ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5989-2929
Current Organisations
Curtin University
,
University of Western Australia
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CUB.2018.11.015
Abstract: The global demand for restoration has increased orders of magnitude in the last decade, and hundreds of thousands of tonnes of native seed are required to feed this restoration engine [1] (Figure 1). But where are all the seeds required by restoration going to come from? Wild seed resources continue to be depleted by habitat loss, land degradation and climatic change, and over-collection of seed from wild populations threatens to erode these resources further. Ethical seed sourcing for restoration now represents a core issue in responsible restoration practice. Solutions include the introduction of regulatory frameworks controlling seed sourcing from wild populations, the development of seed farming capacity and advancement of seed enhancement technologies and precision delivery systems reducing seed wastage.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 09-06-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0242035
Abstract: To achieve global ambitions in large scale ecological restoration, there is a need for approaches that improve the efficiency of seed-based interventions, particularly in overcoming the bottleneck in the transition from germination to seedling establishment. In this study, we tested a novel seed-based application of the plant stress modulator compound salicylic acid as a means to reduce seedling losses in the seed-to-seedling phase. Seed coating technology (encrusting) was developed as a precursor for optimising field sowing for three grass species commonly used in restoration programs, Austrostipa scabra , Microlaena stipoides , and Rytidosperma geniculatum . Salicylic acid (SA, 0.1mM) was delivered to seeds via imbibition and seed encrusting. The effects of SA on seed germination were examined under controlled water-limited conditions (drought resilience) in laboratory setting and on seed germination, seedling emergence, seedling growth and plant survival in field conditions. Salicylic acid did not impact germination under water stress in controlled laboratory conditions and did not affect seedling emergence in the field. However, seedling survival and growth were improved in plants grown from SA treated seeds (imbibed and encrusted) under field conditions. When SA delivery methods of imbibing and coating were compared, there was no significant difference in survival and growth, showing that seed coating has potential to deliver SA. Effect of intraspecific competition as a result of seedling density was also considered. Seedling survival over the dry summer season was more than double at low seedling density (40 plants/m 2 ) compared to high seedling density (380 plants/m 2 ). Overall, adjustment of seeding rate according to expected emergence combined with the use of salicylic acid via coating could improve seed use efficiency in seed-based restoration.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 31-08-2018
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCY166
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-08-2022
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13503
Abstract: Mining activity causes major changes in site topography, soil physical and chemical properties, hydrology, and biological assemblages. Reassembling plant communities in these highly altered environments is dependent on interactions between environmental drivers and management intervention techniques through time, yet the long‐term effects of these interactions have rarely been quantified. This study examined a 19‐year‐old, postmining woodland restoration chronosequence in southwest Australia to understand plant community compositional development in postmine restoration sites. We tested the effects of environmental drivers (rainfall regimes, site aspect, slope) and management intervention techniques (substrate ripping and material properties) in terms of four restoration criteria: species richness, plant density, vegetation cover, and compositional similarity to reference sites. Irrespective of environmental drivers or management intervention techniques, vegetation cover increased through time, while plant density and species richness declined. Bray–Curtis similarity to reference communities remained unchanged. Within these trends, ripping and first‐year rainfall significantly affected restoration criteria outcomes species richness and plant density were greatest when rainfall in the first winter immediately following site restoration was low but followed by a high summer rainfall. The most effective ripping depth was dependent on rainfall, deep‐ripped sites performed best when rainfall was high, and nonripped sites performed best under low‐mean rainfall conditions. Measured restoration criteria had not reached the levels of the target reference community after 19 years, which may be attributable to the still‐developing vegetation structure. This emphasizes the importance of assessing postmining restoration outcomes over longer time frames ( years) with implications for determining appropriate, time‐dependent completion criteria.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-03-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-07-2022
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13748
Abstract: Mining activities often cause displacement and disruption of Indigenous socio‐cultural relations to land, water, bio ersity, and sacred entities. Due to the high disturbance and degradation that occurs as a result of mining on Indigenous lands, mine restoration and closure (MR& C) must mobilize the political agency of Indigenous Australians and provide enduring benefits beyond the life‐of‐mine. Here, we demonstrate that Indigenous engagements with mining restoration supply chains in Australia can only succeed if institutionalized socio‐environmental inequalities are recognized and dismantled. Through environmental justice lenses, we examine critical mine restoration injustices and how Indigenous Australian participation can energize environmental self‐determination. We analyze emerging restoration supply chains through the native seed collection and production activities as opportunities for nurturing transformative local collaborations, Indigenous entrepreneurship, and political participation. Our analysis shows the potential for community practices to coproduce MR& C through enduring partnerships, Indigenous‐led organizations, and plural knowledge systems. Indigenous Australian leadership in coordinating investments, collaborations, techniques, and business operations is critical to transforming MR& C into democratic and equitable plans and actions on Indigenous lands where mining operates. When aligned with progressive institutional changes, restoration interventions can potentially strengthen environmental self‐determination for Indigenous Australian political control over the customary use and stewardship of their lands.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-11-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-05-2012
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/BIJ.12841
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-03-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-07-2013
DOI: 10.1111/TPJ.12265
Abstract: Strigolactone hormones are derived from carotenoids via carlactone, and act through the α/β-hydrolase D14 and the F-box protein D3/MAX2 to repress plant shoot branching. While MAX2 is also necessary for normal seedling development, D14 and the known strigolactone biosynthesis genes are not, raising the question of whether endogenous, canonical strigolactones derived from carlactone have a role in seedling morphogenesis. Here, we report the chemical synthesis of the strigolactone precursor carlactone, and show that it represses Arabidopsis shoot branching and influences leaf morphogenesis via a mechanism that is dependent on the cytochrome P450 MAX1. In contrast, both physiologically active Z-carlactone and the non-physiological E isomer exhibit similar weak activity in seedlings, and predominantly signal through D14 rather than its paralogue KAI2, in a MAX2-dependent but MAX1-independent manner. KAI2 is essential for seedling morphogenesis, and hence this early-stage development employs carlactone-independent morphogens for which karrikins from wildfire smoke are specific surrogates. While the commonly employed synthetic strigolactone GR24 acts non-specifically through both D14 and KAI2, carlactone is a specific effector of strigolactone signalling that acts through MAX1 and D14.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-03-2006
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-04-2007
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2000
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-08-2009
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2004
DOI: 10.1071/BT03114
Abstract: Rushes are important understorey species and comprise a significant component of pre-mined ecosystems. Re-establishment of rushes into disturbed sites has often been problematic. Several cytokinins and thidiazuron were investigated for the stimulation of somatic embryogenesis in key members of the Restionaceae. Somatic embryogenesis was observed for Desmocladus flexuosus (R.Br.) B.G.Briggs & L.A.S.Johnson with benzyladenine (BA) at 1, 5 or 15 μM alone and 1 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The response to zeatin (Z) and 2iP-6-γ-γ-dimethyl-allyamino-purine (2iP) was negligible. For Baloskion tetraphyllum (J.J.H. de Labillardiere) B.G.Briggs & L.A.S.Johnson and Lyginia imberbis R.Br., BA, Z and 2iP were ineffective in stimulating any response.Somatic embryogenesis was achieved for B. tetraphyllum on 1/2-strength Murashige Skoog (1/2 MS) + 1 μM 2,4-D, with an estimated 14 000 somatic embryos produced from 1 g of plant material. All somatic embryos converted into plantlets and were successfully transferred to soil.Investigation of thidiazuron (TDZ) at 5 and 10 μM and 1 μM 2,4-D demonstrated that young coleoptiles (5–7 days) of B. tetraphyllum produced significantly more somatic embryos (168-fold more) than did older coleoptiles ( days). For D. flexuosus, leaf basal portions produced somatic embryos on 5 and 10 μM TDZ, and 5 μM TDZ + 1 μM 2,4-D. Proliferation of 'secondary somatic embryos' was also successful when somatic embryos were initiated on 10 μM TDZ and transferred to 1/2 MS (~9-fold increase).This study demonstrated variation in response among species of the same family, with D. flexuosus responding to BA and TDZ and B. tetraphyllum responding only to 2,4-D. The protocol investigated has the potential to be commercially viable with over 14 000 somatic embryos produced in 6 weeks for B. tetraphyllum.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/PPA.12396
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-08-2007
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13184
Publisher: CABI Publishing
Date: 03-2001
DOI: 10.1079/SSR200061
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12090
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2005
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-1993
DOI: 10.1007/BF00051960
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1071/BT06065
Abstract: In vitro culture has enabled a variety of recalcitrant and threatened plant taxa to be micropropagated in the absence of viable conventional propagation methods. Cryogenic storage research has provided alternative protocols for efficient long-term germplasm storage for many plant species. Recent advances in tissue-culture methods such as somatic embryogenesis have enabled the production of 000 somatic embryos of a recalcitrant native Australian rush in a few months, far higher than other in vitro methods for these types of plants. Cryogenic protocols are reported for species of Australian vascular plants, seed and numerous mycorrhizal fungi (mainly orchid spp.), greatly extending the range and type of material that can be stored through the application of cryogenic methods. The role of in vitro and cryogenic research initiatives in botanic gardens for plant bio ersity conservation and restoration is discussed, using ex les of successful ex situ conservation through tissue-culture and cryogenic-storage research.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 04-2012
DOI: 10.1242/DEV.074567
Abstract: Karrikins are butenolides derived from burnt vegetation that stimulate seed germination and enhance seedling responses to light. Strigolactones are endogenous butenolide hormones that regulate shoot and root architecture, and stimulate the branching of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Thus, karrikins and strigolactones are structurally similar but physiologically distinct plant growth regulators. In Arabidopsis thaliana, responses to both classes of butenolides require the F-box protein MAX2, but it remains unclear how discrete responses to karrikins and strigolactones are achieved. In rice, the DWARF14 protein is required for strigolactone-dependent inhibition of shoot branching. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis DWARF14 orthologue, AtD14, is also necessary for normal strigolactone responses in seedlings and adult plants. However, the AtD14 paralogue KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE 2 (KAI2) is specifically required for responses to karrikins, and not to strigolactones. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that KAI2 is ancestral and that AtD14 functional specialisation has evolved subsequently. Atd14 and kai2 mutants exhibit distinct subsets of max2 phenotypes, and expression patterns of AtD14 and KAI2 are consistent with the capacity to respond to either strigolactones or karrikins at different stages of plant development. We propose that AtD14 and KAI2 define a class of proteins that permit the separate regulation of karrikin and strigolactone signalling by MAX2. Our results support the existence of an endogenous, butenolide-based signalling mechanism that is distinct from the strigolactone pathway, providing a molecular basis for the adaptive response of plants to smoke.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2020
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1071/BT07037
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1071/BT12297
