Native Plant Research Articles

Native and non-native succulent plants in Algeria

Native and non-native succulent plants in Algeria

Dietary Niche Variation in an Invasive Omnivore: The Effects of Habitat on Feral Pig Resource Use in Hawai'i.

Invasive omnivores may have profound impacts on ecological communities through diet selection, particularly when their functional roles differ from those in their native range. While the threat of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) to native plant communities in Hawai'i is well known, their trophic dynamics and the drivers of variation in their diet remain understudied. We investigated the feral pig trophic niche on Hawai'i Island using stable isotopes (13C and 15N) and Bayesian mixing models to identify drivers of variation in resource use. We also reconstructed intra-individual variability for six subsampled individuals to understand temporal variation in resource use and individual diet specialization. Our results revealed that feral pigs on Hawai'i Island exhibit a broad trophic niche characterized by diverse diets, with substantial overlap in resource use across districts and habitats. Differences in dietary composition in the transition from forest to open habitat were driven primarily by a decline in invertebrates and an increasing reliance on resources enriched in 15N, which may reflect a shift in protein sources with habitat. Pigs in forested areas exhibited a smaller trophic niche than those in open habitats, largely driven by differences in feeding strategies and resource availability. Diets for subsampled individuals varied little, suggesting feral pig resource-use strategies in Hawai'i tend to be relatively stable through time. Individual niche width was relatively narrow compared to that of feral pigs in Hawai'i at large, indicating the relatively wide feral pig dietary niche is characterized by substantial intraspecific diet specialization, likely as a result of strong intraspecific competition. Understanding the drivers of feral pig resource use offers key information for management strategies aimed at mitigating their ecological impacts in imperiled systems like Hawai'i.

Phenology forecasting models for detection and management of invasive annual grasses

AbstractNon‐native annual grasses can dramatically alter fire frequency and reduce forage quality and biodiversity in the ecosystems they invade. Effective management techniques are needed to reduce these undesirable invasive species and maintain ecosystem services. Well‐timed management strategies, such as grazing, that are applied when invasive grasses are active prior to native plants can control invasive species spread and reduce their impact; however, anticipating the timing of key phenological stages that are susceptible to management over vast landscapes is difficult, as the phenology of these species can vary greatly over time and space. To address this challenge, we created range‐wide phenology forecasts for two problematic invasive annual grasses: cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and red brome (Bromus rubens). We tested a suite of 18 mechanistic phenology models using observations from monitoring experiments, volunteer science, herbarium records, timelapse camera imagery, and downscaled gridded climate data to identify the models that best predicted the dates of flowering and senescence of the two invasive grass species. We found that the timing of flowering and senescence of cheatgrass and red brome were best predicted by photothermal time models that had been adjusted for topography using gridded continuous heat‐insolation load index values. Phenology forecasts based on these models can help managers make decisions about when to schedule management actions such as grazing to reduce undesirable invasive grasses and promote forage production, quality, and biodiversity in grasslands; to predict the timing of greatest fire risk after annual grasses dry out; and to select remote sensing imagery to accurately map invasive grasses across topographic and latitudinal gradients. These phenology models also have the potential to be operationalized for within‐season or within‐year decision support.

Multi-method approach to assessing the floral-visiting insect assemblage of rare, abophilous plant Baccharis vanessae in Southern California.

Insects are the major pollination vectors for angiosperms, and insects native to a given habitat can play an irreplaceable ecological role in food webs and plant reproduction. With precipitous declines in insect species over the last decades, it is urgent to document insect assemblages in native plant communities to support conservation efforts. Identifying pollinators and their pollination activity is challenging; however, emerging technological methods are providing new monitoring capabilities. In this study, we compare the accuracy of two different methods of monitoring to assess the flower-visiting insect assemblage and likely pollinators of Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae): focal observations and video recordings from camera traps. B. vanessae is a rare, endemic species found in Coastal Sage Scrub communities in San Diego County. This federally listed species is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, which may also be affecting the availability of its insect pollinators. Results indicate that B. vanessae supports and is supported by a variety of flower-visiting insect groups. The diversity of insect visitors at male and female plants were similar across all diversity measurements. The insect vectors identified were as expected given B. vanessae pollination syndrome. This syndrome also aligns with wind as a pollination vector, providing evidence of ambophily. While focal observations underreported insect activity by approximately half, the proportions of common diurnal visitors were similar with both methods. Camera traps were unable to provide sufficient detail to discern visually similar groups, but were able to record nocturnal insect activity, which was dominated by moths (Lepidoptera, 82%). While collection protocol in this study did not record the time an insect spent interacting with a flower, we anecdotally observed moths spent notably longer periods in contact with flowers than most diurnal insects. This study has implications for effective monitoring and conservation of endangered plant species and their affiliated pollinators.

