scholarly journals Spatial variation of post-dispersal seed removal by rodents in highland microhabitats of Spain and Switzerland

2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Luis García-Castaño ◽  
Johannes Kollmann ◽  
Pedro Jordano
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Clethrionomys Glareolus ◽  
Taxus Baccata ◽  
Seed Removal ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Swiss Jura ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Few Data

Few data are available and little is known about spatial variation in post-dispersal seed removal at different levels throughout the geographic range of a plant species. Here, we compare post-dispersal seed removal by rodents within and among sites in two distinct regions, the south-eastern Spanish Mediterranean highlands and the Swiss Jura. Seed removal was assessed experimentally for four fleshy-fruited species (Berberis vulgaris,Crataegus monogyna,Rosaspp. andTaxus baccata) in heterogeneous sites with distinct microhabitats. A factorial general linear model (GLM) analysis was used to evaluate the relative influence of species-specific seed traits on removal at three spatial levels (microhabitat, site and region). In both highland ecosystems, live trapping revealed that rodents were the main seed removers:Apodemus sylvaticuswas observed in both regions, whereasA. flavicollisandClethrionomys glareolusoccurred only at the Swiss sites. There was a significant difference in seed removal between regions, and the preferences of the rodents varied among plant species and microhabitats. Variation in rodent presence explained some differences in seed removal between regions and among microhabitats. Finally, the effect of rodent presence on seed removal differs due to both regional and microhabitat effects.

Postdispersal fruit and seed removal by forest-dwelling rodents in a lowland rainforest in Mexico

1998 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
VICTOR SÁNCHEZ-CORDERO ◽  
ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ-GALLARDO
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Small Rodent ◽  
Seed Removal ◽  
Los Tuxtlas ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Brosimum Alicastrum

This study examined whether postdispersal fruit and seed removal by terrestrial mammals of common plant species was affected by the type of item, item density (low, medium, high), and habitat (gap, mid-succession, mature). Fruits of Brosimum alicastrum and Ficus yoponensi (Moraceae), Astrocaryum mexicanum (Palmae), and Nectandra ambigens (Lauraceae), and seeds of Omphalea oleifera (Euphorbiaceae) and Cymbopetalum baillonii (Annonaceae) were tested at the Los Tuxtlas rainforest in Mexico. Item removal from 108 experimental patches (N = 2340 fruits or seeds for each plant species tested) after 5 d was lower for F. yoponensis (6.6%) than for N. ambigens (68.8%), B. alicastrum (67.8%), C. baillonii (64.0%) and A. mexicanum (60.0%). No seeds of O. oleifera were removed. A higher fruit or seed removal was observed from high density than low density food patches in A. mexicanum, C. baillonii and N. ambigens, but not in B. alicastrum and F. yoponensis. A higher fruit or seed removal was observed from food patches in mature forest than in gaps in all plant species tested. Similar removal values between open (open to all terrestrial mammals) and caged (open to small rodents) fruit and seed patches, abundant rodent live-trapping, and a scarcity of large terrestrial mammals, indicated that forest-dwelling small rodents were the main postdispersal removal agents. Differences in plant species seedling recruitment resulting from small rodent food choices can partially determine long-term forest floristic composition at the Los Tuxtlas rainforest.

scholarly journals Cavitation fatigue in conifers: a study on eight European species

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Feng ◽  
Adriano Losso ◽  
Melvin Tyree ◽  
Shuoxin Zhang ◽  
Stefan Mayr
Keyword(s):  
Abies Alba ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Taxus Baccata ◽  
Pinus Cembra ◽  
European Larch ◽  
Stone Pine ◽  
Climate Change Projections ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Common Juniper

Abstract After drought-induced embolism and repair, tree xylem may be weakened against future drought events (cavitation fatigue). Since there are few data on cavitation fatigue in conifers available, we quantified vulnerability curves (VCs) after embolism/repair cycles on eight European conifer species. We induced 50 and 100% loss of conductivity (LC) with a cavitron, and analysed VCs. Embolism repair was obtained by vacuum infiltration. All species demonstrated complete embolism repair and a lack of any cavitation fatigue after 50% LC. After 100% LC, European larch (Larix decidua), stone pine (Pinus cembra), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and silver fir (Abies alba) remained unaffected, while mountain pine (Pinus mugo), yew (Taxus baccata) and common juniper (Juniperus communis) exhibited 0.4 to 0.9 MPa higher vulnerability to embolism. A small cavitation fatigue observed in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was probably biased by incomplete embolism repair, as indicated by a correlation of vulnerability shifts and conductivity restoration. Our data demonstrate that cavitation fatigue in conifers is species-specific and depends on the intensity of preceding LC. The lack of fatigue effects after moderate LC, and relevant effects in only three species after high LC, indicate that conifers are relatively resistant against cavitation fatigue. This is remarkable considering the complex and delicate conifer pit architecture and may be important considering climate change projections.

