scholarly journals Ecological consequences of interactions between ants and honeydew-producing insects

2006 ◽  
Vol 274 (1607) ◽  
pp. 151-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D Styrsky ◽  
Micky D Eubanks
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Interspecific Interactions ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Invasive Ants ◽  
Ecological Consequences ◽  
Predatory Behaviour ◽  
Local Abundance ◽  
Growth And Reproduction

Interactions between ants and honeydew-producing hemipteran insects are abundant and widespread in arthropod food webs, yet their ecological consequences are very poorly known. Ant–hemipteran interactions have potentially broad ecological effects, because the presence of honeydew-producing hemipterans dramatically alters the abundance and predatory behaviour of ants on plants. We review several studies that investigate the consequences of ant–hemipteran interactions as ‘keystone interactions’ on arthropod communities and their host plants. Ant–hemipteran interactions have mostly negative effects on the local abundance and species richness of several guilds of herbivores and predators. In contrast, out of the 30 studies that document the effects of ant–hemipteran interactions on plants, the majority (73%) shows that plants actually benefit indirectly from these interactions. In these studies, increased predation or harassment of other, more damaging, herbivores by hemipteran-tending ants resulted in decreased plant damage and/or increased plant growth and reproduction. The ecological consequences of mutualistic interactions between honeydew-producing hemipterans and invasive ants relative to native ants have rarely been studied, but they may be of particular importance owing to the greater abundance, aggressiveness and extreme omnivory of invasive ants. We argue that ant–hemipteran interactions are largely overlooked and underappreciated interspecific interactions that have strong and pervasive effects on the communities in which they are embedded.

Species richness and redundancy promote persistence of exploited mutualisms in yeast

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 370 (6514) ◽  
pp. 346-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayra C. Vidal ◽  
Sheng Pei Wang ◽  
David M. Rivers ◽  
David M. Althoff ◽  
Kari A. Segraves
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Interspecific Interactions ◽  
Functional Redundancy ◽  
Ecological Communities ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Pairwise Interactions ◽  
Essential Question ◽  
Diverse Communities ◽  
High Species Richness

Mutualisms, or reciprocally beneficial interspecific interactions, constitute the foundation of many ecological communities and agricultural systems. Mutualisms come in different forms, from pairwise interactions to extremely diverse communities, and they are continually challenged with exploitation by nonmutualistic community members (exploiters). Thus, understanding how mutualisms persist remains an essential question in ecology. Theory suggests that high species richness and functional redundancy could promote mutualism persistence in complex mutualistic communities. Using a yeast system (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), we experimentally show that communities with the greatest mutualist richness and functional redundancy are nearly two times more likely to survive exploitation than are simple communities. Persistence increased because diverse communities were better able to mitigate the negative effects of competition with exploiters. Thus, large mutualistic networks may be inherently buffered from exploitation.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPOSES OF COW PEA (CV. PUSA BARSATI) GROWN ON FLY ASH AMENDED SOIL IN PRESENCE AND ABSENCE OF MELOIDOGYNE JAVANICA AND RHIZOBIUM LEGUMINOSARUM

1970 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamal Singh ◽  
A. A. Khan ◽  
Iram Khan ◽  
Rose Rizvi ◽  
M. Saquib
Keyword(s):  
Fly Ash ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Rhizobium Leguminosarum ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Maximum Growth ◽  
Meloidogyne Javanica ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Insignificant Difference

Plant growth, yield, pigment and protein content of cow-pea were increased significantly at lower levels (20 and 40%) of fly ash but reverse was true at higher levels (80 and 100%). Soil amended by 60% fly ash could cause suppression in growth and yield in respect to 40% fly ash treated cow-pea plants but former was found at par with control (fly ash untreated plants). Maximum growth occurred in plants grown in soil amended with 40% fly ash. Nitrogen content of cow-pea was suppressed progressively in increasing levels of fly ash. Moreover,  Rhizobium leguminosarum  influenced the growth and yield positively but Meloidogyne javanica caused opposite effects particularly at 20 and 40% fly ash levels. The positive effects of R. leguminosarum were marked by M. javanica at initial levels. However, at 80 and 100% fly ash levels, the positive and negative effects of R. leguminosarum and/or M. javanica did not appear as insignificant difference persist among such treatments.Key words:  Meloidogyne javanica; Rhizobium leguminosarum; Fly ash; Growth; YieldDOI: 10.3126/eco.v17i0.4098Ecoprint An International Journal of Ecology Vol. 17, 2010 Page: 17-22 Uploaded date: 28 December, 2010  

