Plant Populations Research Articles

Energy Content of Plant Organs and Population Cohorts in Moringa peregrina: Concepts for Species Conservation Management in Arid Regions

Energy Content of Plant Organs and Population Cohorts in Moringa peregrina: Concepts for Species Conservation Management in Arid Regions

Assessing the risks to valuable medicinal plants in Nepal from human activities and environmental factors

The demand for trade has led to unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants, causing a decline in their population in natural habitats. This presents a notable problem, however, there is a lack of information regarding the severity of the threat to these resources. To address this, a study was conducted to identify high-value medicinal plants in the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal and evaluate their potential endangerment by using the Rapid Vulnerability Assessment method (RVA). The study also calculated the distribution of these plants in different habitats and their population size. Results showed that there were 19 threatened, high-value medicinal plants in the region frequently used by local communities and with high trade values. Rhizome/roots were the most commonly used plant parts (58%), followed by whole plants (37%). The wild population of these plants was found to be low, with varying abundance among different habitats. Overexploitation driven by high trade demand, low population density, and critical life forms were identified as the main threats to these plants. The study placed Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora in the highest threat category. Effective conservation and management measures, both in-situ and ex-situ, were suggested based on the population and threat status of these high-value medicinal plants.

Quantifying the impacts of management and herbicide resistance on regional plant population dynamics in the face of missing data

Abstract A key challenge in the management of populations is to quantify the impact of interventions in the face of environmental and phenotypic variability. However, accurate estimation of the effects of management and environment, in large‐scale ecological research is often limited by the expense of data collection, the inherent trade‐off between quality and quantity, and missing data. In this paper we develop a novel modelling framework, and demographically informed imputation scheme, to comprehensively account for the uncertainty generated by missing population, management, and herbicide resistance data. Using this framework and a large dataset (178 sites over 3 years) on the densities of a destructive arable weed (Alopecurus myosuroides) we investigate the effects of environment, management, and evolved herbicide resistance, on weed population dynamics. In this study we quantify the marginal effects of a suite of common management practices, including cropping, cultivation, and herbicide pressure, and evolved herbicide resistance, on weed population dynamics. Using this framework, we provide the first empirically backed demonstration that herbicide resistance is a key driver of population dynamics in arable weeds at regional scales. Whilst cultivation type had minimal impact on weed density, crop rotation, and earlier cultivation and drill dates consistently reduced infestation severity. Synthesis and applications: As we demonstrate that high herbicide resistance levels can produce extremely severe weed infestations, monitoring herbicide resistance is a priority for farmers across Western Europe. Furthermore, developing non‐chemical control methods is essential to control current weed populations, and prevent further resistance evolution. We recommend that planning interventions that centre on crop rotation and incorporate spring sewing and cultivation to provide the best reductions in weed densities. More generally, by directly accounting for missing data our framework permits the analysis of management practices with data that would otherwise be severely compromised.

Analysis of genetic relationships between broomrape populations from different countries using ISSR markers

Orobanche cumana, commonly known as sunflower broomrape, poses a significant risk to sunflower cultivation in areas located along the Black Sea and across Europe. A study was conducted to analyze the genetic diversity and differentiation among populations of this parasitic plant originating from Bulgaria, Turkey, Republic of Moldova, and Romania. A total of 269 individuals from 23 populations were genotyped using 13 ISSR markers. The frequency distribution of alleles in the broomrape populations from Romania, Turkey and Bulgaria is more homogeneous than that from Moldavian populations. However, according to genetic diversity parameters O. cumana populations from Moldova and Turkey were more variable (total gene diversity Ht=0.188; 0.214), than those from Bulgaria and Romania (Ht=0.112; 0.067). The highest values of gene diversity within populations (Hs = 0.138) were found in Turkish broomrape. The value of Gst ranged between 0.359-0.516, indicating a very high level of genetic differentiation among populations. These results are consistent with low Nm values (0.468-0.895). Pairwise differentiation index (PhiPT) and Nei’s unbiased measures of genetic distance (GD) showed similar patterns, indicating a maximum (PhiPT=0.500; GD=0.261) and, respectively, minimum (PhiPT=0.238; GD=0.079) values between broomrape from Turkey and Romania, respectively, Romania and Moldova. Dendrogram constructed using the UPMGA method based on Nei's genetic distances and Pearson's dissimilarity clustered together Moldavian and Romanian broomrape and grouped in two separate clusters populations belonging to Bulgaria and Turkey. The PCA analysis confirmed the results of UPGMA clusterization. Overall, both methods suggest that the groupings of broomrape are partly determined by its geographical origin, as well as by the genetic differences and similarities accumulated over time, and are not related to virulence.

