scholarly journals A missing link in mutualistic networks: symbiotic fungi in plant-animal interactions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila Chaverri ◽  
Gloriana Chaverri
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Plant Disease ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Tropical Plants ◽  
Mutualistic Relationship ◽  
Symbiotic Fungi ◽  
Mutualistic Networks ◽  
Microbial Symbionts ◽  
Plant Animal Interactions

AbstractWe explored the hypothesis of an indirect mutualistic relationship (i.e., when the association between two species is modified by a third one) within a plant-animal seed dispersal network. Bats are important long-distance dispersers of many tropical plants, yet, by consuming fruits they may disperse not only the plant’s seeds, but also the endosymbiotic fungi within those fruits. We characterized fungal communities in fruits of Ficus colubrinae and in feces of Ectophylla alba to determine if passage through the digestive tract of the bats affected the total mycobiome. Results show a significant reduction, after passage through the gut, of fungi known to be plant pathogenic, while abundance of species known to have beneficial properties significantly increased. These findings suggest that the role of frugivores in plant-animal mutualistic networks may extend beyond seed dispersal: they also promote the dispersal of potentially beneficial microbial symbionts while hindering those that can cause plant disease.

scholarly journals Conservation status of the littoral forest of south-eastern Madagascar: a review

Oryx ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
An Bollen ◽  
Giuseppe Donati
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Littoral Forest ◽  
Plant Animal Interactions ◽  
Conservation Plans ◽  
Near Future

The littoral forest of the Fort Dauphin region of south-east Madagascar is expected to lose numerous endemic plant and animal species in the near future as a result of deforestation and consequent habitat changes. The disruption of plant-animal interactions is of particular concern. This review describes the conservation status of the littoral forest of Sainte Luce, Fort Dauphin, and examines the role of animal-facilitated seed dispersal in regeneration. The main threats to this habitat are described and possible management implications are discussed in relation to existing initiatives. Protection of the largest remaining forest fragments has been agreed by local communities and a draft plan for forest management is currently under evaluation. Over the next few years plantations will be created to provide local people with wood for fuel and other purposes. An important flying fox Pteropus rufus roost site needs to be included in conservation plans because of its importance for long-distance seed dispersal. Despite the presence of natural barriers, the creation of forest corridors will be crucial for connecting isolated fragments and facilitating genetic exchange between subpopulations. Increased attention needs to be given to the need to promote conservation-related income activities.

THE ROLE OF ABSCISSION IN LONG-DISTANCE SEED DISPERSAL BY THE WIND

Ecology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (11) ◽  
pp. 3105-3110 ◽  
Author(s):  
David F. Greene
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Long Distance

Endozoochory by granivorous rodents in seed dispersal of green fruits

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-49
Author(s):  
Yueqin Yang ◽  
Yihao Zhang ◽  
Yinhua Deng ◽  
Xianfeng Yi
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Clethrionomys Rufocanus ◽  
Fruit Removal ◽  
Mutualistic Relationship ◽  
Siberian Chipmunk ◽  
Avian Frugivores ◽  
Tamias Sibiricus ◽  
Scientific Attention ◽  
Myodes Rufocanus

Although the role of frugivores in seed dispersal has attracted scientific attention, it remains unclear whether granivorous rodents can act as frugivores to interact mutualistically with fruit-producing plants, especially those bearing green fruits inconspicuous to avian frugivores. In this study, we tracked fruit removal of the tara vine (Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. Ex Miq.) and variegated kiwi vine (Actinidia kolomikta (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.) in a temperate forest and presented fruits to the granivorous rodents Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus (Laxmann, 1769)), Korean field mouse (Apodemus peninsulae (Thomas, 1907)), and gray red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846) = Myodes rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846)) in the laboratory to answer this question. Seeds were collected from rodent feces to see the effects of gut passage on seed germination to determine the role of granivorous rodents in endozoochory of A. arguta and A. kolomikta. We presented clear evidence of endozoochory by granivorous rodents in seed dispersal of the two Actinidia species. Rodents appeared to play an alternative role in dispersing plants bearing green fruits. Moreover, we observed increased germination rates after gut ingestion by the granivorous rodents. Our study evidenced endozoochory of granivorous rodents and provided new insight into the mutualist interactions between rodents and plant species bearing fleshy fruits containing tiny seeds. We suggest future studies pay more attention to endozoochory of rodents and establish their mutualistic relationship with fruit-bearing plants in temperate forests.