Abstract: Widespread decline of Mediterranean-type ecosystem (MTE) woodlands can result in a loss of soil- and canopy-stored seed banks. This can drive woodlands across a biotic threshold, where natural regeneration cannot occur. Without management intervention, these woodlands will suffer local extinction. Using a Mediterranean-type, degraded woodland as a case study, we undertook field trials over 3 years, with the aim of increasing revegetation success by (1) introducing propagules of key canopy species to overcome this biotic threshold and (2) applying commonly used revegetation treatments (abiotic treatments such as the addition of nutrient and water resources, two types of tree guards, and combinations of these). We found that (1) control plants had low establishment success, confirming the crossing of a biotic threshold and the practical irreversibility of the degraded state without intervention, (2) plant establishment was often significantly higher for treated than for control seedlings and (3) supplementation of nutrient and water resources seems to be critical in terms of increasing early seedling establishment for some species. We suggest that in declining woodlands that have crossed biotic thresholds, merely adding propagules does not ensure successful revegetation. The present study has practical implications for restoration activities in degraded MTE communities where biotic thresholds may have already been crossed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-07-2022
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13738
Abstract: Salvaged native topsoil is a scarce, highly valuable resource in post‐mining restoration, being the main source of organic matter and nutrients and a major repository of plant propagules and soil microbes. During the mining process, topsoil is often stockpiled, and factors such as stockpile depth, season of stripping, and storage time can adversely affect topsoil functionality. We aimed to determine if soil functionality differs between undisturbed native reference topsoils and stockpiled topsoils of various age and origin, and whether measures of soil microbial community composition, soil respiration, and plant growth provide comparable assessments of soil functionality. We investigated this using select biological assessments of undisturbed native reference topsoils and stockpiled topsoils collected from seven mine sites representing a range of climate, soil, commodity, and vegetation types across the major mining province of Western Australia. Biotic properties of stored topsoil were idiosyncratic and variable across mine sites, and results differed based on the biotic measure being assessed. Biomass was generally lower for plants grown in stockpiled topsoils than for plants grown in native reference topsoils across mine sites. However, no single biotic measure provided an accurate assessment of soil functionality as reflected in plant growth responses. Overall, stockpiling adversely affected soil functionality and further research is needed to improve topsoil management procedures that may be site‐ and biome‐specific.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-07-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S13280-021-01593-Z
Abstract: The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration is poised to trigger the recovery of ecosystem services and transform structural injustices across the world in a way unparalleled in human history. The inclusion of erse Indigenous and local communities to co-create robust native seed supply systems is the backbone to achieve the goals for the Decade. Here we show how community-based organizations have co-developed native seed supply strategies for landscape restoration from the bottom-up. We draw on the interconnections over two decades of seed networks in Brazil and the emerging Indigenous participation in native seed production in Australia. From an environmental justice perspective, we provide a participatory seed supply approach for local engagement, noting local geographical, social and cultural contexts. Meeting large-scale restoration goals requires the connection between local seed production and collaborative platforms to negotiate roles, rights and responsibilities between stakeholders. An enduring native seed supply must include a ersity of voices and autonomy of community groups that builds equitable participation in social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 1999
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2003
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 03-2019
Abstract: We investigated the ersity and composition of bacterial communities in rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric bulk soils as well as root nodule bacterial communities of Vachellia pachyceras — the only native tree species existing in the Kuwait desert. Community fingerprinting comparisons and 16S rDNA sequence identifications were used for characterization of the bacterial population using specific primers. The bacterial characterization of soil s les revealed four major phyla: Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. In situ (desert) s les of both rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric bulk soil were dominated by the bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, whereas the phylum Betaproteobacteria was present only in non-rhizospheric bulk soil. Ex situ (nursery growing condition) V. pachyceras resulted in restricted bacterial communities dominated by members of a single phylum, Bacteroidetes. Results indicated that the soil organic matter and rhizospheric environments might drive the bacterial community. Despite harsh climatic conditions, data demonstrated that V. pachyceras roots harbor endophytic bacterial populations. Our findings on bacterial community composition and structure have major significance for evaluating how Kuwait’s extreme climatic conditions affect bacterial communities. The baseline data obtained in this study will be useful and assist in formulating strategies in ecological restoration programs, including the application of inoculation technologies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 08-2022
Abstract: In the summer of 2019–2020, southern Australia experienced the largest fires on record, detrimentally impacting the habitat of native species, many of which were already threatened by past and current anthropogenic land use. A large-scale restoration effort to improve degraded species habitat would provide fire-affected species with the chance to recover and persist in burnt and unburnt habitat. To facilitate this, decision-makers require information on priority species needs for restoration intervention, the suite of potential restoration interventions, and the priority locations for applying these interventions. We prioritize actions in areas where restoration would most likely provide cost-effective benefits to priority species (defined by each species proportion of habitat burned, threat status, and vulnerability to fires), by integrating current and future species habitat suitability maps with spatially modelled costs of restoration interventions such as replanting, removing invasive species, and implementing ecologically appropriate fire management. We show that restoring the top ∼69% (112 million hectares) of the study region (current and future distributions of priority species) accounts for, on average, 95% of current and future habitat for every priority species and costs ∼AUD$73 billion yr −1 (AUD$650 hectare −1 yr −1 ) annualized over 30 years. This effort would include restoration actions over 6 million hectares of fire-impacted habitat, costing ∼AUD$8.8 billion/year. Large scale restoration efforts are often costly but can have significant societal co-benefits beyond bio ersity conservation. We also show that up to 291 MtCO2 (∼150 Mt DM) of carbon could be sequestered by restoration efforts, resulting in approximately AUD$253 million yr −1 in carbon market revenue if all carbon was remunerated. Our approach highlights the scale, costs, and benefits of targeted restoration activities both inside and outside of the immediate bushfire footprint over vast areas of different land tenures.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2000
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-06-2020
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13173
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 1994
DOI: 10.1093/JXB/45.6.779
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 30-09-2005
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCI274
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 15-09-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-08-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S00705-012-1452-2
Abstract: An isolate of a new virus, Caladenia virus A (CalVA), was identified infecting Australian terrestrial orchids. The complete genome of 9,847 nucleotides encodes 11 gene products typical of most members of the family Potyviridae. Sequence comparisons of the polyprotein revealed that CalVA shared highest sequence identity (37.5-39.6 %) with members of the genus Poacevirus. Although a vector for CalVA was not identified, a mite transmission motif was present in the helper component protease, indicating that, like other poaceviruses, mites may transmit it. CalVA is the only proposed member of the genus Poacevirus not isolated from a poaceous host.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-04-2008
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCN043
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Date: 1988
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-08-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-09-2016
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.2455
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-12-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2009
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2012
DOI: 10.3732/AJB.1100575
Abstract: In addition to autotrophic and fully mycoheterotrophic representatives, the orchid family comprises species that at maturity obtain C and N partially from fungal sources. These partial mycoheterotrophs are often associated with fungi that simultaneously form ectomycorrhizas with trees. This study investigates mycorrhizal nutrition for orchids from the southwestern Australian bio ersity hotspot. The mycorrhizal fungi of 35 green and one achlorophyllous orchid species were analyzed using molecular methods. Nutritional mode was identified for 27 species by C and N isotope abundance analysis in comparison to non-orchids from the same habitat. As a complementary approach, (13)CO(2) pulse labeling was applied to a subset of six orchid species to measure photosynthetic capacity. Almost all orchids associated with rhizoctonia-forming fungi. Due to much higher than expected variation within the co-occurring nonorchid reference plants, the stable isotope approach proved challenging for assigning most orchids to a specialized nutritional mode therefore, these orchids were classified as autotrophic at maturity. The (13)CO(2) pulse labeling confirmed full autotrophy for six selected species. Nonetheless, at least three orchid species (Gastrodia lacista, Prasophyllum elatum, Corybas recurvus) were identified as nutritionally distinctive from autotrophic orchids and reference plants. Despite the orchid-rich flora in southwestern Australia, partial mycoheterotrophy among these orchids is less common than in other parts of the world, most likely because most associate with saprotrophic fungi rather than ectomycorrhizal fungi.
Publisher: CRC Press
Date: 14-12-2007
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-1994
DOI: 10.1007/BF00009292
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1999
DOI: 10.1071/BT96119
Abstract: Plant-derived smoke was investigated in this study as a pre-germination treatment for seed of four native plant species from south-western Western Australia. Many Australian native species demonstrate low germination responses using conventional nursery propagation methods. Smoke water, prepared from burning 6 kg of fresh and dry foliage of Eucalyptus, Adenanthos and Banksia species and bubbling the smoke through water (20 L) for 1 h was found to substantially improve germination of Stylidium affine Sonder., Stylidium brunonianum Benth. (Stylidiaceae) and Conostylis setigera R.Br. (Haemodoraceae), whereas Actinotus leucocephalus Benth. (Apiaceae) retained a high level of dormancy despite prolonged exposure to smoke water. Diluted and full strength smoke water was found to significantly increase germination of S. brunonianum, C. setigera and A. leucocephalus over water alone. Seeds retained the smoke cue after imbibition in smoke water, whether incubated continuously with smoke water or imbibed in smoke water and dehydrated or dehydrated, stored for 3 weeks. Species varied in their germination response to changes in imbibing time in diluted smoke water. A. leucocephalus required longer periods of smoke water imbibition (24-48 h) to elevate germination irrespective of the three treatments following imbibition. All imbibition periods were effective in enhancing germinability of S. affine and S. brunonianum regardless of subsequent treatments. However, S. affine required shorter imbibition exposure times (3& OElig h) for optimal germination for the dehydrated and stored treated seeds. C. setigera required shorter exposure to smoke water of 3 and 6 h, when germinated immediately, whereas longer exposure to smoke water was necessary for effective germination in dehydrated (24-48 h) and dehydrated and stored (48 h) treated seeds. The site of action of smoke water in seed was investigated and found to reside in part in the seed coat in S. affine, and the embryo and/or endosperm in A. leucocephalus. The smoke chemical(s) overcame multiple dormancy mechanisms in S. affine and A. leucocephalus whereas gibberellic acid (GA) and zeatin were unable to break dormancy. Mechanism of dormancy relief by smoke water was not the same as GA and zeatin. These data indicate that there are good prospects using imbibition with smoke water as a pre-treatment for seeds in the horticulture and land restoration activities.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 31-01-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1523-1739.2010.01632.X