EFFECT OF NITROGEN-PHOSPHORUS AND IRRIGATION SCHEDULES ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MUSTARD (BRASSICA JUNCEA L.)

To investigate the impact of Nitrogen and Phosphorus, as well as different irrigation schedules, on the growth and yield of the Mehran Raya variety of mustard, The results showed that the F3 = 120-60 kg/ha produced population plant( 31.78 m2), height of plant(181.09 cm), branch plant-1 (9.24),pods/plant(832.87) seeds pod-1 (15.26), seed index (1000 seeds wt. 17.11 g), and seed yield (2407.67 kg ha-1). while theF1(control) results showed minimum plant population of(8.11m2), height of plant (126.98cm), branch plant-1(4.92), pods plant-1(471.49) seeds pod-1 (5.07), seed index (1000seeds wt.14.44 g), and seed yield (1279.22kg ha-1). In case of irrigation maximum plant population (24.22 m2), height of plant (165.93 cm), branchesplant-1 (8.09), podsplant-1(565.22) seeds pod-1 (12.04), seed index (1000 seeds wt. 17.11 g), and seed yield (1955.11 kg ha-1). Whereas the minimum plant population(17.11 m2), height of plant (148.80 cm), branchesplant-1 (6.22), podsplant-1(637.04) seeds pod-1 (8.74), seed index (1000 seeds wt. 15.56 g), and seed yield (1579.67 kg ha-1) was recorded in one irrigation. On the basis of results found it can be able that the balanced fertilization and irrigation scheduling was higher than alone application of treatment due to synergetic effect of NP with irrigation by mustard in terms of growth and seed yield. It was determined that despite the consequences the variation in the values different growth yield traits of mustard crop, the mustard harvest was markedly higher (2407.6 kg ha-1) when the crop was given NP @ 120-60 kg ha-1.

GROWTH AND YIELD OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) UNDER DIFFERENT ORGANIC (FARM YARD MANURE) AND INORGANIC PHOSPHORUS DOSES

In this study, we investigate the impact of different rates of farmyard manure application on the growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Our objective is to assess how various levels of organic fertilizer influence the development and productivity of this crop. The experiment involved five integrated applications of farmyard manure (T1 = 00 tons of farmyard manure + P (0), T2 = 1 ton of farmyard manure, P (30 P kg ha-1), T3 = 3 tons of farmyard manure + (60 P kg ha-1), T4 = 4 tons of farmyard manure + 90 P kg ha-1, and T5 = 5 tons of farmyard manure + (120 P kg ha-1). The results revealed that T5 = 5 tons of farmyard manure and (120 P kg ha-1). resulted best and produced the maximum plant population (m2) (10.5), plant height (273.7 cm), stem girth (10.9 cm), head diameter (53.8 cm), number of seeds head-1 (2696.9), seed weight head-1 (60.7 g), seed index (32.7 g), and seed yield (2698.7 kg ha-1). Whereas the T1=00-ton Farm Yard Manure treatment produced the least results and recorded plant population (m-2) (6.6), plant height (217.7 cm), stem girth (9.3), head diameter (30.3 cm), number of seeds head-1 (1510.7), seed weight head-1 (26.6 g), seed index (23.0 g), and seed yield (2100.0 kg ha-1). It is therefore recommended that, for obtaining higher growth and seed yields of sunflower, farmyard manure should be applied at 5 tons per hectare, and (120 P kg ha-1) respectively. The results concluded that the growth and yield of sunflowers were significantly affected by the application of farmyard manure as compared to the control (no farmyard manure). The grain yield increased linearly with increasing farmyard manure levels. However, the plot fertilized with 5 tons of farmyard manure produced the maximum grain yield of sunflower.