Water-stable aggregation and organic matter stabilisation by native plant Acacia auriculiformis in an early Technosol eco-engineered from Fe-ore tailings

Ecological engineering of Fe-ore tailings into Technosols (or soil-like growth media) offers a promising way to rehabilitate tailings without resorting to natural topsoil from other places. Among key pedogenic processes, soil aggregate formation and organic matter (OM) stabilisation are critical to the development of sustainable Technosols. The colonisation of pioneer plant species highly adaptive to infertile soils and water deficit may act as competent biological drivers to enhance these critical processes involved in Technosol formation. This study aimed to investigate the role of an Australian native plant species, Acacia auriculiformis, in enhancing water-stable aggregate formation and associated OM stabilisation using a pot experiment under glasshouse conditions. With water deficit and phosphorus deficiency under field conditions, two relevant abiotic processes and their influence on these key processes have also been evaluated. A. auriculiformis colonisation enhanced the formation of water-stable aggregates in the early Technosols, while the proportion of macroaggregates and microaggregates were altered differently, with the former increasing under well-watered conditions and the latter increasing under water deficit conditions. A. auriculiformis colonisation enriched N-rich OM associated with minerals within the macroaggregates. In aggregates, OM stabilisation was related to interactions of carboxyl-rich organic groups with tailing minerals. The influences of water deficit and phosphorus deficiency on aggregate formation and OM stabilization were mediated via their impacts on the growth and root functions of A. auriculiformis, including root extension, entanglement, and exudation. From these findings, the utilization of A. auriculiformis is recommended as a biological driver to facilitate the development of early Technosols from eco-engineered Fe-ore tailings.

Comparing greenhouse and field biocrust cultivation methods in the Sonoran Desert

Abstract Developing methods to use biocrusts in restoration is becoming more important as land use and climate change impact the health and intactness of high‐stress ecosystems. Methods of cultivation to maximize the production of biocrusts for use in restoration activities are necessary because salvage opportunities are limited. Our objective for this research was to determine an optimal method for scalable biocrust cultivation. We tested two Field and one Greenhouse cultivation methods. The Field cultivation methods had a base layer of weed cloth, soil and irrigation with either (1) shade cloth immediately over the surface (Quesadilla method) or (2) with shade cloth over a 1 m tall hoophouse (Hoophouse method). The Greenhouse method had nested basins with water wicking up to the soil surface and biocrust from below, with shade cloth attached to basins. We crossed these methods with the addition of native soil or sand and with and without a base of jute using salvaged biocrusts from the Sonoran Desert. All methods led to at least doubling biocrust cover in 11 weeks. The Greenhouse method led to the highest cover of cyanobacteria and mosses, whereas the field Quesadilla method and the addition of native soil in all cultivation methods led to higher abundance of lichens. There were interactions of cultivation method and soil type, with Greenhouse cultivation and native soil promoting the highest cyanobacteria cover and chlorophyll a. We measured exopolysaccharide sheaths (EPS) in native soil and all cultivation conditions, finding no differences for tightly bound sheath fractions, but higher quantities of the loosely bound EPS in the Greenhouse. We also quantified native and non‐native plants in cultivation, finding few plants in Greenhouse cultivation, but high abundance in both Field methods, and particularly with native soil and without jute for native plants. Practical implication: Together, these results demonstrate that all three cultivation methods are successful for bulking biocrust materials for restoration, and preference should be given to the method that is the easiest and most accessible for practitioners.

Effects of Photoperiod Treatments on Stock Plants and Cutting Rooting of Winecups

Production of attractive and water-efficient plants native to the plains and prairies of central North America can sometimes be limited because of problems associated with successful rooting of vegetative cuttings. Winecups (Callirhoe involucrata) is an attractive native plant, valued for its long period of bloom, drought tolerance, and winterhardiness, but can be difficult to propagate from seeds and vegetative cuttings. Seed dormancy issues can result in unreliable germination and seedling variations, which reduces crop uniformity. Although propagation from rooted cuttings maintains crop uniformity, cuttings often fail to root or root poorly. Manipulating the growing conditions of stock plants to suppress reproductive growth may improve rooting success of vegetative cuttings. Based on research conducted earlier with other ornamental perennials and programmed photoperiods, winecups plants were grown under three programmed photoperiods to determine if a particular photoperiod could be used to suppress reproductive growth and promote vegetative growth. The study consisted of three experiments, all conducted in similar fashion but at different times during the year. Results indicate that plants grown under 10-hour and 8-hour photoperiods remained vegetative longer when compared with plants grown under 12-hour photoperiod. Vegetative cuttings harvested from plants grown under 8-hour photoperiod had higher percent rooting when compared with vegetative cuttings harvested from plants grown under 10-hour and 12-hour photoperiods. Based on the findings from this research, plant propagators may be able to increase production of winecups by growing stock plants under 8-hour photoperiod.

