13158}}, ISSN = {{0365-0812}}, EISSN = {{2239-3129}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000376892800009}}, } @article{ ISI:000376084700017, Author = {Brill, R. D. and Jenkins, M. L. and Gardner, M. J. and Lilley, J. M. and Orchard, B. A.}, Title = {{Optimising canola establishment and yield in south-eastern Australia with hybrids and large seed}}, Journal = {{CROP \& PASTURE SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{67}}, Number = {{3-4, SI}}, Pages = {{409-418}}, Abstract = {{April sowing of canola is considered optimal for grain yield in many regions of Australia; however, there is often insufficient rainfall in April to sow seed into moisture at the ideal depth of 15-30mm. We report a series of experiments that investigated the seed characteristics (cultivar type and seed size) that would facilitate successful canola emergence from relatively deep sowing (>30mm). Ten canola cultivar by sowing depth experiments, each with three hybrid and three open-pollinated cultivars, found hybrid cultivars were able to maintain higher emergence rates and grain yield compared with open-pollinated cultivars from deep sowing. Further investigations in the glasshouse showed that the emergence advantage of the hybrid cultivars was largely due to their inherently large seed size, as increased seed size also improved emergence of open-pollinated canola. Early biomass accumulation also improved with larger seeds. In a field experiment, larger seed size of both hybrid and open-pollinated canola increased early biomass accumulation and final grain yield. Simulation modelling in New South Wales demonstrated the importance of timely sowing of canola, as delayed sowing caused a larger reduction in grain yield than reduced plant population. Although moisture-seeking' (placing seed into moist soil below a layer of dry soil) reduced the emergence rate of canola, the reduction could be offset by planting large seed (>2mm diameter). This practice of moisture-seeking' large-seeded canola should be considered as a strategy to improve the timeliness of establishment and subsequent grain yield of canola when rainfall for crop establishment is marginal yet there is moisture available deeper in the seedbed.}}, DOI = {{10.1071/CP15286}}, ISSN = {{1836-0947}}, EISSN = {{1836-5795}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Lilley, Julianne/A-1399-2010 Orchard, Beverley/O-1187-2016}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Orchard, Beverley/0000-0002-3445-3708}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000376084700017}}, } @article{ ISI:000370955900014, Author = {Flores, Cesar O. and Poisot, Timothee and Valverde, Sergi and Weitz, Joshua S.}, Title = {{BiMat: a MATLAB package to facilitate the analysis of bipartite networks}}, Journal = {{METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{7}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{127-132}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{1. Bipartite networks are ubiquitous in community ecology, including examples of facilitative interactions, such as plant-pollinator networks, and antagonistic interactions, such as virus-host infection networks. Statistical network analysis is increasingly used to identify emergent, nonrandom patterns of interaction and the effect of interaction patterns on ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Two recurring patterns are that of modularity and nestedness. Modularity is a feature of networks in which there are densely interacting subgroups. Nestedness is a feature of networks in which the interactions form ordered subsets. 2. Here we describe BiMat, an open-source MATLAB package for the study of the structure of bipartite ecological networks. Unlike alternative tools, BiMat enables both multiscale analysis of the structure of a bipartite ecological network - spanning global (i.e. entire network) to local (i.e. module-level) scales - and meta-analyses of many bipartite networks simultaneously. In common with other tools, BiMat calculates the degree to which a bipartite network is modular and/or nested, the statistical significance of these patterns, and enables visualization of latent structures in the network. 3. BiMat is available as an open-source MATLAB package, with a quick-start guide and worked examples at: http://bimat.github.io/.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/2041-210X.12458}}, ISSN = {{2041-210X}}, EISSN = {{2041-2096}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Poisot, Timothee/0000-0002-0735-5184}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000370955900014}}, } @article{ ISI:000369164400003, Author = {Sydenham, Markus A. K. and Hausler, Lise D. and Moe, Stein R. and Eldegard, Katrine}, Title = {{Inter-assemblage facilitation: the functional diversity of cavity-producing beetles drives the size diversity of cavity-nesting bees}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{6}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{412-425}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Inter-specific interactions are important drivers and maintainers of biodiversity. Compared to trophic and competitive interactions, the role of non-trophic facilitation among species has received less attention. Cavity-nesting bees nest in old beetle borings in dead wood, with restricted diameters corresponding to the body size of the bee species. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the functional diversity of cavity-producing wood boring beetles - in terms of cavity diameters - drives the size diversity of cavity-nesting bees. The invertebrate communities were sampled in 30 sites, located in forested landscapes along an elevational gradient. We regressed the species richness and abundance of cavity nesting bees against the species richness and abundance of wood boring beetles, non-wood boring beetles and elevation. The proportion of cavity nesting bees in bee species assemblage was regressed against the species richness and abundance of wood boring beetles. We also tested the relationships between the size diversity of cavity nesting bees and wood boring beetles. The species richness and abundance of cavity nesting bees increased with the species richness and abundance of wood boring beetles. No such relationship was found for non-wood boring beetles. The abundance of wood boring beetles was also related to an increased proportion of cavity nesting bee individuals. Moreover, the size diversity of cavity-nesting bees increased with the functional diversity of wood boring beetles. Specifically, the mean and dispersion of bee body sizes increased with the functional dispersion of large wood boring beetles. The positive relationships between cavity producing bees and cavity nesting bees suggest that non-trophic facilitative interactions between species assemblages play important roles in organizing bee species assemblages. Considering a community-wide approach may therefore be required if we are to successfully understand and conserve wild bee species assemblages in forested landscapes.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/ece3.1871}}, ISSN = {{2045-7758}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000369164400003}}, } @article{ ISI:000368298700019, Author = {Georgelin, Ewen and Loeuille, Nicolas}, Title = {{Evolutionary response of plant interaction traits to nutrient enrichment modifies the assembly and structure of antagonistic-mutualistic communities}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{104}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{193-205}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{1. Nutrient enrichment is one of the major threats acting on natural communities. The ecological consequences of this disturbance for ecosystems have been largely studied, but we still have little knowledge on its evolutionary effects at community scale. We are interested in the evolutionary consequences of nutrient enrichment for plant interaction traits, embedded in complex communities made of antagonistic and mutualistic interactions. 2. We built a mathematical model of a plant-pollinator-herbivore community confronted by nutrient enrichment. Plants have an interaction trait that is involved in an ecological trade-off. An increase in this trait, leading to more attractive phenotypes, increases the strength of both interactions with pollinators and herbivores. A lower value of this trait leads to defensive phenotypes with weak interactions with both herbivores and pollinators. We use the framework of adaptive dynamics to study the evolutionary dynamics of this kind of traits and the consequences for community dynamics. 3. We found that evolutionary dynamics of plants modify the assembly of the community along a nutrient enrichment gradient. Due to top-down controls, herbivory leads to priority effects when only ecological dynamics are considered. Evolution of the plant interaction trait alleviates this priority effect and facilitates community assembly. In the three-species community, we find that nutrient enrichment leads to more defended phenotypes of plants, at the expense of pollinator attraction. 4. We find that, when the ecological trade-off between pollination and herbivory is convex, evolution of interaction trait may lead to plant diversification. Two plant phenotypes then coexist in the community, one which is highly attractive and one which is highly defensive. 5. Synthesis. Our results suggest that accounting for evolutionary dynamics will profoundly modify the dynamics of communities in the face of nutrient enrichment. Both community assembly and equilibrium dynamics are altered and enrichment may even lead to diversification. These results advocate for the development of an eco-evolutionary theory of nutrient enrichment and may be particularly important in agro-ecosystems relying on fertilization.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2745.12485}}, ISSN = {{0022-0477}}, EISSN = {{1365-2745}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{loeuille, nicolas/0000-0001-9588-6542}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000368298700019}}, } @article{ ISI:000367855900005, Author = {Lortie, Christopher J. and Filazzola, Alessandro and Sotomayor, Diego A.}, Title = {{Functional assessment of animal interactions with shrub-facilitation complexes: a formal synthesis and conceptual framework}}, Journal = {{FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2016}}, Volume = {{30}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{41-51}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{1. Facilitation studies focus primarily on plants often neglecting the extended effects that cascade through ecological networks. Plants interact with other organisms through consumptive effects and a myriad of non-trophic effects such as habitat amelioration or pollination. 2. Shrubs are a dominant benefactor species frequent in plant-facilitation studies but can also have direct and indirect interactions with animals. Herein, we use a systematic review to address the following two objectives: (i) to propose a conceptual framework that explores these interactions including the functional roles of the interacting species, and (ii) to quantitatively summarize the current state of this field examining effects beyond plant-plant interactions. 3. To date, a relatively limited number of studies have examined the importance of coupled benefactor-subordinate plant positive interactions with animals (79 studies in total). From this set of studies, 36 studies documented positive plant interactions generating a total of 53 independent instances of either shrub-plant-animal or shrub-animal-plant interactions. 4. These interaction pathways were evenly split between direct (49\%) and indirect (51\%) interactions of shrubs with animals. Hypotheses frequently tested included seed trapping, herbivore protection, magnet pollination and facilitation-mediated secondary seed dispersal. The most common functional role of shrubs was protection from herbivory, and the most common animal role associated with plant-facilitation complexes was that of a consumer. 5. None of these studies explored bidirectional plant-animal interactions, used a network approach to describe the interaction sets, nor contrasted interaction strengths. Multitrophic, integrated sets of experiments incorporating plant facilitation into community dynamics are thus critical in advancing management of high-stress ecosystems wherein positive interactions are commonly reported.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2435.12530}}, ISSN = {{0269-8463}}, EISSN = {{1365-2435}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Sotomayor, Diego/D-7622-2011 lortie, christopher/F-6241-2014}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Sotomayor, Diego/0000-0003-0534-5625 lortie, christopher/0000-0002-4291-7023}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000367855900005}}, } @article{ ISI:000367510500020, Author = {Brodie, Bekka S. and Smith, Maia A. and Lawrence, Jason and Gries, Gerhard}, Title = {{Effects of Floral Scent, Color and Pollen on Foraging Decisions and Oocyte Development of Common Green Bottle Flies}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{12}}, Month = {{DEC 30}}, Abstract = {{The common green bottle fly Lucilia sericata (Meigen) and other filth flies frequently visit pollen-rich composite flowers such as the Oxeye daisy, Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. In laboratory experiments with L. sericata, we investigated the effect of generic floral scent and color cues, and of Oxeye daisy-specific cues, on foraging decisions by recently eclosed flies. We also tested the effect of a floral pollen diet with 0-35\% moisture content on the ability of females to mature their oocytes. Our data indicate that (1) young flies in the presence of generic floral scent respond more strongly to a uniformly yellow cue than to any other uniform color cue (green, white, black, blue, red) except for ultraviolet (UV); (2) the floral scent of Oxeye daisies enhances the attractiveness of a yellow cue; and (3) moisture-rich pollen provides nutrients that facilitate ovary maturation of flies. With evidence that L. sericata exploits floral cues during foraging, and that pollen can be an alternate protein source to animal feces and carrion, Pollen apparently plays a major role in the foraging ecology of L. sericata and possibly other filth flies. These flies, in turn, may play a significant role as pollinators, as supported by a recently published study.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0145055}}, Article-Number = {{e0145055}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000367510500020}}, } @article{ ISI:000365926300051, Author = {Li, Pui-Sze and Thomas, Daniel C. and Saunders, Richard M. K.}, Title = {{Phylogenetic Reconstruction, Morphological Diversification and Generic Delimitation of Disepalum (Annonaceae)}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{12}}, Month = {{DEC 2}}, Abstract = {{Taxonomic delimitation of Disepalum (Annonaceae) is contentious, with some researchers favoring a narrow circumscription following segregation of the genus Enicosanthellum. We reconstruct the phylogeny of Disepalum and related taxa based on four chloroplast and two nuclear DNA regions as a framework for clarifying taxonomic delimitation and assessing evolutionary transitions in key morphological characters. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods resulted in a consistent, well-resolved and strongly supported topology. Disepalum s.l. is monophyletic and strongly supported, with Disepalum s. str. and Enicosanthellum retrieved as sister groups. Although this topology is consistent with both taxonomic delimitations, the distribution of morphological synapomorphies provides greater support for the inclusion of Enicosanthellum within Disepalum s.l. We propose a novel infrageneric classification with two subgenera. Subgen. Disepalum (= Disepalum s. str.) is supported by numerous synapomorphies, including the reduction of the calyx to two sepals and connation of petals. Subgen. Enicosanthellum lacks obvious morphological synapomorphies, but possesses several diagnostic characters (symplesiomorphies), including a trimerous calyx and free petals in two whorls. We evaluate changes in petal morphology in relation to hypotheses of the genetic control of floral development and suggest that the compression of two petal whorls into one and the associated fusion of contiguous petals may be associated with the loss of the pollination chamber, which in turn may be associated with a shift in primary pollinator. We also suggest that the formation of pollen octads may be selectively advantageous when pollinator visits are infrequent, although this would only be applicable if multiple ovules could be fertilized by each octad; since the flowers are apocarpous, this would require an extragynoecial compitum to enable intercarpellary growth of pollen tubes. We furthermore infer that the monocarp fruit stalks are likely to have evolved independently from those in other Annonaceae genera and may facilitate effective dispersal by providing a color contrast within the fruit.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0143481}}, Article-Number = {{e0143481}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Saunders, Richard/A-7436-2008 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Saunders, Richard/0000-0002-8104-7761 Thomas, Daniel Caspar/0000-0002-1307-6042}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000365926300051}}, } @article{ ISI:000368442200008, Author = {Li, Tao and Xu, Xiaowan and Li, Ying and Wang, Hengming and Li, Zhiliang and Li, Zhenxing}, Title = {{Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Differential Transcription in Heat-susceptible and Heat-tolerant Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Cultivars under Heat Stress}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{58}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{411-424}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Heat stress is an important agricultural problem around the world. In pepper (Capsicum annum L.), heat stress seriously affects pollination and yield. However, to date, the molecular basis of heat stress has not been extensively studied. Using the HiSeq TM 2000 sequencing platform, the seedling transcriptome of heat-susceptible C. annuum `S590'(CaS) and heat-tolerant `R597' (CaR) under the heat stress was examined. Over five million clean reads were generated from each library, each corresponding to a coverage of > 250,000 nt. About 73\% of the reads were mapped to the pepper genome, and 3,799 and 4,010 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in `R597' (CaR) and `S590'(CaS), respectively. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses determined that the identified DEGs were involved in heat shock protein, heat shock transcription factors, hormone, as well as calcium and kinase signaling. Further validation identified 35 genes that were involved in stress response, and that most of the heat shock proteins were upregulated in two genotypes, and highly expressed in susceptible S590 than in tolerant cultivar R597; the transcription factors and hormone signaling genes showed higher levels of expression in the heat-tolerant cultivar R597 than that observed in the heat-susceptible S590. These findings facilitate in better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying heat stress in different pepper genotypes.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s12374-015-0423-z}}, ISSN = {{1226-9239}}, EISSN = {{1867-0725}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000368442200008}}, } @article{ ISI:000368249000003, Author = {Stankowski, Sean and Sobel, James M. and Streisfeld, Matthew A.}, Title = {{The geography of divergence with gene flow facilitates multitrait adaptation and the evolution of pollinator isolation in Mimulus aurantiacus}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{69}}, Number = {{12}}, Pages = {{3054-3068}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Ecological adaptation is the driving force during divergence with gene flow and generates reproductive isolation early in speciation. Although gene flow opposes divergence, local adaptation can be facilitated by factors that prevent the breakup of favorable allelic combinations. We investigated how selection, genetic architecture, and geography have contributed to the maintenance of floral trait divergence and pollinator isolation between parapatric ecotypes of Mimulus aurantiacus. Combining greenhouse, field, and genomic studies, we show that sharp clines in floral traits are maintained by spatially varying selection. Although adaptation breaks down where the ecotypes co-occur, leading to the formation of a hybrid zone, the largely non-overlapping distributions of the ecotypes shield them from immigrant genes, facilitating divergence across most of the range. In contrast to the sharp genetic discontinuities observed across most hybrid zones, we observed a gradual cline in genome-wide divergence and a pattern of isolation by distance across the landscape. Thus, contrary to a long period of allopatry followed by recent re-contact, our data suggest that floral trait divergence in M. aurantiacus may have evolved with locally restricted, but ongoing gene flow. Therefore, our study reveals how the geographic distribution of an organism can contribute to the evolution of premating isolation in the early stages of divergence with gene flow.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/evo.12807}}, ISSN = {{0014-3820}}, EISSN = {{1558-5646}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000368249000003}}, } @article{ ISI:000368278600006, Author = {Francuski, L. and Milankov, V.}, Title = {{Assessing spatial population structure and heterogeneity in the dronefly}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{297}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{286-300}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{In order to secure pollination services and improve conservation strategies, a better understanding of factors influencing population structure of pollinator species is vital. Here, we aimed to empirically evaluate various individual-and population-based statistical methods for characterization of genetic structure of the widespread dronefly, Eristalis tenax. Thirty-five European populations, comprising 888 individuals, were genotyped at five polymorphic allozyme loci. Three Bayesian genotypic clustering approaches (STRUCTURE, BAPS and Geneland), pairwise F-ST estimates, analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA), principle component analysis (PCA) and Mantel tests were applied in a comparative way in attempt to reveal the patterns of gene flow that occurs at various spatial scales in E. tenax. STRUCTURE analysis and PCA results provided no evidence of conspecific differentiation. In contrast, BAPS and Geneland clustering solutions did acknowledge low but significant proportion of among-populations genetic variation revealed by AMOVA. Similarly, pairwise FST estimates partially argue against genetic homogeneity across Europe. The lack of correlation between genetic distance and both latitude and longitude variation suggests that the flies disperse in multiple directions. Therefore, our results indicate that continued long-range dispersal tend to homogenize populations over time, resulting in little population structure in E. tenax across the European landmass. On the other hand, significant differentiations between geographically proximate populations indicate that dispersal potential may not be realized and that gene flow patterns in E. tenax might be geographically complex. Using information from our genetic approaches will be useful for identifying patterns of migration and population connectivity across continent, which is an important issue for conservation efforts. Since E. tenax is an important pollinator, our results contribute to understanding the potential extent to which this taxon can facilitate gene flow among plant populations across natural and semi-natural habitats, agroecosystems and urban environments. Dronefly-mediated gene flow in plants is likely to occur over large distances and plant-dronefly conservation will require large-scale action.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jzo.12278}}, ISSN = {{0952-8369}}, EISSN = {{1469-7998}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000368278600006}}, } @article{ ISI:000366136700008, Author = {Pufal, Gesine and Klein, Alexandra-Maria}, Title = {{Spatial scale affects seed predation and dispersal in contrasting anthropogenic landscapes}}, Journal = {{BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{16}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{726-736}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Seed predalion and dispersal can have strong, albeit opposing effects on plant communities and their extent depends on interactions between seeds and their vectors (abiotic factors or different animal taxa). We assume that vectors, due to their specific requirements, act at different spatial scales and seed-vector interactions might differ greatly between landscapes. So far, it remains largely unclear, how the interaction between seeds and their vectors affects the degree of seed predation and dispersal in novel anthropogenic landscapes. We expect changes in patterns either at the landscape scale (urban vs rural areas), habitat scale (habitat heterogeneity) or microhabitat scale (vegetation variability). We assessed seed predation and dispersal of two seed species by rodents, earthworms, other invertebrates and rain in cafeteria experiments in urban gardens and rural field margins and implemented generalized mixed effect models to test the effect of spatial scales and other environmental variables. Seed predation and dispersal were generally low and similar patterns emerged when he same vector facilitated the function. Overall, predation and dispersal were similar in urban and rural areas but when differentiating between vectors, scale effects were `dent. Seed predation by rodents and earthworms was affected at the landscape scale, seed predation by other invertebrates increased with higher habitat heterogeneity and seed dispersal by rain was negatively affected at the microhabitat scale through increased plant cover. We show that one vector can facilitate the contrasting two functions, seed predation and dispersal, simultaneously, resulting in similar patterns at a specific spatial scale however, different vectors might lead to contrasting patterns for the same function, depending on the spatial scale. This needs to be considered especially in anthropogenic areas, where ecosystem management decisions are also made at different spatial scales from private garden owners to landscape planning committees.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.baae.2015.07.003}}, ISSN = {{1439-1791}}, EISSN = {{1618-0089}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000366136700008}}, } @article{ ISI:000365197800002, Author = {Mele, Enric and Nadal, Anna and Messeguer, Joaquima and Mele-Messeguer, Marina and Palaudelmas, Montserrat and Penas, Gisela and Piferrer, Xavier and Capellades, Gemma and Serra, Joan and Pla, Maria}, Title = {{Modeling gene flow distribution within conventional fields and development of a simplified sampling method to quantify adventitious GM contents in maize}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIFIC REPORTS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{5}}, Month = {{NOV 24}}, Abstract = {{Genetically modified (GM) crops have been commercially grown for two decades. GM maize is one of 3 species with the highest acreage and specific events. Many countries established a mandatory labeling of products containing GM material, with thresholds for adventitious presence, to support consumers' freedom of choice. In consequence, coexistence systems need to be introduced to facilitate commercial culture of GM and non-GM crops in the same agricultural area. On modeling adventitious GM cross-pollination distribution within maize fields, we deduced a simple equation to estimate overall GM contents (\%GM) of conventional fields, irrespective of its shape and size, and with no previous information on possible GM pollen donor fields. A sampling strategy was designed and experimentally validated in 19 agricultural fields. With 9 samples, \%GM quantification requires just one analytical GM determination while identification of the pollen source needs 9 additional analyses. A decision support tool is provided.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/srep17106}}, Article-Number = {{17106}}, ISSN = {{2045-2322}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Pla, Maria/K-5170-2017 Nadal, Anna/K-3029-2017}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Pla, Maria/0000-0003-4382-5494 Nadal, Anna/0000-0003-1917-9277}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000365197800002}}, } @article{ ISI:000365154600028, Author = {Bencsik, Martin and Le Conte, Yves and Reyes, Maritza and Pioz, Maryline and Whittaker, David and Crauser, Didier and Delso, Noa Simon and Newton, Michael I.}, Title = {{Honeybee Colony Vibrational Measurements to Highlight the Brood Cycle}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{11}}, Month = {{NOV 18}}, Abstract = {{Insect pollination is of great importance to crop production worldwide and honey bees are amongst its chief facilitators. Because of the decline of managed colonies, the use of sensor technology is growing in popularity and it is of interest to develop new methods which can more accurately and less invasively assess honey bee colony status. Our approach is to use accelerometers to measure vibrations in order to provide information on colony activity and development. The accelerometers provide amplitude and frequency information which is recorded every three minutes and analysed for night time only. Vibrational data were validated by comparison to visual inspection data, particularly the brood development. We show a strong correlation between vibrational amplitude data and the brood cycle in the vicinity of the sensor. We have further explored the minimum data that is required, when frequency information is also included, to accurately predict the current point in the brood cycle. Such a technique should enable beekeepers to reduce the frequency with which visual inspections are required, reducing the stress this places on the colony and saving the beekeeper time.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0141926}}, Article-Number = {{e0141926}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Le Conte, Yves/B-3246-2016}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000365154600028}}, } @article{ ISI:000365305400001, Author = {Brunet, Johanne and Thairu, Magaret W. and Henss, Jillian M. and Link, Rosabeth I. and Kluever, Joshua A.}, Title = {{The Effects of Flower, Floral Display, and Reward Sizes on Bumblebee Foraging Behavior When Pollen Is the Reward and Plants Are Dichogamous}}, Journal = {{INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{176}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{811-819}}, Month = {{NOV-DEC}}, Abstract = {{Premise of research.The size of floral display, flower, and reward can influence pollinator foraging behavior. However, the importance of correlations between floral traits and rewards in affecting pollinator preferences is unclear. Moreover, in monoecious plants and plants with strong within-flower dichogamy, some flowers do not offer a pollen reward, and pollinator attraction may depend on the number of rewarding flowers rather than floral display size. We examined these questions in the Rocky Mountain columbine, where bumblebees can forage only for pollen produced in male-phase flowers.Methodology.We used dual-choice assays and experimental arrays to determine whether a correlation between pollen reward and flower size was necessary before bees could distinguish between flowers with different pollen rewards or sizes. The impact of floral display size on bee foraging was first examined using inflorescences where all flowers provided a reward, either small or large. We then varied either floral display size or number of rewarding flowers while keeping the other variable constant.Pivotal results.Bumblebees preferred flowers with a larger pollen reward or larger flowers only when the size of the pollen reward was correlated with flower size. Bees selected larger floral displays when all flowers presented a similar amount of pollen but preferred inflorescences with more pollen-rewarding flowers when only a proportion of the flowers offered a pollen reward.Conclusions.Bees could identify whether a flower offered pollen and could quantify the number of pollen-rewarding flowers. Correlations between floral traits and pollen reward affected pollinator preferences and may facilitate selection of floral traits by pollinators. Pollinators preferred inflorescences with more pollen-producing flowers rather than larger floral displays, which suggests that selection of floral display size by pollinators may differ between plants with different mating systems.}}, DOI = {{10.1086/683339}}, ISSN = {{1058-5893}}, EISSN = {{1537-5315}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000365305400001}}, } @article{ ISI:000363559800016, Author = {Gijbels, Pieter and Ceulemans, Tobias and Van den Ende, Wim and Honnay, Olivier}, Title = {{Experimental fertilization increases amino acid content in floral nectar, fruit set and degree of selfing in the orchid Gymnadenia conopsea}}, Journal = {{OECOLOGIA}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{179}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{785-795}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Floral traits have evolved to maximize reproductive success by attracting pollinators and facilitating pollination. Highly attractive floral traits may, however, also increase the degree of self-pollination, which could become detrimental for plant fitness through inbreeding depression. Floral nectar is a trait that is known to strongly mediate pollinator attraction and plant reproductive success, but the particular role of the nectar amino acid (AA) composition is poorly understood. Therefore, we experimentally manipulated the nectar AA composition and abundance of the Lepidoptera-pollinated orchid Gymnadenia conopsea through soil fertilization, and we quantified AA content and AA composition through high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Mixed models were then used to evaluate differences in pollinia removal, fruit set, seed set and degree of selfing between fertilized and control individuals. Selfing rates were estimated using microsatellite markers. We found that fertilized individuals had a significantly higher nectar AA content and an altered AA composition, whereas plant height, number of flowers, nectar volume and sugar concentration remained unchanged. Fertilized individuals also had significantly more pollinia removed and a higher fruit set, whereas control plants that did not receive the fertilization treatment had significantly fewer selfed seeds, and more viable seeds. Although we cannot exclude a role of changes in floral scent following the fertilization treatment, our results strongly suggest a relation among nectar AA composition, fruiting success and selfing rates. Our results also indicate potential consequences of nutrient pollution for plant reproductive success, through the induced changes in nectar AA composition.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00442-015-3381-8}}, ISSN = {{0029-8549}}, EISSN = {{1432-1939}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Honnay, Olivier/0000-0002-4287-8511}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000363559800016}}, } @article{ ISI:000363559800017, Author = {Krishnan, Anusha and Ghara, Mahua and Kasinathan, Srinivasan and Pramanik, Gautam Kumar and Revadi, Santosh and Borges, Renee M.}, Title = {{Plant reproductive traits mediate tritrophic feedback effects within an obligate brood-site pollination mutualism}}, Journal = {{OECOLOGIA}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{179}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{797-809}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Plants, herbivores and parasitoids affect each other directly and indirectly; however, feedback effects mediated by host plant traits have rarely been demonstrated in these tritrophic interactions. Brood-site pollination mutualisms (e.g. those involving figs and fig wasps) represent specialised tritrophic communities where the progeny of mutualistic pollinators and of non-mutualistic gallers (both herbivores) together with that of their parasitoids develop within enclosed inflorescences called syconia (hence termed brood-sites or microcosms). Plant reproductive phenology (which affects temporal brood-site availability) and inflorescence size (representing brood-site size) are plant traits that could affect reproductive resources, and hence relationships between trees, pollinators and non-pollinating wasps. Analysing wasp and seed contents of syconia, we examined direct, indirect, trophic and non-trophic relationships within the interaction web of the fig-fig wasp community of Ficus racemosa in the context of brood site size and availability. We demonstrate that in addition to direct resource competition and predator-prey (host-parasitoid) interactions, these communities display exploitative or apparent competition and trait-mediated indirect interactions. Inflorescence size and plant reproductive phenology impacted plant-herbivore and plant-parasitoid associations. These plant traits also influenced herbivore-herbivore and herbivore-parasitoid relationships via indirect effects. Most importantly, we found a reciprocal effect between within-tree reproductive asynchrony and fig wasp progeny abundances per syconium that drives a positive feedback cycle within the system. The impact of a multitrophic feedback cycle within a community built around a mutualistic core highlights the need for a holistic view of plant-herbivore-parasitoid interactions in the community ecology of mutualisms.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00442-015-3372-9}}, ISSN = {{0029-8549}}, EISSN = {{1432-1939}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000363559800017}}, } @article{ ISI:000363671300017, Author = {Dendy, Julian and Cordell, Susan and Giardina, Christian P. and Hwang, Bernice and Polloi, Edwin and Rengulbai, Kashgar}, Title = {{The role of remnant forest patches for habitat restoration in degraded areas of Palau}}, Journal = {{RESTORATION ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{23}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{872-881}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{To be successful, prescriptions for tropical forest restoration should facilitate natural recovery while also being easy to implement and inexpensive. In the Lake Ngardok Nature Reserve, Palau, we monitored native forest patches (4-275 m(2)) over 3 years to assess the influence of several low-cost restoration methods on patch expansion, growth of naturally established tree saplings, density of naturally establishing tree seedlings, growth of planted tree seedlings, flower and fruit production, and bird and flying fox visitations. Treatments included fertilization, trimming of surrounding herbaceous vegetation, mulching of patch perimeters, and planting native tree seedlings. Fertilized patches expanded faster and were associated with higher growth rates of perimeter saplings, higher fruit and flower production and growth of adjacent planted Acacia auriculiformis trees. Trimming perimeter vegetation led to higher tree seedling densities and species diversity, but both trimming and fertilizer effects on patch perimeter measures decreased over time. Pterocarpus indicus, a high value native legume, was the fastest growing planted tree species. The most common visitors were small, omnivorous, predominately endemic bird species. Visitations to fertilized patches were more frequent than to non-fertilized patches. The strongest predictors of visitation frequency were patch area, mean number of total fruits, and mean height of nearest neighboring trees. We conclude that forest succession can be accelerated by applying small amounts of fertilizer (approximately 22.5 g/m(2) per application) to enhance tree growth and increase visitation rates of native pollinators and dispersers.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/rec.12268}}, ISSN = {{1061-2971}}, EISSN = {{1526-100X}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Giardina, Christian/C-3120-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Giardina, Christian/0000-0002-3431-5073}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000363671300017}}, } @article{ ISI:000362729200003, Author = {Kawakita, Atsushi and Mochizuki, Ko and Kato, Makoto}, Title = {{Reversal of mutualism in a leafflower-leafflower moth association: the possible driving role of a third-party partner}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{116}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{507-518}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{A major goal in the study of mutualism is to understand how co-operation is maintained when mutualism may potentially turn into parasitism. Although certain mechanisms facilitate the persistence of mutualism, parasitic species have repeatedly evolved from mutualistic ancestors. However, documented examples of mutualism reversals are still rare. Leafflowers (Phyllantheae; Phyllanthaceae) include approximately 500 species that engage in obligate mutualism with leafflower moths (Epicephala; Gracillariidae), which actively pollinate flowers, and whose larvae feed on the resulting seeds. We found that the Taiwanese population of the Phyllanthus reticulatus species complex was associated with six sympatric Epicephala species, of which three were derived parasites that induced gall formation on flowers/buds and produced no seeds. Notably, two parasitic species have retained mutualistic pollination behaviour, suggesting that the parasitism was likely not selected for to reduce the cost of mutualism. We propose that the galling habit evolved as an adaptation to escape parasitism by a specialized braconid wasp. The tough gall produced by one species was almost free of braconid parasitism, and the swollen gall induced by the other species probably prevents attack as a result of the larger airspace inside the gall. Our findings suggest that the presence of a third-party partner can greatly influence the evolutionary fate of mutualisms, regardless of whether the pairwise interaction continues to favour co-operation.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/bij.12633}}, ISSN = {{0024-4066}}, EISSN = {{1095-8312}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000362729200003}}, } @article{ ISI:000363292500001, Author = {Kuang, Quan and Yu, Xiaobo and Peng, Xiongbo and Sun, Meng-xiang}, Title = {{The isolation of early nuclear endosperm of Oryza sativa to facilitate gene expression analysis and screening imprinted genes}}, Journal = {{PLANT METHODS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{11}}, Month = {{OCT 22}}, Abstract = {{Background: Since the quality and yield of rice production depends on endosperm development, previous studies have focused on the molecular mechanism that regulates this developmental process. Recently, how this process is epigenetically regulated has become an important topic. However, the gene expression analysis and screening imprinted genes during early endosperm development remain challenging since the isolation of early endosperm has not been possible. Here, we report a procedure for the isolation of endosperm at 24 or 48 HAP (hours after pollination) during the free nuclear stage of endosperm development. Results: This technique allows for rapid and convenient collection of pure free nuclear endosperm. Early endosperm RNA can then be extracted from the isolated endosperm cells using dynabeads. Our results showed that the quality of RNA is satisfactory for gene expression analysis and screening the parental-of-origin specific genes in early endosperm. Conclusions: Thus, we offer a reliable method to overcome one of the major obstacles in the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of early endosperm development. Our approach can be used for accurate gene expression analysis and screening of imprinted genes, and facilitates the confirmation of endosperm-specific gene expression at the very early stages of endosperm development. This method could also be used in other species to collect early free nuclear endosperm.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s13007-015-0092-4}}, Article-Number = {{49}}, ISSN = {{1746-4811}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000363292500001}}, } @article{ ISI:000365401000023, Author = {Tantikanjana, Titima and Nasrallah, June B.}, Title = {{Ligand-Mediated cis-Inhibition of Receptor Signaling in the Self-Incompatibility Response of the Brassicaceae(1{[}OPEN])}}, Journal = {{PLANT PHYSIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{169}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{1141+}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{The inhibition of self-pollination in self-incompatible Brassicaceae is based on allele-specific trans-activation of the highly polymorphic S-locus receptor kinase (SRK), which is displayed at the surface of stigma epidermal cells, by its even more polymorphic pollen coat-localized ligand, the S-locus cysteine-rich (SCR) protein. In an attempt to achieve constitutive activation of SRK and thus facilitate analysis of self-incompatibility (SI) signaling, we coexpressed an Arabidopsis lyrata SCR variant with its cognate SRK receptor in the stigma epidermal cells of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants belonging to the C24 accession, in which expression of SRK and SCR had been shown to exhibit a robust SI response. Contrary to expectation, however, coexpression of SRK and SCR was found to inhibit SRK-mediated signaling and to disrupt the SI response. This phenomenon, called cis-inhibition, is well documented in metazoans but has not as yet been reported for plant receptor kinases. We demonstrate that cis-inhibition of SRK, like its trans-activation, is based on allele-specific interaction between receptor and ligand. We also show that stigma-expressed SCR causes entrapment of its SRK receptor in the endoplasmic reticulum, thus disrupting the proper targeting of SRK to the plasma membrane, where the receptor would be available for productive interaction with its pollen coat-derived SCR ligand. Although based on an artificial cis-inhibition system, the results suggest novel strategies of pollination control for the generation of hybrid cultivars and large-scale seed production from hybrid plants in Brassicaceae seed crops and, more generally, for inhibiting cell surface receptor function and manipulating signaling pathways in plants.}}, DOI = {{10.1104/pp.15.00572}}, ISSN = {{0032-0889}}, EISSN = {{1532-2548}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000365401000023}}, } @article{ ISI:000364526700008, Author = {Silva, Daniel P. and Macedo, Ana C. B. A. and Ascher, John S. and De Marco, Jr., Paulo}, Title = {{Range increase of a Neotropical orchid bee under future scenarios of climate change}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{19}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{901-910}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Along with other human impacts, climate change is an important driver of biological changes worldwide and is expected to severely affect species distributions. Although dramatic range shifts and contractions are predicted for many taxa occurring at higher latitudes, including bumble bees, the response of widespread tropical species is less clear due in part to scarcity of reliable occurrence data. Newly mobilized specimen records and improved species distribution models facilitate more robust assessment of future climate effects under various scenarios. Here, we predict both current and future distribution of the orchid bee Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 (Apidae: Euglossinae), a large-bodied species widely distributed in the Neotropics whose populations within the Amazon region are believed to be controlled by cleptoparasitic Euglossini bees, such as Exaerete smaragdina Gu,rin-Men,ville, 1844 and Aglae caerulea Lepeletier and Serville, 1825. Under both current and future scenarios of climate change, El. nigrita is expected to persist in deforested areas including those that might suffer desertification. While under current climatic conditions this species is not expected to occur in central Amazonia where the forest is still conserved, its range is expected to increase under future scenarios of climate change, especially in areas corresponding to the arc of deforestation in eastern Amazonia. The increase of human-related disturbances in this biome, as well as changes in the relationship of El. nigrita-Ex. smaragdina and El. nigrita-A. caerulea may explain the potential range increase of El. nigrita under future scenarios of climate change.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10841-015-9807-0}}, ISSN = {{1366-638X}}, EISSN = {{1572-9753}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{De Marco, Paulo/B-2209-2009}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{De Marco, Paulo/0000-0002-3628-6405}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000364526700008}}, } @article{ ISI:000363720500003, Author = {Ju, Hyunhee and Ghil, Sungho}, Title = {{Primary cell culture method for the honeybee Apis mellifera}}, Journal = {{IN VITRO CELLULAR \& DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-ANIMAL}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{51}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{890-893}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Honeybees are among the most important pollinators in nature, and honeybee-associated products are useful in various areas, including the food industry. However, honeybees may be infected by various types of pathogens. The study of honeybee-associated diseases would greatly benefit from a successful cell culture system, but although some honeybee cell culture techniques have been introduced, these methods have not yet been fully established. Here, we describe a primary cell culture method for the honeybee, Apis mellifera. We isolated, sterilized, and seeded egg cells into non-coated cell culture dishes to generate cell aggregates. After approximately 10 d, aggregates were dissociated and seeded to cell culture dishes. Cell passages were continuously performed, with sub-culturing every 3-4 d. The cells expressed non-adherent phenotypes. Their growth increased with the passage number when they were cultured in growth medium based on L-15 insect medium but not Schneider's insect medium. Finally, polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the cells originated from A. mellifera. Our results suggest that the culturing methods described herein are appropriate for isolating primary cells from honeybee eggs. These methods could thus facilitate the study of honeybee-associated pathogenesis, development, and toxicology.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11626-015-9924-9}}, ISSN = {{1071-2690}}, EISSN = {{1543-706X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000363720500003}}, } @article{ ISI:000363451300005, Author = {Amador, Guillermo J. and Hu, David L.}, Title = {{Cleanliness is next to godliness: mechanisms for staying clean}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{218}}, Number = {{20}}, Pages = {{3164-3174}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Getting dirty is a fundamental problem, and one for which there are few solutions, especially across the enormous range of animal size. How do both a honeybee and a squirrel get clean? In this Review, we discuss two broad types of cleaning, considered from the viewpoint of energetics. Non-renewable cleaning strategies rely upon the organism as an energy source. Examples include grooming motions, wet-dog shaking or the secretion of chemicals. Renewable cleaning strategies depend on environmental sources of energy, such as the use of eyelashes to redirect incoming wind and so reduce deposition onto the eye. Both strategies take advantage of body hair to facilitate cleaning, and honeybees and squirrels, for example, each have around 3 million hairs. This hair mat increases the area on which particles can land by a factor of 100, but also suspends particles above the body, reducing their adhesion and facilitating removal. We hope that the strategies outlined here will inspire energy-efficient cleaning strategies in synthetic systems.}}, DOI = {{10.1242/jeb.103937}}, ISSN = {{0022-0949}}, EISSN = {{1477-9145}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Amador, Guillermo/0000-0003-3594-125X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000363451300005}}, } @article{ ISI:000363451300009, Author = {Zhang, Erica and Nieh, James C.}, Title = {{The neonicotinoid imidacloprid impairs honey bee aversive learning of simulated predation}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{218}}, Number = {{20}}, Pages = {{3199-3205}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Neonicotinoid insecticides can impair bee learning and memory cognitive features that play a key role in colony fitness because they facilitate foraging. For example, the commonly used neonicotinoid imidacloprid reduces honey bee olfactory learning. However, no studies have previously determined whether imidacloprid can impair aversive associative learning, although such learning should enhance bee survival by allowing bees to avoid dangerous foraging sites. To mimic attempted predation of foragers, we developed an electro-mechanical predator that consistently attacked foragers with a pinching bite at a fixed force and elicited aversive olfactory learning in a sting extension response (SER) assay. We show that chronic exposure to a sublethal concentration of imidacloprid (25.6 mu g l(-1) = 20.8 ppb) over 4 days (mean of 1.5 mu g per bee day(-1)), significantly impaired aversive short-term learning and memory retention. Imidacloprid treatment reduced short-term learning by 87\% and memory retention by 85\% in comparison with control bees. Imidacloprid therefore impairs the ability of honey bees to associate a naturalistic predation stimulus - biting - with floral odor compounds. Such learning should enhance bee survival, suggesting that xenobiotics could alter more complex ecological interactions such as predator-prey relationships.}}, DOI = {{10.1242/jeb.127472}}, ISSN = {{0022-0949}}, EISSN = {{1477-9145}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000363451300009}}, } @article{ ISI:000362773800005, Author = {Stpiczynska, Malgorzata and Davies, Kevin L. and Kaminska, Magdalena}, Title = {{Diverse labellar secretions in African Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae: Bulbophyllinae) sections Ptiloglossum, Oreonastes and Megaclinium}}, Journal = {{BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{179}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{266-287}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Floral food-rewards of Bulbophyllum range from nectar to protein-rich mucilage and lipid-rich labellar secretions. For the first time, the structure of the labellum and the secretory process are investigated for four African Bulbophyllum species. The most specialized type of labellar organization occurred in B. schinzianum, the deep, narrow, median longitudinal groove consisting of palisade-like secretory cells flanked by trichomes containing lipid droplets, and the copious secretion containing sugar. This groove was absent or poorly defined, shallow and wide, in the remaining taxa, the scant secretion containing lipid. All taxa possessed a striate cuticle lacking cracks and pores, and micro-channels were present, cuticular blisters occurring only in B. schinzianum. The labellum contained storage parenchyma (B. lupulinum) or mesophyll-like parenchyma (B. schinzianum), but in section Megaclinium (B. falcatum and B. maximum), these were replaced by aerenchyma. In B. schinzianum, the form of the labellar groove, sweet fragrance and sugary secretion suggest pollination by Hymenoptera, the food-reward and fragrance indicating that pseudocopulation is unlikely. Conversely, the form of the labellum of taxa having smaller flowers, and the lipid-rich secretion, suggests pollination by small flies. The labellar aerenchyma may facilitate this process or even aid wind-assisted pollination. (C) 2015 The Linnean Society of London.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/boj.12315}}, ISSN = {{0024-4074}}, EISSN = {{1095-8339}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000362773800005}}, } @article{ ISI:000361472300017, Author = {Spellman, Katie V. and Schneller, Laura C. and Mulder, Christa P. H. and Carlson, Matthew L.}, Title = {{Effects of non-native Melilotus albus on pollination and reproduction in two boreal shrubs}}, Journal = {{OECOLOGIA}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{179}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{495-507}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{The establishment of abundantly flowered, highly rewarding non-native plant species is expected to have strong consequences for native plants through altered pollination services, particularly in boreal forest where the flowering season is short and the pollinator pool is small. In 18 boreal forest sites, we added flowering Melilotus albus to some sites and left some sites as controls in 2 different years to test if the invasive plant influences the pollination and reproductive success of two co-flowering ericaceous species: Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Rhododendron groenlandicum. We found that M. albus increased the pollinator diversity and tended to increase visitation rates to the focal native plant species compared to control sites. Melilotus albus facilitated greater seed production per berry in V. vitis-idaea when we added 120 plants compared to when we added 40 plants or in control sites. In R. groenlandicum, increasing numbers of M. albus inflorescences lowered conspecific pollen loads and percentage of flowers pollinated; however, no differences in fruit set were detected. The number of M. albus inflorescences had greater importance in explaining R. groenlandicum pollination compared to other environmental variables such as weather and number of native flowers, and had greater importance in lower quality black spruce sites than in mixed deciduous and white spruce sites for explaining the percentage of V. vitis-idaea flowers pollinated. Our data suggest that the identity of new pollinators attracted to the invaded sites, degree of shared pollinators between invasive and native species, and variation in resource limitation among sites are likely determining factors in the reproductive responses of boreal native plants in the presence of an invasive.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00442-015-3364-9}}, ISSN = {{0029-8549}}, EISSN = {{1432-1939}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000361472300017}}, } @article{ ISI:000360376400020, Author = {Cocker, Jonathan M. and Webster, Margaret A. and Li, Jinhong and Wright, Jonathan and Kaithakottil, Gemy and Swarbreck, David and Gilmartin, Philip M.}, Title = {{Oakleaf: an S locus-linked mutation of Primula vulgaris that affects leaf and flower development}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{208}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{149-161}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{In Primula vulgaris outcrossing is promoted through reciprocal herkogamy with insect-mediated cross-pollination between pin and thrum form flowers. Development of heteromorphic flowers is coordinated by genes at the S locus. To underpin construction of a genetic map facilitating isolation of these S locus genes, we have characterised Oakleaf, a novel S locus-linked mutant phenotype. We combine phenotypic observation of flower and leaf development, with classical genetic analysis and next-generation sequencing to address the molecular basis of Oakleaf.Oakleaf is a dominant mutation that affects both leaf and flower development; plants produce distinctive lobed leaves, with occasional ectopic meristems on the veins. This phenotype is reminiscent of overexpression of Class I KNOX-homeodomain transcription factors. We describe the structure and expression of all eight P.vulgaris PvKNOX genes in both wild-type and Oakleaf plants, and present comparative transcriptome analysis of leaves and flowers from Oakleaf and wild-type plants.Oakleaf provides a new phenotypic marker for genetic analysis of the Primula S locus. We show that none of the Class I PvKNOX genes are strongly upregulated in Oakleaf leaves and flowers, and identify cohorts of 507 upregulated and 314 downregulated genes in the Oakleaf mutant.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.13370}}, ISSN = {{0028-646X}}, EISSN = {{1469-8137}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Cocker, Jonathan/0000-0003-1850-5480 Kaithakottil, Gemy/0000-0003-1360-7808 Wright, Jonathan/0000-0001-6471-8749}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000360376400020}}, } @article{ ISI:000361786500001, Author = {Guo, Yufang and Wiegert-Rininger, Krystle E. and Vallejo, Veronica A. and Barry, Cornelius S. and Warner, Ryan M.}, Title = {{Transcriptome-enabled marker discovery and mapping of plastochron-related genes in Petunia spp.}}, Journal = {{BMC GENOMICS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{16}}, Month = {{SEP 24}}, Abstract = {{Background: Petunia (Petunia x hybrida), derived from a hybrid between P. axillaris and P. integrifolia, is one of the most economically important bedding plant crops and Petunia spp. serve as model systems for investigating the mechanisms underlying diverse mating systems and pollination syndromes. In addition, we have previously described genetic variation and quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to petunia development rate and morphology, which represent important breeding targets for the floriculture industry to improve crop production and performance. Despite the importance of petunia as a crop, the floriculture industry has been slow to adopt marker assisted selection to facilitate breeding strategies and there remains a limited availability of sequences and molecular markers from the genus compared to other economically important members of the Solanaceae family such as tomato, potato and pepper. Results: Here we report the de novo assembly, annotation and characterization of transcriptomes from P. axillaris, P. exserta and P. integrifolia. Each transcriptome assembly was derived from five tissue libraries (callus, 3-week old seedlings, shoot apices, flowers of mixed developmental stages, and trichomes). A total of 74,573, 54,913, and 104,739 assembled transcripts were recovered from P. axillaris, P. exserta and P. integrifolia, respectively and following removal of multiple isoforms, 32,994 P. axillaris, 30,225 P. exserta, and 33,540 P. integrifolia high quality representative transcripts were extracted for annotation and expression analysis. The transcriptome data was mined for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, yielding 89,007 high quality SNPs and 2949 SSRs, respectively. 15,701 SNPs were computationally converted into user-friendly cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers and a subset of SNP and CAPS markers were experimentally verified. CAPS markers developed from plastochron-related homologous transcripts from P. axillaris were mapped in an interspecific Petunia population and evaluated for co-localization with QTL for development rate. Conclusions: The high quality of the three Petunia spp. transcriptomes coupled with the utility of the SNP data will serve as a resource for further exploration of genetic diversity within the genus and will facilitate efforts to develop genetic and physical maps to aid the identification of QTL associated with traits of interest.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12864-015-1931-4}}, Article-Number = {{726}}, ISSN = {{1471-2164}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Barry, Cornelius/0000-0003-4685-0273}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000361786500001}}, } @article{ ISI:000362136300050, Author = {Mitani, Nobuhito and Yamada, Masahiko and Sato, Akihiko and Kono, Atsushi and Ban, Yusuke and Ueno, Toshihito and Shiraishi, Mikio}, Title = {{Objective evaluation of persimmon juiciness: Estimation of environmental variance and varietal differences}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{193}}, Pages = {{374-380}}, Month = {{SEP 22}}, Abstract = {{Juiciness is one of the most important traits affecting fruit eating quality. In this study, we developed an objective method for evaluating the juice content of Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.). Columns extracted from the flesh of fruits were homogenized using a disposable syringe, and then the homogenate was centrifuged. The weight of the supernatant was expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the fresh column sample. The fruits of eight Japanese persimmon cultivars were harvested three times during their respective commercial harvesting season, and there was no significant difference in the juice content among the fruits picked on different days. Genetic and environmental variances were estimated by ANOVA and the results showed that the effect of genotype on juice content was highly significant, whereas the variance among trees of the same genotype or between years was negligible. This indicated that in persimmon breeding, the juiciness of one cross-seedling could be evaluated using fruits from one tree in one year. Twelve pollination-constant and non-astringent persimmon cultivars were tested and `Taishu' had the highest juice content (61.5\%). A correlation was observed between the juice content in this study and their evaluation by a sensory test, which indicates that the juice content could be a useful indicator of sensory juiciness. The juice contents of five cultivars, whose sensory juiciness was evaluated as juicy, included `Fuyu', were more than 40\%. These results suggest that our method could facilitate breeding programs for developing new persimmon cultivars with high eating qualities. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.scienta.2015.07.031}}, ISSN = {{0304-4238}}, EISSN = {{1879-1018}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000362136300050}}, } @article{ ISI:000363361800019, Author = {Stankowski, Sean and Streisfeld, Matthew A.}, Title = {{Introgressive hybridization facilitates adaptive divergence in a recent radiation of monkeyflowers}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{282}}, Number = {{1814}}, Pages = {{154-162}}, Month = {{SEP 7}}, Abstract = {{A primary goal in evolutionary biology is to identify the historical events that have facilitated the origin and spread of adaptations. When these adaptations also lead to reproductive isolation, we can learn about the evolutionary mechanisms contributing to speciation. We reveal the complex history of the gene MaMyb2 in shaping flower colour divergence within a recent radiation of monkeyflowers. In the Mimulus aurantiacus species complex, red-flowered M. a. ssp. puniceus and yellow-flowered M. a. ssp. australis are partially isolated because of differences in pollinator preferences. Phylogenetic analyses based on genome-wide variation across the complex suggest two origins of red flowers from a yellow-flowered ancestor: one in M. a. ssp. puniceus and one in M. a. ssp. flemingii. However, in both cases, red flowers are caused by cis-regulatory mutations in the gene MaMyb2. Although this could be due to distinct mutations in each lineage, we show that the red allele in M. a. ssp. puniceus did not evolve de novo or exist as standing variation in its yellow-flowered ancestor. Rather, our results suggest that a single red MaMyb2 allele evolved during the radiation of M. aurantiacus that was subsequently transferred to the yellow-flowered ancestor of M. a. ssp. puniceus via introgressive hybridization. Because gene flow is still possible among taxa, we conclude that introgressive hybridization can be a potent driver of adaptation at the early stages of divergence that can contribute to the origins of biodiversity.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2015.1666}}, Article-Number = {{20151666}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, EISSN = {{1471-2954}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000363361800019}}, } @article{ ISI:000361853200013, Author = {Kumar, C. N. Prasanna and Somashekar, R. K. and Nagaraja, B. C. and Shivaprasad, D.}, Title = {{Pollination ecology and reproductive biology of Canarium strictum Roxb. from evergreen forests of Central Western Ghats, India}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{36}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1131-1136}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Pollination and reproductive biology of a dioecious tree Canarium strictum Roxb. (Burseraceae) was extensively studied within the Agumbe forest range of Western Ghats, Karnataka to identify primary pollen vectors and to enumerate interrelationship with the pollinators. The study also investigated phenology, floral biology, pollen production, pollen viability, stigma receptivity and nectar production. Trees produced functionally unisexual flowers with white petals, organized densely on inflorescences. Staminate flowers produced high percentage of viable pollen and relatively abundant nectar (15.75 mu l) as a reward to the pollinators, while pistillate flowers produced only nectar (12 mu l). Successful fruit set with wind pollination was facilitated by synchronization of flowering male and female trees, long term receptivity of stigma in female flowers and extended lifespan of flowers. The highest mean percent of fruit set with hand crosspollination (mu=91.06) suggests the influence of local male tree density, as well as, frequency and abundance of pollinator community on fruit set by open pollination.}}, ISSN = {{0254-8704}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000361853200013}}, } @article{ ISI:000360930600039, Author = {Leydon, Alexander R. and Tsukamoto, Tatsuya and Dunatunga, Damayanthi and Qin, Yuan and Johnson, Mark A. and Palanivelu, Ravishankar}, Title = {{Pollen Tube Discharge Completes the Process of Synergid Degeneration That Is Initiated by Pollen Tube-Synergid Interaction in Arabidopsis}}, Journal = {{PLANT PHYSIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{169}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{485+}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{In flowering plant reproduction, pollen tube reception is the signaling system that results in pollen tube discharge, synergid degeneration, and successful delivery of male gametes (two sperm cells) to the site where they can fuse with female gametes (egg cell and central cell). Some molecules required for this complex and essential signaling exchange have been identified; however, fundamental questions about the nature of the interactions between the pollen tube and the synergid cells remain to be clarified. Here, we monitor pollen tube arrival, pollen tube discharge, and synergid degeneration in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) wild type and in male and female gametophytic mutants that disrupt development and function of the gametophytes. By combining assays used previously to study these interactions and an assay that facilitates simultaneous analysis of pollen tube discharge and synergid degeneration, we find that synergid degeneration could be initiated without pollen tube discharge. Our data support the hypothesis that pollen tube-synergid contact, or signaling via secreted molecules, initiates receptive synergid degeneration. We also find that when pollen tubes successfully burst, they always discharge into a degenerated synergid. In addition to this pollen tube-dependent promotion of synergid degeneration, we also show that a basal developmental pathway mediates synergid degeneration in the absence of pollination. Our results are consistent with the model that a complex set of interactions between the pollen tube and synergid cells promote receptive synergid degeneration.}}, DOI = {{10.1104/pp.15.00528}}, ISSN = {{0032-0889}}, EISSN = {{1532-2548}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Tsukamoto, Tatsuya/0000-0001-5306-3791}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000360930600039}}, } @article{ ISI:000363996600037, Author = {Dasumiati and Miftahudin and Triadiati and Hartana, Alex}, Title = {{FLOWER CHARACTERISTICS AND PHENOLOGY OF ANDROMONOECIOUS JATROPHA CURCAS}}, Journal = {{PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{47}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1501-1510}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Andromonoecious Jatropha curcas (Jatropha) has male and hermaphrodite flowers in one inflorescence. Jatropha is a potential source for biofuel raw material. The development of this plant has various constraints, such as lower fruit set that causes low seed productivity. The existence of andromonoecious Jatropha with high fruit set provides a great opportunity to overcome the obstacles. Understanding floral biology is a requirement for developing a high fruit set andromonoecious Jatropha. This study was aimed at understanding the flower's characteristics and phenology. The andromonoecious Jatropha flower's characteristics, number and viability of pollen, and phenology were observed and compared to those of monoecious Jatropha. Andromonoecious Jatropha had inflorescence with a dichasial cyme pattern. An inflorescence produced two main branches and several secondary and tertiary branches, where a hermaphrodite flower was found at whose ends. The number of inflorescence branches in andromonoecious Jatropha was higher than that of monoecious Jatropha. The diameter and size of the sepal and stalk in hermaphrodite flowers were found to be larger than those in male and female flowers. The development of andromonoecious Jatropha flowers was divided into 4 phases, namely initiation (0-3 dai = days after initiation), small bud (3-7 dai), large bud (7-20 dai), and flower blooming (20-39 dai) phases. The anthesis and anther dehiscence of hermaphrodite flowers occurred at the same time between 06:00 to 06:59 am, facilitating self-pollination of the hermaphrodite flowers. The average pollen viability during the anthesis phase was 96.26\%, and 88.79\% of them survived until the next day.}}, ISSN = {{0556-3321}}, EISSN = {{2070-3368}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000363996600037}}, } @article{ ISI:000361421000009, Author = {Sanderlin, Randy S.}, Title = {{Susceptibility of Some Common Pecan Rootstocks to Infection by Xylella fastidiosa}}, Journal = {{HORTSCIENCE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{50}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{1183-1186}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Pecan {[}Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch], a hardwood tree native to North America, is grown for commercial production of nuts in southeastern, central, and western regions of the United States. Pecan is also grown commercially in Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and some countries in South America. Pecan trees can be infected by the broad host range xylem-limited bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. Infection incites a leaf scorch disease that can cause significant defoliation, reduced tree growth, and lower nut yield. Pecan cultivars are clonally propagated onto rootstocks grown from open-pollinated seed of selected cultivars. X. fastidiosa is transmitted at a high frequency from infected rootstocks into newly developing grafted trees. Rootstocks resistant to infection would be beneficial to pecan nurseries and pecan producers to prevent infection of young trees through grafting, especially when combined with hot-water treatment of scions to eliminate the pathogen. Some common rootstocks were tested for variation in susceptibility to infection using mechanical inoculation with the pathogen. No outstanding level of resistance to infection was detected among the seven rootstocks tested. The rootstocks from `Curtis', `Elliott', and `Riverside' were less susceptible than one standard rootstock in the test ('VC1-68') and less susceptible than highly susceptible `Cape Fear' rootstock. Conversely, the rootstocks from `Apache', `Moore', `Stuart', and `VC1-68' seed had a level of susceptibility to infection comparable to `Cape Fear' and perhaps are not the best choice for rootstocks in geographic areas where X. fastidiosa is prevalent. The results of this research suggest that there is variation in rootstock susceptibility to infection by X fastidiosa. The use of mechanical inoculation may facilitate identification of susceptibility categories of pecan rootstocks to the pecan bacterial leaf scorch pathogen.}}, ISSN = {{0018-5345}}, EISSN = {{2327-9834}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000361421000009}}, } @article{ ISI:000359064000017, Author = {Ren, Jie and Liu, Zhiyong and Niu, Ruiqing and Feng, Hui}, Title = {{Mapping of Re, a gene conferring the red leaf trait in ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala)}}, Journal = {{PLANT BREEDING}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{134}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{494-500}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Variegated leaf colour is an important agronomic trait that affects the market value of ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala). The red leaf phenotype in kale is due to anthocyanin accumulation. To investigate the pattern of inheritance of this trait, we constructed an F-2 population by crossing Y005-15', a double haploid with red leaves, with a white-leaved double haploid, Y011-13-38', followed by self-pollination. An F-2 population consisting of 4284 individuals was used to study the inheritance of this trait, which showed that the character was controlled by a dominate gene. All of the 1050 white leaf trait plants in the F-2 were used for mapping and developing markers linked to Re gene. Results showed that Re was mapped to a locus on linkage group C09 of Brassica oleracea, and the locus was mapped between six SSR markers (C9Z1, C9Z16-1, C9Z90, C9Z94, C9Z96 and C9Z99), with a genetic distance of 6.7, 1.0, 0.3, 2.0, 2.1 and 0.4cM from Re gene, respectively. These results may facilitate marker-assisted selection of the red leaf trait in kale breeding as well as map-based cloning of the red leaf trait gene.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/pbr.12286}}, ISSN = {{0179-9541}}, EISSN = {{1439-0523}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000359064000017}}, } @article{ ISI:000358176300001, Author = {Sunny, Anupam and Diwakar, Swati and Sharma, Gyan Prakash}, Title = {{Native insects and invasive plants encounters}}, Journal = {{ARTHROPOD-PLANT INTERACTIONS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{323-331}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Invasive plants disrupt both floral and faunal communities of the invaded regions. Influence of invasive plants on ecosystem functioning and dynamics in the invaded region can be understood by taking into consideration complex interactions between native insects and non-native plants. This review attempts to synthesize available key literature on the effects of plant invasion on native insect communities and the role of native insects in control or spread of invasive plants. The toxic or attractive nature of invasive plants will have bearing on the novel associations that native insects form with the invasive plants and consequently in regulating their population. This study examines the consequences of herbivory and pollination on invasive plants upon encounters with native insects in the invaded regions and illustrates a sequence of possible changes that native insects and invasive plants interactions may bring about within a biotic community.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11829-015-9384-x}}, ISSN = {{1872-8855}}, EISSN = {{1872-8847}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000358176300001}}, } @article{ ISI:000357460000011, Author = {Masters, Jeffery A. and Emery, Sarah M.}, Title = {{The showy invasive plant Ranunculus ficaria facilitates pollinator activity, pollen deposition, but not always seed production for two native spring ephemeral plants}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{17}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{2329-2337}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Showy invasive plants can reduce pollinator visitation to native plants, resulting in a reduction of seed-set in insect-pollinated species. Seed set in native plants may also be reduced due to the presence of foreign pollen. Alternatively, additional floral resources provided by invasive plants may increase pollinator activity, and facilitate pollination of native species. Ranunculus ficaria is a perennial herb invading deciduous forests of the eastern United States. It produces many showy flowers that may influence pollinator activity in heavily invaded habitats. We compared pollinator visitation rates, stigma pollen loads, and seed production of two sympatrically flowering, entomophilous native species (Claytonia virginica and Cardamine concatenata) between habitats invaded by R. ficaria and uninvaded habitats. We found significantly higher pollinator activity (visits to plots) in invaded plots. We also found significantly higher per flower visitation rates to C. virginica in invaded plots. Claytonia virginica stigmas from invaded habitats had more conspecific pollen resulting in more seeds per capsule in invaded areas. There was more conspecific pollen on C. concatenata stigmas in invaded compared to uninvaded habitats, but there were significantly more seeds per silique in uninvaded habitats. Our results indicated that this invasive species increases pollinator activity and conspecific pollen deposition on sympatrically flowering native ephemerals, but may have differential effects on native seed production. Management options should consider the facilitative effects of this species on pollination services, as well as the possible negative competitive effects.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10530-015-0878-3}}, ISSN = {{1387-3547}}, EISSN = {{1573-1464}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000357460000011}}, } @article{ ISI:000357460000018, Author = {Muir, Jennifer L. and Vamosi, Jana C.}, Title = {{Invasive Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius, Fabaceae) and the pollination success of three Garry oak-associated plant species}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{17}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{2429-2446}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{A growing number of studies have reported an effect of invasive species on the pollination and reproductive success of co-flowering plants, over and above direct competition for resources. In this study, we investigate the effect of the invader Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) on the visitation, pollen deposition, and female reproductive output of three co-flowering species (two native, one exotic) of the critically endangered Garry oak grassland ecosystem on the Saanich peninsula of Vancouver Island. The presence of C. scoparius was largely neutral, with the exception of some facilitation of pollen deposition to the native Camassia leichtlinii, the one species exhibiting pollinator overlap with Scotch broom. Yet, this pattern occurred despite a decreased visitation rate from pollinators. There was little observed effect of the invader on the native Collinsia parviflora or the exotic Geranium molle. Because broom was not favourited by any of the observed pollinators, this study provides evidence that the spread of Scotch broom is not due to the reduction of pollination success of natives nor is C. scoparius likely to be facilitating the pollination of other exotics in Garry oak ecosystem remnants.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10530-015-0886-3}}, ISSN = {{1387-3547}}, EISSN = {{1573-1464}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Vamosi, Jana/0000-0002-2376-0729}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000357460000018}}, } @article{ ISI:000357479700012, Author = {Wang, Rong and Segar, Simon T. and Harper, Maximilian and Yu, Hui and Quinnell, Rupert J. and Compton, Stephen G.}, Title = {{Between-species facilitation by male fig wasps in shared figs}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{40}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{428-436}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{1. Facilitation is recorded from diverse plant-insect interactions, including pollination and herbivory. 2. The significance of facilitation resulting from the behavior of males of multiple fig wasp species inside figs was investigated. Female fig wasps emerge from natal figs via exit holes dug by males, especially male pollinators. When no males are present, the females struggle to escape and may die. 3. Ficus microcarpa L. is a widely-established invasive fig tree from Southeast Asia. Its pollinator is absent in South Africa, so the tree cannot reproduce, but two Asian non-pollinating fig wasps (NPFW) Walkerella microcarpae and Odontofroggatia galili occupy its figs. Abundance patterns of the two NPFW and the proportion of male-free figs in South Africa, Spain (where the pollinator is introduced), and in China, where the native fig wasp community is diverse, were compared to determine the consequences of reduced species richness for insect survival. 4. Female fig wasps in male-free figs were found to be trapped, and small clutch sizes contributed to the absence of males in both species. The presence of pollinators in Spain allowed most NPFW to develop in figs containing males. Far more male-free figs were present in South Africa, elevating mortality rates among female NPFW. Facilitation of female release by males of other NPFW species nonetheless benefitted the rarer species. 5. Selection pressures in South Africa currently favour greater aggregation of NPFW offspring and/or less female biased sex ratios.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/een.12201}}, ISSN = {{0307-6946}}, EISSN = {{1365-2311}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Segar, Simon/K-6783-2015}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000357479700012}}, } @article{ ISI:000358465600031, Author = {Schoener, Michael G. and Schoener, Caroline R. and Simon, Ralph and Grafe, T. Ulmer and Puechmaille, Sebastien J. and Ji, Liaw Lin and Kerth, Gerald}, Title = {{Bats Are Acoustically Attracted to Mutualistic Carnivorous Plants}}, Journal = {{CURRENT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{25}}, Number = {{14}}, Pages = {{1911-1916}}, Month = {{JUL 20}}, Abstract = {{Mutualisms between plants and animals shape the world's ecosystems {[}1, 2]. In such interactions, achieving contact with the partner species is imperative. Plants regularly advertise themselves with signals that specifically appeal to the partner's perceptual preferences {[}3-5]. For example, many plants have acquired traits such as brightly colored, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators with visual, olfactory, or in the case of a few bat-pollinated flowers even acoustic stimuli in the form of echo-reflecting structures {[}6-9]. However, acoustic attraction in plants is rare compared to other advertisements and has never been found outside the pollination context and only in the Neotropics. We hypothesized that this phenomenon is more widespread and more diverse as plant-bat interactions also occur in the Paleotropics. In Borneo, mutualistic bats fertilize a carnivorous pitcher plant while roosting in its pitchers {[}10, 11]. The pitcher's orifice features a prolonged concave structure, which we predicted to distinctively reflect the bats' echolocation calls for a wide range of angles. This structure should facilitate the location and identification of pitchers even within highly cluttered surroundings. Pitchers lacking this structure should be less attractive for the bats. Ensonifications of the pitchers around their orifice revealed that this structure indeed acts as a multidirectional ultrasound reflector. In behavioral experiments where bats were confronted with differently modified pitchers, the reflector's presence clearly facilitated the finding and identification of pitchers. These results suggest that plants have convergently acquired reflectors in the Paleotropics and the Neotropics to acoustically attract bats, albeit for completely different ecological reasons.