Abstract: Many of the skills and resources associated with botanic gardens and arboreta, including plant taxonomy, horticulture, and seed bank management, are fundamental to ecological restoration efforts, yet few of the world's botanic gardens are involved in the science or practice of restoration. Thus, we examined the potential role of botanic gardens in these emerging fields. We believe a reorientation of certain existing institutional strengths, such as plant-based research and knowledge transfer, would enable many more botanic gardens worldwide to provide effective science-based support to restoration efforts. We recommend botanic gardens widen research to include ecosystems as well as species, increase involvement in practical restoration projects and training practitioners, and serve as information hubs for data archiving and exchange.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2006
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 11-03-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-12-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S11104-021-05217-Z
Abstract: Biotic and abiotic properties of soils can hinder or facilitate ecological restoration, and management practices that impact edaphic factors can strongly influence plant growth and restoration outcomes. Salvaged topsoil is an invaluable resource for mine-site restoration, and a common practice is topsoil transfer from mined areas to restoration sites. However, direct transfer is often not feasible, necessitating storage in stockpiles. We evaluated the effects of topsoil stockpiling on plant performance across erse ecosystems impacted by mining throughout Western Australia. We conducted a bioassay experiment using a widespread native Acacia species to assess how topsoil storage might impact plant growth, physiology, and nodulation by N-fixing bacteria using soils from native reference vegetation and stockpiled soils from six mine sites across Western Australia. Plant responses varied across mine sites, but overall plants performed better in soils collected from native vegetation, exhibiting greater biomass, more root nodules, and higher water-use efficiency compared to those grown in stockpiled soils. Soil physiochemistry showed few and minor differences between native soils and stockpiles. Results strongly suggest observed differences in plant performance were biotic in nature. This study highlights the negative effects of topsoil storage on the biological integrity of soil across erse ecosystems, with important implications for mine-site restoration our results show that topsoil management can strongly influence plant performance, and stockpiled soils are likely inferior to recently disturbed topsoil for restoration purposes. We also use this study to illustrate the utility of bioassays for assessing soil quality for ecological restoration.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 21-08-2013
DOI: 10.1111/BOJ.12075
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-09-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00360-015-0930-8
Abstract: Seasonal variation in metabolic rate and evaporative water loss as a function of ambient temperature were compared in two species of bees. The endemic blue-banded bee, Amegilla chlorocyanea, is a solitary species that is an important pollinator in the south-west Australian bio ersity hotspot. Responses were compared with the European honeybee, Apis mellifera, naturalised in Western Australia almost 200 years ago. Metabolic rate increased exponentially with temperature to a peak in both species, and then declined rapidly, with unique scaling exponents and peaks for all species-by-season comparisons. Early in the austral summer, Apis was less thermally tolerant than Amegilla, but the positions reversed later in the foraging season. There were also significant exponential increases in evaporative water loss with increasing temperature, and both season and species contributed to significantly different responses. Apis maintained relatively consistent thermal performance of metabolic rate between seasons, but at the expense of increased rates of evaporative water loss later in summer. In contrast, Amegilla had dramatically increased metabolic requirements later in summer, but maintained consistent thermal performance of evaporative water loss. Although both species acclimated to higher thermal tolerance, the physiological strategies underpinning the acclimation differed. These findings may have important implications for understanding the responses of these and other pollinators to changing environments and for their conservation management.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 21-08-2013
DOI: 10.1111/BOJ.12072
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-03-2017
DOI: 10.1111/TPJ.13491
Abstract: The plastid genome of plants is the smallest and most gene-rich of the three genomes in each cell and the one generally present in the highest copy number. As a result, obtaining plastid DNA sequence is a particularly cost-effective way of discovering genetic information about a plant. Until recently, the sequence information gathered in this way was generally limited to small portions of the genome lified by polymerase chain reaction, but recent advances in sequencing technology have stimulated a substantial rate of increase in the sequencing of complete plastid genomes. Within the last year, the number of complete plastid genomes accessible in public sequence repositories has exceeded 1000. This sudden flood of data raises numerous challenges in data analysis and interpretation, but also offers the keys to potential insights across large swathes of plant biology. We examine what has been learnt so far, what more could be learnt if we look at the data in the right way, and what we might gain from the tens of thousands more genome sequences that will surely arrive in the next few years. The most exciting new discoveries are likely to be made at the interdisciplinary interfaces between molecular biology and ecology.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/BT13290
Abstract: Dispersal of plant propagules by ocean currents can result in long-distance dispersal and is important for the persistence of coastal species. However, the ability of such species to disperse via the ocean is often unknown because there is relatively little evidence that demonstrates that seeds or fruits can float and survive for extended periods in seawater. Furthermore, the seed or fruit traits, and intraspecific variation in these traits, that facilitate buoyancy remain largely unidentified. The genus Scaevola (L.) contains several widespread coastal species that may be capable of oceanic dispersal, such as S. crassifolia (Labill). We collected fruits of S. crassifolia along 700 km of a latitudinal environmental gradient. These fruits were used to determine the influence of fruit morphology and anatomy on fruit buoyancy. Morphological and anatomical variation in S. crassifolia was associated with dispersal potential. Our empirical data demonstrated that fruits with larger aeriferous mesocarp layers have greater buoyancy and, therefore, enhanced capacity for long range oceanic dispersal. Of three characters hypothesised to affect buoyancy (aeriferous mesocarp, air pockets in empty locules, and number of vascular cavities), only the properties of the mesocarp were significant. Intraspecific variation can significantly affect dispersal potential, and should not be overlooked in dispersal ecology.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2003
DOI: 10.1071/BT02040
Abstract: The relationship between storage temperature, relative humidity and seed water content was investigated for four species native to Western Australia: Acacia bivenosa DC., Anigozanthos manglesii D.Don., Banksia ashbyi E.G.Baker and Mesomelaena tetragona (R.Br.) Benth. Water sorption isotherms were constructed at 5, 23 and 50�C and the enthalpy of water sorption was calculated by van�t Hoff analysis. Seeds of three species, A. manglesii, B.�ashbyi and M. tetragona, showed a sigmoidal relationship between seed water content and relative humidity. Intact seeds of Acacia bivenosa maintained a constant water content at temperatures of 23�C or less due to the impermeable seed coat however, isotherms of scarified seeds were similar in shape to those of the other species at all temperatures. The enthalpy of water sorption ranged from –19 kJ mol–1 for M. tetragona seeds to –29 kJ mol–1 for B. ashbyi seeds and was dependent on water content. However, all species had a maximum sorption strength at 2–6% water content and three regions of water-binding strength were evident. Each of these species has water sorption characteristics consistent with orthodox storage behaviour and the results of this study provide a framework for improving seed storage methods for the highly erse Western Australian flora.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2000
DOI: 10.1071/BT99070
Abstract: Cryostorage of shoot apices of the perennial monocotyledonous species Anigozanthos viridis Endl. ssp. viridis (Haemodoraceae) was investigated by using a modified vitrification protocol. The highest post-thaw survival of shoot apices (41.4%) involved preculturing shoot apices on 0.4 M sorbitol for 48 h followed by incubation in a vitrification cryoprotective solution (PVS2) for 25 min at 0˚C. The level and type of cytokinin used in the culture stage was also found to influence cryostorage success with post-thaw survival decreasing from 41% with zero to low levels of cytokinins to below 5% for cytokinin levels that are typical of plant tissue applications (2.5 ˜M) for Australian plant species. Five Haemodoraceae taxa (Anigozanthos Labill. spp. and Conostylis R.Br. spp.) were successfully cryopreserved with this modified protocol however, a sixth taxon, Macropidia fuliginosa (Hook.) Druce., remained unresponsive to this vitrification technique.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.TREE.2014.07.006
Abstract: The 'novel ecosystem' concept has captured the attention of scientists, managers, and science journalists, and more recently of policymakers, before it has been subjected to the scrutiny and empirical validation inherent to science. Lack of rigorous scrutiny can lead to undesirable outcomes in ecosystem management, environmental law, and policy. Contrary to the contentions of its proponents, no explicit, irreversible ecological thresholds allow distinctions between 'novel ecosystems' and 'hybrid' or 'historic' ones. Further, there is no clear message as to what practitioners should do with a 'novel ecosystem'. In addition, ecosystems of many types are being conserved, or restored to trajectories within historical ranges of variation, despite severe degradation that could have led to their being pronounced 'novel'.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-0003
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-07-2019
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCY142
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 02-2013
Abstract: Gaps in knowledge must be identified, capacities developed, and research translated into policy and practice.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2006
DOI: 10.1079/IVP2006758
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-07-2013
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/PC18079
Abstract: Globally increasing rates of mine site discontinuations are resulting in the need for immediate implementation of effective conservation and management strategies. Surveying vegetation structure is a common method of assessing restoration success however, responses of fauna to mine site restoration remain largely overlooked and understudied despite their importance within ecosystems as ecological engineers, pollinators, and restoration facilitators. Here we review the current state of the use of fauna in assessments of mine site restoration success globally, and address biases or shortcomings that indicate the assessment approach may undershoot closure and restoration success. We identified just 101 peer-reviewed publications or book chapters over a 49-year period that assess responses of fauna to mine site restoration globally. Most studies originate in Australia, with an emphasis on just one company. Assessments favour general species ersity and richness, with a particular focus on invertebrate responses to mine site restoration. Noteworthy issues included biases towards origin of study, study type, and target taxa. Further searches of the grey literature relating to fauna monitoring in mine site restoration, which was far more difficult to access, yielded six monitoring/guidance documents, three conference proceedings, two book chapters without empirical data, and a bulletin. As with peer-reviewed publications, grey literature focussed on invertebrate responses to restoration, or mentioned fauna only at the most basic level. We emphasise the need for global re-evaluation of regulatory standards to address these major limitations in assessing the capacity of the mining industry to comprehensively and representatively restore faunal communities after mining.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1086/673370
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-2005
DOI: 10.1079/SSR2004197
Abstract: Physical dormancy (PY) was identified in six genera representative of Australian Rhamnaceae and subsequently was broken, based on identification of key seed dormancy characteristics: (1) isolation and classification of embryo features (2) imbibition experiments to determine the rate and amount of water uptake in seeds and (3) determination of optimum temperature regimes for germination. All six species had relatively large spatulate embryos. Imbibition studies showed all species possessed PY (i.e. a water-impervious seed coat) that was broken by a hot-water treatment. Alleviation of PY resulted in high germination ( %) at 7/18°C, temperatures similar to winter in south-west Western Australia. Germination was suppressed at higher temperatures and in the presence of light. The study adds information to our knowledge of seed dormancy in Australian Rhamnaceae , and highlights the benefits of understanding dormancy states in seeds prior to evaluating dormancy-release mechanisms on wild species used in restoration ecology and horticulture.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S11104-022-05559-2