scholarly journals Responses of Bat Communities (Mammalia: Chiroptera) to Forest Loss and Habitat Conversion in Southern Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 194008292110103
Author(s):  
Patrick Jules Atagana ◽  
Eric Moïse Bakwo Fils ◽  
Sevilor Kekeunou
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Habitat Transformation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Southern Cameroon ◽  
Habitat Conversion ◽  
Species Specific

We aimed to assess how bats are affected by habitat transformation by comparing bat assemblages in four habitat types: primary forest, secondary forest, cocoa plantations and human habitations in the Dja Biosphere Reserve of southern Cameroon. Bats were sampled in the four habitat types using mist nets. During 126 nights, a total of 413 bats were captured, belonging to four families, 16 genera and 24 species. Ninety three individuals (17 species) were captured in the primary forest, followed by plantations (105 individuals, 14 species), human habitations (159 individuals, 10 species), and secondary forest (55 individuals, eight species). Megaloglossus woermanni was recorded in all the four habitats, and was the most abundant species (105 individuals). The analysis of bat assemblage between habitat types showed a statistically significant difference in species composition. The distribution of the six most abundant species ( Epomops franqueti, Megaloglossus woermanni, Rousettus aegyptiacus, Dohyrina cyclops, Hipposideros cf. caffer and Hipposideros cf. ruber) was influenced by habitat types. Our results suggest that the decrease in species richness observed in disturbed habitats may be due to habitat perturbations of primary forest habitats. Therefore, it is important to examine the effects of habitat conversion at species level, as responses are often species-specific.

scholarly journals Community Trial on the Propagation and Conservation of Taxus baccata L.

Our Nature ◽  
1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Author(s):  
Kamal Maden
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Vegetative Propagation ◽  
Antitumor Agent ◽  
Taxus Baccata ◽  
Chemical Treatments ◽  
Community Trial

This article deals with the propagation of endangered but economically valuable gymnospermic plant species, Taxus baccata L. Taxol; an antitumor agent is prepared from the extracted material, both leaves and stem resin of it. Vegetative propagation was done by cuttings. The twigs were taken in Madimulkhark of Sankhuwasabha district and put in the bed for rooting without any chemical treatments. Independent experiments were conducted in two seasons i.e, February-March and May-June. The latter season was found suitable for emergence of young twigs. Keywords: Taxol, Gymnosperms, Propagation, Conservationdoi:10.3126/on.v1i1.301Our Nature (2003) 1: 30-32

scholarly journals Spatial variation of plant species richness in a sand dune field of northeastern Inner Mongolia, China

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-442
Author(s):  
Jing Wu ◽  
Jianqiang Qian ◽  
Xianzhang Hou ◽  
Carlos A. Busso ◽  
Zhimin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Inner Mongolia ◽  
Sand Dune ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Dune Field

scholarly journals Effects of grazing on plant species diversity and above ground biomass in a Trans- Himalayan Rangeland

1970 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Pokharel ◽  
Madhu Chhetri ◽  
Chiranjibi P Upadhyaya
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Above Ground Biomass ◽  
Ground Biomass ◽  
Grazing Effect ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Palatable Species

Limited information is available on the species composition, above ground biomass and its relations to grazing in a trans-Himalayan rangeland. Its assessment is essential for long term conservation and management. In the present study, we compared species composition, phenology, diversity index and biomass between controlled (without grazing) and open (free grazing) plots to assess the effects of grazing in the selected experimental sites of Upper Mustang during July and November 2005. Species encountered were classified as high, medium, low and non palatable and in three life form categories-grasses, shrubs and forbs. The experimental sites are dominated by forbs (80%) followed by grasses (15%) and shrubs (5%). Disturbance caused by grazing affects the phenological characteristics of the plant community. Result also reveals that species diversity, maximum possible diversity, evenness and species richness was higher in the grazed plots during July and November. A comparison of the aboveground biomass in July showed that mean percentage biomass of high, medium and low palatable species is higher in ungrazed plots. In November, the percentage biomass of only medium palatable species was higher in ungrazed plots and rest of the category is higher in grazed plots. Significant difference in July, a peak growing seasons for most of the plant species in the region reveals that the pasture has impact of livestock grazing. Keywords: Biomass, diversity, grazing effect, rangeland, species Banko Janakari: A journal of forestry information for Nepal Vol.17(1) 2007 pp.25-31

scholarly journals Blue Light added with Red LEDs Enhance Growth Characteristics, Pigments Content, and Antioxidant Capacity in Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Basil, and Sweet Pepper in a Controlled Environment