Sonic restoration: acoustic stimulation enhances plant growth-promoting fungi activity.

Ecosystem restoration interventions often utilize visible elements to restore an ecosystem (e.g. replanting native plant communities and reintroducing lost species). However, using acoustic stimulation to help restore ecosystems and promote plant growth has received little attention. Our study aimed to assess the effect of acoustic stimulation on the growth rate and sporulation of the plant growth-promoting fungus Trichoderma harzianum Rifai, 1969. We played a monotone acoustic stimulus (80 dB sound pressure level (SPL) at a peak frequency of 8 kHz and a bandwidth at -10 dB from the peak of 6819 Hz-parameters determined via review and pilot research) over 5 days to T. harzianum to assess whether acoustic stimulation affected the growth rate and sporulation of this fungus (control samples received only ambient sound stimulation less than 30 dB). We show that the acoustic stimulation treatments resulted in increased fungal biomass and enhanced T. harzianum conidia (spore) activity compared to controls. These results indicate that acoustic stimulation influences plant growth-promoting fungal growth and potentially facilitates their functioning (e.g. stimulating sporulation). The mechanism responsible for this phenomenon may be fungal mechanoreceptor stimulation and/or potentially a piezoelectric effect; however, further research is required to confirm this hypothesis. Our novel study highlights the potential of acoustic stimulation to alter important fungal attributes, which could, with further development, be harnessed to aid ecosystem restoration and sustainable agriculture.

The disruption of birds' double mutualistic interactions in novel ecosystems.

Non-native trees disrupt ecological processes vital to native plant communities. We studied how forests dominated by Acacia dealbata and Eucalyptus globulus affect the role of birds as dual pollinators and seed dispersers in a region heavily impacted by these two non-native species. We compared bird-plant interactions in the native and in the two non-native forest types. We constructed a multilayer regional network for each forest type and evaluated differences in network dissimilarity between networks. We also calculated the bird's importance in connecting processes and variables associated with module diversity. To determine how the networks react to changes in species richness, we did a simulation of species richness gradient and link percentage for each forest type. The number of birds acting both as pollinators and seed dispersers was higher in native than in non-native forests. However, birds in non-native forests still play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological services provided to native plant communities. However, the eucalyptus network exhibited a concerning simplification, forcing bird species to fully exploit the few remaining resources, leaving little room for structural adjustments and limiting the ecosystem's ability to withstand further species loss. These findings highlight how non-native trees may trigger cascading effects across trophic levels.

Associations between Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) and common native species in an African savanna

Abstract Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) is recognised as a problematic invasive alien plant species in many parts of the world. To eradicate or control this global invader, we need to understand the drivers of its spread and impacts and the potential for native recovery after the invader has been removed. Here, we tested for species associations between L. camara and native plant species and large herbivores in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. We inventoried 40,100‐m2 nested plots spread over a 1 × 1‐km grid cell in the park's savanna landscape, with 11 plots located in uninvaded areas. Most of the plots (30 of 40) had been affected by fire. Lantana camara covered 29 (73%) plots, 11 (38%) of which were in open grassland. Of the large herbivores that frequented areas free of L. camara, the Ugandan kob Adenota kob thomasi Sclater tended to avoid the areas invaded. The floristic composition of invaded areas differed significantly from that of noninvaded areas, with several palatable species rare or absent from L. camara‐invaded areas. Practical implication: These observations indicate the presence of potential recovery constraints that will need to be overcome after L. camara has been removed. Sustained efforts will be needed to suppress the invader and subsequently enrich and bolster native recovery.