Abstract: Southwest Australia is a bio ersity hotspot, with greatest plant species ersity on the most severely phosphorus (P)-impoverished soils. Here, non-mycorrhizal species with highly-effective carboxylate-releasing P-acquisition strategies coexist with mycorrhizal species that are less effective at accessing P on these soils. Non-mycorrhizal carboxylate-releasing species facilitate P acquisition of mycorrhizal neighbours that are better defended against pathogens. In the Southwest Australian Bio ersity Hotspot, there are also ‘cool spots’ of low- ersity tall mycorrhizal Eucalyptus communities on P-impoverished soils. These Eucalyptus trees obviously do not require facilitation of their P acquisition by carboxylate-releasing neighbours, because these are only a minor component of the low- ersity communities. We hypothesised that in low- ersity tall Eucalyptus forests, mycorrhizal species release carboxylates to acquire P. Thus, they would not depend on facilitation, and must be strong competitors. However, because they would not depend on external mycorrhizal hyphae to acquire P, they would also not be able to access soil organic nitrogen (N), for which they would need external hyphae. Since carboxylates not only mobilise P, but also manganese (Mn), we used leaf Mn concentrations ([Mn]) in the natural habitat to proxy rhizosphere carboxylates. To verify this proxy, we also measured carboxylate exudation of targeted species with high leaf [Mn] using seedlings grown in low-P nutrient solutions. Using these complementary approaches, we confirmed our hypothesis that dominant Eucalyptus species in ‘cool spots’ release carboxylates. Since mineralisation of organic N is associated with fractionation of N, enriching organic N with 15 N while nitrate is depleted in 15 N, we measured the stable N isotope composition of leaf material. The results show that dominant Eucalyptus species did not access organic N, despite being ectomycorrhizal. The low ersity of tall Eucalyptus forests in southwest Australia can be explained by dominant mycorrhizal species exhibiting a carboxylate-releasing strategy. The tall eucalypts are therefore strong competitors that do not require facilitation, but also do not access organic N.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1980
DOI: 10.1071/BT9800283
Abstract: The feedlng of 15N labelled Drosophila fles to leaf rosettes of Drosera erythrorhiza Llndl resulted in the enrichment of leaves, stems and daughter and replacement tubers with 15N. A transfer of 76% of the labelled nitrogen from the insects to the Drosera was recorded, and by the end of the growing season the new set of tubers had acqulred 70% of the applled 15N The 15N was traced through two subsequent seasons of growth in order to study the extent of carryover of insect-derived nltrogen between successive generations of tubers Seasonal changes in nltrogen of D erythrorhlza in natural habltat bore evldence of a hlgh degree of transfer of nitrogen from tubers to vegetative parts and vice versa. Tubers had 50-60% of their nltrogen in soluble form, principally as arginine. Stems and leaf rosettes had lower proportions of soluble nitrogen and less arginine. Arginine of the tubers became labelled with 15N after feeding 15N-labelled Drosophila Arthropods caught by naturally growlng clones of D erythrorhiza included Collembola, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemlptera, Coleoptera and Arachnids Assuming there was a 76% transfer of nltrogen from fauna to Drosera, the season's catch of from 0.25 to 0.39 mg nitrogen per plant provlded the equivalent of from 14 to 21% of the nltrogen transferred to the new season's tubers and from 11 to 17% of the plant's net uptake of nitrogen durlng a growlng season Phenotypic varlants lacklng glandular tentacles occurred sporadically in natural and pot-grown populations of D erythrorhlza Plants lackmg tentacles proved incapable of absorbing the 14C of 14C-labelled insects They reverted to the production of a full or partlal complement of tentacles In a subsequent season of grouth
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2004
DOI: 10.1007/BF02773143
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 23-02-2012
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCS034
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1071/BT06073
Abstract: The introduction, growth and persistence of orchid mycorrhizal fungi in situ were studied by using a seed-baiting method. A mycorrhizal fungus from the carousel spider orchid, Caladenia arenicola (Hopper & A.P.Br.), was introduced to sites within an area from which the orchid and fungus were absent, adjacent to a natural population of C. arenicola. In the first growing season, the fungus grew up to 50 cm from its introduction point, usually persisted over the summer drought into the second season and even into the third season, stimulating germination and growth to tuber formation of the seeds in the baits. Watering the inoculated areas significantly increased seed germination. This suggests that it is possible to reintroduce the mycorrhizal fungi either before or together with seeds of orchid species needing re-establishment in an area.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-03-2022
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13638
Abstract: Native seed underpins the success of most terrestrial restoration efforts globally however, the fragility of the native seed supply chain presents a key challenge to achieving global restoration goals. With the current heightened global focus on ecological restoration, seed supply chains are under unprecedented pressure worldwide. New and practical solutions are required to help the native seed industry move toward more sustainable and reliable supply, and in turn, facilitate more cost‐effective, successful, seed‐based restoration. Here we focus on species used in bio erse mine site restoration in two regions of Western Australia as a test case for evaluating two key elements of the seed supply chain: seed quality and price. The study assessed seed quality in 185 species, then combined these results with seed price to determine the actual cost of pure live seeds (PLS) used in restoration. Average seed quality, expressed as a weight percentage of PLS, is 55%. The average price for a native seed batch across 129 species is $1,093 Australian dollars (AUD)/kg, and when adjusted for viability and purity is $2,600 (AUD)/ kg of PLS. We suggest replacing the traditional approach of pricing seed per unit weight ($/kg) with a new method that would reflect seed quality and unit number price per thousand pure live seeds ($ TPLS). We posit that this new way of pricing native seeds would increase transparency and information flow in the marketing of native seeds, which will, in turn, enable seed users to more reliably plan for, and evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of seed‐based restoration projects.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-06-2014
DOI: 10.1111/PCE.12367
Abstract: Nitrogen (N) transfer among plants has been found where at least one plant can fix N2 . In nutrient-poor soils, where plants with contrasting nutrient-acquisition strategies (without N2 fixation) co-occur, it is unclear if N transfer exists and what promotes it. A novel multi-species microcosm pot experiment was conducted to quantify N transfer between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM), ectomycorrhizal (EM), dual AM/EM, and non-mycorrhizal cluster-rooted plants in nutrient-poor soils with mycorrhizal mesh barriers. We foliar-fed plants with a K(15) NO3 solution to quantify one-way N transfer from 'donor' to 'receiver' plants. We also quantified mycorrhizal colonization and root intermingling. Transfer of N between plants with contrasting nutrient-acquisition strategies occurred at both low and high soil nutrient levels with or without root intermingling. The magnitude of N transfer was relatively high (representing 4% of donor plant N) given the lack of N2 fixation. Receiver plants forming ectomycorrhizas or cluster roots were more enriched compared with AM-only plants. We demonstrate N transfer between plants of contrasting nutrient-acquisition strategies, and a preferential enrichment of cluster-rooted and EM plants compared with AM plants. Nutrient exchanges among plants are potentially important in promoting plant coexistence in nutrient-poor soils.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-2001
Publisher: International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Date: 03-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-1994
DOI: 10.1111/J.1469-8137.1994.TB03974.X
Abstract: The presence of ericoid endophytes was Confirmed in hair roots of 14 species of Epacridaceae native to the mediterranean south‐west of Western Australia. The phenology of infection was followed in 2‐yr‐old seedlings of Astroloma xerophyllum D.C. (Sond.) and showed increasing infection up to a peak (40% of hair roots infected) in late winter and a decline to zero infection during summer (December February). Over 400 isolates of root‐inhabiting fungi of 14 species from seven genera of native Epacridaceae were obtained. All isolates were dark‐coloured, sterile and slow growing tin potato dextrose agar. Based on morphological characteristics, eight isolates were selected for further investigation. Detailed analysis of morphological and cultural features was used to create three groups, two of which were infective with cuttings of the common Epacridaceae species. Lysinema ciliatum . The groupings based on rnorphological characteristics were reflected in the pectic zymogram patterns of the isolates. Pectic zymogram analysis of ericoid fungi revealed that none of the Australian isolates matched fungi known to be infective with Ericaceae [ Hymenoscyphus ericae (Read) Korf. & Kernen and Oidiodendron spp.] even though all isolates appeared morphologically similar with similar growth rates.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2009
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13190
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-11-2009
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-1995
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-294X.1995.TB00225.X
Abstract: Extensive human impact in south western Australia has resulted in a high incidence of rarity throughout the highly endemic flora of the region. Grevillea scapigera (Proteaceae) is a typical ex le, with 27 plants (represented by four extant populations) remaining in the wild. In order to devise an appropriate strategy for the conservation of this species, its population genetics were studied using RAPD analysis, which enabled the discrimination of in idual plants and the detection of a relatively high amount of variability (V = 0.32) within G. scapigera. This variability was found to be evenly distributed within the plants analysed despite the clear distinction between most populations (87% of the variability being attributable to single plant difference and 13% to population difference). Finally, RAPD analysis was used to select a small group of plants that captured maximum genetic variability to be used in the recovery program of the species. Because of the low genetic difference between populations, the mixing of these selected plants during the recovery process should not create genetic imbalances. The methods used in this study provide a useful model for future projects involving the recovery of rare flora.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1093/MP/SSS132
Abstract: Two new types of signaling compounds have been discovered in wildfire smoke due to their ability to stimulate seed germination. The first discovered were karrikins, which share some structural similarity with the strigolactone class of plant hormones, and both signal through a common F-box protein. However, karrikins and strigolactones operate through otherwise distinct signaling pathways, each distinguished by a specific α/β hydrolase protein. Genetic analysis suggests that plants contain endogenous compounds that signal specifically through the karrikin pathway. The other active compounds discovered in smoke are cyanohydrins that release germination-stimulating cyanide upon hydrolysis. Cyanohydrins occur widely in plants and have a role in defense against other organisms, but an additional role in endogenous cyanide signaling should also now be considered.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-06-2018
DOI: 10.1111/EMR.12317
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-1999
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Date: 2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-05-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12905
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1071/BT08137
Abstract: Many Caladenia species have been reduced to extremely small and/or fragmented populations, and reintroduction/translocation into natural or rehabilitated habitats, by using ex situ propagated plants or via direct seeding, represents an important adjunct in conservation planning. However, Caladenia species are some of the most difficult terrestrial orchid taxa to propagate, in part because of the specificity of the mycorrhizal associations and the need to provide growing conditions that suit both the mycorrhizal fungi and Caladenia plants. The present paper reviews recent advances in Caladenia propagation and reintroduction methods, including in vitro seed germination, transferral from in vitro to nursery environments, ex vitro symbiotic germination (germination in inoculated nursery media), nursery cultivation, the use of nurse plants and reintroduction of Caladenia into natural habitats by using seed, dormant tubers or growing plants. Techniques discussed in the present paper increase the options for future Caladenia conservation programs, especially for those species currently on the brink of extinction.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 09-2006
DOI: 10.1079/SSR2006248
Abstract: The intact germination unit [seed+endocarp, (‘seed’)] of the two species of the Australian endemic genus Stylobasium ( Surianaceae , Fabales ) is water impermeable. Thus, the seed does not imbibe water or germinate until the integrity of the endocarp, which contains an outer layer of palisade cells, is disrupted. In this study, intact seeds of S. australe and of S. spathulatum , incubated on a moist substrate (for up to 2 years), did not imbibe water, whereas those that were mechanically scarified (both species), or dipped in boiling water for 30 s ( S. spathulatum ), imbibed and germinated. Thus, seeds of Stylobasium species have physical dormancy (PY). This is the first report of PY in Surianaceae , making it only the sixteenth family of angiosperms (no gymnosperms) in which this class of seed dormancy has been identified.