Dispersal of mimetic seeds of three species of Ormosia (Leguminosae)

1998 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercedes S. Foster ◽  
Linda S. Delay
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Seed Coat ◽  
Seed Predation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Frugivorous Birds ◽  
Hard Seed ◽  
Seed Surface ◽  
Mutualistic Relationship

ABSTRACT. Seeds with ‘imitation arils’ appear wholly or partially covered by pulp or aril but actually carry no fleshy material. The mimetic seed hypothesis to explain this phenomenon proposes a parasitic relationship in which birds are deceived into dispersing seeds that resemble bird-dispersed fruits, without receiving a nutrient reward. The hard-seed for grit hypothesis proposes a mutualistic relationship in which large, terrestrial birds swallow the exceptionally hard mimetic seeds as grit for grinding the softer seeds on which they feed. They defecate, dispersing the seeds, and abrade the seed surface, enhancing germination. Any fruit mimicry is incidental. Fruiting trees of Ormosia spp. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) were observed to ascertain mechanisms of seed dispersal and the role of seemingly mimetic characteristics of the seeds in that dispersal. Seed predation and seed germination were also examined. Ormosia isthamensis and O. macrocalyx (but not O. bopiensis) deceived arboreally-foraging frugivorous birds into taking their mimetic seeds, although rates of seed dispersal were low. These results are consistent with the mimetic seed hypothesis. On the other hand, the rates of disappearance of seeds from the ground under the Ormosia trees, hardness of the seeds, and enhancement of germination with the abrasion of the seed coat are all consistent with the hard-seed for grit hypothesis. RESUMEN. Semillas con arilos falsos aparecen estar cubiertas en parte o completamente por pulpa o arilo, pero en realidad no llevan ninguna materia carnosa. El hipótesis semilla mímica propone que las semillas parecen frutos carnosos cuyas semillas están dispersadas por aves y que engañan las aves a dispersar sus semillas sin recibir una recompensa nutritiva — una relación parasítica. El hipótesis semilla dura para arenisca propone que aves grandes y terrestres tragan las semillas mímicas y excepcionalmente duras como arenisca para moler las semillas más suaves en que se alimentan; las aves defecan y dispersan las semillas, y las rascan, lo cual mejora la germinación — una relación mutua. Cualquier mimetismo es incidente. Se observaron árboles de Ormosia espp. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) con frutos para averiguar los mecanismos de dispersión de semillas y el papel que hacen las características aparentemente mímicas de sus semillas en esa dispersión. Se examinaron también la depredación y germinación de semillas. Las semillas mímicas de Ormosia isthamensis y O. macrocalyx (pero no O. bopiensis), engañaron aves frugivoras y arbóreas en comerlas, aunque las tasas de dispersión eran bajas. Estos resultados son consistente con el hipótesis semilla mímica. En cambio, las tasas de desaparición de semillas caídas de Ormosia, dureza de las semillas, y mejoramiento de germinación con la raedura de las capas de las semillas son consistente con el hipótesis semilla dura para arenisca.

scholarly journals Understanding the population genetic structure of coastal species (Cakile maritima): seed dispersal and the role of sea currents in determining population structure

2008 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
MHEMMED GANDOUR ◽  
KAMEL HESSINI ◽  
CHEDLY ABDELLY
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Inherent Difficulty ◽  
Coastal Species ◽  
Cakile Maritima ◽  
Annual Herb ◽  
Sea Currents

SummaryThe nature and extent of long-distance seed dispersal are currently poorly understood, largely due to the inherent difficulty in detecting such a phenomenon. Genetic methods provide one of the few general approaches that offer the potential to accurately address this issue. Phenotypic and allozymic approaches were applied to characterize inter-population seed dispersal of the sea rocket (Cakile maritima, Brassicaceae), a glabrous and succulent annual herb. Genetic variation was assessed on 360 individuals sampled from nine populations. Genetic diversity across populations was high, 37% of which was represented by Qst and 16% by Fst. When genetic distances were used to construct the UPGMA dendrogram, populations were clustered into three groups at the 90% similarity level. The pattern of clustering can be explained by examining the direction of sea currents around Tunisian coasts. We have shown in this study that C. maritima seeds can survive up to 4 months immersion in sea water and up to 1 year of floating in sea water; therefore, seed dispersal between populations is possible both in terms of seed survival and current patterns.

The disjointed distribution of Anacamptis longicornu in the West-Mediterranean: The role of vicariance versus long-distance seed dispersal

Taxon ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 1041-1049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anis Zitari ◽  
Valentina Tranchida-Lombardo ◽  
Donata Cafasso ◽  
Ahmed Noureddine Helal ◽  
Giovanni Scopece ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
The West

scholarly journals Herbivore corridors sustain genetic footprint in plant populations: a case for Spanish drove roads

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo García-Fernández ◽  
Pablo Manzano ◽  
Javier Seoane ◽  
Francisco M. Azcárate ◽  
Jose M. Iriondo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Human Settlements ◽  
Inbreeding Coefficients ◽  
Agricultural Matrix ◽  
Plant Population Genetics ◽  
Migration Capacity ◽  
The Impact

Habitat fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem productivity mediated by direct human impact. Its consequences include genetic depauperation, comprising phenomena such as inbreeding depression or reduction in genetic diversity. While the capacity of wild and domestic herbivores to sustain long-distance seed dispersal has been proven, the impact of herbivore corridors in plant population genetics remains to be observed. We conducted this study in the Conquense Drove Road in Spain, where sustained use by livestock over centuries has involved transhumant herds passing twice a year en route to winter and summer pastures. We compared genetic diversity and inbreeding coefficients of Plantago lagopus populations along the drove road with populations in the surrounding agricultural matrix, at varying distances from human settlements. We observed significant differences in coefficients of inbreeding between the drove road and the agricultural matrix, as well as significant trends indicative of higher genetic diversity and population nestedness around human settlements. Trends for higher genetic diversity along drove roads may be present, although they were only marginally significant due to the available sample size. Our results illustrate a functional landscape with human settlements as dispersal hotspots, while the findings along the drove road confirm its role as a pollinator reservoir observed in other studies. Drove roads may possibly also function as linear structures that facilitate long-distance dispersal across the agricultural matrix, while local P. lagopus populations depend rather on short-distance seed dispersal. These results highlight the role of herbivore corridors for conserving the migration capacity of plants, and contribute towards understanding the role of seed dispersal and the spread of invasive species related to human activities.

The role of long-distance seed dispersal in the local population dynamics of an invasive plant species

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 725-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Pergl ◽  
Jana Müllerová ◽  
Irena Perglová ◽  
Tomáš Herben ◽  
Petr Pyšek
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Invasive Plant Species ◽  
Long Distance

scholarly journals Burrowing Parrots Cyanoliseus patagonus as Long-Distance Seed Dispersers of Keystone Algarrobos, Genus Prosopis, in the Monte Desert

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
Guillermo Blanco ◽  
Pedro Romero-Vidal ◽  
Martina Carrete ◽  
Daniel Chamorro ◽  
Carolina Bravo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Ecosystem Structure ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Monte Desert ◽  
Seed Dispersers ◽  
Plant Animal Interactions

Understanding of ecosystem structure and functioning requires detailed knowledge about plant–animal interactions, especially when keystone species are involved. The recent consideration of parrots as legitimate seed dispersers has widened the range of mechanisms influencing the life cycle of many plant species. We examined the interactions between the burrowing parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus and two dominant algarrobo trees (Prosopis alba and Prosopis nigra) in the Monte Desert, Argentina. We recorded the abundance and foraging behaviour of parrots; quantified the handling, consumption, wasting, and dispersal of ripe and unripe pods; and tested the viability of soft and hard ripe seeds wasted and transported by parrots. We found a high abundance of burrowing parrots. They predated on soft seeds from unripe pods while exclusively feeding upon pulp wrapping hard seeds from ripe pods. Frequent pod wasting beneath the plant or transport at a distance invariably implied the dispersal of multiple seeds in each event. Moreover, soft seeds retained viability after desiccation outside the mother plant, suggesting effective seed dispersal after partial pod predation due to a predator satiation effect. In about half of the foraging flocks, at least one parrot departed in flight with pods in its beak, with 10–34% of the flock components moving pods at distances averaging 238 m (P. alba) and 418 m (P. nigra). A snapshot sampling of faeces from livestock and wild mammals suggested a low frequency of seed dispersal by endozoochory and secondary dispersal by ants and dung beetles. The nomadic movements and long flights of burrowing parrots between breeding and foraging sites can lead to the dispersal of huge amounts of seeds across large areas that are sequentially exploited. Further research should evaluate the role of the burrowing parrot as a functionally unique species in the structure of the Monte Desert woods and the genetic structure of algarrobo species.

scholarly journals Long-distance dispersal of oilseed rape seeds: The role of grain trailers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Bailleul ◽  
Sébastien Ollier ◽  
Jane Lecomte
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Oilseed Rape ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Dispersal Distance ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Dispersal Capacity ◽  
Plant Cultivation ◽  
Feral Populations

AbstractIn agroecosystems, anthropogenic activities can modify the natural dispersal capacity of crops and their capacity to establish feral populations. In the case of oilseed rape (OSR), seed spillage from grain trailers during harvest was first quantified by an in situ scientific study (Selommes, Loir-et-Cher, France). Demographic analysis of seeds collected from 85 traps set on road verges suggested that OSR dispersal distance due to seed spillage from grain trailers can be up to 400m. In the present study, we used SSR markers to genotype seeds collected from trap-sites and from surrounding OSR fields to precisely estimate the distances between traps and fields. Trailer directions on each road were also considered. Few seeds (5.8%) were not linked to a field in the studied area, while most of the seeds (59.2%) were linked to a field situated over 400 m away. The overall mean dispersal distance was 1250 m. It ranged from 308 m to 1392 m for one-lane roads, and from 1048 m to 1404 m for two-lane roads. Events of seed dispersal at greater distances (> 5 km) were rare but still possible. It thus follows that OSR seed dispersal due to spillage from grain trailers should be carefully considered in the context of genetically modified plant cultivation.

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