A research agenda for seed‐trait functional ecology

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 221(4), P. 1764 - 1775

Published: Sept. 30, 2018

Summary Trait‐based approaches have improved our understanding of plant evolution, community assembly and ecosystem functioning. A major challenge for the upcoming decades is to understand functions evolution early life‐history traits, across levels organization ecological strategies. Although a variety seed traits are critical dispersal, persistence, germination timing seedling establishment, only mass has been considered systematically. Here we suggest broadening range morphological, physiological biochemical add new on niches, population dynamics assembly. The diversity provides an important that will require international collaboration in three areas research. First, present conceptual framework spectrum builds upon current niches. We then lay foundation seed‐trait functional network, establishment which underpin facilitate trait‐based inferences. Finally, anticipate novel insights challenges associated with incorporating diverse into predictive evolutionary ecology, ecology applied ecology. If invests standardized collection implementation rigorous databases, strides can be made at this exciting frontier

Language: Английский

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Predicting the global incidence of seed desiccation sensitivity

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 105(4), P. 1082 - 1093

Published: Dec. 28, 2016

Summary The ability of seeds to tolerate desiccation plays an important role in plant regeneration ecology. Globally, the majority species produce desiccation‐tolerant (orthodox) seeds, while comparatively few desiccation‐sensitive (recalcitrant) that are unable survive dehydration. trait has implications for conservation, as cannot be conserved using traditional seed banking techniques. In addition, these may less resilient increases droughts predicted some regions under climate change scenarios. best available resource on tolerance is Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew's Seed Information Database. This database contains desiccation‐sensitivity data over 18 000 taxa, approximately 3% which have seeds. However, this likely biased towards species. Previous attempts estimate proportion plants with ranged from 7% 50%. Here, we aimed overcome sampling bias derive a based current data. We used recently developed method, taxonomic relatedness, account and As comparison, given sensitivity strongly related habitat, repeated our analyses habitat basis. predictions taxonomy‐based models between estimates 7·5% 19·6% world's seed‐plant depending model type, habitat‐based suggested value 8%. Our evidence suggests that, data, Tropical subtropical moist broadleaf forests had highest incidence sensitivity, where estimated 18·5% flora possessed trait. Synthesis . Alongside estimation numbers provide taxa habitats most prevalent. These findings can support conservation planning, particularly respect providing decision ex situ

Language: Английский

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Seeds of future past: climate change and the thermal memory of plant reproductive traits

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 94(2), P. 439 - 456

Published: Sept. 6, 2018

ABSTRACT Plant persistence and migration in face of climate change depends on successful reproduction by seed, a central aspect plant life that drives population dynamics, community assembly species distributions. seed is chain physiological processes, the rates which are function temperature, can be modelled using thermal time models. Importantly, while responds to its instantaneous environment, there also evidence phenotypic plasticity response history experienced plant's recent ancestors, reproducing since seedling establishment, seeds both before after their release. This enables memory reproduction, allows individuals acclimatise surroundings. review synthesises current knowledge highlights importance for modelling approaches based time. We performed comprehensive search Web Science analysed 533 relevant articles, 81 provided material meta‐analysis reproductive functional traits effect size Zr . The articles encompassed topics development, yield (mass number), dormancy (physiological, morphological physical), germination, establishment. results provide yield, germination. Seed mass appear hubs this memory. argue integrating into predictive framework modelling. will quantitative assessment complex system integrates past present inputs achieve changing environments. effects warming environment cannot reduced qualitative interpretation absolute positives negatives. Rather, these need understood terms thresholds process underlie seed.

Language: Английский

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The seed germination spectrum of alpine plants: a global meta‐analysis

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 229(6), P. 3573 - 3586

Published: Nov. 18, 2020

Summary Assumptions about the germination ecology of alpine plants are presently based on individual species and local studies. A current challenge is to synthesise, at global level, seed ecological spectrum. We performed a meta‐analysis primary data from laboratory experiments conducted across four continents (excluding tropics) 661 species, estimate influence six environmental cues proportion, mean time synchrony; accounting for morphology (mass, embryo : ratio) phylogeny. Most show physiological dormancy, strong need cold stratification, warm‐cued positive responses light alternating temperatures. Species restricted belt have higher preference warm temperatures stronger response stratification than whose distribution extends also below treeline. Seed mass, size phylogeny constraining effects environment. Globally, overwintering key drivers in habitats. The interplay between physiology morphological traits further reflects pressures avoid frost or drought stress. Our results indicate convergence, patterns species.