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 08-02-2017
Abstract: Field metabolic rate (FMR) links the energy budget of an animal with the constraints of its ecosystem, but is particularly difficult to measure for small organisms. Landscape degradation exacerbates environmental adversity and reduces resource availability, imposing higher costs of living for many organisms. Here, we report a significant effect of landscape degradation on the FMR of free-flying Apis mellifera , estimated using 86 Rb radio-isotopic turnover. We validated the relationship between 86 Rb k b and metabolic rate for worker bees in the laboratory using flow-through respirometry. We then released radioisotopically enriched in iduals into a natural woodland and a heavily degraded and deforested plantation. FMRs of worker bees in natural woodland vegetation were significantly higher than in a deforested landscape. Nectar consumption, estimated using 22 Na radio-isotopic turnover, also differed significantly between natural and degraded landscapes. In the deforested landscape, we infer that the costs of foraging exceeded energetic availability, and honeybees instead foraged less and depended more on stored resources in the hive. If this is generally the case with increasing landscape degradation, this will have important implications for the provision of pollination services and the effectiveness and resilience of ecological restoration practice.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-02-2015
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCV014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-09-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-11-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-09-2012
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.12036
Abstract: A leading hypothesis for the immense ersity of the Orchidaceae is that skewed mating success and small, disjunct populations lead to strong genetic drift and switches between adaptive peaks. This mechanism is only possible under conditions of low gene flow that lead to high genetic differentiation among populations. We tested whether orchids typically exhibit high levels of population genetic differentiation by conducting a meta-analysis to compare mean levels of population genetic differentiation (F(ST)) between orchids and other erse families and between rare and common orchids. Compared with other families, the Orchidaceae is typically characterized by relatively low genetic differentiation among populations (mean F(ST) = 0.146) at allozyme loci. Rare terrestrial orchids showed higher population genetic differentiation than common orchids, although this value was still lower than the mean for most plant families. All lines of evidence suggest that orchids are typically characterized by low levels of population genetic differentiation, even in species with naturally disjunct populations. As such, we found no strong evidence that genetic drift in isolated populations has played a major role in the ersification of the Orchidaceae. Further research into the ersification of the family needs to unravel the relative roles of biotic and environmental selective pressures in the speciation of orchids.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-04-2022
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13667
Abstract: Restoration seedbanks have become a key infrastructure resource in efforts to restore damaged and degraded environments across the globe. Large‐scale ecological restoration typically utilizes large volumes of valuable, usually wild‐collected seeds, but insufficient knowledge of seed biology (including storage requirements in some cases) and ecology for many species continues to h er the utility of restoration seedbanks to meet this rising demand. Poor germination and establishment when seeds are deployed from seedbanks can stem from factors such as premature seed collection, low seed quality, poor processing, handling and storage, variable seed quality from year to year, and, critically, insufficient understanding of seed dormancy, seed germination traits, and the ecological requirements for germination stimulation. While these factors may impact the success of seed‐based ecological restoration both synergistically and idiosyncratically, they can be universally addressed by adopting best practice principles in seedbank management and operation and through an improved understanding of the seed biology and ecology of stored species. Drawing upon an industry case study in seedbanking for post‐mining ecological restoration, we outline how optimizing seed storage conditions and a focus on seed biology and ecology in the operation of a restoration seedbank can deliver broad and immediate benefit and cost‐efficiency to native seed use. Such improvements are crucial in developing more effective approaches for returning bio erse plant communities to highly modified landscapes and are foundational for meeting the aspirations for ecological restoration at global scales in the coming decade.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 03-03-2022
DOI: 10.1071/PC21064
Abstract: In Australia, the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) is an exotic, abundant, super-generalist species. Introduced two centuries ago, it thrives in the absence of many diseases adversely impacting honeybees elsewhere. Australia’s native bees may be vulnerable to competition with honeybees, leading to reduced abundances, reproductive output or even loss of bee species. We review the literature concerning competition between honeybees and Australian native bees in order to: (1) identify the valuence and strength of honeybee associations with native bees, and how this varies according to the response variable measured (2) assess potential research biases (3) use ecological theory to explain variation in results and (4) identify key knowledge gaps. We found honeybees typically comprised the majority of in iduals in surveys of Australian bee communities. Data on whether honeybees outcompete native bees is equivocal: there were no associations with native bee abundance, species richness, or reproductive output in most cases. However, there were more negative than positive associations. Data indicate effects of honeybees are species-specific, and more detailed investigations regarding how different species and life-history traits affect interactions with honeybees is needed. We propose the following investigations to address deficiencies in the current literature: greater geographic and landscape representation trait-based investigations quantifying resource availability and overlap disease and predator interactions experimental feral colony removals and studies spanning multiple seasons and years. Identifying conditions under which honeybees have negative, neutral or positive effects on native bees, and how the ecological traits of native bees are affected by honeybee competition can guide conservation and management.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-1994
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-1998
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-1989
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-13833-Y
Abstract: Identifying early life-stage transitions limiting seagrass recruitment could improve our ability to target demographic processes most responsive to management. Here we determine the magnitude of life-stage transitions along gradients in physical disturbance limiting seedling establishment for the marine angiosperm, Posidonia australis . Transition matrix models and sensitivity analyses were used to identify which transitions were critical for successful seedling establishment during the first year of seed recruitment and projection models were used to predict the most appropriate environments and seeding densities. Total survival probability of seedlings was low (0.001), however, transition probabilities between life-stages differed across the environmental gradients seedling recruitment was affected by grazing and bioturbation prevailing during the first life-stage transition (1 month), and 4–6 months later during the third life-stage transition when establishing seedlings are physically removed by winter storms. Models projecting population growth from different starting seed densities showed that seeds could replace other more labour intensive and costly methods, such as transplanting adult shoots, if disturbances are moderated sufficiently and if large numbers of seed can be collected in sufficient quantity and delivered to restoration sites efficiently. These outcomes suggest that by improving management of early demographic processes, we could increase recruitment in restoration programs.
Publisher: Universidad de Costa Rica
Date: 17-06-2015
DOI: 10.15517/LANK.V7I1-2.19531
Abstract: The loss of urban native vegetation is a global cri- sis particularly as cities continue to expand and pop- ulations grow. Native vegetation often remains as small isolated fragments embedded in the human matrix of urban development. These remnants become islands of bio ersity that experience vary- ing degrees of degradation due to their high perime- ter to area ratio.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-07-2017
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-11-2020
Abstract: 1. Global interest in building healthy soils combined with new DNA sequencing technologies has led to the generation of a vast amount of soil microbial community (SMC) data. 2. SMC analysis is being adopted widely for monitoring ecological restoration trajectories. However, despite the large and growing quantity of soil microbial data, it remains unclear how these data inform and best guide restoration practice. 3. Here, we examine assumptions around SMC as a tool for guiding ecosystem restoration and evaluate the effectiveness of using species inventories of SMC as a benchmark for restoration success. 4. We investigate other approaches of assessing soil health, and conclude that we can significantly enhance the utility of species inventory data for ecological restoration by complementing it with the use of non‐molecular approaches.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-02-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JEB.12593
Abstract: Plants are predicted to show floral adaptation to geographic variation in the most effective pollinator, potentially leading to reproductive isolation and genetic ergence. Many sexually deceptive orchids attract just a single pollinator species, limiting opportunities to experimentally investigate pollinator switching. Here, we investigate Drakaea concolor, which attracts two pollinator species. Using pollinator choice tests, we detected two morphologically similar ecotypes within D. concolor. The common ecotype only attracted Zaspilothynnus gilesi, whereas the rare ecotype also attracted an undescribed species of Pogonothynnus. The rare ecotype occurred at populations nested within the distribution of the common ecotype, with no evidence of ecotypes occurring sympatrically. Surveying for pollinators at over 100 sites revealed that ecotype identity was not correlated with wasp availability, with most orchid populations only attracting the rare Z. gilesi. Using microsatellite markers, genetic differentiation among populations was very low (GST = 0.011) regardless of ecotype, suggestive of frequent gene flow. Taken together, these results may indicate that the ability to attract Pogonothynnus has evolved recently, but this ecotype is yet to spread. The nested distribution of ecotypes, rather than the more typical formation of ecotypes in allopatry, illustrates that in sexually deceptive orchids, pollinator switching could occur throughout a species' range, resulting from multiple potentially suitable but unexploited pollinators occurring in sympatry. This unusual case of sympatric pollinators highlights D. concolor as a promising study system for further understanding the process of pollinator switching from ecological, chemical and genetic perspectives.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/BT16061
Abstract: Caladenia huegelii Rchb.f. is a threatened obligate mycotrophic orchid species with limited distribution in its remaining habitat, hence, this study to develop ex situ conservation protocols. An asymbiotic seed germination protocol was used to generate primary protocorms that were then used to proliferate secondary (adventitious protocorms). Both primary and secondary protocorms were utilised for development of a cryopreservation protocol. An average 94% germination of C. huegelii seeds occurred on ½ MS medium with 5% (v/v) coconut water) and 43% primary protocorms formed secondary (adventitious) protocorms) on ½ MS (– CW) + 5µM ∝-naphthaleneacetic acid + 2 µM BAP. Incubation at a constant 20 ± 0.5°C after cryopreservation significantly increased regeneration of both primary and secondary protocorms at 79 and 45%, respectively, compared with 46 and 19% at a higher, more variable standard culture temperature range (22−26°C). Seedlings were successfully regenerated from both cryopreserved primary and secondary protocorms, but only plantlets derived from primary protocorms were investigated for transfer to soil, where 88% plantlets survived, with sustained growth (average leaf length increase of 4.1 cm) after 12 weeks. This study demonstrates that plantlets derived from cryopreserved asymbiotically-produced protocorms can be established in soil and provide a feasible option to facilitate conservation and development of restoration protocols for endangered terrestrial orchids.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-07-2020
DOI: 10.3390/D12080286
Abstract: Floral deception has been observed in several genera in angiosperms, but is most common in the Orchidaceae. Pollination mechanisms in food deceptive plants are often difficult to assess, as visitation frequency by insects requires numerous hours of field observations to ascertain. Here, for the first time, we describe in detail and validate a simple and effective method that extends previous approaches to increase the effectiveness of pollination studies of food deceptive orchids. We used an orchid of southwest Australia, Diuris brumalis (Orchidaceae), that visually mimics model plants belonging to the genus Daviesia (Faboideae). Arrays of orchid flowers were placed and moved systematically in proximity to model plants, resulting in rapid attraction of the pollinators of D. brumalis. We compared pollinaria removal (as an indicator of pollination success) in naturally growing orchids with pollinaria removal in arrays of orchid flowers in the same sites. We showed that the proposed method greatly enhances pollinator attractiveness in food deceptive systems with very low pollination rates, and we compared its efficiency with other similar methods. The approach can be used for observing pollinator behavioural patterns and confirming effective pollinators for food deceptive species with low insect visitation rates.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-05-2014
Abstract: Two α/β-fold hydrolases, KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (KAI2) and Arabidopsis thaliana DWARF14 (AtD14), are necessary for responses to karrikins (KARs) and strigolactones (SLs) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Although KAI2 mediates responses to KARs and some SL analogs, AtD14 mediates SL but not KAR responses. To further determine the specificity of these proteins, we assessed the ability of naturally occurring deoxystrigolactones to inhibit Arabidopsis hypocotyl elongation, regulate seedling gene expression, suppress outgrowth of secondary inflorescences, and promote seed germination. Neither 5-deoxystrigol nor 4-deoxyorobanchol was active in KAI2-dependent seed germination or hypocotyl elongation, but both were active in AtD14-dependent hypocotyl elongation and secondary shoot growth. However, the nonnatural enantiomer of 5-deoxystrigol was active through KAI2 in growth and gene expression assays. We found that the four stereoisomers of the SL analog GR24 had similar activities to their deoxystrigolactone counterparts. The results suggest that AtD14 and KAI2 exhibit selectivity to the butenolide D ring in the 2′R and 2′S configurations, respectively. However, we found, for nitrile-debranone (CN-debranone, a simple SL analog), that the 2′R configuration is inactive but that the 2′S configuration is active through both AtD14 and KAI2. Our results support the conclusion that KAI2-dependent signaling does not respond to canonical SLs. Furthermore, racemic mixtures of chemically synthesized SLs and their analogs, such as GR24, should be used with caution because they can activate responses that are not specific to naturally occurring SLs. In contrast, the use of specific stereoisomers might provide valuable information about the specific perception systems operating in different plant tissues, parasitic weed seeds, and arbuscular mycorrhizae.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 28-10-2009