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.cub.2015.05.054}}, ISSN = {{0960-9822}}, EISSN = {{1879-0445}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Puechmaille, Sebastien/D-1612-2010 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Puechmaille, Sebastien/0000-0001-9517-5775 Schoner, Michael Gerhard/0000-0001-7538-7367}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000358465600031}}, } @article{ ISI:000357778700001, Author = {Yu, Wen-Bin and Liu, Min-Lu and Wang, Hong and Mill, Robert R. and Ree, Richard H. and Yang, Jun-Bo and Li, De-Zhu}, Title = {{Towards a comprehensive phylogeny of the large temperate genus Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae), with an emphasis on species from the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains}}, Journal = {{BMC PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{15}}, Month = {{JUL 11}}, Abstract = {{Background: Striking interspecific variations in floral traits of the large temperate genus Pedicularis have given rise to controversies concerning infra-generic classifications. To date, phylogenetic relationships within the genus have not been well resolved. The main goal of this study is to construct a backbone phylogeny of Pedicularis, with extensive sampling of species from the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains. Phylogenetic analyses included 257 species, representing all 13 informal groups and 104 out of 130 series in the classification system of Tsoong, using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and three plastid regions (matK, rbcL and trnL-F). Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods were applied in separate and combined analyses of these datasets. Results: Thirteen major clades are resolved with strong support, although the backbone of the tree is poorly resolved. There is little consensus between the phylogenetic tree and Tsoong's classification of Pedicularis. Only two of the 13 groups (15.4 \%), and 19 of the 56 series (33.9 \%) with more than one sampled species were found to be strictly monophyletic. Most opposite-/whorled-leaved species fall into a single clade, i.e. clade 1, while alternate leaves species occur in the remaining 12 clades. Excluding the widespread P. verticillata in clade 1, species from Europe and North America fall into clades 6-8. Conclusions: Our results suggest that combinations of morphological and geographic characters associated with strongly supported clades are needed to elucidate a comprehensive global phylogeny of Pedicularis. Alternate leaves are inferred to be plesiomorphic in Pedicularis, with multiple transitions to opposite/whorled phyllotaxy. Alternate-leaved species show high diversity in plant habit and floral forms. In the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains, geographical barriers may have facilitated diversification of species with long corolla tubes, and the reproductive advantages of beakless galeas in opposite-/whorled-leaved species may boost speciation at high altitude.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12870-015-0547-9}}, Article-Number = {{176}}, ISSN = {{1471-2229}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Yu, Wen-Bin/H-8339-2014 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Yu, Wen-Bin/0000-0002-7643-2112 li, de zhu/0000-0002-4990-724X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000357778700001}}, } @article{ ISI:000358275800003, Author = {Nores, Maria J. and Lopez, Hernan A. and Anton, Ana M. and Rudall, Paula J.}, Title = {{Contrasting models of the female reproductive tract in four o'clocks (Nyctaginaceae)}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{102}}, Number = {{7}}, Pages = {{1026-1039}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{PREMISE OF THE STUDY: In angiosperms, several carpel tissues are specialized to facilitate pollen-tube elongation to achieve fertilization. We evaluated the possible evolutionary pathways of the diverse female reproductive tracts in Nyctaginaceae. METHODS: We studied the anatomy of a range of species representing different tribes, using light, fluorescence, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS: Stigmas have multicellular, multiseriate papillae, except for Boerhavia diffusa with unicellular papillae. The styles are solid, with a strand of transmitting tissue linking the stigma with the ventral ovary wall. In Allionia, Boerhavia, and Mirabilis, the transmitting tissue branches into two independent tracts at the base of the ovary and continues across the lateral margins of the funicle to the micropyle; it is composed of cells with thick walls surrounded by abundant extracellular matrix. Bougainvillea, Pisonia, and Pisoniella have a diff use transmitting tissue and an obturator, a proliferation of cells covered by a layer of secretory papillae that encloses the funicle, placenta, and ventral wall of the gynoecium and contacts with the micropyle. CONCLUSIONS: We propose two models of female reproductive tract, (A) one in which an obturator is absent and the transmitting tissue is compact and branched and (B) one in which an obturator is present and the transmitting tissue is diff use. On the basis of character optimization, we hypothesize that model B represents the ancestral (plesiomorphic) condition in the family and model A originated once during evolution, within the tribe Nyctagineae.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1400521}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, EISSN = {{1537-2197}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Lopez, Hugo A/G-9392-2016}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000358275800003}}, } @article{ ISI:000358254500004, Author = {Davis, Nicholas G. and Houston, Derek D. and Nason, John D.}, Title = {{TRANSCRIPTOME-FACILITATED DEVELOPMENT OF SNPs FOR THE SONORAN DESERT ROCK FIG, FICUS PETIOLARIS (MORACEAE)}}, Journal = {{APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{3}}, Number = {{7}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Premise of the study: Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) primers were developed for a native North American desert Ficus pediolaris (Moraceae), to provide markers for population genetic studies designed to quantify patterns of gene How across a complex landscape. `` Methods and Results: Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic protocols were implemented to discover SNPs in single-copy protein-coding genes. Multiplexes of 30 nuclear and 24 organellar (chloroplast and mitochondria]) SNPs were selected for primer development and genotyping on the Sequenom MASSArray System. Of these 54 loci, 49 reliably amplified across a panel of 96 petiolaris individuals. Conclusions: This study has provided SNP primers that can be applied in future studies investigating population genetics of F. petiolaris and its coevolution with associated pollinating and nonpollinating fig wasps.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/apps.1500028}}, Article-Number = {{1500028}}, ISSN = {{2168-0450}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000358254500004}}, } @article{ ISI:000357626200007, Author = {Saroop, Shveta and Kaul, Veenu}, Title = {{Intra-plant floral variation in Cleome viscosa L. and its possible significance in breeding system}}, Journal = {{INDIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{53}}, Number = {{7}}, Pages = {{468-475}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Cleome viscosa L., an annual rainy season weed, is cosmopolitan in distribution. Two naturally growing populations of C. viscosa from Jammu, J \& K, India have been studied for floral variation at an intra-plant level and its possible role in its life cycle. Plants of both the populations bear flowers which exhibit tremendous intra-plant variation in size (large and small) and sex (hermaphrodite, staminate and pistillate). The average number of flowers per plant varied significantly and so did their structural and functional details. Greater propensity, however, was towards hermaphroditism at both plant and flower levels. The large and small sized flowers differed in their morphology and reproductive features; the former were significantly larger than the latter. Anthesis, anther dehiscence and stigma receptivity were coupled in all flower types. This functional aspect along with the structural proximity between stamens at two lengths and pistil further facilitated self-pollination. However, conspicuous floral display attracted diverse pollinator fauna (Apis dorsata, Halictus albescens, Nomia curv(pes and N. elliotii) which in turn mediated cross pollination. Nevertheless, each floral type contributed towards plant's fitness in its own way. Hermaphrodite flowers exhibited both self and cross pollination and assured survival by setting fruits and seeds with the large sized counterparts more productive. All these floral variations seemed to impart flexibility to the pollination system and provide fitness over the short flowering season.}}, ISSN = {{0019-5189}}, EISSN = {{0975-1009}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000357626200007}}, } @article{ ISI:000356898400009, Author = {Beck, Jared J. and Hernandez, Daniel L. and Pasari, Jae R. and Zavaleta, Erika S.}, Title = {{Grazing maintains native plant diversity and promotes community stability in an annual grassland}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{25}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1259-1270}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Maintaining native biodiversity in grasslands requires management and mitigation of anthropogenic changes that have altered resource availability, grazing regimes, and community composition. In California (USA), high levels of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition have facilitated the invasion of exotic grasses, posing a threat to the diverse plant and insect communities endemic to serpentine grasslands. Cattle grazing has been employed to mitigate the consequences of exotic grass invasion, but the ecological effects of grazing in this system are not fully understood. To characterize the effects of realistic N deposition on serpentine plant communities and to evaluate the efficacy of grazing as a management tool, we performed a factorial experiment adding N and excluding large herbivores in California's largest serpentine grassland. Although we observed significant interannual variation in community composition related to climate in our six-year study, exotic cover was consistently and negatively correlated with native plant richness. Sustained low-level N addition did not influence plant community composition, but grazing reduced grass abundance while maintaining greater native forb cover, native plant diversity, and species richness in comparison to plots excluding large herbivores. Furthermore, grazing increased the temporal stability of plant communities by decreasing year-to-year variation in native forb cover, native plant diversity, and native species richness. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that moderate-intensity cattle grazing can be used to restrict the invasive potential of exotic grasses and maintain native plant communities in serpentine grasslands. We hypothesize that the reduced temporal variability in serpentine plant communities managed by grazing may directly benefit populations of the threatened Edith's Bay checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis).}}, DOI = {{10.1890/14-1093.1}}, ISSN = {{1051-0761}}, EISSN = {{1939-5582}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Beck, Jared/0000-0001-9515-5440}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000356898400009}}, } @article{ ISI:000356632700015, Author = {Duthie, A. Bradley and Abbott, Karen C. and Nason, John D.}, Title = {{Trade-Offs and Coexistence in Fluctuating Environments: Evidence for a Key Dispersal-Fecundity Trade-Off in Five Nonpollinating Fig Wasps}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN NATURALIST}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{186}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{151-158}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{The ecological principle of competitive exclusion states that species competing for identical resources cannot coexist, but this principle is paradoxical because ecologically similar competitors are regularly observed. Coexistence is possible under some conditions if a fluctuating environment changes the competitive dominance of species. This change in competitive dominance implies the existence of trade-offs underlying species' competitive abilities in different environments. Theory shows that fluctuating distance between resource patches can facilitate coexistence in ephemeral patch competitors, given a functional trade-off between species dispersal ability and fecundity. We find evidence supporting this trade-off in a guild of five ecologically similar nonpollinating fig wasps and subsequently predict local among-patch species densities. We also introduce a novel colonization index to estimate relative dispersal ability among ephemeral patch competitors. We suggest that a dispersal ability-fecundity trade-off and spatiotemporally fluctuating resource availability commonly co-occur to drive population dynamics and facilitate coexistence in ephemeral patch communities.}}, DOI = {{10.1086/681621}}, ISSN = {{0003-0147}}, EISSN = {{1537-5323}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Duthie, Alexander/0000-0001-8343-4995}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000356632700015}}, } @article{ ISI:000356368400014, Author = {Stewart, Alan J. A. and Bantock, Tristan M. and Beckmann, Bjoern C. and Botham, Marc S. and Hubble, David and Roy, David B.}, Title = {{The role of ecological interactions in determining species ranges and range changes}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{115}}, Number = {{3, SI}}, Pages = {{647-663}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Climate has been widely regarded as the main determinant of the geographical distribution of species. Biotic interactions between co-occurring species, however, are an important additional influence. We review the importance of interactions with food and nectar plants (as resources) in determining the distribution of phytophagous and pollinating insects (as consumers). We use biological recording datasets for seven taxonomic groups to quantify the relationship between the geographical distributions within Britain of 1265 phytophagous insects and their associated food plants, representing 9128 interactions in total. We find a consistent pattern across taxonomic groups in that individual phytophagous insect species rarely utilize the full range of their food plants and the relationship between the range sizes of insects and their food plants is not a simple linear one. For a small selection of phytophagous species where data are available, we highlight an association between changes in range and interactions with associated food plant species. Climate-driven range expansion may be constrained through disruption of trophic relationships between phytophagous insects and their food plants if they respond differently to abiotic drivers. By contrast, range expansion may be facilitated by temporary escape from natural enemies and/or exploitation of novel food plants that enable a broader set of habitats to be utilized. In a changing environment, some existing interactions will be disrupted but opportunities for novel interactions will also emerge, producing new assemblages and changes in distributions that will be dynamic yet hard to predict.(c) 2015 The Linnean Society of London.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/bij.12543}}, ISSN = {{0024-4066}}, EISSN = {{1095-8312}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Roy, David/A-6619-2009 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Roy, David/0000-0002-5147-0331 Stewart, Alan/0000-0001-7878-8879}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000356368400014}}, } @article{ ISI:000355757200010, Author = {Cna'ani, Alon and Muehlemann, Joelle K. and Ravid, Jasmin and Masci, Tania and Klempien, Antje and Nguyen, Thuong T. H. and Dudareva, Natalia and Pichersky, Eran and Vainstein, Alexander}, Title = {{Petuniaxhybrida floral scent production is negatively affected by high-temperature growth conditions}}, Journal = {{PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{38}}, Number = {{7}}, Pages = {{1333-1346}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Increasing temperatures due to changing global climate are interfering with plant-pollinator mutualism, an interaction facilitated mainly by floral colour and scent. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analyses revealed that increasing ambient temperature leads to a decrease in phenylpropanoid-based floral scent production in two Petuniaxhybrida varieties, P720 and Blue Spark, acclimated at 22/16 or 28/22 degrees C (day/night). This decrease could be attributed to down-regulation of scent-related structural gene expression from both phenylpropanoid and shikimate pathways, and up-regulation of a negative regulator of scent production, emission of benzenoids V (EOBV). To test whether the negative effect of increased temperature on scent production can be reduced in flowers with enhanced metabolic flow in the phenylpropanoid pathway, we analysed floral volatile production by transgenic Blue Spark' plants overexpressing CaMV 35S-driven Arabidopsis thaliana production of anthocyanin pigments 1 (PAP1) under elevated versus standard temperature conditions. Flowers of 35S:PAP1 transgenic plants produced the same or even higher levels of volatiles when exposed to a long-term high-temperature regime. This phenotype was also evident when analysing relevant gene expression as inferred from sequencing the transcriptome of 35S:PAP1 transgenic flowers under the two temperature regimes. Thus, up-regulation of transcription might negate the adverse effects of temperature on scent production. We demonstrate that petunia flowers produce less volatile phenylpropanoid compounds, in both scent bouquets and internal pools, in response to elevated temperatures. We reveal that the decrease in floral scent is correlated with reduced transcript levels of scent-related genes, and that the adverse effect of high temperature can be negated by expressing transcriptional up-regulators. We believe that the conclusions and implications drawn from the original data presented in our manuscript will be of particular interest to a broad spectrum of your readers, particularly in view of recent changes in global climate and the risk of environmental disruption of plant-pollinator mutualism.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/pce.12486}}, ISSN = {{0140-7791}}, EISSN = {{1365-3040}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000355757200010}}, } @article{ ISI:000356835000038, Author = {Giannini, Tereza C. and Tambosi, Leandro R. and Acosta, Andre L. and Jaffe, Rodolfo and Saraiva, Antonio M. and Imperatriz-Fonseca, Vera L. and Metzger, Jean Paul}, Title = {{Safeguarding Ecosystem Services: A Methodological Framework to Buffer the Joint Effect of Habitat Configuration and Climate Change}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{6}}, Month = {{JUN 19}}, Abstract = {{Ecosystem services provided by mobile agents are increasingly threatened by the loss and modification of natural habitats and by climate change, risking the maintenance of biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and human welfare. Research oriented towards a better understanding of the joint effects of land use and climate change over the provision of specific ecosystem services is therefore essential to safeguard such services. Here we propose a methodological framework, which integrates species distribution forecasts and graph theory to identify key conservation areas, which if protected or restored could improve habitat connectivity and safeguard ecosystem services. We applied the proposed framework to the provision of pollination services by a tropical stingless bee (Melipona quadrifasciata), a key pollinator of native flora from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and important agricultural crops. Based on the current distribution of this bee and that of the plant species used to feed and nest, we projected the joint distribution of bees and plants in the future, considering a moderate climate change scenario (following IPPC). We then used this information, the bee's flight range, and the current mapping of Atlantic Forest remnants to infer habitat suitability and quantify local and regional habitat connectivity for 2030, 2050 and 2080. Our results revealed north to south and coastal to inland shifts in the pollinator distribution during the next 70 years. Current and future connectivity maps unraveled the most important corridors, which if protected or restored, could facilitate the dispersal and establishment of bees during distribution shifts. Our results also suggest that coffee plantations from eastern Sao Paulo and southern Minas Gerais States could suffer a pollinator deficit in the future, whereas pollination services seem to be secured in southern Brazil. Landowners and governmental agencies could use this information to implement new land use schemes. Overall, our proposed methodological framework could help design novel conservational and agricultural practices that can be crucial to conserve ecosystem services by buffering the joint effect of habitat configuration and climate change.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0129225}}, Article-Number = {{e0129225}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Giannini, Tereza/F-2676-2012 Metzger, Jean Paul/C-2514-2012 Jaffe, Rodolfo/K-3230-2013 Imperatriz-Fonseca, Vera/H-5582-2012 IB/USP, Ecologia/F-8692-2017 Tambosi, Leandro/B-2359-2013 Saraiva, Antonio/B-6350-2011 Acosta, Andre/H-2036-2012 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Imperatriz-Fonseca, Vera/0000-0002-1079-2158 Jaffe, Rodolfo/0000-0002-2101-5282 Tambosi, Leandro/0000-0001-5486-7310 Saraiva, Antonio/0000-0003-2283-1123 Acosta, Andre/0000-0002-4244-9637 Metzger, Jean Paul /0000-0002-0087-5240}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000356835000038}}, } @article{ ISI:000357136700005, Author = {Alexandre, Hermine and Vrignaud, Justine and Mangin, Brigitte and Joly, Simon}, Title = {{Genetic architecture of pollination syndrome transition between hummingbird-specialist and generalist species in the genus Rhytidophyllum (Gesneriaceae)}}, Journal = {{PEERJ}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{3}}, Month = {{JUN 18}}, Abstract = {{Adaptation to pollinators is a key factor of diversification in angiosperms. The Caribbean sister genera Rhytidophyllum and Gesneria present an important diversification of floral characters. Most of their species can be divided in two major pollination syndromes. Large-open flowers with pale colours and great amount of nectar represent the generalist syndrome, while the hummingbird-specialist syndrome corresponds to red tubular flowers with a less important nectar volume. Repeated convergent evolution toward the generalist syndrome in this group suggests that such transitions rely on few genes of moderate to large effect. To test this hypothesis, we built a linkage map and performed a QTL detection for divergent pollination syndrome traits by crossing one specimen of the generalist species Rhytidophyllum auriculatum with one specimen of the hummingbird pollinated R. rupincola. Using geometric morphometrics and univariate traits measurements, we found that floral shape among the second-generation hybrids is correlated with morphological variation observed between generalist and hummingbird-specialist species at the genus level. The QTL analysis showed that colour and nectar volume variation between syndromes involve each one major QTL while floral shape has a more complex genetic basis and rely on few genes of moderate effect. Finally, we did not detect any genetic linkage between the QTLs underlying those traits. This genetic independence of traits could have facilitated evolution toward optimal syndromes.}}, DOI = {{10.7717/peerj.1028}}, Article-Number = {{e1028}}, ISSN = {{2167-8359}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Joly, Simon/0000-0002-0865-8267}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000357136700005}}, } @article{ ISI:000355700700033, Author = {Tedder, Andrew and Carleial, Samuel and Golebiewska, Martyna and Kappel, Christian and Shimizu, Kentaro K. and Stift, Marc}, Title = {{Evolution of the Selfing Syndrome in Arabis alpina (Brassicaceae)}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{6}}, Month = {{JUN 3}}, Abstract = {{Introduction The transition from cross-fertilisation (outcrossing) to self-fertilisation (selfing) frequently coincides with changes towards a floral morphology that optimises self-pollination, the selfing syndrome. Population genetic studies have reported the existence of both outcrossing and selfing populations in Arabis alpina (Brassicaceae), which is an emerging model species for studying the molecular basis of perenniality and local adaptation. It is unknown whether its selfing populations have evolved a selfing syndrome. Methods Using macro-photography, microscopy and automated cell counting, we compared floral syndromes (size, herkogamy, pollen and ovule numbers) between three outcrossing populations from the Apuan Alps and three selfing populations from the Western and Central Alps (Maritime Alps and Dolomites). In addition, we genotyped the plants for 12 microsatellite loci to confirm previous measures of diversity and inbreeding coefficients based on allozymes, and performed Bayesian clustering. Results and Discussion Plants from the three selfing populations had markedly smaller flowers, less herkogamy and lower pollen production than plants from the three outcrossing populations, whereas pistil length and ovule number have remained constant. Compared to allozymes, microsatellite variation was higher, but revealed similar patterns of low diversity and high Fis in selfing populations. Bayesian clustering revealed two clusters. The first cluster contained the three outcrossing populations from the Apuan Alps, the second contained the three selfing populations from the Maritime Alps and Dolomites. Conclusion We conclude that in comparison to three outcrossing populations, three populations with high selfing rates are characterised by a flower morphology that is closer to the selfing syndrome. The presence of outcrossing and selfing floral syndromes within a single species will facilitate unravelling the genetic basis of the selfing syndrome, and addressing which selective forces drive its evolution.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0126618}}, Article-Number = {{e0126618}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Stift, Marc/0000-0001-7801-9498 Kappel, Christian/0000-0002-1450-1864 Shimizu, Kentaro K./0000-0002-6483-1781}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000355700700033}}, } @article{ ISI:000356675400016, Author = {Leslie, Andrew B. and Beaulieu, Jeremy M. and Crane, Peter R. and Knopf, Patrick and Donoghue, Michael J.}, Title = {{Integration and macroevolutionary patterns in the pollination biology of conifers}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{69}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1573-1583}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Integration influences patterns of trait evolution, but the relationship between these patterns and the degree of trait integration is not well understood. To explore this further, we study a specialized pollination mechanism in conifers whose traits are linked through function but not development. This mechanism depends on interactions among three characters: pollen that is buoyant, ovules that face downward at pollination, and the production of a liquid droplet that buoyant grains float through to enter the ovule. We use a well-sampled phylogeny of conifers to test correlated evolution among these characters and specific sequences of character change. Using likelihood models of character evolution, we find that pollen morphology and ovule characters evolve in a concerted manner, where the flotation mechanism breaks down irreversibly following changes in orientation or drop production. The breakdown of this functional constraint, which may be facilitated by the lack of developmental integration among the constituent traits, is associated with increased trait variation and more diverse pollination strategies. Although this functional release increases diversity in some ways, the irreversible way in which the flotation mechanism is lost may eventually result in its complete disappearance from seed plant reproductive biology.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/evo.12670}}, ISSN = {{0014-3820}}, EISSN = {{1558-5646}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000356675400016}}, } @article{ ISI:000355319400078, Author = {Florencio, Margarita and Lobo, Jorge M. and Cardoso, Pedro and Almeida-Neto, Mario and Borges, Paulo A. V.}, Title = {{The Colonisation of Exotic Species Does Not Have to Trigger Faunal Homogenisation: Lessons from the Assembly Patterns of Arthropods on Oceanic Islands}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{5}}, Month = {{MAY 29}}, Abstract = {{Human-caused disturbances can lead to the extinction of indigenous (endemic and native) species, while facilitating and increasing the colonisation of exotic species; this increase can, in turn, promote the similarity of species compositions between sites if human-disturbed sites are consistently invaded by a regionally species-poor pool of exotic species. In this study, we analysed the extent to which epigean arthropod assemblages of four islands of the Azorean archipelago are characterised by nestedness according to a habitat-altered gradient. The degree of nestedness represents the extent to which less ubiquitous species occur in subsets of sites occupied by the more widespread species, resulting in an ordered loss/gain of species across environmental or ecological gradients. A predictable loss of species across communities while maintaining others may lead to more similar communities (i.e. lower beta-diversity). In contrast, anti-nestedness occurs when different species tend to occupy distinct sites, thus characterising a replacement of species across such gradients. Our results showed that an increase in exotic species does not promote assemblage homogenisation at the habitat level. On the contrary, exotic species were revealed as habitat specialists that constitute new and well-differentiated assemblages, even increasing the species compositional heterogeneity within human-altered landscapes. Therefore, contrary to expectations, our results show that both indigenous and exotic species established idiosyncratic assemblages within habitats and islands. We suggest that both the historical extinction of indigenous species in disturbed habitats and the habitat-specialised character of some exotic invasions have contributed to the construction of current assemblages.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0128276}}, Article-Number = {{e0128276}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Lobo, Jorge/E-2309-2013 Cardoso, Pedro/A-8820-2008 Almeida-Neto, Mario/A-6389-2009 Borges, Paulo/B-2780-2008 Florencio, Margarita/J-5566-2016}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Lobo, Jorge/0000-0002-3152-4769 Cardoso, Pedro/0000-0001-8119-9960 Almeida-Neto, Mario/0000-0002-2161-2968 Borges, Paulo/0000-0002-8448-7623 Florencio, Margarita/0000-0002-6688-7770}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000355319400078}}, } @article{ ISI:000357460400009, Author = {Nuwagaba, S. and Zhang, F. and Hui, C.}, Title = {{A hybrid behavioural rule of adaptation and drift explains the emergent architecture of antagonistic networks}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{282}}, Number = {{1807}}, Month = {{MAY 22}}, Abstract = {{Ecological processes that can realistically account for network architectures are central to our understanding of how species assemble and function in ecosystems. Consumer species are constantly selecting and adjusting which resource species are to be exploited in an antagonistic network. Here we incorporate a hybrid behavioural rule of adaptive interaction switching and random drift into a bipartite network model. Predictions are insensitive to the model parameters and the initial network structures, and agree extremely well with the observed levels of modularity, nestedness and node-degree distributions for 61 real networks. Evolutionary and community assemblage histories only indirectly affect network structure by defining the size and complexity of ecological networks, whereas adaptive interaction switching and random drift carve out the details of network architecture at the faster ecological time scale. The hybrid behavioural rule of both adaptation and drift could well be the key processes for structure emergence in real ecological networks.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2015.0320}}, Article-Number = {{20150320}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, EISSN = {{1471-2954}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Hui, Cang/A-1781-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Hui, Cang/0000-0002-3660-8160}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000357460400009}}, } @article{ ISI:000355339400001, Author = {Bain, Anthony and Tzeng, Hsy-Yu and Wu, Wen-Jer and Chou, Lien-Siang}, Title = {{Ficus (Moraceae) and fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) in Taiwan}}, Journal = {{BOTANICAL STUDIES}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{56}}, Month = {{MAY 16}}, Abstract = {{Although Ficus-associated wasp fauna have been extensively researched in Australasia, information on these fauna in Taiwan is not well accessible to scientists worldwide. In this study, we compiled records on the Ficus flora of Taiwan and its associated wasp fauna. Initial agronomic research reports on Ficus were published in Japanese in 1917, followed by reports on applied biochemistry, taxonomy, and phenology in Chinese. On the basis of the phenological knowledge of 15 species of the Ficus flora of Taiwan, recent research has examined the pollinating and nonpollinating agaonid and chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Updating records according to the current nomenclature revealed that there are 30 taxa (27 species) of native or naturalized Ficus with an unusually high proportion of dioecious species (78\%). Four species were observed to exhibit mutualism with more than one pollinating wasp species, and 18 of the 27 Ficus species were reported with nonpollinating wasp species. The number of nonpollinating wasp species associated with specific Ficus species ranges from zero (F. pumila) to 24 (F. microcarpa). Approximately half of the Taiwanese fig tree species have been studied with basic information on phenology and biology described in peer-reviewed journals or theses. This review provides a solid basis for future in-depth comparative studies. This summary of knowledge will encourage and facilitate continuing research on the pollination dynamics of Ficus and the associated insect fauna in Taiwan.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s40529-015-0090-x}}, Article-Number = {{11}}, ISSN = {{1999-3110}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Bain, Anthony/0000-0002-6142-8137 Tzeng, Hsy-Yu/0000-0003-0952-6255}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000355339400001}}, } @article{ ISI:000362318500015, Author = {Yue, Xun and Gao, Xin-Qi and Zhang, Xian Sheng}, Title = {{Circadian rhythms synchronise intracellular calcium dynamics and ATP production for facilitating Arabidopsis pollen tube growth}}, Journal = {{PLANT SIGNALING \& BEHAVIOR}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{5}}, Month = {{MAY 4}}, Abstract = {{Experimental evidences support that the circadian rhythm regulates the transcription levels of genes encoding the enzymes involved in plant metabolism. However, there is no paper to refer the correlation of the circadian rhythms and the metabolic processes for facilitating pollen tube growth. In this study, we found that many central components of the circadian clock were highly enriched and specifically present in the in vivo grown Arabidopsis pollen tubes. Our analysis also identified the significant differentially expressed genes encoding co-expressed enzymes in the consecutive steps of fatty acid -oxidation II, pentose phosphate pathway (oxidative branch) and phosphatidic acid biosynthesis pathway in the in vivo grown Arabidopsis pollen tubes during pollination. Thus, it is implicated that the circadian rhythms of pollen tube may be adjusted and have a greater probability of the direct or indirect functional relationship with enhanced intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and ATP production for facilitating pollen tube growth in vivo.}}, DOI = {{10.1080/15592324.2015.1017699}}, ISSN = {{1559-2316}}, EISSN = {{1559-2324}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000362318500015}}, } @article{ ISI:000370893000002, Author = {Krell, Frank-Thorsten and Knight, Jeff B. and Hammon, Robert and Wheeler, Pamela and Roberts, Jeffrey Johns and Eckberg, Jason R.}, Title = {{NORTHERN RANGE EXTENSION OF THE FIGEATER BEETLE, COTINIS MUTABILIS (SCARABAEIDAE: CETONIINAE), INTO NEVADA, UTAH, AND COLORADO}}, Journal = {{WESTERN NORTH AMERICAN NATURALIST}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{75}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{8-13}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{The native Figeater Beetle, Cotinis mutabilis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae), is known to occur from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California to northern South America. Here we present records from Nevada, where it became established in the late 1960s; from Utah, where it has been found since the late 2000s; and from Colorado, where it was found in 2012. These records indicate a recent northward range extension of the species, which circumvents the Colorado Plateau. The range extension of C. mutabilis has potential positive effects, namely the addition of a new pollinator to those areas, but also potential negative implications if the species damages fruit crops or facilitates damage by the Japanese Beetle, as the closely related Cotinis nitida does.}}, DOI = {{10.3398/064.075.0103}}, ISSN = {{1527-0904}}, EISSN = {{1944-8341}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Krell, Frank-Thorsten/0000-0001-6065-0812}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000370893000002}}, } @article{ ISI:000358603900023, Author = {Yerka, M. K. and Toy, J. J. and Funnell-Harris, D. L. and Sattler, S. E. and Pedersen, J. F.}, Title = {{Registration of N619 to N640 Grain Sorghum Lines with Waxy or Wild-Type Endosperm}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT REGISTRATIONS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{249-253}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Sorghum {[}Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] lines N619 to N636 (A lines; Reg. No. GS-699 to GS-716, PI 670134 to PI 670151); N619 to N636 (B lines; Reg. No. GS-721 to GS-738, PI 671777 to PI 671794); and N637 to N640 (R lines; Reg. No. GS-717 to GS-720, PI 670152 to PI 670155) comprise nine pairs of seed parent (A/B) lines, and two pairs of pollinator (R) lines (11 pairs total) that are near-isogenic for waxy (low-amylose) or wildtype endosperm. Breeding work was conducted jointly by the USDA-ARS and the Agricultural Research Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, and the lines were released in May 2014. Release of these lines makes available two different waxy (wx) alleles (wx(a) and wx(b)) for development of grain sorghum as a source of low-amylose starch, whose end use is targeted to the ethanol and food industries. In particular, the release of wx and wild-type near-isogenic pairs facilitates the evaluation of agronomic performance of wx genotypes, and the release of both A/B and R lines facilitates the production of waxy grain hybrids.}}, DOI = {{10.3198/jpr2014.06.0043crgs}}, ISSN = {{1936-5209}}, EISSN = {{1940-3496}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Sattler, Scott/0000-0002-6814-4073}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000358603900023}}, } @article{ ISI:000354817700012, Author = {Fujita, Noboru and Koda, Ryosuke}, Title = {{Capitulum and rosette leaf avoidance from grazing by large herbivores in Taraxacum}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{30}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{517-525}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Plants defense against herbivore damage is achieved through resistance and tolerance, of which resistance is composed of avoidance and antibiosis. Plants have developed various adaptations that facilitate escape from herbivory. We hypothesized that post-anthesis prostrate scapes in Taraxacum is an adaptation for avoidance of capitulum grazing by large herbivores. To test this hypothesis, we divided flowering into the following four stages based on the external appearance of the capitulum: green bud, yellow corolla, brown corolla, and white pappus stages. We conducted an experiment in natural pasture in Mongolia to artificially raise capitula and rosette leaves of T. collinum. We measured the natural height of capitula and rosette leaves of the Mongolian pasture and urban species, T. collinum and T. ceratophorum, respectively, and of the Japanese rural and exotic urban species, T. japonicum and T. officinale, respectively. We investigated natural grazing by livestock in the field of the capitula and rosette leaves of the two Mongolian species. In Mongolia, naturally short capitula at the green bud and brown corolla stages and rosette leaves of T. collinum were not grazed. However, artificially raised capitula and rosette leaves of T. collinum and the naturally high capitula and leaves of T. ceratophorum were grazed. Short capitulum and leaf height was shown to be effective for avoidance of livestock grazing in Mongolia. In Japan, T. japonicum and T. officinale showed similar scape behavior to T. collinum and T. ceratophorum, respectively. We discuss the reasons for the capitulum behavior differences in Japan.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11284-015-1249-3}}, ISSN = {{0912-3814}}, EISSN = {{1440-1703}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000354817700012}}, } @article{ ISI:000354990200005, Author = {Spiesman, Brian J. and Inouye, Brian D.}, Title = {{The consequences of multiple indirect pathways of interaction for species coexistence}}, Journal = {{THEORETICAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{225-232}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Species in diverse communities typically have direct interactions with a small subset of other species, yet indirect effects can be traced between all of the species in a community. When multiple pathways of indirect effects link a pair of species, the magnitude and sign of the net effects depend on the details of the links in each indirect pathway. We explore the effects of alternative indirect pathways in a food web module that includes predation, competition, and mutualistic interactions; mutualisms are an important component of natural interaction networks, but are underrepresented in theoretical studies of indirect interactions. We use a conjugate variable method to partition the strength of a net indirect effect between two species that do not directly interact into two partial effects transmitted along two separate but simultaneously acting pathways: a pathway mediated by a shared predator and a pathway mediated by competing resources. Though the sign of each partial effect is generally negative, as expected, the strengths of the partial effects are different than if they occurred in isolation of one another. Summing the purely predator-mediated indirect effect and the purely resource-mediated indirect effect does not yield the net effect when they occur together. We find that when a resource-mediated pathway for an indirect effect is present, the presence of a shared predator can facilitate coexistence between apparent competitors, even allowing for the persistence of the species more vulnerable to predation. This approach holds promise for building a better understanding of the ways that indirect effects propagate through communities to affect patterns of relative abundance and coexistence.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s12080-014-0246-4}}, ISSN = {{1874-1738}}, EISSN = {{1874-1746}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000354990200005}}, } @article{ ISI:000354618900005, Author = {Yamasaki, Eri and Kawakita, Atsushi and Sakai, Shoko}, Title = {{Diversity and evolution of pollinator rewards and protection by Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) bracteoles}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{29}}, Number = {{3, SI}}, Pages = {{379-390}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Flowering plants have modified their floral organs in remarkably diverse ways to optimize their interaction with pollinators. Although floral organs represent a major source of floral diversity, many plants also use extrafloral organs, such as bracts and bracteoles, in interacting with pollinators; however, the evolutionary dynamics of non-floral organs involved in pollination are poorly studied. The genus Macaranga is characterized by protective mutualisms with ants that potentially interfere with pollinators on flowers. Macaranga flowers lack perianths and, notably, bracteoles serve the dual function of rewarding pollinators and protecting them from guarding ants; in one group of species, bracteoles provide a nectar reward to generalist pollinators, while in another group, bracteole ``chambers{''} protect thrips or hemipteran pollinators that use these structures as feeding and breeding sites. We examined the diversity and evolutionary dynamics of inflorescence morphology in Macaranga, focusing on bracteoles. We recognized three inflorescence types based on examination of herbarium materials: Discoid-gland, which possess disc-shaped glands on the bracteole surfaces (including all the generalist-pollinated species); Enclosing, in which bracteoles cover flowers (including all the thrips- and hemipteran-pollinated species); and Inconspicuous, in which bracteoles are small, narrow or absent. Ancestral state reconstruction indicated that inflorescence morphologies have changed multiple times in the genus. These findings suggest that morphological changes in non-floral characters (bracteoles) of Macaranga species have occurred as frequently as in the floral structures of many flowering plants. The multiple evolutions of the Enclosing bracteoles, which protect pollinators, might have been facilitated by pollination interference from mutualistic ants.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10682-014-9750-7}}, ISSN = {{0269-7653}}, EISSN = {{1573-8477}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Yamasaki, Eri/L-6541-2016}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Yamasaki, Eri/0000-0002-8858-2839}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000354618900005}}, } @article{ ISI:000354618900009, Author = {Junker, Robert R. and Bluethgen, Nico and Keller, Alexander}, Title = {{Functional and phylogenetic diversity of plant communities differently affect the structure of flower-visitor interactions and reveal convergences in floral traits}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{29}}, Number = {{3, SI}}, Pages = {{437-450}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Community ecology has moved from descriptive studies to more mechanistic approaches asking questions about causes and consequences of community composition and interactions between species. Many ecological processes are shaped by the presence or absence of functional groups, not necessarily species. Thus, the diversity of functional traits, i.e. their interspecific variation, is a key feature of plant communities with consequences on other trophic levels. In a simulation study based on a quantitative flower-visitor network and quantitative measurements of flower traits, we tested how the functional FDiv and phylogenetic diversity PDiv of plant communities affect animal species richness and diversity as well as network properties. Within the limitations of the assumption that plants maintain the qualitative and quantitative interactions with animals in subsampled communities, we found that functionally diverse plant communities support a large number of animal species (not necessarily animal diversity). Additionally, the network structure was more complementarily specialized (higher -values) and comprised a larger number of unrealized links (low connectance) and thus a higher partitioning of resources among consumers in functionally diverse plant communities than in communities with a lower FDiv. For the phylogenetic diversity PDiv of plant communities we found contrasting effects, which may be explained by divergences or convergences of functional traits. Our results support the notion that functionally diverse plant communities offer a large number of niches that can be occupied by a larger number of flower visiting species specialized to a specific set of flower traits. Thus, functional flower traits serve as barriers that exclude some flower visitors but also as attractive features that facilitate interactions with other animal species. Our study fosters a trait-based definition of niches and functional groups and may stimulate field studies testing the predictions of this simulation.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10682-014-9747-2}}, ISSN = {{0269-7653}}, EISSN = {{1573-8477}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Bluthgen, Nico/F-5983-2010 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Keller, Alexander/0000-0001-5716-3634}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000354618900009}}, } @article{ ISI:000354122700002, Author = {Glatz, Richard V.}, Title = {{Curious case of the Kangaroo Island honeybee Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) sanctuary}}, Journal = {{AUSTRAL ENTOMOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{54}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{117-126}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Humans have had a long association with the honeybee Apis melliferaLinnaeus, 1758, which has been exploited for production of honey and for the crop pollination services it provides. This association facilitated movement of this species to such a degree that it is now virtually ubiquitous in all areas with flowering plants and available water. On Kangaroo Island (KI), a `sanctuary' was created for the Ligurian bee subspecies A.mellifera ligustica, which is exotic to Australia and the entire New World. TheLigurianBeeAct was enacted in 1885 on the basis of perceived genetic purity and isolation of KI honeybee populations, and was updated in 1931 and 1997. It supports biosecurity protocols preventing importation of bees, bee-keeping equipment and bee-related products such as honey and wax. This represents a rare example of legislative protection for an invertebrate in Australia. This legislation and the apparent isolation of KI bees from mainland bees in the time since its enactment have led to the popular assertion that KI honeybee populations represent the last `pure' genetic population of A.mellifera ligustica. However, historical accounts of bee introductions to KI show that A.mellifera mellifera-like bees were present on KI prior to the introduction of A.mellifera ligustica, and that multiple A.mellifera ligustica introductions to KI occurred using bees of mixed heritage. Indeed, DNA sequence analyses of KI honeybees clearly indicate that while there is limited genetic diversity (supporting the assertions of limited introductions and recent geographic/genetic isolation), they are in fact hybrids and share more similarity with the A.mellifera mellifera subspecies. Therefore, the relevant state legislation should be updated to remove any mention of Ligurian or other honeybee strains. However, the biosecurity protocols relating to KI should continue due to the low incidence of some honeybee diseases and the threat posed by Varroa mite.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/aen.12124}}, ISSN = {{2052-1758}}, EISSN = {{2052-174X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000354122700002}}, } @article{ ISI:000354071000004, Author = {Wu, Gang and Rossidivito, Gabrielle and Hu, Tieqiang and Berlyand, Yosef and Poethig, R. Scott}, Title = {{Traffic Lines: New Tools for Genetic Analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana}}, Journal = {{GENETICS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{200}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{35-U53}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Genetic analysis requires the ability to identify the genotypes of individuals in a segregating population. This task is straightforward if each genotype has a distinctive phenotype, but is difficult if these genotypes are phenotypically similar or identical. We show that Arabidopsis seeds homozygous or heterozygous for a mutation of interest can be identified in a segregating family by placing the mutation in trans to a chromosome carrying a pair of seed-expressed green and red fluorescent transgenes (a ``traffic line{''}) that flank the mutation. Nonfluorescent seeds in the self-pollinated progeny of such a heterozygous plant are usually homozygous for the mutation, whereas seeds with intermediate green and red fluorescence are typically heterozygous for the mutation. This makes it possible to identify seedlings homozygous for mutations that lack an obvious seedling phenotype, and also facilitates the analysis of lethal or sterile mutations, which must be propagated in heterozygous condition. Traffic lines can also be used to identify progeny that have undergone recombination within a defined region of the genome, facilitating genetic mapping and the production of near-isogenic lines. We produced 488 transgenic lines containing single genome-mapped insertions of NAP: dsRED and NAP: eGFP in Columbia (330 lines) and Landsberg erecta (158 lines) and generated sets of traffic lines that span most regions of the Arabidopsis genome. We demonstrated the utility of these lines for identifying seeds of a specific genotype and for generating near-isogenic lines using mutations of WUSCHEL and SHOOTMERISTEMLESS. This new resource significantly decreases the effort and cost of genotyping segregating families and increases the efficiency of experiments that rely on the ability to detect recombination in a defined chromosomal segment.}}, DOI = {{10.1534/genetics.114.173435}}, ISSN = {{0016-6731}}, EISSN = {{1943-2631}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Poethig, R./J-7009-2015}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Poethig, R./0000-0001-6592-5862}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000354071000004}}, } @article{ ISI:000353612300057, Author = {De Jager, M. L. and Ellis, A. G. and Anderson, B. A.}, Title = {{A role for pollinator-mediated facilitation in community assembly?}}, Journal = {{SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{98}}, Pages = {{176}}, Month = {{MAY}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.sajb.2015.03.035}}, ISSN = {{0254-6299}}, EISSN = {{1727-9321}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000353612300057}}, } @article{ ISI:000353612300136, Author = {Rodger, J. G. and De Jager, M. and Ellis, A. G.}, Title = {{Pollinator sharing: Competition, facilitation or interference in the co-flowering Oxalis namaquana and Romulea citrina?}}, Journal = {{SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{98}}, Pages = {{199}}, Month = {{MAY}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.sajb.2015.03.114}}, ISSN = {{0254-6299}}, EISSN = {{1727-9321}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000353612300136}}, } @article{ ISI:000353997400007, Author = {Jin, Xiao-Fang and Ye, Zhong-Ming and Wang, Qing-Feng and Yang, Chun-Feng}, Title = {{Relationship of stigma behaviors and breeding system in three Mazus (Phrymaceae) species with bilobed stigma}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{53}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{259-265}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Sensitive stigma has been recognized to facilitate outcrossing. We hypothesized that species with different levels of sensitivity might have corresponding differences in components of their breeding system. In this study, three Mazus species with bilobed stigmas were used to test the hypothesis. We explored stigma behaviors of the species in reaction time, recovery time, permanent closing time, and the minimum pollen load causing permanent closure. We investigated floral traits, pollinator type and behavior, pollination intensity, and natural schedule of pollen deposition on stigma. Moreover, we evaluated the mating system of the species by checking seed set after controlled pollination treatments, namely, natural flowers with open pollination, enclosed flowers without pollination, and enclosed flowers with self and outcross hand pollination. Results indicated that stigma of M. pumilus (N.L. Burman) Steenis was not sensitive, whereas stigmas of M. miquelii Makino and M. stachydifolius (Turcz.) Maxim. closed and reopened quickly in response to pollination. Accordingly, hand pollination treatments revealed that seed set of self-spontaneous pollination in M. pumilus was similar to the other treatments. For M. miquelii, outcross pollen resulted in significantly higher seed set than self-pollen. Mazus stachydifolius was self-incompatible. Additionally, the corresponding characteristics in other components of the breeding system for each species were found. Our study indicated that the sensitivity of bilobed stigma might be linked with floral traits and the mating system in a given species. Sensitive stigma should be regarded as an evolutionary mechanism for enhancement of outcrossing.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jse.12137}}, ISSN = {{1674-4918}}, EISSN = {{1759-6831}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000353997400007}}, } @article{ ISI:000353392800005, Author = {Erkelens, Rose and van den Hooff, Bart and Huysman, Marleen and Vlaar, Paul}, Title = {{LEARNING FROM LOCALLY EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE: FACILITATING ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING IN GEOGRAPHICALLY DISPERSED SETTINGS}}, Journal = {{GLOBAL STRATEGY JOURNAL}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{5}}, Number = {{2, SI}}, Pages = {{177-197}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{This article addresses the question of how geographically dispersed organizations can overcome the complications for organizational learning that result from the locally embedded character of knowledge. Based on a case study in an MNC, we identify a process of knowledge pollination, describing how a network of experts facilitates organizational learning by participating in various local practices, un-embedding and re-embedding knowledge between these practices. This process is a combination of learning in practice (sharing practices at various locations), network learning (using one's personal network), and organized learning (institutionalized methods of knowledge sharing). Learning in practice is the core process of creating and applying knowledge: network learning facilitates this process across different local and practical contexts and organized learning facilitates the development and extension of network learning.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/gsj.1092}}, ISSN = {{2042-5791}}, EISSN = {{2042-5805}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{van den Hooff, Bart/0000-0002-8880-3910 huysman, marleen/0000-0002-9005-8200}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000353392800005}}, } @article{ ISI:000353057300007, Author = {Rocha, D. I. and Monte Bello, C. C. and Sobol, S. and Samach, A. and Dornelas, M. C.}, Title = {{Auxin and physical constraint exerted by the perianth promote androgynophore bending in Passiflora mucronata L. (Passifloraceae)}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{17}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{639-646}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{The androgynophore column, a distinctive floral feature in passion flowers, is strongly crooked or bent in many Passiflora species pollinated by bats. This is a floral feature that facilitates the adaptation to bat pollination. Crooking or bending of plant organs are generally caused by environmental stimulus (e.g. mechanical barriers) and might involve the differential distribution of auxin. Our aim was to study the role of the perianth organs and the effect of auxin in bending of the androgynophore of the bat-pollinated species Passiflora mucronata. Morpho-anatomical characterisation of the androgynophore, including measurements of curvature angles and cell sizes both at the dorsal (convex) and ventral (concave) sides of the androgynophore, was performed on control flowers, flowers from which perianth organs were partially removed and flowers treated either with auxin (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; 2,4-D) or with an inhibitor of auxin polar transport (naphthylphthalamic acid; NPA). Asymmetric growth of the androgynophore column, leading to bending, occurs at a late stage of flower development. Removing the physical constraint exerted by perianth organs or treatment with NPA significantly reduced androgynophore bending. Additionally, the androgynophores of plants treated with 2,4-D were more curved when compared to controls. There was a larger cellular expansion at the dorsal side of the androgynophores of plants treated with 2,4-D and in both sides of the androgynophores of plants treated with NPA. This study suggests that the physical constraint exerted by perianth and auxin redistribution promotes androgynophore bending in P.mucronata and might be related to the evolution of chiropterophily in the genus Passiflora.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/plb.12295}}, ISSN = {{1435-8603}}, EISSN = {{1438-8677}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Dornelas, Marcelo/A-6104-2013}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Dornelas, Marcelo/0000-0002-6710-3050}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000353057300007}}, } @article{ ISI:000353376800079, Author = {Zhang, Fengjiao and Dong, Wen and Huang, Lulu and Song, Aiping and Wang, Haibin and Fang, Weimin and Chen, Fadi and Teng, Nianjun}, Title = {{Identification of MicroRNAs and their Targets Associated with Embryo Abortion during Chrysanthemum Cross Breeding via High-Throughput Sequencing}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{4}}, Month = {{APR 24}}, Abstract = {{Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in plant development. They post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression during various biological and metabolic processes by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of target mRNAs to facilitate mRNA degradation or inhibit translation. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is one of the most important ornamental flowers with increasing demand each year. However, embryo abortion is the main reason for chrysanthemum cross breeding failure. To date, there have been no experiments examining the expression of miRNAs associated with chrysanthemum embryo development. Therefore, we sequenced three small RNA libraries to identify miRNAs and their functions. Our results will provide molecular insights into chrysanthemum embryo abortion. Results Three small RNA libraries were built from normal chrysanthemum ovules at 12 days after pollination (DAP), and normal and abnormal chrysanthemum ovules at 18 DAP. We validated 228 miRNAs with significant changes in expression frequency during embryonic development. Comparative profiling revealed that 69 miRNAs exhibited significant differential expression between normal and abnormal embryos at 18 DAP. In addition, a total of 1037 miRNA target genes were predicted, and their annotations were defined by transcriptome data. Target genes associated with metabolic pathways were most highly represented according to the annotation. Moreover, 52 predicted target genes were identified to be associated with embryonic development, including 31 transcription factors and 21 additional genes. Gene ontology (GO) annotation also revealed that high-ranking miRNA target genes related to cellular processes and metabolic processes were involved in transcription regulation and the embryo developmental process. Conclusions The present study generated three miRNA libraries and gained information on miRNAs and their targets in the chrysanthemum embryo. These results enrich the growing database of new miRNAs and lay the foundation for the further understanding of miRNA biological function in the regulation of chrysanthemum embryo abortion.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0124371}}, Article-Number = {{e0124371}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000353376800079}}, } @article{ ISI:000369017000008, Author = {Borges, Renee M.}, Title = {{How to be a fig wasp parasite on the fig-fig wasp mutualism}}, Journal = {{CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{8}}, Pages = {{34-40}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{The nursery pollination mutualism between figs and pollinating fig wasps is based on adaptations that allow wasps to enter the enclosed inflorescences of figs, to facilitate seed set, and to have offspring that develop within the nursery and that leave to enter other inflorescences for pollination. This closed mutualistic system is not immune to parasitic fig wasps. Although the life histories and basic biology of the mutualists have been investigated, the biology of the fig wasp parasites has been severely neglected. This review brings together current knowledge of the many different ways in which parasites can enter the system, and also points to the serious lacunae in our understanding of the intricate interactions between gallers, kleptoparasites, seed eaters and parasitoids within this mutualism.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.cois.2015.01.011}}, ISSN = {{2214-5745}}, EISSN = {{2214-5753}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000369017000008}}, } @article{ ISI:000356776800011, Author = {Nakazawa, Takefumi}, Title = {{Ontogenetic niche shifts matter in community ecology: a review and future perspectives}}, Journal = {{POPULATION ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{57}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{347-354}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Almost all organisms on Earth exhibit ontogenetic niche shifts, which causes great phenotypic variation among individuals and is thus considered to critically mediate community structure and dynamics. In contrast, community ecology has traditionally assumed that species are composed of identical individuals with invariant traits and ignored the potentially important ecological roles of ontogenetic niche shifts. To bridge the gap, here I briefly review ecologically relevant examples which show that basic insights of species-based community theories can be revised by including the ontogenetic perspective. Specifically, I focus on the most representative animals in the study of ontogenetic niche shifts, i.e., fish, insects, and amphibians. Notably, their ontogenetic niche shifts create novel views of community structure: (1) ontogenetic diet shifts of predatory fish couple pelagic and benthic food webs in aquatic systems, (2) ontogenetic shifts in interaction types of pollinating insects couple herbivory and pollination networks in terrestrial systems, and (3) ontogenetic habitat shifts of amphibians and aquatic insects couple aquatic and terrestrial metacommunities at interface areas. Dynamic models of such stage-structured communities suggest that their ontogenetic niche shifts may affect the community resilience and disturbance responses. Exploring more complex systems (e.g., where many species undergo ontogenetic niche shifts several times or continuously) is a future direction, for which describing body size relationships between interacting organisms would be a promising approach. I conclude that both theoretical and empirical advances are needed to facilitate the ontogenetic perspective for better understanding mechanisms underlying biodiversity and ecosystem functioning which are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbance.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10144-014-0448-z}}, ISSN = {{1438-3896}}, EISSN = {{1438-390X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000356776800011}}, } @article{ ISI:000354703600014, Author = {Liu, Gui-Xiang and Yang, Da-Rong and Peng, Yan-Qiong and Compton, Stephen G.}, Title = {{Complementary fruiting phenologies facilitate sharing of one pollinator fig wasp by two fig trees}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{2, SI}}, Pages = {{197-206}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Aims Most pollinator fig wasps are host plant specific, with each species only breeding in the figs of one fig tree species, but increasing numbers of species are known to be pollinated by more than one fig wasp, and in rare instances host switching can result in Ficus species sharing pollinators. In this study, we examined factors facilitating observed host switching at Xishuangbanna in Southwestern (SW) China, where Ficus squamosa is at the northern edge of its range and lacks the fig wasps that pollinate it elsewhere, and its figs are colonized by a Ceratosolen pollinator that routinely breeds in figs of F. heterostyla. Methods We recorded the habitat preferences of F. squamosa and F. heterostyla at Xishuangbanna, and compared characteristics such as fig size, location and colour at receptive phase. Furthermore, the vegetative and reproductive phenologies in the populations of F. squamosa and F. heterostyla were recorded weekly at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden for 1 year. Important Findings Ficus squamosa is a shrub found near fast-flowing rivers, F. heterostyla is a small tree of disturbed forest edges. Although preferring different habitats, they can be found growing close together. Both species have figs located at or near ground level, but they differ in size when pollinated. Fig production in F. squamosa was concentrated in the colder months. F. heterostyla produced more figs in summer but had some throughout the year. The absence of its normal pollinators, in combination with similarly located figs and partially complementary fruiting patterns appear to have facilitated colonization of F. squamosa by the routine pollinator of F. heterostyla. The figs probably also share similar attractant volatiles. This host switching suggests one mechanism whereby fig trees can acquire new pollinators and emphasizes the likely significance of edges of ranges in the genesis of novel fig tree-fig wasp relationships.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/jpe/rtv022}}, ISSN = {{1752-9921}}, EISSN = {{1752-993X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000354703600014}}, } @article{ ISI:000354703600016, Author = {Li, Jiao-Kun and Song, Yun-Peng and Xu, Hui and Zhang, Yan-Wen and Zhu, Jian-Yu and Tang, Lu-Lu}, Title = {{High ratio of illegitimate visitation by small bees severely weakens the potential function of heteranthery}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{2, SI}}, Pages = {{213-223}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Aims In heterantherous plants, `division of labor' among structurally different stamens, i.e. pollinating and feeding functions, has been thought to reduce the evolutionary conflict of relying on pollen both as the carrier of male gametes and as the food for pollinators. The key to successful division of labor among different sets of stamens is the size match between stamens and legitimate pollinators, which results in the precise deposition of pollen onto specific locations on pollinator's body and facilitates cross pollination. However, the potential impact of small illegitimate insects that are ubiquitous during the pollination process on the plant reproduction in heterantherous species has been largely neglected in previous studies and never been demonstrated experimentally. Methods Here, we investigated the functions of three different types of stamens in Commelina communis. The pollinator visitation, pollen removal and deposition were compared among flowers with different types of anthers emasculated at two natural populations. Moreover, the mating systems of C. communis in wild populations were estimated using microsatellite markers. Important Findings Our data showed that the main floral visitors for C. communis at the two studied populations were small illegitimate bees rather than legitimate pollinators, accounting for 77.5 and 92.2\% of total flower visits, respectively. Flower manipulations in C. communis demonstrated that the two types of brightly yellow stamens separately functioned as `deceptive attraction' and `feeding' functions. Although the brown inconspicuous stamens of C. communis with the largest amount of fertile pollen had the potential function in offering pollen for cross pollination, the high ratio of illegitimate visitation by small bees significantly affected the dispersal and deposition of pollen from the pollinating anthers, and subsequently decreased the levels of outcrossing (t(m) = 0.23-0.32) in wild populations. Our work further confirmed that the size match between pollinators and the floral morphology is the prerequisite to successfully fulfill the functional differentiation among different sets of stamens in heterantherous plants. Local high ratio of illegitimate visitation by size unmatched insects could significantly weaken the potential functions of heteranthery, affecting the dispersal and deposition of functional pollen in heterantherous plants and further the whole mating systems.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/jpe/rtv021}}, ISSN = {{1752-9921}}, EISSN = {{1752-993X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000354703600016}}, } @article{ ISI:000352794100011, Author = {Leger, Jean-Benoist and Daudin, Jean-Jacques and Vacher, Corinne}, Title = {{Clustering methods differ in their ability to detect patterns in ecological networks}}, Journal = {{METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{6}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{474-481}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Network ecology has been an extraordinarily fertile field of research over the last 20years. Its ultimate goal is to understand how the complex systems of interdependent species assemble, function and evolve. Here, we aimed to help ecologists to select the best methods for detecting subgroups of highly interacting species (usually referred to as compartments or modules) in bipartite networks (e.g. plant-pollinator networks, host-parasite networks), because these subgroups may reveal the processes underlying the assembly of the network and may influence its stability. We simulated several thousand bipartite ecological networks and we compared seven methods of network clustering in terms of their ability to retrieve the number and the composition of species subgroups. Among the seven methods compared, we found that the edge-betweenness algorithm was the best option for binary networks. The stochastic block model was the best method for weighted networks. Modularity maximization, the most popular clustering method in ecology, was among the three best methods in both cases. We thus provide ecology researchers with precise advice concerning the best choice of network clustering method, according to the type of data collected. We also provide the code for simulating bipartite networks and clustering them, in order to facilitate future methodological comparisons.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/2041-210X.12334}}, ISSN = {{2041-210X}}, EISSN = {{2041-2096}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Vacher, Corinne/J-1777-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Vacher, Corinne/0000-0003-3023-6113}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000352794100011}}, } @article{ ISI:000352777900014, Author = {Guan, Changfei and Chen, Li and Chen, Wenxing and Mo, Rongli and Zhang, Qinglin and Du, Xiaoyun and Liu, Jihong and Luo, Zhengrong}, Title = {{SSAP analysis reveals candidate genes associated with deastringency in persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) treated with 40 degrees C water}}, Journal = {{TREE GENETICS \& GENOMES}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{2}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Warm water treatment is a simple and effective deastringency method for the persimmon fruit. The astringency in the `Eshi 1' persimmon, a Chinese pollination-constant and non-astringent (C-PCNA) cultivar, can be quickly removed in 40 degrees C water coupled with the activation of the retrotransposon DkRE1. In this study, transcriptional level changes in `Eshi 1' persimmon treated with 40 degrees C water were studied with a sequence-specific amplification polymorphism (SSAP) approach to investigate the genes associated with deastringency. The complementary DNA (cDNA)-SSAP analysis revealed that 283 differentially expressed transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) potentially involved in `Eshi 1' persimmon deastringency were successfully cloned and sequenced. In total, 116 differentially expressed TDFs were annotated as genes with known function, including four aldehyde metabolism genes and two pectin-related genes. Our data suggested that the tannin-pectin complex formation and the aldehyde-mediated coagulation effect contributed to the deastringency of the persimmon fruit treated with 40 degrees C water. Notably, three gene fragments, triosephosphate isomerase (TDF 175-3), pyruvate kinase (TDF 284-2), and neomenthol dehydrogenase (TDF 238-2), which are potentially involved in the 40 degrees C water coagulation effect were identified. To our knowledge, this report is the first to identify these gene fragments in the persimmon. The SSAP method was innovatively applied to gene discovery based on high-density polymorphisms. Expression analysis and transcriptome data confirmed the validity and accuracy of the cDNA-SSAP method for discovering new candidate genes. These successfully isolated genes could facilitate understanding of astringency removal in persimmon.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11295-015-0841-6}}, Article-Number = {{20}}, ISSN = {{1614-2942}}, EISSN = {{1614-2950}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000352777900014}}, } @article{ ISI:000352545100037, Author = {Morrissey, Barbara J. and Helgason, Thorunn and Poppinga, Lena and Fuenfhaus, Anne and Genersch, Elke and Budge, Giles E.}, Title = {{Biogeography of Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood, using a new multilocus sequence typing scheme}}, Journal = {{ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{17}}, Number = {{4, SI}}, Pages = {{1414-1424}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{American foulbrood is the most destructive brood disease of honeybees (Apis mellifera) globally. The absence of a repeatable, universal typing scheme for the causative bacterium Paenibacillus larvae has restricted our understanding of disease epidemiology. We have created the first multilocus sequence typing scheme (MLST) for P.larvae, which largely confirms the previous enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based typing scheme's divisions while providing added resolution and improved repeatability. We have used the new scheme to determine the distribution and biogeography of 294 samples of P.larvae from across six continents. We found that of the two most epidemiologically important ERIC types, ERIC I was more diverse than ERIC II. Analysis of the fixation index (F-ST) by distance suggested a significant relationship between genetic and geographic distance, suggesting that population structure exists in populations of P.larvae. Interestingly, this effect was only observed within the native range of the host and was absent in areas where international trade has moved honeybees and their disease. Correspondence analysis demonstrated similar sequence type (ST) distributions between native and non-native countries and that ERIC I and II STs mainly have differing distributions. The new typing scheme facilitates epidemiological study of this costly disease of a key pollinator.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1462-2920.12625}}, ISSN = {{1462-2912}}, EISSN = {{1462-2920}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Funfhaus, Anne/0000-0003-0990-5853 Helgason, Thorunn/0000-0003-3639-1499}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000352545100037}}, } @article{ ISI:000352138100007, Author = {Manley, Robyn and Boots, Mike and Wilfert, Lena}, Title = {{Emerging viral disease risk to pollinating insects: ecological, evolutionary and anthropogenic factors}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{52}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{331-340}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{1. The potential for infectious pathogens to spillover and emerge from managed populations to wildlife communities is poorly understood, but ecological, evolutionary and anthropogenic factors are all likely to influence the initial exposure and subsequent infection, spread and impact of disease. Fast-evolving RNA viruses, known to cause severe colony losses in managed honeybee populations, deserve particular attention for their propensity to jump between host species and thus threaten ecologically and economically important wild pollinator communities. 2. We review the literature on pollinator viruses to identify biological and anthropogenic drivers of disease emergence, highlight gaps in the literature, and discuss potential management strategies. 3. We provide evidence that many wild pollinator species are exposed to viruses from commercial species, resulting in multiple spillover events. However, it is not clear whether species become infected as a result of spillover or whether transmission is occurring within these wild populations. Ecological traits of pollinating insects, such as overlapping ranges, niches and behaviours, clearly promote cross-species transmission of RNA viruses. Moreover, we conclude that the social behaviour and phylogenetic relatedness of social pollinators further facilitate within-and between-host transmission, leaving these species particularly vulnerable to emerging diseases. 4. We argue that the commercial use of pollinators is a key driver of disease emergence in these beneficial insects and that this must be addressed by management and policy. 5. Synthesis and applications. There are important knowledge gaps, ranging from disease distribution and prevalence, to pathogen life history and virulence, to the impacts of disease emergence, which need to be addressed as research priorities. It is clear that avoiding anthropogenic pathogen spillover is crucial to preventing and managing disease emergence in pollinators, with far-reaching effects on our food security, ecosystem services and biodiversity. We argue that it is crucial to prevent the introduction of diseased pollinators into natural environments, which can be achieved through improved monitoring and management practices.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2664.12385}}, ISSN = {{0021-8901}}, EISSN = {{1365-2664}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Wilfert, Lena/0000-0002-6075-458X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000352138100007}}, } @article{ ISI:000351742300011, Author = {Schiestl, Florian P.}, Title = {{Ecology and evolution of floral volatile-mediated information transfer in plants}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{206}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{571-577}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Floral volatiles are complex, multi-functional signals that are often used by pollinators in combination with other signals, such as color. Floral visitors use floral scent to estimate the amount of reward present in flowers, to facilitate the identification of a specific host flower or as signals that chemically resemble those important for pollinator insects in other ecological contexts. There is good evidence that floral scent evolves under selection imposed by both mutualists and antagonists. Antagonists may often limit the amount of scent emitted by flowers, thus contributing to spatial population variation, and select for phenotypic plasticity after enemy attack. Floral scent is also an important component of pollinator-mediated reproductive isolation, as it often co-varies with color and morphology in sister species with different pollination systems.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.13243}}, ISSN = {{0028-646X}}, EISSN = {{1469-8137}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000351742300011}}, } @article{ ISI:000351229600009, Author = {Carleial, Samuel and Delgado-Salinas, Alfonso and Dominguez, Cesar A. and Terrazas, Teresa}, Title = {{Reflexed flowers in Aeschynomene amorphoides (Fabaceae: Faboideae): a mechanism promoting pollination specialization?}}, Journal = {{BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{177}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{657-666}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{This study aims to understand the role of floral traits in determining the reproductive biology of the leguminous shrub Aeschynomene amorphoides, endemic to western Mexico, which has unusually orientated flowers. We investigated the floral biology, pollination and breeding system based on a combination of morphological studies and field experiments, using controlled pollinations in a natural environment. The architecture and reflexed position of A. amorphoides flowers facilitate precise placement of pollen on the body of the pollinator, but this has a cost to A. amorphoides in terms of available flower resources. These costs to reproduction success are set against the attraction of a specialized pollinator, Tetraloniella jaliscoensis, which is capable of manipulating this unique pollination system in papilionoid (or flag) flowers. (C) 2015 The Linnean Society of London.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/boj.12264}}, ISSN = {{0024-4074}}, EISSN = {{1095-8339}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Dominguez, Cesar/D-3336-2015}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Dominguez, Cesar/0000-0001-7404-2260}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000351229600009}}, } @article{ ISI:000351619500008, Author = {Vazquez, Diego P. and Ramos-Jiliberto, Rodrigo and Urbani, Pasquinell and Valdovinos, Fernanda S.}, Title = {{A conceptual framework for studying the strength of plant-animal mutualistic interactions}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY LETTERS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{18}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{385-400}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{The strength of species interactions influences strongly the structure and dynamics of ecological systems. Thus, quantifying such strength is crucial to understand how species interactions shape communities and ecosystems. Although the concepts and measurement of interaction strength in food webs have received much attention, there has been comparatively little progress in the context of mutualism. We propose a conceptual scheme for studying the strength of plant-animal mutualistic interactions. We first review the interaction strength concepts developed for food webs, and explore how these concepts have been applied to mutualistic interactions. We then outline and explain a conceptual framework for defining ecological effects in plant-animal mutualisms. We give recommendations for measuring interaction strength from data collected in field studies based on a proposed approach for the assessment of interaction strength in plant-animal mutualisms. This approach is conceptually integrative and methodologically feasible, as it focuses on two key variables usually measured in field studies: the frequency of interactions and the fitness components influenced by the interactions.