Zinc oxide nanoparticles help to enhance plant growth and alleviate abiotic stress: A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Faizan ◽  
Fangyuan Yu ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
Ahmad Faraz ◽  
Shamsul Hayat
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Oxide ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Abiotic Stresses ◽  
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Zno Nps ◽  
Agricultural Yield

: Abiotic stresses arising from atmosphere change belie plant growth and yield, leading to food reduction. The cultivation of a large number of crops in the contaminated environment is a main concern of environmentalists in the present time. To get food safety, a highly developed nanotechnology is a useful tool for promoting food production and assuring sustainability. Nanotechnology helps to better production in agriculture by promoting the efficiency of inputs and reducing relevant losses. This review examines the research performed in the past to show how zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are influencing the negative effects of abiotic stresses. Application of ZnO-NPs is one of the most effectual options for considerable enhancement of agricultural yield globally under stressful conditions. ZnO-NPs can transform the agricultural and food industry with the help of several innovative tools in reversing oxidative stress symptoms induced by abiotic stresses. In addition, the effect of ZnO-NPs on physiological, biochemical, and antioxidative activities in various plants have also been examined properly. This review summarizes the current understanding and the future possibilities of plant-ZnO-NPs research.

scholarly journals A Meta-Analytical Approach on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation Efficiency on Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 370
Author(s):  
Murugesan Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Mycorrhizal Plants

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts of higher plants which increase the growth and nutrient uptake of host plants. The primary objective was initiated based on analyzing the enormity of optimal effects upon AMF inoculation in a comparative bias between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants stipulated on plant biomass and nutrient uptake. Consequently, in accomplishing the above-mentioned objective a vast literature was collected, analyzed, and evaluated to establish a weighted meta-analysis irrespective of AMF species, plant species, family and functional group, and experimental conditions in the context of beneficial effects of AMF. I found a significant increase in the shoot, root, and total biomass by 36.3%, 28.5%, and, 29.7%, respectively. Moreover, mycorrhizal plants significantly increased phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium uptake by 36.3%, 22.1%, and 18.5%, respectively. Affirmatively upon cross-verification studies, plant growth parameters intensification was accredited to AMF (Rhizophagus fasciculatus followed by Funniliforme mosseae), plants (Triticum aestivum followed by Solanum lycopersicum), and plant functional groups (dicot, herbs, and perennial) were the additional vital important significant predictor variables of plant growth responses. Therefore, the meta-analysis concluded that the emancipated prominent root characteristics, increased morphological traits that eventually help the host plants for efficient phosphorus uptake, thereby enhancing plant biomass. The present analysis can be rationalized for any plant stress and assessment of any microbial agent that contributes to plant growth promotion.

scholarly journals Facilitation Effects of Haloxylon salicornicum Shrubs on Associated Understory Annuals, and a Modified “Stress-Gradient” Hypothesis for Droughty Times

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1726
Author(s):  
Nasr H. Gomaa ◽  
Ahmad K. Hegazy ◽  
Arafat Abdel Hamed Abdel Latef
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Stress Gradient ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Annual Species ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Dry Seasons ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Haloxylon Salicornicum

Perennial shrub-annual plant interactions play key roles in desert regions influencing the structure and dynamics of plant communities there. In the present study, carried out in northwestern Saudi Arabia, we examined the effect of Haloxylon salicornicum shrubs on their associated understory annual species across four consecutive growing seasons, along with a record of the seasonal rainfall patterns. We measured density and species richness of all the annual species in permanent quadrats located beneath individual shrubs, as well as in the spaces between shrubs. During wet growing season H. salicornicum shrubs significantly enhanced the density and species richness of sub-canopy species, whereas in the relatively dry seasons they exerted negative effects on the associated species. In all growing seasons, the presence of shrubs was associated with enhanced soil properties, including increased organic carbon content, silt + clay, and levels of nutrients (N, P and K). Shrubs improved soil moisture content beneath their canopies in the wet growing season, while in the dry seasons they had negative effects on water availability. Differences in effects of H. salicornicum on understory plants between growing seasons seem due to the temporal changes in the impact of shrubs on water availability. Our results suggest the facilitative effects of shrubs on sub-canopy annuals in arid ecosystems may switch to negative effects with increasing drought stress. We discuss the study in light of recent refinements of the well-known “stress-gradient hypothesis”.

