Flowers that cool themselves: Thermal ecology of summer‐blooming thistles in hot Mediterranean environments

Ecological Monographs, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 95(1)

Опубликована: Фев. 1, 2025

Abstract Flower exposure to high temperature reduces the production, viability, and performance of pollen, ovules, seeds, which in turn impairs individual fecundity risks survival populations. Autonomous floral cooling could alleviate effects flower harmful temperatures, yet investigations on thermal ecology flowers hot environments are needed evaluate reality, magnitude, ecological significance thermoregulatory cooling. This paper reports a study heads (=capitula) 15 species summer‐blooming Asteraceae, tribe Cardueae, from hot‐dry habitats southern Iberian Peninsula. Temperature inside ( T ) outside out capitula were assessed under natural field conditions using two complementary sampling measurement procedures, provided information relationships between temperatures at levels (“continuous recording”) local plant populations (“instantaneous measurements”). Baselines for – relationship absence physiological activity obtained by exposing dehydrated variable ambient field. To assess whether co‐flowering Asteraceae defined collectively distinct layer, vertical distribution relative ground was quantified. Bees visiting watched air beside visited capitulum measured. Results remarkably similar all species. The experienced during long periods, their interior cooler than most time, with differentials (Δ = − often approaching, sometimes exceeding −10°C. best described composite one steep shallow linear separated breakpoint (Ψ, interspecific range 25–35°C). Capitula only weakly thermoregulated when < Ψ, but switched closely > Ψ. Narrow distributions above responses resulted “refrigerated layer” where bees foraged Ψ presumably cooled capitula. Thermoregulatory refrigeration (“thermal engineering”) can benefit not reproduction reducing pollen ovule summer also bee pollinators other floricolous insects.

Язык: Английский

Adaptation and Acclimation of Gametophytic Traits to Heat Stress in a Widely Distributed Wild Plant Along a Steep Climatic Gradient

Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(4)

Опубликована: Март 30, 2025

ABSTRACT Climate change‐induced heat waves often reduce seed yields and quality via high‐temperature effects in the gametophytic phase. Yet, contrast to model crop species, ability of pollen ovules adapt or acclimate stress wild plants remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we examined adaptation acclimation potential six traits 11 Silene vulgaris populations across a temperature gradient Europe. First, cultivated common garden reveal differences indicative adaptation. Next, assessed their by subjecting flowering two chronic (CHS) treatments: moderate (35°C/30°C) severe (40°C/35°C) for 18 days. Also, estimated CHS on quantity quality. The experiment showed no intraspecific variation gradient, suggesting these may not influence reproductive local habitats. During CHS, female gametophyte was less temperature‐sensitive than male. Moderate led larger ovaries with more large‐sized ovules, while reduced ovule numbers but increased size. Both treatments decreased grain numbers, size, anther length, causing greater reductions. These reductions lower yield Under both treatments, did vary along except size under which warmer climates. Our findings revealed lack mechanisms (except size) gradient. suggest that rely alternative strategies, such as shifts physiology biochemistry phenology, respond thermal associated waves.

Язык: Английский

Plant Rewilding: A New Practical Approach in Plant‐Environment Interaction Research

Plant Cell & Environment, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Май 7, 2025

Summary statement We redefine plant rewilding as a biodiversity‐focused restoration approach, outlining its conceptual framework, conservation potential, and implementation pathways. This work advances ecological theory while providing practical guidelines for global biodiversity recovery.

Язык: Английский