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/ele.12411}}, ISSN = {{1461-023X}}, EISSN = {{1461-0248}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Vazquez, Diego P./0000-0002-3449-5748}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000351619500008}}, } @article{ ISI:000356353700171, Author = {Quinto, Javier and de los Angeles Marcos-Garcia, Maria and Diaz-Castelazo, Cecilia and Rico-Gray, Victor and Galante, Eduardo and Mico, Estefania}, Title = {{Association Patterns in Saproxylic Insect Networks in Three Iberian Mediterranean Woodlands and Their Resistance to Microhabitat Loss}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{10}}, Number = {{3}}, Month = {{MAR 26}}, Abstract = {{The assessment of the relationship between species diversity, species interactions and environmental characteristics is indispensable for understanding network architecture and ecological distribution in complex networks. Saproxylic insect communities inhabiting tree hollow microhabitats within Mediterranean woodlands are highly dependent on woodland configuration and on microhabitat supply they harbor, so can be studied under the network analysis perspective. We assessed the differences in interacting patterns according to woodland site, and analysed the importance of functional species in modelling network architecture. We then evaluated their implications for saproxylic assemblages' persistence, through simulations of three possible scenarios of loss of tree hollow microhabitat. Tree hollow-saproxylic insect networks per woodland site presented a significant nested pattern. Those woodlands with higher complexity of tree individuals and tree hollow microhabitats also housed higher species/interactions diversity and complexity of saproxylic networks, and exhibited a higher degree of nestedness, suggesting that a higher woodland complexity positively influences saproxylic diversity and interaction complexity, thus determining higher degree of nestedness. Moreover, the number of insects acting as key interconnectors (nodes falling into the core region, using core/periphery tests) was similar among woodland sites, but the species identity varied on each. Such differences in insect core composition among woodland sites suggest the functional role they depict at woodland scale. Tree hollows acting as core corresponded with large tree hollows near the ground and simultaneously housing various breeding microsites, whereas core insects were species mediating relevant ecological interactions within saproxylic communities, e.g. predation, competitive or facilitation interactions. Differences in network patterns and tree hollow characteristics among woodland sites clearly defined different sensitivity to microhabitat loss, and higher saproxylic diversity and woodland complexity showed positive relation with robustness. These results highlight that woodland complexity goes hand in hand with biotic and ecological complexity of saproxylic networks, and together exhibited positive effects on network robustness.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0122141}}, Article-Number = {{e0122141}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{mico, estefania/H-1983-2015 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{mico, estefania/0000-0002-7361-4770 Marcos-Garcia, M. Angeles/0000-0002-2439-2630}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000356353700171}}, } @article{ ISI:000351060000078, Author = {Betts, Matthew G. and Hadley, Adam S. and Kress, W. John}, Title = {{Pollinator recognition by a keystone tropical plant}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{112}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{3433-3438}}, Month = {{MAR 17}}, Abstract = {{Understanding the mechanisms enabling coevolution in complex mutualistic networks remains a central challenge in evolutionary biology. We show for the first time, to our knowledge, that a tropical plant species has the capacity to discriminate among floral visitors, investing in reproduction differentially across the pollinator community. After we standardized pollen quality in 223 aviary experiments, successful pollination of Heliconia tortuosa (measured as pollen tube abundance) occurred frequently when plants were visited by long-distance traplining hummingbird species with specialized bills ((x) over bar pollen tubes = 1.21 +/- 0.12 SE) but was reduced 5.7 times when visited by straight-billed territorial birds (x pollen tubes = 0.20 +/- 0.074 SE) or insects. Our subsequent experiments revealed that plants use the nectar extraction capacity of tropical hummingbirds, a positive function of bill length, as a cue to turn on reproductively. Furthermore, we show that hummingbirds with long bills and high nectar extraction efficiency engaged in daily movements at broad spatial scales (similar to 1 km), but that territorial species moved only short distances (< 100 m). Such pollinator recognition may therefore affect mate selection and maximize receipt of high-quality pollen from multiple parents. Although a diffuse pollinator network is implied, because all six species of hummingbirds carry pollen of H. tortuosa, only two species with specialized bills contribute meaningfully to its reproduction. We hypothesize that this pollinator filtering behavior constitutes a crucial mechanism facilitating coevolution in multispecies plant-pollinator networks. However, pollinator recognition also greatly reduces the number of realized pollinators, thereby rendering mutualistic networks more vulnerable to environmental change.}}, DOI = {{10.1073/pnas.1419522112}}, ISSN = {{0027-8424}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Hadley, Adam/G-8391-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Hadley, Adam/0000-0002-8344-3354}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000351060000078}}, } @article{ ISI:000350344900028, Author = {Trojelsgaard, Kristian and Jordano, Pedro and Carstensen, Daniel W. and Olesen, Jens M.}, Title = {{Geographical variation in mutualistic networks: similarity, turnover and partner fidelity}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{282}}, Number = {{1802}}, Month = {{MAR 7}}, Abstract = {{Although species and their interactions in unison represent biodiversity and all the ecological and evolutionary processes associated with life, biotic interactions have, contrary to species, rarely been integrated into the concepts of spatial beta-diversity. Here, we examine beta-diversity of ecological networks by using pollination networks sampled across the Canary Islands. We show that adjacent and distant communities are more and less similar, respectively, in their composition of plants, pollinators and interactions than expected from random distributions. We further show that replacement of species is the major driver of interaction turnover and that this contribution increases with distance. Finally, we quantify that species-specific partner compositions (here called partner fidelity) deviate from random partner use, but vary as a result of ecological and geographical variables. In particular, breakdown of partner fidelity was facilitated by increasing geographical distance, changing abundances and changing linkage levels, but was not related to the geographical distribution of the species. This highlights the importance of space when comparing communities of interacting species and may stimulate a rethinking of the spatial interpretation of interaction networks. Moreover, geographical interaction dynamics and its causes are important in our efforts to anticipate effects of large-scale changes, such as anthropogenic disturbances.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2014.2925}}, Article-Number = {{20142925}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, EISSN = {{1471-2954}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{CSIC, EBD Donana/C-4157-2011 Jordano, Pedro/A-5162-2008 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{CSIC, EBD Donana/0000-0003-4318-6602 Jordano, Pedro/0000-0003-2142-9116 Olesen, Jes/0000-0002-6712-2702}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000350344900028}}, } @article{ ISI:000353225200009, Author = {Zhao, Lei and Yan, Song and Huang, Renliang and Zhu, Shan and Xiong, Hongliang and Peng, Zhiqin and Zhou, Qingyou and Huang, Yingjin and Shen, Xianhua}, Title = {{Characterization and fine mapping of a female fertility associated gene Ff1(t) in rice}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF GENETICS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{94}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{67-73}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Female-sterile line can be used as a pollinator which has a great potential for hybrid seeds production. However, reports on female fertility are fewer than male fertility. Here, we characterized a recessive female fertility weakening mutant ff1(t) from rice. The spikelet fertility was seriously affected in the mutant. Reciprocal crosses and pollen vitality assay suggest that the decreased fertility was caused by the defective female gametophytes. Further investigation indicated that the mutant ovary development was inhibited before fertilization and failed swelling after flowering. Genetic analysis and fine mapping showed that the mutant was controlled by a single recessive gene, residing on a 16.8 kb region on the long arm of chromosome 1. The gene annotation indicated that there was only one putative gene encoding lysine decarboxylase-like protein in this region, which was allelic to LOG. Further, the sequence analysis was carried out and a substitution at the splice site of intron 2 / exon 3 was revealed in ff1(t) mutant, resulting in the change of reading frame. The finding of novel allele of LOG locus will facilitate the understanding of the mechanisms of female gametophyte development.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s12041-015-0490-4}}, ISSN = {{0022-1333}}, EISSN = {{0973-7731}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000353225200009}}, } @article{ ISI:000352633100001, Author = {Traveset, Anna and Olesen, Jens M. and Nogales, Manuel and Vargas, Pablo and Jaramillo, Patricia and Antolin, Elena and Trigo, Maria Mar and Heleno, Ruben}, Title = {{Bird-flower visitation networks in the Galapagos unveil a widespread interaction release}}, Journal = {{NATURE COMMUNICATIONS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{6}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Owing to food scarcity and to the high densities that vertebrates often reach on islands, typical insect- and seed-eaters widen their feeding niche and interact with a greater fraction of species than their mainland counterparts. This phenomenon, coined here `interaction release', has been previously reported for single species but never for an entire community. During 4 years, we gathered data on bird-flower visitation on 12 Galapagos islands. We show that all sampled land birds exploit floral resources and act as potential pollinators across the entire archipelago, in all major habitats and all year round. Although species and link composition varies among islands, strong interaction release takes place on all islands, making their bird-flower network highly generalized. Interaction release is crucial to the survival of native birds but simultaneously threatens the unique biodiversity of this archipelago, as the birds also visit invading plants, likely facilitating their integration into pristine native communities.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/ncomms7376}}, Article-Number = {{6376}}, ISSN = {{2041-1723}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Nogales, Manuel/I-9831-2014 Heleno, Ruben/A-5778-2011 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Nogales, Manuel/0000-0002-5327-3104 Heleno, Ruben/0000-0002-4808-4907 Olesen, Jes/0000-0002-6712-2702}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000352633100001}}, } @article{ ISI:000351208000016, Author = {Anderson, Gregory J. and Anderson, Mona K. J. and Patel, Nikisha}, Title = {{THE ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF DIOECY IN THE GENUS SOLANUM: WITH PARADIGMS FROM THE STRONG DIOECY IN SOLANUM POLYGAMUM, TO THE UNSUSPECTED AND CRYPTIC DIOECY IN SOLANUM CONOCARPUM}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{102}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{471-486}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Premise of the study: Island plants are over-exploited and ``under-explored.{''} Understanding the reproductive biology of plants, especially rare species, is fundamental to clarifying their evolution, estimating potential for change, and for creating effective conservation plans. Clarification of sexual systems like dioecy, and unusual manifestations of it in specific studies within Solanum, helps elucidate evolutionary patterns and genetic and ecological control of sex expression. Methods: Studies of reproductive systems of two Caribbean endemics, S. polygamum and S. conocarpum, combined multifaceted analyses of field populations and of multiple generations of greenhouse plants. Key results: The dioecy in both species is, like that in other solanums, largely cryptic, although the gender of S. polygamum flowers is obvious. The rare S. conocarpum is recognized as dioecious; floral gender is not obvious. Variation in sex expression facilitated experiments and promoted hypotheses on control and significance of morphological features and sex expression. Conclusions: Confirmed dioecy in at least 15 solanums is distributed across the genus, with perhaps 6 independent origins, and with crypticity in the form of morphologically hermaphroditic, but functionally unisexual, flowers characterizing all species. Dioecy is not more strongly associated with islands. Inaperturate pollen in pistillate flowers characterizes almost all, but not the two dioecious species studied herein. Dioecy in both species indicates leakiness (rare hermaphroditic flowers on male plants) that helps explain island colonization and radiation. Leakiness allowed confirmation-usually impossible for dioecious species-of self-compatibility for S. polygamum, and thus support for the hypothesis that dioecy evolved to promote outcrossing.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1400486}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, EISSN = {{1537-2197}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000351208000016}}, } @article{ ISI:000351545700009, Author = {Hilje, Branko and Calvo-Alvarado, Julio and Jimenez-Rodriguez, Cesar and Sanchez-Azofeifa, Arturo}, Title = {{Tree species composition, breeding systems, and pollination and dispersal syndromes in three forest successional stages in a tropical dry forest in Mesoamerica}}, Journal = {{TROPICAL CONSERVATION SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{76-94}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Tropical dry forests (TDF) in Mesoamerica are highly endangered by the expansion of human activities (e.g., agriculture and cattle ranching). In contrast, TDF in Costa Rica have experienced outstanding restoration due to changes in economic and conservation policies. Currently TDF landscapes in Costa Rica are a mosaic of different successional stages. Tree breeding systems and pollination and dispersal syndromes are key elements for understanding restoration processes in TDFs. In this study we describe and compare tree species composition and diversity in three TIN successional stages (early, intermediate and late) in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We describe for the first time tree species breeding systems and pollination and dispersal syndromes for the largest and most significant TDF remnant in Mesoamerica. We set up nine plots, three per successional stage, and we measured and identified 1,072 trees from 96 species. Species richness and diversity indices were higher for the intermediate stage. Monoecy was the most common breeding system, as in other tropical life zones. Insects were the dominant pollinators, facilitated by the trees' small inflorescences. Wind was found to be not only the next most influential pollinator, mainly in open and disturbed early forests, but also it was also a good seed dispersal agent. As TDF age increases so does the relevancy of birds and mammals as dispersers; the late stage therefore has more tree species with adaptations to these dispersers.}}, ISSN = {{1940-0829}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Jimenez-Rodriguez, Cesar/0000-0002-6339-5981 Calvo-Alvarado, Julio Cesar/0000-0001-9555-6420 Hilje, Branko/0000-0001-5701-5455 Sanchez-Azofeifa, Arturo/0000-0001-7768-6600}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000351545700009}}, } @article{ ISI:000350858900004, Author = {Jakobsson, Anna and Padron, Benigno and Agren, Jon}, Title = {{Distance-dependent effects of invasive Lupinus polyphyllus on pollination and reproductive success of two native herbs}}, Journal = {{BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{16}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{120-127}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{A comprehensive understanding of the effects of invasive plants on native species requires identification of both the mechanisms of interaction and the spatial scale over which they act. Indirect interactions involving mobile organisms such as pollinators are likely to be scale-dependent, yet most studies examining effects of invasive species on pollination of native plants have considered effects across a single distance between interacting species. We examined the effects of the invasive herb Lupinus polyphyllus on pollination of two native herbs using multiple distances between the invasive and the natives. We recorded pollinator visitation and seed production in the native herbs Lotus corniculatus and Lychnis viscaria at 0, 5 m or 200 m away from L. polyphyllus. To reduce the influence of confounding factors, we used experimentally established populations of the invasive and potted individuals of the natives. In the immediate vicinity to L. polyphyllus, visitation to L. corniculatus was higher than 200 m away, and seed production per flower was higher than 5 m and 200 m away. In L. viscaria, bumblebee visitation was higher adjacent to L. polyphyllus than 5 m and 200 m away, but total pollinator visitation and reproductive success did not vary with distance. The results indicate that L. polyphyllus facilitates pollination of the native plants, and that this occurs at a very local spatial scale as effects dropped off already at a distance of 5 m. Presence of L. polyphyllus could benefit both pollinators and pollination of native herbs, and these positive effects should be considered along with likely negative effects due to resource competition. Moreover, the results illustrate the necessity to consider scale-dependent effects when assessing the impact of invasive flowering plants on native pollination interactions.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.baae.2014.12.005}}, ISSN = {{1439-1791}}, EISSN = {{1618-0089}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Agren, Jon/E-6093-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Agren, Jon/0000-0001-9573-2463}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000350858900004}}, } @article{ ISI:000351085900009, Author = {Sheffield, Cory S. and Wilkes, Margie A. and Cutler, G. Christopher and Hermanutz, Luise}, Title = {{An artificial nesting substrate for Osmia species that nest under stones, with focus on Osmia inermis (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)}}, Journal = {{INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{189-192}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Several megachilid bees are excellent crop pollinators, and many species show potential for management as they nest in pre-existing cavities in artificial substrates. Some species, particularly in the Osmiini, however, have nesting habits not conducive to conventional trap-nesting. Here we report on an artificial nest for species of Osmia bees which normally build nests on the underside of stones. The Holarctic species Osmia inermis accepted overturned terracotta saucers as nesting sites, with 10\% of the saucers occupied in the fall of 2011. These saucers are inexpensive and available in many sizes, facilitating further scientific study of this, and other species. Implications of using artificial nests for managing this bee for crop pollination, and for its conservation, are discussed.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/icad.12095}}, ISSN = {{1752-458X}}, EISSN = {{1752-4598}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Sheffield, Cory/0000-0003-0603-7333}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000351085900009}}, } @article{ ISI:000350218500005, Author = {Hung, Tran D. and Brawner, Jeremy T. and Meder, Roger and Lee, David J. and Southerton, Simon and Thinh, Ha H. and Dieters, Mark J.}, Title = {{Estimates of genetic parameters for growth and wood properties in Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell. to support tree breeding in Vietnam}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{72}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{205-217}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Eucalyptus pellita demonstrated good growth and wood quality traits in this study, with young plantation grown timber being suitable for both solid and pulp wood products. All traits examined were under moderate levels of genetic control with little genotype by environment interaction when grown on two contrasting sites in Vietnam. Eucalyptus pellita currently has a significant role in reforestation in the tropics. Research to support expanded of use of this species is needed: particularly, research to better understand the genetic control of key traits will facilitate the development of genetically improved planting stock. This study aimed to provide estimates of the heritability of diameter at breast height over bark, wood basic density, Kraft pulp yield, modulus of elasticity and microfibril angle, and the genetic correlations among these traits, and understand the importance of genotype by environment interactions in Vietnam. Data for diameter and wood properties were collected from two 10-year-old, open-pollinated progeny trials of E. pellita in Vietnam that evaluated 104 families from six native range and three orchard sources. Wood properties were estimated from wood samples using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Data were analysed using mixed linear models to estimate genetic parameters (heritability, proportion of variance between seed sources and genetic correlations). Variation among the nine sources was small compared to additive variance. Narrow-sense heritability and genetic correlation estimates indicated that simultaneous improvements in most traits could be achieved from selection among and within families as the genetic correlations among traits were either favourable or close to zero. Type B genetic correlations approached one for all traits suggesting that genotype by environment interactions were of little importance. These results support a breeding strategy utilizing a single breeding population advanced by selecting the best individuals across all seed sources. Both growth and wood properties have been evaluated. Multi-trait selection for growth and wood property traits will lead to more productive populations of E. pellita both with improved productivity and improved timber and pulp properties.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s13595-014-0426-9}}, ISSN = {{1286-4560}}, EISSN = {{1297-966X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000350218500005}}, } @article{ ISI:000350549000022, Author = {de Waal, Caroli and Anderson, Bruce and Ellis, Allan G.}, Title = {{Relative density and dispersion pattern of two southern African Asteraceae affect fecundity through heterospecific interference and mate availability, not pollinator visitation rate}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{103}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{513-525}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Since co-flowering plants often share pollinators, their fecundity is likely affected by pollen transfer within and among plant species. Changes in pollinator visitation rates (e.g. through facilitation or competition for pollinators) are usually thought to exert the predominant influence on plant fecundity. However, the transfer of conspecific relative to heterospecific pollen between individuals may also play an important role. Indeed, the relative importance of these determinants of fecundity is expected to depend on the density, relative abundance and spatial arrangement of con- and heterospecifics. We investigated the effects of con- and heterospecific density and spatial distribution pattern on pollinator visitation and plant fecundity within and between two annual, self-incompatible co-flowering species {[}Dimorphotheca pinnata and Ursinia cakilefolia (Asteraceae)] by manipulating their relative abundance, overall patch density and dispersion patterns in experimental arrays in Namaqualand, South Africa. We quantified pollinator visitation rates and fruit set in arrays of varying density and aggregation. This enabled us to determine which mechanism(s) were driving variation of fecundity, particularly through their influence on visitation rates, mate availability and heterospecific pollen interference. To test whether autogamy offers reproductive assurance when individuals are scattered among a dense population of heterospecifics, we included an autogamous species (U.anthemoides) in a separate experiment. We found that increased fecundity with increasing conspecific density was not the result of higher visitation rates, but rather increased mate availability. Furthermore, increased spatial aggregation of conspecifics at low density significantly increased fecundity through reduced heterospecific interference. In contrast to results for self-incompatible species, fruit set in U.anthemoides was consistently high and unaffected by scattered distribution patterns. This suggests that autogamy may offer reproductive assurance when mates are limited and the potential for interspecific pollen transfer (IPT) is high.Synthesis. In this study of annual daisies, variation in fruit set is primarily driven by factors that affect the transfer of conspecific relative to heterospecific pollen, independent of pollinator visitation rate. Our findings demonstrate that mate limitation and IPT negatively affect fruit set and that these effects can be mitigated by intraspecific aggregation and the ability to autonomously self-pollinate.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2745.12358}}, ISSN = {{0022-0477}}, EISSN = {{1365-2745}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Anderson, Bruce/0000-0002-7264-4505 Ellis, Allan/0000-0001-6310-2870}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000350549000022}}, } @article{ ISI:000349410500001, Author = {Arbona, Vicent and Iglesias, Domingo J. and Gomez-Cadenas, Aurelio}, Title = {{Non-targeted metabolite profiling of citrus juices as a tool for variety discrimination and metabolite flow analysis}}, Journal = {{BMC PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{15}}, Month = {{FEB 5}}, Abstract = {{Background: Genetic diversity of citrus includes intrageneric hybrids, cultivars arising from cross-pollination and/or somatic mutations with particular biochemical compounds such as sugar, acids and secondary metabolite composition. Results: Secondary metabolite profiles of juices from 12 commercial varieties grouped into blonde and navel types, mandarins, lemons and grapefruits were analyzed by LC/ESI-QTOF-MS. HCA on metabolite profiling data revealed the existence of natural groups demarcating fruit types and varieties associated to specific composition patterns. The unbiased classification provided by HCA was used for PLS-DA to find the potential variables (mass chromatographic features) responsible for the classification. Abscisic acid and derivatives, several flavonoids and limonoids were identified by analysis of mass spectra. To facilitate interpretation, metabolites were represented as flow charts depicting biosynthetic pathways. Mandarins `Fortune' and `Hernandina' along with oranges showed higher ABA contents and ABA degradation products were present as glycosylated forms in oranges and certain mandarins. All orange and grapefruit varieties showed high limonin contents and its glycosylated form, that was only absent in lemons. The rest of identified limonoids were highly abundant in oranges. Particularly, Sucrenya cultivar showed a specific accumulation of obacunone and limonoate A-ring lactone. Polymethoxylated flavanones (tangeritin and isomers) were absolutely absent from lemons and grapefruits whereas kaempferol deoxyhexose hexose isomer \#2, naringin and neohesperidin were only present in these cultivars. Conclusions: Analysis of relative metabolite build-up in closely-related genotypes allowed the efficient demarcation of cultivars and suggested the existence of genotype-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying the differential metabolite accumulation.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12870-015-0430-8}}, Article-Number = {{38}}, ISSN = {{1471-2229}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Gomez-Cadenas, Aurelio/K-6084-2012 Arbona, Vicent/K-1748-2015 Iglesias, Domingo/C-9000-2014}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Gomez-Cadenas, Aurelio/0000-0002-4598-2664 Arbona, Vicent/0000-0003-2232-106X }}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000349410500001}}, } @article{ ISI:000350813100011, Author = {Palmer, William M. and Ru, Lei and Jin, Ye and Patrick, John W. and Ruan, Yong-Ling}, Title = {{Tomato Ovary-to-Fruit Transition is Characterized by a Spatial Shift of mRNAs for Cell Wall Invertase and its Inhibitor with the Encoded Proteins Localized to Sieve Elements}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR PLANT}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{315-328}}, Month = {{FEB 2}}, Abstract = {{Central to understanding fruit development is to elucidate the processes mediating a successful transition from pre-pollination ovaries to newly set fruit, a key step in establishing fruit yield potential. In tomato, cell wall invertase (CWIN) LIN5 and its inhibitor INH1 are essential for fruit growth. However, the molecular and cellular basis by which they exert their roles in ovary-to-fruit transition remains unknown. To address this issue, we conducted a study focusing on ovaries and fruitlets at 2 days before and 2 days after anthesis, respectively. In situ hybridization analyses revealed that LIN5 and INH1 exhibited a dispersed expression in ovaries compared with their phloem-specific expression in fruitlets. Remarkably, LIN5 and INH1 proteins were immunologically co-localized to cell walls of sieve elements (SEs) in ovaries immediately prior to anthesis and in young fruitlets, but were undetectable in provascular bundles of younger ovaries. A burst in CWIN activity occurred during ovary-to-fruit transition. Interestingly, the ovaries, but not the fruitlets, exhibited high expression of a defective invertase, SIdeCWIN1, an ortholog of which is known to enhance inhibition of INH on CWIN activity in tobacco. Imaging of a fluorescent symplasmic tracer indicated an apoplasmic phloem unloading pathway operated in ovaries, contrary to the previously observed symplasmic unloading pathway in fruit pericarp. These new data indicate that (1) a phloem-specific patterning of the CWIN and INH mRNAs is induced during ovary-to-fruit transition, and (2) LIN5 protein functions specifically in walls of SEs and increases its activity during ovary-to-fruit transition, probably to facilitate phloem unloading and to generate a glucose signal positively regulating cell division, hence fruit set.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.molp.2014.12.019}}, ISSN = {{1674-2052}}, EISSN = {{1752-9867}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000350813100011}}, } @article{ ISI:000350033700016, Author = {Hughson, Sarah A. and Spencer, Joseph L.}, Title = {{Emergence and Abundance of Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Bt Cornfields With Structured and Seed Blend Refuges}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{108}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{114-125}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{To slow evolution of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) resistance to Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner) corn hybrids, non-Bt ``refuges{''} must be planted within or adjacent to Bt cornfields, allowing susceptible insects to develop without exposure to Bt toxins. Bt-susceptible adults from refuges are expected to find and mate with resistant adults that have emerged from Bt corn, reducing the likelihood that Bt-resistant offspring are produced. The spatial and temporal distribution of adults in four refuge treatments (20, 5, and 0\% structured refuges and 5\% seed blend) and adjacent soybean fields was compared from 2010 to 2012. Adult emergence (adults/trap/day) from refuge corn in structured refuge treatments was greater than that from Bt corn, except during the post-pollination period of corn phenology when emergence from refuge and Bt plants was often the same. Abundance of free-moving adults was greatest in and near refuge rows in structured refuge treatments during vegetative and pollination periods. By post-pollination, adult abundance became evenly distributed. In contrast, adult abundance in 5\% seed blends and 0\% refuges was evenly distributed, or nearly so, across plots throughout the season. The persistent concentration of adults in refuge rows suggests that structured refuge configurations may not facilitate the expected mixing of adults from refuge and Bt corn. Seed blends produce uniform distributions of adults across the field that may facilitate mating between Bt and refuge adults and ultimately delay the evolution of Bt resistance.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/jee/tou029}}, ISSN = {{0022-0493}}, EISSN = {{1938-291X}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Spencer, Joseph/B-6876-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Spencer, Joseph/0000-0003-4757-563X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000350033700016}}, } @article{ ISI:000348740800028, Author = {Motzke, Iris and Tscharntke, Teja and Wanger, Thomas C. and Klein, Alexandra-Maria}, Title = {{Pollination mitigates cucumber yield gaps more than pesticide and fertilizer use in tropical smallholder gardens}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{52}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{261-269}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Pollination can be an essential but often neglected ecosystem service to mitigate crop yield gaps. Pollination services are usually studied in isolation, and their relative role and possible interactions with other factors, such as major management practices, is little understood. We tested how pollination (insect vs. wind- and self-pollination) interacts with weed control, fertilization and insect herbivore control and how these factors as well as flower-visiting bees influence fruit set and yield of cucumber Cucumis sativus L. in 13 traditional Indonesian home gardens. Although insect pollination, fertilization and weed control additively increased crop yield, fertilization and weed control alone could not compensate for pollination loss. Pollination individually accounted for 75\% of the yield and was, hence, the most important driver of yield. In contrast, herbivore control through insecticides at commonly applied levels did not increase yield. Yield strongly increased with higher number of flower-visiting bee individuals, while the number of bee individuals in turn was not influenced by weed control, fertilization or herbivore control, but increased with higher number of cucumber flowers.Synthesis and applications. Although multiple management practices influence yield, they cannot compensate yield gaps from pollinator loss in cucumber smallholder production in Indonesia. Our results also show that the widespread use of insecticides without considering the impacts on pest reduction is uneconomical. Here, reducing insecticides caused no income loss and, at the same time, reduces potential risks to important pollinators, which needs to be acknowledged by policy-driven regulations for pesticide application in tropical agroecosystems. Our results stress the importance of enhancing bee populations to facilitate pollination services. Bee management practices, such as sustaining additional food resources for pollinators, need to be established. Although multiple management practices influence yield, they cannot compensate yield gaps from pollinator loss in cucumber smallholder production in Indonesia. Our results also show that the widespread use of insecticides without considering the impacts on pest reduction is uneconomical. Here, reducing insecticides caused no income loss and, at the same time, reduces potential risks to important pollinators, which needs to be acknowledged by policy-driven regulations for pesticide application in tropical agroecosystems. Our results stress the importance of enhancing bee populations to facilitate pollination services. Bee management practices, such as sustaining additional food resources for pollinators, need to be established.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2664.12357}}, ISSN = {{0021-8901}}, EISSN = {{1365-2664}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000348740800028}}, } @article{ ISI:000348892700002, Author = {Jordan, Crispin Y.}, Title = {{The influence of pleiotropy between viability and pollen fates on mating system evolution}}, Journal = {{THEORETICAL POPULATION BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{99}}, Pages = {{7-17}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Floral displays are functionally and genetically integrated structures, so modifications to display will likely affect multiple fitness components (pleiotropy), including pollen export and self-pollination, and therefore selfing rate. Consequently, the great diversities of floral displays and of mating systems found among angiosperms have likely co-evolved. I extend previous models of mating system evolution to determine how pleiotropy that links viability (e.g., probability of survival to reproduction) and the allocation of pollen for export and selfing affects the evolution of selflng, outcrossing, and in particular, mixed mating. I show that the outcome depends on how pollen shifts from being exported, unused, or used for selfing. Furthermore, pleiotropy that affects viability can explain observations not addressed by previous theory, including the evolution of mixed mating despite high inbreeding depression in the absence of pollen-limitation. Therefore, pleiotropy may play a key role in explaining selfing rates for such species that exhibit otherwise enigmatic mating systems. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.tpb.2014.10.005}}, ISSN = {{0040-5809}}, EISSN = {{1096-0325}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000348892700002}}, } @article{ ISI:000348936700001, Author = {Wang, Xiaoyun and Xiong, Mei and Lei, Chaoliang and Zhu, Fen}, Title = {{The developmental transcriptome of the synanthropic fly Chrysomya megacephala and insights into olfactory proteins}}, Journal = {{BMC GENOMICS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{16}}, Month = {{JAN 23}}, Abstract = {{Background: Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) is a prevalent and synanthropic blowfly which has two sides, for being a pathogenic vector, an efficient pollinator, a promising resource of proteins, lipids, chitosan, biofuel et al., and an important forensic indicator. Moreover olfactory proteins are crucial component to function in related processes. However, the genomic platform of C. megacephala remains relatively unavailable. Developmental transcriptomes of eggs, larvae from 1st instar to before pupa stage and adults from emergence to egg laying period were built by RNA-sequencing to establish sequence background of C. megacephala with special lights on olfactory proteins. Results: Clean reads in eggs, larvae and adults were annotated into 59486 transcripts. Transcripts were assembled into 22286, 17180, 18934 and 35900 unigenes in eggs, larvae, adults and the combined datasets, respectively. Unigenes were annotated using Nr (NCBI non-redundant protein sequences), Nt (NCBI non-redundant nucleotide sequences), GO (Gene Ontology), PFAM (Protein family), KOG/COG (Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins), Swiss-Prot (A manually annotated and reviewed protein sequence database), and KO (KEGG Orthology). Totally 12196 unigenes were annotated into 51 sub-categories belonging to three main GO categories; 8462 unigenes were classified functionally into 26 categories to KOG classifications; 5160 unigenes were functionally classified into 5 KEGG categories. Moreover, according to RSEM, the number of differentially expressed genes between larvae and eggs, adults and eggs, adults and larvae, and the common differentially expressed genes were 2637, 1804, 2628 and 258, respectively. Among them, 17 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 7 chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and 8 ionotropic receptors (IRs) were differently expressed in adults and larvae. Ten were confirmed as significant differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, OBP Cmeg32081-c4 was highly expressed in the female head and Cmeg33593\_c0 were up-regulated with the increase of larval age. Conclusions: A comprehensive sequence resource with desirable quality was built by comparative transcriptome of eggs, larvae and adults, enriching the genomic platform of C. megacephala. The identified differentially expressed genes would facilitate the understanding of metamorphosis, development and the fitness to environmental change of C. megacephala. OBP Cmeg32081- c4 and Cmeg33593\_ c0 might play a crucial role in the interactions between olfactory system and biological processes.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12864-014-1200-y}}, Article-Number = {{20}}, ISSN = {{1471-2164}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000348936700001}}, } @article{ ISI:000350851900001, Author = {Kuligowska, Katarzyna and Luetken, Henrik and Christensen, Brian and Skovgaard, Ib and Linde, Marcus and Winkelmann, Traud and Mueller, Renate}, Title = {{Evaluation of reproductive barriers contributes to the development of novel interspecific hybrids in the Kalanchoe genus}}, Journal = {{BMC PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{15}}, Month = {{JAN 21}}, Abstract = {{Background: Interspecific hybridization is a useful tool in ornamental breeding to increase genetic variability and introduce new valuable traits into existing cultivars. The successful formation of interspecific hybrids is frequently limited by the presence of pre- and post-fertilization barriers. In the present study, we investigated the nature of hybridization barriers occurring in crosses between Kalanchoe species and evaluated possibilities of obtaining interspecific hybrids. Results: The qualitative and quantitative analyses of pollen tube growth in situ were performed following intra-and interspecific pollinations. They revealed occurrence of pre-fertilization barriers associated with inhibition of pollen germination on the stigma and abnormal growth of pollen tubes. Unilateral incongruity related to differences in pistil length was also observed. The pollen quality was identified as a strong factor influencing the number of pollen tubes germinating in the stigma. In relation to post-fertilization barriers, endosperm degeneration was a probable barrier hampering production of interspecific hybrids. Moreover, our results demonstrate the relation of genetic distance estimated by AFLP marker analysis of hybridization partners with cross-compatibility of Kalanchoe species. At the same time, differences in ploidy did not influence the success of interspecific crosses. Conclusions: Our study presents the first comprehensive analysis of hybridization barriers occurring within Kalanchoe genus. Reproductive barriers were detected on both, pre- and post-fertilization levels. This new knowledge will contribute to further understanding of reproductive isolation of Kalanchoe species and facilitate breeding of new cultivars. For the first time, interspecific hybrids between K. nyikae as maternal plant and K. blossfeldiana as well as K. blossfeldiana and K. marnieriana were generated.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12870-014-0394-0}}, Article-Number = {{15}}, ISSN = {{1471-2229}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Mackenzie, Kathryn /A-1671-2015 Muller, Renate/F-8932-2014 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Mackenzie, Kathryn /0000-0002-6246-4797 Muller, Renate/0000-0003-4029-240X Lutken, Henrik/0000-0003-3719-8324 Winkelmann, Traud/0000-0002-2509-1418}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000350851900001}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000389261900028, Author = {Nasser, Abdullah B. and Sariera, Yazan A. and Alsewari, AbdulRahman A. and Zamli, Kamal Z.}, Book-Group-Author = {{IEEE}}, Title = {{Assessing Optimization Based Strategies for t-way Test Suite Generation: The Case for Flower-based Strategy}}, Booktitle = {{PROCEEDINGS 5TH IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONTROL SYSTEM, COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING (ICCSCE 2015)}}, Year = {{2015}}, Pages = {{150-155}}, Note = {{5th IEEE International Conference on Control System, Computing and Engineering (ICCSCE), Batu Ferringhi, MALAYSIA, NOV 27-29, 2015}}, Organization = {{IEEE; IEEE Control Syst Soc Chapter Malaysia; IEEE Malaysia Chapter; Univ Teknologi Mara}}, Abstract = {{Exhaustive testing is extremely difficult to perform owing to the large number of combinations. Thus, sampling and finding the optimal test suite from a set of feasible test cases becomes a central concern. Addressing this issue, the adoption of t-way testing (where t indicates the interaction strength) has come into the limelight. In order to summarize the achievements so far and facilitate future development, the main focus of this paper is, first, to present a critical comparison of adoption optimization algorithms (OA) as a basis of the t-way test suite generation strategy and, second, to propose a new t-way strategy based on Flower Pollination Algorithm, called Flower Strategy (FS). Analytical and experimental results demonstrate the applicability of FS for t-way test suite generation.}}, ISBN = {{978-1-4799-8252-3}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000389261900028}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000380504000040, Author = {Afolabi, M. S. and Akoroda, M. O.}, Editor = {{Low, J and Nyongesa, M and Quinn, S and Parker, M}}, Title = {{Effects of Staking on Flower Induction, Pollination and Cross-compatibility Among Sweetpotato}}, Booktitle = {{Potato and Sweetpotato in Africa: Transforming the Value Chains for Food and Nutrition Security}}, Year = {{2015}}, Pages = {{414-420}}, Note = {{9th Triennial African Potato Association Conference, Int Potato Ctr, Naivasha, KENYA, JUN 30-JUL 04, 2013}}, Organization = {{African Potato Assoc; Republic of Kenya, Ministry Agr Livestock \& Fisheries; Natl Potato Council Kenya}}, Abstract = {{Glasshouses have been used to induce flowering in sweetpotatoes for the purpose of breeding. However, these structures are expensive to construct and/or maintain. This study investigated the effects of staking the sweetpotatoes in the field as a way of flower induction for purposes of pollination and testing cross-compatibility in sweetpotato. Two field experiments (staking and non-staking) were carried out at Ibadan from May 2010 and April 2011 using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. In the first experiment (non-staked), vine cuttings of 39 parent clones were evaluated for flowering while staking was done for the second experiment, which was also used as a crossing block. Vine cuttings of the 39 parent clones were planted on heaps at 1 m x 1 m with two 25 cm cuttings per heap, staked with 2 m wooden poles. The main vines were tied and trained up the stakes to induce flowering. Clones that flowered were crossed in a diallel. Dried fruits were harvested between 30 and 50 days after pollination. Seeds from these fruits were soaked in water and planted in polythene bags filled with top soil to test their viability. Results from these studies showed that 18 out of 39 clones readily produced flowers and that staking increased the number of flowers produced. Blesbok and 440168 clones had longer anthers than their stigma while it was the opposite in the other clones. In clone 440034 the anther and stigma were at the same height. Of the 324 cross-combinations conducted on the 18 clones that flowered, only 109 produced seeds. The mean percentage cross- compatibility for the 18 clones was 44.3\%. Compatibility varied considerably among the clones ranging between 5.4\% and 68.7\%, with clone W-151 showing the highest level (68.7\%). All flowering clones were observed to be self-incompatible except for clones Sauti and TIS 8441. The hybrid seeds obtained from the flowering clones had a mean percentage germination of 50.6\%. These data suggest that stakes induced flowering in 18 parent stocks and therefore can be used to facilitate hybridization in sweetpotato for improved hybrid seed production. However, further work is needed to enhance success in flowering of clones.}}, ISBN = {{978-1-78064-420-2}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000380504000040}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000378731500016, Author = {Jovicich, E. and Wiggenhauser, H.}, Editor = {{DePascale, S and Jiang, WJ and Connellan, G}}, Title = {{Protected cropping for specialty melons in North Queensland}}, Booktitle = {{XXIX INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL CONGRESS ON HORTICULTURE: SUSTAINING LIVES, LIVELIHOODS AND LANDSCAPES (IHC2014): INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON INNOVATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN PROTECTED CROPPING}}, Series = {{Acta Horticulturae}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{1107}}, Pages = {{121-125}}, Note = {{29th International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture - Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC) / International Symposium on Innovation and New Technologies in Protected Cropping, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA, AUG 17-22, 2014}}, Organization = {{Int Soc Hort Sci}}, Abstract = {{Protective cropping could be an effective system for growing specialty melons in the dry tropics of North Queensland. The growing system could reduce outdoor risks for production loss, improve fruit quality, increase yield per m(2), allow production off-season, and used for supplying niche markets in a segment of the larger melon market in Australia. First evaluations in Giru, Queensland, included seven cultivars of fruit types `Gana', `Hami, Tharentais, small `Canary, and `Rockmelon, transplanted July 25, 2013 under a high polyethylene-covered tunnel. Plants were grown at a density of 2.8 plants m(-2) in containers filled with volcanic rock and irrigated with a complete nutrient solution. Pruning and trellising was done to a single vertical stem, keeping lateral shoots on the main stem after the 7th leaf node. After bearing small fruit, lateral shoots were cut off after their second or third leaf node. To facilitate insect pollination, a screen window in the tunnel was left partially opened. On November 20 the cultivars had combined marketable yields that ranged from 2.8 to 8.2 fruits m(-2) and 3.1 to 7.8 kg m(-2.) Total soluble solids levels in fruit ranged from 6 to 13 Brix. Cultivars `Tempo' ('Galia'), `Tikar ('Canary') and `Sultan' ('Charentais') had fruit yields that were up to 2.6 times greater than yields commonly achieved with field-grown rockmelon crops. Sugar levels in fruits and marketable yields may be increased with changes in fertigation management. Promising results in this first evaluation justify examination of a greater number of genetic materials, in addition to the development of economic feasibility studies and further adaptive research to refine crop recommendations for growing melons in protective cropping systems.}}, DOI = {{10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1107.16}}, ISSN = {{0567-7572}}, ISBN = {{978-94-62611-01-6}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000378731500016}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000378644300085, Author = {Grzebelus, D. and Gladysz, M. and Baranski, R.}, Editor = {{Mauget, JC and Godet, S}}, Title = {{Gene-Specific Length Polymorphism - a Simple Tool for Routine Analysis of Homogeneity of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Breeding Stocks}}, Booktitle = {{II INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON HORTICULTURE IN EUROPE}}, Series = {{Acta Horticulturae}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{1099}}, Pages = {{691-694}}, Note = {{2nd International Symposium on Horticulture in Europe (SHE), Angers, FRANCE, JUL 01-05, 2012}}, Organization = {{Int Soc Hort Sci}}, Abstract = {{Control of homogeneity of breeding materials and seed purity of F-1 hybrid cultivars is an important task. It can be facilitated by the use of simple identification of a set of diagnostic DNA polymorphisms. We developed a three-locus assay for identification of carrot parental lines used to produce seed of an F-1 hybrid, based on intron length polymorphisms of isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase (ipi), carotenoid isomerase (crtiso) and chalcone synthase (chs2). We were able to identify length variants in each of these loci following PCR amplification with primers anchored in exons and flanking introns of variable length, and separation of the amplification products in agarose. We used the assay to select plants from parental stocks of an F-1 hybrid that would carry homozygous variants of ipi, crtiso and chs2, in such way that the CMS and the maintainer differed from the pollinator in terms of their allele composition. This, in turn, would allow for a routine low cost homogeneity evaluation of the parental stocks - only homozygous individuals were expected, as well as hybrid seed purity testing based on the presence of different alleles originating from the female and the male parent.}}, ISSN = {{0567-7572}}, ISBN = {{978-94-62610-96-5}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Baranski, Rafal/E-1044-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Baranski, Rafal/0000-0001-9276-3870}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000378644300085}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000378619300018, Author = {Odom, R. and Chaparro, J. X. and Beckman, T. G.}, Editor = {{Xiloyannis, C and Inglese, P and Montanaro, G}}, Title = {{A Strategy for Male Sterility Facilitated Recurrent Selection in Peach}}, Booktitle = {{VIII INTERNATIONAL PEACH SYMPOSIUM}}, Series = {{Acta Horticulturae}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{1084}}, Pages = {{143-145}}, Note = {{8th International Peach Symposium, Matera, ITALY, JUN 17-20, 2013-2016}}, Organization = {{Int Soc Hort Sci}}, Abstract = {{Commercial peach is a highly homozygous self-compatible species with limited diversity. The incorporation of exotic germplasm and breeding of new varieties is hindered by the labor required to generate large segregating populations. Hand pollinations are characterized by a high failure rate with only 25\% of pollinations resulting in fruit set. Additionally, peach fruit typically produce a single seed, further reducing the potential seedling population size. Two mechanisms that facilitate outcrossing, self-incompatibility and male sterility, exist in peach and closely related species. Fruit set in self-incompatible and male sterile genotypes is facilitated via insect pollination. In this presentation we describe procedures for the establishment and maintenance of a male sterility facilitated random mating breeding population.}}, ISSN = {{0567-7572}}, ISBN = {{978-94-62610-79-8}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000378619300018}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000378616100013, Author = {Pathirana, R. and Wiedow, C. and Pathirana, S. and Hedderley, D. and Morgan, E. and Scalzo, J. and Frew, T. and Timmerman-Vaughan, G.}, Editor = {{Canhoto, JM and Correia, SI}}, Title = {{Ovule Culture and Embryo Rescue Facilitate Interspecific Hybridisation in Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)l}}, Booktitle = {{VIII INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON IN VITRO CULTURE AND HORTICULTURAL BREEDING}}, Series = {{Acta Horticulturae}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{1083}}, Pages = {{123-132}}, Note = {{8th International Symposium on In Vitro Culture and Horticultural Breeding, Coimbra, PORTUGAL, JUN 02-07, 2013}}, Organization = {{Int Soc Hort Sci}}, Abstract = {{About 80 blueberry (Vaccinium) accessions represent four species in New Zealand collections. They are highly heterogeneous and constitute a valuable resource as parental material for breeding. However, hybridisation between different species and ploidy levels does not produce viable seed in vivo. To increase the variation available to breeders, and to introgress characters from different species into parental breeding populations, interspecific, interploidy crosses were made. Ovules were cultured aseptically 14, 28 and 35 days after pollination. Embryos were dissected from the enlarged ovules and cultured on regeneration media. From fourteen of these crosses, more than 200 plants regenerated within 6-10 weeks. In ovulo embryo culture was more successful when the maternal parent had a lower ploidy than the male parent. Flow cytometry revealed that 4x x 6x crosses produced pentaploids, while the progeny of 4x x 5x and 5x x 6x crosses had nuclear DNA contents similar to that of the maternal parent. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Simple Sequence Repeat marker analyses are being used to confirm the hybrid nature of these progenies. Hybrid plants are being propagated in vitro, acclimated in the greenhouse and established in field trials. Our study has demonstrated that in vitro ovule culture and embryo rescue can be used to overcome post-zygotic barriers to interspecific hybridisation between Vaccinium species with different ploidy levels.}}, ISSN = {{0567-7572}}, ISBN = {{978-94-62610-77-4}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Pathirana, Ranjith/E-6239-2010 Wiedow, Claudia/O-9291-2016 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Pathirana, Ranjith/0000-0003-0838-5163 Wiedow, Claudia/0000-0003-3402-5460 Hedderley, Duncan/0000-0001-7522-2212 Morgan, Ed/0000-0002-5353-2639}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000378616100013}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000378327500019, Author = {Galan Sauco, V.}, Editor = {{Espinal, JJ and Sauco, VG and Ortiz, JR}}, Title = {{Advantages and Disadvantages of Cultivating Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) under Subtropical Conditions and Potential of Greenhouse Cultivation of Mango}}, Booktitle = {{X INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM}}, Series = {{Acta Horticulturae}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{1075}}, Pages = {{167-177}}, Note = {{10th International Mango Symposium, Punta Cana, DOMINICAN REP, JUN 03-07, 2013}}, Organization = {{Int Soc Horticultural Sci}}, Abstract = {{Although the mango is grown mainly in tropical climates, there are significant advantages to cultivating mangoes in the subtropics, where cooler winter temperatures improve flower induction, and both early bearing in younger trees and lower annual growth rates favour high-density planting options. It is not surprising that the best mango yields are obtained in the subtropics with Israel leading the FAO world statistics about mango yield. The reasons that explain these successful results are studied in this paper are the following: climatic factors; genetic considerations and cultural techniques including greenhouse cultivation.. Obviously not all are advantages about mango cultivation in the subtropics. While cold spells can damage vulnerable young trees and sustained low temperatures can provoke alternate bearing phenomena in late season cultivars, the chief disadvantages of cultivating mangoes in the subtropics are the need of avoiding flowering in young trees, the prime cause of premature aging, and the need to control annual flowering so that it coincides with temperatures conducive to good fruit set. Special strategies to control flowering time include the use of giberellic acid to delay the terminal flowering, manual or chemical removal of the terminal flowering and even allowing powdery mildew to destroy the first flowering wave to obtain a second axillary flowering. Other technique regularly practiced for the late cultivar `Keitt' in the South of Spain, both in the open and under greenhouse, consists in the `machete' removal at the beginning of the Spring of all terminals produced in the `on' year and eliminating also the few fruits produced in the `off' year. This practice allows a higher build-up of carbohydrate reserves for the `on' year, which gives rise to a biennial production of an excellent crop of fruits with the appropriate size and colour demanded by the market. The cultivation of mangoes in the subtropics is largely based on monoembryonic cultivars, which, due to their cooler area of origin are, in principle, better adapted to subtropical conditions. Efforts of the breeding programmes for subtropical mangoes are also concentrated in these type of mangoes, while the potential of mango rootstocks and also of other Mangifera species for mango cultivation both in the tropics and in the subtropics are still to be explored. Much research has been dedicated to cultural techniques specific for the subtropics with density considerations and training practices deserving special attention. as a consequence of the fact that the reduced number of flushes annually produced favours shorter distances between plants and even the possibility of high density plantings. Greenhouse cultivation - unheated, in many areas of the subtropics - facilitates cultivation of mangoes in the subtropics. The main advantages of greenhouse cultivation includes: i) Shortening of the juvenile period; ii) Protection from adverse climatic conditions, including avoiding sunburn; iii) Increase flowering and fruit set, due to higher diurnal temperatures and increase of foliar surface, which in turn increase photosynthesis; iv) Easier control of irrigation and possibility of obtaining out of season production through imposing water stress; v) Possibilities of extending harvesting season; and vi) Easier control of pests and diseases. Mangoes under greenhouse are also specially adapted to cultivation on trellises which facilitates pest control and harvesting. These cultivation advantages must be off-set against the initial infrastructure costs as well as the obligatory and timely provision of pollinating insects at flowering time. Prior, in-depth economic studies are thus required in order to ensure that the investment will be profitable in the long term.}}, ISSN = {{0567-7572}}, ISBN = {{978-94-62610-69-9}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000378327500019}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000378380700045, Author = {Quinet, M. and Jacquemart, A. -L.}, Editor = {{Deckers, T and Vercammen, J}}, Title = {{Difference between Pollination and Parthenocarpy in the `Conference' Pear Production}}, Booktitle = {{XII INTERNATIONAL PEAR SYMPOSIUM}}, Series = {{Acta Horticulturae}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{1094}}, Pages = {{359-366}}, Note = {{12th International Pear Symposium, Leuven, BELGIUM, JUL 14-18, 2014}}, Organization = {{Int Soc Horticultural Sci}}, Abstract = {{Pear (Pyrus communis) is the first fruit crop in Belgium and `Conference' represents 90\% of the pear production. As a self-incompatible species, pear tree requires cross-pollination to develop fertilized fruits. Hives could be settled in the orchards to facilitate pollination and allow a better fruit size production. However, blooming occurs early in the spring in Belgium and unfavorable weather conditions (frost, low temperatures, rain, etc.) could prevent the pollination by insects. In this case, parthenocarpy induction by spraying phytohormones, mainly gibberellins, is a common practice in `Conference' orchards. Our work aims to better highlight the pear tree reproduction and focuses on the pollination and parthenocarpy processes in `Conference'. Field trials were realized during 3 years to compare fruits resulting from 1) spontaneous intrinsic parthenocarpy with emasculated flowers, 2) induced intrinsic parthenocarpy with flowers pollinated with intra-cultivar incompatible pollen, 3) induced extrinsic parthenocarpy with phytohormones (gibberellins, cytokinins or auxins), 4) hand compatible inter-cultivar pollination, 5) open pollination by insects. We observed that spontaneous intrinsic parthenocarpy due to endogenous phytohormones occurred in `Conference'. However, pollen deposit (even if incompatible) increased the number of fruits initiated by 10 to 40\% depending on the climatic conditions. Gibberellin treatments could also increase the parthenocarpic fruit set under adverse weather conditions. However, phytohormone treatments did not particularly increase fruit weight and fruit size in relation to extrinsic parthenocarpy. According to the year, parthenocarpic fruits remained, nevertheless, up to 12\% smaller than fertilized ones. Our results also suggest that endogenous gibberellins do not act alone to induce parthenocarpy since gibberellin inhibitor (paclobutrazol) treatment did not completely prevent parthenocarpic fruit initiation.}}, ISSN = {{0567-7572}}, ISBN = {{978-94-62610-92-7}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000378380700045}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000371793500198, Author = {Silva, Juliana Saragiotto and Saraiva, Antonio Mauro}, Editor = {{Pei, J and Silvestri, F and Tang, J}}, Title = {{A Methodology for Applying Social Network Analysis Metrics to Biological Interaction Networks}}, Booktitle = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2015 IEEE/ACM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCES IN SOCIAL NETWORKS ANALYSIS AND MINING (ASONAM 2015)}}, Year = {{2015}}, Pages = {{1300-1307}}, Note = {{IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining (ASONAM), Paris, FRANCE, AUG 25-28, 2015}}, Organization = {{IEEE; Assoc Comp Machinery; ACM SIGKDD; IEEE Comp Soc; IEEE TCDE; Springer; Cisco; Telecom ParisTech}}, Abstract = {{We propose a methodology for applying Social Network Analysis (SNA) metrics to biological Interaction Network studies in the Biodiversity Informatics domain, which may serve as a guide for this activity to other researchers. The methodology is structured into four steps: (i) mapping the data types and the interactions available; (ii) defining the key-questions to be answered and the analysis variables; (iii) choosing the SNA metrics appropriate to the context of the research; and (iv) performing the biological analysis with the support of SNA. Among the material resources used in the development of this research are: SNA metrics (network and species level) and the programs used for its calculation; Statistical Analysis approach (Exploratory Data Analysis and Multivariate Data Analysis) as a support tool; and Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) to formalize the methodology. From this research, we found that a systematic method to guide the steps one research can facilitate the researchers' works and the interaction with experts from several fields of knowledge. In addition, we noted that there is the possibility of applying this methodology to underexplored knowledge fields.}}, DOI = {{10.1145/2808797.2808824}}, ISBN = {{978-1-4503-3854-7}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000371793500198}}, } @article{ ISI:000369315000025, Author = {Sabatino, M. and Rovere, A. E. and Maceira, N.}, Title = {{Germination of Eryngium regnellii: a major species for ecological restoration of plant-pollinator interactions in the Southern Pampas (Buenos Aires, Argentina)}}, Journal = {{PHYTON-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{84}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{435-443}}, Abstract = {{Eryngium regnellii Malme belongs to the largest genera in the Apiaceae family, with 250 species worldwide and 65 represented in South America. It is a herbaceous species typical of hill plant communities, which, along with remnant grassland patches, are the most relevant natural habitats for the maintenance of diversity in the Southern Pampas. Eryngium regnellii is key to the maintenance of pollination mutualisms, being a generalist (displaying a diverse assemblage of pollinators) and ubiquitous species (present in all studied sierras). However, fragmentation of the Pampean landscape due to agricultural intensification has led to the loss of natural environments. Therefore, the reintroduction of E. regnellii in strategic places would facilitate the occurrence of wild pollinators, while favoring pollination services in the agroecosystem. The germination requirements of E. regnellii were studied because a better knowledge of the reproductive biology of this species would provide information relevant to its reproduction and reintroduction into degraded areas. Germination percentages and mean time to germination were evaluated, using one control and two pre-germination treatments: chemical scarification with sulfuric acid, and mechanical scarification with sand paper. Chemical scarified seeds did not germinate. Mechanically scarified and control seed groups showed no significant differences either in germination percentages (49\% and 59\% respectively) or in mean germination time (13 and 14 days, respectively). Results indicate that E. regnellii shows no physical dormancy, and does not require specific pre-germination treatments for germination under the studied laboratory conditions. The high germination capacity of E. regnellii, along with its ecological attributes, make it a potential species for restoring plant-pollinator interactions in the fragmented landscapes of the Southern Pampas.}}, ISSN = {{1851-5657}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000369315000025}}, } @article{ ISI:000365026100003, Author = {Aslan, Clare E. and Sikes, Benjamin A. and Gedan, Keryn B.}, Title = {{Research on mutualisms between native and non-native partners can contribute critical ecological insights}}, Journal = {{NEOBIOTA}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{26}}, Pages = {{39-54}}, Abstract = {{Mutualisms are important structuring forces in ecological communities, influencing ecosystem functions, diversity, and evolutionary trajectories. New interactions, particularly between native and non-native species, are globally increasing in biotic communities as species introductions accelerate. Positive interactions such as novel mutualisms can affect the fitness of organisms in invaded communities. Non-natives can augment native mutualism networks, replace extinct native partners, or disrupt native mutualisms. Because they are actively forming or newly formed, novel mutualisms offer a unique opportunity to examine in real time the factors governing early mutualism formation and stability, including frequency-dependent processes and those relying on specific traits or functions. These central ecological questions have been inferred from long-formed mutualisms, but novel mutualisms may allow a glimpse of successes and failures in ecological time with insights into the relative importance of these factors as ecological systems shift. To this end, this commentary addresses how novel mutualisms inform our understanding of mutualism formation, stability, the importance of functional traits, and niche vs. neutral processes, using examples across multiple systems. Novel mutualism research thus far has been largely limited in both questions and ecosystems, but if more broadly applied could benefit both theoretical and applied ecology.}}, DOI = {{10.3897/neobiota.26.8837}}, ISSN = {{1619-0033}}, EISSN = {{1314-2488}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Sikes, Benjamin/0000-0003-0774-2624}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000365026100003}}, } @article{ ISI:000358462600007, Author = {Ewedje, Eben-Ezer B. K. and Ahanchede, Adam and Hardy, Olivier J. and Ley, Alexandra C.}, Title = {{Reproductive biology of Pentadesma butyracea (Clusiaceae), source of a valuable non timber forest product in Benin}}, Journal = {{PLANT ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{148}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{213-228}}, Abstract = {{Background and aims - The main reproductive traits of the native African food tree species, Pentadesma butyracea Sabine (Clusiaceae), which is threatened in Benin and Togo, were examined in Benin to gather basic data necessary to develop conservation strategies in these countries. Methodology - Data were collected on phenological pattern, floral morphology, pollinator assemblage, seed production and germination conditions on 77 adult individuals from three natural populations occurring in the Sudanian phytogeographical zone. Key results - In Benin, Pentadesma butyracea flowers once a year during the dry season from September to December. Flowering entry displayed less variation among populations than among individuals within populations. However, a high synchrony of different floral stages between trees due to a long flowering period (c. 2 months per tree), might still facilitate pollen exchange. Pollen-ovule ratio was 577 213 suggesting facultative xenogamy. The apical position of inflorescences, the yellowish to white greenish flowers and the high quantity of pollen and nectar per flower (1042 +/- 117 mu L) represent floral attractants that predispose the species to animal-pollination. The main pollinators were two sunbirds (Cyanomitra verticalis, Cinnyris coccinigastrus) and three Hymenoptera (Apis mellifera, Meliponula togoensis, Hypotrigona sp.). Mean fruit set reached 49\%, and absolute fruit production increased with tree size. Seeds were desiccation-sensitive (i.e. recalcitrant) with a maximum duration of hydrated storage of three months. Germination of seeds was most successful and rapid at 30 degrees C (50\% after nine days). Conclusions - Our results indicate that the natural reproduction of P. butyracea is not limited by its ecology so that we hypothesize anthropogenic activities to be the reason for the threatened status of P. butyracea in Benin and Togo. However, due to its recalcitrant seeds, the conservation of its genetic resources is not feasible through ex situ conservation of seed banks but in situ strategies and/or ex situ conservation in orchards should be successful.}}, DOI = {{10.5091/plecevo.2015.998}}, ISSN = {{2032-3913}}, EISSN = {{2032-3921}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000358462600007}}, } @article{ ISI:000358462600008, Author = {Mesquita-Neto, Jose N. and Silva-Neto, Carlos M. and Franceschinelli, Edivani V.}, Title = {{Theoretical predictions of plant-pollinator interactions in sympatric species of Psychotria (Rubiaceae) in Cerrado of Brazil}}, Journal = {{PLANT ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{148}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{229-236}}, Abstract = {{Background and aims - In highly seasonal habitats, sympatric species are often constrained to flower simultaneously. Many sympatric species of Psychotria have similar floral traits, are pollinated by bees, moths, butterflies and flies and flower at the same time of year. This genus provides an opportunity to analyse the relationships between sympatric congeneric plants and pollinators. Interactions between potentially sympatric Psychotria species and their pollinators were surveyed to assess the occurrence of sharing, specialisation, or generalisation of pollinators and plants in the system. Methods - A dataset compiled from studies of pollination biology of this genus was used to investigate aspects of interactions with shared pollinators and flowering overlap. These data were used to draw a bipartite graph and analyse the interaction network and degree of niche overlap. Key results - In total, the dataset included eight species of potentially co-occurring Psychotria species, which interacted with 24 species of pollinators. The most generalised plant in the network was Psychotria trichophoroides. The pollinators with the highest number of links, and therefore the most important for the network, belonged to orders Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. Pollinators were shared among Psychotria species, thus pollination niches did overlap (theta = 0.20, P-random (>=) (observed) = 0.04), and plants of this genus depended on pollinators that were generalists among them. Conclusion - The peak of overlap in flowering phenology, when all of the species may potentially co-flower, coincided with the Cerrado rainy season. Since all Psychotria species occurred in sympatry, overlapped in flowering phenology, and had asymmetric interactions with floral visitors, it is possible that pollination facilitation is present in this system.}}, DOI = {{10.5091/plecevo.2015.983}}, ISSN = {{2032-3913}}, EISSN = {{2032-3921}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Franceschinelli, Edivani/G-6401-2012 Mesquita-Neto, Jose/K-5052-2013 de Melo e Silva Neto, Carlos/A-2003-2016}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Franceschinelli, Edivani/0000-0001-9050-8577 Mesquita-Neto, Jose/0000-0002-1519-638X de Melo e Silva Neto, Carlos/0000-0001-8624-3836}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000358462600008}}, } @article{ ISI:000353215400010, Author = {Vlasakova, Blanka}, Title = {{Density dependence in flower visitation rates of cockroach-pollinated Clusia blattophila on the Nouragues inselberg, French Guiana}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{95-98}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{The effective floral neighbourhood is the radius around a plant where the density of flowering plants and other factors affect visitation rates and pollination success of plants. This study aims to determine this radius and focuses on the effects of conspecific plant density, plant sex and the amount of shrub vegetation on visitation rates of Clusia blattophila, a dioecious bush pollinated by Amazonina platystylata cockroaches. The number of visits did not differ between flower sexes but cockroaches spent less time on the rewardless female flowers. The density effect was scale dependent. The distribution of flowering individuals within the 15-m radius had a significant positive effect on flower visitation rates. At a larger scale (35-45-m radius), an increase in density of male plants led to a decrease in visitation rates, indicating competition for pollinators. Within the smaller radius, the facilitative effect was probably induced by elevated floral advertisement and high mobility of cockroaches at this scale. Within the larger radii, the results indicated that cockroach mobility was restricted and population density was stable at this scale. Density of male plants affected visitation rates because only male plants reward pollinators. Hence, male plants were the true competitors.}}, DOI = {{10.1017/S0266467414000571}}, ISSN = {{0266-4674}}, EISSN = {{1469-7831}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000353215400010}}, } @article{ ISI:000350122400003, Author = {Bolser, Dan M. and Kerhornou, Arnaud and Walts, Brandon and Kersey, Paul}, Title = {{Triticeae Resources in Ensembl Plants}}, Journal = {{PLANT AND CELL PHYSIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{56}}, Number = {{1}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Recent developments in DNA sequencing have enabled the large and complex genomes of many crop species to be determined for the first time, even those previously intractable due to their polyploid nature. Indeed, over the course of the last 2 years, the genome sequences of several commercially important cereals, notably barley and bread wheat, have become available, as well as those of related wild species. While still incomplete, comparison with other, more completely assembled species suggests that coverage of genic regions is likely to be high. Ensembl Plants (http://plants.ensembl.org) is an integrative resource organizing, analyzing and visualizing genome-scale information for important crop and model plants. Available data include reference genome sequence, variant loci, gene models and functional annotation. For variant loci, individual and population genotypes, linkage information and, where available, phenotypic information are shown. Comparative analyses are performed on DNA and protein sequence alignments. The resulting genome alignments and gene trees, representing the implied evolutionary history of the gene family, are made available for visualization and analysis. Driven by the case of bread wheat, specific extensions to the analysis pipelines and web interface have recently been developed to support polyploid genomes. Data in Ensembl Plants is accessible through a genome browser incorporating various specialist interfaces for different data types, and through a variety of additional methods for programmatic access and data mining. These interfaces are consistent with those offered through the Ensembl interface for the genomes of non-plant species, including those of plant pathogens, pests and pollinators, facilitating the study of the plant in its environment.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/pcp/pcu183}}, Article-Number = {{UNSP e3}}, ISSN = {{0032-0781}}, EISSN = {{1471-9053}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Walts, Brandon/0000-0002-0215-0745 Kerhornou, Arnaud/0000-0002-2890-295X Kersey, Paul/0000-0002-7054-800X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000350122400003}}, } @article{ ISI:000349169900008, Author = {Diaz, Sandra and Demissew, Sebsebe and Joly, Carlos and Lonsdale, W. Mark and Larigauderie, Anne}, Title = {{A Rosetta Stone for Nature's Benefits to People}}, Journal = {{PLOS BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{13}}, Number = {{1}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{After a long incubation period, the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is now underway. Underpinning all its activities is the IPBES Conceptual Framework (CF), a simplified model of the interactions between nature and people. Drawing on the legacy of previous large-scale environmental assessments, the CF goes further in explicitly embracing different disciplines and knowledge systems (including indigenous and local knowledge) in the co-construction of assessments of the state of the world's biodiversity and the benefits it provides to humans. The CF can be thought of as a kind of ``Rosetta Stone{''} that highlights commonalities between diverse value sets and seeks to facilitate crossdisciplinary and crosscultural understanding. We argue that the CF will contribute to the increasing trend towards interdisciplinarity in understanding and managing the environment. Rather than displacing disciplinary science, however, we believe that the CF will provide new contexts of discovery and policy applications for it.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pbio.1002040}}, Article-Number = {{e1002040}}, ISSN = {{1545-7885}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{JOLY, Carlos/C-4523-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{JOLY, Carlos/0000-0002-7945-2805}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000349169900008}}, } @article{ ISI:000348418700002, Author = {Vallejo, Veronica A. and Tychonievich, Joseph and Lin, Wei-Kuang and Wangchu, Lobsang and Barry, Cornelius S. and Warner, Ryan M.}, Title = {{Identification of QTL for crop timing and quality traits in an interspecific Petunia population}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR BREEDING}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{35}}, Number = {{1}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Genetic mapping in ornamental plant species has lagged behind crop plants from other sectors of agriculture. Here, we describe the generation of a genetic linkage map for the important herbaceous ornamental crop petunia and the identification of QTL for several key crop timing and quality traits, including plant development rate, days to flower and flower number. An F-2 population derived from a cross between the progenitor species of cultivated petunia, P. integrifolia x P. axillaris, exhibited transgressive segregation for a broad panel of crop timing and quality traits. A genetic linkage map comprised of 75 simple sequence repeat and six cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers spanning 359.1 cM across seven linkage groups was developed and utilized to identify 24 QTL for ten crop timing and quality traits. These included QTL explaining 26.3, 25.9, 26.2 and 43 \% of the observed phenotypic variation for flower length, branch number, internode length and the number of flower buds on the primary shoot, respectively. These data provide a foundation for understanding the genetic control of critical traits and identify molecular markers with potential utility to facilitate gene discovery in petunia.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11032-015-0218-4}}, Article-Number = {{2}}, ISSN = {{1380-3743}}, EISSN = {{1572-9788}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Barry, Cornelius/0000-0003-4685-0273}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000348418700002}}, } @article{ ISI:000349057100004, Author = {Beavon, Merodie A. and Kelly, Dave}, Title = {{Dispersal of banana passionfruit (Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima) by exotic mammals in New Zealand facilitates plant invasiveness}}, Journal = {{NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{39}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{43-49}}, Abstract = {{Banana passionfruit (Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima) is a noxious vine that is invasive in forest patches in coastal regions throughout New Zealand. We investigated the dispersal mechanisms that facilitate its spread in the Marlborough Sounds. To find out which animals act as dispersers, we monitored tagged fruits in the field. Fruits were removed quickly after ripening. Significantly fewer fruits were wholly removed from off-road locations than locations on road edges, but removal was high in both cases (70\% and 93\% respectively) indicating likely dispersal by both humans and wild animals. We found no evidence of dispersal by birds, but infrared cameras documented possums and rats consuming fruits in the field. To investigate the effect of fruit handling on germination, we compared germination success between hand-cleaned seeds, fleshy seeds and intact fruits in the field and glasshouse. Seeds germinated readily in all treatments, with no significant difference between treatments, so seeds do not require frugivore handling to germinate. In addition, we measured the germination of seeds extracted from 1.5 kg of feral pig faeces collected from Sus scrofa at Te Weuweu Bay and from faeces from captive possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Seeds extracted from pig and possum droppings readily germinated, with final germination success not significantly different from hand-cleaned or in-flesh seeds. None of the few intact seeds excreted by Norway rats germinated. Banana passionfruit has formed invasive mutualisms for both pollination (with introduced bees) and dispersal (with introduced mammals), exacerbating its spread. Weed management should combine direct weed control with limiting the spread of banana passionfruit, by managing feral pigs and possums.}}, ISSN = {{0110-6465}}, EISSN = {{1177-7788}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000349057100004}}, } @article{ ISI:000348276800014, Author = {Faife-Cabrera, Michel and Navarro, Luis and Ferrero, Victoria}, Title = {{Strength through unity: spatial affinity between morphs improves fitness in incompatible heterostylous Melochia (Malvaceae) species}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{128}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{139-146}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{In heterostylous plants, both stylar polymorphism and incompatibility system favor legitimate pollination among individuals. Weak or partial expression of incompatibility may ensure progeny when mates or pollinators are scarce in unstable habitats, but under these conditions plants with heteromorphic incompatibility would be in disadvantage. In this work we determine how the spatial distribution of morphs and the effect of proximity to the nearest potential mates affect plants' reproductive output in four Melochia species. The general prediction of decreasing reproductive success with an increasing isolation of floral morphs in plants with heteromorphic incompatibility was corroborated only in one species (i.e. M. tomentosa). Meanwhile, the other species exhibit a spatial affinity between morphs (i.e. the number of individuals with the nearest neighbor of the opposite morph exceeds expectations upon a random distribution). For M. savannarum and M. villosa we could not detect any effect of proximity to potential mates on the seed-ovule ratio. This may be due to: (1) existence of pollinators with long flying distances, like butterflies, in the populations and/or, (2) the possible occurrence of resource limitation. Spatial affinity between morphs in populations of heterostylous plants with heteromorphic incompatibility system increases reproductive success and may facilitate colonization of ephemeral habitats.