Interactive effect of biochar and plant growth-promoting bacterial endophytes on ameliorating salinity stress in maize

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saqib Saleem Akhtar ◽  
Mathias Neumann Andersen ◽  
Muhammad Naveed ◽  
Zahir Ahmad Zahir ◽  
Fulai Liu
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Salinity Stress ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Nutrient Balance ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Salt Affected Soils

The objective of this work was to study the interactive effect of biochar and plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase and exopolysaccharide activity on mitigating salinity stress in maize (Zea mays L.). The plants were grown in a greenhouse under controlled conditions, and were subjected to separate or combined treatments of biochar (0% and 5%, w/w) and two endophytic bacterial strains (Burkholderia phytofirmans (PsJN) and Enterobacter sp. (FD17)) and salinity stress. The results indicated that salinity significantly decreased the growth of maize, whereas both biochar and inoculation mitigated the negative effects of salinity on maize performance either by decreasing the xylem Na+ concentration ([Na+]xylem) uptake or by maintaining nutrient balance within the plant, especially when the two treatments were applied in combination. Moreover, in biochar-amended saline soil, strain FD17 performed significantly better than did PsJN in reducing [Na+]xylem. Our results suggested that inoculation of plants with endophytic baterial strains along with biochar amendment could be an effective approach for sustaining crop production in salt-affected soils.

scholarly journals Direct and indirect effects of episodic frost on plant growth and reproduction in subalpine wildflowers

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 848-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella L. Pardee ◽  
David W. Inouye ◽  
Rebecca E. Irwin
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Direct And Indirect Effects ◽  
Growth And Reproduction

scholarly journals Draft Genome Sequence of Plant Growth-Promoting Drought-Tolerant Bacillus sp. Strain CMAA 1363 Isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga Biome

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Nessner Kavamura ◽  
Suikinai Nobre Santos ◽  
Rodrigo Gouvêa Taketani ◽  
Rafael Leandro Figueiredo Vasconcellos ◽  
Itamar Soares Melo
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Genomic Features ◽  
Drought Tolerant ◽  
Caatinga Biome ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting Traits

ABSTRACT The strain of Bacillus sp. CMAA 1363 was isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga biome and showed plant growth-promoting traits and ability to promote maize growth under drought stress. Sequencing revealed genes involved in stress response and plant growth promotion. These genomic features might aid in the protection of plants against the negative effects imposed by drought.

scholarly journals The use of Shanon Weiners diversity index in the assessment of floral diversity and equitability of Neni–Nimo Watershed in Anaocha L.G.A. of Anambra State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-158
Author(s):  
Ezenwatah Ifeoma Susan ◽  
Ukpaka Chukwujekwu Gratius ◽  
Onyemeka Regland Michael ◽  
Afulukwe Stella Chinyere ◽  
Okoye Elochukwu Chidubem Sunday
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
P Value ◽  
Growth Forms ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Current Usage

The study on the floral diversity of Neni-Nimo watershed in Anaocha L.G.A. of Anambra State was conducted between November 2009 and July 2020. The aim of the study was to find out the species richness and the floral biodiversity of the watershed. In this study, the watershed was divided into three sites, the forested site, the fallow site and the current usage site. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The ecological methods used in this study are the Point Centred Plotless Count sampling technique for areas dominated by trees while the Plot Count technique using quadrats were used for sampling the areas dominated by forbs, shrubs, climbers and grasses. The vegetation data collected was used to estimate the species richness of the different plant growth forms, the diversity and equitability of the various growth forms encountered were calculated using Shanon Weiners diversity index. The Shanno Weiners diversity index shows that the forested areas had the highest floral biodiversity than the fallow and current usage area. Regression analysis shows that a significant relationship exists between species abundance and floral biodiversity at a p-value of <0.05 for all plant growth forms in the watershed except for grasses and as abundance increases, diversity also increases.

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