Plants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Most Naznin ◽  
Mark Lefsrud ◽  
Valerie Gravel ◽  
Md Azad
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Chlorophyll Content ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Light Treatment ◽  
Pigment Content ◽  
Growth Chamber ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Controlled Environment ◽  
Significant Difference

The aim of this study was to investigate the different combinations of red (R) and blue (B) light emitting diode (LEDs’) lighting effects on growth, pigment content, and antioxidant capacity in lettuce, spinach, kale, basil, and pepper in a growth chamber. The growth chamber was equipped with R and B light percentages based on total light intensity: 83% R + 17% B; 91% R + 9% B; 95% R + 5% B; and control was 100% R. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), photoperiod, temperature, and relative humidity of the growth chamber were maintained at 200 ± 5 μmol m−2 s−1, 16 h, 25/21 ± 2.5 °C, and 65 ± 5%, respectively. It is observed that the plant height of lettuce, kale, and pepper was significantly increased under 100% R light, whereas the plant height of spinach and basil did not show any significant difference. The total leaf number of basil and pepper was significantly increased under the treatment of 95% R + 5% B light, while no significant difference was observed for other plant species in the same treatment. Overall, the fresh and dry mass of the studied plants was increased under 91% R + 9% B and 95% R + 5% B light treatment. The significantly higher flower and fruit numbers of pepper were observed under the 95% R + 5% B treatment. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content of lettuce, spinach, basil, and pepper was significantly increased under the 91% R + 9% B treatment while the chlorophyll content of kale was increased under the 95% R + 5% B light treatment. The total carotenoid content of lettuce and spinach was higher in the 91% R + 9% B treatment whereas the carotenoid content of kale, basil, and pepper was increased under the 83% R + 17% B treatment. The antioxidant capacity of the lettuce, spinach, and kale was increased under the 83% R + 17% B treatment while basil and pepper were increased under the 91% R + 9% B treatment. This result indicates that the addition of B light is essential with R light to enhance growth, pigment content, and antioxidant capacity of the vegetable plant in a controlled environment. Moreover, the percentage of B with R light is plant species dependent.

scholarly journals Emerging fungal pathogen of an invasive grass: Implications for competition with native plant species

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0237894
Author(s):  
Amy E. Kendig ◽  
Vida J. Svahnström ◽  
Ashish Adhikari ◽  
Philip F. Harmon ◽  
S. Luke Flory
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Leaf Spot Disease ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Invasive Grass ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Species Specific

Infectious diseases and invasive species can be strong drivers of biological systems that may interact to shift plant community composition. For example, disease can modify resource competition between invasive and native species. Invasive species tend to interact with a diversity of native species, and it is unclear how native species differ in response to disease-mediated competition with invasive species. Here, we quantified the biomass responses of three native North American grass species (Dichanthelium clandestinum, Elymus virginicus, and Eragrostis spectabilis) to disease-mediated competition with the non-native invasive grass Microstegium vimineum. The foliar fungal pathogen Bipolaris gigantea has recently emerged in Microstegium populations, causing a leaf spot disease that reduces Microstegium biomass and seed production. In a greenhouse experiment, we examined the effects of B. gigantea inoculation on two components of competitive ability for each native species: growth in the absence of competition and biomass responses to increasing densities of Microstegium. Bipolaris gigantea inoculation affected each of the three native species in unique ways, by increasing (Dichanthelium), decreasing (Elymus), or not changing (Eragrostis) their growth in the absence of competition relative to mock inoculation. Bipolaris gigantea inoculation did not, however, affect Microstegium biomass or mediate the effect of Microstegium density on native plant biomass. Thus, B. gigantea had species-specific effects on native plant competition with Microstegium through species-specific biomass responses to B. gigantea inoculation, but not through modified responses to Microstegium density. Our results suggest that disease may uniquely modify competitive interactions between invasive and native plants for different native plant species.

scholarly journals Interspecific differences of stridulatory signals in three species of bark beetles from the genus Polygraphus Er. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) inhabiting the island of Sakhalin

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Andreevich Kerchev
Keyword(s):  
Host Plant ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Acoustic Signals ◽  
Interval Number ◽  
Host Plant Species ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Conspecific Interactions

Stridulatory signals are involved in conspecific interactions between bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). In this study, we compared the qualitative profiles of acoustic signals in three species from the genus Polygraphus Er. Sympatry can be periodically observed in two of them – P. proximus and P. subopacus. Sporadically they occur on the same plants. P. nigrielytris colonize distinctly different host plant species; however, on the island of Sakhalin it inhabits the same biotopes. The purpose of the study is to identify species-specific parameters and the extent of differences in stridulatory signals of these species. Airborne signals produced during the contact of males of the same species were experimentally recorded. Among tested parameters of stridulatory signals, as the most species-specific were noted: chirp duration, interchirp interval, number of tooth-strikes per chirp, and intertooth-strike interval.

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