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10265-014-0668-5}}, ISSN = {{0918-9440}}, EISSN = {{1618-0860}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Ferrero, Victoria/C-4713-2013 Navarro, Luis/C-4175-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Ferrero, Victoria/0000-0002-2091-8957 Navarro, Luis/0000-0002-8308-2237}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000348276800014}}, } @article{ ISI:000347052300011, Author = {Ehrlen, Johan}, Title = {{Selection on flowering time in a life-cycle context}}, Journal = {{OIKOS}}, Year = {{2015}}, Volume = {{124}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{92-101}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{The main way in which plants can exert control over their local environment is by the timing of different events within their life cycles. Regarding timing of flowering as an integrated part of both the annual cycle and of the whole life cycle, rather than as an isolated event, has important implications for how we assess selection on timing of reproduction and interpret existing phenological patterns in perennial plants. I argue that: 1) we have little unequivocal evidence of pollinator-mediated selection on flowering time, but perhaps more evidence of antagonist-mediated selection; 2) much of selection on flowering time might occur before flowers have developed and after reproduction; 3) vital rates of non-flowering individuals can influence the strength and direction of selection on flowering time, and 4) differences in the direction of selection on flowering date between years might well correspond to consistent selection on the mechanisms determining flowering time. Overall, a life cycle perspective on timing of flowering is likely to facilitate the identification of selective agents and the understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying spatial and temporal variation in selection as well as to enable more accurate predictions of responses to environmental change.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/oik.01473}}, ISSN = {{0030-1299}}, EISSN = {{1600-0706}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Ehrlen, Johan/0000-0001-8539-8967}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000347052300011}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000410535400063, Author = {Mayer, D. G. and Stephenson, R. A.}, Editor = {{Weber, T and McPhee, MJ and Anderssen, RS}}, Title = {{Statistical ensemble models to forecast the Australian macadamia crop}}, Booktitle = {{21ST INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON MODELLING AND SIMULATION (MODSIM2015)}}, Year = {{2015}}, Pages = {{455-461}}, Note = {{21st International Congress on Modelling and Simulation (MODSIM) held jointly with the 23rd National Conference of the Australian-Society-for-Operations-Research / DSTO led Defence Operations Research Symposium (DORS, Gold Coast, AUSTRALIA, NOV 29-DEC 04, 2015}}, Organization = {{BMT WBM; CSIRO; UNSW Australia Canberra; Griffith Univ; Deltares; Modelling \& Simulat Soc Australia \& New Zealand; Australian Soc Operat Res; DSTO; Gold Coast Tourism Corp}}, Abstract = {{Australian production of macadamia nuts has generally been increasing over time. This underlying trend, however, features considerable year-to-year variability - for example, the 2011 crop was 28,500 tonnes nut-in-shell, vs. 44,000 tonnes in 2014. This degree of variability is generally attributed to climatic influences, particularly around the key phenology phases of flowering, pollination, nut-set and nutdrop. Of late, some management effects have also tended to become equally important to climatic variation. Accurate crop forecasts for the Australian macadamia industry are required each year, in order to facilitate planning, handling, processing and marketing. A range of statistical and other forecasting methods have been used in agricultural systems. These forecasts have shown quite mixed results. Where the independent variables represent the underlying agronomic processes (or are proxies for these), the forecasts should be reasonably accurate. However some projects have produced quite disappointing results, as the forecasting process is well-known to be fraught with problems. One major issue here concerns the `changing nature' of the macadamia industry as the orchards age, resulting in recent and current yields being lower than those that have been achieved in past years. In this study, two levels of crop predictions were produced for the Australian macadamia industry for each of the six separate production regions. Firstly, the overall longer-term forecast was based on tree census data from growers in the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS), scaled up to include non-AMS orchards. Expected yields were based on historical data provided by the growers, with a nonlinear regression model incorporating the interacting effects of tree age, variety, year, region and tree spacing. Orchard decline amongst older trees, which has recently become more apparent, was also incorporated into the yield model. Long-term forecasts were made out to about 10 years, after which the effects of (unknown) future plantings, tree removals and rejuvenation of orchards begin to have a major impact. The second level of crop prediction was an annual climate-based adjustment of these overall long-term estimates, taking into account the expected effects of the previous year's climate on production. The dominant climatic variables were observed temperature, rainfall and solar radiation, and modelled water stress. Based on the proven forecasting success of boosted regression trees and `random forests' statistical methods, the average forecast from an ensemble of general linear regression models was adopted (rather than using a single best-fit model). Exploratory multivariate analyses and nearest-neighbour methods were also used to investigate the annual patterns in the data. In parallel, AMS each year conducts an annual survey of about 20 key industry growers and consultants. Their replies were integrated into a `growers forecast' for each year, and this is also taken into account when the AMS releases its annual crop forecast. Overall, the success rate from this 15-year project has been less than desirable. This is attributed to a number of reasons, including incomplete base-data, macadamia varietal differences and their interactions with climate, and variable management approaches within the industry. Out of the fourteen years of forecasting, the targeted +/- 10\% maximum error rate was only achieved in seven years for the climate forecasts, and six for the growers forecasts. The first seven years of the project generally saw a period of `good crops', and here the absolute error rates averaged 8.2\% for the climate forecasts and 11.6\% for the growers forecasts. The next four years had notably poor crops due to low prices which lead to less-intensive management, and all forecasts were too high. The climate-adjusted forecast models had optimistically assumed `about the same production patterns as before', but these yields were clearly not being achieved. Following a return to more normal prices, the forecasts for the more recent years have shown average absolute error rates of 8.6\% for the climate models and 6.8\% for the growers forecasts. These are within the targeted +/- 10\%, and compare quite well with other crop forecasting applications.}}, ISBN = {{978-0-9872143-5-5}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000410535400063}}, } @article{ ISI:000346858000001, Author = {Kumari, Sangita and Pundhir, Sachin and Priya, Piyush and Jeena, Ganga and Punetha, Ankita and Chawla, Konika and Jafaree, Zohra Firdos and Mondal, Subhasish and Yadav, Gitanjali}, Title = {{EssOilDB: a database of essential oils reflecting terpene composition and variability in the plant kingdom}}, Journal = {{DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Month = {{DEC 22}}, Abstract = {{Plant essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, which play indispensable roles in the environment, for the plant itself, as well as for humans. The potential biological information stored in essential oil composition data can provide an insight into the silent language of plants, and the roles of these chemical emissions in defense, communication and pollinator attraction. In order to decipher volatile profile patterns from a global perspective, we have developed the ESSential OIL DataBase (EssOilDB), a continually updated, freely available electronic database designed to provide knowledge resource for plant essential oils, that enables one to address a multitude of queries on volatile profiles of native, invasive, normal or stressed plants, across taxonomic clades, geographical locations and several other biotic and abiotic influences. To our knowledge, EssOilDB is the only database in the public domain providing an opportunity for context based scientific research on volatile patterns in plants. EssOilDB presently contains 123 041 essential oil records spanning a century of published reports on volatile profiles, with data from 92 plant taxonomic families, spread across diverse geographical locations all over the globe. We hope that this huge repository of VOCs will facilitate unraveling of the true significance of volatiles in plants, along with creating potential avenues for industrial applications of essential oils. We also illustrate the use of this database in terpene biology and show how EssOilDB can be used to complement data from computational genomics to gain insights into the diversity and variability of terpenoids in the plant kingdom. EssOilDB would serve as a valuable information resource, for students and researchers in plant biology, in the design and discovery of new odor profiles, as well as for entrepreneurs-the potential for generating consumer specific scents being one of the most attractive and interesting topics in the cosmetic industry.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/database/bau120}}, Article-Number = {{bau120}}, ISSN = {{1758-0463}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Pundhir, Sachin/0000-0001-9047-7280}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000346858000001}}, } @article{ ISI:000347114900018, Author = {He, Zhuoxian and Jiang, Xiaoqi and Ratnasekera, Disna and Grassi, Fabrizio and Perera, Udugahapattuwage and Lu, Bao-Rong}, Title = {{Seed-Mediated Gene Flow Promotes Genetic Diversity of Weedy Rice within Populations: Implications for Weed Management}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{12}}, Month = {{DEC 1}}, Abstract = {{Increased infestation of weedy rice-a noxious agricultural pest has caused significant reduction of grain yield of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) worldwide. Knowledge on genetic diversity and structure of weedy rice populations will facilitate the design of effective methods to control this weed by tracing its origins and dispersal patterns in a given region. To generate such knowledge, we studied genetic diversity and structure of 21 weedy rice populations from Sri Lanka based on 23 selected microsatellite (SSR) loci. Results indicated an exceptionally high level of within-population genetic diversity (H-e=0.62) and limited among-population differentiation (F-st=0.17) for this predominantly self-pollinating weed. UPGMA analysis showed a loose genetic affinity of the weedy rice populations in relation to their geographical locations, and no obvious genetic structure among populations across the country. This phenomenon was associated with the considerable amount of gene flow between populations. Limited admixture from STRUCTURE analyses suggested a very low level of hybridization (pollen-mediated gene flow) between populations. The abundant within-population genetic diversity coupled with limited population genetic structure and differentiation is likely caused by the considerable seed-mediated gene flow of weedy rice along with the long-distance exchange of farmer-saved rice seeds between weedy-rice contaminated regions in Sri Lanka. In addition to other effective weed management strategies, promoting the application of certified rice seeds with no weedy rice contamination should be the immediate action to significantly reduce the proliferation and infestation of this weed in rice ecosystems in countries with similar rice farming styles as in Sri Lanka.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0112778}}, Article-Number = {{e112778}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Lu, Bao-Rong/C-3130-2009}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Lu, Bao-Rong/0000-0002-0214-2390}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000347114900018}}, } @article{ ISI:000346851400009, Author = {Kaiser-Bunbury, Christopher N. and Vazquez, Diego P. and Stang, Martina and Ghazoul, Jaboury}, Title = {{Determinants of the microstructure of plant-pollinator networks}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{95}}, Number = {{12}}, Pages = {{3314-3324}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Identifying the determinants of biological interactions in mutualistic networks is key to understanding the rules that govern the organization of biodiversity. We used structural equation modeling and dissimilarities in nine ecological variables to investigate community processes underlying the turnover of species and their interaction frequencies (interaction pattern) among highly resolved plant-pollinator networks. Floral and pollinator community composition, i.e., species identities and their abundances, were strong determinants of the microstructure of pairwise interactions among the networks, explaining almost 69\% of their variation. Flower and pollinator traits were directly related to interaction patterns, but were partly masked in the model by shared variance with community composition. Time of year and geographic location, floral and pollinator abundances independent of species identity, and relative abundance of exotic flowers had indirect and relatively weak effects on interaction patterns. Our analyses lead to precise predictions about the processes behind the interaction patterns in mutualistic networks. Future understanding of these processes will be aided by studies that evaluate these predictions experimentally at the network level.}}, ISSN = {{0012-9658}}, EISSN = {{1939-9170}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Kaiser-Bunbury, Christopher/C-5038-2012 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Kaiser-Bunbury, Christopher/0000-0001-7254-3491 Vazquez, Diego P./0000-0002-3449-5748}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000346851400009}}, } @article{ ISI:000345963300005, Author = {Artz, Derek R. and Allan, Matthew J. and Wardell, Gordon I. and Pitts-Singer, Theresa L.}, Title = {{Influence of Nest Box Color and Release Sites on Osmia lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) Reproductive Success in a Commercial Almond Orchard}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{107}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{2045-2054}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Intensively managed, commercial orchards offer resources for managed solitary bees within agricultural landscapes and provide a means to study bee dispersal patterns, spatial movement, nest establishment, and reproduction. In 2012, we studied the impact of 1) the color of nest boxes covaried with four nest box density treatments and 2) the number of bee release sites covaried with two nest box density treatments on the reproductive success of Osmia lignaria Say in a California almond orchard pollinated by a mixture of O. lignaria and Apis mellifera L. Nest box color influenced the number of nests, total cells, and cells with male and female brood. More nests and cells were produced in light blue nest boxes than in orange or yellow nest boxes. The covariate nest box density also had a significant effect on brood production. The number of release sites did not affect O. lignaria nesting and reproduction, but the number of cavities in nest boxes influenced reproduction. Overall, the color of nest boxes and their distribution, but not the number of release sites, can greatly affect O. lignaria nest establishment and reproductive success in a commercial almond orchard. The ability to locate nesting sites in a homogenous, large orchard landscape may also be facilitated by the higher frequency of nest boxes with low numbers of cavities, and by the ability to detect certain nest box colors that best contrast with the blooming trees.}}, DOI = {{10.1603/EC14237}}, ISSN = {{0022-0493}}, EISSN = {{1938-291X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000345963300005}}, } @article{ ISI:000345769600017, Author = {Gunnarsson, Bengt and Federsel, Lisa Marie}, Title = {{Bumblebees in the city: abundance, species richness and diversity in two urban habitats}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{18}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1185-1191}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Bumblebees are well known for their contribution to the ecosystem service of pollination. In urban areas, green space management beneficial to pollinators can be an important step in sustaining large urban bee populations. The abundance, number of species and diversity of bumblebees (Bombus spp), as well as the abundance of honeybees (Apis mellifera), were studied in 13 urban gardens (including allotments) and 13 ornamental flowerbeds (in parks and green spaces) in the city centre of Gothenburg, Sweden. In total, 12 species of bumblebees were observed. Species richness was significantly higher in gardens than in flowerbeds, but diversity (Berger-Parker and Simpson indices) was higher in flowerbeds than in urban gardens. The abundance in gardens was significantly higher and approximately twice that found in flowerbeds. The number of honeybee individuals was positively correlated with the abundance of bumblebees. Neither species richness nor abundance of bumblebees was affected by site size. However, a high flowering frequency positively affected the total number of bumblebee and honeybee individuals at the sites. We conclude that urban gardens contribute to sustaining a high abundance of bumblebees in the city centre, and indirectly facilitates small scale urban food production. A pollinator-friendly management of urban green space with plentiful flowering may promote a community of bumblebees with high abundance and diversity.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10841-014-9729-2}}, ISSN = {{1366-638X}}, EISSN = {{1572-9753}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000345769600017}}, } @article{ ISI:000345514300008, Author = {Bhatt, Himanshu S. and Singh, Richa and Vatsa, Mayank and Ratha, Nalini K.}, Title = {{Improving Cross-Resolution Face Matching Using Ensemble-Based Co-Transfer Learning}}, Journal = {{IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON IMAGE PROCESSING}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{23}}, Number = {{12}}, Pages = {{5654-5669}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Face recognition algorithms are generally trained for matching high-resolution images and they perform well for similar resolution test data. However, the performance of such systems degrades when a low-resolution face image captured in unconstrained settings, such as videos from cameras in a surveillance scenario, are matched with high-resolution gallery images. The primary challenge, here, is to extract discriminating features from limited biometric content in low-resolution images and match it to information rich high-resolution face images. The problem of cross-resolution face matching is further alleviated when there is limited labeled positive data for training face recognition algorithms. In this paper, the problem of cross-resolution face matching is addressed where low-resolution images are matched with high-resolution gallery. A co-transfer learning framework is proposed, which is a cross-pollination of transfer learning and co-training paradigms and is applied for cross-resolution face matching. The transfer learning component transfers the knowledge that is learnt while matching high-resolution face images during training to match low-resolution probe images with high-resolution gallery during testing. On the other hand, co-training component facilitates this transfer of knowledge by assigning pseudolabels to unlabeled probe instances in the target domain. Amalgamation of these two paradigms in the proposed ensemble framework enhances the performance of cross-resolution face recognition. Experiments on multiple face databases show the efficacy of the proposed algorithm and compare with some existing algorithms and a commercial system. In addition, several high profile real-world cases have been used to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach in addressing the tough challenges.}}, DOI = {{10.1109/TIP.2014.2362658}}, ISSN = {{1057-7149}}, EISSN = {{1941-0042}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Vatsa, Mayank/I-5050-2013 Singh, Richa/M-9961-2017}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Vatsa, Mayank/0000-0001-5952-2274 Singh, Richa/0000-0003-4060-4573}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000345514300008}}, } @article{ ISI:000345306600007, Author = {Fort, Hugo}, Title = {{Quantitative predictions of pollinators' abundances from qualitative data on their interactions with plants and evidences of emergent neutrality}}, Journal = {{OIKOS}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{123}}, Number = {{12}}, Pages = {{1469-1478}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Making quantitative predictions of the effects of human activities on ecological communities is crucial for their management. In the case of plant-pollinator mutualistic networks, despite the great progress in describing the interactions between plants and their pollinators, the capability of making quantitative predictions is still lacking. Here, in order to estimate pollinator species abundances and their niche distribution, I propose a general method to transform a plant-pollinator network into a competition model between pollinator species. Competition matrices were obtained from first principles' calculations, using qualitative interaction matrices compiled for a set of 38 plant-pollinator networks. This method is able to make accurate quantitative predictions for mutualistic networks spanning a broad geographic range. Specifically, the predicted biodiversity metrics for pollinators - species relative abundances, Shannon equitability and Gini-Simpson indices - agree quite well with those inferred from empirical counts of visits of pollinators to plants. Furthermore, this method allows building a one-dimensional niche axis for pollinators in which clusters of generalists are separated by specialists thus rendering support to the theory of emergent neutrality. The importance of interspecific competition between pollinator species is a controversial and unresolved issue, considerable circumstantial evidence has accrued that competition between insects does occur, but a clear measure of its impact on their species abundances is still lacking. I contributed to fill this gap by quantifying the effect of competition between pollinators. Particular applications of our analysis could be to estimate the quantitative effects of removing a species from a community or to address the fate of populations of native organisms when foreign species are introduced to ecosystems far beyond their home range.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/oik.01539}}, ISSN = {{0030-1299}}, EISSN = {{1600-0706}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000345306600007}}, } @article{ ISI:000346927100001, Author = {Busch, Andrea and Horn, Stefanie and Zachgo, Sabine}, Title = {{Differential transcriptome analysis reveals insight into monosymmetric corolla development of the crucifer Iberis amara}}, Journal = {{BMC PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{14}}, Month = {{NOV 19}}, Abstract = {{Background: In the co-evolution between insects and plants, the establishment of floral monosymmetry was an important step in angiosperm development as it facilitated the interaction with insect pollinators and, by that, likely enhanced angiosperm diversification. In Antirrhinum majus, the TCP transcription factor CYCLOIDEA is the molecular key regulator driving the formation of floral monosymmetry. Although most Brassicaceae form a polysymmetric corolla, six genera develop monosymmetric flowers with two petal pairs of unequal size. In the monosymmetric crucifer Iberis amara, formation of the different petal pairs coincides with a stronger expression of the CYC-homolog IaTCP1 in the small, adaxial petals. Results: In this study, RNA-Seq was employed to reconstruct the petal transcriptome of the non-model species Iberis amara. About 9 Gb of sequence data was generated, processed and re-assembled into 18,139 likely Iberis unigenes, from which 15,983 showed high sequence homology to Arabidopsis proteins. The transcriptome gives detailed insight into the molecular mechanisms governing late petal development. In addition, it was used as a scaffold to detect genes differentially expressed between the small, adaxial and the large, abaxial petals in order to understand the molecular mechanisms driving unequal petal growth. Far more genes are expressed in adaxial compared to abaxial petals implying that IaTCP1 activates more genes than it represses. Amongst all genes upregulated in adaxial petals, a significantly enhanced proportion is associated with cell wall modification and cell-cell signalling processes. Furthermore, microarrays were used to detect and compare quantitative differences in TCP target genes in transgenic Arabidopsis plants ectopically expressing different TCP transcription factors. Conclusions: The increased occurrences of genes implicated in cell wall modification and signalling implies that unequal petal growth is achieved through an earlier stop of the cell proliferation phase in the small, adaxial petals, followed by the onset of cell expansion. This process, which forms the monosymmetric corolla of Iberis amara, is likely driven by the enhanced activity of IaTCP1 in adaxial petals.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/s12870-014-0285-4}}, Article-Number = {{285}}, ISSN = {{1471-2229}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000346927100001}}, } @article{ ISI:000345215900005, Author = {Carvalheiro, Luisa Gigante and Biesmeijer, Jacobus Christiaan and Benadi, Gita and Fruend, Jochen and Stang, Martina and Bartomeus, Ignasi and Kaiser-Bunbury, Christopher N. and Baude, Mathilde and Gomes, Sofia I. F. and Merckx, Vincent and Baldock, Katherine C. R. and Bennett, Andrew T. D. and Boada, Ruth and Bommarco, Riccardo and Cartar, Ralph and Chacoff, Natacha and Danhardt, Juliana and Dicks, Lynn V. and Dormann, Carsten F. and Ekroos, Johan and Henson, Kate S. E. and Holzschuh, Andrea and Junker, Robert R. and Lopezaraiza-Mikel, Martha and Memmott, Jane and Montero-Castano, Ana and Nelson, Isabel L. and Petanidou, Theodora and Power, Eileen F. and Rundlof, Maj and Smith, Henrik G. and Stout, Jane C. and Temitope, Kehinde and Tscharntke, Teja and Tscheulin, Thomas and Vila, Montserrat and Kunin, William E.}, Title = {{The potential for indirect effects between co-flowering plants via shared pollinators depends on resource abundance, accessibility and relatedness}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY LETTERS}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{17}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{1389-1399}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Co-flowering plant species commonly share flower visitors, and thus have the potential to influence each other's pollination. In this study we analysed 750 quantitative plant-pollinator networks from 28 studies representing diverse biomes worldwide. We show that the potential for one plant species to influence another indirectly via shared pollinators was greater for plants whose resources were more abundant (higher floral unit number and nectar sugar content) and more accessible. The potential indirect influence was also stronger between phylogenetically closer plant species and was independent of plant geographic origin (native vs. non-native). The positive effect of nectar sugar content and phylogenetic proximity was much more accentuated for bees than for other groups. Consequently, the impact of these factors depends on the pollination mode of plants, e.g. bee or fly pollinated. Our findings may help predict which plant species have the greatest importance in the functioning of plant-pollination networks.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/ele.12342}}, ISSN = {{1461-023X}}, EISSN = {{1461-0248}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Tscharntke, Teja/N-5123-2014 Carvalheiro, Luisa/D-9414-2012 Bennett, Andrew T.D./P-2670-2016 Kaiser-Bunbury, Christopher/C-5038-2012 Stout, Jane /B-1631-2010 Baldock, Katherine/J-8469-2012 Vila, Montserrat/D-9339-2013 Montero, Ana/M-8541-2015 Bommarco, Riccardo/E-7109-2016 Merckx, Vincent/C-6025-2011 CSIC, EBD Donana/C-4157-2011 Tscheulin, Thomas/B-9722-2011 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Dormann, Carsten/0000-0002-9835-1794 Bennett, Andrew T.D./0000-0001-8512-2805 Rundlof, Maj/0000-0003-3014-1544 Kaiser-Bunbury, Christopher/0000-0001-7254-3491 Stout, Jane /0000-0002-2027-0863 Baldock, Katherine/0000-0001-6849-8747 Vila, Montserrat/0000-0003-3171-8261 Montero, Ana/0000-0003-2631-0085 Bommarco, Riccardo/0000-0001-8888-0476 Merckx, Vincent/0000-0002-3959-8623 CSIC, EBD Donana/0000-0003-4318-6602 Tscheulin, Thomas/0000-0002-9901-1521 Petanidou, Theodora/0000-0003-1883-0945}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000345215900005}}, } @article{ ISI:000344379800019, Author = {Gervais, Camille and Abu Awad, Diala and Roze, Denis and Castric, Vincent and Billiard, Sylvain}, Title = {{GENETIC ARCHITECTURE OF INBREEDING DEPRESSION AND THE MAINTENANCE OF GAMETOPHYTIC SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{68}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{3317-3324}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) is a widespread genetic system, which enables hermaphroditic plants to avoid self-fertilization and mating with close relatives. Inbreeding depression is thought to be the major force maintaining SI; however, inbreeding depression is a dynamical variable that depends in particular on the mating system. In this article we use multilocus, individual-based simulations to examine the coevolution of SI and inbreeding depression within finite populations. We focus on the conditions for the maintenance of SI when self-compatible (SC) mutants are introduced in the population by recurrent mutation, and compare simulation results with predictions from an analytical model treating inbreeding depression as a fixed parameter (thereby neglecting effects of purging within the SC subpopulation). In agreement with previous models, we observe that the maintenance of SI is associated with high inbreeding depression and is facilitated by high rates of self-pollination. Purging of deleterious mutations by SC mutants has little effect on the spread of those mutants as long as most deleterious alleles have weak fitness effects: in this case, the genetic architecture of inbreeding depression has little effect on the maintenance of SI. By contrast, purging may greatly enhance the spread of SC mutants when deleterious alleles have strong fitness effects.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/evo.12495}}, ISSN = {{0014-3820}}, EISSN = {{1558-5646}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{billiard, sylvain/A-2108-2009 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{billiard, sylvain/0000-0003-2135-3246 Castric, Vincent/0000-0002-4461-4915}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000344379800019}}, } @article{ ISI:000344339500029, Author = {Bennett, Joanne M. and Clarke, Rohan H. and Thomson, James R. and Mac Nally, Ralph}, Title = {{Variation in abundance of nectarivorous birds: does a competitive despot interfere with flower tracking?}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{83}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1531-1541}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Adaptive resource tracking in space and time may be disrupted by the modification of resources and competitors. Major global change drivers (e.g. land-use change) have induced declines in many native species, while facilitating only a few. Given that many resources are predicted to become increasingly scarce under the joint effects of climate and land-use change, disturbance-tolerant species that are able to defend high-value resources may further limit the persistence of disturbance-sensitive species. We sought to determine which nectarivorous birds track variation in flowering and if relationships between nectarivores and flowering are affected by on-transect vegetation structure or the occurrence of a native, hyper-aggressive species, the noisy miner Manorina melanocephala, which has become more prevalent. We measured eucalypt flowering and abundances of nectarivorous birds over the course of a year; we measured vegetation structure on the same forest transects. Nectarivores tracked spatial and some temporal variation in flowering, but this relationship was disrupted by noisy miners. Where present in sufficient numbers, the noisy miner excluded small-bodied nectarivores (<63g) from fragments, limiting the ability of this numerically dominant component of the avifauna to gain access to flowering resources. Altered patterns of interspecific competition due to vegetation fragmentation and climate-induced degradation may have led to changes in the distribution of small nectarivore species that is a departure from the ideal free distribution' model. Interactions between noisy miners and small-bodied nectarivores appear to be best described by the ideal despotic distribution' model in which noisy miners exclude smaller competitors and monopolize local resources. Increases in the severity and frequency of extreme climatic events (e.g. long droughts) predicted under climate change may create a boom-bust pattern of availabilities of resources. The apparent insensitivity of noisy miners to such variation in flowering resource availability and the miners' influence on the ability of small nectarivores to access resources may lead to disproportionate declines in smaller-bodied nectarivorous species. Reduced tracking of flowering by nectarivores has the potential to disrupt ecosystem services (e.g. pollination, seed dispersal) and may have long-term consequences for the persistence of fragmented vegetation, adding further pressure on forest-dependent biota.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2656.12245}}, ISSN = {{0021-8790}}, EISSN = {{1365-2656}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Bennett, Joanne/0000-0002-7883-3577}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000344339500029}}, } @article{ ISI:000344333800009, Author = {Stouffer, Daniel B. and Cirtwill, Alyssa R. and Bascompte, Jordi}, Title = {{How exotic plants integrate into pollination networks}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{102}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1442-1450}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{There is increasing world-wide concern about the impact of the introduction of exotic species on ecological communities. Since many exotic plants depend on native pollinators to successfully establish, it is of paramount importance that we understand precisely how exotic species integrate into existing plant-pollinator communities. In this manuscript, we have studied a global data base of empirical pollination networks to determine whether community, network, species or interaction characteristics can help identify invaded communities. We found that a limited number of community and network properties showed significant differences across the empirical data sets - namely networks with exotic plants present are characterized by greater total, plant and pollinator richness, as well as higher values of relative nestedness. We also observed significant differences in terms of the pollinators that interact with the exotic plants. In particular, we found that specialist pollinators that are also weak contributors to community nestedness are far more likely to interact with exotic plants than would be expected by chance alone.Synthesis. By virtue of their interactions, it appears that exotic plants may provide a key service to a community's specialist pollinators as well as fill otherwise vacant coevolutionary niches'.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2745.12310}}, ISSN = {{0022-0477}}, EISSN = {{1365-2745}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Stouffer, Daniel/C-2223-2008 CSIC, EBD Donana/C-4157-2011 Bascompte, Jordi/B-7596-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Stouffer, Daniel/0000-0001-9436-9674 CSIC, EBD Donana/0000-0003-4318-6602 Bascompte, Jordi/0000-0002-0108-6411}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000344333800009}}, } @article{ ISI:000344154400012, Author = {Abe, Harue and Takahashi, Toshimori and Hasegawa, Masami}, Title = {{Effects of volcanic disturbance on the reproductive success of Eurya japonica and its reproductive mutualisms}}, Journal = {{PLANT ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{215}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{1361-1372}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Ecological observation of surviving organisms and their interactions during and after volcanic activity provides an indispensable opportunity to study how organisms respond to environmental devastation. Eurya japonica satisfies the criteria as a facilitator plant species in recovering forest on the volcanic Miyake Island, which erupted in 2000, because this species is more resistant to volcanic gases than other tree species on the island. We examined the effects of volcanic disturbance on reproductive success of E. japonica and compared the visitation frequencies of pollinator insects and frugivorous birds at nine sites showing different degrees of disturbance. The leaf health was strongly decreased by frequent volcanic gas exposure, whereas flower bud formation was not suppressed. The fruit abortion rate did not differ among sites, whereas the fruit set rate significantly decreased with increasing volcanic damage. The frequencies of pollinator and frugivorous bird visits were higher in heavily damaged areas. These results indicate that the pollination and seed-dispersal system of E. japonica was potentially maintained under volcanic disturbance, though the final reproductive success decreased.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11258-014-0393-0}}, ISSN = {{1385-0237}}, EISSN = {{1573-5052}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000344154400012}}, } @article{ ISI:000342490100015, Author = {Ackerman, James D. and Falcon, Wilfredo and Molinari, Jonathan and Vega, Carlos and Espino, Isamalish and Cuevas, Ana A.}, Title = {{Biotic resistance and invasional meltdown: consequences of acquired interspecific interactions for an invasive orchid, Spathoglottis plicata in Puerto Rico}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{16}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{2435-2447}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Invasiveness of non-native species often depends on acquired interactions with either native or naturalized species. A natural colonizer, the autogamous, invasive orchid Spathoglottis plicata has acquired at least three interspecific interactions in Puerto Rico: a mycorrhizal fungus essential for seed germination and early development; a native, orchid-specialist weevil, Stethobaris polita, which eats perianth parts and oviposits in developing fruits; and ants, primarily invasive Solenopsis invicta, that forage at extrafloral nectaries. We tested in field experiments and from observational data whether weevils affect reproductive success in the orchid; and whether this interaction is density-dependent. We also examined the effectiveness of extrafloral nectaries in attracting ants that ward off weevils. Only at small spatial scales were weevil abundance and flower damage correlated with flower densities. Plants protected from weevils had less floral damage and higher fruit set than those accessible to weevils. The more abundant ants were on inflorescences, the less accessible fruits were to weevils, resulting in reduced fruit loss from larval infections. Ants did not exclude weevils, but they affected weevil activity. Native herbivores generally provide some biotic resistance to plant invasions yet Spathoglottis plicata remains an aggressive colonizer despite the acquisition of a herbivore/seed predator partly because invasive ants attracted to extrafloral nectaries inhibited weevil behavior. Thus, the invasion of one species facilitates the success of another as in invasional meltdowns. For invasive plant species of disturbed habitats, having ant-tended extrafloral nectaries and producing copious quantities of seed, biotic resistance to plant invasions can be minimal.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10530-014-0676-3}}, ISSN = {{1387-3547}}, EISSN = {{1573-1464}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Falcon, Wilfredo/0000-0003-2438-5681}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000342490100015}}, } @article{ ISI:000343943500007, Author = {Chung, Y. Anny and Burkle, Laura A. and Knight, Tiffany M.}, Title = {{Minimal Effects of an Invasive Flowering Shrub on the Pollinator Community of Native Forbs}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{10}}, Month = {{OCT 24}}, Abstract = {{Biological invasions can strongly influence species interactions such as pollination. Most of the documented effects of exotic plant species on plant-pollinator interactions have been observational studies using single pairs of native and exotic plants, and have focused on dominant exotic plant species. We know little about how exotic plants alter interactions in entire communities of plants and pollinators, especially at low to medium invader densities. In this study, we began to address these gaps by experimentally removing the flowers of a showy invasive shrub, Rosa multiflora, and evaluating its effects on the frequency, richness, and composition of bee visitors to co-flowering native plants. We found that while R. multiflora increased plot-level richness of bee visitors to co-flowering native plant species at some sites, its presence had no significant effects on bee visitation rate, visitor richness, bee community composition, or abundance overall. In addition, we found that compared to co-flowering natives, R. multiflora was a generalist plant that primarily received visits from generalist bee species shared with native plant species. Our results suggest that exotic plants such as R. multiflora may facilitate native plant pollination in a community context by attracting a more diverse assemblage of pollinators, but have limited and idiosyncratic effects on the resident plant-pollinator network in general.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0109088}}, Article-Number = {{e109088}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000343943500007}}, } @article{ ISI:000343951200009, Author = {Khanduri, Priyanka and Chaudhary, Anjali and La Uniyal, Prem and Tandon, Rajesh}, Title = {{Reproductive biology of Willisia arekaliana (Podostemaceae), a freshwater endemic species of India}}, Journal = {{AQUATIC BOTANY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{119}}, Pages = {{57-65}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{We investigated the floral biology, mechanism of pollination and breeding system of Willisia arekaliana (Podostemaceae), an endemic, fresh water aquatic angiosperm, restricted to the state of Kerala, India. The reproductive phase exists between late October and early January. Flowering starts under submerged condition and the flowers become conspicuous only when the water level recedes. Each flower is represented by a pistil with bi-lobed stigma and a pair of bithecous anthers and enclosed by the spathella. Pollination occurs at the air-water interface soon after the flower is partly exposed to air by a small apical opening in the spathella. Concurrence of stigma receptivity with anther dehiscence and apposition of the two organs facilitate autopollination. There is profuse pollen (similar to 3900) and ovule (similar to 170) production, and low pollen:ovule ratio (24) complies with the occurrence of obligate autogamy. As there is very short span of time available for pollination and also that the dehisced anthers may not retain pollen for sufficient time in fast flowing streams, autopollination appears to ensure sexual reproduction and high natural fecundity (seed set) in the species. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.aquabot.2014.06.008}}, ISSN = {{0304-3770}}, EISSN = {{1879-1522}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000343951200009}}, } @article{ ISI:000344010400011, Author = {Ren, Zong-Xin and Wang, Hong and Bernhardt, Peter and Li, De-Zhu}, Title = {{INSECT POLLINATION AND SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY IN EDIBLE AND/OR MEDICINAL CROPS IN SOUTHWESTERN CHINA, A GLOBAL HOTSPOT OF BIODIVERSITY}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{101}}, Number = {{10}}, Pages = {{1700-1710}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{An increasing global demand for food, coupled with the widespread decline of pollinator diversity, remains an international concern in agriculture and genetic conservation. In particular, there are large gaps in the study of the pollination of economically important and traditionally grown species in China. Many plant species grown in China are both edible and used medicinally. The country retains extensive written records of agricultural and apicultural practices, facilitating contemporary studies of some important taxa. Here, we focus on Yunnan in southwestern China, a mega-biodiversity hotspot for medicinal/food plants. We used plant and insect taxa as model systems to understand the patterns and consequences of pollinator deficit to crops. We identified several gaps and limitations in research on the pollination ecology and breeding systems of domesticated taxa and their wild relatives in Yunnan and asked the following questions: (1) What is known about pollination systems of edible and medicinal plants in Yunnan? (2) What are the most important pollinators of Codonopsis subglobosa (Campanulaceae)? (3) How important are native pollinator species for maximizing yield in Chinese crops compared with the introduced Apis mellifera ? We found that some crops that require cross-pollination now depend exclusively on hand pollination. Three domesticated crops are dependent primarily on the native but semidomesticated Apis cerana and the introduced A. mellifera. Other species of wild pollinators often play important roles for certain specialty crops (e. g., Vespa velutina pollinates Codonopsis subglobosa). We propose a more systematic and comprehensive approach to applied research in the future.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1400075}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, EISSN = {{1537-2197}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Ren, Zong-Xin/0000-0001-7265-065X li, de zhu/0000-0002-4990-724X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000344010400011}}, } @article{ ISI:000343082000006, Author = {Millar, Melissa A. and Coates, David J. and Byrne, Margaret}, Title = {{Extensive long-distance pollen dispersal and highly outcrossed mating in historically small and disjunct populations of Acacia woodmaniorum (Fabaceae), a rare banded iron formation endemic}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{114}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{961-971}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Background and Aims Understanding patterns of pollen dispersal and variation in mating systems provides insights into the evolutionary potential of plant species and how historically rare species with small disjunct populations persist over long time frames. This study aims to quantify the role of pollen dispersal and the mating system in maintaining contemporary levels of connectivity and facilitating persistence of small populations of the historically rare Acacia woodmaniorum. Methods Progeny arrays of A. woodmaniorum were genotyped with nine polymorphic microsatellite markers. A low number of fathers contributed to seed within single pods; therefore, sampling to remove bias of correlated paternity was implemented for further analysis. Pollen immigration and mating system parameters were then assessed in eight populations of varying size and degree of isolation. Key Results Pollen immigration into small disjunct populations was extensive (mean minimum estimate 40\% and mean maximum estimate 57\% of progeny) and dispersal occurred over large distances (<= 1870m). Pollen immigration resulted in large effective population sizes and was sufficient to ensure adaptive and inbreeding connectivity in small disjunct populations. High outcrossing (mean t(m) = 0.975) and a lack of apparent inbreeding suggested that a self-incompatibility mechanism is operating. Population parameters, including size and degree of geographic disjunction, were not useful predictors of pollen dispersal or components of the mating system. Conclusions Extensive long-distance pollen dispersal and a highly outcrossed mating system are likely to play a key role in maintaining genetic diversity and limiting negative genetic effects of inbreeding and drift in small disjunct populations of A. woodmaniorum. It is proposed that maintenance of genetic connectivity through habitat and pollinator conservation will be a key factor in the persistence of this and other historically rare species with similar extensive long-distance pollen dispersal and highly outcrossed mating systems.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aob/mcu167}}, ISSN = {{0305-7364}}, EISSN = {{1095-8290}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Byrne, Margaret/H-8198-2015}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Byrne, Margaret/0000-0002-7197-5409}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000343082000006}}, } @article{ ISI:000343226300005, Author = {Barriball, Kelly and Goodell, Karen and Rocha, Oscar J.}, Title = {{MATING PATTERNS AND POLLINATOR COMMUNITIES OF THE INVASIVE SHRUB LONICERA MAACKII: A COMPARISON BETWEEN INTERIOR PLANTS AND EDGE PLANTS}}, Journal = {{INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{175}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{946-954}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Premise of research. It is known that outcrossing rates and mating structure are important factors determining the genetic structure of populations. Moreover, the composition and abundance of pollinator communities visiting flowers determine the distances over which the pollen is likely to be dispersed, which in turn affects the genetic structure of plant populations. For invasive plants, high outcrossing rates produce genetically diverse propagules for the colonization of uninvaded areas and facilitate the establishment of novel gene combinations that may affect their invasive ability. Here, we examine how differences in pollinator communities visiting flowers of the invasive shrub Lonicera maackii (Caprifoliaceae), growing along the edge and in the interior of a woodlot, affect their outcrossing rates and mating structure. Methodology. Five microsatellite marker loci were used to determine the outcrossing rates, levels of biparental inbreeding, and effective number of pollen donors siring the seed crop of plants growing along the edge and in the interior of an invaded woodlot. Pivotal results. We found that L. maackii is a predominantly outcrossing plant. Despite dissimilarities in composition and abundance of pollinator communities, there were no differences in outcrossing rates and biparental inbreeding between plants along the edge of the woodlot and those in the interior. However, the seed crop of plants in the interior was sired by more pollen donors than that of plants along the edge. Our findings suggest that plants differ in their ability to sire seeds, as maternal allele frequencies are different from those that sired their seeds. Conclusions. Lonicera maackii plants showed high outcrossing rates regardless of their position in the woodlot. Differences in the number of donors siring the seed crop between plants in the interior of the woodlot and those along the edge are most likely due to disparities in the abundance and composition of the pollinator communities.}}, DOI = {{10.1086/677678}}, ISSN = {{1058-5893}}, EISSN = {{1537-5315}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000343226300005}}, } @article{ ISI:000343327200007, Author = {Kipling, Richard P. and Warren, John}, Title = {{How generalists coexist: the role of floral phenotype and spatial factors in the pollination systems of two Ranunculus species}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF PLANT ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{7}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{480-489}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Aims Competition for pollinators between phenotypically similar flowers is believed to play an important role in floral trait diversification in the angiosperms. However, in many plant communities, species with apparently similar floral phenotypes and generalist pollination systems co-flower. Here, the pollination systems of Ranunculus acris L. and Ranunculus repens L. were investigated to determine the factors enabling the species to coexist within apparently overlapping pollination niches. Methods Sympatrically flowering populations of R. acris and R. repens were investigated at three study sites in West Wales. The floral phenotypes of the two species were compared using measurements of floral morphology and spectral analyses of petal reflectance, using principal component analysis and bee and fly colour-space models. Evidence of inter-specific discrimination by foraging insects was tested for in the field and using floral arrays. The relative roles of behavioural constancy and spatial patchiness in maintaining pollinator fidelity were estimated. Important Findings The floral phenotypes of R. acris and R. repens differed significantly. Social bees were highly constant when foraging at flowers of the two species and patchy floral distribution explained some of the observed fidelity. Dipterans visiting mixed floral arrays appeared to discriminate between the species, visiting more R. acris than R. repens flowers, but there was no difference in the number of visits to single-species arrays. Social bees were more likely to display constancy to flowers of R. repens in the field. Patchiness in floral distribution, subtle differences in floral phenotype, pollinator preferences and behavioural constancy are all likely to contribute to the continued coexistence of R. acris and R. repens, despite apparent overlap in their pollination niches. Such differences have the potential to facilitate the maintenance of species diversity in plant communities, even where plants appear to share similar floral phenotypes.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/jpe/rtt040}}, ISSN = {{1752-9921}}, EISSN = {{1752-993X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000343327200007}}, } @article{ ISI:000342904300011, Author = {Runquist, Ryan D. Briscoe and Chu, Eric and Iverson, Justin L. and Kopp, Jason C. and Moeller, David A.}, Title = {{RAPID EVOLUTION OF REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION BETWEEN INCIPIENT OUTCROSSING AND SELFING CLARKIA SPECIES}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{68}}, Number = {{10}}, Pages = {{2885-2900}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{A major goal of speciation research is to understand the processes involved in the earliest stages of the evolution of reproductive isolation (RI). One important challenge has been to identify systems where lineages have very recently diverged and opportunities for hybridization are present. We conducted a comprehensive examination of the components of RI across the life cycle of two subspecies of Clarkia xantiana, which diverged recently (ca. 65,000 bp). One subspecies is primarily outcrossing, but self-compatible, whereas the other is primarily selfing. The subspecies co-occur in a zone of sympatry but hybrids are rarely observed. Premating barriers resulted in nearly complete isolation in both subspecies with flowering time and pollinator preference (for the outcrosser over the selfer) as the strongest barriers. We found that the outcrosser had consistently more competitive pollen, facilitating hybridization in one direction, but no evidence for pollen-pistil interactions as an isolating barrier. Surprisingly, postzygotic isolation was detected at the stage of hybrid seed development, but in no subsequent life stages. This crossing barrier was asymmetric with crosses from the selfer to outcrosser most frequently failing. Collectively, the results provide evidence for rapid evolution of multiple premating and postzygotic barriers despite a very recent divergence time.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/evo.12488}}, ISSN = {{0014-3820}}, EISSN = {{1558-5646}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000342904300011}}, } @article{ ISI:000342533300016, Author = {Packer, Daniel J. and Rooney, William L.}, Title = {{High-parent heterosis for biomass yield in photoperiod-sensitive sorghum hybrids}}, Journal = {{FIELD CROPS RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{167}}, Pages = {{153-158}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Biomass sorghums are being developed as a dedicated energy crop. These sorghums are managed to maximize biomass yields and are tall (3.5-5 m) with dry, pithy stems. To facilitate seed production, they are produced as hybrids using grain sorghum seed parents. Besides facilitating seed production, these hybrids may provide high-parent heterosis for improved biomass yields. To measure potential heterosis, biomass hybrids derived from 13 different biomass pollinators and 4 grain sorghum seed parents were evaluated for biomass yield in 4 environments. High-parent heterosis in these hybrids averaged 24.8\% across all the environments and was available in many hybrid combinations. Hybrids out-yielded the pollinators in each environment. Across environments, the hybrids yielded 32.4 Mg/ha compared to the 27.0 Mg/ha of the pollinators. While heterosis was available in many hybrids, specific combining abilities and environmental interactions combine to maximize heterosis and biomass yields. Heterosis can serve as an effective tool for improving biomass sorghum yields. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.fcr.2014.07.015}}, ISSN = {{0378-4290}}, EISSN = {{1872-6852}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000342533300016}}, } @article{ ISI:000342615100006, Author = {Chanam, Joyshree and Sheshshayee, Madavalam Sreeman and Kasinathan, Srinivasan and Jagdeesh, Amaraja and Joshi, Kanchan A. and Borges, Renee M.}, Title = {{Nutritional benefits from domatia inhabitants in an ant-plant interaction: interlopers do pay the rent}}, Journal = {{FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{28}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1107-1116}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{1. How a symbiosis originates and is maintained are important evolutionary questions. Symbioses in myrmecophytes (plants providing nesting for ants) are believed to be maintained by protection and nutrients provided by specialist plant-ants in exchange for nesting spaces (called domatia) and nourishment offered by ant-plants. However, besides the benefits accrued from housing protective ants, the mechanisms contributing to the fitness advantages of bearing domatia have rarely been examined, especially because the domatia trait is usually constitutively expressed, and many myrmecophytes have obligate mutualisms with single ant species resulting in invariant conditions. 2. In the unspecialized ant-plant Humboldtia brunonis (Fabaceae) that offers extrafloral nectar to ants, only some plants produce domatia in the form of hollow internodes. These domatia have a self-opening slit making them more prone to interlopers and are occupied mostly by non-protective ants and other invertebrates, especially arboreal earthworms. The protection mutualism with ants is restricted in geographical extent, occurring only at a few sites in the southernmost part of this plant's range in the Western Ghats of India. 3. We examined nutrient flux from domatia residents to the plant using stable isotopes. We found that between 9\% (earthworms) and 17\% (protective or non-protective ants) of nitrogen of plant tissues nearest the domatium came from domatia inhabitants. Therefore, interlopers such as earthworms and non-protective ants contributed positively to the nitrogen budget of localized plant modules of this understorey tree. N-15-enriched feeding experiments with protective ants demonstrated that nutrients flowed from domatia inhabitants to nearby plant modules. Fruit set did not differ between paired hand-pollinated inflorescences on domatia and non-domatia bearing branches. This was possibly due to the nutrient flux from domatia to adjacent branches without domatia within localized modules. 4. This study has demonstrated the nutritive role of non-protective ants and non-ant invertebrates, hitherto referred to as interlopers, in an unspecialized myrmecophyte. Our study suggests that even before the establishment of a specialized ant-plant protection mutualism, nutritional benefits conferred by domatia inhabitants can explain the fitness benefits of bearing domatia, and thus the maintenance of a trait that facilitates the establishment of a specialized ant-plant symbiosis.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2435.12251}}, ISSN = {{0269-8463}}, EISSN = {{1365-2435}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000342615100006}}, } @article{ ISI:000342164400017, Author = {Hwang, Jihyun and Oh, Juyoul and Kim, Zoohyun and Staub, Jack E. and Chung, Sang-Min and Park, Younghoon}, Title = {{Fine genetic mapping of a locus controlling short internode length in melon (Cucumis melo L.)}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR BREEDING}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{34}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{949-961}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Compact and dwarfing vining habits in melon (Cucumis melo L.; 2n = 2x = 24) may have commercial importance since they can contribute to the promotion of concentrated fruit set and can be planted in higher plant densities than standard vining types. A study was designed to determine the genetics of dwarfism associated with a diminutive (short internodes) melon mutant line PNU-D1 (C. melo ssp. cantalupensis). PNU-D1 was crossed with inbred wild-type melon line PNU-WT1 (C. melo ssp. agrestis), and resultant F-1 progeny were then self-pollinated to produce an F-2 population that segregated as dwarf and vining plant types. Primary stem length of F-2 progeny assessed under greenhouse conditions indicated that a single recessive gene, designated mdw1, controlled dwarfism in this population. To identify the chromosomal location associated with mdw1, an simple sequence repeat (SSR)-based genetic linkage map was constructed using 94 F-2 progeny. Using 76 SSR markers positioned on 15 linkage groups spanning 462.84 cM, the location of mdw1 was localized to Chromosome 7. Using the putative dwarfing-associated genes, fine genetic mapping of the mdw1 genomic region was facilitated with 1,194 F-2 progeny that defined the genetic distance between mdw1 and cytokinin oxidase gene, a candidate gene for compact growth habit (cp) in cucumber, to be 1.7 cM. The candidate gene ERECTA (serin/threonine kinase) and UBI (ubiquitin) were also mapped to genomic regions flanking mdw1 at distances of 0.6 and 1.2 cM, respectively.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11032-014-0088-1}}, ISSN = {{1380-3743}}, EISSN = {{1572-9788}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000342164400017}}, } @article{ ISI:000341774300039, Author = {Yue, Xun and Gao, Xin-Qi and Wang, Fang and Dong, YuXiu and Li, XingGuo and Zhang, Xian Sheng}, Title = {{Transcriptional Evidence for Inferred Pattern of Pollen Tube-Stigma Metabolic Coupling during Pollination}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{9}}, Month = {{SEP 12}}, Abstract = {{It is difficult to derive all qualitative proteomic and metabolomic experimental data in male (pollen tube) and female (pistil) reproductive tissues during pollination because of the limited sensitivity of current technology. In this study, genome-scale enzyme correlation network models for plants (Arabidopsis/maize) were constructed by analyzing the enzymes and metabolic routes from a global perspective. Then, we developed a data-driven computational pipeline using the ``guilt by association{''} principle to analyze the transcriptional coexpression profiles of enzymatic genes in the consecutive steps for metabolic routes in the fast-growing pollen tube and stigma during pollination. The analysis identified an inferred pattern of pollen tube-stigma ethanol coupling. When the pollen tube elongates in the transmitting tissue (TT) of the pistil, this elongation triggers the mobilization of energy from glycolysis in the TT cells of the pistil. Energy-rich metabolites (ethanol) are secreted that can be taken up by the pollen tube, where these metabolites are incorporated into the pollen tube's tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which leads to enhanced ATP production for facilitating pollen tube growth. In addition, our analysis also provided evidence for the cooperation of kaempferol, dTDP-alpha-L-rhamnose and cell-wall-related proteins; phosphatidic-acid-mediated Ca2+ oscillations and cytoskeleton; and glutamate degradation IV for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling activation in Arabidopsis and maize stigmas to provide the signals and materials required for pollen tube tip growth. In particular, the ``guilt by association{''} computational pipeline and the genome-scale enzyme correlation network models (GECN) developed in this study was initiated with experimental ``omics{''} data, followed by data analysis and data integration to determine correlations, and could provide a new platform to assist inachieving a deeper understanding of the co-regulation and inter-regulation model in plant research.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0107046}}, Article-Number = {{e107046}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000341774300039}}, } @article{ ISI:000341855900015, Author = {Haller, Benjamin C. and de Vos, Jurriaan M. and Keller, Barbara and Hendry, Andrew P. and Conti, Elena}, Title = {{A Tale of Two Morphs: Modeling Pollen Transfer, Magic Traits, and Reproductive Isolation in Parapatry}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{9}}, Month = {{SEP 11}}, Abstract = {{The evolution of the flower is commonly thought to have spurred angiosperm diversification. Similarly, particular floral traits might have promoted diversification within specific angiosperm clades. We hypothesize that traits promoting the precise positional transfer of pollen between flowers might promote diversification. In particular, precise pollen transfer might produce partial reproductive isolation that facilitates adaptive divergence between parapatric populations differing in their reproductive-organ positions. We investigate this hypothesis with an individual-based model of pollen transfer dynamics associated with heterostyly, a floral syndrome that depends on precise pollen transfer. Our model shows that precise pollen transfer can cause sexual selection leading to divergence in reproductive-organ positions between populations served by different pollinators, pleiotropically causing an increase in reproductive isolation through a ``magic trait'' mechanism. Furthermore, this increased reproductive isolation facilitates adaptive divergence between the populations in an unlinked, ecologically selected trait. In a different pollination scenario, however, precise pollen transfer causes a decrease in adaptive divergence by promoting asymmetric gene flow. Our results highlight the idea that magic traits are not ``magic'' in isolation; in particular, the effect size of magic traits in speciation depends on the external environment, and also on other traits that modify the strength of the magic trait's influence on non-random mating. Overall, we show that the evolutionary consequences of pollen transfer dynamics can depend strongly on the available pollinator fauna and on the morphological fit between flowers and pollinators. Furthermore, our results illustrate the potential importance of even weak reproductive isolating barriers in facilitating adaptive divergence.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0106512}}, Article-Number = {{e106512}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Haller, Benjamin/D-4156-2009}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Haller, Benjamin/0000-0003-1874-8327}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000341855900015}}, } @article{ ISI:000345597300010, Author = {Stiers, Iris and Coussement, Kjell and Triest, Ludwig}, Title = {{The invasive aquatic plant Ludwigia grandiflora affects pollinator visitants to a native plant at high abundances}}, Journal = {{AQUATIC INVASIONS}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{3, SI}}, Pages = {{357-367}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{The presence of an invasive species can either have a negative effect on pollination of natives by competing for pollinators or a positive effect since they may act as `magnet' species facilitating pollinator visits to co-flowering species. We studied the plant-pollinator interactions for Ludwigia grandiflora, a highly invasive aquatic weed in Europe. First, a food web approach was used in one field site and our results showed an integration of L. grandiflora into the native plant-pollinator network with a dominance of L. grandiflora in terms of frequency of pollinator visits. Second, an experiment was designed to identify the pollinator guild of invasive L. grandiflora and native Lythrum salicaria and to measure interspecific pollinator switching. We also estimated the pollinator-mediated effect of high relative abundance of L. grandiflora (\% cover of L. grandiflora) on L. salicaria plants. We monitored species composition, abundance and foraging behaviour of pollinators on L. salicaria. In addition, we assessed seed set per fruit of L. salicaria. Competition for pollinator services between invasive L. grandiflora and native L. salicaria seems minor as there was no evidence for decreased pollinator visitation or seed set of L. salicaria. On the contrary, more pollinators were recorded on L. salicaria plants when the cover of L. grandiflora was high compared to the control plants thereby indicating a facilitation effect, however this was not reflected in seed set. Despite the fact that L. grandiflora is well integrated in the native plant-pollinator network and highly attractive to pollinators, there was no evidence of negative impact of L. grandiflora on pollination of a native plant.}}, DOI = {{10.3391/ai.2014.9.3.10}}, ISSN = {{1798-6540}}, EISSN = {{1818-5487}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000345597300010}}, } @article{ ISI:000342753900003, Author = {Lazaro, Amparo and Lundgren, Rebekka and Totland, Orjan}, Title = {{Experimental reduction of pollinator visitation modifies plant-plant interactions for pollination}}, Journal = {{OIKOS}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{123}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{1037-1048}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{The strength of interactions between plants for pollination depends on the abundance of plants and pollinators in the community. The abundance of pollinators may influence plant associations and densities at which individual fitness is maximized. Reduced pollinator visitation may therefore affect the way plant species interact for pollination. We experimentally reduced pollinator visitation to six pollinator-dependent species (three from an alpine and three from a lowland community in Norway) to study how interactions for pollination were modified by reduced pollinator availability. We related flower visitation, pollen limitation and seed set to density of conspecifics and pollinator-sharing heterospecifics inside 30 dome-shaped cages partially covered with fishnet (experimental plots) and in 30 control plots. We expected to find stronger interactions between plants in experimental compared to controls plots. The experiment modified plant-plant interactions for pollination in all the six species; although for two of them neighbourhood interactions did not affect seed set. The pollen limitation and seed set data showed that reduction of pollinator visits most frequently resulted in novel and/or stronger interactions between plants in the experimental plots that did not occur in the controls. Although the responses were species-specific, there was a tendency for increasing facilitative interactions with conspecific neighbours in experimental plots where pollinator availability was reduced. Heterospecifics only influenced pollination and fecundity in species from the alpine community and in the experimental plots, where they competed with the focal species for pollination. The patterns observed for visitation rates differed from those for fecundity, with more significant interactions between plants in the controls in both communities. This study warns against the exclusive use of visitation data to interpret plant-plant interactions for pollination, and helps to understand how plant aggregations may buff er or intensify the effects of a pollinator loss on plant fitness.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/oik.01268}}, ISSN = {{0030-1299}}, EISSN = {{1600-0706}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000342753900003}}, } @article{ ISI:000340480300023, Author = {Singh, Archana and Ansari, Mohammad W. and Rani, Varsha and Singh, C. P. and Shukla, Alok and Pant, Ramesh C. and Tuteja, Narendra and Bains, Gurdeep}, Title = {{First evidence of putrescine involvement in mitigating the floral malformation in mangoes: A scanning electron microscope study}}, Journal = {{PROTOPLASMA}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{251}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1255-1261}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Floral malformation is the most destructive disease in mangoes. To date, the etiology of this disease has not been resolved. There are indications that stress-stimulated ethylene production might be responsible for the disease. Putrescine mediates various physiological processes for normal functioning and cellular metabolism. Here, the effect of putrescine in concentration ranging from 10(-1) to 10(-3) M was evaluated on disease incidence during mango flowering seasons of 2012 and 2013. In a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study, putrescine (10(-2) M)-treated malformed floral buds bloomed into opened flowers with separated sepals and/or petals like healthy, whereas the untreated (control) malformed buds remained deformed. Further, malformed flowers recovered upon putrescine treatment, displaying clearly bilobed anthers, enclosing a large number of normal pollen grains and functional ovary with broad stigmatic surface as compared to control. The present findings provide the first report to demonstrate the role of putrescine in reducing various adverse effects of stress ethylene via decelerating the higher pace of its biosynthesis. It stabilizes the normal morphology, development, and functions of malformed reproductive organs to facilitate successful pollination, fertilization, and, thereby, fruit set in mango flowers. However, putrescine-ethylene-mediated cell signaling network, involving various genes to trigger the response, which regulates a wide range of developmental and physiological processes leading to normal cell physiology, needs to be investigated further.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00709-014-0611-6}}, ISSN = {{0033-183X}}, EISSN = {{1615-6102}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000340480300023}}, } @article{ ISI:000340286000011, Author = {Song, Bo and Chen, Gao and Stoecklin, Juerg and Peng, De-Li and Niu, Yang and Li, Zhi-Min and Sun, Hang}, Title = {{A new pollinating seed-consuming mutualism between Rheum nobile and a fly fungus gnat, Bradysia sp., involving pollinator attraction by a specific floral compound}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{203}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1109-1118}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Pollinating seed-consuming mutualisms are regarded as exemplary models for studying coevolution, but they are extremely rare. In these systems, olfactory cues have been thought to play an important role in facilitating encounters between partners. We present a new pollinating seed-consuming mutualism from the high Himalayas between the endemic herb, Rheum nobile, and a fly fungus gnat, Bradysia sp. Seed production resulting from pollination by Bradysia flies and seed consumption by their larvae were measured to determine the outcome of this interaction. Floral scent analyses and behavioural tests were conducted to investigate the role of olfactory cues in pollinator attraction. Rheum nobile is self-compatible, but it depends mainly on Bradysia sp. females for pollination. Seed production resulting from pollination by adult flies is substantially higher than subsequent seed consumption by their larvae. Behavioural tests showed that an unusual floral compound, 2-methyl butyric acid methyl ester, emitted by plants only during anthesis, was attractive to female flies. Our results indicate that the R. nobile-Bradysia sp. interaction represents a new pollinating seed-consuming mutualism, and that a single unusual compound is the specific signal in the floral scent of R. nobile that plays a key role in attracting its pollinator.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.12856}}, ISSN = {{0028-646X}}, EISSN = {{1469-8137}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000340286000011}}, } @article{ ISI:000340908500001, Author = {Somleva, Maria N. and Xu, Chang Ai and Ryan, Kieran P. and Thilmony, Roger and Peoples, Oliver and Snell, Kristi D. and Thomson, James}, Title = {{Transgene autoexcision in switchgrass pollen mediated by the Bxb1 recombinase}}, Journal = {{BMC BIOTECHNOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{14}}, Month = {{AUG 22}}, Abstract = {{Background: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has a great potential as a platform for the production of biobased plastics, chemicals and energy mainly because of its high biomass yield on marginal land and low agricultural inputs. During the last decade, there has been increased interest in the genetic improvement of this crop through transgenic approaches. Since switchgrass, like most perennial grasses, is exclusively cross pollinating and poorly domesticated, preventing the dispersal of transgenic pollen into the environment is a critical requisite for the commercial deployment of this important biomass crop. In this study, the feasibility of controlling pollen-mediated gene flow in transgenic switchgrass using the large serine site-specific recombinase Bxb1 has been investigated. Results: A novel approach utilizing co-transformation of two separate vectors was used to test the functionality of the Bxb1/att recombination system in switchgrass. In addition, two promoters with high pollen-specific activity were identified and thoroughly characterized prior to their introduction into a test vector explicitly designed for both autoexcision and quantitative analyses of recombination events. Our strategy for developmentally programmed precise excision of the recombinase and marker genes in switchgrass pollen resulted in the generation of transgene-excised progeny. The autoexcision efficiencies were in the range of 22-42\% depending on the transformation event and assay used. Conclusion: The results presented here mark an important milestone towards the establishment of a reliable biocontainment system for switchgrass which will facilitate the development of this crop as a biorefinery feedstock through advanced biotechnological approaches.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/1472-6750-14-79}}, Article-Number = {{79}}, ISSN = {{1472-6750}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000340908500001}}, } @article{ ISI:000349165101165, Author = {Gemmill-Herren, Barbara}, Title = {{United Nations/FAO-facilitated international pollinator initiative}}, Journal = {{ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{248}}, Meeting = {{704-AGRO}}, Month = {{AUG 10}}, Note = {{248th National Meeting of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS), San Francisco, CA, AUG 10-14, 2014}}, Organization = {{Amer Chem Soc}}, ISSN = {{0065-7727}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000349165101165}}, } @article{ ISI:000343231900016, Author = {Conchou, Lucie and Cabioch, Lea and Rodriguez, Lillian J. V. and Kjellberg, Finn}, Title = {{Daily Rhythm of Mutualistic Pollinator Activity and Scent Emission in Ficus septica: Ecological Differentiation between Co-Occurring Pollinators and Potential Consequences for Chemical Communication and Facilitation of Host Speciation}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{8}}, Month = {{AUG 8}}, Abstract = {{The mutualistic interaction between Ficus and their pollinating agaonid wasps constitutes an extreme example of plant-insect co-diversification. Most Ficus species are locally associated with a single specific agaonid wasp species. Specificity is ensured by each fig species emitting a distinctive attractive scent. However, cases of widespread coexistence of two agaonid wasp species on the same Ficus species are documented. Here we document the coexistence of two agaonid wasp species in Ficus septica: one yellow-colored and one black-colored. Our results suggest that their coexistence is facilitated by divergent ecological traits. The black species is longer-lived (a few more hours) and is hence active until later in the afternoon. Some traits of the yellow species must compensate for this advantage for their coexistence to be stable. In addition, we show that the composition of the scent emitted by receptive figs changes between sunrise and noon. The two species may therefore be exposed to somewhat different ranges of receptive fig scent composition and may consequently diverge in the way they perceive and/or respond to scents. Whether such situations may lead to host plant speciation is an open question.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0103581}}, Article-Number = {{e103581}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Conchou, Lucie/M-8289-2016}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Conchou, Lucie/0000-0002-7562-1333}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000343231900016}}, } @article{ ISI:000338397100009, Author = {Wessinger, Carolyn A. and Hileman, Lena C. and Rausher, Mark D.}, Title = {{Identification of major quantitative trait loci underlying floral pollination syndrome divergence in Penstemon}}, Journal = {{PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{369}}, Number = {{1648}}, Month = {{AUG 5}}, Abstract = {{Distinct floral pollination syndromes have emerged multiple times during the diversification of flowering plants. For example, in western North America, a hummingbird pollination syndrome has evolved more than 100 times, generally from within insect-pollinated lineages. The hummingbird syndrome is characterized by a suite of floral traits that attracts and facilitates pollen movement by hummingbirds, while at the same time discourages bee visitation. These floral traits generally include large nectar volume, red flower colour, elongated and narrow corolla tubes and reproductive organs that are exerted from the corolla. A handful of studies have examined the genetic architecture of hummingbird pollination syndrome evolution. These studies find that mutations of relatively large effect often explain increased nectar volume and transition to red flower colour. In addition, they suggest that adaptive suites of floral traits may often exhibit a high degree of genetic linkage, which could facilitate their fixation during pollination syndrome evolution. Here, we explore these emerging generalities by investigating the genetic basis of floral pollination syndrome divergence between two related Penstemon species with different pollination syndromes-bee-pollinated P. neomexicanus and closely related hummingbird-pollinated P. barbatus. in an F-2 mapping population derived from a cross between these two species, we characterized the effect size of genetic loci underlying floral trait divergence associated with the transition to bird pollination, as well as correlation structure of floral trait variation. We find the effect sizes of quantitative trait loci for adaptive floral traits are in line with patterns observed in previous studies, and find strong evidence that suites of floral traits are genetically linked. This linkage may be due to genetic proximity or pleiotropic effects of single causative loci. Interestingly, our data suggest that the evolution of floral traits critical for hummingbird pollination was not constrained by negative pleiotropy at loci that show co-localization for multiple traits.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rstb.2013.0349}}, Article-Number = {{20130349}}, ISSN = {{0962-8436}}, EISSN = {{1471-2970}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Hileman, Lena/0000-0001-6116-666X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000338397100009}}, } @article{ ISI:000342164700032, Author = {Bian, Yang and Ballington, James and Raja, Archana and Brouwer, Cory and Reid, Robert and Burke, Mark and Wang, Xinguo and Rowland, Lisa J. and Bassil, Nahla and Brown, Allan}, Title = {{Patterns of simple sequence repeats in cultivated blueberries (Vaccinium section Cyanococcus spp.) and their use in revealing genetic diversity and population structure}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR BREEDING}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{34}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{675-689}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Blueberry (Vaccinium section Cyanococcus) is an important small fruit crop native to North America. Relationships among the primary species known as `blueberry' has been a source of speculation due to the out-breeding nature of the crop, the use of intra-specific hybridization and open-pollinated selection in breeding programs, and the lack of genomic resources to adequately address the issue. The objectives of this study were to characterize simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from an emerging genomic draft sequence, develop useful molecular markers and provide an in-depth analysis of genetic diversity and population structure in blueberry using a broad range of cultivated blueberry accessions representing multiple species, ploidy levels and sources of origin. Genomic scaffolding was assembled from the whole-genome sequencing of a diploid V. corymbosum accession `W8520.' From the assembled 358 Mb sequence, a total number of 43,594 SSRs were identified (122 per Mb). Among genomic regions, SSRs were longest and occurred most frequently in predicted 50 untranslated regions (5' UTR), while SSRs were shortest and least common in the predicted coding sequences. AG/CT and AAG/CTT were the most frequent motifs while CG/CG and CCG/CGG motifs were the rarest di- and trinucleotide motifs, respectively. For analysis of genetic diversity and population structure, 42 genomic SSR and EST-SSR markers with an average of 14.2 alleles and 56.0 allele phenotypes per locus were used to genotype a diverse blueberry population of 150 accessions. Cluster analysis grouped the 150 accessions in a manner consistent with known information regarding species, ploidy levels and pedigree. The analysis of population structure among blueberry accessions revealed inter- and intra-specific levels of stratification. Rabbiteye blueberry (V. virgatum) represents a genetically distinct subgroup within Cyanococcus. Three additional subpopulations were detected among highbush varieties that are largely attributable to distinctions between northern and southern highbush and founder effects of a single cultivar ('Weymouth'). The identification of substructure that correlates with known pedigree information, and the availability of new genomic molecular markers will facilitate future evolutionary and genetic studies in blueberry.