DOI: 10.1021/JF9028128
Abstract: The butenolide, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (1), is a major compound in smoke responsible for promoting the seed germination of a wide range of plant species. We now report the structure of five alkyl substituted variants of 1 that are also present in smoke. The concentrations of these analogues, as well as that of 1, in a typical smoke-water solution have been determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The analogue, 3,5-dimethyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (3), was identified at levels that indicate that it is a contributor to the overall germination-promoting activity of crude smoke extracts.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 23-02-2007
DOI: 10.1021/JF0633241
Abstract: The butenolide, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (1), has recently been identified as the germination stimulant present in smoke that promotes the germination of seeds from a wide range of plant species. In this paper, we describe the preparation of a number of analogues of 1 and compare their efficacy in promoting seed germination of three highly smoke-responsive plant species, Lactuca sativa L. cv. Grand Rapids (Asteraceae), Emmenanthe penduliflora Benth. (Hydrophyllaceae), and Solanum orbiculatum Poir. (Solanaceae). The results show that the methyl substituent at C-3 in 1 is important for germination-promoting activity while substitution at C-7 reduces activity. In contrast, bioactivity is mostly retained with analogues substituted at C-4 or C-5.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-1997
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 26-03-2013
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCT064
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1111/EMR.12253
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1071/BT09088
Abstract: Canopy-stored seed banks are a common trait among members of several plant families in sclerophyllous woodlands of Australia and South Africa, with their fruits usually opening in response to damage or fire. Unknown is whether the degree of dormancy and of germination differs among age cohorts in seeds stored on the mother plant. We examined the extent and speed of germination from two intensely serotinous myrtaceous species, Callistemon glaucus and Calothamnus quadrifidus, for seed held in capsules for up to 9 years. Germination of both species differed significantly among age cohorts (P 0.0001). However, no consistent increase in germination over a range of temperatures with storage was found, suggesting that no after-ripening occurred and that seeds were non-dormant at maturity. Differences among cohorts may be due to pre-conditioning. Significant (P ≤ 0.0214) differences occurred between the small-seeded Callistemon and the large-seeded Calothamnus. Germination was (1) optimum at ≥20°C for Callistemon but at °C for Calothamnus, (2) 9–12 days earlier for Callistemon than for Calothamnus, and (3) higher in light than in darkness for Callistemon but equal in both light conditions for Calothamnus. While germination of the species differed in important features, we would expect synchronous germination of all age cohorts to occur following fire and the onset of regular rainfall.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 31-01-2011
DOI: 10.1021/JF1041728
Abstract: The naturally occurring seed germination stimulant karrikinolide is formed from the combustion of plant material including cellulose. It has previously been reported that combustion of simple carbohydrates such as d-glucose does not produce extracts containing karrikinolide. Moreover, it was reported that extracts with germination-promoting ability could be obtained only by combustion of simple carbohydrates in the presence of amino acids such as l-glycine. By employing a (13)C-labeled karrikinolide to physically quantify natural karrikinolide, we now show that it is produced from combustion of simple carbohydrates in similar amounts regardless of whether l-glycine is present or not. The addition of l-glycine appears to be beneficial in reducing the inhibitory effect of smoke extracts and provides a greater concentration range for effective germination-promoting activity.
Publisher: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Date: 08-01-2001
DOI: 10.58828/NUY00346
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-09-2018
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12561
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-1997
DOI: 10.1038/HDY.1997.159
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13776
Abstract: This special issue is a compilation of studies arising from the activities of the 5‐year Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Mine Site Restoration. Research conducted by the Centre involved disciplines often overlooked or under‐resourced in the mining industry including restoration genetics, seed technology and enablement, rare species management, and restoration ecophysiology. These studies then formed the context for development of an additional focus on mining closure policy development. The programs highlight the critical importance of ensuring that the seed supply chain, plant growth media, and restoration technologies are fit‐for‐purpose, that native fauna are considered in the life‐of‐mine and, how collectively, investment in these types of programs can inform effective mine closure planning. Though Australian‐based, the principles and outcomes of the research are applicable to international mining activities operating in natural or seminatural ecosystems or regions of high bio ersity.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-07-2010
DOI: 10.1021/JF101690A
Abstract: Karrikins (2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-ones) are potent smoke-derived germination promoters for a erse range of plant species but, to date, their mode of action remains unknown. This paper reports the structure-activity relationship of numerous karrikin analogues to increase understanding of the key structural features of the molecule that are required for biological activity. The results demonstrate that modification at the C5 position is preferred over modification at the C3, C4, or C7 positions for retaining the highest bioactivity.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 03-05-2012
DOI: 10.1021/OL300864U
Abstract: Drakaea livida (Orchidaceae) is pollinated by sexual deception of the wasp Zaspilothynnus nigripes (Thynnidae). It is shown that the orchid emits the same compound, 2-hydroxymethyl-3-(3-methylbutyl)-5-methylpyrazine, that females emit when calling for mates. This novel pyrazine was isolated and identified by GC-EAD and GC-MS and confirmed by synthesis. This compound may represent the first known case of pyrazines as sex pheromones in Hymenoptera.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-10-2020
Abstract: 1. Multiple drivers of environmental change pose a significant challenge for ecological restoration, including climate change, soil salinization and environmental pollution. Due to the important role that soil biota play in enabling plants to cope with a variety of abiotic stressors, there is growing interest in the use of microbial inoculations to facilitate native plant restoration in the face of such change. 2. Recently, novel methods have begun being explored in agriculture to harness stress‐conditioned soil biota for improving abiotic stress tolerance in crop species. Similar applications in ecological restoration – where plants are inoculated with indigenous soil microbial communities that are preconditioned to various abiotic stressors – could potentially increase our capacity to restore degraded ecosystems under global change. 3. In this paper, we aim to (1) outline the ways in which soil microbial communities might be conditioned in order to confer greater stress tolerance to plants that are targets for restoration (2) highlight successful (and unsuccessful) ex les where stress‐tolerant soil microbial communities were utilized to improve plant performance (3) describe the ways in which stress‐conditioned soil biota could be deployed in order to assist ecological restoration and (4) discuss the potential risks and outstanding questions associated with such an approach. 4. If restoration practitioners are able to harness the soil microbiome to improve plant stress tolerance as is currently being explored in agriculture, this could revolutionize methods for the restoration of degraded lands in the Anthropocene.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1993
DOI: 10.1071/BT9930733
Abstract: Species of Cyperaceae and Restionaceae were examined for presence of vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal fungi in natural habitat in south-west Western Australia. VA mycorrhizal fungi were detected in roots of two species of Cyperaceae (Lepidosperma gracile and Tetraria capillaris), and two species of Restionaceae (Alexgeorgea nitens and Lyginia barbata), all representing the first records for these genera. Results indicated a very short seasonal period of infection, with VA mycorrhizal fungi representing the genera Acaulospora, Glomus, Scutellospora and Gigaspora identified in roots. VA mycorrhizal fungi were prominent from late autumn to early winter (April-June) and in up to 30% of the young, new season's roots as they penetrated the upper 10 cm region of the soil profile. Mycorrhizal infection was not evident during the dry summer months. This study suggests that mycorrhizas may be important for nutrition of these hosts in these environments but their activity is restricted to a brief period of the growing season.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1978
DOI: 10.1071/BT9780441
Abstract: The seasonal growth cycle of Drosera erythrorhiza was examined in native habitat near Perth, W.A. Vegetative growth was from autumn to late spring (March to October), aestivation by underground tubers from November to February. Each germinating tuber produced an upward growing stem terminated at the soil surface by a rosette of glandular leaves. Light was required to initiate the rosette. New tubers formed during July and August. A positively geotropic axillary shoot (dropper) developed from the stem base and penetrated the epidermal sheath(s) of the parent tuber to form a replacement tuber within the emptying storage tissues of its parent. Diageotropic axillary shoots (rhizomes), produced higher up the stem, extended radially, each swelling terminally to produce a daughter tuber. Plants flowered profusely only after fire, and were not observed to reproduce from seed. Reproduction of clones was analysed in terms of number and depth of placement of parent and daughter tubers. Age structure of clones was studied by counting epidermal sheaths surrounding tubers. Clones appeared to undergo cyclic rejuvenation, periods of intensive daughter tuber production alternating with periods of minimal reproduction. Soil type, fire history and season modified this reproductive behaviour by affecting the intensity of daughter tuber production and the growth and survival of tubers.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2002
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-2001
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 09-05-2011
Abstract: Smoke is an important abiotic cue for plant regeneration in postfire landscapes. Karrikins are a class of compounds discovered in smoke that promote seed germination and influence early development of many plants by an unknown mechanism. A genetic screen for karrikin-insensitive mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that karrikin signaling requires the F-box protein MAX2, which also mediates responses to the structurally-related strigolactone family of phytohormones. Karrikins and the synthetic strigolactone GR24 trigger similar effects on seed germination, seedling photomorphogenesis, and expression of a small set of genes during these developmental stages. Karrikins also repress MAX4 and IAA1 transcripts, which show negative feedback regulation by strigolactone. We demonstrate that all of these common responses are abolished in max2 mutants. Unlike strigolactones, however, karrikins do not inhibit shoot branching in Arabidopsis or pea, indicating that plants can distinguish between these signals. These results suggest that a MAX2 -dependent signal transduction mechanism was adapted to mediate responses to two chemical cues with distinct roles in plant ecology and development.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-01-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2003
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-02-2009
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCP025
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/NPH.12800
Abstract: Sexually deceptive orchids employ floral volatiles to sexually lure their specific pollinators. How and why this pollination system has evolved independently on multiple continents remains unknown, although preadaptation is considered to have been important. Understanding the chemistry of sexual deception is a crucial first step towards solving this mystery. The combination of gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detection ( GC ‐ EAD ), GC ‐ MS , synthesis and field bioassays allowed us to identify the volatiles involved in the interaction between the orchid D rakaea glyptodon and its sexually attracted male thynnine wasp pollinator, Z aspilothynnus trilobatus . Three alkylpyrazines and one novel hydroxymethyl pyrazine were identified as the sex pheromone of Z . trilobatus and are also used by D . glyptodon for pollinator attraction. Given that our findings revealed a new chemical system for plants, we surveyed widely across representative orchid taxa for the presence of these compounds. With one exception, our chemical survey failed to detect pyrazines in related genera. Collectively, no evidence for preadaptation was found. The chemistry of sexual deception is more erse than previously known. Our results suggest that evolutionary novelty may have played a key role in the evolution of sexual deception and highlight the value of investigating unusual pollination systems for advancing our understanding of the role of chemistry in evolution.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-03-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2001
DOI: 10.1016/S0168-9452(00)00420-9
Abstract: The efficacy of several sugars and polyalcohols in preculture medium was investigated using Anigozanthos viridis ssp terraspectans Hopper (Haemodoraceae), a threatened plant species endemic to the south west of Western Australia. A vitrification protocol involving preculturing of shoot apices for 3 days on different concentrations of sugars and polyalcohols, followed by incubation in plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2) for 25 min, prior to immersion in liquid nitrogen (LN) and warming resulted in shoot tip survival ranging from 34 to 84%. High levels of survival were obtained with polyalcohols, compared to sucrose, glucose, trehalose and raffinose when used at the same molarity (0.4 M) or at the equivalent concentration of total hydroxyl (OH) groups present in molecules. In both cases glycerol proved more effective. When polyalcohols (ribitol and erythritol) with similar stereochemical arrangement of OH groups as glycerol were examined, at the same molarity (0.4 M) and with equivalent OH numbers, higher survival was achieved when the total number of OH groups present was the same as glycerol. Additionally, when the structural isomers mannitol/sorbitol and ribitol/xylitol were compared at the same molarity (0.4 M), the isomer with the higher number of OH groups along the same side resulted in significantly higher levels of post-LN survival. We propose that the mode of action of polyalcohols is based not on molarity, but on the total number of OH groups present in the medium. Furthermore, based on these results we propose that the orientation of OH groups is a determining factor in effective cryopreservation.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1039/C2OB25090J
Abstract: Karrikinolide is a naturally derived potent seed germination stimulant that is responsible for triggering the germination of numerous plant species from various habitats around the world. We now report that solar irradiation of karrikinolide yields two novel head-to-head cage photodimers with the formation, stability and bioactivity of both presented herein.