Maximizing benefits to bat populations through management of power line corridors

Abstract Power line corridors are ubiquitous worldwide and are commonly used by bats as habitat. Targeted management of these corridor habitats has the potential to aid bat populations, which is critically important given the multifaceted threats facing bat species, including the emerging infectious disease white‐nose syndrome (WNS) in North America. Here, we review known and potential impacts of management of existing power line corridors on three bat behaviours: foraging, roosting and commuting. We also identify bats in the United States that would benefit from changes to management of power line corridors for improvements to roosting and foraging habitats, particularly species of conservation concern that roost and forage along forest edges. Key recommendations are to avoid disturbance to roosting bats when maintaining vegetation along power line corridors, apply integrated vegetation management to maximize native plant diversity to improve prey options for bats and apply targeted interventions (e.g. artificial roost creation, creation of ponds) in a well‐justified ecological context. Practical implication. We highlight high‐priority research topics to fill knowledge gaps, including testing whether vegetation management treatments targeting plant and insect communities increase bat fitness and cause positive population‐level responses in focal bat species. We conclude that building evidence on how bats are affected by power line corridor management is a conservation need.

Determination of insecticidal potential of selected plant extracts against fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a devastating pest that attacks a wide range of crops, including sugarcane, rice, and maize. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the toxicity potential of native plant extracts (Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus globulus, Parthenium hysterophorus, Cannabis sativa, Citrullus colocynthis, Nicotiana tabacum) against S. frugiperda. Four different concentrations (50, 100, 200, and 400ppm) of the ethanolic plant extracts was evaluated against S. frugiperda third-instar larvae to determine their median lethal concentration (LC50). After 72 hours of exposure, the LC50 values of A. indica, E. globulus, P. hysterophorus, C. sativa, C. colocynthis, N. tabacum, and positive control (Spinetoram) were 186.104, 518.438, 320.027, 334.259, 252.651, 720.980 and 189.369 ppm respectively. The maximum percent mortality was caused by the highest concentration (400 ppm) of A. indica (64±0.18), E. globulus (48±0.22), P. hysterophorus (56±0.18), C. sativa (56±0.18), C. colocynthis (60±0.00), and N. tabacum (40±0.28), after 72 hours of treatment while Spinetoram induced 100±0.00 percent mortality of S. frugiperda and only 4±0.18 percent mortality was recorded in a control group. Results showed that all plant extracts were found to be effective against S. frugiperda. The compounds from the two most effective ethanolic plant extracts were identified by using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). The key compounds identified in neem leaf extract and kortuma fruit extract are predominantly biologically active molecules. Many of them were volatile compounds that belonged to different chemical categories, such as fatty acids, hydrocarbons, esters, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and amines. Terpenes exhibited a wide range of different biological activities, such as serving as insecticides and antifeedant. The presence of various functional groups in the plant extract was determined by conducting a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Farmers should employ these kinds of environmental friendly insecticides to lessen the impact of fall armyworm because these products are cheaper to use and better for the economy and the environment.

Response of Native and Non-Native Subarctic Plant Species to Continuous Illumination by Natural and Artificial Light.

This study addressed the following questions: How does continuous lighting (CL) impact plant physiology, and photosynthetic and stress responses? Does the impact of CL depend on the source of the light and other environmental factors (natural vs. artificial)? Do responses to CL differ for native and non-native plant species in the subarctic region and, if differences exist, what physiological reasons might they be associated with them? Experiments were conducted with three plants native to the subarctic region (Geranium sylvaticum L., Geum rivale L., Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch.) and three non-native plant species (Geranium himalayense Klotzsch, Geum coccineum Sibth. and Sm., Potentilla atrosanguinea Loddiges ex D. Don) introduced in the Polar-Alpine Botanic Garden (KPABG, 67°38' N). The experimental groups included three species pairs exposed to (1) a natural 16 h photoperiod, (2) natural CL, (3) an artificial 16 h photoperiod and (4) artificial CL. In the natural environment, measurements of physiological and biochemical parameters were carried out at the peak of the polar day (at the end of June), when the plants were illuminated continuously, and in the second week of August, when the day length was about 16 h. Th experiments with artificial lighting were conducted in climate chambers where plants were exposed to 16 h or 24 h photoperiods for two weeks. Other parameters (light intensity, spectrum composition, temperature and air humidity) were held constant. The obtained results have shown that plants lack specific mechanisms of tolerance to CL. The protective responses are non-specific and induced by developing photo-oxidative stress. In climate chambers, under constant environmental conditions artificial CL causes leaf injuries due to oxidative stress, the main cause of which is circadian asynchrony. In nature, plants are not photodamaged during the polar day, as endogenous rhythms are maintained due to daily fluctuations of several environmental factors (light intensity, spectral distribution, temperature and air humidity). The obtained data show that among possible non-specific protective mechanisms, plants use flavonoids to neutralize the excess ROS generated under CL. In local subarctic plants, their photoprotective role is significantly higher than in non-native introduced plant species.