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11032-014-0066-7}}, ISSN = {{1380-3743}}, EISSN = {{1572-9788}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Reid, Robert/0000-0001-7125-7151}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000342164700032}}, } @article{ ISI:000340291800017, Author = {Muhlemann, Joelle K. and Klempien, Antje and Dudareva, Natalia}, Title = {{Floral volatiles: from biosynthesis to function}}, Journal = {{PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{37}}, Number = {{8, SI}}, Pages = {{1936-1949}}, Month = {{AUG}}, Abstract = {{Floral volatiles have attracted humans' attention since antiquity and have since then permeated many aspects of our lives. Indeed, they are heavily used in perfumes, cosmetics, flavourings and medicinal applications. However, their primary function is to mediate ecological interactions between flowers and a diverse array of visitors, including pollinators, florivores and pathogens. As such, they ultimately ensure the plants' reproductive and evolutionary success. To date, over 1700 floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been identified. Interestingly, they are derived from only a few biochemical networks, which include the terpenoid, phenylpropanoid/ benzenoid and fatty acid biosynthetic pathways. These pathways are intricately regulated by endogenous and external factors to enable spatially and temporally controlled emission of floral volatiles, thereby fine-tuning the ecological interactions facilitated by floral volatiles. In this review, we will focus on describing the biosynthetic pathways leading to floral VOCs, the regulation of floral volatile emission, as well as biological functions of emitted volatiles.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/pce.12314}}, ISSN = {{0140-7791}}, EISSN = {{1365-3040}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000340291800017}}, } @article{ ISI:000339042200004, Author = {Pramanik, Achintya and Dey, Debjani}, Title = {{Redescription of the fig wasp genus Sycophilodes Joseph (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae: Epichrysomallinae) with description of a new species from India}}, Journal = {{ZOOTAXA}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{3838}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{310-322}}, Month = {{JUL 18}}, Abstract = {{Sycophilodes Joseph is a non-pollinating fig wasp genus so far reported only from Ficus benghalensis L. The genus Sycophilodes is revised with redescription of the male and the first description of the female of its only currently included species, S. moniliformis. A second species, Sycophilodes uluberiaensis Pramanik \& Dey sp. nov. is described. Available keys are modified and supplemented to facilitate identification of Sycophilodes and a key for distinguishing both sexes of the two included species is presented. All type specimens are deposited in the National Pusa Collection, IARI, New Delhi.}}, ISSN = {{1175-5326}}, EISSN = {{1175-5334}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000339042200004}}, } @article{ ISI:000340453800012, Author = {Shirk, Rebecca Y. and Hamrick, J. L.}, Title = {{HIGH BUT VARIABLE OUTCROSSING RATES IN THE INVASIVE GERANIUM CAROLINIANUM (GERANIACEAE)}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{101}}, Number = {{7}}, Pages = {{1200-1206}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Premise of the study: Mating system plays an important role in population establishment and persistence, maintenance of genetic variation, and adaptive ability, especially for invasive species that colonize new environments to which they may be poorly adapted. In mixed-mating species, population differences in self-fertilization rates often arise due to variation in local ecological conditions (e.g., pollinator or mate availability) or genetic variation in traits promoting selfing or outcrossing. Knowledge of how and why selfing rates vary can help us understand how populations respond to different environments, how this affects patterns of genetic variation, and the role of mating systems in biological invasions. Methods: We determined outcrossing rates in invasive (China) and native (US) populations of the weedy annual Geranium carolinianum in natural populations and an open-pollinated common garden to answer the following questions: To what extent do populations vary in mating system? Do invasive populations differ from native populations? Is interpopulation variation in mating system under genetic control? Key results: Despite having many characteristics of selfing species, we found high variation in outcrossing rates (t(m) from 0.1 to 1.0) resulting from both environmental and genetic variation. Outcrossing rates were generally high and plastic in the Chinese populations. Conclusions: A delayed selfing mechanism provides reproductive assurance while allowing facultative outcrossing when mates are not limiting. In invasive populations, high outcrossing rates were facilitated by large admixed founding populations, promoting local adaptation and the maintenance of genetic diversity.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1400224}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, EISSN = {{1537-2197}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000340453800012}}, } @article{ ISI:000339389000002, Author = {Dreier, Stephanie and Redhead, John W. and Warren, Ian A. and Bourke, Andrew F. G. and Heard, Matthew S. and Jordan, William C. and Sumner, Seirian and Wang, Jinliang and Carvell, Claire}, Title = {{Fine-scale spatial genetic structure of common and declining bumble bees across an agricultural landscape}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{23}}, Number = {{14}}, Pages = {{3384-3395}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Land-use changes have threatened populations of many insect pollinators, including bumble bees. Patterns of dispersal and gene flow are key determinants of species' ability to respond to land-use change, but have been little investigated at a fine scale (<10 km) in bumble bees. Using microsatellite markers, we determined the fine-scale spatial genetic structure of populations of four common Bombus species (B. terrestris, B. lapidarius, B. pascuorum and B. hortorum) and one declining species (B. ruderatus) in an agricultural landscape in Southern England, UK. The study landscape contained sown flower patches representing agri-environment options for pollinators. We found that, as expected, the B. ruderatus population was characterized by relatively low heterozygosity, number of alleles and colony density. Across all species, inbreeding was absent or present but weak (F-IS = 0.01-0.02). Using queen genotypes reconstructed from worker sibships and colony locations estimated from the positions of workers within these sibships, we found that significant isolation by distance was absent in B. lapidarius, B. hortorum and B. ruderatus. In B. terrestris and B. pascuorum, it was present but weak; for example, in these two species, expected relatedness of queens founding colonies 1 m apart was 0.02. These results show that bumble bee populations exhibit low levels of spatial genetic structure at fine spatial scales, most likely because of ongoing gene flow via widespread queen dispersal. In addition, the results demonstrate the potential for agri-environment scheme conservation measures to facilitate fine-scale gene flow by creating a more even distribution of suitable habitats across landscapes.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/mec.12823}}, ISSN = {{0962-1083}}, EISSN = {{1365-294X}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Bourke, Andrew/E-5271-2011}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000339389000002}}, } @article{ ISI:000339389000012, Author = {Wei, Z-D. and Kobmoo, N. and Cruaud, A. and Kjellberg, F.}, Title = {{Genetic structure and hybridization in the species group of Ficus auriculata: can closely related sympatric Ficus species retain their genetic identity while sharing pollinators?}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{23}}, Number = {{14}}, Pages = {{3538-3550}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Obligate mutualistic nursery pollination systems between insects and plants have led to substantial codiversification involving at least some parallel cladogenesis, as documented in Yucca, Ficus and Phyllanthaceae. In such systems, pollinators are generally species specific thus limiting hybridization and introgression among interfertile host species. Nevertheless, in the three systems, cases of one insect pollinating several plant species are reported. In most cases, host plants sharing pollinators are allopatric. However, in the case of the species group of Ficus auriculata, forms may co-occur over large parts of their range. We show here that the species group of F. auriculata is constituted by four well-defined genetic entities that share pollinators. We detected hybrids in nature mainly when both parental forms were growing nearby. Controlled crosses showed that F1 offspring could be successfully backcrossed. Hence, despite sharing pollinators and despite hybrid viability, the different forms have preserved their genetic and morphological identity. We propose that ecological differentiation among forms coupled with limited overlap of reproductive season has facilitated the maintenance of these interfertile forms. As such, establishment of pollinator host specificity may not be a prerequisite for sympatric diversification in Ficus.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/mec.12825}}, ISSN = {{0962-1083}}, EISSN = {{1365-294X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000339389000012}}, } @article{ ISI:000338216700005, Author = {Wolf, Stephan and Moritz, Robin F. A.}, Title = {{The pollination potential of free-foraging bumblebee (Bombus spp.) males (Hymenoptera: Apidae)}}, Journal = {{APIDOLOGIE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{45}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{440-450}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Bumblebee workers are efficient pollinators. However, despite their flower visits and less intense grooming the role of males as pollen vectors is largely unexplored. We compared the quantity and diversity of pollen on the bodies (pollination-active pollen) of free-foraging workers and males of two bumblebee species (Bombus lapidarius and Bombus terrestris) to assess their pollination potential. In both species, males exhibit worker-like flower constancy, but differ significantly from workers in the predominantly collected pollen types. Mean pollen loads of approximately 10,000 grains/individual suggest that males can contribute to the colony pollination service. Bumblebee males add to the diversity of pollinators, associated to increased crop pollination and facilitate pollen flow in specific ways, worthwhile further investigation.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s13592-013-0259-9}}, ISSN = {{0044-8435}}, EISSN = {{1297-9678}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Wolf, Stephan/C-1106-2009 Moritz, Robin/K-6053-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Wolf, Stephan/0000-0002-7349-7113 Moritz, Robin/0000-0003-0791-887X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000338216700005}}, } @article{ ISI:000338027500012, Author = {Seifan, Merav and Hoch, Eva-Maria and Hanoteaux, Sven and Tielboerger, Katja}, Title = {{The outcome of shared pollination services is affected by the density and spatial pattern of an attractive neighbour}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{102}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{953-962}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{1. Interactions among neighbouring plants are often mediated by foraging choices of pollinators. For example, the presence of a conspicuous species may increase the number of pollinators attracted to its vicinity, indirectly increasing visitation rates also to neighbouring plants. Because pollinator choices are frequently density-dependent, the presence of a conspicuous species at high densities may also increase competition for pollination services. Additionally, models predict that plant density will interact with spatial distribution in manipulating the pollinator behaviour, yet experimental evidence for this effect is missing. 2. We performed a field experiment in which we introduced a highly conspicuous species in different densities and spatial configurations in a full-factorial manner into a species-rich meadow and studied its effect on neighbouring plants. 3. We showed that the highly conspicuous species strongly contributed to the attractiveness of its local patch and thus benefited its neighbours. However, because of the strong density effect, the conspicuous species changed its role and became a competitor for pollinators when its density increased. 4. We supported our theoretical assumptions and showed that when the introduced conspicuous species was regularly distributed among other plants in the patch, it increased visitation rate, and in some cases also seed set, to conspicuous neighbours relative to when it was aggregated, at least at low densities. 5. Synthesis. We suggest that complex interactions between density and spatial distribution of plant species at the patch scale are highly relevant for the interpretation of pollinator behaviour and therefore should be treated as factors of floral attractiveness in future studies.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2745.12256}}, ISSN = {{0022-0477}}, EISSN = {{1365-2745}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Seifan, Merav/Q-1654-2015}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Seifan, Merav/0000-0002-2830-5450}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000338027500012}}, } @article{ ISI:000337282300009, Author = {Tubic, Ljiljana and Anackov, Goran and Milojevic, Jelena and Ghalawenji, Nabil and Mitic, Nevena and Igic, Ruzica and Zdravkovic-Korac, Snezana}, Title = {{High variability in the tissue culture response of root-tips of Allium ascalonicum individuals and optimization of the regeneration procedure}}, Journal = {{PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{118}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{101-110}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{This study assessed the shoot regeneration capacity of root-tips isolated from single seed-derived individual plants, obtained from a wild, open-pollinated micropopulation of shallot (Allium ascalonicum). Considerable variation was observed in the regeneration capacities of individual lines, ranging from 0.93 to 100 \%, and a mean bud number per root explant between 0.09 and 20.67. One line was found to be superior, and was chosen for protocol optimization, focusing on the 2,4-D/BA ratio, duration of the CI phase and light conditions. The application of the optimized protocol to other lines, selected for their variable regeneration capacities, enhanced the process of regeneration and shortened the time required to obtain healthy plantlets, even in inferior lines. However, highly responsive lines remained superior, indicating that differences at the individual level must not be overlooked. The conditions employed in this study may serve as a base to facilitate the application of molecular breeding methods in shallot.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11240-014-0465-9}}, ISSN = {{0167-6857}}, EISSN = {{1573-5044}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Tubic, Ljiljana/C-6295-2016 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Tubic, Ljiljana/0000-0002-1899-0116 Zdravkovic-Korac, Snezana/0000-0002-8912-6886 Milojevic, Jelena/0000-0001-8822-9771}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000337282300009}}, } @article{ ISI:000335812100004, Author = {Dawson, Erika H. and Chittka, Lars}, Title = {{Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) use social information as an indicator of safety in dangerous environments}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{281}}, Number = {{1785}}, Month = {{JUN 22}}, Abstract = {{Avoiding predation is one of the most important challenges that an animal faces. Several anti-predation behaviours can be employed, yet simply using the presence of conspecifics can be a good signal of safety in an environment with potential predation hazards. Here, we show, for the first time, that past experience of predation causes bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) to aggregate with conspecifics, facilitating the identification of safe foraging patches. Bees were trained to differentiate between flowers that harboured predators and flowers that were predator free. When test subjects were subsequently presented solely with the previously predator-infested flower species, there was a significant preference to only land on flowers occupied by other feeding conspecifics. Yet, when safe flowers were made available to subjects previously entrained to discriminate safe from predator-occupied flowers, subjects ignored other bees and the social information potentially provided by them, demonstrating that attraction towards conspecifics is confined to dangerous situations. Our findings demonstrate a previously unknown social interaction in pollinators which may have important implications for plant-pollinator interactions.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2013.3174}}, Article-Number = {{20133174}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, EISSN = {{1471-2954}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000335812100004}}, } @article{ ISI:000337300100067, Author = {Schulte, Christina and Theilenberg, Eva and Mueller-Borg, Marion and Gempe, Tanja and Beye, Martin}, Title = {{Highly efficient integration and expression of piggyBac-derived cassettes in the honeybee (Apis mellifera)}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{111}}, Number = {{24}}, Pages = {{9003-9008}}, Month = {{JUN 17}}, Abstract = {{Honeybees (Apis mellifera), which are important pollinators of plants, display remarkable individual behaviors that collectively contribute to the organization of a complex society. Advances in dissecting the complex processes of honeybee behavior have been limited in the recent past due to a lack of genetic manipulation tools. These tools are difficult to apply in honeybees because the unit of reproduction is the colony, and many interesting phenotypes are developmentally specified at later stages. Here, we report highly efficient integration and expression of piggyBac-derived cassettes in the honeybee. We demonstrate that 27 and 20\% of queens stably transmitted two different expression cassettes to their offspring, which is a 6- to 30-fold increase in efficiency compared with those generally reported in other insect species. This high efficiency implies that an average beekeeping facility with a limited number of colonies can apply this tool. We demonstrated that the cassette stably and efficiently expressed marker genes in progeny under either an artificial or an endogenous promoter. This evidence of efficient expression encourages the use of this system to inhibit gene functions through RNAi in specific tissues and developmental stages by using various promoters. We also showed that the transgenic marker could be used to select transgenic offspring to be employed to facilitate the building of transgenic colonies via the haploid males. We present here the first to our knowledge genetic engineering tool that will efficiently allow for the systematic detection and better understanding of processes underlying the biology of honeybees.}}, DOI = {{10.1073/pnas.1402341111}}, ISSN = {{0027-8424}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000337300100067}}, } @article{ ISI:000337576400001, Author = {Bloomfield, Justin A. and Rose, Terry J. and King, Graham J.}, Title = {{Sustainable harvest: managing plasticity for resilient crops}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{12}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{517-533}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Maintaining crop production to feed a growing world population is a major challenge for this period of rapid global climate change. No consistent conceptual or experimental framework for crop plants integrates information at the levels of genome regulation, metabolism, physiology and response to growing environment. An important role for plasticity in plants is assisting in homeostasis in response to variable environmental conditions. Here, we outline how plant plasticity is facilitated by epigenetic processes that modulate chromatin through dynamic changes in DNA methylation, histone variants, small RNAs and transposable elements. We present examples of plant plasticity in the context of epigenetic regulation of developmental phases and transitions and map these onto the key stages of crop establishment, growth, floral initiation, pollination, seed set and maturation of harvestable product. In particular, we consider how feedback loops of environmental signals and plant nutrition affect plant ontogeny. Recent advances in understanding epigenetic processes enable us to take a fresh look at the crosstalk between regulatory systems that confer plasticity in the context of crop development. We propose that these insights into genotype x environment (G x E) interaction should underpin development of new crop management strategies, both in terms of information-led agronomy and in recognizing the role of epigenetic variation in crop breeding.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/pbi.12198}}, ISSN = {{1467-7644}}, EISSN = {{1467-7652}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Bloomfield, Justin/J-5855-2013 Zhou, Man/S-4256-2016 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Bloomfield, Justin/0000-0003-2654-6258 King, Graham/0000-0002-5975-6051}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000337576400001}}, } @article{ ISI:000335470200026, Author = {Heath, Jeremy J. and Kessler, Andre and Woebbe, Eric and Cipollini, Don and Stireman, III, John O.}, Title = {{Exploring plant defense theory in tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{202}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1357-1370}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{ Understanding the evolutionary reasons for patterns of chemical defense in plants is an ongoing theoretical and empirical challenge. The goal is to develop a model that can reliably predict how defenses are distributed within the plant over space and time. This is difficult given that evolutionary, ecological, and physiological processes and tradeoffs can operate over different spatial and temporal scales. We evaluated the major predictions of two leading defense theories, the growth-differentiation balance hypothesis (GDBH) and optimal defense theory (ODT). To achieve this, enemies, fitness components, terpenoids, and protease inhibitors were measured in Solidago altissima and used to construct conventional univariate and structural equation models (SEMs). Leaf-tissue value indices extracted from an SEM revealed a strong correlation between tissue value and terpenoid defense that supports ODT. A tradeoff between serine protease inhibition and growth as well as an indirect tradeoff between growth and terpenoids manifested through galling insects supported the GDBH. Interestingly, there was a strong direct effect of terpenoids on rhizome mass, suggesting service to both storage and defense. The results support established theories but unknown genotypic traits explained much of the variation in defense, confirming the need to integrate emerging theories such as pollination constraints, defense syndromes, tolerance, mutualisms, and facilitation.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.12755}}, ISSN = {{0028-646X}}, EISSN = {{1469-8137}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Stireman, John/0000-0001-8792-3980}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000335470200026}}, } @article{ ISI:000335954900003, Author = {Hegland, Stein J.}, Title = {{Floral neighbourhood effects on pollination success in red clover are scale-dependent}}, Journal = {{FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{28}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{561-568}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Plant-pollinator interactions are highly important because of its direct link to plant fitness and because such interactions involve species at different trophic levels. Our understanding of competitive and facilitative interactions among plants for pollination is of large importance to govern conservation of species and management of crop production. Still we know little about the scale dependency of plant-plant interactions for pollinator visitation which is central to both basic and applied ecology. Here, I tested whether plant-plant interactions for bumblebee visitation and subsequent reproduction were scale-dependent by studying the ecologically and economically important red clover (Trifolium pratense) and its floral neighbourhood. I expected that high floral densities at small scale could trigger facilitative interactions due to concentration effects of pollinators. This was expected to change into competitive interactions when floral densities became higher at coarser scales because of dilution effects. I also expected that increased bumblebee visitation would increase fruit production in red clover. The interaction for pollination success in red clover appeared to be scale-dependent in the landscape under study. At plot scale, the bumblebee visitation rate to red clover inflorescences increased with both intra- and interspecific floral density, indicating facilitative interaction for pollinator visitation among red clover flowers and its nearest floral neighbourhood. Increased visitation of bumblebees led to subsequent increased fruit set, but there was a saturating effect as fruit set did not increase when visitation rates exceeded a certain level. As the floral neighbourhood became denser at a coarser scale, the interactions for pollinator visitation changed towards competition. This study shows that key ecological processes such as plant-pollinator interactions may indeed be scale-dependent and that the relative importance of competition and facilitation among plants for attracting pollinators may change with scale. The density of the floral neighbourhood of a focal species (e.g. key-, rare-, crop species) may thus be of large importance for its pollination and fruit production. My findings suggest that increasing floral densities at fine scales may have facilitative effects on pollinator visitation to red clover, whereas pollinators may be drawn away when floral resources become denser at coarser scale.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2435.12223}}, ISSN = {{0269-8463}}, EISSN = {{1365-2435}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000335954900003}}, } @article{ ISI:000335537400045, Author = {Yamaguchi, Nobutoshi and Winter, Cara M. and Wu, Miin-Feng and Kanno, Yuri and Yamaguchi, Ayako and Seo, Mitsunori and Wagner, Doris}, Title = {{Gibberellin Acts Positively Then Negatively to Control Onset of Flower Formation in Arabidopsis}}, Journal = {{SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{344}}, Number = {{6184}}, Pages = {{638-641}}, Month = {{MAY 9}}, Abstract = {{The switch to reproductive development is biphasic in many plants, a feature important for optimal pollination and yield. We show that dual opposite roles of the phytohormone gibberellin underpin this phenomenon in Arabidopsis. Although gibberellin promotes termination of vegetative development, it inhibits flower formation. To overcome this effect, the transcription factor LEAFY induces expression of a gibberellin catabolism gene; consequently, increased LEAFY activity causes reduced gibberellin levels. This allows accumulation of gibberellin-sensitive DELLA proteins. The DELLA proteins are recruited by SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE transcription factors to regulatory regions of the floral commitment gene APETALA1 and promote APETALA1 up-regulation and floral fate synergistically with LEAFY. The two opposing functions of gibberellin may facilitate evolutionary and environmental modulation of plant inflorescence architecture.}}, DOI = {{10.1126/science.1250498}}, ISSN = {{0036-8075}}, EISSN = {{1095-9203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Seo, Mitsunori/N-9603-2015 kanno, yuri/C-9211-2017 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Wagner, Doris/0000-0003-4656-2490}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000335537400045}}, } @article{ ISI:000336191000006, Author = {Tzeng, Hsy-Yu and Ou, Chern-Hsiung and Lu, Fu-Yuan and Bain, Anthony and Chou, Lien-Siang and Kjellberg, Finn}, Title = {{The effect of fig wall thickness in Ficus erecta var. beecheyana on parasitism}}, Journal = {{ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{57}}, Number = {{SI}}, Pages = {{38-43}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Fig wasp communities constitute a model system to analyse determinants of community complexity and to investigate how biological interaction networks are maintained. It has been suggested for monoecious figs, that fig pollinating wasps avoid ovipositing in flowers located close to the fig wall because of strong parasitic pressure by wasps ovipositing through the fig wall. This behaviour could help explain why mainly seeds are produced in flowers located close to the fig wall, thus stabilizing the fig-pollinating wasp mutualism. In this contribution we explore, for dioecious figs, whether ovipositor length of parasitic species may really be limiting. In dioecious figs, functionally male figs produce pollinating wasps and pollen while female figs produce only seeds, facilitating selection of traits favouring pollinator reproduction in male figs. We show in Ficus erecta that fig walls are thicker in male figs than in female figs. Male figs presenting thick walls, thicker than the length of the parasites' ovipositors, went unparasitized while male figs presenting thinner walls were systematically parasitized. Hence, in F. erecta, ovipositor length of the parasites is limiting access to some figs. However, we also show that in another dioecious species, Ficus formosana, presenting thin walled male figs, no fig is protected against oviposition by its two parasites. Hence in dioecious as well as in monoecious figs, in some Ficus species, ovipositors of the parasites are limiting access to ovules, while in other Ficus species all ovules are exposed to parasitism. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.actao.2013.06.007}}, ISSN = {{1146-609X}}, EISSN = {{1873-6238}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Chou, Lien-Siang/0000-0003-4610-5257 Bain, Anthony/0000-0002-6142-8137 Tzeng, Hsy-Yu/0000-0003-0952-6255}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000336191000006}}, } @article{ ISI:000336191000016, Author = {Yang, Hui-Wen and Bain, Anthony and Garcia, Marjorie and Chou, Lien-Siang and Kjellberg, Finn}, Title = {{Evidence of genetic influence on the flowering pattern of Ficus microcarpa}}, Journal = {{ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{57}}, Number = {{SI}}, Pages = {{117-123}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Flowering patterns result from the interactions between genetic and environmental factors. While the genetic basis for flowering time variation in commercial plants is often well understood, few studies have been conducted to investigate these patterns in plants without economic importance. Ficus microcarpa is a commonly introduced horticultural fig tree. Asynchrony in syconium development and the initiation, frequency, and size of crops may affect its fitness as well as the success of mutualism with its pollinating wasps. In order to identify genetically determined patterns in the flowering traits in E microcarpa, a 14-month census was taken on the flowering characteristics of 28 trees growing in close proximity along an urban street in Taipei, Taiwan. Weekly surveys were taken on 7 characteristics: crop number, syconia per branch, crop asynchrony, as well as flowering onset and seed development duration for both the spring and summer crops. Post-census genotyping at microsatellite loci distinguished 16 genetic groups (5 clonal groups and 11 non-clone trees). All crop characteristics presented higher variation across different genotype groups than within groups except for seed development duration. We found no evidence of adjacency effects or spatial auto-correlation of flowering traits. The study offers the first evidence of genetic variations in the flowering patterns in a species of Ficus. These findings lend insight into the adaptive characteristics that potentially facilitate the local establishment of F. microcarpa in new locations. (c) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.actao.2013.12.004}}, ISSN = {{1146-609X}}, EISSN = {{1873-6238}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Chou, Lien-Siang/0000-0003-4610-5257 Bain, Anthony/0000-0002-6142-8137}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000336191000016}}, } @article{ ISI:000336329300015, Author = {Enquist, Carolyn A. F. and Kellermann, Jherime L. and Gerst, Katharine L. and Miller-Rushing, Abraham J.}, Title = {{Phenology research for natural resource management in the United States}}, Journal = {{INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{58}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{579-589}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Natural resource professionals in the United States recognize that climate-induced changes in phenology can substantially affect resource management. This is reflected in national climate change response plans recently released by major resource agencies. However, managers on-the-ground are often unclear about how to use phenological information to inform their management practices. Until recently, this was at least partially due to the lack of broad-based, standardized phenology data collection across taxa and geographic regions. Such efforts are now underway, albeit in very early stages. Nonetheless, a major hurdle still exists: phenology-linked climate change research has focused more on describing broad ecological changes rather than making direct connections to local to regional management concerns. To help researchers better design relevant research for use in conservation and management decision-making processes, we describe phenology-related research topics that facilitate ``actionable{''} science. Examples include research on evolution and phenotypic plasticity related to vulnerability, the demographic consequences of trophic mismatch, the role of invasive species, and building robust ecological forecast models. Such efforts will increase phenology literacy among on-the-ground resource managers and provide information relevant for short- and long-term decision-making, particularly as related to climate response planning and implementing climate-informed monitoring in the context of adaptive management. In sum, we argue that phenological information is a crucial component of the resource management toolbox that facilitates identification and evaluation of strategies that will reduce the vulnerability of natural systems to climate change. Management-savvy researchers can play an important role in reaching this goal.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00484-013-0772-6}}, ISSN = {{0020-7128}}, EISSN = {{1432-1254}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000336329300015}}, } @article{ ISI:000335400300013, Author = {Peng, De-Li and Ou, Xiao-Kun and Xu, Bo and Zhang, Zhi-Qiang and Niu, Yang and Li, Zhi-Min and Sun, Hang}, Title = {{Plant sexual systems correlated with morphological traits: Reflecting reproductive strategies of alpine plants}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{52}}, Number = {{3, SI}}, Pages = {{368-377}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Plant sexual systems can be affected by various environmental factors, and thus show a range of morphological differences. The associations between plant sexual systems and morphology are unique, for example, the subnival belt of the Hengduan Mountains has harsh climatic conditions, but hosts remarkable biodiversity. However, these associations have received surprisingly little attention. We analyzed the associations in this region, and compared the pattern of sexual systems with that of other floras, and we also reviewed the breeding system of 36 alpine species. Information on plant sexual systems and these traits were mainly based on published information, herbarium collections, and field observations. The results showed that there was a high proportion of hermaphroditic species and a low proportion of dioecious and monoecious species. Hermaphroditism was strongly associated with showy floral displays, specialist entomophily, and perennial forbs. Dioecy was strongly associated with inconspicuous, pale-colored flowers, anemophily, and shrubs, whereas monoecy was strongly associated with inconspicuous, pale-colored flowers, generalist entomophily, and perennial grasses. Although no association was found between sexual systems and fruit type, plants with dry fruits (98.1\%) were predominant in our study region. With respect to the plant breeding systems in the alpine region of southwest China, we predicted that pollination service might be particularly low; most of the plants lacked enough outcrossing pollinators. Our data revealed that 97.1\% of the hermaphroditic species were self-compatible, and 88.2\% of them showed autonomous or facilitated selfing. The plant sexual systems identified might serve to optimize the probability of pollination and thus ensure reproductive success.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jse.12046}}, ISSN = {{1674-4918}}, EISSN = {{1759-6831}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000335400300013}}, } @article{ ISI:000335583500032, Author = {Tiedeken, Erin Jo and Stout, Jane C. and Stevenson, Philip C. and Wright, Geraldine A.}, Title = {{Bumblebees are not deterred by ecologically relevant concentrations of nectar toxins}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{217}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{1620-1625}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Bees visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen that contain nutrients and simultaneously facilitate plant sexual reproduction. Paradoxically, nectar produced to attract pollinators often contains deterrent or toxic plant compounds associated with herbivore defence. The functional significance of these nectar toxins is not fully understood, but they may have a negative impact on pollinator behaviour and health, and, ultimately, plant pollination. This study investigates whether a generalist bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, can detect naturally occurring concentrations of nectar toxins. Using paired-choice experiments, we identified deterrence thresholds for five compounds found in the nectar of bee-pollinated plants: quinine, caffeine, nicotine, amygdalin and grayanotoxin. The deterrence threshold was determined when bumblebees significantly preferred a sucrose solution over a sucrose solution containing the compound. Bumblebees had the lowest deterrence threshold for the alkaloid quinine (0.01 mmol l(-1)); all other compounds had higher deterrence thresholds, above the natural concentration range in floral nectar. Our data, combined with previous work using honeybees, suggest that generalist bee species have poor acuity for the detection of nectar toxins. The fact that bees do not avoid nectar-relevant concentrations of these compounds likely indicates that it is difficult for them to learn to associate floral traits with the presence of toxins, thus maintaining this trait in plant populations.}}, DOI = {{10.1242/jeb.097543}}, ISSN = {{0022-0949}}, EISSN = {{1477-9145}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Stout, Jane /B-1631-2010 Stevenson, Philip/E-8822-2013}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Stout, Jane /0000-0002-2027-0863 Stevenson, Philip/0000-0002-0736-3619}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000335583500032}}, } @article{ ISI:000334607500009, Author = {Paynter, Ellen and Baer-Imhoof, Barbara and Linden, Matthew and Lee-Pullen, Tracey and Heel, Kathy and Rigby, Paul and Baer, Boris}, Title = {{Flow Cytometry as a Rapid and Reliable Method to Quantify Sperm Viability in the Honeybee Apis mellifera}}, Journal = {{CYTOMETRY PART A}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{85}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{463-472}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{An important measure of male quality is sperm viability; i.e., the percentage of live sperm within an ejaculate, as this provides an accurate measure of the number of sperm potentially available for egg fertilization. Sperm viability is often determined by fluorescence microscopy using dyes that differentially stain viable and nonviable sperm, but the technique has a number of limitations. Here, a flow cytometry (FCM) method was developed, which allows the rapid determination of honeybee sperm viability, facilitating high throughput analyses. Using samples with known sperm viabilities, it was found that data obtained from FCM were more accurate and less variable compared with data obtained for the same samples using fluorescence microscopy. It was also found that a previously reported additional population of honeybee sperm found in datasets using FCM is caused by freeze-thawing samples. In conclusion, the method described here allows to quantify sperm viability of honeybees quickly and with high accuracy. This will be of great value for future scientific research and could also be of value to guide future bee breeding programs, given the agricultural importance of honeybees as pollinators. (c) 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry}}, DOI = {{10.1002/cyto.a.22462}}, ISSN = {{1552-4922}}, EISSN = {{1552-4930}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Lee-Pullen, Tracey/C-7546-2011 Baer, Boris/F-5301-2011 Fuller, Kathy/C-5454-2011 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Lee-Pullen, Tracey/0000-0003-3713-9674 Baer, Boris/0000-0002-1136-5967 Fuller, Kathy/0000-0002-3462-7501 Linden, Matthew/0000-0002-9126-2166}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000334607500009}}, } @article{ ISI:000334184300005, Author = {Heystek, A. and Pauw, A.}, Title = {{Does competition for pollinators contribute to structuring Erica communities?}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{25}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{648-656}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Question Pollinators are often implicated in the origin of plant species, but their role during the assembly of diverse plant communities has only rarely been investigated. Intra-specific competition for pollinators can theoretically facilitate plant species co-occurrence by limiting the density of any one species, while inter-specific competition can potentially structure communities through the exclusion of inferior competitors. We analyse plant community composition and use field experiments to test whether intra- and inter-specific competition for pollinators structures communities of co-occurring Erica species. Location Cape Floral Region, southwestern South Africa (ca. 34 degrees S, 18 degrees E). Methods and Results In the study area, the genus Erica has diversified into ca. 680 species that differ primarily in their floral morphologies, reflecting insect, bird and wind pollination syndromes. Vegetation plot data from nine regions throughout the Fynbos Biome were used to test whether the frequency of co-occurrence of species with the same pollination syndrome differs from a null model of random community assembly. We found that Erica communities were assembled randomly with respect to pollination in six regions, but that pollination syndrome co-occurrence was significantly lower than expected in three regions. This over-dispersion of syndromes across communities is consistent with communities being structured by inter-specific competition for pollinators. To better understand the processes generating these patterns, we conducted competition experiments with six Erica species that share the Orange-breasted sunbird (Anthobaphes violacea) as pollinator. We transplanted inflorescences of a focal Erica species into communities containing another resident Orange-breasted sunbird bird-pollinated Erica species and recorded pollination and nectar robbing rates in both the resident and the transplanted species in relation to the floral density of the resident species. Consistent with the observed community structure, pollination rate in both the resident and the introduced species declined with increasing density of the resident species, but the effect was not consistent among all populations. Nectar robbing rates of the resident species were negatively related to its own density. Conclusion Our analyses concur that both intra- and inter-specific competition for pollination can contribute to structuring plant communities, but it is not the dominant factor structuring Erica communities.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jvs.12127}}, ISSN = {{1100-9233}}, EISSN = {{1654-1103}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Pauw, Anton/A-6126-2008 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Pauw, Anton/0000-0002-4012-648X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000334184300005}}, } @article{ ISI:000334523600030, Author = {Wanderley, Artur Maia and Lopes, Ariadna Valentina and Machado, Isabel Cristina}, Title = {{Reproductive ecology of Ameroglossum pernambucense (Scrophulariaceae): is this ornithophilous and threatened shrub highly adapted to a naturally fragmented habitat?}}, Journal = {{PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{300}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1099-1110}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Many rare plants exist in a naturally fragmented distribution and are expected to exhibit reproductive adaptations to isolation. Thus, understanding the reproduction of these plants might be important in predicting the future of artificially fragmented species. Ameroglossum pernambucense is a threatened ornithophilous shrub with naturally fragmented populations on granite outcrops in north-eastern Brazil. The current research studied two populations of A. pernambucense and determined if three reproductive features (mating system, flowering phenology and nectar dynamics) facilitate the colonisation of new areas and the gene flow among the outcrops. To verify the species' reproductive efficiency, pollinator efficiency and pollen limitation were tested. Ameroglossum pernambucense has a mixed mating system, and pollinators increased seed production. The pollinator efficiency test revealed that hummingbirds can supply the entire pollen demand. No pollen limitation was detected. Variation in sunset time was the main factor to explain the flowering pattern of A. pernambucense. Nectar was abundantly produced after successive removals. The reproductive traits observed in A. pernambucense were interpreted as highly adapted to its fragmented condition. Phenological photoperiodic regulation may increase the flowering synchrony and chances of gene flow among outcrops in environmentally distinct microsites. The mixed mating system favours both the colonisation of isolated outcrops and allogamy. High flower production and its high energetic value may have an important role in pollinator attraction and may increase long-distance outcrossing. Our data suggest that artificially fragmented plants with reproductive features similar to those observed here might be reproductively less susceptible to fragmentation.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00606-013-0948-x}}, ISSN = {{0378-2697}}, EISSN = {{1615-6110}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Lopes, Ariadna/E-8432-2010}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000334523600030}}, } @article{ ISI:000334026700011, Author = {Wee, Alison K. S. and Takayama, Koji and Asakawa, Takeshi and Thompson, Bijoy and Onrizal and Sungkaew, Sarawood and Tung, Nguyen Xuan and Nazre, M. and Soe, Khin Khin and Tan, Hugh T. W. and Watano, Yasuyuki and Baba, Shigeyuki and Kajita, Tadashi and Webb, Edward L.}, Title = {{Oceanic currents, not land masses, maintain the genetic structure of the mangrove Rhizophora mucronata Lam. (Rhizophoraceae) in Southeast Asia}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{41}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{954-964}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Aim Mangroves are intertidal plants with sea-dispersed propagules, hence their population structure can offer valuable insights into the biogeographical processes driving population subdivision in coastal species. In this study, we used molecular markers and ocean circulation simulations to examine the effects of ocean currents and land masses on the genetic structure of the major mangrove species Rhizophora mucronata. Location Southeast Asia. Methods We assessed the genetic structure of 13 R. mucronata populations from continental Southeast Asia and Sumatra using 10 microsatellite loci. We first examined the relative effects of geographical distance and land mass (the Malay Peninsula) in shaping the genetic structure of R. mucronata in Southeast Asia. We then characterized the genetic structure of R. mucronata and compared it to the simulated ocean circulation patterns within our study region. Results Despite the low genetic diversity, significant genetic structuring was detected across R. mucronata populations. Contrary to observations on other mangrove species, genetic differentiation in R. mucronata was not found across the coasts of the Malay Peninsula, nor was it correlated with geographical distance. Instead, the most distinct genetic discontinuity was found at the boundary between the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Strait, and this can be explained by the prevailing ocean currents in this region. Main conclusions Our study presents novel evidence that the genetic structure of R. mucronata is maintained by ocean current-facilitated propagule dispersal.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jbi.12263}}, ISSN = {{0305-0270}}, EISSN = {{1365-2699}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Webb, Edward/E-8343-2011 Tan, Hugh Tiang Wah/H-9802-2012 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Webb, Edward/0000-0001-5554-9955 Thompson, Bijoy/0000-0002-2819-1596 Tan, Hugh Tiang Wah/0000-0002-3056-4945 Watano, Yasuyuki/0000-0001-5814-9658 Saleh, M Nazre/0000-0001-7685-1184}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000334026700011}}, } @article{ ISI:000334046100016, Author = {Broederbauer, D. and Ulrich, S. and Weber, A.}, Title = {{Adaptations for insect-trapping in brood-site pollinated Colocasia (Araceae)}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{16}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{659-668}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{The Araceae include both taxa with rewarding and deceptive trap pollination systems. Here we report on a genus in which rewarding and imprisonment of the pollinators co-occur. We studied the pollination of four species of Colocasia in Southwest China and investigated the morpho-anatomical adaptations of the spathe related to the attraction and capture of pollinators. All four species were pollinated by drosophilid flies of the genus Colocasiomyia. The flies are temporally arrested within the inflorescence and departure is only possible after pollen release. Trapping of the flies is accomplished by the closure of the spathe during anthesis. Moreover, in two species the spathe is covered with papillate epidermal cells known to form slippery surfaces in deceptive traps of Araceae. However, in Colocasia the papillae proved not slippery for the flies. The morpho-anatomical properties of the spathe epidermis indicate that it is an elaborate osmophore and serves for the emission of odours only. Despite its similarity to deceptive traps of other aroids, Colocasia and Colocasiomyia have a close symbiotic relationship, as the attracted flies use the inflorescence as a site for mating and breeding. The trap mechanism has presumably evolved independently in Colocasia and is supposed to facilitate more efficient pollen export.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/plb.12081}}, ISSN = {{1435-8603}}, EISSN = {{1438-8677}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Ulrich, Silvia/0000-0003-4594-3566}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000334046100016}}, } @article{ ISI:000342875800008, Author = {Tubbesing, Carmen and Strohm, Christopher and DeBano, Sandra J. and Gonzalez, Natalie and Kimoto, Chiho and Taylor, Robert V.}, Title = {{Insect Visitors and Pollination Ecology of Spalding's Catchfly (Silene spaldingii) in the Zumwalt Prairie of Northeastern Oregon}}, Journal = {{NATURAL AREAS JOURNAL}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{34}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{200-211}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Silene spaldingii S. Watson (Spalding's catchfly) is a threatened wildflower that relies on insect-mediated pollination. However, its pollination ecology is not well understood, particularly in the Zumwalt Prairie of northeastern Oregon, which contains the largest known S. spaldingii population. Our objectives were to: (1) describe the principal insect visitors to S. spaldingii in the Zumwalt Prairie, (2) quantify the available pool of pollinators in the area, and (3) determine whether the visitation rate to individual plants is associated with the density of S. spaldingii at the patch scale, as predicted by the resource concentration hypothesis, and/or by the density and composition of non-S. spaldingii blooming plants, as predicted by the facilitation and competition hypotheses. We recorded insect visits to S. spaldingii during peak bloom at 30 patches and characterized the local bee community using blue vane traps. We quantified the patch-scale density of S. spaldingii and the composition and abundance of other blooming species at each patch. Two bumble bee species comprised all observed visits, although they constituted only 20\% of the total bees sampled on the prairie. Bumble bees showed a high degree of host fidelity even when other blooming plants were present. Per capita visitation rates increased with catchfly density and blooming plant abundance at the patch scale, supporting the resource concentration and facilitation hypotheses. Silene spaldingii in the Zumwalt Prairie appears to rely on a narrow pool of pollinators that may preferentially visit it over other blooming plants, and more dense patches of S. spaldingii may increase pollination efficiency.}}, DOI = {{10.3375/043.034.0209}}, ISSN = {{0885-8608}}, EISSN = {{2162-4399}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000342875800008}}, } @article{ ISI:000336188900008, Author = {Palm, Cheryl and Blanco-Canqui, Humberto and DeClerck, Fabrice and Gatere, Lydiah and Grace, Peter}, Title = {{Conservation agriculture and ecosystem services: An overview}}, Journal = {{AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS \& ENVIRONMENT}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{187}}, Number = {{SI}}, Pages = {{87-105}}, Month = {{APR 1}}, Abstract = {{Conservation agriculture (CA) changes soil properties and processes compared to conventional agriculture. These changes can, in turn, affect the delivery of ecosystem services, including climate regulation through carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions, and regulation and provision of water through soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Conservation agriculture can also affect the underlying biodiversity that supports many ecosystem services. In this overview, we summarize the current status of the science, the gaps in understanding, and highlight some research priorities for ecosystem services in conservational agriculture. The review is based on global literature but also addresses the potential and limitations of conservation agriculture for low productivity, smallholder farming systems, particularly in Sub Saharan Africa and South Asia. There is clear evidence that topsoil organic matter increases with conservation agriculture and with it other soil properties and processes that reduce erosion and runoff and increase water quality. The impacts on other ecosystem services are less clear. Only about half the 100+ studies comparing soil carbon sequestration with no-till and conventional tillage indicated increased sequestration with no till; this is despite continued claims that conservation agriculture sequesters soil carbon. The same can be said for other ecosystem services. Some studies report higher greenhouse gas emissions (nitrous oxide and methane) with conservation agriculture compared to conventional, while others find lower emissions. Soil moisture retention can be higher with conservation agriculture, resulting in higher and more stable yields during dry seasons but the amounts of residues and soil organic matter levels required to attain higher soil moisture content is not known. Biodiversity is higher in CA compared to conventional practices. In general, this higher diversity can be related to increased ecosystem services such as pest control or pollination but strong evidence of cause and effect or good estimates of magnitude of impact are few and these effects are not consistent. The delivery of ecosystem services with conservation agriculture will vary with the climate, soils and crop rotations but there is insufficient information to support a predictive understanding of where conservation agriculture results in better delivery of ecosystem services compared to conventional practices. Establishing a set of strategically located experimental sites that compare CA with conventional agriculture on a range of soil-climate types would facilitate establishing a predictive understanding of the relative controls of different factors (soil, climate, and management) on ES outcomes, and ultimately in assessing the feasibility of CA or CA practices in different sites and socioeconomic situations. The feasibility of conservation agriculture for recuperating degraded soils and increasing crop yields on low productivity, smallholder farming systems in the tropics and subtropics is discussed. It is clear that the biggest obstacle to improving soils and other ES through conservation agriculture in these situations is the lack of residues produced and the competition for alternate, higher value use of residues. This limitation, as well as others, point to a phased approach to promoting conservation agriculture in these regions and careful consideration of the feasibility of conservation agriculture based on evidence in different agroecological and socioeconomic conditions. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.agee.2013.10.010}}, ISSN = {{0167-8809}}, EISSN = {{1873-2305}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000336188900008}}, } @article{ ISI:000334331000007, Author = {Waters, S. M. and Fisher, S. E. and Lambers, J. Hille Ris}, Title = {{Neighborhood-contingent indirect interactions between native and exotic plants: multiple shared pollinators mediate reproductive success during invasions}}, Journal = {{OIKOS}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{123}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{433-440}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Native and exotic plants can influence one another's fecundity through their influence on shared pollinators. Specifically, invasion may alter abundance and composition of local floral resources, affecting pollinator visitation and ultimately causing seedset of natives in more-invaded and less-invaded floral neighborhoods to differ. Such pollinator-mediated effects of exotic plants on natives are common, but native and exotic plants often share multiple pollinators, which may differ in their responses to altered floral neighborhoods. We quantified pollinator-mediated interactions between three common forbs of western Washington prairies (native Microseris laciniata and Eriophyllum lanatum and European Hypochaeris radicata) in three floral neighborhoods: 1) high native and low exotic floral density, 2) high exotic floral density and low native density, and 3) experimentally manipulated low exotic floral density. Pollinator visitation rates varied by floral neighborhood, plant species identity, and their interaction for all three plant species. Similarly, pollinator functional groups (eusocial bees, solitary bees, and syrphid flies) contributed differing proportions of total visitation to each species depending upon neighborhood context. Consequently, in exotic neighborhoods H. radicata competed with native M. laciniata, reducing seed set, while simultaneously facilitating visitation and seed set for native E. lanatum. Seed set of H. radicata was also highest in exotic neighborhoods (with high densities of conspecifics), raising the possibility of a positive feedback between exotic abundance and success. Our results suggest that the outcome of indirect interactions between native and exotic plants depends on the density and the composition of the floral neighborhood and of the pollinator fauna, and on context-dependent pollinator foraging.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/j.1600-0706.2013.00643.x}}, ISSN = {{0030-1299}}, EISSN = {{1600-0706}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000334331000007}}, } @article{ ISI:000334573600005, Author = {Afkhami, Michelle E. and Rudgers, Jennifer A. and Stachowicz, John J.}, Title = {{Multiple mutualist effects: conflict and synergy in multispecies mutualisms}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{95}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{833-844}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Most organisms interact with multiple mutualistic species that confer different functional benefits, yet current conceptual frameworks do not fully address this complexity. A network approach considers multiple mutualistic interactions within a functional type and has been largely nonmechanistic, with little attention to the fitness consequences of specific interactions. Alternatively, consumer-resource approaches have explicitly characterized the mechanisms and fitness consequences of resource exchange, but have not been extended to functionally divergent partners. First, we merge these approaches using graphical models to define the multiple mutualist effects (MMEs) that occur when a focal species has multiple partner mutualists. This approach mirrors food web research that has been advanced by studies of multiple predator effects as well as by detailed investigations of modules nested within larger networks. Second, we define the pathways through which a focal mutualist and two or more partner species could interact, reviewing examples of MMEs that span a range from positive to negative fitness effects. Third, given the potential for nonadditivity demonstrated by the existing literature, we pose new hypotheses for species-interaction outcomes by examining factors such as the extent of overlap in rewards exchanged among partners and their resulting network topologies. Our synthesis illustrates how the consideration of MMEs can improve the ability to predict the outcomes of losses or gains of mutualisms from ecosystems.}}, DOI = {{10.1890/13-1010.1}}, ISSN = {{0012-9658}}, EISSN = {{1939-9170}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000334573600005}}, } @article{ ISI:000334573600011, Author = {Bartkowska, Magdalena P. and Johnston, Mark O.}, Title = {{The sexual neighborhood through time: competition and facilitation for pollination in Lobelia cardinalis}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{95}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{910-919}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Reproductive success in flowering plants is influenced by the morphology and timing of reproductive structures as well as the density of surrounding conspecifics. In species with separate male and female flower phases, successful pollen transfer is also expected to vary with the density and ratio of surrounding male and female flowers. Increased density of surrounding flowers may increase pollinator visitation rates, but the densities of male and female flowers will determine the availability of pollen and the strength of competition for pollen receipt. Here we (1) quantify the influence of surrounding plant density on total seasonal fruit and seed production, (2) quantify the influence of sexual neighborhood (surrounding sex ratio and densities of male- and female-phase flowers) on fruit and seed production for individual flowers presented within the season, and (3) compare the influence of plant density on fitness to that of focal plant phenotype, specifically stigma-nectary distance and plant height, in a natural population of the pollen-limited, hummingbird-pollinated hermaphrodite Lobelia cardinalis. These relationships were examined at four spatial scales (10, 20, 50, and 100 cm). By examining temporal and spatial scales we found that (1) total seed production per plant decreased with increasing plant density at the smallest scale but increased with increasing density at all larger scales; (2) at any given time, a female-phase flower benefited from a higher density of surrounding male-phase flowers and a lower density of surrounding female-phase flowers; (3) when sex ratio was explicitly analyzed, a female-phase flower benefited from a lower proportion of surrounding female flowers as well as a lower total flower density; and (4) at the whole-plant level, taller plants were more likely to produce fruit (even when accounting for total number of flowers produced), consistent with pollinator preference for taller floral displays. Our results suggest that the local density of male and female flowers (and surrounding sex ratio) influences successful pollen transfer, implying that the local floral environment may shape how attraction traits like plant height are related to fitness.}}, DOI = {{10.1890/13-0447.1}}, ISSN = {{0012-9658}}, EISSN = {{1939-9170}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000334573600011}}, } @article{ ISI:000333538200001, Author = {Franchi, G. G. and Nepi, M. and Pacini, E.}, Title = {{Is flower/corolla closure linked to decrease in viability of desiccation-sensitive pollen? Facts and hypotheses: a review of current literature with the support of some new experimental data}}, Journal = {{PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{300}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{577-584}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Pollen hydration status at dispersal depends on many parameters and on this basis two main groups of grains may be distinguished: those with a low water content are usually named orthodox or desiccation-resistant, while those with a higher water content at dispersal are known as recalcitrant or desiccation-sensitive due to their reduced mechanisms to keep water constant. On exposure, the latter lose water and die quickly. Although the end of flower receptivity may occur in different ways, in species possessing recalcitrant pollen it often consists in corolla closure. In addition to data available from current literature, also a new set of experiments was performed: the viability of pollen of eight entomophilous species having nectar as pollinator reward, desiccation-sensitive pollen and corolla closure at the end of receptivity, irrespective of pollination, was tested from the onset of anthesis until flower closure using a fluorochromatic reaction. Pollen viability fell sharply in all species, albeit at different rates, depending on initial water content, and may be also on types of carbohydrate reserves and inherent enzymes interconverting them. On the basis of experimental data and the literature, the authors speculate on the effects of corolla closure: it avoids dispersal of pollen with reduced viability, it avoids collection of unconsumed nectar while facilitating its reabsorption by the nectary parenchyma and its utilization for other purposes, and it avoids contamination by moulds and bacterial spores that could penetrate the plant via the nectar and nectary parenchyma.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00606-013-0911-x}}, ISSN = {{0378-2697}}, EISSN = {{1615-6110}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{NEPI, MASSIMO/0000-0002-6765-897X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000333538200001}}, } @article{ ISI:000331737900020, Author = {Schoeb, Christian and Michalet, Richard and Cavieres, Lohengrin A. and Pugnaire, Francisco I. and Brooker, Rob W. and Butterfield, Bradley J. and Cook, Bradley J. and Kikvidze, Zaal and Lortie, Christopher J. and Xiao, Sa and Al Hayek, Patrick and Anthelme, Fabien and Cranston, Brittany H. and Garcia, Mary-Carolina and Le Bagousse-Pinguet, Yoann and Reid, Anya M. and le Roux, Peter C. and Lingua, Emanuele and Nyakatya, Mawethu J. and Touzard, Blaise and Zhao, Liang and Callaway, Ragan M.}, Title = {{A global analysis of bidirectional interactions in alpine plant communities shows facilitators experiencing strong reciprocal fitness costs}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{202}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{95-105}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Facilitative interactions are defined as positive effects of one species on another, but bidirectional feedbacks may be positive, neutral, or negative. Understanding the bidirectional nature of these interactions is a fundamental prerequisite for the assessment of the potential evolutionary consequences of facilitation. In a global study combining observational and experimental approaches, we quantified the impact of the cover and richness of species associated with alpine cushion plants on reproductive traits of the benefactor cushions. We found a decline in cushion seed production with increasing cover of cushion-associated species, indicating that being a benefactor came at an overall cost. The effect of cushion-associated species was negative for flower density and seed set of cushions, but not for fruit set and seed quality. Richness of cushion-associated species had positive effects on seed density and modulated the effects of their abundance on flower density and fruit set, indicating that the costs and benefits of harboring associated species depend on the composition of the plant assemblage. Our study demonstrates `parasitic' interactions among plants over a wide range of species and environments in alpine systems, and we consider their implications for the possible selective effects of interactions between benefactor and beneficiary species.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.12641}}, ISSN = {{1469-8137}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Cavieres, Lohengrin/A-9542-2010 Lingua, Emanuele/B-2941-2008 le Roux, Peter/E-7784-2011 Brooker, Rob/F-9569-2012 Schob, Christian/B-6083-2008 Pugnaire, Francisco/A-7150-2008 Touzard, Blaise/B-3497-2014 lortie, christopher/F-6241-2014}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Cavieres, Lohengrin/0000-0001-9122-3020 Lingua, Emanuele/0000-0001-9515-7657 le Roux, Peter/0000-0002-7941-7444 Schob, Christian/0000-0003-4472-2286 Pugnaire, Francisco/0000-0002-1227-6827 lortie, christopher/0000-0002-4291-7023}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000331737900020}}, } @article{ ISI:000333677500083, Author = {Benelli, Giovanni and Benvenuti, Stefano and Desneux, Nicolas and Canale, Angelo}, Title = {{Cephalaria transsylvanica-Based Flower Strips as Potential Food Source for Bees during Dry Periods in European Mediterranean Basin Countries}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{3}}, Month = {{MAR 27}}, Abstract = {{The introduction of sown wildflower strips favours the establishment of pollinator communities, with special reference to social Apoidea. Here, we evaluated the late summer flowering Cephalaria transsylvanica as suitable species for strips providing food for pollinators in paucity periods. C. transsylvanica showed no particular requirements in terms of seed germination and growth during summer. This plant had an excellent potential of self-seeding and competitiveness towards weed competitors. C. transsylvanica prevented from entomophilous pollination showed inbreeding depression, with a decrease in seed-set and accumulation of seed energy reserves. However, C. transsylvanica did not appear to be vulnerable in terms of pollination biology since it had a wide range of pollinators including bees, hoverflies and Lepidoptera. C. transsylvanica was visited mainly by honeybees and bumblebees and these latter pollinators increased their visits on C. transsylvanica flowers during early autumn. This plant may be useful as an abundant source of pollen during food paucity periods, such as autumn. We proposed C. transsylvanica for incorporation into flower strips to be planted in non-cropped farmlands in intensively managed agricultural areas as well as in proximity of beehives. The latter option may facilitate the honeybees collecting pollen and nectar for the colony, thereby ensuring robustness to overcome the winter season.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0093153}}, Article-Number = {{e93153}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Benelli, Giovanni/A-9100-2013 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Benelli, Giovanni/0000-0001-8971-6010}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000333677500083}}, } @article{ ISI:000335486400011, Author = {van Dijk, William F. A. and van Ruijven, Jasper and Berendse, Frank and de Snoo, Geert R.}, Title = {{The effectiveness of ditch banks as dispersal corridor for plants in agricultural landscapes depends on species' dispersal traits}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{171}}, Pages = {{91-98}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{The effectiveness of agri-environment schemes (AES) in enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes is still strongly debated. In the Netherlands, one of the most widely implemented AES is the management of ditch banks to enhance plant species diversity. Previous research has shown that this type of AES has not led to increases in plant diversity. However, this work also showed that the success of this type of AES may depend on the presence of source populations in the surrounding areas. In this study we investigated if species-rich nature reserves can act as seed sources for agricultural ditch banks under AES and whether this function of nature reserves differs among plant species with different dispersal capacities. We used data collected by farmers over a 10 year period to analyse trends in species richness of target plants and in different dispersal groups in ditch banks under AES at different distances from nature reserves. Our results demonstrate that nature reserves can act as species rich sources in agricultural landscapes and that adjacent AES ditch banks can facilitate the colonisation of the surrounding agricultural landscape. However, the suitability of ditch banks as corridors depends on the dispersal capacity of a species. Particularly water-dispersed species clearly spread from nature reserves into the surrounding agricultural landscape along ditches. In contrast, species without adaptations to disperse over long distances do not show these spatiotemporal patterns. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.biocon.2014.01.006}}, ISSN = {{0006-3207}}, EISSN = {{1873-2917}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000335486400011}}, } @article{ ISI:000333728900001, Author = {Lehnert, Matthew S. and Mulvane, Catherine P. and Brothers, Aubrey}, Title = {{Mouthpart separation does not impede butterfly feeding}}, Journal = {{ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE \& DEVELOPMENT}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{43}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{97-102}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{The functionality of butterfly mouthparts (proboscis) plays an important role in pollination systems, which is driven by the reward of nectar. Proboscis functionality has been assumed to require action of the sucking pump in the butterfly's head coupled with the straw-like structure. Proper proboscis functionality, however, also is dependent on capillarity and wettability dynamics that facilitate acquisition of liquid films from porous substrates. Due to the importance of wettability dynamics in proboscis functionality, we hypothesized that proboscides of eastern black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes asterius Stoll) (Papilionidae) and cabbage butterflies (Pieris rapae Linnaeus) (Pieridae) that were experimentally split (i.e., proboscides no longer resembling a sealed straw-like tube) would retain the ability to feed. Proboscides were split either in the drinking region (distal 6-10\% of proboscis length) or approximately 50\% of the proboscis length 24 h before feeding trials when butterflies were fed a red food-coloring solution. Approximately 67\% of the butterflies with proboscides split reassembled prior to the feeding trials and all of these butterflies displayed evidence of proboscis functionality. Butterflies with proboscides that did not reassemble also demonstrated fluid uptake capabilities, thus suggesting that wild butterflies might retain fluid uptake capabilities, even when the proboscis is partially injured. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.asd.2013.12.005}}, ISSN = {{1467-8039}}, EISSN = {{1873-5495}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000333728900001}}, } @article{ ISI:000333157400011, Author = {Kipling, Richard P. and Warren, John}, Title = {{An investigation of temporal flowering segregation in species-rich grasslands}}, Journal = {{ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{29}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{213-224}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Processes such as competition and facilitation are believed to be important in defining pollination niches in species-rich plant communities. Species with similar floral phenotypes are expected to flower together where this facilitates pollination, while differences in floral phenology are expected if such flowers compete for pollinators. These expectations were tested at seven sites by comparing the observed co-flowering of plants with similar floral phenotypes with null model outcomes. Phenotypic classifications were evaluated using observations of plant-pollinator interactions. Pollinator guilds differed in the number of visits made to flowers in different floral colour and shape categories, indicating that such categories were ecologically relevant. For species with complex flowers, each floral category contained few species, so that the observed low occurrence of co-flowering could be explained by chance. In contrast, within phenotypic categories species with simple flowers bloomed together more than expected at three sites, but these overlaps could be explained by family membership. Most species with complex flowers could be segregated into unique pollination niches by broad floral colour and shape categories, so that there was little opportunity for competition between flowers within such categories. Species with simple floral phenotypes were less well defined by floral phenotype and phenology. Historical sorting may explain differences between complex flowers, while co-flowering between species with simple flowers requires further investigation. Differences found between species with simple and complex flowers suggest that levels of phenotypic specialisation should be taken into account in community level studies of pollination systems.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11284-013-1116-z}}, ISSN = {{0912-3814}}, EISSN = {{1440-1703}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000333157400011}}, } @article{ ISI:000332064700006, Author = {Abdusalam, Aysajan and Tan, Dun-Yan}, Title = {{Contribution of temporal floral closure to reproductive success of the spring-flowering Tulipa iliensis}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{52}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{186-194}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Temporal flower closure is a non-morphological floral character of adaptive significance for growth of some species in extreme environments, and it has important implications for plant reproductive success. Flowers of Tulipa species responded to changes in temperature and closed temporarily at low temperatures, but they reopened when temperatures increased. In this study, we determined the effects of temporal flower closure of Tulipa iliensis Regel. on mating pattern, flower microenvironmental temperature, and sexual organ functions during exposure to low temperatures, rainfall, and wind. First, flowers of T. iliensis were incompletely herkogamous with stamens longer than the pistil. Floral closure resulted in the contact of dehisced anthers with the stigma and auto-pollen deposition on the stigma, thus facilitating automatic self-pollination. Second, floral closure maintained the temperature inside the flower, providing a stable microenvironment that promoted pollen germination and avoided a decline in stigma receptivity. Third, flower closure of T. iliensis before rainstorms avoided flushing of pollen from anthers and helped maintain both pollen viability and stigma receptivity during exposure to rain. Finally, flower closure maintained pollen clumping in the anthers during exposure to wind, thereby enhancing pollination efficiency by pollinators and/or automatic selfing. Therefore, temporal flower closure of T. iliensis is an important floral strategy in facilitating automatic selfing, extending the functional period of male and female organs, and it thus ensures reproductive success in the unpredictable early spring environment.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jse.12036}}, ISSN = {{1674-4918}}, EISSN = {{1759-6831}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000332064700006}}, } @article{ ISI:000331990600014, Author = {Carinanos, Paloma and Casares-Porcel, Manuel and Quesada-Rubio, Jose-Manuel}, Title = {{Estimating the allergenic potential of urban green spaces: A case-study in Granada, Spain}}, Journal = {{LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{123}}, Pages = {{134-144}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{A new quantitative index for estimating the allergenicity of tree species in urban green spaces takes into account allergenic potential, pollination strategies, duration of the pollination period, tree size and number of individuals per species as intrinsic parameters depending on the tree species concerned. Other factors analysed included the surface area occupied by each tree, with a view to calculating the overall percentage coverage of each allergenic species. The index is expressed as a ratio, thus enabling the design of an urban green space to be compared with a hypothetical space of similar characteristics and maximum allergenicity: the value to be obtained would thus lie between IUGZA = 0, for spaces with no allergenicity at all and IUGZA = 1 for spaces with maximum allergenicity. The expression of allergenicity by an abstract number facilitates comparisons and the index can be applied to green spaces sharing similar characteristics. A case study of Garcia Lorca Park, Granada, Spain, assessed the practical application of the index in a real-life situation. It was found that a 44.13\% of the park' total surface area was occupied by species with moderate to elevated allergenic potential. Other key factor influencing the index is the presence of species whose pollen is classified as a major local allergen. The index may also be used as a management tool for evaluating certain aspects which may need to be modified in order to minimise their allergenic impact, including the presence of single-species stands, hedges, and tree screens, and the prevalence of male trees. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.landurbplan.2013.12.009}}, ISSN = {{0169-2046}}, EISSN = {{1872-6062}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Carinanos, Paloma/K-5696-2014 Casares-Porcel, Manuel/L-1610-2014}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Carinanos, Paloma/0000-0002-8955-2383 Casares-Porcel, Manuel/0000-0003-4241-1206}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000331990600014}}, } @article{ ISI:000332381500009, Author = {Song, Zhiyuan and Feldman, Marcus W.}, Title = {{Adaptive foraging behaviour of individual pollinators and the coexistence of co-flowering plants}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{281}}, Number = {{1776}}, Month = {{FEB 7}}, Abstract = {{Although pollinators can play a central role in determining the structure and stability of plant communities, little is known about how their adaptive foraging behaviours at the individual level, e. g. flower constancy, structure these interactions. Here, we construct a mathematical model that integrates individual adaptive foraging behaviour and population dynamics of a community consisting of two plant species and a pollinator species. We find that adaptive foraging at the individual level, as a complementary mechanism to adaptive foraging at the species level, can further enhance the coexistence of plant species through niche partitioning between conspecific pollinators. The stabilizing effect is stronger than that of unbiased generalists when there is also strong competition between plant species over other resources, but less so than that of multiple specialist species. This suggests that adaptive foraging in mutualistic interactions can have a very different impact on the plant community structure from that in predator-prey interactions. In addition, the adaptive behaviour of individual pollinators may cause a sharp regime shift for invading plant species. These results indicate the importance of integrating individual adaptive behaviour and population dynamics for the conservation of native plant communities.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2013.2437}}, Article-Number = {{20132437}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, EISSN = {{1471-2954}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000332381500009}}, } @article{ ISI:000340836100008, Author = {Quirino, Z. G. M. and Machado, I. C.}, Title = {{Pollination syndromes in a Caatinga plant community in northeastern Brazil: seasonal availability of floral resources in different plant growth habits}}, Journal = {{BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{74}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{62-71}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{To describe plant phenological patterns and correlate functioning for the quantity and quality of resources available for the pollinator, it is crucial to understand the temporal dynamics of biological communities. In this way, the pollination syndromes of 46 species with different growth habits (trees, shrubs, herbs, and vines) were examined in an area of Caatinga vegetation, northeastern Brazil (7 degrees 28' 45 `' S and 36 degrees 54' 18 `' W), during two years. Flowering was monitored monthly in all the species, over two years (from January 2003 to December 2004). Pollination syndromes were characterised based on floral traits such as size, colour, morphology, symmetry, floral resources, as well as on direct visual observation of floral visitors on focal plants and published information. We observed differences among the plant growth habits with respect to floral traits, types of resources offered, and floral syndromes. The flowering periods of the species varied among floral syndrome groups. The majority of the melittophilous species flowered during the rainy season in the two study years, while the species of the other pollination syndroms flowered at the end of the dry season. An asynchrony of flowering was noted among the chiropterophilous species, while the phalenophilous group concentrated during the rainy season. The overall availability of floral resources was different during the rainy and the dry seasons, and also it varied among plants with different growth habits. The availability of oil-flowers coincided with the period of low nectar availability. We observed a relationship between the temporal distribution of the pollination syndromes and the availability of floral resources among each growth habits in this tropical ecosystem. Resource allocation in seasonal environments, such as the Caatinga, can function as a strategy for maintaining pollinators, facilitating therefore the reproductive success of plant species. The availability of floral resources during all the year, specially in seasonal environments such as the Caatinga, may function as a strategy to maintain pollinator populations ensuring the reproductive success of the plants.