Plant Molecular Phenology and Climate Feedbacks Mediated by BVOCs.

Climate change profoundly affects the timing of seasonal activities of organisms, known as phenology. The impact of climate change is not unidirectional; it is also influenced by plant phenology as plants modify atmospheric composition and climatic processes. One important aspect of this interaction is the emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), which link the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and climate. BVOC emissions exhibit significant diurnal and seasonal variations and are therefore considered essential phenological traits. To understand the dynamic equilibrium arising from the interplay between plant phenology and climate, this review presents recent advances in comprehending the molecular mechanisms underpinning plant phenology and its interaction with climate. We provide an overview of studies investigating molecular phenology, genome-wide gene expression analyses conducted in natural environments, and how these studies revolutionize the concept of phenology, shifting it from observable traits to dynamic molecular responses driven by gene-environment interactions. We explain how this knowledge can be scaled up to encompass plant populations, regions, and even the globe by establishing connections between molecular phenology, changes in plant distribution, species composition, and climate.

Effects of Seed Size and Cache Density on the Seed Fate of Quercus wutaishanica Mediated by Rodents.

Animal-mediated seed dispersal is very important for plant population regeneration and the stability of forest ecosystems. Seed size and cache density are important factors for seed dispersal, but we still know little about seed size selection at different cache densities. Here, we conducted field experiments in a Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation in the Liupan Mountains in Ningxia province to investigate the effects of tag-marked Quercus wutaishanica seeds of different sizes and cache densities on predation and the scatter-hoarding behavior of rodents. The results showed lower proportions of intact in situ (IIS) and eaten in situ (EIS) large seeds than small seeds at all levels of cache density, with the exception of IIS seeds at a 6.25 seed·m-2 cache density. A higher proportion of small seeds were eaten after removal (EAR), but a higher proportion of large seeds were scatter-hoarded (SH) by rodents at most cache densities. Furthermore, rodents preferentially removed large seeds farther away for eating or scatter-hoarding. The IIS and EIS proportions of both large and small seeds declined, but the proportion of the two types of seeds that were EAR fluctuated, increasing with increasing cache density. Rodents preferred to increase the proportion of scatter-hoarding of large seeds with increasing cache density, whereas the proportion of scatter-hoarding of small seeds was maximized at a cache density of 6.25 seed·m-2. Both the eaten distance after removal (EDAR) and scatter-hoarded distance (SHD) increased with increasing cache density. These results suggest that large seeds are more likely to be scatter-hoarded and removed to longer distances than small ones. Rodents tended to reduce the seed proportion of EIS seeds and increased the proportion of seeds EAR and SH, and accordingly increased EDAR and SHD with increasing cache density. This study provides some scientific basis for animal-mediated seed dispersal.

Seed traits and recruitment interact with habitats to generate patterns of local adaptation in a perennial grass.

A fundamental challenge in the field of ecology involves understanding the adaptive traits and life history stages regulating the population dynamics of species across diverse habitats. Seed traits and early seedling vigor are thought to be key functional traits in plants, with important consequences for recruitment, establishment, and population persistence. However, little is known about how diverse seed traits interact with seed and microsite availability to impact plant populations. Here, we performed a factorial experiment involving seed addition and surface soil disturbance to explore the combined effects of seed and site availability using genotypes characterized by varying seed mass and dormancy traits. Additionally, we included hybrids that exhibited recombined seed trait relationships compared with natural genotypes, allowing us to assess the impact of specific seed traits on establishment across different sites. We detected a significant three-way interaction between seed addition, site conditions, and soil surface disturbance, influencing both seedling establishment and adult recruitment in Panicum hallii, a perennial grass found in coastal mesic (lowland) and inland xeric (upland) habitats. This establishment/recruitment pattern suggests that mesic and xeric establishment at foreign sites is constrained by the interplay of seed and site limitations. Notably, soil surface disturbance facilitated establishment and recruitment of the xeric genotype while limiting the mesic genotype across all sites. Our results highlight the importance of seed size and dormancy as key factors impacting seedling establishment and adult recruitment, suggesting a potential interactive relationship between these traits.