A local perspective on the links between flora biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Northwest Highlands of Ethiopia

The main concern that this study attempts to address is the reason that the local people sustainably conserve church forests while aggressively exploiting biodiversity in common forests, shrublands, and grasslands. The study assesses the local perspective on the links between flora biodiversity and ecosystem services across a range of management options in the typical watershed of the Northwest highlands of Ethiopia. A mixed study design that included questionnaires, remote sensing, and hermeneutics was used because of the multidisciplinary character of the research. There has been a perceptible decline in flora biodiversity in the open-access shrublands, forests, and grasslands as a result of increased settlement encroachment, unchecked and continuous overgrazing, excessive firewood collection, and the cutting of living and dead tree and shrub biomass. Because of this, it was noticed that the availability of wild edible plants, medicinal plants, trees to produce tools, habitat for wild animals, and lumber production is drastically reduced. Alternatively, the church forests were preserved with responsive caring, which enables the outstanding performance of the majority of ecosystem services (except for collecting firewood and fibers) for the local community with the principles of equality and inclusiveness. Therefore, to restore open-access communal grazing ecosystems and the synergy of many ecosystem services in a given watershed, an effective institutional structure must be developed at the local administration level. To offer a range of ecosystem services and socioeconomic benefits, reforestation and planting of both exotic and native plants with enclosure management established on the values of justice, equality, inclusivity, and well-managed local governance with strict laws, sanctions, and enforcement must be the cornerstones of the management plan.

Ruderal Plant Diversity as a Driver for Urban Green Space Sustainability

Urban development in south-eastern Europe has significant ecological consequences, such as a reduction in native plant diversity, the introduction of non-native species, and increased maintenance costs of urban green spaces. Achieving sustainable urban development requires a thorough understanding of the inventory of native plant species to better manage and conserve these areas. This study analyzed 806 vegetation surveys conducted in rural and urban areas over a 30-year period, identifying 450 plant species from 39 distinct plant communities. Our findings revealed generally low dominance index values in all communities, while Shannon diversity index values were particularly high, indicating rich species diversity despite urbanization pressures. Equality index values varied slightly, reflecting differences in species distributions. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified a substantial group of species with low abundance, which is essential for understanding and managing urban biodiversity. These findings have significant implications for urban planning and plant species conservation. Low dominance and high diversity suggest opportunities to improve urban green spaces by integrating diverse native species. In addition, the ecological and practical value of ruderal species, plants that thrive in disturbed environments, was emphasized, as well as their potential in medicine, phytoremediation, green roof design, and pollination services. Through directly correlating biodiversity indices with urban sustainability goals, our study provides useful insights for urban biodiversity management and the strategic integration of native plant species into urban landscapes.

Biotic Interactions Shape Soil Bacterial Beta Diversity Patterns along an Altitudinal Gradient during Invasion

Invasive plants have already been observed in the understory of mountain forests, which are often considered a safe shelter for most native plants. Microorganisms might be drivers of plant invasions. Nevertheless, the mechanisms determining variations in microbial community composition (beta diversity) during invasion along altitudinal gradients remain to be elucidated. Here, the elevational patterns and the driving ecological processes (e.g., environmental filtering, co-occurrence patterns, and community assembly processes) of soil bacterial beta diversity were compared between invasive and native plants on the Qinling Mountains. The species turnover dominated bacterial compositional dissimilarities in both invasive and native communities, and its contribution to total beta diversity decreased during invasion. Total soil bacterial dissimilarities and turnover exhibited significant binominal patterns over an altitudinal gradient, with a tipping point of 1413 m. Further analysis showed that the contributions of assembly processes decreased in parallel with an increase in contributions of co-occurrence patterns during the invasion process, indicating that species interdependence rather than niche partitioning is strongly correlated with the bacterial biogeography of invasive communities. Plant invasion affects the relative contributions of stochastic processes and co-occurrence interactions through the regulation of the physiochemical characteristics of soil, and ultimately determines compositional dissimilarities and the components of the bacterial community along altitudinal gradients.