}}, DOI = {{10.1590/1519-6984.17212}}, ISSN = {{1519-6984}}, EISSN = {{1678-4375}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000340836100008}}, } @article{ ISI:000338211800014, Author = {Cane, James H. and Dunne, Rick}, Title = {{Generalist Bees Pollinate Red-flowered Penstemon eatonii: Duality in the Hummingbird Pollination Syndrome}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{171}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{365-370}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{The red tubular flowers of Penstemon eatonii (Plantaginaceae) typify the classic pollination syndrome for hummingbirds. Bees are thought to diminish its seed siring potential, but we found that foraging female generalist bees (Apis, Anthophora) deposited substantial amounts of conspecific pollen on P. eatonii stigmas. In the absence of hummingbirds, bee pollination of cultivated P. eatonii annually generated massive seed yields from a 1.5 ha field. Most penstemons with red tubular flowers like P. eatonii present a symmetrically flared floral opening that facilitates landing by foraging bees. Derived floral traits that attract and position nectar-foraging hummingbirds for efficient pollen export (red deeply tubular flowers secreting abundant dilute nectar) need not compromise pollination and seed production that result from visitation by generalist bees seeking pollen and/or nectar.}}, ISSN = {{0003-0031}}, EISSN = {{1938-4238}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Cane, James/0000-0002-4745-382X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000338211800014}}, } @article{ ISI:000333688300009, Author = {Lin, Shih-Yun and Chen, Pei-Wei and Chuang, Ming-Hsiang and Juntawong, Piyada and Bailey-Serres, Julia and Jauh, Guang-Yuh}, Title = {{Profiling of Translatomes of in Vivo-Grown Pollen Tubes Reveals Genes with Roles in Micropylar Guidance during Pollination in Arabidopsis}}, Journal = {{PLANT CELL}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{26}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{602-618}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Transcriptome profiling has been used to identify genes expressed in pollen tubes elongating in vitro; however, little is known of the transcriptome of in vivo-grown pollen tubes due to the difficulty of collecting pollen that is elongating within the solid maternal gynoecium. Using a pollen-specific promoter (ProLAT52) to generate epitope-tagged polysomal-RNA complexes that could be affinity purified, we obtained mRNAs undergoing translation (the translatome) of in vivo-grown pollen tubes from self-pollinated gynoecia of Arabidopsis thaliana. Translatomes of pollen grains as well as in vivo-and in vitro-cultured pollen tubes were assayed by microarray analyses, revealing over 500 transcripts specifically enriched in in vivo-elongating pollen tubes. Functional analyses of several in vivo mutants (iv) of these pollination-enhanced transcripts revealed partial pollination/fertilization and seed formation defects in siliques (iv2, iv4, and iv6). Cytological observation confirmed the involvement of these genes in specialized processes including micropylar guidance (IV6 and IV4), pollen tube burst (IV2), and repulsion of multiple pollen tubes in embryo sac (IV2). In summary, the selective immunopurification of transcripts engaged with polysomes in pollen tubes within self-fertilized florets has identified a cohort of pollination-enriched transcripts that facilitated the identification of genes important in in vivo pollen tube biology.}}, DOI = {{10.1105/tpc.113.121335}}, ISSN = {{1040-4651}}, EISSN = {{1532-298X}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Juntawong, Piyada/N-7943-2014 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Juntawong, Piyada/0000-0002-4154-4130 Jauh, Guang-Yuh/0000-0003-3459-1331 Bailey-Serres, Julia/0000-0002-8568-7125}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000333688300009}}, } @article{ ISI:000330016400017, Author = {Weller, S. G. and Sakai, A. K. and Culley, T. M. and Duong, L. and Danielson, R. E.}, Title = {{Segregation of male-sterility alleles across a species boundary}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{27}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{429-436}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Hybrid zones may serve as bridges permitting gene flow between species, including alleles influencing the evolution of breeding systems. Using greenhouse crosses, we assessed the likelihood that a hybrid zone could serve as a conduit for transfer of nuclear male-sterility alleles between a gynodioecious species and a hermaphroditic species with very rare females in some populations. Segregation patterns in progeny of crosses between rare females of hermaphroditic Schiedea menziesii and hermaphroditic plants of gynodioecious Schiedea salicaria heterozygous at the male-sterility locus, and between female S.salicaria and hermaphroditic plants from the hybrid zone, were used to determine whether male-sterility was controlled at the same locus in the parental species and the hybrid zone. Segregations of females and hermaphrodites in approximately equal ratios from many of the crosses indicate that the same nuclear male-sterility allele occurs in the parent species and the hybrid zone. These rare male-sterility alleles in S.menziesii may result from gene flow from S.salicaria through the hybrid zone, presumably facilitated by wind pollination in S.salicaria. Alternatively, rare male-sterility alleles might result from a reversal from gynodioecy to hermaphroditism in S.menziesii, or possibly de novo evolution of male sterility. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that some species of Schiedea have probably evolved separate sexes independently, but not in the lineage containing S.salicaria and S.menziesii. High levels of selfing and expression of strong inbreeding depression in S.menziesii, which together should favour females in populations, argue against a reversal from gynodioecy to hermaphroditism in S.menziesii.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jeb.12312}}, ISSN = {{1010-061X}}, EISSN = {{1420-9101}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000330016400017}}, } @article{ ISI:000332380800001, Author = {Wielgoss, Arno and Tscharntke, Teja and Rumede, Alfianus and Fiala, Brigitte and Seidel, Hannes and Shahabuddin, Saleh and Clough, Yann}, Title = {{Interaction complexity matters: disentangling services and disservices of ant communities driving yield in tropical agroecosystems}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{281}}, Number = {{1775}}, Month = {{JAN 22}}, Abstract = {{Owing to complex direct and indirect effects, impacts of higher trophic levels on plants is poorly understood. In tropical agroecosystems, ants interact with crop mutualists and antagonists, but little is known about how this integrates into the final ecosystem service, crop yield. We combined ant exclusion and introduction of invasive and native-dominant species in cacao agroecosystems to test whether (i) ant exclusion reduces yield, (ii) dominant species maximize certain intermediate ecosystem services (e. g. control of specific pests) rather than yield, which depends on several, cascading intermediate services and (iii) even, species-rich ant communities result in highest yields. Ants provided services, including reduced leaf herbivory and fruit pest damage and indirect pollination facilitation, but also disservices, such as increased mealybug density, phytopathogen dissemination and indirect pest damage enhancement. Yields were highest with unmanipulated, species-rich, even communities, whereas ant exclusion decreased yield by 27\%. Introduction of an invasive-dominant ant decreased species density and evenness and resulted in 34\% lower yields, whereas introduction of a non-invasive-dominant species resulted in similar species density and yields as in the unmanipulated control. Species traits and ant community structure affect services and disservices for agriculture in surprisingly complex ways, with species-rich and even communities promoting highest yield.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2013.2144}}, Article-Number = {{20132144}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, EISSN = {{1471-2954}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Clough, Yann/B-9739-2014 Tscharntke, Teja/N-5123-2014 Fiala, Brigitte/I-3788-2016}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Clough, Yann/0000-0002-2901-7602 }}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000332380800001}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000349617700053, Author = {Lai, Hanggui and Chen, Xia and Chen, Zheng and Zhou, Yaqiu and Ou, Wenjun and Li, Kaimian and Ye, Jianqiu and Chen, Songbi}, Editor = {{Liu, HW and Wang, G and Zhang, GW}}, Title = {{In situ Pollen Germination and Artificial Pollination Compatibility in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)}}, Booktitle = {{MATERIAL SCIENCE, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE SCIENCE, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY II}}, Series = {{Applied Mechanics and Materials}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{651-653}}, Pages = {{245+}}, Note = {{3rd International Conference on Advanced Engineering Materials and Architecture Science (ICAEMAS), Huhhot, PEOPLES R CHINA, JUL 26-27, 2014}}, Abstract = {{Cassava cultivars are self-compatible, sufficient pollination and fertilization are important factors affecting the rate of fruit set and fruit quality, but the effects of compatible pollination relationships on cassava pollen development and fruit set are poorly understood. In the present study, in situ pollen germination and compatible relationship were investigated by using self-pollination and cross-pollination between two cassava cultivars (SC5 and SC7). The observation in situ pollen germination was carried out with toluidine blue staining method under the fluorescence microscope. The result shows that after self-pollination for 20 min, the pollens, released from SC5 anthers, started to produce pollen tubes and the maximum germination rate (GR) was 39.2\%. It cost 60 min for the pollen tubes carrying sperm cells to penetrate through the pistil extracellular matrices of the transmitting tract to the ovary. However, after cross-pollination for 10 min, the pollens started to germinate and maximum GR was 66.8\%. It took 30 min for the pollen tube trip to reach ovary. Additionally, the analysis of fruit set indicated that pollination compatibility in cross-pollination was significantly higher than that in self-pollination. This work provided cassava cross breeding a clue that foreign pollen may facilitate fertilization and increase fruit set.}}, DOI = {{10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.651-653.245}}, ISSN = {{1660-9336}}, ISBN = {{978-3-03835-267-9}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000349617700053}}, } @incollection{ ISI:000348461700005, Author = {Traveset, Anna and Richardson, David M.}, Editor = {{Futuyma, DJ}}, Title = {{Mutualistic Interactions and Biological Invasions}}, Booktitle = {{ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND SYSTEMATICS, VOL 45}}, Series = {{Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{45}}, Pages = {{89+}}, Abstract = {{Mutualisms structure ecosystems and mediate their functioning. They also enhance invasions of many alien species. Invasions disrupt native mutualisms, often leading to population declines, reduced biodiversity, and altered ecosystem functioning. Focusing on three main types of mutualisms (pollination, seed dispersal, and plant-microbial symbioses) and drawing on examples from different ecosystems and from species-and community-level studies, we review the key mechanisms whereby such positive interactions mediate invasions and are in turn influenced by invasions. High interaction generalization is ``the norm{''} in most systems, allowing alien species to infiltrate recipient communities. We identify traits that influence invasiveness (e.g., selfing capacity in plants, animal behavioral traits) or invasibility (e.g., partner choice in mycorrhizas/rhizobia) through mutualistic interactions. Mutualistic disruptions due to invasions are pervasive, and subsequent cascading effects are also widespread. Ecological networks provide a useful framework for predicting tipping points for community collapse in response to invasions and other synergistic drivers of global change.}}, DOI = {{10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-120213-091857}}, ISSN = {{1543-592X}}, ISBN = {{978-0-8243-1445-3}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Richardson, David/A-1495-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Richardson, David/0000-0001-9574-8297}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000348461700005}}, } @article{ ISI:000346232900005, Author = {Miranda-Jacome, Antonio and Montana, Carlos and Fornoni, Juan}, Title = {{Environmentally dependent expression of heritable variation on early recruitment traits induced by light conditions and provenance in the columnar cactus Pilosocereus leucocephalus}}, Journal = {{PERSPECTIVES IN PLANT ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{16}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{322-330}}, Abstract = {{Response to selection depends on heritable genetic variation, which is affected by environmental conditions. The present study experimentally assessed whether the effect of light-related stress and the attenuating effect of shade as a facilitator of seedling germination, survival and growth affect the expression of heritable variation and the potential for a response to selection in the columnar cactus Pilosocereus leucocephalus. A reciprocal transplant experiment combined with the artificial manipulation of light/shade conditions within greenhouses was performed using seeds from controlled crosses of two natural populations (demes PN and SI). Additive genetic variance (V-A), heritability (h(2)) and the coefficient of variation of additive variance (CVA) were estimated for per cent of germination, per cent of seedling survival and growth (biomass) under each treatment combination. Although all three recruitment traits showed evidence of different from zero heritability, this result was highly dependent upon the particular transplant site, deme and light treatment combination. The deme that is still not locally adapted (SI) showed significant heritability for all traits and much more potential for a response selection as indicated by a higher CVA than the locally adapted deme PN. The effect of light conditions on the expression of V-A, h(2) and CVA depended on whether the deme was grown in its native or an alien site, but this interaction was only detected for the less adapted deme of SI. Shade conditions promoted by facilitation reduced the evolutionary potential for germination of both demes through an attenuation of genetic differences among genotypes. (C) 2014 Geobotanisches Institut ETH, Stiftung Ruebel. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.ppees.2014.08.003}}, ISSN = {{1433-8319}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000346232900005}}, } @article{ ISI:000339149400005, Author = {Van Geert, Anja and Triest, Ludwig and Van Rossum, Fabienne}, Title = {{Does the surrounding matrix influence corridor effectiveness for pollen dispersal in farmland?}}, Journal = {{PERSPECTIVES IN PLANT ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{16}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{180-189}}, Abstract = {{Recent decades have seen a shift in agricultural land use from pasture to arable combined with increased use of fertilisers and pesticides. In this quite hostile landscape matrix, pollinator movements between native vegetation remnants may be impeded. Linear landscape elements (LLEs) in farmland can function as biological corridors by facilitating pollinator movements and pollen flow between fragmented plant populations. The type of landscape matrix surrounding LLEs and plant populations, and LLE habitat quality may influence the effectiveness of LLEs as corridors for pollen dispersal through the availability of floral resources and nesting opportunities for pollinators. Using fluorescent dyes as pollen analogues, we investigated dye dispersal patterns between fragmented populations of the rare insect-pollinated Primula vulgaris connected by existing LLEs. We examined how dye deposition on P. vulgaris and within LLEs (on other co-flowering insect-pollinated species) could be influenced by the surrounding matrix type (pasture, arable field), the recipient population traits of P. vulgaris (flowering population size, flower display, flowering plant density and co-flowering floral resources) and by LLE traits (LLE length and co-flowering floral resources). Dye dispersal through corridors was significantly higher when the landscape matrix surrounding P. vulgaris recipient populations and LLEs consisted of pastures rather than arable fields (or a mix of both), even after accounting for differences in floral resources. A higher cover and diversity of insect-pollinated plants increased dye deposition when co-flowering within small P. vulgaris populations, but led to dye loss within LLEs. Large P. vulgaris populations appeared more attractive thereby increasing heterospecific dye deposition in the LLEs. Our study shows that farming practices shifting from pastures to maize arable fields have a negative impact on dye dispersal patterns, and so possibly affect pollen dispersal of P. vulgaris, likely through a reduced pollinator service. Corridor effectiveness depend's on the type of surrounding matrix, and the abundance of floral resources directly influences dye dispersal patterns. Preserving the remaining pastureland is essential, but restoring rich flowering vegetation at field boundaries and along LLEs may also promote corridor effectiveness for pollen dispersal. (C) 2014 Geobotanisches Institut ETH, Stiftung Ruebel. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.ppees.2014.05.004}}, ISSN = {{1433-8319}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000339149400005}}, } @article{ ISI:000336236900002, Author = {Preston, Jill C. and Barnett, Laryssa L. and Kost, Matthew A. and Oborny, Nathan J. and Hileman, Lena C.}, Title = {{OPTIMIZATION OF VIRUS-INDUCED GENE SILENCING TO FACILITATE EVO-DEVO STUDIES IN THE EMERGING MODEL SPECIES MIMULUS GUTTATUS (PHRYMACEAE)}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{99}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{301-312}}, Abstract = {{Mimulus guttatus DC. (yellow monkey-flower; Phrymaceae) is an important model species for ecological and evolutionary studies, being locally adapted to a wide range of elevation, moisture and temperature gradients, soil types, and pollinator availabilities. In order to advance this species as a model for evolutionary genetic studies, we have developed virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) using the tobacco rattle virus (TRY) to assay gene function. We demonstrate the effectiveness of Agrobacterium-mediated VIGS in two divergent populations of M. guttatus, Iron Mountain 767 (IM767) and Point Reyes (PR). Plants infected with a fragment of the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway gene PHYTOENE DESATURASE (PDS) cloned into the TRV2 vector exhibited endogenous PDS silencing and photobleached phenotypes. We further assayed for VIGS-induced floral phenotypes by silencing paralogous genes putatively affecting floral symmetry, CYCLOIDEA1 (CYC1) and CYCLOIDEA2 (CYC2). Simultaneous silencing of CYC1 and CYC2 resulted in organ number defects in the petal and stamen whorls; silencing of CYC/ affected petal margin growth; and silencing of CYC2 had no effect on flower development. Infection with TRV2 and TRY]. is significantly higher and more pervasive in the IM767 versus the PR population and is more efficient after vacuum infiltration. These results demonstrate the efficacy of VIGS for determining the function of developmental genes, including those involved in ecologically important reproductive traits.}}, ISSN = {{0026-6493}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Hileman, Lena/0000-0001-6116-666X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000336236900002}}, } @article{ ISI:000330036100013, Author = {Wu, Chenxi and Owen, Micheal D. K.}, Title = {{When Is the Best Time to Emerge: Reproductive Phenology and Success of Natural Common Waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) Cohorts in the Midwest United States?}}, Journal = {{WEED SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{62}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{107-117}}, Month = {{JAN-MAR}}, Abstract = {{Although the prolonged emergence pattern of common waterhemp is well known, its effect on flowering phenology and success is less well understood. The ecological significance of later common waterhemp cohorts could have been underestimated. Ecological knowledge of common waterhemp, such as reproductive phenology and success, would help us better understand the invasiveness of this weed and thus facilitate the development of more targeted control methods. Field studies were conducted at Ames, IA, to evaluate temporal variation in flowering phenology (e. g., date of flower initiation, number of flowering plants per day) and reproductive success (e. g., seed production) of natural common waterhemp cohorts. Later-emerging common waterhemp cohorts flowered quicker and had a relatively shorter flowering period than early cohorts. Common waterhemp cohorts showed very large variations for the duration of their vegetative phases, indicating different photoperiod sensitivity among cohorts. Furthermore, common waterhemp cohorts exhibited a pulsed flowering pattern, which was probably influenced by temporal distribution of rain events; up to seven distinct flowering pulses within 40 d were observed in 2009, and about eight flowering pulses scattered over a 60 d period were observed in 2010. Common waterhemp maintained high seed production throughout the growing season. Seed production for the entire cohort was influenced more by emergence timing, whereas individual plant fecundity was more affected by plant population densities. Common waterhemp demonstrates strong phenological plasticity by evolving a pulsed flowering pattern, which rendered it plastic enough to tailor flowering to variable environmental conditions thus facilitating effective pollination. Common waterhemp later cohorts have a strong seed production potential, which may be ecologically significant with regard to herbicide resistance evolution.}}, DOI = {{10.1614/WS-D-13-00079.1}}, ISSN = {{0043-1745}}, EISSN = {{1550-2759}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000330036100013}}, } @article{ ISI:000329504600007, Author = {Mamut, Jannathan and Li, Bing and Tan, Dun-Yan}, Title = {{Protogyny and delayed autonomous self-pollination in the desert herb Zygophyllum macropterum (Zygophyllaceae)}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{52}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{75-83}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Protogyny and delayed selfing are two mechanisms in facilitating outcrossing and increasing female and male function in self-compatible plant species. However, both mechanisms are rarely reported within a species. Here, we investigated pistil and stamen development, breeding system, and pollination biology of the desert herb Zygophyllum macropterum C. A. Mey. by use of field observations and manipulation experiments. Our primary aim was to assess whether protogyny and delayed autonomous self-pollination occurred in this species. Zygophyllum macropterum is a spring flowering species with a floral longevity of approximately 3days, including the female stage and the bisexual stage. Movement herkogamy occurred during both stages. The stigma was receptive when it was exposed from the corolla. The time of first anther dehiscence was approximately 12h after stigma exposure. These results indicated that Z. macropterum is protogynous. Different pollination treatments showed that this species is self-compatible and can self-pollinate autonomously. Time of first dehiscence of anther overtopping the stigma was approximately 16h after stigma exposure, suggesting that autonomous self-pollination can occur in middle-late anthesis, and thus can be defined as delayed autonomous self-pollination. Anthophora plumipes Pallas. was the only pollinator of Z. macropterum. The unfavorable spring desert environment and the small corolla mouth diameter at the female stage would limit pollinator activity and thus lead to failure of outcrossing and occurrence of delayed self-pollination. Therefore, both protogyny and delayed selfing play an important role in enhancing the opportunity for outcrossing and reproductive assurance of Z. macropterum in the spring desert environment.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jse.12029}}, ISSN = {{1674-4918}}, EISSN = {{1759-6831}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329504600007}}, } @article{ ISI:000329670900009, Author = {Peng, Ting and Sun, Xiaochun and Mumm, Rita H.}, Title = {{Optimized breeding strategies for multiple trait integration: II. Process efficiency in event pyramiding and trait fixation}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR BREEDING}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{33}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{105-115}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Multiple trait integration (MTI) is a multi-step process of converting an elite variety/hybrid for value-added traits (e.g. transgenic events) through backcross breeding. From a breeding standpoint, MTI involves four steps: single event introgression, event pyramiding, trait fixation, and version testing. This study explores the feasibility of marker-aided backcross conversion of a target maize hybrid for 15 transgenic events in the light of the overall goal of MTI of recovering equivalent performance in the finished hybrid conversion along with reliable expression of the value-added traits. Using the results to optimize single event introgression (Peng et al. Optimized breeding strategies for multiple trait integration: I. Minimizing linkage drag in single event introgression. Mol Breed, 2013) which produced single event conversions of recurrent parents (RPs) with a parts per thousand currency sign8 cM of residual non-recurrent parent (NRP) germplasm with similar to 1 cM of NRP germplasm in the 20 cM regions flanking the event, this study focused on optimizing process efficiency in the second and third steps in MTI: event pyramiding and trait fixation. Using computer simulation and probability theory, we aimed to (1) fit an optimal breeding strategy for pyramiding of eight events into the female RP and seven in the male RP, and (2) identify optimal breeding strategies for trait fixation to create a `finished' conversion of each RP homozygous for all events. In addition, next-generation seed needs were taken into account for a practical approach to process efficiency. Building on work by Ishii and Yonezawa (Optimization of the marker-based procedures for pyramiding genes from multiple donor lines: I. Schedule of crossing between the donor lines. Crop Sci 47:537-546, 2007a), a symmetric crossing schedule for event pyramiding was devised for stacking eight (seven) events in a given RP. Options for trait fixation breeding strategies considered selfing and doubled haploid approaches to achieve homozygosity as well as seed chipping and tissue sampling approaches to facilitate genotyping. With selfing approaches, two generations of selfing rather than one for trait fixation (i.e. `F2 enrichment' as per Bonnett et al. in Strategies for efficient implementation of molecular markers in wheat breeding. Mol Breed 15:75-85, 2005) were utilized to eliminate bottlenecking due to extremely low frequencies of desired genotypes in the population. The efficiency indicators such as total number of plants grown across generations, total number of marker data points, total number of generations, number of seeds sampled by seed chipping, number of plants requiring tissue sampling, and number of pollinations (i.e. selfing and crossing) were considered in comparisons of breeding strategies. A breeding strategy involving seed chipping and a two-generation selfing approach (SC + SELF) was determined to be the most efficient breeding strategy in terms of time to market and resource requirements. Doubled haploidy may have limited utility in trait fixation for MTI under the defined breeding scenario. This outcome paves the way for optimizing the last step in the MTI process, version testing, which involves hybridization of female and male RP conversions to create versions of the converted hybrid for performance evaluation and possible commercial release.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11032-013-9937-6}}, ISSN = {{1380-3743}}, EISSN = {{1572-9788}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Sun, Xiaochun/J-8596-2014}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Sun, Xiaochun/0000-0001-5395-2580}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329670900009}}, } @article{ ISI:000329622500002, Author = {Ye, Zhong-Ming and Dai, Wen-Kui and Jin, Xiao-Fang and Gituru, Rober W. and Wang, Qing-Feng and Yang, Chun-Feng}, Title = {{Competition and facilitation among plants for pollination: can pollinator abundance shift the plant-plant interactions?}}, Journal = {{PLANT ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{215}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{3-13}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{We hypothesize interactions among plants for pollination may depend on pollinator abundance, which always varies among years and habitats and has different effects on plant reproductive success. Honeybee-pollinated plants, Lotus corniculatus, and its commonly coflowering neighbor, Potentilla reptans var. sericophylla, were used in a two-year project. We designed six types of plant combinations with different conspecific and interspecific flower densities in 2011 and repeated this in the same site in 2012. Meanwhile, we artificially increased pollinator abundance by hiring beehives only in 2011. Pollinator abundance as well as flower density significantly affected pollination of L. corniculatus plants from both the conspecific and interspecific plots. Total number of bees visiting a plot was enhanced by an increase in both the conspecific and interspecific flower densities regardless of high or low pollinator abundance. However, changes in visitation rates and fruit sets in the focal plants when flower densities were increased depended on pollinator abundance. Under high pollinator abundance, an increase in both the conspecific and interspecific flower densities significantly enhanced pollinator visits to L. corniculatus. However, under low pollinator abundance, the pollinator visitation rate remained unchanged as conspecific flower density increased, but decreased when there was an increase in interspecific flower density. Coflowering plants enhanced fruit sets of L. corniculatus only when the pollinator abundance was high. The findings suggest that the interactions among plants for pollination are influenced not only by a plant density threshold, but also by a pollinator abundance threshold.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11258-013-0274-y}}, ISSN = {{1385-0237}}, EISSN = {{1573-5052}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329622500002}}, } @article{ ISI:000329289900010, Author = {Hammill, Edd and Corvalan, Paloma and Srivastava, Diane S.}, Title = {{Bromeliad-associated Reductions in Host Herbivory: Do Epiphytic Bromeliads Act as Commensalists or Mutualists?}}, Journal = {{BIOTROPICA}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{46}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{78-82}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Many members of the family Bromeliacae are able to adopt epiphytic lifestyles and colonize trees throughout the Neotropics. Bromeliacae do not extract nutrients from their hosts and confer relatively minor costs on their host plants. We suggest that bromeliads, however, may benefit their hosts by providing habitat for predators of host plant herbivores. We report a correlation between bromeliad presence and a reduction in herbivore damage in orange trees, an effect that is increased when bromeliads are colonized by ants. Our results may have important implications for agricultural systems in the Neotropics, where bromeliads are often removed in the belief they are parasitic. We instead demonstrate that bromeliads may impart a benefit to their hosts, and speculate that under particular circumstances they may be part of a three-species mutualism.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/btp.12073}}, ISSN = {{0006-3606}}, EISSN = {{1744-7429}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Corvalan, Paloma/0000-0001-8932-4017}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329289900010}}, } @article{ ISI:000328679600010, Author = {Castillo, Dean M. and Kula, Abigail A. R. and Doetterl, Stefan and Dudash, Michele R. and Fenster, Charles B.}, Title = {{INVASIVE SILENE LATIFOLIA MAY BENEFIT FROM A NATIVE POLLINATING SEED PREDATOR, HADENA ECTYPA, IN NORTH AMERICA}}, Journal = {{INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{175}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{80-91}}, Month = {{JAN 1}}, Abstract = {{The acquisition of new mutualists and escape from enemies are often essential for the establishment of invasive species. With its introduction to North America, Silene latifolia successfully escaped a number of generalist and specialist enemies, including the seed predator/specialist pollinator Hadena bicruris, but information regarding the acquisition of new mutualists in a community context has not been examined. We used field observations of mixed species arrays and laboratory feeding trials and compared floral scent and plant/pollinator morphological match to explore the interaction in North America of the invasive S. latifolia with the native pollinating seed predator, Hadena ectypa, in order to understand mechanisms of enemy release and mutualist facilitation underlying the successful invasion of S. latifolia. In mixed arrays, H. ectypa visited S. latifolia at a low frequency similar to the combined visitation of other non-Hadena nocturnal moth species. Differences in the floral scent profiles of S. latifolia and Silene stellata, a native coflowering congener and natural host of H. ectypa, combined with the lack of morphological match between H. ectypa and S. latifolia, likely contribute to these results. In the field study, only one H. ectypa egg was oviposited on S. latifolia, and this did not result in a successful fruit attack. Larvae feeding trials in the lab showed no initial feeding preference for pistils of either Silene species. Therefore, our study suggests that S. latifolia has escaped the cost of seed predation typically associated with visitation and oviposition by Hadena pollinators, a potential natural enemy, while taking advantage of pollination services provided by both H. ectypa and other native North American nocturnal moth pollinators.}}, DOI = {{10.1086/673536}}, ISSN = {{1058-5893}}, EISSN = {{1537-5315}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Dotterl, Stefan/0000-0001-5228-1332}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000328679600010}}, } @article{ ISI:000328511700030, Author = {Renoult, Julien P. and Valido, Alfredo and Jordano, Pedro and Schaefer, H. Martin}, Title = {{Adaptation of flower and fruit colours to multiple, distinct mutualists}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2014}}, Volume = {{201}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{678-686}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Communication in plant-animal mutualisms frequently involves multiple perceivers. A fundamental uncertainty is whether and how species adapt to communicate with groups of mutualists having distinct sensory abilities. We quantified the colour conspicuousness of flowers and fruits originating from one European and two South American plant communities, using visual models of pollinators (bee and fly) and seed dispersers (bird, primate and marten). We show that flowers are more conspicuous than fruits to pollinators, and the reverse to seed dispersers. In addition, flowers are more conspicuous to pollinators than to seed dispersers and the reverse for fruits. Thus, despite marked differences in the visual systems of mutualists, flower and fruit colours have evolved to attract multiple, distinct mutualists but not unintended perceivers. We show that this adaptation is facilitated by a limited correlation between flower and fruit colours, and by the fact that colour signals as coded at the photoreceptor level are more similar within than between functional groups (pollinators and seed dispersers). Overall, these results provide the first quantitative demonstration that flower and fruit colours are adaptations allowing plants to communicate simultaneously with distinct groups of mutualists.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.12539}}, ISSN = {{0028-646X}}, EISSN = {{1469-8137}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Jordano, Pedro/A-5162-2008 Jordano, Pedro/B-6678-2014 valido, alfredo/K-1830-2013 CSIC, EBD Donana/C-4157-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Jordano, Pedro/0000-0003-2142-9116 Jordano, Pedro/0000-0003-2142-9116 valido, alfredo/0000-0001-8426-8634 CSIC, EBD Donana/0000-0003-4318-6602}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000328511700030}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000376620800360, Author = {Fernandez i Marti, Angel and Alonso, J. Manuel and Socias i Company, Rafel}, Editor = {{Tellez, FA and Rodriguez, AM and Sancho, IM and Robinson, MV and RuizAltisent, M and Ballesteros, FR and Hernando, ECC}}, Title = {{Self (in) compatibility in almond; Genetic structure of the S-f allele and modification of its expression}}, Booktitle = {{VII CONGRESO IBERICO DE AGROINGENIERIA Y CIENCIAS HORTICOLAS: INNOVAR Y PRODUCIR PARA EL FUTURO. INNOVATING AND PRODUCING FOR THE FUTURE}}, Year = {{2014}}, Pages = {{2108-2112}}, Note = {{7th Iberian Congress of Agricultural Engineering and Horticultural Sciences, Madrid, SPAIN, AUG 26-29, 2013}}, Organization = {{Sociedad Espanola Agroingenieria; Sociedad Espanola Ciencias Horticolas; Associacao Portuguesa Horticultura; Secc Especializada Ingn Rural Sociedad Ciencias Agrarias Portugal; Univ Politecnica Madrid; Escuela Tecnica Superior Ingenieros Agronomos Madrid; Escuela Univ Ingenieros Tecnicos Agricolas Madrid; Campus Excelencia Internac; Comis Espanola Ingn Rural; European Soc Agr}}, Abstract = {{Although self-incompatibility (SI) is an important trait in plants from the evolutionary point of view, self-compatibility (SC) is a critical agronomic trait in order to ensure the production of an economic crop. SC has been identified in several almond cultivars, although it happens rarely. Traditionally tests of pollen tube growth and fruit set after controlled pollinations have been carried out for determining SC cultivars in almond. However, molecular methods have been developed in the last two decades to speed up the genotype determination in cultivars and selections in order to facilitate orchard management and breeding processes. SC has been so far only related with the presence of the S-f allele, allelic with the S series of SI alleles and dominant over SI. As a consequence, SC/SI has always been considered as a qualitative trait, controlled by a single multi-allelic locus, called the S-locus. The presence of SC of the seedling in the family `Vivot' ! `Blanquerna' has been 25\%, much less than expected, 50\%. The two different versions of the Sf haplotype, one active and being SI (S-fa) and the other inactive thus being SC (S-fi), have shown the recognition of the S-fi-pollen tubes of `Blanquerna' by the S-fa-RNase of `Vivot'. These results suggest the presence of a modifier locus unlinked to the S-locus which would control the SI/SC recognition mechanism. The molecular nature of the S-locus has been widely studied in many species. Two additional loci located outside the S-locus are here described for the first time in the rosaceous family. Thus, we may suggest that SI is a quantitative trait rather than a qualitative one. In addition, the construction of a fosmid library in `Vivot' and `Blanquerna' has allowed to confirm that the alignment of their S-f-RNases and SFBf were identical. As it was not possible to find any difference between both versions of the S-f haplotype, it was decided to further investigate about DNA methylation, which is involved in changes in phenotype or gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the DNA sequence. Thus, our experiments have allowed suggesting that DNA methylation could be responsible of the activation/inactivation of the S-f haplotype. In fact, when the S-f-RNase sequence is methylated, an inhibition of the expression takes place, as it happens in `Blanquerna'. Thus, this inactivation would be traduced into self-compatibility. In the case of S-f-RNase sequences with non-methylated cytosines, as it happens in `Vivot', the RNase would remain active and, as a consequence, it would be self-incompatible. On the other hand, we have constructed the three-dimensional structures of the almond S-f, S-23 and S-8 RNases trough molecular modelling tools. The main structural difference found between all RNases was that the S-f structure showed an extended looping region. The amino acid residues forming this long loop could be prone to degradation and/or inactivation and as a consequence this S-f-RNase could be less stable and thus would allow its pollen tube growth through its own pistil.}}, ISBN = {{978-84-695-9055-3}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000376620800360}}, } @article{ ISI:000329778600002, Author = {Maron, Martine and Grey, Merilyn J. and Catterall, Carla P. and Major, Richard E. and Oliver, Damon L. and Clarke, Michael F. and Loyn, Richard H. and Mac Nally, Ralph and Davidson, Ian and Thomson, James R.}, Title = {{Avifaunal disarray due to a single despotic species}}, Journal = {{DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{19}}, Number = {{12}}, Pages = {{1468-1479}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{AimReports of profound changes in species assemblages brought about by the influence of strongly interacting species are increasingly common. Where these strong interactors are sensitive to anthropogenic habitat changes, relatively small alterations in the environment can result in large and pervasive shifts in assemblages. We review the evidence for widespread assemblage-level phase shifts across eastern Australia, triggered partly by anthropogenic habitat alteration and mediated by a native, despotic bird: the noisy miner Manorina melanocephala. LocationEastern Australia. MethodsBased on the literature, we developed conceptual models of factors affecting site occupancy by, and ecosystem-level effects of, the noisy miner. We also analysed recent trends in the reporting rate of the noisy miner across its range. ResultsIndividuals of this species cooperate to aggressively exclude almost all smaller bird species from the areas they occupy. The noisy miner is advantaged by habitat fragmentation and structural simplificationhabitat changes that facilitate detection and interception of potential competitors by miners. We report that the species is increasingly prevalent, particularly close to forest and woodland edges. Such edges have mainly been created by human land use. The evidence we reviewed showed: (1) strong causal links between the noisy miner and depressed richness and abundance of smaller birds, particularly nectarivores and insectivores; (2) moderate evidence of a positive association with larger bird species; (3) reduced tree condition stemming from impaired control of insect herbivore populations by smaller insectivores; and (4) a plausible negative effect on plant reproduction through reduced tree condition, altered pollination services and altered seed dispersal. Main conclusionsThis is the first synthesis to document the causes and likely ecological consequences of increasingly prevalent phase shifts catalysed by a despotic species on ecosystems at very large spatial scales (>1million km(2)). Native species affected by human activities can become agents that induce ecological dysfunction.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/ddi.12128}}, ISSN = {{1366-9516}}, EISSN = {{1472-4642}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Maron, Martine/D-9699-2011 Catterall, Carla/K-7996-2017 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Maron, Martine/0000-0002-5563-5789 Catterall, Carla/0000-0002-1914-0455 Loyn, Richard/0000-0002-7337-0518}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329778600002}}, } @article{ ISI:000329601100012, Author = {Sinclair, John C.}, Title = {{Constructing arrays of proteins}}, Journal = {{CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{17}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{946-951}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{The construction of crystalline arrays allows proteins to be presented in a dense, oriented and functional way that also facilitates determination of their structure. Rational design of these supramolecular structures is becoming increasingly tractable with recent successes exploiting both innate protein symmetry and advances in protein-protein interface design. Pre-existing symmetry minimizes the number of non-native interfaces that must be produced, and the use of symmetric interfaces facilitates protein alignment. Arrays in which metal coordination or peptide binding are responsible for the inter-particle associations show particular promise due to the malleable and reversible nature of these interactions. Cross-pollination of the principles that underlie successful strategies is likely to produce rapid advances in this field and consequent benefits to both nanotechnology and structural biology.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.cbpa.2013.10.004}}, ISSN = {{1367-5931}}, EISSN = {{1879-0402}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329601100012}}, } @article{ ISI:000329405700003, Author = {Yang, Suann and Albert, Reka and Carlo, Tomas A.}, Title = {{Transience and constancy of interactions in a plant-frugivore network}}, Journal = {{ECOSPHERE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{4}}, Number = {{12}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Plant-animal mutualistic interactions such as frugivory and seed dispersal display great variation in time due to fluctuations in fruit abundance, animal abundance, and behavior. In particular, some species participate in interactions with other species only transiently, while other species are active for longer periods of time. Species with a longer period of activity are able to interact with more species, and thus engage in constant participation in an interaction network. Species with high constancy would thus be expected to help maintain the biodiversity of a community; however, the manner in which constant species link to their partners may be critical to species coexistence. Because species that interact with many partners concurrently could create more competition compared to those species that interact sequentially with many partners, evaluating the concurrence in an interaction network sheds light on how the network can maintain biodiversity. In this study, we investigate how phenological patterns of fruit production and frugivore presence affect the temporal variation of a plant-frugivore network, and focus on the manner in which high degree species collect their interactions over time. We found a clear separation of activity periods: most species appeared only briefly and participated in relatively few interactions, or showed activity for longer time periods and participated in more interactions. Species that were active for longer time periods often shifted interactions, resulting in a sequential collection of their partners in time, rather than concurrence. For the seed dispersal mutualism in particular, sequential accumulation of partners may allow plant species more opportunities to disperse their seeds compared to concurrence. We suggest that for temporally and spatially heterogeneous landscapes, sequential accumulation of partners would serve to reduce competition and facilitate coexistence of species.}}, DOI = {{10.1890/ES13-00222.1}}, Article-Number = {{UNSP 147}}, ISSN = {{2150-8925}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Albert, Reka/E-2195-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Albert, Reka/0000-0002-9485-0828}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329405700003}}, } @article{ ISI:000329300400019, Author = {Nawaz, Sehar and Ahmed, Nisar and Iqbal, Ahsan and Khaliq, Ihsan}, Title = {{OPTIMIZATION OF REGENERATION PROTOCOLS FOR WHEAT UNDER DROUGHT AND SALT STRESS}}, Journal = {{PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{50}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{663-670}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Responses of the wheat genotype `Faisalabad-2008' to plant regeneration using immature embryos and in vitro drought and salt stress tolerance were investigated. For this study immature embryos 15 DAP (Days After Pollination) were used and after 6 weeks healthy calli were transferred to media containing variable concentrations of NaCl (0, 5, 10, and 15g/L) and drought stress intensities using PEG 6000 (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20\% (w/v)). The findings suggested that the embryogenic capacity of callus depended on concentrations of exogenous hormones and the genetic makeup of the genotype. Faisalabad-2008 showed good callus induction and ability to proliferate and regenerate seedlings under drought and salt stress conditions. This study will serve as a guide line in future for in vitro screening of wheat varieties for their regeneration ability using indirect methods. Further establishment of in-vitro screening protocols for abiotic stress tolerance will facilitate screening of genotypes during early developmental stages.}}, ISSN = {{0552-9034}}, EISSN = {{2076-0906}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329300400019}}, } @article{ ISI:000329010200024, Author = {Durant, Kathryne A. and Hall, Ryan W. and Cisneros, Laura M. and Hyland, Rachael M. and Willig, Michael R.}, Title = {{Reproductive phenologies of phyllostomid bats in Costa Rica}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{94}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1438-1448}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Reproductive phenologies of populations are strongly molded by environmental variation because natural selection favors individuals that time energetically demanding portions of their life cycle to correspond with periods of high resource availability. To evaluate how seasonal variation in abiotic characteristics and resources affects reproductive strategies, comparison among reproductive phenologies of species that use different resources and across geographic locations is crucial. To facilitate comparisons, it is essential to employ a rigorous and consistent classification scheme. Yet, few studies on the reproductive phenologies of bats, important seed dispersal and pollination agents in the tropics, have employed a clear or consistent classification scheme. We employed concise criteria to classify reproductive phenologies of frugivorous (Artibeus jamaicensis, A. watsoni, Carollia castanea, C. perspicillata, and C. sowelli) and nectarivorous (Glossophaga soricina) bat species, as well as 3 feeding ensembles of phyllostomids in northeastern Costa Rica. All 6 species exhibited bimodal phenologies (2 peaks). Each of the 3 ensembles exhibited different phenologies (i.e., frugivores: bimodal; nectarivores: polymodal {[}3 peaks]; and gleaning animalivores: unimodal {[}1 peak]). Bat species that consume plant material evinced pregnancy peaks in the late dry season and middle wet season, whereas gleaning animalivores exhibited a single peak in the middle to late dry season. Examination of geographic and temporal variation in phenologies revealed that strategies of frugivorous and nectarivorous species were geographically and temporally invariant, whereas strategies of gleaning animalivores differed among geographic locations.}}, DOI = {{10.1644/13-MAMM-A-103.1}}, ISSN = {{0022-2372}}, EISSN = {{1545-1542}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329010200024}}, } @article{ ISI:000328594100021, Author = {Wei, K. Q. and Yang, J. X. and Wei, Z. Z.}, Title = {{Pollination following grafting introduces efficiently Ocimum basilicum L. genes into Nicotiana tabacum L.}}, Journal = {{SPANISH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{1068-1077}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Tobacco is an important cash crop in the world. However, the genetic basis is comparatively narrow among the modern Nicotiana tabacum cultivars, limiting its potential for quality improvement. To introduce genes conferring desirable chemical constituents from medicinal plants, a distant hybridization test was conducted between N. tabacum and Ocimum basilicum L. Seedlings of wild type Nicotiana sylvestris and N. tabacum cultivar 78-04 respectively acted as rootstock and scion. During the flowering season, hand pollination between 78-04 as pistillate parent and O. basilicum as pollen parent was carried out under 22-25 degrees C temperature and 70-80\% of relative humidity in the greenhouse. Seed sets of 55\% were obtained in 78-04, and about 400 seeds per capsule were produced. But both non-grafted and self-grafted 78-04 plants rarely resulted in fruits by hand pollination and those obtained were without seed. Similar results were obtained in different material combination. The interfamilial F-1 hybrids acquired showed distinct variation with various morphological characteristics, and their hybrid nature was confirmed by isozyme and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses. This result indicated that pollination following grafting can facilitate gene exchange and recombination at the interfamilial level and efficiently overcome barriers of sexual incompatibility between N. tabacum and O. basilicum. Our research not only extends the genetic basis of tobacco but also will provide valuable germplasm for improvement of varieties.}}, DOI = {{10.5424/sjar/2013114-3940}}, ISSN = {{1695-971X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000328594100021}}, } @article{ ISI:000327717100008, Author = {Yang, Chun-Feng and Wang, Qing-Feng and Guo, You-Hao}, Title = {{Pollination in a patchily distributed lousewort is facilitated by presence of a co-flowering plant due to enhancement of quantity and quality of pollinator visits}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{112}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{1751-1758}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Plants surrounded by individuals of other co-flowering species may suffer a reproductive cost from interspecific pollen transfer (IPT). However, differences in floral architecture may reduce or eliminate IPT. A study was made of Pedicularis densispica (lousewort) and its common co-flowering species, Astragalus pastorius, to compare reproductive and pollination success of lousewort plants from pure and mixed patches. Floral architecture and pollinator behaviour on flowers of the two plants were compared along with the composition of stigmatic pollen load of the louseworts. The extent of pollen limitation of plants from pure and mixed patches was also explored through supplemental pollination with self- and outcross pollen (PLs and PLx). Mixed patches attracted many more nectar-searching individuals of Bombus richardsi. These bumble-bees moved frequently between flowers of the two species. However, they pollinated P. densispica with their dorsum and A. pastorius with their abdomen. This difference in handling almost completely eliminated IPT. Lousewort plants from mixed patches yielded more seeds, and seeds of higher mass and germinability, than those from pure patches. Moreover, louseworts from mixed patches had lower PLs and PLx compared with those from pure patches. Differences in floral architecture induced differences in pollinator behaviour that minimized IPT, such that co-flowering plants significantly enhanced quantity and quality of pollinator visits for the lousewort plants in patchy habitat. These findings add to our understanding of the mechanisms of pollination facilitation.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aob/mct228}}, ISSN = {{0305-7364}}, EISSN = {{1095-8290}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000327717100008}}, } @article{ ISI:000327176100007, Author = {Bewick, Sharon and Brosi, Berry J. and Armsworth, Paul R.}, Title = {{Predicting the effect of competition on secondary plant extinctions in plant-pollinator networks}}, Journal = {{OIKOS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{122}}, Number = {{12}}, Pages = {{1710-1719}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{What are the limitations of models that predict the behavior of an ecological community based on a single type of species interaction? Using plant-pollinator network models as an example, we contrast the predicted vulnerability of a community to secondary extinctions under the assumption of purely mutualistic interactions versus mutualistic and competitive interactions. We find that competition among plant species increases the risk of secondary extinctions and extinction cascades. Simulations over a number of different network structures indicate that this effect is stronger in larger networks, more strongly connected networks and networks with higher plant:pollinator ratios. We conclude that efforts to model plant-pollinator communities will systematically over-estimate community robustness to species loss if plant competition is ignored. However, because the effect of plant competition depends on network architecture, and because characterization of plant competition is work intensive, we suggest that efforts to account for plant competition in plant-pollinator network models should be focused on large, strongly connected networks with high plant:pollinator ratios.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/j.1600-0706.2013.00016.x}}, ISSN = {{0030-1299}}, EISSN = {{1600-0706}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Armsworth, Paul/0000-0003-0918-0573}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000327176100007}}, } @article{ ISI:000326936900004, Author = {Smith, Alan G. and Eberle, Carrie A. and Moss, Nicole G. and Anderson, Neil O. and Clasen, Benjamin M. and Hegeman, Adrian D.}, Title = {{The transmitting tissue of Nicotiana tabacum is not essential to pollen tube growth, and its ablation can reverse prezygotic interspecific barriers}}, Journal = {{PLANT REPRODUCTION}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{26}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{339-350}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{The Nicotiana tabacum transmitting tissue is a highly specialized file of metabolically active cells that is the pathway for pollen tubes from the stigma to the ovules where fertilization occurs. It is thought to be essential to pollen tube growth because of the nutrients and guidance it provides to the pollen tubes. It also regulates gametophytic self-incompatibility in the style. To test the function of the transmitting tissue in pollen tube growth and to determine its role in regulating prezygotic interspecific incompatibility, genetic ablation was used to eliminate the mature transmitting tissue, producing a hollow style. Despite the absence of the mature transmitting tissue and greatly reduced transmitting-tissue-specific gene expression, self-pollen tubes had growth to the end of the style. Pollen tubes grew at a slower rate in the transmitting-tissue-ablated line during the first 24 h post-pollination. However, pollen tubes grew to a similar length 40 h post-pollination with and without a transmitting tissue. Ablation of the N. tabacum transmitting tissue significantly altered interspecific pollen tube growth. These results implicate the N. tabacum transmitting tissue in facilitating or inhibiting interspecific pollen tube growth in a species-dependent manner and in controlling prezygotic reproductive barriers.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00497-013-0233-8}}, ISSN = {{2194-7953}}, EISSN = {{2194-7961}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Hegeman, Adrian/0000-0003-1008-6066}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000326936900004}}, } @article{ ISI:000330474700004, Author = {Marten-Rodriguez, Silvana and Munoz-Gamboa, Paola and Delgado-Davila, Ruth and Quesada, Mauricio}, Title = {{Asymmetric pollen transfer and reproductive success of the hawkmoth-pollinated distylous tree Palicourea tetragona (Rubiaceae) at La Selva, Costa Rica}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{29}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{501-510}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Distyly is a floral polymorphism that presumably evolved to facilitate cross-pollination and to prevent sexual interference. However, pollen transfer is often asymmetric, with one floral morph acting as a pollen donor and the other as a pollen recipient. We evaluated the association between floral morphology, pollinator visitation and effectiveness on patterns of pollen transfer in distylous Palicourea tetragona at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. To assess floral variation we measured corolla, pistil and stamen traits from 66 plants. We quantified pollinator visitation and efficiency on 56 individuals and counted pollen loads on stigmas of flowers observed for 1 h. We determined fruit set 2 molater and assessed between-morph variation in pollen transfer and female reproductive success. Floral variation was mostly consistent with a typical distylous system; however, there was overlap in the stigma heights of pin and thrum individuals in the study population. Primary pollinators were two species of hawkmoths that visited both morphs at a frequency of 2 visits per flower h(-1). The mean number of pollen grains deposited on stigmas was 89 for pin and 153 for thrum individuals. However, loads of illegitimate pollen were higher on stigmas of thrum individuals, while loads of legitimate pollen were higher on stigmas of pin individuals. Consistently, fruit set was higher in pin (31\%) than in thrum individuals (22\%). High deposition of illegitimate pollen, in addition to the lower female reproductive success in the thrum morph reveal that distyly in P. tetragona does not always prevent sexual interference. We suggest that in long and narrow tubular flowers, like those of P. tetragona, stigma clogging by deposition of self-or same-morph pollen may reduce legitimate fertilization of ovules causing the observed asymmetric fruit set.}}, DOI = {{10.1017/S0266467413000588}}, ISSN = {{0266-4674}}, EISSN = {{1469-7831}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000330474700004}}, } @article{ ISI:000328128100007, Author = {Maruyama, Pietro K. and Oliveira, Genilda M. and Ferreira, Carolina and Dalsgaard, Bo and Oliveira, Paulo E.}, Title = {{Pollination syndromes ignored: importance of non-ornithophilous flowers to Neotropical savanna hummingbirds}}, Journal = {{NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{100}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{1061-1068}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Generalization prevails in flower-animal interactions, and although animal visitors are not equally effective pollinators, most interactions likely represent an important energy intake for the animal visitor. Hummingbirds are nectar-feeding specialists, and many tropical plants are specialized toward hummingbird-pollination. In spite of this, especially in dry and seasonal tropical habitats, hummingbirds may often rely on non-ornithophilous plants to meet their energy requirements. However, quantitative studies evaluating the relative importance of ornithophilous vs. non-ornithophilous plants for hummingbirds in these areas are scarce. We here studied the availability and use of floral resources by hummingbirds in two different areas of the Cerrado, the seasonal savannas in Central Brazil. Roughly half the hummingbird visited plant species were non-ornithophilous, and these contributed greatly to increase the overall nectar availability. We showed that mean nectar offer, at the transect scale, was the only parameter related to hummingbird visitation frequency, more so than nectar offer at single flowers and at the plant scale, or pollination syndrome. Centrality indices, calculated using hummingbird-plant networks, showed that ornithophilous and non-ornithophilous plants have similar importance for network cohesion. How this foraging behaviour affects reproduction of non-ornithophilous plants remains largely unexplored and is probably case specific, however, we suggest that the additional energy provided by non-ornithophilous plants may facilitate reproduction of truly ornithophilous flowers by attracting and maintaining hummingbirds in the area. This may promote asymmetric hummingbird-plant associations, i.e., pollination depends on floral traits adapted to hummingbird morphology, but hummingbird visitation is determined more by the energetic ``reward{''} than by pollination syndromes.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00114-013-1111-9}}, ISSN = {{0028-1042}}, EISSN = {{1432-1904}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Oliveira, Paulo/A-1316-2012 Maruyama, Pietro/I-9561-2016 publist, CMEC/C-3010-2012 publicationpage, cmec/B-4405-2017 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Oliveira, Paulo/0000-0002-6162-8702 Maruyama, Pietro/0000-0001-5492-2324 Dalsgaard, Bo/0000-0003-2867-2805}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000328128100007}}, } @article{ ISI:000327397300001, Author = {Kirchoff, Bruce K. and Classen-Bockhoff, Regine}, Title = {{Inflorescences: concepts, function, development and evolution}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{112}}, Number = {{8, SI}}, Pages = {{1471-1476}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Inflorescences are complex structures with many functions. At anthesis they present the flowers in ways that allow for the transfer of pollen and optimization of the plants reproductive success. During flower and fruit development they provide nutrients to the developing flowers and fruits. At fruit maturity they support the fruits prior to dispersal, and facilitate effective fruit and seed dispersal. From a structural point of view, inflorescences have played important roles in systematic and phylogenetic studies. As functional units they facilitate reproduction, and are largely shaped by natural selection. The papers in this Special Issue bridge the gap between structural and functional approaches to inflorescence evolution. They include a literature review of inflorescence function, an experimental study of inflorescences as essential contributors to the display of flowers, and two papers that present new methods and concepts for understanding inflorescence diversity and for dealing with terminological problems. The transient model of inflorescence development is evaluated in an ontogenetic study, and partially supported. Four papers present morphological and ontogenetic studies of inflorescence development in monophyletic groups, and two of these evaluate the usefulness of Hofmeisters Rule and inhibitory fields to predict inflorescence structure. In the final two papers, Bayesian and Monte-Carlo methods are used to elucidate inflorescence evolution in the Panicoid grasses, and a candidate gene approach is used in an attempt to understand the evolutionary genetics of inflorescence evolution in the genus Cornus (Cornaceae). Taken as a whole, the papers in this issue provide a glimpse of contemporary approaches to the study of the structure, development, and evolution of inflorescences, and suggest fruitful new directions for research.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aob/mct267}}, ISSN = {{0305-7364}}, EISSN = {{1095-8290}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000327397300001}}, } @article{ ISI:000326296400006, Author = {Wisniewska, H. and Kwiatek, M. and Kulak-Ksiazczyk, S. and Apolinarska, B.}, Title = {{Introgression of A- and B-genome of tetraploid triticale chromatin into tetraploid rye}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF APPLIED GENETICS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{54}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{435-440}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{An improvement of rye is one of the mainstream goals of current breeding. Our study is concerned with the introduction of the tetraploid triticale (ABRR) into the 4x rye (RRRR) using classical methods of distant crossing. One hundred fifty BC1F9 hybrid plants {[}(4x rye x 4x triticales) x 4x rye] obtained from a backcrossing program were studied. The major aim of this work was to verify the presence of an introgressed A- and B- genome chromatin of triticale in a collection of the 4x rye-tiritcale hybrids and to determine their chromosome compositions. In the present study, karyotypes of the previously reported BC(1)F(2)s and BC(1)F(3)s were compared with that of the BC1F9 generation as obtained after several subsequent open pollinations. The genomic in situ hybridisation (GISH) allowed us to identify 133 introgression forms in which chromosome numbers ranged between 26 and 32. Using four DNA probes (5S rDNA, 25S rDNA, pSc119.2 and pAs1), the fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) was carried out to facilitate an exact chromosome identification in the hybrid plants. The combination of the multi-colour GISH with the repetitive DNA FISH singled out five types of translocated chromosomes: 2A.2R, 4A.4R, 5A.5R, 5B.5R and 7A.7R among the examined BC(1)F(9)s. The reported translocation lines could serve as valuable sources of wheat chromatin suitable for further improvements of rye.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s13353-013-0171-z}}, ISSN = {{1234-1983}}, EISSN = {{2190-3883}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Kwiatek, Michal/0000-0001-9442-3124}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000326296400006}}, } @article{ ISI:000325868000009, Author = {Millar, M. A. and Coates, D. J. and Byrne, M.}, Title = {{Genetic connectivity and diversity in inselberg populations of Acacia woodmaniorum, a rare endemic of the Yilgarn Craton banded iron formations}}, Journal = {{HEREDITY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{111}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{437-444}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Historically rare plant species with disjunct population distributions and small population sizes might be expected to show significant genetic structure and low levels of genetic diversity because of the effects of inbreeding and genetic drift. Across the globe, terrestrial inselbergs are habitat for rich, often rare and endemic flora and are valuable systems for investigating evolutionary processes that shape patterns of genetic structure and levels of genetic diversity at the landscape scale. We assessed genetic structure and levels of genetic diversity across the range of the historically rare inselberg endemic Acacia woodmaniorum. Phylogeographic and genetic structure indicates that connectivity is not sufficient to produce a panmictic population across the limited geographic range of the species. However, historical levels of gene flow are sufficient to maintain a high degree of adaptive connectivity across the landscape. Genetic diversity indicates gene flow is sufficient to largely counteract any negative genetic effects of inbreeding and random genetic drift in even the most disjunct or smallest populations. Phylogeographic and genetic structure, a signal of isolation by distance and a lack of evidence of recent genetic bottlenecks suggest long-term stability of contemporary population distributions and population sizes. There is some evidence that genetic connectivity among disjunct outcrops may be facilitated by the occasional long distance dispersal of Acacia polyads carried by insect pollinators moved by prevailing winds.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/hdy.2013.66}}, ISSN = {{0018-067X}}, EISSN = {{1365-2540}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Byrne, Margaret/H-8198-2015}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Byrne, Margaret/0000-0002-7197-5409}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325868000009}}, } @article{ ISI:000325984000004, Author = {Vallejo-Marin, M. and Solis-Montero, L. and Vilaros, D. Souto and Lee, M. Y. Q.}, Title = {{Mating system in Mexican populations of the annual herb Solanum rostratum Dunal (Solanaceae)}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{15}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{948-954}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Traditionally, annual colonising species are expected to have high rates of self-fertilisation, although recent theoretical and empirical studies have shown that cross-fertilisation can be selected for under heterogeneous pollination environments. Solanum rostratum is a self-compatible annual herb that colonises disturbed habitats. Despite the lack of physiological mechanisms to prevent self-fertilisation, pollen transfer between individuals is expected to be favoured because of its complex floral morphology. In previous studies of S. rostratum it has been shown that anther dimorphism within flowers results in precise pollen placement on the pollinator's body, and the presence of mirror-image floral morphs within plants promotes outcrossing in experimental arrays. However, the mating system of natural populations of S. rostratum has never been assessed, and thus whether it is predominantly selfing or outcrossing remains unknown. We hypothesise that floral and inflorescence morphology of S. rostratum should facilitate cross-fertilisation, making it a predominantly outcrossing despite its lack of a self-incompatibility system. To test this hypothesis, we estimated outcrossing rates by genotyping 700 individuals at 13 microsatellite loci, sampled from four populations across a 690-km transect in the species' native range. We found that populations had mean outcrossing rates of 0.70 +/- 0.03, with multiple sires contributing to paternity of each progeny array (average effective number of sires=8.97 +/- 0.57). This indicates that natural populations S. rostratum have relatively high levels of outcrossing, probably facilitated by its floral and inflorescence morphology. We speculate that partial selfing in this species may be an unavoidable consequence of displaying multiple flowers at the same time (geitonogamy), as well as the result of self-pollen transfer by illegitimate visitors.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/j.1438-8677.2012.00715.x}}, ISSN = {{1435-8603}}, EISSN = {{1438-8677}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Solis-Montero, Lislie/N-2556-2014 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Solis-Montero, Lislie/0000-0002-5793-3376 Vallejo-Marin, Mario/0000-0002-5663-8025}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325984000004}}, } @article{ ISI:000325567100007, Author = {Fabina, Nicholas S. and Putnam, Hollie M. and Franklin, Erik C. and Stat, Michael and Gates, Ruth D.}, Title = {{Symbiotic specificity, association patterns, and function determine community responses to global changes: defining critical research areas for coral-Symbiodinium symbioses}}, Journal = {{GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{19}}, Number = {{11}}, Pages = {{3306-3316}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Climate change-driven stressors threaten the persistence of coral reefs worldwide. Symbiotic relationships between scleractinian corals and photosynthetic endosymbionts (genus Symbiodinium) are the foundation of reef ecosystems, and these associations are differentially impacted by stress. Here, we couple empirical data from the coral reefs of Moorea, French Polynesia, and a network theoretic modeling approach to evaluate how patterns in coral-Symbiodinium associations influence community stability under climate change. To introduce the effect of climate perturbations, we simulate local extinctions' that represent either the loss of coral species or the ability to engage in symbiotic interactions. Community stability is measured by determining the duration and number of species that persist through the simulated extinctions. Our results suggest that four factors greatly increase coral-Symbiodinium community stability in response to global changes: (i) the survival of generalist hosts and symbionts maximizes potential symbiotic unions; (ii) elevated symbiont diversity provides redundant or complementary symbiotic functions; (iii) compatible symbiotic assemblages create the potential for local recolonization; and (iv) the persistence of certain traits associate with symbiotic diversity and redundancy. Symbiodinium may facilitate coral persistence through novel environmental regimes, but this capacity is mediated by symbiotic specificity, association patterns, and the functional performance of the symbionts. Our model-based approach identifies general trends and testable hypotheses in coral-Symbiodinium community responses. Future studies should consider similar methods when community size and/or environmental complexity preclude experimental approaches.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/gcb.12320}}, ISSN = {{1354-1013}}, EISSN = {{1365-2486}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Stat, Michael/K-5290-2012 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Stat, Michael/0000-0002-1663-3422 Putnam, Hollie/0000-0003-2322-3269}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325567100007}}, } @article{ ISI:000325370200003, Author = {Smith, L. M.}, Title = {{Extended leaf phenology in deciduous forest invaders: mechanisms of impact on native communities}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{24}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{979-987}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Many high-impact invaders of temperate deciduous forests of Eastern North America exhibit extended leaf phenology compared to native species, with leaf emergence occurring earlier in the spring and abscission occurring later in the autumn. This observation indicates that extended phenology may be an important invasion mechanism for this system. However, most evidence that extended leaf phenology drives species invasion is anecdotal, and most studies that directly address the role of leaf phenology in invasion focus solely on increased invader growth. Beyond increasing invader growth, extended leaf phenology may drive invader impact on natives by (1) facilitating resource competition through nutrient pre-emption and shading, (2) altering production of secondary chemicals by invasive plants, (3) altering apparent competition dynamics mediated by native herbivores, (4) allowing temporal enemy escape, and (5) altering behaviour of native pollinators. I review current evidence from the literature regarding each of these possible consequences of extended invader phenology and emphasize the need for experimental manipulations to measure the extent to which extended leaf phenology mediates impact on the native community. Understanding the importance of leaf phenology in species invasion will facilitate prevention of future invasions while elucidating the role of seasonality in shaping species interactions.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jvs.12087}}, ISSN = {{1100-9233}}, EISSN = {{1654-1103}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Smith-Ramesh, Lauren/0000-0001-7520-9675}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325370200003}}, } @article{ ISI:000326421900003, Author = {Francuski, Ljubinka and Ludoski, Jasmina and Milankov, Vesna}, Title = {{Phenotypic diversity and landscape genetics of Eristalis tenax in a spatially heterogeneous environment, Durmitor Mountain (Montenegro)}}, Journal = {{ANNALES ZOOLOGICI FENNICI}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{50}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{262-278}}, Month = {{OCT 31}}, Abstract = {{The study of the spatial distribution of phenotypic and genetic diversity of pollinators has conservation implications since pollination is a key ecosystem function and a basis for the maintenance of biodiversity. The impact of landscape heterogeneity on the population structure of the important hoverfly pollinator, Eristalis tenax (Diptera, Syrphidae), was investigated. Allele frequencies at allozyme loci, wing traits (size and shape) and abdominal colour pattern were compared using samples from eight locations in the Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. These locations covered a broad range of altitudes and vegetation structures, from deciduous and coniferous forests to alpine meadows. From the conservation point of view, we investigated to what extent the localities in the Durmitor mountain range are connected. Results indicated a lack of population structure in the study area. A genetic clustering analyses based on Bayesian model revealed no resolution among samples, coinciding with F-ST estimates. Weak genetic differentiation was accompanied by wing size and shape similarity. In addition, there was an overlap between the levels of abdominal colour variation among samples supporting the negative association between gene flow and phenotypic divergence in E. tenax. We conclude that the surrounding landscape is of no relevance to the species movement capabilities. The availability of many sites for E. tenax and its strong dispersal capacity might make the study region a more or less continuous habitat for this species. Thus, our results may contribute to understanding the potential extent to which E. tenax can facilitate gene flow among isolated plant populations on Mt. Durmitor.}}, ISSN = {{0003-455X}}, EISSN = {{1797-2450}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000326421900003}}, } @article{ ISI:000325814200076, Author = {Flenniken, Michelle L. and Andino, Raul}, Title = {{Non-Specific dsRNA-Mediated Antiviral Response in the Honey Bee}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{10}}, Month = {{OCT 10}}, Abstract = {{Honey bees are essential pollinators of numerous agricultural crops. Since 2006, honey bee populations have suffered considerable annual losses that are partially attributed to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD is an unexplained phenomenon that correlates with elevated incidence of pathogens, including RNA viruses. Honey bees are eusocial insects that live in colonies of genetically related individuals that work in concert to gather and store nutrients. Their social organization provides numerous benefits, but also facilitates pathogen transmission between individuals. To investigate honey bee antiviral defense mechanisms, we developed an RNA virus infection model and discovered that administration of dsRNA, regardless of sequence, reduced virus infection. Our results suggest that dsRNA, a viral pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP), triggers an antiviral response that controls virus infection in honey bees.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0077263}}, Article-Number = {{e77263}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325814200076}}, } @article{ ISI:000325133700001, Author = {Girling, Robbie D. and Lusebrink, Inka and Farthing, Emily and Newman, Tracey A. and Poppy, Guy M.}, Title = {{Diesel exhaust rapidly degrades floral odours used by honeybees}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIFIC REPORTS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{3}}, Month = {{OCT 3}}, Abstract = {{Honeybees utilise floral odours when foraging for flowers; we investigated whether diesel exhaust pollution could interrupt these floral odour stimuli. A synthetic blend of eight floral chemicals, identified from oilseed rape, was exposed to diesel exhaust pollution. Within one minute of exposure the abundances of four of the chemicals were significantly lowered, with two components rendered undetectable. Honeybees were trained to recognise the full synthetic odour mix; altering the blend, by removing the two chemicals rendered undetectable, significantly reduced the ability of the trained honeybees to recognize the altered odour. Furthermore, we found that at environmentally relevant levels the mono-nitrogen oxide (NOx) fraction of the exhaust gases was a key facilitator of this odour degradation. Such changes in recognition may impact upon a honeybee's foraging efficiency and therefore the pollination services that they provide.}}, DOI = {{10.1038/srep02779}}, Article-Number = {{2779}}, ISSN = {{2045-2322}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Girling, Robbie/G-7317-2015 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Girling, Robbie/0000-0001-8816-8075 Lusebrink, Inka/0000-0003-2937-202X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325133700001}}, } @article{ ISI:000325443500008, Author = {Perrons, Robert K. and Richards, Matthew G.}, Title = {{Applying maintenance strategies from the space and satellite sector to the upstream oil and gas industry: A research agenda}}, Journal = {{ENERGY POLICY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{61}}, Pages = {{60-64}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Practitioners from both the upstream oil and gas industry and the space and satellite sector have repeatedly noted several striking similarities between the two industries over the years, which have in turn resulted in many direct comparisons in the media and industry press. The two sectors have previously worked together and shared ideas in ways that have yielded some important breakthroughs, but relatively little sharing or cross-pollination has occurred in the area of asset maintenance. This is somewhat surprising in light of the fact that here, too, the sectors have much in common. This paper accordingly puts forward the viewpoint that the upstream oil and gas industry could potentially make significant improvements in asset maintenance-specifically, with regard to offshore platforms and remote pipelines-by selectively applying some aspects of the maintenance strategies and philosophies that have been learned in the space and satellite sector. The paper then offers a research agenda toward accelerating the rate of learning and sharing between the two industries in this domain, and concludes with policy recommendations that could facilitate this kind of cross-industry learning. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.enpol.2013.05.081}}, ISSN = {{0301-4215}}, EISSN = {{1873-6777}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Perrons, Robert/0000-0002-4219-1365}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325443500008}}, } @article{ ISI:000325554100024, Author = {Boavida, Leonor C. and Qin, Peng and Broz, Miranda and Becker, Joerg D. and McCormick, Sheila}, Title = {{Arabidopsis Tetraspanins Are Confined to Discrete Expression Domains and Cell Types in Reproductive Tissues and Form Homo- and Heterodimers When Expressed in Yeast}}, Journal = {{PLANT PHYSIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{163}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{696-712}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Tetraspanins are evolutionary conserved transmembrane proteins present in all multicellular organisms. In animals, they are known to act as central organizers of membrane complexes and thought to facilitate diverse biological processes, such as cell proliferation, movement, adhesion, and fusion. The genome of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) encodes 17 members of the tetraspanin family; however, little is known about their functions in plant development. Here, we analyzed their phylogeny, protein topology, and domain structure and surveyed their expression and localization patterns in reproductive tissues. We show that, despite their low sequence identity with metazoan tetraspanins, plant tetraspanins display the typical structural topology and most signature features of tetraspanins in other multicellular organisms. Arabidopsis tetraspanins are expressed in diverse tissue domains or cell types in reproductive tissues, and some accumulate at the highest levels in response to pollination in the transmitting tract and stigma, male and female gametophytes and gametes. Arabidopsis tetraspanins are preferentially targeted to the plasma membrane, and they variously associate with specialized membrane domains, in a polarized fashion, to intercellular contacts or plasmodesmata. A membrane-based yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) two-hybrid system established that tetraspanins can physically interact, forming homo-and heterodimer complexes. These results, together with a likely genetic redundancy, suggest that, similar to their metazoan counterparts, plant tetraspanins might be involved in facilitating intercellular communication, whose functions might be determined by the composition of tetraspanin complexes and their binding partners at the cell surface of specific cell types.