Publisher: International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Date: 04-1990
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2009
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1071/BT06136
Abstract: Symonanthus bancroftii is a critically endangered dioecious shrub, with only one male and one female plant known in the wild. Micropropagated, clonal plants of the male and female parents were hand-pollinated. Seed was germinated in sterile culture and a subsequent daughter (F1) seedling was multiplied in vitro. Micropropagated plants of the original parents and daughter were reintroduced to a natural habitat site. We detail the first study of pollination biology and reproductive success in this extremely rare species. Floral morphology, flowering phenology, pollen viability, female receptivity and fruit set of reintroduced plants of S. bancroftii were investigated. Flower viability of S. bancroftii shows a 25-day maximum for male flowers, whereas non-pollinated female flowers remain viable for a maximum of 38 days (female parent) and 41 days (daughter), respectively. Flowering of reintroduced male and female plants overlaps from mid-June to early November. Pollen remained viable for at least 8 days after anther dehiscence. Maximum stigma longevity recorded was 28 days (female parent) and 39 days (daughter) and maximum ovule longevity varied from 13 days (female parent) to 28 days (daughter). The mean percentage of flowers setting fruit was 39 ± 13% for female parent plants and 48 ± 4% for daughter plants. Empirical reproductive success measures for male–daughter crosses generally exceeded those of the original parent crosses. The reproductive success of S. bancroftii so soon after reintroduction of plants is a positive sign indicating that rapid accumulation of a soil seedbank is feasible and is thus an important first step towards successful establishment of self-sustaining populations of this critically endangered species.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-12-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-06-2011
DOI: 10.1038/NCOMMS1356
Abstract: Cyanide is well known for its toxicity towards living organisms. Many plants use cyanide as a defensive agent against herbivores, releasing it through the enzymatic hydrolysis of endogenous cyanogenic compounds. At low concentrations, cyanide has been proposed to have a regulatory role in many plant processes including stimulation of seed germination. However, no ecological role for cyanide in seed germination has been established. In the present study, we show that burning plant material produces the cyanohydrin, glyceronitrile. We also show that, in the presence of water, glyceronitrile is slowly hydrolysed to release cyanide that stimulates seed germination of a erse range of fire-responsive species from different continents. We propose that glyceronitrile serves as an ecological store for cyanide and is an important cue for stimulating seed germination and landscape regeneration after fires.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-12-2013
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCT295
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12359
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-01-2019
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12913
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1978
DOI: 10.1071/BT9780455
Abstract: The seasonal cycle of uptake and partitioning of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium and zinc by Drosera erythrorhiza was studied in natural habitat near Perth, W.A. All elements except calcium were mobilized from germinating parent tubers with more than 80% efficiency. The leaf rosette served as the major repository for minerals obtained from the parent tuber and rooting medium. Efficiency of carry-over from vegetative parts to the new season's tubers was 88% for phosphorus, 79% for nitrogen, 71 % for dry matter, 63% for magnesium, 56% for potassium, but only 25-39 % for calcium, sodium and zinc. Pot culture studies showed insects to be an effective source of nitrogen and phosphorus, and eluate of ash particularly a source of potassium. Habitat soil enriched with whole ash produced tubers especially rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium, elevated levels of phosphorus being attributed particularly to the ash. Growth on full mineral culture solution or distilled water produced tubers with low levels of minerals. Tuber composition varied greatly between habitats, especially in relation to phosphorus, nitrogen and zinc. The relationship between phosphorus levels in tubers and recent fire history of a habitat was examined.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.VIROL.2017.07.031
Abstract: The bipartite alpha- and betapartitiviruses are recorded from a wide range of fungi and plants. Using a combination of dsRNA-enrichment, high-throughput shotgun sequencing and informatics, we report the occurrence of multiple new partitiviruses associated with mycorrhizal Ceratobasidium fungi, themselves symbiotically associated with a small wild population of Pterostylis sanguinea orchids in Australia, over two consecutive years. Twenty-one partial or near-complete sequences representing 16 definitive alpha- and betapartitivirus species, and further possible species, were detected from two fungal isolates. The majority of partitiviruses occurred in fungal isolates from both years. Two of the partitiviruses represent phylogenetically ergent forms of Alphapartitivirus, suggesting that they may have evolved under long geographical isolation there. We address the challenge of pairing the two genomic segments of partitiviruses to identify species when multiple partitiviruses co-infect a single host.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 27-06-2006
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCL203
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-06-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-04-2016
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12357
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-07-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2020
DOI: 10.1002/ECS2.3076
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-12-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-01-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1469-8137.2004.01283.X
Abstract: * The incidence of species that develop specialised 'dauciform' lateral roots, which are hypothesised to be important for phosphorus (P) acquisition, is uncertain. We investigated their occurrence in Australian reed, rush and sedge species, grown at low P concentration in nutrient solution, and studied the response of Schoenus unispiculatus (Cyperaceae) to a range of P concentrations. * We assessed the fraction of root biomass invested in dauciform roots, their respiration and net P-uptake rate, and the P status of roots and leaves. * Dauciform-root development occurred only in particular genera of Cyperaceae when grown at low P supply. Increased P supply was associated with increased growth of S. unispiculatus and increased leaf [P]. Dauciform-root growth was reduced by increased P supply, and reduced P uptake co-occurred with the complete suppression of dauciform roots. * The P-induced suppression of dauciform roots in Cyperaceae is similar to that observed for proteoid roots in members of Proteaceae and Lupinus albus. The response of dauciform roots to altered P supply and their absence from root systems of some sedge species are discussed in terms of managed and natural systems.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-01-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2000
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-01-2021
DOI: 10.1111/GCB.15498
Abstract: Urgent solutions to global climate change are needed. Ambitious tree‐planting initiatives, many already underway, aim to sequester enormous quantities of carbon to partly compensate for anthropogenic CO 2 emissions, which are a major cause of rising global temperatures. However, tree planting that is poorly planned and executed could actually increase CO 2 emissions and have long‐term, deleterious impacts on bio ersity, landscapes and livelihoods. Here, we highlight the main environmental risks of large‐scale tree planting and propose 10 golden rules, based on some of the most recent ecological research, to implement forest ecosystem restoration that maximizes rates of both carbon sequestration and bio ersity recovery while improving livelihoods. These are as follows: (1) Protect existing forest first (2) Work together (involving all stakeholders) (3) Aim to maximize bio ersity recovery to meet multiple goals (4) Select appropriate areas for restoration (5) Use natural regeneration wherever possible (6) Select species to maximize bio ersity (7) Use resilient plant material (with appropriate genetic variability and provenance) (8) Plan ahead for infrastructure, capacity and seed supply (9) Learn by doing (using an adaptive management approach) and (10) Make it pay (ensuring the economic sustainability of the project). We focus on the design of long‐term strategies to tackle the climate and bio ersity crises and support livelihood needs. We emphasize the role of local communities as sources of indigenous knowledge, and the benefits they could derive from successful reforestation that restores ecosystem functioning and delivers a erse range of forest products and services. While there is no simple and universal recipe for forest restoration, it is crucial to build upon the currently growing public and private interest in this topic, to ensure interventions provide effective, long‐term carbon sinks and maximize benefits for bio ersity and people.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-11-2006
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 29-03-2010
Abstract: Karrikins are a class of seed germination stimulants identified in smoke from wildfires. Microarray analysis of imbibed Arabidopsis thaliana seeds was performed to identify transcriptional responses to KAR 1 before germination. A small set of genes that are regulated by KAR 1 , even when germination is prevented by the absence of gibberellin biosynthesis or light, were identified. Light-induced genes, putative HY5-binding targets, and ABRE-like promoter motifs were overrepresented among KAR 1 -up-regulated genes. KAR 1 transiently induced the light signal transduction transcription factor genes HY5 and HYH . Germination of afterripened Arabidopsis seed was triggered at lower fluences of red light when treated with KAR 1 . Light-dependent cotyledon expansion and inhibition of hypocotyl elongation were enhanced in the presence of germination-active karrikins. HY5 is important for the Arabidopsis hypocotyl elongation, but not seed germination, response to karrikins. These results reveal a role for karrikins in priming light responses in the emerging seedling, and suggest that the influence of karrikins on postfire ecology may not be limited to germination recruitment.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2009
DOI: 10.1038/462721A
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1997
DOI: 10.1071/BT96028
Abstract: Pre- and post-dispersal reproductive success was studied in 22 species from three related Southern Hemisphere families, Restionaceae, Ecdeiocoleaceae and Anarthriaceae. Pre-dispersal success was compared for resprouter and obligate seeder species using seed: ovule ratios and carpel: flower ratios. The data indicated a high level of variability between taxa but pre-dispersal reproductive success of obligate seeders was significantly higher (67% conversion of ovules to seeds) than that of resprouters (35%). Two seeders, an extremely rare species (‘Chordifex’ abortivus) and a strongly clonal species (Alexgeorgea subterranea), showed pre-dispersal reproductive success values lower than or equal to the mean value for resprouters. Post-dispersal reproductive success was predicted in terms of proportions of germinable seeds produced per ovule (as determined by in vitro germination of isolated embryos). Data again varied widely between taxa, averaging 23% conversion of ovules to seeds with no clear relationship to regeneration mode. The mean number of germinable seeds per culm ranged from 0.03 to 21 between species, with cases of particularly low ovule output and/or low germinability in critically low germinable seed numbers for a species. The regeneration potential of a subset of species was assessed as mean annual production of germinable seed per reproducing plant of a population. The data indicated low values (less than eight seeds per adult) for all but three highly fecund species, suggesting that germinable seed output in some species might be scarcely able to compensate for natural senescence or catastrophic loss of parent populations (e.g. after fire, disease, increased competition following eutrophication).