Tuberowithania pengiana (Withaninae, Physalideae, Solanaceae), a new species and genus from southwest Yunnan, China

AbstractWe describe a small population of remarkable plants found in Shuangjiang County, SW Yunnan, as Tuberowithania pengiana gen. & sp. nov., a unique genus within the subtribe Withaninae, tribe Physalideae of the Solanaceae family. The new genus and species feature a distinctive combination of morphological traits, including a large clumped tuberous root, urceolate and densely pubescent dark purplish flowers, densely pubescent purplish filaments, and yellowish‐white, ovoid berries snugly covered by 10‐ribbed accrescent calyx. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on a combined matrix of four DNA markers (nrITS, trnL‐F, waxy, LFY), revealed that T. pengiana is deeply nested within the subtribe Withaninae. It forms a sister relationship with Archiphysalis chamaesarachoides, although with weak support.

EFFECT OF AGRONOMIC AMENDMENTS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SUNFLOWER

Proper planting geometry helps in obtaining optimum plant population and crop yield; while irrigation at right time results in improved higher crop yields and quality of the produce. Two years field experiments were conducted during (2019 and 2020) at Tandojam to examined the effect of sowing methods (Raised bed, Ridge, Drilling and Broadcasting); planting densities (Recommended, high density and ultra-high density) and nutrient management (90+60+60+0, 90+60+60+10 and 90+60+ 60+20 kg ha-1 NPK+FeSO4). The experimental design was randomized complete block design with three replicates. The best result in all parameters on average factors including drilling method, high density planting (66,666 plants ha-1), NPK+FeSO4: 90+60+60+20 kg ha-1 and their interaction resulted in economically superior overall sunflower performance in relation to its growth, seed yield and quality attributes. The drilling method was highly effective to improve seed yield apart from the lower biological yield due to greater harvest index as compared to rest of the sowing methods. Although, recommended plant spacing (55,555 plants ha-1) produced better individual plant based results, but due to lesser plant population, the overall seed yield was greater under high density planting (66,666 plants ha-1).Ultra high density plantation (83,333 plants ha-1) did not prove beneficial due to crowded plant population where harvest index became poor but biological yield increased. Higher FeSO4 improved the grain quality and no effect on foliage; hence 20 kg FeSO4 remained economically most beneficial to achieve desired seed production.

Growth, yield and economics of fodder grasses at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

To study the growth, yield and economics of fodder grasses at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, experiment was established in July 2022 with three treatments and five replications. In this study planted three fodder grasses viz., Pennisetum purpurmum × Pennisetum typhoides (Hybrid napier), Brachiaria mutica (Para grass) and Stylosanthes hamata (Stylo). Results indicated that the maximum height was found in T1: Hybrid Napier 186.60 cm followed by T2: Para grass 132 cm and minimum in T3: Stylo 57 cm. The plant population was maximum found in T3: Stylo 16 followed by T1: Hybrid Napier and T2: Para grass 4 whereas number of tillers or branches per meter square found maximum in T3: Stylo 159.80 followed by T1: Hybrid Napier 158.60 and minimum in T2: Para grass 120. The green fodder yield and dry fodder yield was maximum found in T1: Hybrid Napier 860.16 and 266.65 qha-1 followed by T2: Para grass 438.77 and 122.86 qha-1 and minimum in T3: Stylo 194.65 and 36.98 qha-1 respectively. The maximum net return was found in T1: Hybrid Napier Rs. 75,660 followed by T3: Stylo Rs. 62.505 and minimum in T2: Para grass Rs. 61,605. The maximum B:C ratio was found in T1: Hybrid Napier 2.86 followed by T3: Stylo Rs. 2.61 and minimum in T2: Para grass Rs. 2.29.