}}, DOI = {{10.1104/pp.113.216598}}, ISSN = {{0032-0889}}, EISSN = {{1532-2548}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Becker, Jorg/A-5930-2011 Boavida, Leonor/A-5722-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Becker, Jorg/0000-0002-6845-6122 Boavida, Leonor/0000-0001-6555-0685}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325554100024}}, } @article{ ISI:000325148500005, Author = {Valiente-Banuet, Alfonso and Verdu, Miguel}, Title = {{Human impacts on multiple ecological networks act synergistically to drive ecosystem collapse}}, Journal = {{FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{408-413}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Highly biodiverse ecosystems worldwide are rapidly losing species diversity as a result of human overexploitation of natural resources. However, it is not known whether there is a critical threshold of species loss at which an ecosystem fails to recover, leading to its collapse. By combining multiple ecological networks (including facilitation, pollination, and seed dispersal) into a realistic scenario, we document how an ecosystem may collapse through synergistic disruptions to those networks. Although the interdependence of different ecological networks is indicative of ecosystem fragility and low resilience, our findings may improve environmental remediation efforts, thereby helping to bridge the gap between the disciplines of ecology and conservation biology.}}, DOI = {{10.1890/130002}}, ISSN = {{1540-9295}}, EISSN = {{1540-9309}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Verdu, Miguel/C-4461-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Verdu, Miguel/0000-0002-9778-7692}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325148500005}}, } @article{ ISI:000325148500006, Author = {Liss, Kate N. and Mitchell, Matthew G. E. and MacDonald, Graham K. and Mahajan, Shauna L. and Methot, Josee and Jacob, Aerin L. and Maguire, Dorothy Y. and Metson, Genevieve S. and Ziter, Carly and Dancose, Karine and Martins, Kyle and Terrado, Marta and Bennett, Elena M.}, Title = {{Variability in ecosystem service measurement: a pollination service case study}}, Journal = {{FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{8}}, Pages = {{414-422}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Research quantifying ecosystem services (ES) - collectively, the benefits that society obtains from ecosystems -is rapidly increasing. Despite the seemingly straightforward definition, a wide variety of methods are used to measure ES. This methodological variability has largely been ignored, and standard protocols to select measures that capture ES provision have yet to be established. Furthermore, most published papers do not include explicit definitions of individual ES. We surveyed the literature on pollination ES to assess the range of measurement approaches, focusing on three essential steps: (1) definition of the ES, (2) identification of components contributing to ES delivery, and (3) selection of metrics to represent these components. We found considerable variation in how pollination as an ES - a relatively well-defined service - is measured. We discuss potential causes of this variability and provide suggestions to address this issue. Consistency in ES measurement, or a clear explanation of selected definitions and metrics, is critical to facilitate comparisons among studies and inform ecosystem management.}}, DOI = {{10.1890/120189}}, ISSN = {{1540-9295}}, EISSN = {{1540-9309}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Mitchell, Matthew/C-2340-2012 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Mitchell, Matthew/0000-0002-3490-9314 Terrado, Marta/0000-0002-3484-5007 Ziter, Carly/0000-0002-3731-9678}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000325148500006}}, } @article{ ISI:000324590100001, Author = {Carvallo, Gaston O. and Medel, Rodrigo and Navarro, Luis}, Title = {{Assessing the effects of native plants on the pollination of an exotic herb, the blueweed Echium vulgare (Boraginaceae)}}, Journal = {{ARTHROPOD-PLANT INTERACTIONS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{7}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{475-484}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{The impacts of exotic plants on the pollination and reproductive success of natives have been widely reported; however, in spite of its importance for the invasive process, the role of native plants in the pollination and reproduction of exotic plants has been less explored. To fill this gap, we compared the patterns of pollination and reproductive success in the invasive herb Echium vulgare (Boraginaceae) between monospecific patches (only E. vulgare) and mixed patches (sympatry with native herbs Schizanthus hookeri and Stachys albicaulis) in central Chile. Using sample quadrats of 1 m x 2 m, we quantified the richness, diversity and visitation rate of flower visitors in 15-min observation intervals. We conducted an assay to assess the effect of the patch types (monospecific and mixed) and the isolation of flowers to visitors on both the fruit set and seed/ovule ratio. We showed that native plants favoured the richness of visitors of E. vulgare; however, they did not lead to increases in visitation rate. The reproductive success of E. vulgare did not show differences between contrasted patches; however, the isolation of visitors decreased the fruit set, although seed production was maintained in the absence of pollinators, presumably by an autogamous mechanism. Complementary to our main research focus, we assessed changes in pollination variables and reproductive output in two coflowering native plants that occur with E. vulgare, S. hookeri and S. albicaulis. Despite the fact that our correlational study did not allow us to dissect the effects of mixed patches and relative plant abundances on variables measured for natives, we observed an increase in pollinator richness in mixed patches for the two plants studied. These results suggest a potential facilitation for visitor richness of the exotic plant in coexistence with native plants, although this facilitation does not result in changes in the visit rate or on the reproductive success of any of the studied species. This work underlines the need for additional research on community levels that assess reciprocal effects on pollination between coflowering natives and exotics.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11829-013-9265-0}}, ISSN = {{1872-8855}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Navarro, Luis/C-4175-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Navarro, Luis/0000-0002-8308-2237}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000324590100001}}, } @article{ ISI:000324649800005, Author = {Sun, Shi-Guo and Montgomery, Benjamin R. and Li, Bo}, Title = {{Contrasting effects of plant invasion on pollination of two native species with similar morphologies}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{15}}, Number = {{10}}, Pages = {{2165-2177}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Invasive plants may decrease native plant density and disrupt interactions between native plants and their pollinators. We hypothesized that invasive Solidago canadensis (Asteraceae) competes for pollination services with two confamilial species, Ixeris chinensis and Sonchus arvensis. Breeding-system studies revealed that both native species are self-incompatible. In plots with all three species we found that Solidago received the highest visitation rates. To test the hypothesis of competition for pollination in the context of reduced native density, we established 3 plots for both native species with three Solidago densities (uninvaded, 50 and 75 \% invaded) and corresponding decreases in native density. We investigated the effects of varying densities of Solidago on honeybee visitation rates, number of successive visits within individual ramets, pollen-load composition on bees, and seed set. For both native species, increasing Solidago density and decreasing native density resulted in bees carrying higher ratios of Solidago pollen and in bees visiting fewer capitula prior to departing from a plant. However, for other aspects of pollination, the native species responded very differently to Solidago. With increasing Solidago and decreasing native density, Ixeris received fewer honeybee visits and produced fewer seeds, demonstrating competition for pollination, but Sonchus attracted more honeybee visits and showed a non-significant trend toward setting more seeds, suggesting facilitation. These opposing effects occurred despite similarities in the native species' floral morphology, suggesting that the effects of invasive plants are difficult to predict. In this case the different effects may relate to Sonchus being a taller plant with larger flowers.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10530-013-0440-0}}, ISSN = {{1387-3547}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Li, Bo/B-8016-2010}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Li, Bo/0000-0002-0439-5666}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000324649800005}}, } @article{ ISI:000324649800017, Author = {Ferrero, Victoria and Castro, Silvia and Costa, Joana and Acuna, Paola and Navarro, Luis and Loureiro, Joao}, Title = {{Effect of invader removal: pollinators stay but some native plants miss their new friend}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{15}}, Number = {{10}}, Pages = {{2347-2358}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Removal of invasive species often benefits biological diversity allowing ecosystems' recovery. However, it is important to assess the functional roles that invaders may have established in their new areas to avoid unexpected results from species elimination. Invasive animal-pollinated plants may affect the plant-pollination interactions by changing pollinator availability and/or behaviour in the community. Thus, removal of an invasive plant may have important effects on pollinator community that may then be reflected positive or negatively on the reproductive success of native plants. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of removing Oxalis pes-caprae, an invasive weed widely spread in the Mediterranean basin, on plant-pollinator interactions and on the reproductive success of co-flowering native plants. For this, a disturbed area in central Portugal, where this species is highly abundant, was selected. Visitation rates, natural pollen loads, pollen tube growth and natural fruit set of native plants were compared in the presence of O. pes-caprae and after manual removal of their flowers. Our results showed a highly resilient pollination network but also revealed some facilitative effects of O. pes-caprae on the reproductive success of co-flowering native plants. Reproductive success of the native plants seems to depend not only on the number and diversity of floral visitors, but also on their efficiency as pollinators. The information provided on the effects of invasive species on the sexual reproductive success of natives is essential for adequate management of invaded areas.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10530-013-0457-4}}, ISSN = {{1387-3547}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Navarro, Luis/C-4175-2008 Ferrero, Victoria/C-4713-2013 Castro, Silvia/C-2469-2008 Loureiro, Joao/B-4830-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Navarro, Luis/0000-0002-8308-2237 Ferrero, Victoria/0000-0002-2091-8957 Castro, Silvia/0000-0002-7358-6685 Loureiro, Joao/0000-0002-9068-3954}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000324649800017}}, } @article{ ISI:000324642000002, Author = {Morawetz, Linde and Svoboda, Alexander and Spaethe, Johannes and Dyer, Adrian G.}, Title = {{Blue colour preference in honeybees distracts visual attention for learning closed shapes}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY A-NEUROETHOLOGY SENSORY NEURAL AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{199}}, Number = {{10}}, Pages = {{817-827}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Spatial vision is an important cue for how honeybees (Apis mellifera) find flowers, and previous work has suggested that spatial learning in free-flying bees is exclusively mediated by achromatic input to the green photoreceptor channel. However, some data suggested that bees may be able to use alternative channels for shape processing, and recent work shows conditioning type and training length can significantly influence bee learning and cue use. We thus tested the honeybees' ability to discriminate between two closed shapes considering either absolute or differential conditioning, and using eight stimuli differing in their spectral characteristics. Consistent with previous work, green contrast enabled reliable shape learning for both types of conditioning, but surprisingly, we found that bees trained with appetitive-aversive differential conditioning could additionally use colour and/or UV contrast to enable shape discrimination. Interestingly, we found that a high blue contrast initially interferes with bee shape learning, probably due to the bees innate preference for blue colours, but with increasing experience bees can learn a variety of spectral and/or colour cues to facilitate spatial learning. Thus, the relationship between bee pollinators and the spatial and spectral cues that they use to find rewarding flowers appears to be a more rich visual environment than previously thought.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00359-013-0843-5}}, ISSN = {{0340-7594}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Spaethe, Johannes/B-8826-2014}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000324642000002}}, } @article{ ISI:000324514800016, Author = {Wu, Wei-Qing and Yi, Ma Re and Wang, Xin-Feng and Ma, Li-Li and Jiang, Lily and Li, Xi-Wen and Xiao, Hong-Xing and Sun, Ming-Zhou and Li, Lin-Feng and Liu, Bao}, Title = {{Genetic and epigenetic differentiation between natural Betula ermanii (Betulaceae) populations inhabiting contrasting habitats}}, Journal = {{TREE GENETICS \& GENOMES}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{9}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1321-1328}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Disentangling the molecular mechanisms of adaptation in natural plant populations in response to different environmental conditions is a central topic in evolutionary biology. In the present study, we investigated a wind-pollinated woody species of Changbai Mountain of northeastern China, namely, Betula ermanii Cham. This woody species B. ermanii is not only a dominant species in subalpine forest (SF), but it also occurs in the alpine tundra (AT) regions. This attribute indicates that it may play important roles in the two contrast habitats. In order to evaluate the influences of different habitats on differentiation in B. ermanii, we assessed the genetic and epigenetic population structure in selected populations from two contrasting habitats by using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and methylation-sensitive AFLP techniques. According to our results, the AT group not only exhibits higher genetic and epigenetic diversity than the SF group but also shows greater population genetic and epigenetic differentiation. In addition, the analysis of cytosine methylation levels also revealed that the AT group exhibits higher degrees of genome methylation than the SF group. Taken together, our results indicate that populations from two contrasting habitats show significantly different genetic and epigenetic population structures. Along with other potential explanations, these findings suggest that environmental conditions could play an important role in facilitating adaptive evolution in B. ermanii.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11295-013-0641-9}}, ISSN = {{1614-2942}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000324514800016}}, } @article{ ISI:000324104500005, Author = {Katzenberger, Tim D. and Lunau, Klaus and Junker, Robert R.}, Title = {{Salience of multimodal flower cues manipulates initial responses and facilitates learning performance of bumblebees}}, Journal = {{BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{67}}, Number = {{10}}, Pages = {{1587-1599}}, Month = {{OCT}}, Abstract = {{Visual and olfactory cues are the first interface between flowers and their visitors and are adaptations to facilitate successful pollination. Initial responses to and associative learning of multimodal cues by flower visitors are based on the perception of colours and volatiles. In this study, we tested how visual, olfactory and multimodal stimuli affect the behaviour of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) and correlated the properties of 28 stimuli in relation to the insects' sensory equipment to these behaviours. Initial responses and associative learning were recorded using a radio frequency identification system, tracking the visitation sequences of individual bumblebees to artificial flowers treated with naturally occurring pigments and/or volatiles. The salience of the stimuli was evaluated as the colour contrast to the background and as electroantennogram responses. The main finding was that both initial responses and learning performance were positively correlated to the salience of the stimuli, suggesting that salience is a key feature of flower cues in the interactions with insects. The salience of compound stimuli consisting of two or more pigments and/or volatiles was largely additively determined by the saliences of individual compounds. Potentially, the valence of the stimuli may interfere with the positive relationship between salience and behaviour, which is indicated by our results, too. The salience of multimodal cues depends on the species-specific equipment of visual and olfactory receptors and thus enables flowers to be advertising for some but rather inconspicuous for other flower visitors.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00265-013-1570-1}}, ISSN = {{0340-5443}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000324104500005}}, } @article{ ISI:000326304800012, Author = {Munoz Valles, Sara and Gallego Fernandez, Juan B. and Cambrolle, Jesus}, Title = {{The Biological Flora of Coastal Dunes and Wetlands: Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss.}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF COASTAL RESEARCH}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{29}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1101-1110}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss. (white bridal broom) is a legume shrub that establishes mainly on coastal sands and dunes in zones under a Mediterranean climate. The species is able to tolerate salt spray, high temperatures of substrate and air, and low levels of soil nutrients and humidity. It is important in middle stages of dune succession, functioning as a key species in structuring the plant community, and it can play an important role in geomorphology. Retama monosperma enriches soil with N and other nutrients, ameliorates the typical harsh environmental conditions in dunes for other plants, and provides refuge and food for wildlife and forage for livestock. Leaves fall rapidly after emergence, and gas exchange is carried out in photosynthetic stems (cladodes), thereby reducing salt-induced stress. Some compounds isolated from the species show potential in pharmacological applications. It has high fruit production and effective associated seed dispersers. Recently, it has been reported that R. monosperma displays invasive behaviour in coastal areas in different parts of the world, including within its natural range, showing potential to negatively affect singular and protected coastal dune flora. Here we present a summary of the biology of R. monosperma.}}, DOI = {{10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-12-00013.1}}, ISSN = {{0749-0208}}, EISSN = {{1551-5036}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Cambrolle, Jesus/G-7133-2012 Munoz-Valles, Sara/L-6527-2014 Gallego-Fernandez, Juan B./D-6872-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Cambrolle, Jesus/0000-0002-9750-6328 Munoz-Valles, Sara/0000-0003-3143-9510 Gallego-Fernandez, Juan B./0000-0002-4952-3449}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000326304800012}}, } @article{ ISI:000324508700003, Author = {Song, Zhiyuan and Feldman, Marcus W.}, Title = {{Plant-animal mutualism in biological markets: Evolutionary and ecological dynamics driven by non-heritable phenotypic variance}}, Journal = {{THEORETICAL POPULATION BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{88}}, Pages = {{20-30}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Mutualism between plants and animals, such as in pollination and seed dispersal, is a fundamental mechanism facilitating the productivity and biodiversity of ecosystems, and it is often considered as an analog of a free-market economy. The coevolution of plant reward and animal choosiness, however, involves an apparent paradox due to incomplete information and limited mutation rates: plant rewards evolve only when animals are choosy, but choosy animals purge the heritable variations of plants, which then favors less choosy animals. Here we use a two-species mathematical model to illustrate how non-heritable phenotypic variances of plants may facilitate the coevolution of rewards and choosiness and solve the paradox with low mutation rates. We simultaneously track the ecological and evolutionary dynamics and show that the population ratio links the two processes and tunes the stable ecoevolutionary equilibrium. Numerical simulations confirm the analytic prediction with varying mutation rates (heritable variance). The efficiency of a biological market is generally suboptimal due to the information constraint and individual competition. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.tpb.2013.06.002}}, ISSN = {{0040-5809}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000324508700003}}, } @article{ ISI:000323828500016, Author = {Dornier, Antoine and Dufay, Mathilde}, Title = {{HOW SELFING, INBREEDING DEPRESSION, AND POLLEN LIMITATION IMPACT NUCLEAR-CYTOPLASMIC GYNODIOECY: A MODEL}}, Journal = {{EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{67}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{2674-2687}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Gynodioecy, the co-occurrence of females and hermaphrodites, is often due to conflicting interactions between cytoplasmic male sterility genes and nuclear restorers. Although gynodioecy often occurs in self-compatible species, the effect of self-pollination, inbreeding depression, and pollen limitation acting differently on females and hermaphrodites remains poorly known in the case of nuclear-cytoplasmic gynodioecy (NCG). In this study, we model NCG in an infinite population and we study the effect of selfing rate, inbreeding depression, and pollen limitation on the maintenance of gynodioecy and on sex ratios at equilibrium. We found that selfing and inbreeding depression have a strong impact, which depends on whether restorer cost acts on male or female fitness. When cost affects male fitness, the strength of cost has no effect, whereas selfing and inbreeding depression only impact gynodioecy by modifying the value of the female advantage. When cost affects female fitness, selfing facilitates NCG and reduces the role of strength of the cost, even when no inbreeding depression occurs, whereas inbreeding depression globally restricts the maintenance of the polymorphism. Finally, we found that pollen limitation could additionally strongly modify the dynamic of gynodioecy. We discuss our findings in the light of empirical data available in gynodioecious species.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/evo.12142}}, ISSN = {{0014-3820}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Dufay, Mathilde/0000-0003-3981-7109}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000323828500016}}, } @article{ ISI:000323563200005, Author = {Jorgensen, Rachael and Arathi, H. S.}, Title = {{Floral longevity and autonomous selfing are altered by pollination and water availability in Collinsia heterophylla}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{112}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{821-828}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{A plant investing in reproduction partitions resources between flowering and seed production. Under resource limitation, altered allocations may result in floral trait variations, leading to compromised fecundity. Floral longevity and timing of selfing are often the traits most likely to be affected. The duration of corolla retention determines whether fecundity results from outcrossing or by delayed selfing-mediated reproductive assurance. In this study, the role of pollination schedules and soil water availability on floral longevity and seed production is tested in Collinsia heterophylla (Plantaginaceae). Using three different watering regimes and pollination schedules, effects on floral longevity and seed production were studied in this protandrous, flowering annual. The results reveal that soil water status and pollination together influence floral longevity with low soil water and hand-pollinations early in the floral lifespan reducing longevity. However, early pollinations under excess water did not extend longevity, implying that resource surplus does not lengthen the outcrossing period. The results also indicate that pollen receipt, a reliable cue for fecundity, accelerates flower drop. Early corolla abscission under drought stress could potentially exacerbate sexual conflict in this protandrous, hermaphroditic species by ensuring self-pollen paternity and enabling male control of floral longevity. While pollination schedules did not affect fecundity, water stress reduced per-capita seed numbers. Unmanipulated flowers underwent delayed autonomous selfing, producing very few seeds, suggesting that inbreeding depression may limit benefits of selfing. In plants where herkogamy and dichogamy facilitate outcrossing, floral longevity determines reproductive success and mating system. Reduction in longevity under drought suggests a strong environmental effect that could potentially alter the preferred breeding mode in this mixed-mated species. Extrapolating the findings to unpredictable global drought cycles, it is suggested that in addition to reducing yield, water stress may influence the evolutionary trajectory of plant mating system.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aob/mct146}}, ISSN = {{0305-7364}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000323563200005}}, } @article{ ISI:000323699000027, Author = {Meeus, Sofie and Brys, Rein and Honnay, Olivier and Jacquemyn, Hans}, Title = {{Biological Flora of the British Isles: Pulmonaria officinalis}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{101}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1353-1368}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Pulmonaria officinalis L. (Common Lungwort) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characteristics, herbivores and disease, history and conservation. Pulmonaria officinalis is a distylous, perennial rosette hemicryptophyte that is naturalized in Britain. It occurs predominantly in the understory of broadleaved, mixed, open woods rich in hornbeam, beech and oak, but is has also been recorded from hedges, banks alongside streams, (sunken) roadsides, built-up areas, gardens, rubbish tips, yew woodland and, less frequently, coniferous woodland. Its native range stretches from southern Sweden, in the north, to northern Italy, in the south, and from western Germany to Poland and Lithuania. It is most common in central Europe. Pulmonaria officinalis reproduces both by sexual and vegetative means. The underground parts consist of a slowly creeping rhizome with adventitious roots. Despite the presence of an elaiosome that is attractive to ants that likely facilitates seed dispersal, populations often show a significant fine-scale spatial genetic structure and small neighbourhood sizes. The leaves and flowering stalks are covered in hairs of varied length and stiffness, and stems and inflorescences are sparsely covered with glandular hairs. Flowers of P.officinalis are heterostylous, with distinct pin and thrum morphs. The corolla varies from purple, violet or blue to shades of pink and red, or sometimes white. The flowers are mainly pollinated by solitary bees and bumblebees. Pulmonaria officinalis has significantly expanded its distribution in the British Isles since the 18th century, especially in southern England. P.officinalis is currently not regarded as threatened in Europe. Nonetheless, small, isolated populations of the species often show reduced reproductive success and lower genetic diversity, potentially affecting their long-term survival. Preservation of local habitat conditions by regular opening of the forest canopy and restoration of gene flow among populations are required to maintain viable populations of P.officinalis in the long term.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2745.12150}}, ISSN = {{0022-0477}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Meeus, Sofie/0000-0003-0715-8647 Honnay, Olivier/0000-0002-4287-8511}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000323699000027}}, } @article{ ISI:000323200600008, Author = {Pilosof, Shai and Fortuna, Miguel A. and Vinarski, Maxim V. and Korallo-Vinarskaya, Natalia P. and Krasnov, Boris R.}, Title = {{Temporal dynamics of direct reciprocal and indirect effects in a host-parasite network}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{82}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{987-996}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{1. Temporal variation in the direct and indirect influence that hosts and parasites exert on each other is still poorly understood. However, variation in species' influence due to species and interactions turnover can have important consequences for host community dynamics and/or for parasite transmission dynamics, and eventually for the risk of zoonotic diseases. 2. We used data on a network of small mammals and their ectoparasites surveyed over 6 years to test hypotheses exploring (i) the temporal variability in direct and indirect influences species exert on each other in a community, and (ii) the differences in temporal variability of direct/indirect influences between temporally persistent (TP) and temporally intermittent species. 3. We modelled the temporal variation in (i) direct reciprocal influence between hosts and parasites (hosts providing resources to parasites and parasites exploiting the resources of hosts), using an asymmetry index, and (ii) indirect influence among species within a community (e. g. facilitation of parasite infestation by other parasites), using betweenness centrality. We also correlated asymmetry and centrality to examine the relationship between them. 4. Network dynamics was determined by TP species but even those species had strong among-species heterogeneity in the temporal variation of the direct/indirect effects they exerted. In addition, there was a significant positive linear correlation between asymmetry and centrality. 5. We conclude that the temporal dynamics of host-parasite interactions is driven by TP hosts. However, even within this group of persistent species, some exhibit large temporal variation, such that the functional roles they play (e. g. in promoting parasite transmission) change over time. In addition, parasites having a large negative impact on hosts are also those facilitating the spread of other parasites through the entire host community. Our results provide new insights into community dynamics and can be applied in the management of antagonistic networks aimed at preventing disease outbreaks.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2656.12090}}, ISSN = {{0021-8790}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{KRASNOV, BORIS/F-2234-2012 Fortuna, Miguel/D-4154-2013 Vinarski, Maxim/D-6103-2014 CSIC, EBD Donana/C-4157-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Pilosof, Shai/0000-0003-0430-5568 Fortuna, Miguel/0000-0002-8374-1941 Vinarski, Maxim/0000-0002-7644-4164 CSIC, EBD Donana/0000-0003-4318-6602}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000323200600008}}, } @article{ ISI:000323316800010, Author = {Li, X. -X. and Zou, Y. and Xiao, C. -L. and Gituru, R. W. and Guo, Y. -H. and Yang, C. -F.}, Title = {{The differential contributions of herkogamy and dichogamy as mechanisms of avoiding self-interference in four self-incompatible Epimedium species}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{26}}, Number = {{9}}, Pages = {{1949-1958}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Self-interference is one of the most important selective forces in shaping floral evolution. Herkogamy and dichogamy both can achieve reductions in the extent of self-interference, but they may have different roles in minimizing self-interference in a single species. We used four self-incompatible Epimedium species to explore the roles of herkogamy and dichogamy in avoiding self-interference and to test the hypothesis that herkogamy and dichogamy may be separated and become selected preferentially in the taxa. Two species (E.franchetii and E.mikinorii) expressed strong herkogamy and weak protogyny (adichogamy), whereas another two species (E.sutchuenense and E.leptorrhizum) expressed slight herkogamy and partial protandry. Field investigations indicated that there was no physical self-interference between male function and female function regarding pollen removal and pollen deposition in all species. Self-pollination (autonomous or facilitated) was greater in species with slight herkogamy than in those with strong herkogamy. Artificial pollination treatments revealed that self-pollination could reduce outcrossed female fertility in all species, and we found evidence that self-interference reduced seed set in E.sutchuenense and E.leptorrhizum in the field, but not in E.franchetii and E.mikinorii. These results indicate that well-developed herkogamy is more effective compared with dichogamy in avoiding self-interference in the four species. In genus Epimedium, herkogamy instead of dichogamy should be selected preferentially and evolved as an effective mechanism for avoiding self-interference and might not need to evolve linked with dichogamy.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jeb.12193}}, ISSN = {{1010-061X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000323316800010}}, } @article{ ISI:000322858200009, Author = {Aveling, Emma-Louise and Martin, Graham}, Title = {{Realising the transformative potential of healthcare partnerships: Insights from divergent literatures and contrasting cases in high- and low-income country contexts}}, Journal = {{SOCIAL SCIENCE \& MEDICINE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{92}}, Pages = {{74-82}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Partnership is a prominent approach to delivering healthcare globally, with advocates arguing that partnership has distinctive advantages over alternatives such as hierarchies or markets. There is much debate as to whether partnerships represent a distinctive mode of coordination in practice, however. Furthermore, despite evidence from diverse settings of the challenges of putting partnerships into practice, there has been little cross-pollination between literature from different fields. We bring together existing literature and two partnership case studies in the contrasting contexts of the UK National Health Service and an internationally-funded health intervention in Cambodia. The case studies were conducted between 2005 and 2008. Based on our synthesis of the literature, we propose an analytical distinction between instrumental and transformative partnerships, arguing that it is transformative partnerships that can deliver the unique advantages set out in theory. Comparative analysis of the cases illustrates that although both were able to achieve some valuable successes, they fell short of realising their transformative potential. We identify five common issues that impeded or facilitated transformative partnership-working, at micro, meso- and macro-levels: starting conditions; programme set-up; funding asymmetries and interdependence; accountability mechanisms; and relationships and distance from the field. Through systematic comparison we offer a more nuanced understanding of how programmes themselves create particular architectures for partnership, how underlying globalised institutional logics of managerialism promote instrumental partnerships, and how local-level, interpersonal relationships may help to overcome barriers to partnership's transformative potential. (c) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.05.026}}, ISSN = {{0277-9536}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000322858200009}}, } @article{ ISI:000209336000009, Author = {Litt, Andrea R. and Pearson, Dean E.}, Title = {{Non-Native Plants and Wildlife in the Intermountain West}}, Journal = {{WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{37}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{517-526}}, Month = {{SEP}}, Abstract = {{Non-native plant invasions can change communities and ecosystems by altering the structure and composition of native vegetation. Changes in native plant communities caused by non-native plants can influence native wildlife species in diverse ways, but the outcomes and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we review and synthesize current information for the Intermountain West of the United States, to develop a general mechanistic understanding of how invasions by non-native plants affect wildlife, and we identify important information gaps. In this region, most species of recognized conservation and management concern are non-native forbs (e.g., leafy spurge {[}Euphorbia esula], spotted knapweed {[}Centaurea stoebe]), although non-native grasses (e.g., cheatgrass {[}Bromus tectorum], medusahead {[}Taeniatherum caputmedusae]) also have greatly altered vegetation communities. These invasions by non-native plants affect native fauna through both trophic and non-trophic (habitat) pathways and via both direct and indirect effects. The degree to which these invasions affect wildlife depends largely on the degree to which non-native plants alter form and function of native vegetation communities. Reciprocally, native animals can influence distribution and abundance of non-native plants by facilitating or inhibiting invasions through herbivory, seed predation, seed dispersal, soil disturbance, and pollination. Current understanding of interactions between non-native plants and wildlife is limited because few invasions have been studied in sufficient detail to quantify population-level effects on wildlife reliably or to identify underlying mechanisms causing the observed effects. Although management of non-native plants has increased in this region, we understand even less about whether control measures can mitigate the adverse effects of non-native plants on organisms that occupy higher trophic levels. (C) 2013 The Wildlife Society.}}, DOI = {{10.1002/wsb.306}}, ISSN = {{1938-5463}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000209336000009}}, } @article{ ISI:000318960200007, Author = {Johnson, Christopher A. and Amarasekare, Priyanga}, Title = {{Competition for benefits can promote the persistence of mutualistic interactions}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{328}}, Pages = {{54-64}}, Month = {{JUL 7}}, Abstract = {{Mutualistic interactions are characterized by positive density-dependence that should cause interacting species to go extinct when rare. However, data show mutualistic interactions to be common and persistent. Previous theory predicts persistence provided that mutualistic species are regulated by factors external to the mutualistic interaction (e.g., limiting background resources). Empirical data suggest that competition for the benefits provided by mutualistic partners could be a source of negative density-dependence that allows for population regulation, but there is little, if any, theoretical exploration of this mechanism. Here we develop mathematical models to investigate whether competition for benefits alone can allow the persistence of obligate mutualistic interactions. We consider the role of trade-offs in persistence, specifically, trade-offs between benefits acquired versus given and between competition for access to partners (competitive ability) and benefit acquisition. We find that competition for benefits alone is sufficient to promote the persistence of pairwise interactions and the assembly of a three-species community module from an initially pairwise interaction. We find that a trade-off between benefits acquired versus given reduces opportunities for cheating (because a species that acquires significantly more benefits than it gives drives its partner extinct), while a trade-off between competitive ability and benefit acquisition facilitates persistence when it is weak, but constrains persistence when it is strong. When both trade-offs operate simultaneously, persistence requires that each species acquire sufficient benefits to avoid being cheated by its partners, but not so much that it loses its competitive ability. The key finding is that competition for benefits provides a biologically-realistic mechanism for the long-term persistence of mutualistic interactions and the assembly of complex community modules from initially pairwise interactions. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.jtbi.2013.03.016}}, ISSN = {{0022-5193}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000318960200007}}, } @article{ ISI:000321629400007, Author = {Li Jing and Pang Shaojun and Liu Feng and Shan Tifeng and Gao Suqin}, Title = {{Spermatozoid life-span of two brown seaweeds, Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida, as measured by fertilization efficiency}}, Journal = {{CHINESE JOURNAL OF OCEANOLOGY AND LIMNOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{31}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{774-781}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{During sexual reproduction of seaweeds, spermatozoid (sperm) discharge is triggered by chemical messengers (pheromones) released by the female gametes. The chemotactic ability of the sperm ensures fertilization success. Using unialgal male and female gametophyte material under designated standard gametogenesis testing (SGT) conditions, the potential life-span of the sperm of two seaweeds, Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida, was assessed by their ability to fertilize eggs. Results show that within 20-30 min after being discharged, sperm of both species could complete fertilization without an apparent decline in fertilization rate. Although fertilization rate 60-120 min after sperm discharge dropped significantly in both species, some sperm were viable enough to fertilize the eggs. In S. japonica, at 12A degrees C, some sperm were able to fertilize eggs up to 12 h after discharge. In both species, egg discharge rates (EDR) in the male and female mixed positive controls were significantly higher than those of all the sperm-testing groups. Doubling the seeded male gametophytes of S. japonica in the SGT tests significantly increased the EDR, further confirming the effect of the presence of the male on the female in terms of facilitating egg discharge from oogonia.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00343-013-2207-y}}, ISSN = {{0254-4059}}, EISSN = {{1993-5005}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000321629400007}}, } @article{ ISI:000321552800014, Author = {Wang, Hurng-Yi and Hsieh, Chia-Hung and Huang, Chin-Gi and Kong, Siu-Wah and Chang, Hsiao-Chi and Lee, Ho-Huei and Wang, Wei-Kuang and Chen, Shih-Lun and Tzeng, Hsy-Yu and Wu, Wen-Jer}, Title = {{Genetic and physiological data suggest demographic and adaptive responses in complex interactions between populations of figs (Ficus pumila) and their pollinating wasps (Wiebesia pumilae)}}, Journal = {{MOLECULAR ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{22}}, Number = {{14}}, Pages = {{3814-3832}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{To study interactions between host figs and their pollinating wasps and the influence of climatic change on their genetic structures, we sequenced cytoplasmic and nuclear genes and genotyped nuclear microsatellite loci from two varieties of Ficus pumila, the widespread creeping fig and endemic jelly fig, and from their pollinating wasps, Wiebesia pumilae, found in Taiwan and on nearby offshore islands. Great divergence in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) with no genetic admixture in nuclear markers indicated that creeping- and jelly-fig wasps are genetically distinct. Compared with creeping-fig wasps, jelly-fig wasps also showed better resistance under cold (20 degrees C) than warm (25 and 30 degrees C) conditions in a survival test, indicating their adaptation to a cold environment, which may have facilitated population expansion during the ice age as shown by a nuclear intron and 10 microsatellite loci. An excess of amino acid divergence and a pattern of too many rare mtCOI variants of jelly-fig wasps as revealed by computer simulations and neutrality tests implied the effect of positive selection, which we hypothesize was associated with the cold-adaptation process. Chloroplast DNA of the two fig plants was completely segregated, with signs of genetic admixture in nuclear markers. As creeping- and jelly-fig wasps can pollinate creeping figs, occasional gene flow between the two figs is thus possible. Therefore, it is suggested that pollinating wasps may be playing an active role in driving introgression between different types of host fig.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/mec.12336}}, ISSN = {{0962-1083}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{WANG, HURNG-YI/0000-0003-1708-8734 Tzeng, Hsy-Yu/0000-0003-0952-6255}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000321552800014}}, } @article{ ISI:000320938100012, Author = {Duffy, Karl J. and Patrick, Kirsten L. and Johnson, Steven D.}, Title = {{Does the likelihood of an Allee effect on plant fecundity depend on the type of pollinator?}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{101}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{953-962}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{Factors underlying the Allee effect are still heavily debated in ecology. For plants that rely on pollinators for seed production, decreases in conspecific aggregation may reduce attractiveness to floral visitors and lead to an Allee effect. However, floral visitors often differ in their pollination effectiveness; hence, the likelihood of an Allee effect in plant fecundity may depend on how various flower visitors respond to plant aggregation. We tested for Allee effects on fecundity of individuals across twoyears in the self-incompatible perennial, Kniphofia linearifolia Baker (Xanthorrhoeaceae), which has two distinct types of pollinator, birds and native bees. For this, we used three measures of aggregation; population size, density and isolation. We made replicated pollinator observations in populations of various aggregations and quantified fecundity in these populations. To determine the differences in pollinator effectiveness and assess their contribution to fecundity, we selectively excluded bird visitors from K.linearifolia in these populations. We found that population size, but not density or isolation distance, was associated with increased bird abundance and seed set in one of the twoyears of the study. Bird visitation rate increased with increased plant aggregation within populations. Fruit set and seed set per flower were positively related to bird visitation rate. The difference in seed set per flower between bird-excluded and unmanipulated plants increased with increasing population size. Although birds were much less frequent visitors than bees (on average 2.1 visits plant-1h-1 compared to 57.5 visits plant-1h-1), selective exclusion experiments indicated that birds are consistently the more effective pollinators of this species, and therefore most likely to influence fecundity. Synthesis. In this system, characterised by an Allee effect on plant fecundity, birds were the most effective pollinators, responded positively to plant aggregation and were associated with increased fecundity. Therefore, the responses of effective pollinators to plant aggregation may be a factor that underlies Allee effects on plant fecundity.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2745.12104}}, ISSN = {{0022-0477}}, EISSN = {{1365-2745}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Johnson, Steven/F-1146-2010}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000320938100012}}, } @article{ ISI:000320560100008, Author = {Rightmyer, Molly G. and Griswold, Terry and Brady, Sean G.}, Title = {{Phylogeny and systematics of the bee genus Osmia (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) with emphasis on North American Melanosmia: subgenera, synonymies and nesting biology revisited}}, Journal = {{SYSTEMATIC ENTOMOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{38}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{561-576}}, Month = {{JUL}}, Abstract = {{The predominantly Holarctic bee genus Osmia Panzer is species-rich and behaviourally diverse. A robust phylogeny of this genus is important for understanding the evolution of the immense variety of morphological and behavioural traits exhibited by this group. We infer a phylogeny of Osmia using DNA sequence data obtained from three nuclear genes (elongation factor 1-, LW-rhodopsin and CAD) and the mitochondrial gene COI. Our taxon sampling places special attention on North American members of the subgenus Melanosmia Schmiedeknecht; we discuss the novel placement of a number of species traditionally assigned to O. (Melanosmia) and examine the relative support for alternative classifications of this species-rich subgenus. We use this new phylogeny to guide a reassessment of morphological and behavioural characters within Osmia. Our results provide support for the recognition of Osmia (Hapsidosmia), subgen.n., a monotypic subgenus containing Osmia iridis Cockerell \& Titus. We synonymize Osmia (Mystacosmia) Snelling under O. (Melanosmia), syn.n. We synonymize Osmia (Acanthosmioides) Ashmead under O. (Melanosmia), syn.n., propose odontogaster species group' as a replacement for the subgeneric name Acanthosmioides, and refine the morphological characters that serve to diagnose the species group. We additionally propose nigrifrons species group' for a clade within O. (Melanosmia) containing most species formerly placed in Osmia (Centrosmia) Robertson. We demonstrate more cohesive patterns of nest substrate use in the nigrifrons and odontogaster species groups than was previously believed to occur, reconsider character polarity of aspects of the female mandible, and show that a large number of morphological characters have evolved convergently within the genus. In order to facilitate discussion of relevant taxa, we propose the following 15 new synonymies: O. bakeri Sandhouse under O. melanopleura Cockerell; O. crenulaticornis Michener under O. pinorum Cockerell; O. claremontensis Michener under O. sedula Sandhouse; O. cockerelli Sandhouse under O. dakotensis Michener; O. francisconis White under O. enixa Sandhouse; O. hurdi White under O. austromaritima Michener; O. sladeni Sandhouse under O. nifoata Cockerell; O. titusi Cockerell under O. phenax Cockerell; O. subtrevoris Cockerell, O. physariae Cockerell, and O. erecta Michener under O. giliarum Cockerell; and O. universitatis Cockerell, O. integrella Cockerell, O. amala Cockerell, and O. metitia Cockerell under O. nigrifrons Cresson, syn.n. We remove O. wyomingensis Michener from synonymy with O. nifoata Cockerell, stat.n., and O. pinorum Cockerell from synonymy with O. physariae Cockerell, stat.n. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A3E7D63B-5C4C-4ACF-BF33-48E5 C5DD1B0D.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/syen.12013}}, ISSN = {{0307-6970}}, EISSN = {{1365-3113}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000320560100008}}, } @article{ ISI:000320755400043, Author = {Perea, Ramon and Venturas, Martin and Gil, Luis}, Title = {{Empty Seeds Are Not Always Bad: Simultaneous Effect of Seed Emptiness and Masting on Animal Seed Predation}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{6}}, Month = {{JUN 11}}, Abstract = {{Seed masting and production of empty seeds have often been considered independently as different strategies to reduce seed predation by animals. Here, we integrate both phenomena within the whole assemblage of seed predators (both pre and post-dispersal) and in two contrasting microsites (open vs. sheltered) to improve our understanding of the factors controlling seed predation in a wind-dispersed tree (Ulmus laevis). In years with larger crop sizes more avian seed predators were attracted with an increase in the proportion of full seeds predated on the ground. However, for abundant crops, the presence of empty seeds decreased the proportion of full seeds predated. Empty seeds remained for a very long period in the tree, making location of full seeds more difficult for pre-dispersal predators and expanding the overall seed drop period at a very low cost (in dry biomass and allocation of C, N and P). Parthenocarpy (non-fertilized seeds) was the main cause of seed emptiness whereas seed abortion was produced in low quantity. These aborted seeds fell prematurely and, thus, could not work as deceptive seeds. A proportion of 50\% empty seeds significantly reduced ground seed predation by 26\%. However, a high rate of parthenocarpy (beyond 50\% empty seeds) did not significantly reduce seed predation in comparison to 50\% empty seeds. We also found a high variability and unpredictability in the production of empty seeds, both at tree and population level, making predator deception more effective. Open areas were especially important to facilitate seed survival since rodents (the main post-dispersal predators) consumed seeds mostly under shrub cover. In elm trees parthenocarpy is a common event that might work as an adaptive strategy to reduce seed predation. Masting per se did not apparently reduce the overall proportion of seeds predated in this wind-dispersed tree, but kept great numbers of seeds unconsumed.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0065573}}, Article-Number = {{e65573}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Perea, Ramon/A-9120-2017 Gil, Luis/E-3216-2014 Venturas, Martin/J-2423-2014}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Perea, Ramon/0000-0002-2206-3614 Gil, Luis/0000-0002-5252-2607 Venturas, Martin/0000-0001-5972-9064}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000320755400043}}, } @article{ ISI:000328308400005, Author = {Toomey, Anne H. and Domroese, Margret C.}, Title = {{Can citizen science lead to positive conservation attitudes and behaviors?}}, Journal = {{HUMAN ECOLOGY REVIEW}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{20}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{50-62}}, Month = {{SUM}}, Abstract = {{Citizen science the partnering of scientists with members of the public to do research is increasingly utilized in environmental research, having been credited with enabling studies that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive while promoting scientific literacy and empowering and engaging participants in conservation. Although the value of citizen-generated data for scientific purposes is increasingly accepted, and there is a growing recognition of the role of citizen science in developing science literacy, there has been little investigation of its link to conservation outcomes particularly in terms of volunteers' further engagement in conservation. This paper reviews the literature on the relationship between participation in citizen science and conservation attitude and behavior changes, and looks at the relevance of theoretical models to shed light on possible drivers of such changes. We discuss two citizen science projects in the New York metropolitan area the Great Pollinator Project and the Earthwatch Coyote Project as illustrations of the impact of citizen science on attitudes and behaviors as perceived by participants. We offer recommendations for further research on facilitating conservation outcomes through citizen science.}}, ISSN = {{1074-4827}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000328308400005}}, } @article{ ISI:000321306600007, Author = {Ashman, Tia-Lynn and Arceo-Gomez, Gerardo}, Title = {{TOWARD A PREDICTIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE FITNESS COSTS OF HETEROSPECIFIC POLLEN RECEIPT AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN CO-FLOWERING COMMUNITIES}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{100}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1061-1070}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Premise of the study: While we have a good understanding of how co-flowering plants interact via pollinator foraging, we still know very little about how plants interact via heterospecific pollen (HP) receipt. To fill this gap, we sought to illuminate the extent of HP receipt and quantitatively evaluate the fitness consequences of HP receipt. We consider plant traits that could mediate the fitness costs of HP receipt in an effort to better understand the potential consequences of pollinator sharing in natural communities. Methods: We survey the literature for occurrence of HP receipt and assess variation in the fitness effects of a standard HP treatment. We develop a conceptual framework for understanding variation in fitness consequences of HP receipt. Key results: We find evidence for variation in HP receipt and its costs. Our framework predicts that certain traits (self-incompatibility, small, highly aperaturate or allelopathic pollen) will lead to detrimental HP donors, whereas others (self-compatibility, small or wet stigmas, short styles) will lead to vulnerable HP recipients. We also predict that detrimental effects of HP receipt will increase with decreasing phylogenetic distance between donor and recipient. Conclusions: Our framework can guide much needed additional work so that we can evaluate whether and which plant traits contribute to the variation in the effects of HP receipt. This will be a step toward predicting the consequences of HP receipt in natural communities, and ultimately transform our understanding of the role of postpollination interactions in floral trait evolution and pollinator sharing.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1200496}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000321306600007}}, } @article{ ISI:000321306600020, Author = {Williams, Claire G.}, Title = {{FOREST TREE POLLEN DISPERSAL VIA THE WATER CYCLE}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{100}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1184-1190}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Premise of the Study: Pine pollen (Pinus spp.), along with other atmospheric particles, is dispersed by the water cycle, but this mode of dispersal requires cloud-pollen interactions that depend on taxon-specific biological properties. In the simplest form of this dispersal, pine pollen ascends vertically to altitudes of 2 to 6 km, where a fraction is captured by mixed-phase cloud formation. Captured pollen accretes into frozen droplets, which ultimately descend as rain, snow, or hail. Whether Pinus pollen can still germinate after its exposure to high-altitude freezing is pertinent to (1) how forests adapt to climate change and (2) potential gene flow between genetically modified plantation species and their conspecific relatives. Methods: To address this question, pollen from four Old World and two New World Pinus species were subjected to immersion freezing, a common cloud formation mode, under laboratory conditions. Key Results: Some pollen grains immersed at -20 degrees C for 15, 60, or 120 min in either a dehydrated or a water-saturated state were still capable of germination. After exposure, dehydrated pine pollen had higher germination (43.3\%) than water-saturated pollen (7.6\%). Conclusions: Pine pollen exposed to freezing during cloud formation can still germinate, raising the question of whether rain-delivered live pollen might be linked to rain-facilitated pollination. Dispersal of live pine pollen via cloud formation and the water cycle itself deserves closer study.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1300085}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000321306600020}}, } @article{ ISI:000320742700001, Author = {Greenspoon, Philip B. and M'Gonigle, Leithen K.}, Title = {{Can positive frequency dependence facilitate plant coexistence?}}, Journal = {{TRENDS IN ECOLOGY \& EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{28}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{317-318}}, Month = {{JUN}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.tree.2013.02.016}}, ISSN = {{0169-5347}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000320742700001}}, } @article{ ISI:000319077100006, Author = {Song, Bo and Zhang, Zhi-Qiang and Stoecklin, Juerg and Yang, Yang and Niu, Yang and Chen, Jian-Guo and Sun, Hang}, Title = {{Multifunctional bracts enhance plant fitness during flowering and seed development in Rheum nobile (Polygonaceae), a giant herb endemic to the high Himalayas}}, Journal = {{OECOLOGIA}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{172}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{359-370}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Specialized bracts are thought to be important for the successful reproduction of some plants and are regarded as adaptations to diverse driving forces. However, few empirical studies have quantified the adaptive significance of bracts within a cost-benefit framework. We explored the adaptive significance of large and showy bracts for reproduction in Rheum nobile, a giant herb endemic to the high Himalayas. We examined whether the bracts enhance reproductive success during flowering and seed development. Bracts increased flower and fruit temperature on sunny days, greatly decreased the intensity of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation reaching flowers and fruits, and prevented pollen grains being washed away by rain. Experiments indicated that high temperature could promote pollen germination, while pollen grains exposed to rain and UV-B radiation at ambient levels were seriously damaged. Furthermore, bract removal decreased the number of pollinators visiting flowers. When bracts were removed before or after flowering, fecundity and progeny quality were adversely affected, but seed predation by larvae of pollinators decreased. A cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that the cost of bracts, i.e., increased seed predation, is modest. Our results suggest that the bracts of R. nobile promote pollen germination, protect pollen grains from rain and intense UV-B radiation, enhance pollinator visitation during flowering, and facilitate the development of fertilized ovules during seed development. We conclude that multifunctional bracts of R. nobile are an effective adaptive strategy in alpine environments and might have been selected for because of abiotic environmental conditions as well as for enhancing pollination success.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00442-012-2518-2}}, ISSN = {{0029-8549}}, EISSN = {{1432-1939}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000319077100006}}, } @article{ ISI:000319077100016, Author = {Da Silva, Elizabeth M. and King, Vashti M. and Russell-Mercier, Jake L. and Sargent, Risa D.}, Title = {{Evidence for pollen limitation of a native plant in invaded communities}}, Journal = {{OECOLOGIA}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{172}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{469-476}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Animal-pollinated invasive species have frequently been demonstrated to outcompete native species for pollinator attention, which can have detrimental effects on the reproductive success and population dynamics of native species. Many animal-pollinated invasive species exhibit showy flowers and provide substantial rewards, allowing them to act as pollinator `magnets', which, at a large scale, can attract more pollinators to an area, but, at a smaller scale, may reduce compatible pollen flow to local native species, possibly explaining why most studies detect competition. By performing pollen limitation experiments of populations in both invaded and uninvaded sites, we demonstrate that the invasive plant Lythrum salicaria appears to facilitate, rather than hinder, the reproductive success of native confamilial Decodon verticillatus, even at a small scale, in a wetland habitat in southeastern Ontario. We found no evidence for a magnet species effect on pollinator attraction to invaded sites. Germination experiments confirmed that seeds from invaded sites had similar germination rates to those from uninvaded sites, making it unlikely that a difference in inbreeding was masking competitive effects. We describe several explanations for our findings. Notably, there were no differences in seed set among populations at invaded and uninvaded sites. Our results underscore the inherent complexity of studying the ecological impacts of invasive species on natives.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00442-012-2513-7}}, ISSN = {{0029-8549}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000319077100016}}, } @article{ ISI:000319616200001, Author = {Gonzalez, Victor H. and Griswold, Terry L.}, Title = {{Wool carder bees of the genus Anthidium in the Western Hemisphere (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae): diversity, host plant associations, phylogeny, and biogeography}}, Journal = {{ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{168}}, Number = {{2, SI}}, Pages = {{221-425}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Bees are among the most important pollinators of flowering plants in most ecosystems. Recent concerns about population decline worldwide have highlighted the urgent societal need for species-level systematic work that facilitates assessments of the status of pollinators and pollination services. This is a comprehensive, broadly comparative study on the diversity, biology, biogeography, and evolution of Anthidium Fabricius, 1804, one of the most diverse megachilid genera, containing more than 160 species worldwide. Herein, the Western Hemisphere species are revised. All 92 recognized species, including the two adventive species Anthidium oblongatum (Illiger, 1806) and Anthidium manicatum (Linnaeus, 1758), are described and illustrated. A neotype for Anthidium emarginatum (Say, 1824) and lectotypes for 16 names are designated; five names are relegated to synonymy, three names are revalidated, previously unknown males of three species are described, and 21 new species are proposed. Identification keys as well as information on the distribution, seasonality, nesting biology, and host plants are provided. The relationships of the Anthidium subgenera and all Western Hemisphere species are explored using a cladistic analysis based on adult external morphological characters. The subgenus CallanthidiumCockerell, 1925, renders Anthidiums.s. paraphylectic in the analysis, and is here synonymized. The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis is used to examine possible biogeographical patterns, origins of the Western Hemisphere fauna, and the evolution of morphological traits associated with foraging for pollen from nototribic flowers and exudates from glandular trichomes. To facilitate the transfer of knowledge to non-specialists, some digital outputs and web-based products, including a geo-referenced specimen database consisting of more than 20000 records, species pages, and interactive digital keys, were also developed during this study.(c) 2013 The Linnean Society of London}}, DOI = {{10.1111/zoj.12017}}, ISSN = {{0024-4082}}, EISSN = {{1096-3642}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Gonzalez, Victor/B-4072-2015}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000319616200001}}, } @article{ ISI:000318924700002, Author = {Neuschulz, Eike L. and Grass, Ingo and Botzat, Alexandra and Johnson, Steven D. and Farwig, Nina}, Title = {{Persistence of flower visitors and pollination services of a generalist tree in modified forests}}, Journal = {{AUSTRAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{38}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{374-382}}, Month = {{JUN}}, Abstract = {{Flower-visiting insects provide essential pollination services to many plant species. It is thus of critical importance to understand the effects of anthropogenic landscape modification on these animals. Particularly at the landscape scale, we still lack information on how flower visitors are affected by different intensities of human disturbance. In this study, we chose six representative types of forest modification across a heterogeneous South African landscape. At 36 study sites we observed insect visitation to Celtis africana flowers in two consecutive years. This generalist tree species has small unspecialized flowers which we found to be pollinated by a diverse array of insects as well as by wind. Visitation rates to flowers of C.africana differed significantly among the six forest types and between two study years. Visitation rates were enhanced in modified forests, facilitated by a high abundance of feral honeybees (Apis mellifera). Fruit set in C.africana showed significant positive associations with insect visitation and with the diversity of flower visitors, but was only weakly predicted by forest type. Our findings imply that even though forest modification can strongly alter flower visitors, pollination services for trees with unspecialized flowers may persist at a landscape scale. We advise conservation managers to maintain modified forest fragments in addition to natural forests as these may contribute to sustain pollination services in human-modified landscapes.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/j.1442-9993.2012.02417.x}}, ISSN = {{1442-9985}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Johnson, Steven/F-1146-2010 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Grass, Ingo/0000-0001-7788-1940}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000318924700002}}, } @article{ ISI:000319844900002, Author = {Rahman, Habibur}, Title = {{Review: Breeding spring canola (Brassica napus L) by the use of exotic germplasm}}, Journal = {{CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{93}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{363-373}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{The need of broadening genetic diversity in spring canola (Brassica napus) breeding programs seems to be the general consensus among canola breeders and researchers. Diversity analysis by the use of molecular markers has identified several B. napus gene pools as well as allied Brassica species that are genetically distinct from spring canola B. napus; and these gene pools can be used for the improvement of this crop. Use of genetically diverse and un-adapted B. napus germplasm in the breeding of spring canola can be challenging, as introduction of several unwanted traits/alleles from exotic germplasm into spring canola occurs, and this would require repeated cycles of breeding for improvement. Similarly, use of allied species can be even more challenging due to the difficulties associated with interspecific hybrid production, sterility of hybrids, linkage drag, and the introduction of unwanted alleles. However, this can be compensated in the long-term perspective for the improvement of this crop. Some research efforts have been made in recent years to broaden allelic diversity in spring canola for the improvement of seed yield and other traits in open-pollinated and hybrid cultivars with promising results. Seed yield is a complex trait which is controlled by several gene loci with multiple alleles at these loci as well as interactions between loci and different alleles. This makes the identification of right allelic combinations an extremely challenging task. However, canola breeders have been able to make steady improvements in this crop in past decades based on the amount of allelic diversity present in existing breeding material. Introduction of favourable new alleles in breeding programs would allow breeders to create superior allelic combinations, enhancing the diversity in current breeding materials to further improve the crop. With the availability of the Brassica genome sequence, knowledge of sequence variation in specific genes and cost-effective high-throughput genotyping, it is expected that molecular plant breeding will play an important role in the breeding of canola cultivars. Discovery of favourable allele combinations in a short span of time is likely to be facilitated through the application of modern breeding tools.}}, DOI = {{10.4141/CJPS2012-074}}, ISSN = {{0008-4220}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Rah'man, Ha\si'm/A-8915-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Rah'man, Ha\si'm/0000-0002-9903-3341}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000319844900002}}, } @article{ ISI:000317602900024, Author = {Sanchez, J. M. and Ferrero, V. and Navarro, L.}, Title = {{Quantifying reciprocity in distylous and tristylous plant populations}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{15}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{616-620}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Reciprocal herkogamy (heterostyly) is an example of extreme relevance of accuracy of the location of the sexual organs within some floral systems. It involves the reciprocal positioning of anthers and stigmas in flowers of different plants within the same population, and the accuracy of this positioning is important to promote out-cross pollination, prevent self-interference, or both. Hence, several indices have been proposed to quantify reciprocity, most of them for populations with two different morphs (distylous). Here, we propose an extension of our index of reciprocity for distylous populations to be applied also to populations with three morphs (tristylous), allowing effective comparisons of reciprocity between tristylous, but also distylous populations. As for the distylous version, the index is based on comparison of the position of every single sexual organ in the sample with each and every organ of the opposite sex, for each of the three possible organ levels. Due to the massive amount of calculations required, a macro was developed that is available as Supplementary Information and at the website of the authors. The index and macro were tested on several hypothetical tristylous and distylous populations with predetermined mean and dispersion of sexual organs at each level, as well as on several actual tristylous and distylous populations. The index proposed is a solid tool for the study of reciprocity in distylous and tristylous populations. Comparisons between distylous and tristylous populations are easily performed and can be readily interpreted. The applicability of the index is facilitated through the software provided.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/j.1438-8677.2012.00720.x}}, ISSN = {{1435-8603}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Navarro, Luis/C-4175-2008 Ferrero, Victoria/C-4713-2013}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Navarro, Luis/0000-0002-8308-2237 Ferrero, Victoria/0000-0002-2091-8957}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000317602900024}}, } @article{ ISI:000317351400016, Author = {Heleno, Ruben H. and Ramos, Jaime A. and Memmott, Jane}, Title = {{Integration of exotic seeds into an Azorean seed dispersal network}}, Journal = {{BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{15}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{1143-1154}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Seed dispersal plays a central role in plant ecology. Among animals, birds are particularly important seed dispersers, often incorporating exotic plants into their diets and facilitating their integration in the communities. Network theory offers a highly informative framework to study the structural and functional attributes of complex interactions networks. We used information from bird fecal samples to build a quantitative seed dispersal network for the last fragment of native laurel forest in the island of So Miguel-Azores with three specific objectives: (1) to assess the integration of exotic seeds into seed dispersal; (2) to evaluate the impact of exotic plants in network structure; (3) to test the potential of an exotic species to reduce the seed dispersal of a co-occurring native, via competition for seed dispersers. The seed dispersal network was based on the analysis of 1,121 droppings and described 74 unique interactions between 41 plant species and 7 bird species. Exotic seeds deeply infiltrated into the seed dispersal network forming the majority (59 \%) of seeds in the droppings and including those of three globally invasive plants. Overall, birds depended equally on native and exotic fruits despite the lower abundance of the latter in the study area. In an experiment, birds did not show a preference for fruits of the exotic Leycesteria formosa over the native Vaccinium cylindraceum consuming them equally. However, the presence of the exotic plant negatively affected the number of native seeds dispersed, by diverting some of the consumers of the native fruits. Taken altogether the results reveal an alarming invasion level of seed dispersal systems in one of the last remnant native forests of the Azores.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10530-012-0357-z}}, ISSN = {{1387-3547}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Heleno, Ruben/A-5778-2011 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Heleno, Ruben/0000-0002-4808-4907 Ramos, Jaime/0000-0002-9533-987X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000317351400016}}, } @article{ ISI:000317744700002, Author = {Liu, Wenli and Wang, Yongfan and Chen, Quan and Yu, Shixiao}, Title = {{Pollination of invasive Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae) by the introduced honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) in South China}}, Journal = {{PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{299}}, Number = {{5}}, Pages = {{817-825}}, Month = {{MAY}}, Abstract = {{Heterostyly functions as an outcrossing mechanism facilitating accurate pollen transfer from anthers to stigmas of particular heights as a result of the behavior of specialist pollinators. However, heterostylous plants are also visited by generalist pollinators, which may affect the plant-pollinator mutualism. Eichhornia crassipes is a tristylous invasive species, with only the mid- and long-styled morphs (M and L) found in China. We recorded flower-visiting insects in Zhuhai, Zhongshan and Nanning in South China. We hand-pollinated the two morphs to determine their compatibility. In addition, by allowing controlled insect pollination in artificial isoplethically monomorphic and bimorphic populations, we undertook a detailed analysis of pollen deposition between the floral morphs, and fruit and seed set. Ranked by relative abundance, the flower-visiting insects were: Apis mellifera, A. cerana, Lasioglossum sp. and Eristalis arvorum. Hand pollination showed that both the M and L morphs were self-compatible, but the former was probably more so than the latter. Intra-morph pollen transfer by A. mellifera within a population was significantly greater than legitimate pollen transfer between populations, suggesting that the pollen exchange between populations was limited. Seed set of the L morph was significantly greater than that of the M morph in monomorphic populations, indicating intra-morph pollen deposition in the former was higher than in the latter. The results showed that A. mellifera was the major pollinator in South China and able to pollinate E. crassipes legitimately and to promote its fruit and seed set, even though high levels of intra-morph pollination occurred.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s00606-013-0764-3}}, ISSN = {{0378-2697}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000317744700002}}, } @article{ ISI:000329805100001, Author = {McAtee, Peter and Karim, Siti and Schaffer, Robert and David, Karine}, Title = {{A dynamic interplay between phytohormones is required for fruit development, maturation, and ripening}}, Journal = {{FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{4}}, Month = {{APR 17}}, Abstract = {{Plant species that bear fruit often utilize expansion of an ovary (carpel) or accessory tissue as a vehicle for seed dispersal. While the seed(s) develop, the tissue(s) of the fruit follow a common progression of cell division and cell expansion, promoting growth of the fruit. Once the seed is fully developed, the fruit matures and the surrounding tissue either dries or ripens promoting the dissemination of the seed. As with many developmental processes in plants, plant hormones play an important role in the synchronization of signals between the developing seed and its surrounding fruit tissue(s), regulating each phase of fruit development. Following pollination, fruit set is achieved through a de-repression of growth and an activation of cell division via the action of auxin and/or cytokinin and/or gibberellin. Following fruit set, growth of the fruit is facilitated through a relatively poorly studied period of cell expansion and endoreduplication that is likely regulated by similar hormones as in fruit set. Once the seeds reach maturity, fruit become ready to undergo ripening and during this period there is a major switch in relative hormone levels of the fruit, involving an overall decrease in auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin and a simultaneous increase in abscisic acid and ethylene. While the role of hormones in fruit set and ripening is well documented, the knowledge of the roles of other hormones during growth, maturation, and some individual ripening components is sketchy}}, DOI = {{10.3389/fpls.2013.00079}}, Article-Number = {{79}}, ISSN = {{1664-462X}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{McAtee, Peter/O-3991-2017 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{McAtee, Peter/0000-0003-1569-6680 David, Karine/0000-0002-3924-5078 Schaffer, Robert/0000-0003-1272-667X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329805100001}}, } @article{ ISI:000317061100045, Author = {Clarke, Dominic and Whitney, Heather and Sutton, Gregory and Robert, Daniel}, Title = {{Detection and Learning of Floral Electric Fields by Bumblebees}}, Journal = {{SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{340}}, Number = {{6128}}, Pages = {{66-69}}, Month = {{APR 5}}, Abstract = {{Insects use several senses to forage, detecting floral cues such as color, shape, pattern, and volatiles. We report a formerly unappreciated sensory modality in bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), detection of floral electric fields. These fields act as floral cues, which are affected by the visit of naturally charged bees. Like visual cues, floral electric fields exhibit variations in pattern and structure, which can be discriminated by bumblebees. We also show that such electric field information contributes to the complex array of floral cues that together improve a pollinator's memory of floral rewards. Because floral electric fields can change within seconds, this sensory modality may facilitate rapid and dynamic communication between flowers and their pollinators.}}, DOI = {{10.1126/science.1230883}}, ISSN = {{0036-8075}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000317061100045}}, } @article{ ISI:000317306000006, Author = {Junker, Robert R. and Bluethgen, Nico and Brehm, Tanja and Binkenstein, Julia and Paulus, Justina and Schaefer, H. Martin and Stang, Martina}, Title = {{Specialization on traits as basis for the niche-breadth of flower visitors and as structuring mechanism of ecological networks}}, Journal = {{FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{27}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{329-341}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Biotic interactions do not occur in isolation but are imbedded in a network of species interactions. Network analysis facilitates the compilation and understanding of the complexity found in natural ecosystems and is a powerful tool to reveal information on the degree of specialization of the interacting partners and their niches. The indices measuring these properties are based on qualitative or quantitative observations of interactions between partners from different trophic levels, which informs about the structure of network patterns, but not about the underlying mechanisms. Functional traits may control the interaction strength between partners and also the (micro-) structure of networks. Here, we ask whether flower visitors specialize on certain plant traits and how this trait specialization contributes to niche partitioning and interaction partner diversity. We introduce two novel statistical approaches suited to evaluate the dimension of the realized niche and to analyse which traits determine niches. As basis for our analysis, we measured 10 quantitative flower traits and evaluated whether 31 arthropod taxa i visited flowers displaying only subsets of the available trait characteristics, indicating a specialization on these traits by narrow trait-widths Si. The product of 10 trait- and species-specific trait-widths Si was defined as trait-volume Vi (expansion of a n-dimensional hypervolume) occupied by each taxon i. These indices are applicable beyond flowervisitor interactions to quantify realized niches based on various biotic and abiotic factors. Each flower visitor species showed some degree of specialization to a unique set of flower traits (realized niche). Overall, our data suggested a hierarchical sequence of flower traits influencing the flower visitors' behaviour and thus network structure: flowering phenology was found to have the strongest effect, followed by flower height, nectar-tube depth and floral reflectance. Less important were pollen-mass/flower, sugar/flower, anther position, phylogeny, display size and abundance. The species-specific specialization on traits suggests that plant communities with more diverse floral niches may sustain a larger number of flower visitors with non-redundant fundamental niches. Our study and statistical approach provide a basis for a better understanding of how plant traits shape interactions between flowers and their visitors and thus network structure.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/1365-2435.12005}}, ISSN = {{0269-8463}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Bluthgen, Nico/F-5983-2010}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000317306000006}}, } @article{ ISI:000316825400004, Author = {Ayar, Ayhan and Wehrkamp-Richter, Sophie and Laffaire, Jean-Baptiste and Le Goff, Samuel and Levy, Julien and Chaignon, Sandrine and Salmi, Hajer and Lepicard, Alexandra and Sallaud, Christophe and Gallego, Maria E. and White, Charles I. and Paul, Wyatt}, Title = {{Gene targeting in maize by somatic ectopic recombination}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{305-314}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Low transformation efficiency and high background of non-targeted events are major constraints to gene targeting in plants. We demonstrate here applicability in maize of a system that reduces the constraint from transformation efficiency. The system requires regenerable transformants in which all of the following elements are stably integrated in the genome: (i) donor DNA with the gene of interest adjacent to sequence for repair of a defective selectable marker, (ii) sequence encoding a rare-cutting endonuclease such as I-SceI, (iii) a target locus (TL) comprising the defective selectable marker and I-SceI cleavage site. Typically, this requires additional markers for the integration of the donor and target sequences, which may be assembled through cross-pollination of separate transformants. Inducible expression of I-SceI then cleaves the TL and facilitates homologous recombination, which is assayed by selection for the repaired marker. We used bar and gfp markers to identify assembled transformants, a dexamethasone-inducible I-SceI::GR protein, and selection for recombination events that restored an intact nptII. Applying this strategy to callus permitted the selection of recombination into the TL at a frequency of 0.085\% per extracted immature embryo (29\% of recombinants). Our results also indicate that excision of the donor locus (DL) through the use of flanking I-SceI cleavage sites may be unnecessary, and a source of unwanted repair events at the DL. The system allows production, from each assembled transformant, of many cells that subsequently can be treated to induce gene targeting. This may facilitate gene targeting in plant species for which transformation efficiencies are otherwise limiting.