Language: Английский

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Native Seed Supply and the Restoration Species Pool

Conservation Letters, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 11(2)

Published: June 2, 2017

Globally, annual expenditure on ecological restoration of degraded areas for habitat improvement and biodiversity conservation is approximately $18bn. Seed farming native plant species crucial to meet goals, but may be stymied by the disconnection academic research in seed science lack effective policies that regulate production/supply. To illustrate this problem, we identified 1,122 important European grasslands concern found only 32% have both fundamental germination data available can purchased as seed. The "restoration pool," or set practice, acts a significant selection filter use projects. For improvement, propose: (1) substantial expansion development quality, viability, production; (2) open-source knowledge transfer between sectors; (3) creation supportive policy intended stimulate demand biodiverse

Language: Английский

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Trait–environment interactions affect plant establishment success during restoration

Ecology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 101(3)

Published: Jan. 14, 2020

Abstract Establishment and persistence are central to community assembly determined by how traits interact with the environment determine performance (trait–environment interactions). Community studies have rarely considered such trait–environment interactions, however, which can lead incorrect inferences about affect assembly. We evaluated functional traits, environmental conditions, interactions structure plant establishment, as a measure of performance. Within 12 prairie restorations created sowing 70 species, we quantified conditions counted individuals each seeded species quantify first‐year establishment. Three structured Leaf nitrogen interacted herbivore pressure, low leaf established relatively better under higher herbivory than high nitrogen. Soil moisture root mass fraction (RMF), low‐RMF establishing soil higher‐RMF on wetter soils. Specific area (SLA) light availability, low‐SLA high‐SLA conditions. Our work illustrates be described correlating or This knowledge assist selection maximize restoration success.

Language: Английский

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Effects of indigenous soil cyanobacteria on seed germination and seedling growth of arid species used in restoration

Plant and Soil, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 429(1-2), P. 91 - 100

Published: March 27, 2018

Language: Английский

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Climate and soil factors influencing seedling recruitment of plant species used for dryland restoration

SOIL, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 2(2), P. 287 - 298

Published: June 28, 2016

Abstract. Land degradation affects 10–20 % of drylands globally. Intensive land use and management, large-scale disturbances such as extractive operations, global climate change, have contributed to these systems worldwide. Restoring damaged environments is critical improving ecosystem services functions, conserve biodiversity, contribute resilience, food security, landscape sustainability. Here, we present a case study on plant species the mining intensive semi-arid Pilbara region in Western Australia that examines effects soil factors restoration drylands. We analysed range rainfall temperature scenarios alternative materials seedling recruitment key native from this area. Experimental studies were conducted controlled environment facilities where conditions simulated those found Pilbara. Soil topsoil (T) stockpiles waste (W) an active mine site mixed at different proportions (100 T, 100 W, two mixes 50 : 25 75 ratios) used growth media. Our results showed was highly dependent moisture emergence generally higher topsoil, which had highest available water content. In general, responses differed significantly among suggest future increasing drought might affect not only but also diversity structure communities. The operations media could be limited topsoil. However, early stages establishment successful can challenging absence water. These limitations overcome by using amendments cost associated solutions large scales needs assessed proven economically feasible.

Language: Английский

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A handbook for the standardised sampling of plant functional traits in disturbance-prone ecosystems, with a focus on open ecosystems

Australian Journal of Botany, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 68(8), P. 473 - 473

Published: Jan. 1, 2020

Plant functional traits provide a valuable tool to improve our understanding of ecological processes at range scales. Previous handbooks on plant have highlighted the importance standardising measurements and evolutionary processes. In open ecosystems (i.e. grasslands, savannas, woodlands shrublands), related disturbance (e.g. herbivory, drought, fire) play central role in explaining species performance distributions are focus this handbook. We brief descriptions 34 list important environmental filters their relevance, detailed sampling methodologies outline potential pitfalls for each trait. grouped according type (grasses, forbs woody plants) and, because demographic stages may experience different selective pressures, we separated life (seedlings saplings adults). attempted not include that been covered previous except where updates or additional information was considered beneficial.

Language: Английский

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Phylogenetic relatedness mediates persistence and density of soil seed banks

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 108(5), P. 2121 - 2131

Published: May 25, 2020

Abstract Soil seed banks can strongly affect survival and expansion of plant populations by spreading mortality risks distributing genetic diversity through time. Knowledge the main factors regulating ability seeds to persist in soil beyond first germination season is however limited. While morphological physiological traits, degree environmental uncertainty are considered important shaping banking strategies plants, global assessments that explicitly account for phylogenetic relatedness lacking. Using a bank database comprising data 2,350 angiosperms, we examined extent which two properties, i.e. type (transient vs. persistent) density viable banks, determined relatedness. We then tested correlations between these properties with mass dormancy (dormant non‐dormant), contribution relative climatic habitat‐related variables properties. found significant signal density, providing evidence form persistent not randomly distributed across phylogeny. was phylogenetically correlated production dormant smaller seeds, per se were poor predictors persistence. Interestingly, (mainly disturbance canopy openness) but climate significantly plants banks. Synthesis . Our study show plays an role explaining angiosperms how relate early life‐history variables. These findings represent starting point assess generality as bet‐hedging strategy unpredictable environments provide insights into might respond changes.

Language: Английский

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