Increasing planting density increases fruit mass and reduces the dispersal ability of a range‐expanding invasive plant, Mikania micrantha

AbstractAimInvasive plants may evolve a suite of distinctive traits during spread in the new range. Among these traits, dispersal ability is an important trait determining the invasion speed of exotic plants. There is evidence that higher dispersal ability is favoured at the invasion front, where population density may be low. However, no study has explicitly tested how planting density in a common garden affects the dispersal ability of invasive plants.LocationHainan island of China.MethodsIn this study, using 27 populations of an invasive plant, Mikania micrantha, which is expanding its range on Hainan island of China, we examine how three dispersal‐related traits (i.e. dispersal ability, fruit mass, and pappus radius) change with distance from invasion centre and field population density, and how planting density in a common garden affects dispersal traits.ResultsDispersal traits did not change with distance from the invasion centre and field population cover either in the natural environment or in the common garden. In the common garden, increasing planting density from one to five plants per pot increased fruit mass and decreased dispersal ability, indicating that the effect of density on dispersal traits could not be detected in the field. The relationship between dispersal ability in the natural environment and that in the common garden was positive but significant only under the five plants per pot treatment, possibly because dispersal traits in natural conditions were selected under high‐density growth conditions.Main ConclusionsOur results indicate that increasing population density may increase fruit mass and reduce the dispersal ability of range‐expanding invasive plants. We suggest that further studies exploring the patterns of dispersal traits in range‐expanding invasive plants in a common garden should consider intraspecific competition.

Effects of sheep manure, plant population and nitrogen levels on growth and fresh fruit yield of chilli pepper (<i>Capsicum frutescence</i> l.) at Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted between 2004 and 2006 at the Institute for Agricultural Research Farm, Samaru Zaria in the Northern guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria, to study the response of chilli pepper (Capsicum frutescence L.) to sheep manure, plant population and nitrogen levels. Treatments evaluated consisted of four levels of sheep manure rates (0 t, 5 t, 10 t, and15 t ha-1), three plant populations (22,222; 44,444; and 66,666 plants ha1) and four rates of Nitrogen (0kg,60kg 120kg and 180 kg N ha1). The treatments were laid out in a split plot design and replicated three times. Result showed that application of sheep manure produced about significant increase in number of branches by 80%, similarly number of fruits increased by more than 600% and fresh fruit yields (Kg ha-1) recorded 57% increase over the control. Plant population was observed to significantly increase in the number of fruits per plant with 22,222 and 44,444plant/ha recording similar values, but higher number of fruits produced per plant than 66,666 plants ha-1 However, fresh fruit yield of Chilli pepper was not significantly influenced by plant population. The use of 120kgN ha1 resulted in increased number of branches, fruit per plant and fresh fruit yields by 57 and 60% respectively over non fertilized plants. Application of sheep manure at 10 t ha1, +44,444plants ha and 120kgN ha could be recommended for the production of chilli pepper under rain fed condition in Northern Guinea savannah.

IMPLEMENTASI WEIGHT PRODUCT DALAM PEMILIHAN JENIS TANAMAN HIDROPONIK

Hydroponic plant cultivation is the cultivation of plants in the agricultural sector that uses water as a medium for plant growth and development so that it is an efficiency effort with the availability of agricultural land. Hydroponics has an impact on improving aesthetics, genetic transformation, and supporting nature conservation. Based on this, customers who cultivate hydroponic plants are increasing. The problem faced at Sahabat Hidroponik is the difficulty of determining plants that suit customer needs. To overcome this problem, a decision support system approach was carried out using the Weighted Product method. The decision support system provides recommendations to customers by ranking alternative hydroponic plants based on the weight of the assessment criteria according to the customer's desired needs. The criteria used in this research are water requirements, nutritional requirements, plant population, seed prices, harvest time. The recommendation results are not the final results that must be taken, but rather recommendations that can be used by customers in determining their decisions regarding hydroponic plants.