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/pbi.12014}}, ISSN = {{1467-7644}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{White, Charles/F-1001-2011 le goff, samuel/L-1596-2015 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{White, Charles/0000-0001-8152-5797 Gallego, Maria Eugenia/0000-0001-5588-9116}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000316825400004}}, } @article{ ISI:000316825400007, Author = {Chen, Hao and Jiang, Shan and Zheng, Jie and Lin, Yongjun}, Title = {{Improving panicle exsertion of rice cytoplasmic male sterile line by combination of artificial microRNA and artificial target mimic}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{11}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{336-343}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{The adoption of hybrid rice caused the second leap in rice yield after the green revolution' and contributes substantially to food security of China and the world. However, almost all cytoplasmic male sterile lines (A lines) as females of hybrid rice have a natural deficiency of panicle enclosure', which blocks pollination between the A line and the fertility restorer line as the male (R line) of hybrid rice and decreases seed yield. In hybrid rice seed production, exogenous 920' (the active ingredient is gibberellin A3) must be applied to eliminate or alleviate panicle enclosure of the A line; however, this not only increases production cost and pollutes the environment, it also decreases seed quality. In this study, we designed a transgenic approach to improve plant height and panicle exsertion of the A line to facilitate hybrid rice production and maintain the semi-dwarf plant type of the hybrid. This approach comprising two componentsartificial microRNA (amiRNA) and artificial target mimicrycan manipulate the differential expression of the endogenous Eui1 gene that is associated with rice internode elongation in the A line and the hybrid. amiRNA is a recently developed gene silencing method with high specificity, while target mimicry is a natural mechanism inhibiting the miRNA function that was also recently characterized. This approach provides a paradigm to tune the expression of endogenous genes to achieve the desired phenotype by combining amiRNA and artificial target mimicry technologies.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/pbi.12019}}, ISSN = {{1467-7644}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000316825400007}}, } @article{ ISI:000316692500005, Author = {Ludwig, Shanna and Robertson, Ashley and Rich, Timothy C. G. and Djordjevic, Milena and Cerovic, Radosav and Houston, Libby and Harris, Stephen A. and Hiscock, Simon J.}, Title = {{Breeding systems, hybridization and continuing evolution in Avon Gorge Sorbus}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{111}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{563-575}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Interspecific hybridization and polyploidy are key processes in plant evolution and are responsible for ongoing genetic diversification in the genus Sorbus (Rosaceae). The Avon Gorge, Bristol, UK, is a world hotspot for Sorbus diversity and home to diploid sexual species and polyploid apomictic species. This research investigated how mating system variation, hybridization and polyploidy interact to generate this biological diversity. Mating systems of diploid, triploid and tetraploid Sorbus taxa were analysed using pollen tube growth and seed set assays from controlled pollinations, and parentoffspring genotyping of progeny from open and manual pollinations. Diploid Sorbus are outcrossing and self-incompatible (SI). Triploid taxa are pseudogamous apomicts and genetically invariable, but because they also display self-incompatibility, apomictic seed set requires pollen from other Sorbus taxa a phenomenon which offers direct opportunities for hybridization. In contrast tetraploid taxa are pseudogamous but self-compatible, so do not have the same obligate requirement for intertaxon pollination. The mating inter-relationships among Avon Gorge Sorbus taxa are complex and are the driving force for hybridization and ongoing genetic diversification. In particular, the presence of self-incompatibility in triploid pseudogamous apomicts imposes a requirement for interspecific cross-pollination, thereby facilitating continuing diversification and evolution through rare sexual hybridization events. This is the first report of naturally occurring pseudogamous apomictic SI plant populations, and we suggest that interspecific pollination, in combination with a relaxed endosperm balance requirement, is the most likely route to the persistence of these populations. We propose that Avon Gorge Sorbus represents a model system for studying the establishment and persistence of SI apomicts in natural populations.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aob/mct013}}, ISSN = {{0305-7364}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000316692500005}}, } @article{ ISI:000316695500015, Author = {Lutscher, Frithjof and Iljon, Tzvia}, Title = {{Competition, facilitation and the Allee effect}}, Journal = {{OIKOS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{122}}, Number = {{4}}, Pages = {{621-631}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{Individuals of different species may interact in many different ways, such as competition, mutualism, or predation, to name but a few. Recent theory and experiments reveal that whether an interaction is beneficial or detrimental to the dynamics of a population often depends on species densities and other environmental factors. Here, we explore how, for suitable densities, facilitation may arise between two competing species with an Allee effect. We consider two different mechanisms for the Allee effect: 1) plant species with obligate insect pollination, and 2) generalist predation. In the first case, a second plant species, competing for nutrients, may have a facilitative effect by attracting more pollinators. In the second case, another potentially competing species may serve to satiate the same generalist predator and thereby have a facilitative effect. We explore three aspects of facilitation in each of the two systems. The focal species may benefit from the presence of a competitor' if it experiences 1) the removal of the Allee threshold, 2) a lowering of the Allee threshold, or 3) an increase in carrying capacity. We find that the latter two effects occur in both study systems whereas the first only occurs for the generalist predation system but not for the plant-pollination system. We give precise conditions on when such a facilitative effect can be expected. We also demonstrate several unexpected outcomes of these two-species interactions with multiple steady states, such as obligate co-occurence; we draw parallels to the dynamics of species known as ecosystem engineers', and we discuss implications for conservation and management.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/j.1600-0706.2012.20222.x}}, ISSN = {{0030-1299}}, EISSN = {{1600-0706}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Lutscher, Frithjof/C-9484-2012}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Lutscher, Frithjof/0000-0001-7380-7647}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000316695500015}}, } @article{ ISI:000209232600008, Author = {Jun, J. H. and Nam, E. Y. and Chung, K. H. and Yoon, I. K. and Kwon, J. H. and Kim, S. J. and Kwach, Y. B. and Yun, S. K. and Hwang, H. S.}, Title = {{A New Mid-Season Peach Cultivar `Misshong'}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{67}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{120-123}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{`Misshong' is a new peach cultivar, that originated from a cross between `Yumycong' and `Chiyomaru' at the National Institute of Horticultural \& Herbal Science (NIHHS), Rural Development Administration (RDA) in 2007. Trees arc moderately vigorous and the growth habit of the trees is semi-upright. It has showy flowers and blooms in mid to late April at Suwon, Republic of Korea. The anthers have little pollen. Fruits ripen in early to mid August. Fruit weight is 230 g and the soluble solids concentration is 12.9 degrees Brix. Fruit arc attractively colored with a light red blush that covers more than 60\% of the skin surface. Flesh color is creamy white and firmness is soft and of the melting type. Since its anthers have little pollen, pollinizers should be co-planted to facilitate insect pollination.}}, ISSN = {{1527-3741}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000209232600008}}, } @article{ ISI:000315440400005, Author = {Dudareva, Natalia and Klempien, Antje and Muhlemann, Joelle K. and Kaplan, Ian}, Title = {{Biosynthesis, function and metabolic engineering of plant volatile organic compounds}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{198}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{16-32}}, Month = {{APR}}, Abstract = {{16 I. 16 II. 22 III. 23 IV. 25 V. 27 28 References 28 Summary Plants synthesize an amazing diversity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that facilitate interactions with their environment, from attracting pollinators and seed dispersers to protecting themselves from pathogens, parasites and herbivores. Recent progress in -omics technologies resulted in the isolation of genes encoding enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of many volatiles and contributed to our understanding of regulatory mechanisms involved in VOC formation. In this review, we largely focus on the biosynthesis and regulation of plant volatiles, the involvement of floral volatiles in plant reproduction as well as their contribution to plant biodiversity and applications in agriculture via croppollinator interactions. In addition, metabolic engineering approaches for both the improvement of plant defense and pollinator attraction are discussed in light of methodological constraints and ecological complications that limit the transition of crops with modified volatile profiles from research laboratories to real-world implementation.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.12145}}, ISSN = {{1469-8137}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000315440400005}}, } @article{ ISI:000317161400012, Author = {Klepo, Tatjana and De la Rosa, Raul and Satovic, Zlatko and Leon, Lorenzo and Belaj, Angjelina}, Title = {{Utility of wild germplasm in olive breeding}}, Journal = {{SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{152}}, Pages = {{92-101}}, Month = {{MAR 18}}, Abstract = {{Olive breeding programs are only based on commercial cultivars as genitors. However, due to its wide variability, wild olive gremplasm could represent an interesting source of genes for the obtention of new cultivars. With purpose of evaluating the utility of wild olives in breeding programs, two open pollinated progenies (o.p.), originated from a wild olive (Alga05) and the main Spanish olive cultivar (Picual), were compared. Both progenies were analyzed by morphological descriptors, agronomical traits and SSR markers. The use of these 3 marker systems revealed great discrimination capacity, high level of morpho-agronomic and genetic diversity and their complementariness on the evaluation of these olive progenies. As expected, for most of morpho-agronomical traits, `Picual' o.p. progeny showed superior values in comparison to the wild o.p. progeny. However, `Alga05' wild olive progeny was more vigorous, with shorter juvenile period and more abundant flowering than `Picual' o.p. For both progenies, PCA showed strong association between different agro-morphological traits (fruit and stone dimensions in wild olive progeny and fruit trait with oil content in `Picual' progeny) which could facilitate the selection of the most appropriate traits for further evaluations, increasing thus, the efficiency of olive breeding programs. Our results indicate that the use of wild olive as genitors in breeding programs may be useful for generating new genotypes with interesting characters. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.scienta.2012.12.010}}, ISSN = {{0304-4238}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Belaj, Angjelina/A-8476-2016 De la Rosa, Raul/B-5755-2008 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{De la Rosa, Raul/0000-0002-0752-9607 Satovic, Zlatko/0000-0002-9848-1601}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000317161400012}}, } @article{ ISI:000313663700011, Author = {Brittain, Claire and Williams, Neal and Kremen, Claire and Klein, Alexandra-Maria}, Title = {{Synergistic effects of non-Apis bees and honey bees for pollination services}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{280}}, Number = {{1754}}, Month = {{MAR 7}}, Abstract = {{In diverse pollinator communities, interspecific interactions may modify the behaviour and increase the pollination effectiveness of individual species. Because agricultural production reliant on pollination is growing, improving pollination effectiveness could increase crop yield without any increase in agricultural intensity or area. In California almond, a crop highly dependent on honey bee pollination, we explored the foraging behaviour and pollination effectiveness of honey bees in orchards with simple (honey bee only) and diverse (non-Apis bees present) bee communities. In orchards with non-Apis bees, the foraging behaviour of honey bees changed and the pollination effectiveness of a single honey bee visit was greater than in orchards where non-Apis bees were absent. This change translated to a greater proportion of fruit set in these orchards. Our field experiments show that increased pollinator diversity can synergistically increase pollination service, through species interactions that alter the behaviour and resulting functional quality of a dominant pollinator species. These results of functional synergy between species were supported by an additional controlled cage experiment with Osmia lignaria and Apis mellifera. Our findings highlight a largely unexplored facilitative component of the benefit of biodiversity to ecosystem services, and represent a way to improve pollinator-dependent crop yields in a sustainable manner.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2012.2767}}, Article-Number = {{20122767}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, EISSN = {{1471-2954}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000313663700011}}, } @article{ ISI:000318883200002, Author = {Freitas, Leandro}, Title = {{Concepts of pollinator performance: is a simple approach necessary to achieve a standardized terminology?}}, Journal = {{BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{36}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{3-8}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Quantifying the importance of pollinators for reproductive success of plants is a central question in reproductive biology. However, the literature contains a profusion of terms and sometimes conflicting definitions. This inconsistency is a barrier to broad comparisons and conceptual advances in different fields. In recent decades, some widely disseminated studies have proposed recommendations to foster greater standardization. Nevertheless, the literature continues with little uniformity, and terms such as ``efficacy,{''} ``efficiency,{''} and ``effectiveness{''} of pollinators are still used inconsistently. Previous studies concerning conceptual and terminological uniformity provided a series of particular terms related to specific metrics and/or strict definitions for these widely used terms. I here propose comprehensive verbal definitions for the terms that have historically been used by most specialists. Pollinator performance in achieving reproductive success is defined here as its effectiveness, which is, broadly, given by the product of two components: pollinator efficacy and intensity of visitation. In some approaches, a third component - pollinator efficiency - is important for estimates of its effectiveness. The definitions suggested here apply to different variables, parameters, and procedures for study, and may refer to either individuals or populations of a pollinator species, or to functional groups of pollinators. This terminology can be applied widely, as it is not constrained by the scope, approach or scale of a study. A basic terminology with simple definitions may facilitate consistent use of these terms by specialists, particularly among younger investigators, thus surmounting the first barrier to future proposals for conceptual and methodological unification at larger scales.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s40415-013-0005-6}}, ISSN = {{1806-9959}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Freitas, Leandro/E-6975-2011}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000318883200002}}, } @article{ ISI:000316707300012, Author = {Sikora, Magdalena and Valek, Marina and Susic, Zdenka and Santo, Vera and Brdaric, Dario}, Title = {{TREE POLLEN SPECTRA AND POLLEN ALLERGY RISK IN THE OSIJEK-BARANJA COUNTY}}, Journal = {{ARHIV ZA HIGIJENU RADA I TOKSIKOLOGIJU-ARCHIVES OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{64}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{115-122}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{The forests of north-eastern Croatia, as well as various plants and trees in the parks and streets of the Osijek-Baranja County, produce large amounts of pollen during the pollen season, which can cause allergy symptoms in pollen sensitive individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent types of pollen in this area and estimate possible health risks, especially the risk of allergy. In 2009 and 2010, the staff of the Health Ecology Department of the Osijek Public Health Institute monitored tree pollen concentrations in four cities from the Osijek - Baranja County (Osijek, Nagice, Dakovo and Beli Manastir) using a Burkard volumetric instrument. The results were affected by weather conditions. Windy and sunny days facilitated the transfer of pollen, whereas during rainy days, the concentration of pollen grains decreased. High pollen concentrations of Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Betulaceae, Salicaceae and Aceraceae could be the cause for symptoms of pollen allergy. In 2009, conifers, birch and poplar pollen were dominant at all monitoring stations with 5000 pollen grains (PG), 3188 PG and 3113 PG respectively. The highest number of pollen grains was recorded at measuring site Osijek. The variations in airborne pollen concentration between pollen seasons were recorded at all monitoring stations. The most obvious variations were recorded at measuring site Osijek. The usual pollination period lasts two to three months, which means that most pollen grains remain present from February to early June. However, the Cupressaceae / Taxaceae pollination periods last the longest and their pollen grains remain present until the end of summer. The risk of allergy was determined at four monitored measuring stations and the obtained data confirmed that the largest number of days with a high health risk was at the Dakovo measuring station for a species of birch. The research information aims to help allergologists and individuals allergic to plant pollen develop preventive measures and proper treatment therapies.}}, DOI = {{10.2478/10004-1254-64-2013-2235}}, ISSN = {{0004-1254}}, EISSN = {{1848-6312}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000316707300012}}, } @article{ ISI:000314988900018, Author = {Anton, K. A. and Ward, J. R. and Cruzan, M. B.}, Title = {{Pollinator-mediated selection on floral morphology: evidence for transgressive evolution in a derived hybrid lineage}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{26}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{660-673}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Hybridization between closely related lineages is a mechanism that might promote substantive changes in phenotypic traits of descendants, resulting in transgressive evolution. Interbreeding between divergent but morphologically similar lineages can produce exceptional phenotypes, but the potential for transgressive variation to facilitate long-term trait changes in derived hybrid lineages has received little attention. We compare pollinator-mediated selection on transgressive floral traits in both early-generation and derived hybrid lineages of the Piriqueta cistoides ssp. caroliniana complex. The bowl-shaped flowers of morphotypes in this complex have similar gross morphologies and attract a common suite of small insect pollinators. However, they are defined by significant differences in characters that generate pollinator interest and visitation, including floral area and petal separation. In common garden experiments, patterns of pollen deposition in early-generation recombinant hybrids indicate that Piriqueta's pollinators favour flowers with greater area and reduced petal separation. Changes in floral morphology in derived hybrid lineages are consistent with predictions from selection gradients, but the magnitude of change is limited relative to the range of transgressive variation. These results suggest that hybridization provides variation for evolution of divergent floral traits. However, the potential for extreme transgressive variants to contribute to phenotypic shifts may be limited due to reduced heritability, evolutionary constraints or fitness trade-offs.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/jeb.12083}}, ISSN = {{1010-061X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000314988900018}}, } @article{ ISI:000314756900001, Author = {Jiang, J. and Zhang, Z. and Cao, J.}, Title = {{Pollen wall development: the associated enzymes and metabolic pathways}}, Journal = {{PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{15}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{249-263}}, Month = {{MAR}}, Abstract = {{Pollen grains are surrounded by a sculpted wall, which protects male gametophytes from various environmental stresses and microbial attacks, and also facilitates pollination. Pollen wall development requires lipid and polysaccharide metabolism, and some key genes and proteins that participate in these processes have recently been identified. Here, we summarise the genes and describe their functions during pollen wall development via several metabolic pathways. A working model involving substances and catalytic enzyme reactions that occur during pollen development is also presented. This model provides information on the complete process of pollen wall development with respect to metabolic pathways.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/j.1438-8677.2012.00706.x}}, ISSN = {{1435-8603}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000314756900001}}, } @article{ ISI:000315561400048, Author = {Luo, Yonghai and Widmer, Alex}, Title = {{Herkogamy and Its Effects on Mating Patterns in Arabidopsis thaliana}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{2}}, Month = {{FEB 26}}, Abstract = {{The evolution of mating systems, which exhibit an extraordinary diversity in flowering plants, is of central interest in plant biology. Herkogamy, the spatial separation of sexual organs within flowers, is a widespread floral mechanism that is thought to be an adaptive trait reducing self-pollination in hermaphroditic plants. In contrast with previous studies of herkogamy that focused on plants with relatively large floral displays, we here characterized herkogamy in Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant with a strong selfing syndrome. Developmental features, reproductive consequences, and genetic architecture of herkogamy were exploited using naturally variable A. thaliana accessions, under both greenhouse and natural conditions. Our results demonstrate that the degree of herkogamy can strongly influence the mating patterns of A. thaliana: approach herkogamy can effectively promote outcrossing, no herkogamy is also capable of enhancing the opportunity for outcrossing, and reverse herkogamy facilitates efficient self-pollination. In addition, we found that the expression of herkogamy in A. thaliana was environment-dependent and regulated by multiple quantitative trait loci. This study reveals how minor modifications in floral morphology may cause dramatic changes in plant mating patterns, provides new insights into the function of herkogamy, and suggests the way for dissecting the genetic basis of this important character in a model plant.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0057902}}, Article-Number = {{e57902}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Widmer, Alex/B-6841-2009}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Widmer, Alex/0000-0001-8253-5137}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000315561400048}}, } @article{ ISI:000329494400001, Author = {Janila, Pasupuleti and Nigam, S. N. and Pandey, Manish K. and Nagesh, P. and Varshney, Rajeev K.}, Title = {{Groundnut improvement: use of genetic and genomic tools}}, Journal = {{FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{4}}, Month = {{FEB 25}}, Abstract = {{Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a self-pollinated legume is an important crop cultivated in 24 million ha world over for extraction of edible oil and food uses. The kernels are rich in oil (48-50\%) and protein (25-28\%), and are source of several vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, biologically active polyphenols, flavonoids, and isoflavones. Improved varieties of groundnut with high yield potential were developed and released for cultivation world over. The improved varieties belong to different maturity durations and possess resistance to diseases, tolerance to drought, enhanced oil content, and improved quality traits for food uses. Conventional breeding procedures along with the tools for phenotyping were largely used in groundnut improvement programs. Mutations were used to induce variability and wide hybridization was attempted to tap variability from wild species. Low genetic variability has been a bottleneck for groundnut improvement. The vast potential of wild species, reservoir of new alleles remains under-utilized. Development of linkage maps of groundnut during the last decade was followed by identification of markers and quantitative trait loci for the target traits. Consequently, the last decade has witnessed the deployment of molecular breeding approaches to complement the ongoing groundnut improvement programs in USA, China, India, and Japan. The other potential advantages of molecular breeding are the feasibility to target multiple traits for improvement and provide tools to tap new alleles from wild species. The first groundnut variety developed through marker-assisted back-crossing is a root-knot nematode-resistant variety, NemaTAM in USA. The uptake of molecular breeding approaches in groundnut improvement programs by NARS partners in India and many African countries is slow or needs to be initiated in part due to inadequate infrastructure, high genotyping costs, and human capacities. Availability of draft genome sequence for diploid (AA and BB) and tetraploid, AABB genome species of Arachis in coming years is expected to bring low-cost genotyping to the groundnut community that will facilitate use of modern genetics and breeding approaches such as genome-wide association studies for trait mapping and genomic selection for crop improvement.}}, DOI = {{10.3389/fpls.2013.00023}}, Article-Number = {{23}}, ISSN = {{1664-462X}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Varshney, Rajeev/C-5295-2014}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Varshney, Rajeev/0000-0002-4562-9131}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000329494400001}}, } @article{ ISI:000327306400008, Author = {Inman-Narahari, Faith and Ostertag, Rebecca and Cordell, Susan and Giardina, Christian P. and Nelson-Kaula, Kehauwealani and Sack, Lawren}, Title = {{Seedling recruitment factors in low-diversity Hawaiian wet forest: towards global comparisons among tropical forests}}, Journal = {{ECOSPHERE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{4}}, Number = {{2}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Recruitment limitations determine forest community regeneration patterns. Source limitation and dispersal limitation contribute to overall seed limitation, while environmental conditions and habitat associations influence establishment limitation. Several hypotheses have made contradictory predictions for how the relative importance of these limitations should vary with diversity. However, comparative data have not been available for low-diversity tropical forests. We quantified recruitment limitations using 2.5 yrs of seed rain and seedling distribution data collected within a 4 ha forest dynamics plot in low-diversity native-dominated Hawaiian wet forest. We further quantified seedling irradiance and substrate habitat associations and niche overlap (using Pianka's niche overlap index). Additionally, we compared recruitment limitations and the frequency of seedling habitat associations across forests using the few available published data from sites employing similar field and analytical methods. In Hawaiian wet forest, seed dispersal more strongly limited recruitment than did establishment limitation across species, with 11 of 18 species completely seed limited (i.e., no seeds found). However, the relative importance of limitations varied greatly among species. For the three most abundant species, habitat conditions more strongly limited regeneration than did seed arrival, especially for the dominant canopy species, Metrosideros polymorpha, which was not seed limited. Most species were significantly associated with specific ranges of irradiance and/or substrates. Although habitat associations may indicate niche differentiation, Hawaiian species also showed significant niche overlap. Across the three forests compared, community-wide mean seed and establishment limitation values were similar, despite wide variation in diversity. However, recruitment limitations differed strongly among species within forests due to species' life-history differences. While seed limitation in Hawaiian forest was as high as in high-diversity forests, mechanisms may differ; seed limitation in Hawaii may arise from loss of pollinators and dispersers rather than from a high proportion of rare species as occurs in high-diversity forests. The strong habitat associations in Hawaiian forest relative to high-diversity forests supported theoretical expectations that lower species diversity should increase the importance of habitat associations. However, these habitat associations were not linked to niche differentiation in Hawaii. Our findings suggest that high recruitment limitation may facilitate coexistence despite niche overlap in low-diversity Hawaiian forest.}}, DOI = {{10.1890/ES12-00164.1}}, Article-Number = {{UNSP 24}}, ISSN = {{2150-8925}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Giardina, Christian/C-3120-2011 Sack, Lawren/A-5492-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Giardina, Christian/0000-0002-3431-5073 Sack, Lawren/0000-0002-7009-7202}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000327306400008}}, } @article{ ISI:000316609400012, Author = {Sheffield, Cory S. and Kevan, Peter G. and Pindar, Alana and Packer, Laurence}, Title = {{Bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) diversity within apple orchards and old fields in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada}}, Journal = {{CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{145}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{94-114}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Bees are important within terrestrial ecosystems, providing pollination, which facilitates plant reproduction. Agricultural regions are large landscapes containing varying proportions of cropland, natural, and semi-natural habitats. Most bees are not restricted to any of these and move freely throughout, exploiting food and nesting resources in favourable locations. Many factors affect bee diversity, and knowledge of these is crucial for promoting healthy bee communities. The main objectives of this study were to compare diversity and guild structure of bee communities across a range of land disturbance levels within the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada, in habitats ranging from managed apple orchards to old fields. The two habitat extremes differed significantly; intensely managed orchards had significantly lower species richness (similar to 50\%) than observed/estimated in old fields, but orchards with intermediate levels of adjacent natural/semi-natural habitat showed affinities to either extreme depending on the metrics used for estimating species richness. Species assemblages in orchards had lower proportions of several guilds, particularly cavity-nesters, bumble bees, and cleptoparasites, than other habitats. These guilds accounted for over 30\% of bees collected in old fields but only 3-10\% in orchards, increasing with habitat complexity. The use of guilds for assessing the health of bee communities is discussed.}}, DOI = {{10.4039/tce.2012.89}}, ISSN = {{0008-347X}}, EISSN = {{1918-3240}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Pindar, Alana/0000-0002-4273-3267 packer, laurence/0000-0002-1711-8203 Sheffield, Cory/0000-0003-0603-7333}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000316609400012}}, } @article{ ISI:000314057400002, Author = {Wang, Gang and Compton, Stephen G. and Chen, Jin}, Title = {{The mechanism of pollinator specificity between two sympatric fig varieties: a combination of olfactory signals and contact cues}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{111}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{173-181}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Pollinator specificity facilitates reproductive isolation among plants, and mechanisms that generate specificity influence species boundaries. Long-range volatile attractants, in combination with morphological co-adaptations, are generally regarded as being responsible for maintaining extreme host specificity among the fig wasps that pollinate fig trees, but increasing evidence for breakdowns in specificity is accumulating. The basis of host specificity was examined among two host-specific Ceratosolen fig wasps that pollinate two sympatric varieties of Ficus semicordata, together with the consequences for the plants when pollinators entered the alternative host variety. The compositions of floral scents from receptive figs of the two varieties and responses of their pollinators to these volatiles were compared. The behaviour of the wasps once on the surface of the figs was also recorded, together with the reproductive success of figs entered by the two Ceratosolen species. The receptive-phase floral scents of the two varieties had different chemical compositions, but only one Ceratosolen species displayed a preference between them in Y-tube trials. Specificity was reinforced at a later stage, once pollinators were walking on the figs, because both species preferred to enter figs of their normal hosts. Both pollinators could enter figs of both varieties and pollinate them, but figs with extra-varietal pollen were more likely to abort and contained fewer seeds. Hybrid seeds germinated at normal rates. Contact cues on the surface of figs have been largely ignored in previous studies of fig wasp host preferences, but together with floral scents they maintain host specificity among the pollinators of sympatric F. semicordata varieties. When pollinators enter atypical hosts, post-zygotic factors reduce but do not prevent the production of hybrid offspring, suggesting there may be gene flow between these varieties.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aob/mcs250}}, ISSN = {{0305-7364}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Wang, Gang/F-9140-2013}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000314057400002}}, } @article{ ISI:000314057400005, Author = {Landry, C. L.}, Title = {{Pollinator-mediated competition between two co-flowering Neotropical mangrove species, Avicennia germinans (Avicenniaceae) and Laguncularia racemosa (Combretaceae)}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{111}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{207-214}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Three ecological relationships are possible between co-flowering plant species; they may have no effect on one another, compete for pollination services, or facilitate one another by attracting more pollinators to the area. In this study, the pollinator-mediated relationship between two mangrove species with overlapping flowering phenologies was investigated in one south Florida community. Pollinator observations were recorded between 0900 h and 1700 h during June and July, 20082010. Insect visitation rates to Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa were estimated from 522 observation intervals of 10 min during three phenological time periods, when each species flowered alone and when they co-flowered. The number of timed intervals varied between years due to differences in flowering phenology, from four to 42 for A. germinans and from nine to 94 for L. racemosa. Avicennia germinans began flowering first in all years, and insect visitation rates were significantly greater to A. germinans than to L. racemosa (P0001). Flowers of both species received visits from bees, wasps, flies and butterflies; Apis mellifera was the most common floral visitor to both species. Visitation rates to L. racemosa increased significantly when A. germinans stopped flowering (P0001). However, there was no significant change in visitation rates to A. germinans after L. racemosa began flowering (P0628). When they co-flowered, A. germinans outcompeted L. racemosa for pollinators. Laguncularia racemosa hermaphrodites self-pollinate autogamously when not visited by insects, so reduced visitation to L. racemosa flowers reduced the frequency of outcrossing and increased the frequency of selfing. Reduced outcrossing limits male reproductive success in this androdioecious species, which could lead to changes in the breeding system. The degree of overlap in flowering phenologies varied between years, so the effect on the mating and breeding system may differ between years.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aob/mcs265}}, ISSN = {{0305-7364}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000314057400005}}, } @article{ ISI:000314057400013, Author = {Lu, Wei and Liu, Jun and Xin, Qiang and Wan, Lili and Hong, Dengfeng and Yang, Guangsheng}, Title = {{A triallelic genetic male sterility locus in Brassica napus: an integrative strategy for its physical mapping and possible local chromosome evolution around it}}, Journal = {{ANNALS OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{111}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{305-315}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Spontaneous male sterility is an advantageous trait for both constructing efficient pollination control systems and for understanding the developmental process of the male reproductive unit in many crops. A triallelic genetic male-sterile locus (BnMs5) has been identified in Brassica napus; however, its complicated genome structure has greatly hampered the isolation of this locus. The aim of this study was to physically map BnMs5 through an integrated map-based cloning strategy and analyse the local chromosomal evolution around BnMs5. A large F-2 population was used to integrate the existing genetic maps around BnMs5. A map-based cloning strategy in combination with comparative mapping among B. napus, Arabidopsis, Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea was employed to facilitate the identification of a target bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone covering the BnMs5 locus. The genomic sequences from the Brassica species were analysed to reveal the regional chromosomal evolution around BnMs5. BnMs5 was finally delimited to a 03-cM genetic fragment from an integrated local genetic map, and was anchored on the B. napus A8 chromosome. Screening of a B. napus BAC clone library and identification of the positive clones validated that JBnB034L06 was the target BAC clone. The closest flanking markers restrict BnMs5 to a 21-kb region on JBnB034L06 containing six predicted functional genes. Good collinearity relationship around BnMs5 between several Brassica species was observed, while violent chromosomal evolutionary events including insertions/deletions, duplications and single nucleotide mutations were also found to have extensively occurred during their divergence. This work represents major progress towards the molecular cloning of BnMs5, as well as presenting a powerful, integrative method to mapping loci in plants with complex genomic architecture, such as the amphidiploid B. napus.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aob/mcs260}}, ISSN = {{0305-7364}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000314057400013}}, } @article{ ISI:000313266000028, Author = {Martins, Talline R. and Berg, Jeremy J. and Blinka, Steven and Rausher, Mark D. and Baum, David A.}, Title = {{Precise spatio-temporal regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway leads to petal spot formation in Clarkia gracilis (Onagraceae)}}, Journal = {{NEW PHYTOLOGIST}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{197}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{958-969}}, Month = {{FEB}}, Abstract = {{Petal spots are widespread in angiosperms and are often implicated in pollinator attraction. Clarkia gracilis petals each have a single red-purple spot that contrasts against a pink background. The position and presence of spots in C. gracilis are determined by the epistatic interaction of alleles at two as yet unidentified loci. We used HPLC to identify the different pigments produced in the petals, and qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR to assay for spatio-temporal patterns of expression of different anthocyanin pathway genes. We found that spots contain different pigments from the remainder of the petal, being composed of cyanidin/peonidin-based, instead of malvidin-based anthocyanins. Expression assays of anthocyanin pathway genes showed that the dihydroflavonol-4-reductase 2 (Dfr2) gene has a spot-specific expression pattern and acts as a switch for spot production. Co-segregation analyses implicated the gene products of the P and I loci as trans-regulators of this switch. Spot pigments appear earlier in development as a result of early expression of Dfr2 and the flavonoid 3' hydroxylase 1 (F3'h1) gene. Pigments in the background appear later, as a result of later expression of Dfr1 and the flavonoid 3'-5' hydroxylase 1 (F3'5'h1) genes. The evolution of this spot production mechanism appears to have been facilitated by duplication of the Dfr gene and to have required substantial reworking of the anthocyanin pathway regulatory network.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/nph.12062}}, ISSN = {{0028-646X}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Baum, David/D-6804-2015}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Baum, David/0000-0001-8334-6311}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000313266000028}}, } @article{ ISI:000317713400001, Author = {Bliss, Barbara J. and Wanke, Stefan and Barakat, Abdelali and Ayyampalayam, Saravanaraj and Wickett, Norman and Wall, P. Kerr and Jiao, Yuannian and Landherr, Lena and Ralph, Paula E. and Hu, Yi and Neinhuis, Christoph and Leebens-Mack, Jim and Arumuganathan, Kathiravetpilla and Clifton, Sandra W. and Maximova, Siela N. and Ma, Hong and dePamphilis, Claude W.}, Title = {{Characterization of the basal angiosperm Aristolochia fimbriata: a potential experimental system for genetic studies}}, Journal = {{BMC PLANT BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{13}}, Month = {{JAN 24}}, Abstract = {{Background: Previous studies in basal angiosperms have provided insight into the diversity within the angiosperm lineage and helped to polarize analyses of flowering plant evolution. However, there is still not an experimental system for genetic studies among basal angiosperms to facilitate comparative studies and functional investigation. It would be desirable to identify a basal angiosperm experimental system that possesses many of the features found in existing plant model systems (e. g., Arabidopsis and Oryza). Results: We have considered all basal angiosperm families for general characteristics important for experimental systems, including availability to the scientific community, growth habit, and membership in a large basal angiosperm group that displays a wide spectrum of phenotypic diversity. Most basal angiosperms are woody or aquatic, thus are not well-suited for large scale cultivation, and were excluded. We further investigated members of Aristolochiaceae for ease of culture, life cycle, genome size, and chromosome number. We demonstrated self-compatibility for Aristolochia elegans and A. fimbriata, and transformation with a GFP reporter construct for Saruma henryi and A. fimbriata. Furthermore, A. fimbriata was easily cultivated with a life cycle of just three months, could be regenerated in a tissue culture system, and had one of the smallest genomes among basal angiosperms. An extensive multi-tissue EST dataset was produced for A. fimbriata that includes over 3.8 million 454 sequence reads. Conclusions: Aristolochia fimbriata has numerous features that facilitate genetic studies and is suggested as a potential model system for use with a wide variety of technologies. Emerging genetic and genomic tools for A. fimbriata and closely related species can aid the investigation of floral biology, developmental genetics, biochemical pathways important in plant-insect interactions as well as human health, and various other features present in early angiosperms.}}, DOI = {{10.1186/1471-2229-13-13}}, Article-Number = {{13}}, ISSN = {{1471-2229}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{dePamphilis, Claude/P-6652-2016 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Jiao, Yuannian/0000-0002-8987-2782 Neinhuis, Christoph/0000-0001-9965-4394}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000317713400001}}, } @article{ ISI:000311943100015, Author = {Heleno, Ruben H. and Olesen, Jens M. and Nogales, Manuel and Vargas, Pablo and Traveset, Anna}, Title = {{Seed dispersal networks in the Galapagos and the consequences of alien plant invasions}}, Journal = {{PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{280}}, Number = {{1750}}, Month = {{JAN 7}}, Abstract = {{Alien plants are a growing threat to the Galapagos unique biota. We evaluated the impact of alien plants on eight seed dispersal networks from two islands of the archipelago. Nearly 10 000 intact seeds from 58 species were recovered from the droppings of 18 bird and reptile dispersers. The most dispersed invaders were Lantana camara, Rubus niveus and Psidium guajava, the latter two likely benefiting from an asynchronous fruit production with most native plants, which facilitate their consumption and spread. Lava lizards dispersed the seeds of 27 species, being the most important dispersers, followed by small ground finch, two mockingbirds, the giant tortoise and two insectivorous birds. Most animals dispersed alien seeds, but these formed a relatively small proportion of the interactions. Nevertheless, the integration of aliens was higher in the island that has been invaded for longest, suggesting a time-lag between alien plant introductions and their impacts on seed dispersal networks. Alien plants become more specialized with advancing invasion, favouring more simplified plant and disperser communities. However, only habitat type significantly affected the overall network structure. Alien plants were dispersed via two pathways: dry-fruited plants were preferentially dispersed by finches, while fleshy fruited species were mostly dispersed by other birds and reptiles.}}, DOI = {{10.1098/rspb.2012.2112}}, Article-Number = {{20122112}}, ISSN = {{0962-8452}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Heleno, Ruben/A-5778-2011 Olesen, Jens/A-3011-2009 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Heleno, Ruben/0000-0002-4808-4907 Olesen, Jens/0000-0003-1998-1083 Olesen, Jes/0000-0002-6712-2702}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000311943100015}}, } @article{ ISI:000333328500006, Author = {Xiong, Ying-Ze and Fang, Qiang and Huang, Shuang-Quan}, Title = {{Pollinator scarcity drives the shift to delayed selfing in Himalayan mayapple Podophyllum hexandrum (Berberidaceae)}}, Journal = {{AOB PLANTS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{5}}, Abstract = {{Recent molecular phylogenetics have indicated that American mayapple (mainly self-incompatible, SI) and Himalayan mayapple, which was considered to be self-compatible (SC), are sister species with disjunct distribution between eastern Asia and eastern North America. We test a hypothesis that the persistence of this early spring flowering herb in the Himalayan region is attributable to the transition from SI to SC, the capacity for selfing in an unpredictable pollination environment. Pollinator observations were conducted in an alpine meadow with hundreds of Himalayan mayapple (Podophyllum hexandrum Royle) individuals over 2 years. To examine autogamy, seed set under different pollination treatments was compared. To clarify whether automatic self-pollination is achieved by movement of the pistil as a previous study suggested, we measured incline angles of the pistil and observed flower movement during anthesis using video. Floral visitors to the nectarless flowers were very rare, but solitary bees and honeybees could be potential pollinators. Seed set of bagged flowers was not significantly different from that of open-pollinated, self-or cross-pollinated flowers. However, removal of petals or stamens lowered seed yield. The angles of inclination of pistils did not change during the process of pollination. Automatic self-pollination was facilitated by petals closing and stamens moving simultaneously to contact the stigma. Stigmatic pollen load increased little during the daytime, in contrast to a sharp increase when the flowers closed during the night-time. These observations indicated that Himalayan mayapple was SC and delayed self-pollination was facilitated by the movement of petals rather than the pistil. Compared with SI American mayapple, no obvious inbreeding depression in SC Himalayan mayapple may contribute its existence in the uplifting zone. A scarcity of pollinators may have driven the shift to delayed selfing in P. hexandrum.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/aobpla/plt037}}, Article-Number = {{plt037}}, ISSN = {{2041-2851}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000333328500006}}, } @inproceedings{ ISI:000323823900039, Author = {Pesce, P. Gutierrez and Catarcione, G. and Rugini, E. and De Pace, C.}, Editor = {{Evans, KM and Lata, B and Kellerhals, M}}, Title = {{In Vitro Micropropagation of Zygotic Embryos to Facilitate Genetic Analysis in Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Progenies}}, Booktitle = {{XIII EUCARPIA SYMPOSIUM ON FRUIT BREEDING AND GENETICS}}, Series = {{Acta Horticulturae}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{976}}, Pages = {{291-298}}, Note = {{13th Eucarpia Symposium on Fruit Breeding and Genetics, Warsaw, POLAND, SEP 11-15, 2011}}, Organization = {{Int Soc Hort Sci (ISHS)}}, Abstract = {{Genetic analysis of seedlings from full-sib (FS) progenies in highly heterozygous fruit trees allows estimation of genetic and environmental variances. Seedling cloning can provide the replicates needed for measurements, and biometrical analysis allows the estimate of the upper limit of the heritability of a trait. We describe a method for cloning seedlings of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) resulting from controlled pollinations among four clonal landraces. It is based on axillary shoot multiplication from the leaf nodes (micro-cuttings) of the primary shoot developed from the excised zygotic embryonic axis grown in vitro. About 50\% of the excised embryonic axes germinated in vitro and gave normal seedlings with 5 to 7 leaf nodes. The proportion of micro-cuttings which proliferated an axillary shoot after excision from the primary embryo shoot at leaf node position ``1{''} (the node right below the apical meristem of the seedling), ``2{''} and ``3{''}, was >= 0.9, but decreased to 0.6 for micro-cuttings taken from leaf nodes at position ``4{''}, and to 0.32 for micro-cuttings from the basal node. These proportions were not significantly affected by the variation in maternal effects among full-sib progenies. The average number of axillary shoots developed from each seedling was 2.5. The G-medium-C supplemented with Indol Butyric Acid at 1.5 mg L-1 allowed rooting of >= 80\% of the axillary shoots. Using the proposed protocol it is possible, in less than three months, to produce the 4 to 6 ramets needed for repeated measurements and genetic analysis of hazelnut full-sib seedling traits, which is a significant acceleration compared to the traditional methods of cloning based on grafting, or sucker and shoot rooting.}}, ISSN = {{0567-7572}}, ISBN = {{978-90-66051-19-5}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Rugini, Eddo/0000-0002-8594-7273}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000323823900039}}, } @article{ ISI:000322559200001, Author = {Krause, Benjamin and Culmsee, Heike}, Title = {{The significance of habitat continuity and current management on the compositional and functional diversity of grasslands in the uplands of Lower Saxony, Germany}}, Journal = {{FLORA}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{208}}, Number = {{5-6}}, Pages = {{299-311}}, Abstract = {{There is a growing concern that land use intensification is having negative effects on semi-natural grasslands and that it leads to a general loss of biodiversity among all types of formerly extensively managed grasslands of poor to medium nutrient richness. Since the 1950s, many Central European uplands have been subject to an increase in grassland cover as a result of changes in land use practices. Using such a landscape in Lower Saxony, Germany, as a model region, we assessed environmental factors that control grassland diversity, including plant community composition, species richness and pollination trait composition. In 2007, 189 vegetation sampling sites were randomly distributed among grasslands covering some 394 ha within a 2500 ha study area. Plant communities were classified using TWINSPAN and the effects of environmental factors (soil, topography, current management and habitat continuity) were analysed by canonical correspondence analysis and regression analysis reducing for the effects of spatial autocorrelation by using principal coordinates of neighbour matrices. We found a wide range of six species-poor (<15 plant spp.) to extremely species-rich (>27 spp.) grassland types under mesic to dry site conditions, including sown, Cynosurion,Arrhenatherion and semi-natural grasslands. Grassland community composition was best explained by soil factors and species richness and pollination type composition by combined effects of current management and habitat continuity. During the 1950/60s, the extent of grassland area within the studied landscape rapidly increased to more than double its previous extent, and in 2007, grasslands comprised 16\%. Natura 2000 grassland types comprised 1\% of the surveyed site and medium-rich, high-nature-value grasslands a further 5\%. While the number of wind-pollinated plant species was equal among all grassland types, there was a parallel decline in insect-pollinated plants and overall median species richness in the grassland communities along a gradient of increasing land use intensity (mowing, nutrient supply). Moreover, insect-pollinated plants occurring in intensively managed grasslands were found to additionally have the ability for self-pollination. Species-rich grasslands - including semi-natural grasslands and a semi-improved, species-rich Arrhenatherion community - occurred exclusively on old sites (with >100 years of habitat continuity) that had been used for traditional sheep grazing (environmental contracting). Medium-rich Arrhenatherion grasslands were established primarily on less productive, formerly arable fields (<30 years). We conclude that conservation efforts should focus on extant species-rich grassland types and should aim to implement traditional land use practices such as sheep grazing. Additional restoration efforts should focus on establishing new grasslands on less productive sites in the proximate surroundings of species-rich grasslands to facilitate seed dispersal, but nitrogen deposition should be buffered where appropriate. These measures would enhance the interaction between nature reserves and agricultural grasslands and thus improve the ecological quality of grasslands at the landscape scale. (c) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.flora.2013.04.003}}, ISSN = {{0367-2530}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Culmsee, Heike/E-9360-2011}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Culmsee, Heike/0000-0003-4577-6307}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000322559200001}}, } @article{ ISI:000322559200010, Author = {Cota-Sanchez, J. Hugo and Almeida, Odair J. G. and Falconer, Denver J. and Choi, Hyeok Jae and Bevan, Lewis}, Title = {{Intriguing thigmonastic (sensitive) stamens in the Plains Prickly Pear Opuntia polyacantha (Cactaceae)}}, Journal = {{FLORA}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{208}}, Number = {{5-6}}, Pages = {{381-389}}, Abstract = {{The movement of sensitive stamens in flowers of the Plains Prickly Pear (Opuntia polyacantha) is described in detail along with the external and internal filament anatomy. The goals of this investigation were: (1) to provide a synthesis of floral phenology and determine whether this rather unique stamen movement is nastic or a tropism and (2) to conduct macro- and micro-morphological analyses of filaments to determine if there are anatomical traits associated with this movement. To better understand the internal and external structure in sensitive filaments of O. polyacantha, we performed comparative anatomical analyses in two additional species from the Opuntioideae with stamens lacking such sensitivity. The consistent unidirectional movement of stamens, independent of the area stimulated, indicates a thigmonastic response. This movement serves multiple purposes, from enhancing pollen presentation to facilitating cross-pollination, protecting pollen and preventing insects from robbing pollen. Anatomically, the sensitive and non-sensitive filaments exhibit different tissue organization. Cuticle thickness, presence of capsular structures, two layers of curved cells, and more and larger intercellular spaces are characteristic of sensitive filaments. A thin unicellular epidermal layer is characteristic in sensitive filaments versus 2-3 epidermal layers in non-sensitive filaments. Another striking feature in sensitive filaments is the presence of papillae and capsular structures. We believe that these elements are related to water mobility with subsequent contraction during the thigmonastic response. Capsular structures might have a role in fluid mobility according to the stimulus of the filaments. We hypothesize that the thigmonastic response is controlled by cells with elastic properties, as evidenced by the plasmolyzed curved and contracted cells in the filaments and the fact that the movement is activated by changes in cell turgor followed by contraction as a result of plasmolysis. (c) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.flora.2013.04.009}}, ISSN = {{0367-2530}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Jose Garcia de Almeida, Odair/B-5531-2013}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Jose Garcia de Almeida, Odair/0000-0003-3506-738X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000322559200010}}, } @article{ ISI:000320481800002, Author = {Nottebrock, Henning and Esler, Karen J. and Schurr, Frank M.}, Title = {{Effects of intraspecific and community density on the lifetime fecundity of long-lived shrubs}}, Journal = {{PERSPECTIVES IN PLANT ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{15}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{150-161}}, Abstract = {{Intra- and interspecific density dependence has profound consequences for plant population and community dynamics. In long-lived plants, however, lifetime patterns and mechanisms of density dependence are difficult to study. Here, we examine effects of intraspecific and community density on the lifetime fecundity of two long-lived shrub species from South African Fynbos: Protea repens (animal-pollinated, hermaphroditic) and Leucadendron rubrum (wind-pollinated, dioecious). Both species are serotinous, retaining seeds in cones until fire kills the mother plant. We measured lifetime fecundity as the product of cone number, proportion of cones that are not damaged by predation and seed set (fertile seeds per intact cone). Intraspecific and community densities were quantified by counting individuals of target species and all Proteaceae in small- and large-scale neighbourhoods (10 m and 50 m radius) around each focal individual. Additionally, we determined the age and size of focal individuals. We found that lifetime fecundity of the wind-pollinated L rubrum is density independent. In contrast, the lifetime fecundity of the animal-pollinated P. repens increases with large-scale intraspecific density and shows a hump-shaped relationship to large-scale community density. Community density has a hump-shaped effect on seed set (probably through partial absence of generalized pollinators at low and competition for pollinators at high densities) and negatively affects cone number per individual. For both species, plant age decreases seed set while increasing lifetime fecundity. The qualitative differences in the density dependence of lifetime fecundity may arise from differences between animal and wind pollination. In particular, interactions with generalized animal pollinators may cause community-level Allee effects with profound consequences for the future dynamics of long-lived plant populations and communities. (C) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.ppees.2013.03.003}}, ISSN = {{1433-8319}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Esler, Karen/A-1640-2008}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Esler, Karen/0000-0001-6510-727X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000320481800002}}, } @article{ ISI:000316772800006, Author = {Yurukova-Grancharova, Petka and Yankova-Tsvetkova, Elina and Vladimirov, Vladimir}, Title = {{REPRODUCTIVE FEATURES OF THREE INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES OF ERIGERON (ASTERACEAE) IN BULGARIA}}, Journal = {{COMPTES RENDUS DE L ACADEMIE BULGARE DES SCIENCES}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{66}}, Number = {{2}}, Pages = {{203-210}}, Abstract = {{Embryological studies have been carried out on some established populations of three invasive alien species of the genus Erigeron in Bulgaria: E. bonariensis, E. canadensis and E. sumatrensis. The mode of reproduction and features of the reproductive system, especially these which facilitate the successful distribution and invasiveness of the species were established: a high amount of viable pollen; multicellular antipodal complex; antipodal and endosperm haustoria; simultaneous formation of mature embryos in the florets of the capitulum. All observed embryological features together with the enormous number of flower heads per individual and long flowering period, self-pollination, self-compatibility, autonomous production of achenes and their high dispersal capacity undoubtedly increase the invasive potential of the studied Erigeron species.}}, ISSN = {{1310-1331}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000316772800006}}, } @article{ ISI:000314837500005, Author = {Robson, Diana Bizecki}, Title = {{An assessment of the potential for pollination facilitation of a rare plant by common plants: Symphyotrichum sericeum (Asteraceae) as a case study}}, Journal = {{BOTANY-BOTANIQUE}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{91}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{34-42}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{Pollination facilitation can occur when plant species share pollinators. Whether facilitation occurs depends on the flowering period overlap (synchrony), number of shared insect visitors (similarity), quantity and quality of insect visits, and the subsequent impact on seed production. Western Silvery Aster (Symphyotrichum sericeum (Vent.) G. L. Nesom) is a rare, self-incompatible plant visited by a wide range of generalist insect species. There are 22 common plant species that may facilitate insect visitation to the rare plant by supporting shared pollinators. Plant species with low synchrony and high similarity with S. sericeum are potential facilitators. In contrast, plant species with high synchrony and similarity likely act as competitors as the aggregative response to increasing plant density was saturating, suggesting that synchronously flowering species do not increase insect visitations. Hymenoptera responded more strongly than Diptera to increases in flowering stem density. These data suggest that facilitation of insect visitation between plant species via a numerical response that extends the flower season is possible but not likely via an aggregative response. Restoration of S. sericeum may therefore be more successful if potentially facilitating plants are grown with it; further testing of the impact of potential facilitators on seed production in S. sericeum is required.}}, DOI = {{10.1139/cjb-2012-0133}}, ISSN = {{1916-2790}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000314837500005}}, } @article{ ISI:000314142100009, Author = {Pauw, Anton}, Title = {{Can pollination niches facilitate plant coexistence?}}, Journal = {{TRENDS IN ECOLOGY \& EVOLUTION}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{28}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{30-37}}, Month = {{JAN}}, Abstract = {{The question of why there are so many plant species needs two kinds of answer: an explanation for the origin of plant species, and an explanation for how they can coexist. Pollinators are often implicated in the origin of plant species because adaptation to different modes of pollination can drive divergence in floral traits and bring about reproductive isolation. However, very few studies have attempted to answer the next question: `Can plant species that differ only in their mode of pollination coexist?' Fragmentary evidence supports the idea that intraspecific competition for pollination resources can limit population growth rate, thus allowing the coexistence of species that use different pollinators, or the same pollinators at different times.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.tree.2012.07.019}}, ISSN = {{0169-5347}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Pauw, Anton/A-6126-2008 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Pauw, Anton/0000-0002-4012-648X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000314142100009}}, } @article{ ISI:000312885900015, Author = {Kulkarni, Raghavendra N. and Baskaran, Kuppusamy}, Title = {{From Herkogamy to Cleistogamy - Development of Cleistogamy in Periwinkle}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF HEREDITY}}, Year = {{2013}}, Volume = {{104}}, Number = {{1}}, Pages = {{140-148}}, Month = {{JAN-FEB}}, Abstract = {{Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus {[}L.] G. Don), an important medicinal plant, is an allogamous species in which the stigma is below the anthers. The receptive portion is at the base of the stigmatic head and thus automatic intra-flower self-pollination is excluded. The structure of the flower is of typical reverse herkogamy and pollination occurs through nectar-seeking insects. A few self-pollinating strains are also reported in which self-pollination is brought about by an increase in length of the style or of the ovary. Self-pollination is governed by allelic duplicate genes recessive to allogamy. An induced monogenic recessive mutant (EMS 17-1) with caducous closed corolla (corolla abscising before anthesis), isolated from variety, Dhawal, was crossed with two self-pollinating strains to study the possibility of obtaining cleistogamous recombinants combining closed corolla and self-pollination traits. Cleistogamous plants were obtained in which development of fruits and seeds occurred without opening of the corolla. Closed corolla and self-pollination were found to be independently inherited. A dominant gene in the parent in which self-pollination occurred due to an increase in length of the ovary, appeared to completely or partially inhibit expression of the gene for closed corolla in homozygous or heterozygous condition, respectively. The genetic basis of development of cleistogamy is described. Cleistogamy in periwinkle would facilitate in ensuring genetic purity, pollen containment, and seed production even in the absence of pollinators. This appears to be the first report on the development of cleistogamous plants in an allogamous species.}}, DOI = {{10.1093/jhered/ess077}}, ISSN = {{0022-1503}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000312885900015}}, } @article{ ISI:000311194500010, Author = {Roemer, R. B. and Booth, D. and Bhavsar, A. A. and Walter, G. H. and Terry, L. I.}, Title = {{Mathematical model of cycad cones' thermogenic temperature responses: Inverse calorimetry to estimate metabolic heating rates}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY}}, Year = {{2012}}, Volume = {{315}}, Pages = {{87-96}}, Month = {{DEC 21}}, Abstract = {{A mathematical model based on conservation of energy has been developed and used to simulate the temperature responses of cones of the Australian cycads Macrozamia lucida and Macrozamia. macleayi during their daily thermogenic cycle. These cones generate diel midday thermogenic temperature increases as large as 12 degrees C above ambient during their approximately two week pollination period. The cone temperature response model is shown to accurately predict the cones' temperatures over multiple days as based on simulations of experimental results from 28 thermogenic events from 3 different cones, each simulated for either 9 or 10 sequential days. The verified model is then used as the foundation of a new, parameter estimation based technique (termed inverse calorimetry) that estimates the cones' daily metabolic heating rates from temperature measurements alone. The inverse calorimetry technique's predictions of the major features of the cones' thermogenic metabolism compare favorably with the estimates from conventional respirometry (indirect calorimetry). Because the new technique uses only temperature measurements, and does not require measurements of oxygen consumption, it provides a simple, inexpensive and portable complement to conventional respirometry for estimating metabolic heating rates. It thus provides an additional tool to facilitate field and laboratory investigations of the bio-physics of thermogenic plants. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.jtbi.2012.09.003}}, ISSN = {{0022-5193}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Booth, David/0000-0002-3801-0488}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000311194500010}}, } @article{ ISI:000312386800134, Author = {Xiang, Xiaoguo and Li, Dezhu and Jin, Xiaohua and Hu, Hao and Zhou, Hailang and Jin, Weitao and Lai, Yangjun}, Title = {{Monophyly or Paraphyly - The Taxonomy of Holcoglossum (Aeridinae: Orchidaceae)}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2012}}, Volume = {{7}}, Number = {{12}}, Month = {{DEC 14}}, Abstract = {{Recently, there have been a lot of intense debates about the acceptance/rejection of paraphyletic groups in biological classification. On the one hand, evolutionary classification states that similarity and common descent are two criteria for biological classification and paraphyletic groups are natural units of biological classification. On the other hand, cladistic classification considers that common descent is the only criterion in biological classification and monophyly should be strictly adhered to. Holcoglossum is used herein as a case to illustrate this problem. Although Holcoglossum is a small orchid genus of less than 20 species, there is little consensus about its generic circumscription since it was established, which leads to confusion in taxonomic treatments in the Aerides-Vanda group. Based on the analyses of molecular and morphological evidence, our results suggest that the clade comprising Holcoglossum s.s., Ascolabium, Penkimia and Ascocentrum himalaicum is strongly supported as a monophyly, and that the three taxa are nested within different subclades of Holcoglossum s.s. Thus, it is reasonable to recognize a monophyletic circumscription of Holcoglossum, which is also well supported by some vegetative and floral characters. The Holcoglossum s.l. would facilitate a better understanding of pollinator-driven floral divergence and vegetative stasis than a paraphyletic and narrowly defined genus. Citation: Xiang X, Li D, Jin X, Hu H, Zhou H, et al. (2012) Monophyly or Paraphyly- The Taxonomy of Holcoglossum (Aeridinae: Orchidaceae). PLoS ONE 7(12): e52050. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0052050}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0052050}}, Article-Number = {{e52050}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{li, de zhu/0000-0002-4990-724X}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000312386800134}}, } @article{ ISI:000324786600004, Author = {Kean, Martin}, Title = {{Open source publishing, `book sprints' and possible futures}}, Journal = {{JUNCTURES-THE JOURNAL FOR THEMATIC DIALOGUE}}, Year = {{2012}}, Number = {{15}}, Pages = {{27-32}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{A number of open source publishing networks and communities facilitate the use of helpful tools for free publishing and collaborative writing that can be adopted or adapted for various uses. One group that has consciously tried to take into account all of the processes necessary to solve problems is FLOSS Manuals. The ecologies of many groups and networks tend to fetishise the digital and neglect other possible solutions. This article examines the many tools available or in development that value print formats and community-sustaining tools and methods, both online and physical. Living in Dunedin, a small city with strong community networks, I work collaboratively with artists, educators and designers, businesses and institutions as a supporter of node gateways to new media open methods, resources and tools. This practice extends to national and international networks, including the non-profit group FLOSS Manuals and its agile book creation process. I came to work with FLOSS Manuals through my involvement within a tiny, inwardly focussed Dunedin subcultural community, and the handful of individuals, who travelled far and cross-pollinated with similar communities in Europe and further.}}, ISSN = {{1176-5119}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000324786600004}}, } @article{ ISI:000312951600004, Author = {Nunziata, Schyler O. and Karron, Jeffrey D. and Mitchell, Randall J. and Lance, Stacey L. and Jones, Kenneth L. and Trapnell, Dorset W.}, Title = {{CHARACTERIZATION OF 42 POLYMORPHIC MICROSATELLITE LOCI IN MIMULUS RINGENS (PHRYMACEAE) USING ILLUMINA SEQUENCING}}, Journal = {{AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2012}}, Volume = {{99}}, Number = {{12}}, Pages = {{E477-E480}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in Mimulus ringens (Phrymaceae), a herbaceous wetland perennial, to facilitate studies of mating patterns and population genetic structure. Methods and Results: A total of 42 polymorphic loci were identified from a sample of 24 individuals from a single population in Ohio, USA. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine, and median observed heterozygosity was 0.435. Conclusions: This large number of polymorphic loci will enable researchers to quantify male fitness, patterns of multiple paternity, selfing, and biparental inbreeding in large natural populations of this species. These markers will also permit detailed study of fine-scale patterns of genetic structure.}}, DOI = {{10.3732/ajb.1200180}}, ISSN = {{0002-9122}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Mitchell, Randall/G-6380-2010 Lance, Stacey/K-9203-2013 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Mitchell, Randall/0000-0001-7961-3560 Lance, Stacey/0000-0003-2686-1733 Trapnell, Dorset/0000-0001-7184-4700}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000312951600004}}, } @article{ ISI:000311855000019, Author = {Carvalheiro, Luisa G. and Seymour, Colleen L. and Nicolson, Susan W. and Veldtman, Ruan}, Title = {{Creating patches of native flowers facilitates crop pollination in large agricultural fields: mango as a case study}}, Journal = {{JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY}}, Year = {{2012}}, Volume = {{49}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1373-1383}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{As cropland increases, fields become progressively isolated from pollinators, leading to declines in pollinator-dependent crop productivity. With the rise in demand for pollinator-dependent foods, such productivity losses may accelerate conversion of natural areas to cropland. Pollinationcompensation measures involving managed pollinators or hand pollination are not always optimal or are too costly. Introducing areas of native vegetation within cropland has been proposed as a way to supplement crop pollinators, but this measure is perceived by farmers to carry costs outweighing benefits to agricultural production. Studies quantifying benefits of small patches of native flowers to crop pollination are therefore necessary to encourage such practices. To ascertain whether provision of floral resources within farmlands can facilitate pollination, and hence, crop yields, small experimental patches of perennial native plants (native flower compensation areas, NFCAs) were created in nonproductive areas of large commercial fields of several cultivars of mango Mangifera indica. Pesticide use and isolation from natural habitat were associated with declines in flying visitors and in mango production (kg of marketable fresh fruit), but presence of NFCAs ameliorated these declines, and NFCAs did not harbour any mango pests. In areas far from natural vegetation, orchards near NFCAs had significantly higher diversity and abundance of mango flying visitors, as well as mango production, than orchards far from NFCAs, although these measures were still lower than in orchards close to natural areas. Neither the most abundant flower visitors to mango (ants) nor initial fruit set was significantly affected by distance, pesticides or NFCAs, suggesting that although fertilization is associated with factors unaffected by isolation from natural habitat and pesticide use (i.e. self- and ant-pollination), viable fruit set (and ultimately, production) requires cross-pollination, for which flying visitors are essential. Synthesis and applications. Our results show that the presence of small patches of native flowers within large farms can increase pollinator-dependent crop production if combined with preservation of remaining fragments of natural habitat and judicious use of pesticides. Native flower compensation areas represent a profitable management measure for farmers, increasing cost-effectiveness of cropland while indirectly contributing to preservation of natural habitat.}}, DOI = {{10.1111/j.1365-2664.2012.02217.x}}, ISSN = {{0021-8901}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Carvalheiro, Luisa/D-9414-2012 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Seymour, Colleen/0000-0002-6729-2576}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000311855000019}}, } @article{ ISI:000311315900021, Author = {Brawner, J. T. and Dillon, S. K. and Lee, D. J. and Meder, A. R. and Dieters, M. J. and Southerton, Simon G.}, Title = {{The use of genetic correlations to evaluate associations between SNP markers and quantitative traits}}, Journal = {{TREE GENETICS \& GENOMES}}, Year = {{2012}}, Volume = {{8}}, Number = {{6}}, Pages = {{1423-1435}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{Open-pollinated progeny of Corymbia citriodora established in replicated field trials were assessed for stem diameter, wood density, and pulp yield prior to genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and testing the significance of associations between markers and assessment traits. Multiple individuals within each family were genotyped and phenotyped, which facilitated a comparison of standard association testing methods and an alternative method developed to relate markers to additive genetic effects. Narrow-sense heritability estimates indicated there was significant additive genetic variance within this population for assessment traits () and genetic correlations between the three traits were negligible to moderate (r (G) = 0.08 to 0.50). The significance of association tests (p values) were compared for four different analyses based on two different approaches: (1) two software packages were used to fit standard univariate mixed models that include SNP-fixed effects, (2) bivariate and multivariate mixed models including each SNP as an additional selection trait were used. Within either the univariate or multivariate approach, correlations between the tests of significance approached +1; however, correspondence between the two approaches was less strong, although between-approach correlations remained significantly positive. Similar SNP markers would be selected using multivariate analyses and standard marker-trait association methods, where the former facilitates integration into the existing genetic analysis systems of applied breeding programs and may be used with either single markers or indices of markers created with genomic selection processes.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s11295-012-0530-7}}, ISSN = {{1614-2942}}, EISSN = {{1614-2950}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Lee, David/D-1560-2010 DILLON, SHANNON/K-4135-2013}}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Lee, David/0000-0002-5847-0836 }}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000311315900021}}, } @article{ ISI:000310969900019, Author = {Wang, Chuan Tang and Yu, Hong Tao and Wang, Xiu Zhen and Tang, Yue Yi and Wu, Qi and Gao, Hua Yuan and Hu, Dong Qing and Song, Guo Sheng and Chen, Jian Hong and Yu, Shan Lin}, Title = {{Production of peanut hybrid seeds in an intersectional cross through post-pollination treatment of flower bases with plant growth regulators}}, Journal = {{PLANT GROWTH REGULATION}}, Year = {{2012}}, Volume = {{68}}, Number = {{3}}, Pages = {{511-515}}, Month = {{DEC}}, Abstract = {{To broaden the narrow gene base of the cultivated peanut and utilize sources of resistance to abiotic/biotic stresses, quality-related traits and high yielding factors, much attention has been paid to wild relatives of the oilseed crop since 1980s. Species outside section Arachis are cross-incompatible with A. hypogaea L.; even some of the species from section Arachis, which are supposed to be compatible, may also encounter obstacles when crossed with the peanut cultigen. The objective of the present communication is to study the effects of simple hormone treatment on production of true incompatible hybrids in peanut to replace the tedious and lengthy in vitro embryo rescue procedures currently in use. In the incompatible cross, A. hypogaea cv Qunyu 101 x A. paraguariensis, post-pollination application of a hormone aqueous solution (IAA 4 mg/L + GA 2 mg/L) at flower bases resulted in 42 seeds, of which 26 were identified as true hybrids by allele-specific PCR for FAD2A genotyping. As a desirable alternative to in vitro embryo/ovules/peg culture, the present method may facilitate the utilization of wild species in peanut breeding. The method described here for peanut may be of reference to other crop plants where embryo abortion is also a problem.}}, DOI = {{10.1007/s10725-012-9726-y}}, ISSN = {{0167-6903}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000310969900019}}, } @article{ ISI:000311935800030, Author = {Li, Jilian and Qin, Haoran and Wu, Jie and Sadd, Ben M. and Wang, Xiuhong and Evans, Jay D. and Peng, Wenjun and Chen, Yanping}, Title = {{The Prevalence of Parasites and Pathogens in Asian Honeybees Apis cerana in China}}, Journal = {{PLOS ONE}}, Year = {{2012}}, Volume = {{7}}, Number = {{11}}, Month = {{NOV 7}}, Abstract = {{Pathogens and parasites represent significant threats to the health and well-being of honeybee species that are key pollinators of agricultural crops and flowers worldwide. We conducted a nationwide survey to determine the occurrence and prevalence of pathogens and parasites in Asian honeybees, Apis cerana, in China. Our study provides evidence of infections of A. cerana by pathogenic Deformed wing virus (DWV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV), Nosema ceranae, and C. bombi species that have been linked to population declines of European honeybees, A. mellifera, and bumble bees. However, the prevalence of DWV, a virus that causes widespread infection in A. mellifera, was low, arguably a result of the greater ability of A. cerana to resist the ectoprasitic mite Varroa destructor, an efficient vector of DWV. Analyses of microbial communities from the A. cerana digestive tract showed that Nosema infection could have detrimental effects on the gut microbiota. Workers infected by N. ceranae tended to have lower bacterial quantities, with these differences being significant for the Bifidobacterium and Pasteurellaceae bacteria groups. The results of this nationwide screen show that parasites and pathogens that have caused serious problems in European honeybees can be found in native honeybee species kept in Asia. Environmental changes due to new agricultural practices and globalization may facilitate the spread of pathogens into new geographic areas. The foraging behavior of pollinators that are in close geographic proximity likely have played an important role in spreading of parasites and pathogens over to new hosts. Phylogenetic analyses provide insights into the movement and population structure of these parasites, suggesting a bidirectional flow of parasites among pollinators. The presence of these parasites and pathogens may have considerable implications for an observed population decline of Asian honeybees.}}, DOI = {{10.1371/journal.pone.0047955}}, Article-Number = {{e47955}}, ISSN = {{1932-6203}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Evans, Jay/C-8408-2012 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Evans, Jay/0000-0002-0036-4651 Sadd, Ben/0000-0003-3136-5144}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000311935800030}}, } @article{ ISI:000313540100009, Author = {Johnson, S. D. and Newman, E. and Anderson, B.}, Title = {{Preliminary observations of insect pollination in Protea punctata (Proteaceae)}}, Journal = {{SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY}}, Year = {{2012}}, Volume = {{83}}, Pages = {{63-67}}, Month = {{NOV}}, Abstract = {{Available information on the phylogeny and pollination systems in Protea suggests that bird-pollination is ancestral and occurs in the majority of species, and that there have been several shifts to rodent pollination and a single shift to pollination by cetoniine beetles in this large African genus. Here we report that Protea punctata plants in a population in the Swartberg mountains are pollinated primarily by long-proboscid flies and butterflies. The threadlike pollen presenter on an unusually flexible style facilitates insect pollination in this species. The length of the style matches that of the proboscides of its two most common visitors, the nemestrinid fly Prosoeca longipennis and the nymphalid butterfly Aeropetes tulbaghia. Spectral reflectance of the involucral bracts is similar to that of flowers of other plants visited by long-proboscid flies. P. punctata occupies a recently diverged position in a clade (the ``white proteas{''}) in which all the other species appear to be bird-pollinated, and may represent a shift to insect pollination in the genus. (C) 2012 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}}, DOI = {{10.1016/j.sajb.2012.07.012}}, ISSN = {{0254-6299}}, ResearcherID-Numbers = {{Johnson, Steven/F-1146-2010 }}, ORCID-Numbers = {{Anderson, Bruce/0000-0002-7264-4505}}, Unique-ID = {{ISI:000313540100009}}, }