Experimental evidence that poor soil phosphorus (P) solubility typical of drylands due to calcium co-precipitation favors autonomous plant P acquisition over collaboration with mycorrhizal fungi

Calcareous dryland soils are rich in precipitated phosphate and represent >30% of Earth's land, yet the relative importance of phosphorus-acquisition strategies (PAS) among plant species in these systems is not well known. No experiment has investigated potential interactions between varying amounts of added calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant performance and PAS which could test for potential mechanisms without the limitations of in-situ comparisons along natural gradients. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted an experiment with CaCO3 addition, AMF inoculation, and three invasive and five native grassland plants. We expected an increase in soil [CaCO3] of an alkaline subsoil to 1) reduce soil-available phosphorus (P), 2) reduce plant biomass and P uptake, and 3) shift PAS toward increased root mining as Ca-bound P increases. The largest CaCO3 addition reduced available P by as much as 57%. On average, the largest addition of CaCO3 reduced total biomass of plants by 19% and plant uptake of P by 15%. The PAS seemed to have changed, and CaCO3 additions tended to increase an indicator of root exudation (shoot [Mn]) to mobilize Ca-bound P, suggesting plasticity for some inducible root mining, especially Artemisia frigida and Poa secunda. However, CaCO3 and plant species interacted to affect shoot [Mn]. The invasive grass Bromus tectorum was superior at acquiring P (> P uptake, > shoot [Mn]) and thus tolerating low soluble P conditions. Rarely did AMF and CaCO3 interact to affect plant biomass. When they did, mycorrhizal responsiveness did not increase where P was less available, suggesting AMF become less beneficial upon P and Ca coprecipitation. In dryland soils with less soluble P, plants are thus likely to rely more on root mining PAS than mycorrhizal scavenging, except for the invasive forb Euphorbia esula that always benefitted from AMF inoculation.

Disease risk of the foliar endophyte Colletotrichum from invasive Ageratina adenophora to native plants and crops

The disease risk driven by foliar fungi asymptomatically infecting invasive plants has rarely been determined. In this study, we selected 44 foliar Colletotrichum endophytes isolated from the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora that are phylogenetically closely related to the C. gloeosporioides complex, C. boninense complex, C. orchidearum complex, and C. acutatum complex and evaluated their potential virulence and ability to transmit spores to native plants and cash crops both in vitro and in vivo. We verified that some foliar endophyte Colletotrichum strains adversely affect the leaf and seed germination of native plants and cash crops. Some strains reduce the growth and yield of tomato (SL) (Solanum lycopersicum) and pepper (CA) (Capsicum annuum) plants and even cause the death of strawberry (FA) plants (Fragaria ananassa). Moreover, we confirmed that A. adenophora leaves could horizontally transmit Colletotrichum to surrounding crop plants in vivo. Therefore, a high abundance of Colletotrichum asymptomatically associated with A. adenophora leaves might increase disease risk in surrounding native plants and cash crops. Our results provide a new perspective for regional ecological risk assessment of invasive plants and prevention of economic plant diseases in the invaded range.

Plant native: comparing biodiversity benefits, ecosystem services provisioning, and plant performance of native and non-native plants in urban horticulture

AbstractPlant species used in urban horticulture are frequently non-native despite evidence that urban areas are regular points of introduction, often leading to invasions and negative impacts on biodiversity. Many horticulturalists assert that non-native plants are more successful and provide equal or greater habitat and ecosystem services than native plants. However, little research has compared native and non-native plants in urban systems. We present here a systematic literature review, using the PRISMA methodology, to assess three questions: (1) Is there a difference between native and non-native plants in their ability to support faunal biodiversity in urban green spaces? (2) Is there a difference between native and non-native plants in their provisioning of urban ecosystem services? 3)Do non-native species outperform natives in urban environments in terms of survival, growth, and fitness? We extracted data from 165 total papers. One hundred and twenty studies found that native plants outperform non-native plants on the response metric evaluated in the study, 57 demonstrated mixed impacts, 56 demonstrated no differences among plant origin, and 26 found non-native plants outperformed native plants. We found overwhelming evidence that native plants support higher faunal abundance and diversity than non-native plants in urban landscapes. Relatively few studies examined ecosystem services and plant performance, but we found that native plants support higher levels and diversity of ecosystem services and that many native plants can be used for horticulture, that is, they will survive and thrive in urban conditions. Native plants provide multiple ecosystem functions in urban greenspaces, supporting urban biodiversity and provisioning ecosystem services than non-native plant species and should be prioritized in urban horticulture activities.

The impact of elevated temperatures and CO2 on seed germination and early plant morphology: The case of native Fabaceae plants in the UAE

The impact of elevated temperatures and CO2 on seed germination and early plant morphology: The case of native Fabaceae plants in the UAE