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2003
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12345
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-05-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-03-2014
DOI: 10.1111/PPL.12170
Abstract: Southwest Australian Banksia woodlands are highly erse plant communities that are threatened by drought- or temperature-induced mortality due to the region's changing climate. We examined water relations in dominant Banksia menziesii R. Br. trees using magnetic leaf patch cl pressure (ZIM-) probes that allow continuous, real-time monitoring of leaf water status. Multiple ZIM-probes across the crown were complemented by traditional ecophysiological measurements. During summer, early stomatal downregulation of transpiration prevented midday balancing pressures from exceeding 2.5 MPa. Diurnal patterns of ZIM-probe and pressure chamber readings agreed reasonably well, however, ZIM-probes recorded short-term dynamics, which are impossible to capture using a pressure chamber. Simultaneous recordings of three ZIM-probes evenly spaced along leaf laminas revealed intrafoliar turgor gradients, which, however, did not develop in a strictly basi- or acropetal fashion and varied with cardinal direction. Drought stress manifested as increasing daily signal litude (low leaf water status) and occasionally as rising baseline at night (delayed rehydration). These symptoms occurred more often locally than across the entire crown. Microclimate effects on leaf water status were strongest in crown regions experiencing peak morning radiation (East and North). Extreme spring temperatures preceded the sudden death of B. menziesii trees, suggesting a temperature- or humidity-related tipping point causing rapid hydraulic failure as evidenced by collapsing ZIM-probe readings from an affected tree. In a warmer and drier future, increased frequency of B. menziesii mortality will result in significantly altered community structure and ecosystem function.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.1071/BT01029
Abstract: The impact of seed drying, seed storage and development of testing procedures for seed viability assessment was undertaken for a selection of common taxa with congeners that are rare and endangered (Caladenia, Diuris, Pterostylisand Thelymitra). Freshly collected seed showed significantly lower levels of germination compared with seed that had been subjected to drying over silica gel for 24 h. Seed dried over silica gel for 24 h and plunged into liquid nitrogen exhibited a further increase in germination levels. Germination of seed stored at 4, 18 or 22˚C for 1 year was substantially higher than freshly collected seed (4 weeks after dehiscence), but germination was highest overall after storage of dried seed in liquid nitrogen (–196˚C). Mycorrhizal fungi that promote the germination and growth of plants were also successfully preserved in liquid nitrogen. The use of cryoprotectants on fungal isolates had no observable deleterious effects on fungal regeneration. Histochemical staining procedures (tetrazolium, fluorescein diacetate and Evans blue) substantially overestimated seed viability, relative to symbiotic seed germination, for most seed treatments indicating a need for re-evaluation of the effectiveness of staining procedures for testing viability. The implications of the long-term ex situ storage of orchid seed and fungal symbionts for the conservation of endangered orchids is discussed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2003
DOI: 10.1017/S0953756203008463
Abstract: An innovative ex situ fungal baiting method using soil collected from field sites which allows the simultaneous detection of mycorrhizal fungi for multiple terrestrial orchids is presented. This method demonstrated that coarse organic matter (> 2 mm) in the litter and topsoil was the most important reservoir of inoculum of these fungi. A new in situ seed baiting method using multi-chambered packets to simultaneously assess germination for different orchid species within soil is also introduced. These in situ and ex situ methods are compared using seed of orchids in the genera Monadenia, Microtis, Caladenia, Pterostylis and Diuris, using urban Banksia woodland sites with high or low weed cover. Both these seed baiting methods detected compatible fungi for these orchids, but common orchids germinated more frequently than those which were uncommon at the field sites. Germination rates were not significantly affected by weed cover even though adult orchids were rare in areas with high weed cover. The two new seed baiting methods vary in efficiency and applicability depending on the situation where they are used. However, the ex situ method allowed the time-course of germination to be observed, resulting in the production of more protocorms and facilitation of the isolation of mycorrhizal fungi. These techniques provide valuable new tools for detection of compatible mycorrhizal fungi to assist orchid research and conservation.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2002
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 22-04-2011
Abstract: Seed banks must shift from being “st -collections” of species to collections that can provide tons of seeds and the expertise to improve restoration efforts.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-09-2018
DOI: 10.1111/PLB.12892
Abstract: In degraded dryland systems, native plant community re-establishment following disturbance is almost exclusively carried out using seeds, but these efforts commonly fail. Much of this failure can be attributed to the limited understanding of seed dormancy and germination traits. We undertook a systematic classification of seed dormancy of 26 species of annual and perennial forbs and shrubs that represent key, dominant genera used in restoration of the Great Basin ecosystem in the western United States. We examined germination across a wide thermal profile to depict species-specific characteristics and assessed the potential of gibberellic acid (GA
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 26-07-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2004
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-07-2020
DOI: 10.3390/IJMS21145143
Abstract: Carnivorous plants from the Lentibulariaceae form a variety of standard and novel vegetative organs and survive unfavorable environmental conditions. Within Genlisea, only G. tuberosa, from the Brazilian Cerrado, formed tubers, while Utricularia menziesii is the only member of the genus to form seasonally dormant tubers. We aimed to examine and compare the tuber structure of two taxonomically and phylogenetically ergent terrestrial carnivorous plants: Genlisea tuberosa and Utricularia menziesii. Additionally, we analyzed tubers of U. mannii. We constructed phylogenetic trees using chloroplast genes matK/trnK and rbcL and used studied characters for ancestral state reconstruction. All examined species contained mainly starch as histologically observable reserves. The ancestral state reconstruction showed that specialized organs such as turions evolved once and tubers at least 12 times from stolons in Lentibulariaceae. Different from other clades, tubers probably evolved from thick stolons for sect. Orchidioides and both structures are primarily water storage structures. In contrast to species from section Orchidioides, G. tuberosa, U. menziesii and U. mannii form starchy tubers. In G. tuberosa and U. menziesii, underground tubers provide a perennating bud bank that protects the species in their fire-prone and seasonally desiccating environments.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-11-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-02-2010
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-2006
DOI: 10.1079/SSR2005232
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of 3-methyl-2 H -furo[2,3- c ]pyran-2-one, a germination active butenolide present in plant-derived smoke, gibberellic acid and smoke water on seeds of Australian Asteraceae exposed to different light regimes. Seeds of all species required light, with maximum germination occurring under white light, or light dominated by 640 nm. Compared to untreated seeds, butenolide increased germination of Angianthus tomentosus , Gnephosis tenuissima , Myriocephalus guerinae , Podolepis canescens and Rhodanthe citrina at suboptimal light wavelengths and in the dark to a level equal to, or greater than, smoke water. Germination of Erymophyllum glossanthus and Gnephosis acicularis was not promoted by butenolide or smoke water under any light regime. The action of gibberellic acid was compared to that of butenolide for three species ( Angianthus tomentosus , Myriocephalus guerinae and Podolepis canescens ), and both compounds were found to stimulate germination. This study provides evidence that butenolide can act in a similar fashion as gibberellic acid in promoting seed germination of light-sensitive seeds. The ecological significance of these findings is discussed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2000
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-05-2014
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.VIROL.2016.08.019
Abstract: Viruses associated with wild orchids and their mycorrhizal fungi are poorly studied. Using a shotgun sequencing approach, we identified eight novel endornavirus-like genome sequences from isolates of Ceratobasidium fungi isolated from pelotons within root cortical cells of wild indigenous orchid species Microtis media, Pterostylis sanguinea and an undetermined species of Pterostylis in Western Australia. They represent the first endornaviruses to be described from orchid mycorrhizal fungi and from the Australian continent. Five of the novel endornaviruses were detected from one Ceratobasidium isolate collected from one Pterostylis plant. The partial and complete viral replicases shared low (9-30%) identities with one another and with endornaviruses described from elsewhere. Four had genome lengths greater than those of previously described endornaviruses, two resembled ascomycete-infecting endornaviruses, and unlike currently described endornaviruses, three had two open reading frames. The unusual features of these new viruses challenge current taxonomic criteria for membership of the family Endornaviridae.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-07-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-2018
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 07-10-2021
DOI: 10.1071/RJ21017
Abstract: Across its entire range in Australia’s western and southern rangelands, Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum [R.Br.] A.DC.) is on a path towards ‘extinction in the wild’––the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s penultimate category of conservation risk. Sandalwood populations have substantially diminished or become locally extinct, predominantly a consequence of land clearing for agriculture, introduced grazers, disruption of key ecological processes (e.g. seed dispersal, fire regimes) and 175 years of intensive commercial exploitation for its fragrant, high value timber. The status of the world’s last wild-harvested species of sandalwood is significant to both conservation and rangeland management, and the implementation of a science-based sustainable yield approach to management of this species is vital. By highlighting the scale and precipitous rate of decline and identifying key drivers affecting mortality and recruitment, this review outlines the conservation and restoration needs of the species in situ to conserve remaining wild populations, and the need to transition to science-based resource management actions such as farm-based plantation production.
Publisher: International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Date: 03-2009
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1071/BT06108
Abstract: This paper details some of the recent research findings concerning restoration needs of the Banksia woodland in Western Australia, including the importance of, and recent advances in, smoke-technology research. Research has enabled testing of a wide spectrum of restoration technologies that enhance plant replacement at sites via treatments of the topsoil seedbank, broadcast seed and seedlings. By the use of smoke technology, which in some systems produces a 48-fold increase in the total number of germinants and a 3-fold increase in the number of species at restoration sites, improved species replacement is a very real possibility in Banksia woodland. At the same time, some commonly employed practices in restoration are a cause for concern, including the application of a herbicide widely used to control a priority Banksia-woodland weed and fire-suppressing agents used to assist fire management. These findings may have broader implications for restoration programs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-02-2022
DOI: 10.1111/ICAD.12569
Abstract: Loss of natural habitat through land‐use change threatens bees. Urbanisation is a major, increasing form, of habitat loss, and a novel, pervasive form of disturbance known to impact bee ersity and abundance in a variety of often inconsistent ways. We conducted a comprehensive, semi‐quantitative review, involving 215 studies, on responses of bees to urban landscapes, and local and landscape variables proposed to influence bee abundance and ersity. Urban areas tend to be favourable habitat for bees compared with agricultural ones, but compared with natural areas, urban areas often host more abundant populations yet fewer species. Factors associated with urban landscapes, including changes in foraging resources and nesting substrate types and availability, contribute to changes in abundance, species richness, and composition of native bee assemblages. However, the conclusions of studies vary greatly because of the difference in the ecological traits of bees, habitats surveyed, and geographic region, as well as noise in the data resulting from inconsistencies in s ling methodology, and definitions of ‘urban’ and ