Experimental Studies on Slug-Plant Interactions: I. The Acceptability of Thirty Plant Species to the Slug Agriolimax Caruaneae

1980 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Dirzo
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Plant Interactions

scholarly journals Phytoremediation Potential of Native Herbaceous Plant Species Growing on a Paradigmatic Brownfield Site

2021 ◽  
Vol 232 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Matanzas ◽  
E. Afif ◽  
T. E. Díaz ◽  
J. R. Gallego
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Plantago Lanceolata ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Aerial Parts ◽  
Medicago Lupulina ◽  
Icp Ms

AbstractPhytomanagement techniques using native species allow the recovery of contaminated soils at low cost and circumvent the ecological risks associated with the use of non-native species. In this context, a paradigmatic brownfield megasite highly contaminated by As and Pb was sampled in order to analyze soil–plant interactions and identify plant species with phytoremediation potential. A survey was first carried out in a 20-ha area to obtain an inventory of species growing spontaneously throughout the site. We then performed another survey in the most polluted sub-area (1 ha) within the site. Pseudototal concentrations of contaminants in the soil, aerial parts of the plants, and roots were measured by ICP-MS. A detailed habitat classification was done, and a specific index of coverage was applied by means of a 1-year quadrat study in various sampling stations. Results converged in the selection of six herbaceous species (Dysphania botrys, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus hispidus, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Medicago lupulina). All of these plants are fast-growing, thereby making them suitable for use in phytostabilization strategies. Furthermore, they are all easy to grow and propagate and are generally self-sustaining. All six plants showed accumulation factors below 1, thus revealing them as pseudomethallophytes and excluders. However, L. hispidus and M. lupulina showed translocation capacity and are considered worthy of further study.

scholarly journals Context-dependency in biodiversity-multifunctionality relationships is driven by nitrogen availability and plant functional composition

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noémie A. Pichon ◽  
Seraina L. Cappelli ◽  
Santiago Soliveres ◽  
Tosca Mannall ◽  
Thu Zar Nwe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Context Dependency ◽  
Composition Gradient ◽  
Nitrogen Enrichment ◽  
Functional Composition

SummaryThe ability of an ecosystem to deliver multiple functions at high levels (multifunctionality) typically increases with biodiversity but there is substantial variation in the strength and direction of biodiversity effects, suggesting context-dependency. However, the drivers of this context dependency have not been identified and understood in comparative meta-analyses or experimental studies. To determine how different factors modulate the effect of diversity on multifunctionality, we conducted a large grassland experiment with 216 communities, crossing a manipulation of plant species richness (1-20 species) with manipulations of resource availability (nitrogen enrichment), plant functional composition (gradient in mean specific leaf area [SLA] to manipulate abundances of fast vs. slow species), plant functional diversity (variance in SLA) and enemy abundance (fungal pathogen removal). We measured ten functions, above and belowground, related to productivity, nutrient cycling and energy transfer between trophic levels, and calculated multifunctionality. Plant species richness and functional diversity both increased multifunctionality, but their effects were context dependent. Species richness increased multifunctionality, but only when communities were assembled with fast growing (high SLA) species. This was because slow species were more redundant in their functional effects, whereas fast species tended to promote different functions. Functional diversity also increased multifunctionality but this effect was dampened by nitrogen enrichment, however, unfertilised, functionally diverse communities still delivered more functions than low diversity, fertilised communities. Our study suggests that a shift towards exploitative communities will not only alter ecosystem functioning but also the strength of biodiversity-functioning relationships, which highlights the potentially complex effects of global change on multifunctionality.

Defensive (anti-herbivory) Batesian mimicry in plants

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 34-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simcha Lev-Yadun
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Plant Biology ◽  
Batesian Mimicry ◽  
Individual Plant ◽  
Physiological Functions ◽  
Toxic Plants ◽  
Animal Damage ◽  
Defensive Mechanisms

Several types of defensive Batesian mimicry seem to be much more common in plants than was historically and is currently considered. It is based either on visual aspects (shape, coloration, and even movement), on odors, and on combinations of both these sensing modalities. Various characters that seem to function as defensive Batesian mimicry, may also simultaneously take part in pollination, physiological functions, or in other defensive mechanisms. The defended models for the visual Batesian mimics in plants belong to several categories: (1) spiny, thorny and prickly plant species, (2) mechanically or chemically defended parts of the same individual plant, or other members of the same species (auto mimicry), (3) colorful and chemically defended plants, (4) dangerous animals (aggressive, toxic), (5) fungal attacks, (6) animal action and animal damage cues, and (7) oozing defensive white latex. Olfactory defended models include: (1) toxic plants, (2) animal alarm pheromones, and (3) animal carrion and feces odors. Many more descriptive, genetic, phylogenetic and experimental studies have to be done in order to better understand the role of defensive Batesian mimicry in plant biology.

scholarly journals Positive plant–plant interactions expand the upper distributional limits of some vascular plant species

Ecosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan J. Raath‐Krüger ◽  
Melodie A. McGeoch ◽  
Christian Schöb ◽  
Michelle Greve ◽  
Peter C. Roux
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Vascular Plant Species ◽  
Distributional Limits ◽  
Plant Plant

Seasonal Variation in Bee-Plant Interactions in an Inselberg in the Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil

Sociobiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelita França Marques ◽  
Mariana Scaramussa Deprá ◽  
Maria Cristina Gaglianone
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Floral Resources ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Bee Plant