Determination of Optimal Plant Density of Adapted Maize Varieties in the Low and Mid-altitude Ecologies of Tanzania

Purpose: The objective of this study is to validate the commonly recommended plant density in the target zone to maximize maize production and productivity. The commonly recommended plant density is 44,444 plants/ha for decades. However, there is no recent study done to validate this practice if it optimizes productivity under current climate and soil fertility variability. A blanket recommendation has been used for decades without validation for optimum productivity that farmer can realize. 
 Methodology: The factorial experiment was used with the total of 18 treatment combinations in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications according to Gomez, A and Gomez, K (1983). The open pollinated varieties (OPV) commonly grown by small scale farmers were planted in three different plant densities of 44,444, 53,333 and 66,666 plants per hector with inter and intra row spacings of 0.75mx0.3m, 0.75mx0.25m and 0.75mx0.2m respectively. Field management was done as usual following the recommended agronomic practices.
 Findings: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done using GENSTAT (9th edition) statistical programme software and presented in a tabular form. The results indicated no significant difference in all parameters analysed except for 50% anthesis days (AD) and 50% Silking days (SD) both at 0.1% levels. The overall site mean for grain yield was found to be 6.43t/ha, 7.31t/ha and 6.11t/ha for the plant density of 44,444plants/ha, 53,333plants/ha and 66,666plants/ha respectively. Therefore, based on these findings the optimum plant density was found to be 53,333/ha unlike the commonly used plant density of 44,444 plants/ha.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study contributes to existing experience and practice commonly recommended by extension officers in many parts of the country without performing a site-specific study to determine the optimum spacing for particular environment. This, study also open up an avenue for further research to validate various research technologies. Plant population, in addition to plant height, maturity class, and row spacings, affects the geometry of plant spacing and leaf distribution. All these factors may affect light and CO2 penetration in the canopy, as well as water use rate (Tharp, B and Kells, J, 2001)

Modelling effects and control of soil contaminants on the dynamics of plant–herbivore species system

In this paper, we have proposed and analysed a mathematical model to study the effects of impulsive input of contaminants in soil on the dynamics of interacting species system consisting of contaminants, soil-nutrients, plant biomass and herbivore population in order to investigate the criteria for the survival or extinction of plant biomass and herbivore population. The uptake function for herbivore population considered in the model of the paper shows saturation effect and this type of uptake function behave linearly with respect to plant biomass for low density. Also, the saturation for large plant biomass is a reflection of the limited herbivore capability or perseverance when the plant biomass is abundant. Therefore, the uptake function considered in this paper is more natural to lotka volterra and holling type functional responses. We have shown that the plant–herbivore extinction periodic solution exists and also the plant–herbivore extinction periodic solution is locally and globally stable if the impulsive depletion rate of nutrients due to contaminants is more than some critical value. Further, it is concluded that if the impulsive input period for contaminants is increased and impulsive depletion rate of nutrients due to contaminants is decreased then both the plant and herbivore population will survive otherwise they will tend to extinction.

Exploring morphological variability, in vitro antioxidant potential, and HR-LCMS phytochemical profiling of Phlomis cashmeriana Royle ex Benth. across different habitats of Kashmir Himalaya.

Phytochemicals are broadly acknowledged for their health-promoting effects owing to the fact of their capacity to counteract free radicals (e.g., superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, hydroperoxyl radical, singlet oxygen, hypochlorite, and nitric oxide) and shield against oxidative stress induced by environmental factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between altitude, morphology, soil parameters, in vitro antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition ofPhlomis cashmerianacollected from four different locations of Kashmir Himalaya characterized by diverse habitats and elevations. Various factors, such as extraction method, solvent polarity, and habitat conditions, can impact the quantity and efficacy of phytochemicals in plants. The aim of current study was to analyze phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of P. cashmeriana, an important medicinal plant found in the Kashmir Himalaya region. The antioxidant activity was accessed using several assays and the plant populations were selected based on their diverse habitat features and altitudes. HR-LCMS was conducted for both below-ground and above-ground parts. Some important compounds such as, catechin, vinainsenoside, acutilobin, and kaempferol were reported for the first time from P. cashmeriana. Results showed that methanol was the most efficient solvent for extracting phytochemicals. During the current study, it was also found that the below-ground parts exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to the above-ground parts. Notably, Site IV demonstrated the highest antioxidant potential; a positive correlation between altitude and antioxidant activity was also found. In conclusion, present research identified specific elite populations having highest antioxidant potential and are well-suited for large-scale cultivation of P. cashmeriana.