Studies on bee-plant interactions are relevant to the understanding of temporal patterns in neotropical communities. In isolated habitats such as inselbergs little is yet known about the temporal dynamics in the availability of fl oral resources and interacting bee. In the present study, the objective is to verify the eff ect of seasonality on the bee-plant interaction in an Atlantic Forest inselberg in southeastern Brazil. The bees were sampled monthly in the dry (April/2008-September/2008) and wet seasons (October/2008-March/2009) using an entomological net. A total of 322 bees of 33 species were captured on fl owers of 34 species of plants during the year. Bees richness was similar between seasons (22 species in the wet season and 21 in the dry season), but abundance was higher in the wet season (60% of individuals) and higher diversity occurred in the dry season. Augochloropsis sp1 were the most abundant species and visited the largest number of plant species at each season. In the interaction network, plants with the highest degree were distinct between the seasons. The number of possible interactions was higher in the dry season compared to the wet season and connectance was similar; nestedness however varied between the seasons. The composition of plant and bees species was distinct between the seasons, as well as the interactions between them, mainly due to the alteration in the composition of the plant species and the change in the choice of the bees for the floral resources between the seasons.

scholarly journals The Critical Importance of Old World Fruit Bats for Healthy Ecosystems and Economies

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheema Abdul Aziz ◽  
Kim R. McConkey ◽  
Krizler Tanalgo ◽  
Tuanjit Sritongchuay ◽  
Mary-Ruth Low ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Fruit Bats ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Old World ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Foraging Movement ◽  
The Many ◽  
Anthropogenic Threats

Despite extensive documentation of the ecological and economic importance of Old World fruit bats (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) and the many threats they face from humans, negative attitudes towards pteropodids have persisted, fuelled by perceptions of bats as being pests and undesirable neighbours. Such long-term negativity towards bats is now further exacerbated by more recent disease-related concerns, particularly associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic. There remains an urgent need to investigate and highlight the positive and beneficial aspects of bats across the Old World. While previous reviews have summarised these extensively, numerous new studies conducted over the last 36 years have provided further valuable data and insights which warrant an updated review. Here we synthesise research on pteropodid-plant interactions, comprising diet, ecological roles, and ecosystem services, conducted during 1985-2020. We uncovered a total of 311 studies covering 75 out of the known 201 pteropodid species (37%), conducted in 47 countries. The majority of studies documented diet (52% of all studies; 67 pteropodid species), followed by foraging movement (49%; 50 pteropodid species), with fewer studies directly investigating the roles played by pteropodids in seed dispersal (24%; 41 pteropodid species), pollination (14%; 19 pteropodid species), and conflict with fruit growers (12%; 11 pteropodid species). Pteropodids were recorded feeding on 1072 plant species from 493 genera and 148 families, with fruits comprising the majority of plant parts consumed, followed by flowers/nectar/pollen, leaves, and other miscellaneous parts. Sixteen pteropodid species have been confirmed to act as pollinators for a total of 21 plant species, and 29 pteropodid species have been confirmed to act as seed dispersers for a total of 311 plant species. Anthropogenic threats disrupting bat-plant interactions in the Old World include hunting, direct persecution, habitat loss/disturbance, invasive species, and climate change, leading to ecosystem-level repercussions. We identify notable research gaps and important research priorities to support conservation action for pteropodids.

scholarly journals Horticultural Oils

1985 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 188-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren T. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Pesticide Resistance ◽  
Minimum Standard ◽  
Product Identification

Horticultural oils are among the safest of pesticides. Lack of product identification through the label makes it difficult for the field user to know what product was actually used in experimental studies. A minimum standard for product identification is suggested. Phytotoxicity, while relatively uncommon, continues to cause fears on the part of nurserymen and spray contractors. Factors that must be taken into account before spraying oil include dosage, timing with regard to plant phenological development and climatic conditions, and an awareness of sensitive plant species. A list of sensitive plants is given. A new expression of pesticide resistance through the thickening of the test of certain armored scales was observed.

scholarly journals Should I Eat or Should I Go? Acridid Grasshoppers and Their Novel Host Plants: Potential for Biotic Resistance

Plants ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alina Avanesyan
Keyword(s):  
Host Plants ◽  
Biotic Resistance ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Feeding Preference ◽  
Insect Herbivores ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Grasshopper Species ◽  
Native Communities ◽  
Introduced Plants

Novel, non-coevolved associations between introduced plants and native insect herbivores may lead to changes in trophic interactions in native communities, as well as to substantial economic problems. Although some studies in invasion ecology demonstrated that native herbivores can preferentially feed on introduced plants and therefore contribute to the biotic resistance of native communities to plant invasions, the role of acridid grasshoppers as native generalist insect herbivores is largely overlooked. This systematic review aimed to identify patterns of grasshopper feeding preferences for native versus introduced plants and, consequently, a potential of grasshoppers to provide biotic resistance of native communities. The analysis of 63 records of feeding preference trials for 28 North-American grasshopper species (retrieved from 2146 studies published during 1967–2017) has demonstrated a preference of grasshoppers for introduced host plants, and identified 12 preferred introduced plants with high or middle invasive ranks. A significant effect of the life stage (p < 0.001), but not the experimental environment, plant material, and measurements, on grasshopper preferences for introduced plants was also detected. Overall, results suggest a potential of acridid grasshoppers to contribute to the biotic resistance of native communities. The review also provides methodological recommendations for future experimental studies on grasshopper-host plant interactions.

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