Intercropped Soybean Plant Population in a Coffee Plantation and Its Effects on Agronomic Parameters and Geospatial Information

Coffee farming has high land use value, which can result in economic losses without proper land use planning. Intercropping has improved coffee production by providing an alternative income source to producers, especially in the crop formation phase. The objective of this study was to evaluate productivity, growth, and geospatial data in different soybean plant populations intercropped with coffee. The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Uberlândia, in Monte Carmelo, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It had an experimental randomized block design with five treatments: the control (no soybeans); 80 thousand plants ha−1; 160 thousand plants ha−1; 240 thousand plants ha−1; and 320 thousand plants ha−1. Productive and vegetative characteristics of coffee and soybeans were evaluated, as well as the NDVI and GNDI vegetation indices. The mass of 1000 grains of soybean reached its peak (178.96 g) with a population of 222 thousand plants of soybean ha−1. The maximum soybean productivity of 102.78 bags ha−1 was obtained in the population of 185 thousand plants soybean ha−1. An increasing population of 240–320 thousand plants ha−1 soybean between coffee rows reduced soybean yield due to reduced light, causing plant lodging. The biometric parameters of the coffee trees did not change, which was evidenced by high normalized and green normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI and GNDVI, respectively). Therefore, it is concluded that the use of soybeans between the coffee trees does not affect the vegetative and productive parameters of the coffee tree, making the use of the intercrop viable.

The interplay between defaunation and phylogenetic diversity affects leaf damage by natural enemies in tropical plants

Abstract Natural enemies play an important role in controlling plant population growth and vegetation dynamics. Tropical rainforests host the greatest diversity of herbivores, from large mammalian ungulates to microscopic pathogens, generating and maintaining plant diversity. By feeding on the same resources, large mammalian herbivores may interfere with plant consumption and leaf damage by important enemy guilds such as invertebrate herbivores and pathogens, triggering indirect trophic cascades. However, the impact of local extinctions of large herbivores on plant–enemy interactions is relatively unknown. We experimentally tested the effects of defaunation of large mammalian herbivores (e.g. peccaries, tapirs and brocket deer; hereafter, large herbivores) on the leaf damage of 3350 understorey plants in tropical rainforests of Brazil. We examined leaf damage in 10,050 leaves from 333 morphospecies by assigning the area consumed or damaged by five guilds of insect herbivores and leaf pathogens within 86 paired open‐closed plots and investigating the joint effects of defaunation and plant phylogenetic diversity. Plants released from large herbivores had 9% less leaf damage; this difference was due to the lower leaf pathogens incidence (29%) rather than insect herbivory. Evolutionary distinctness was positively correlated with leaf damage in a similar way in all treatments, suggesting additive effects of defaunation and phylogenetic diversity. Total and pathogenic leaf damage (but not insect damage) decreased with plant richness across treatments, and large herbivores exclusion resulted in increased plant species richness. This suggests that large herbivores exclusion leads to a dilution of total and pathogens' leaf damage by increasing plant species richness. Our results suggest that indirect effects of large herbivores decrease the dilution potential of plant communities against pathogens and rather reinforce their top‐down impact on vegetation, demonstrating a previously overlooked cascading effect of large herbivore extinction on forest ecosystems. Synthesis: The extinction of large mammalian herbivores can lead to a decrease in pathogen‐driven leaf damage, a previously unknown indirect effect in forest ecosystems, which might have consequences for plant fitness and ultimately for plant diversity. Large herbivores and plant pathogens might have synergistic effects in regulating the diversity of plant communities in some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.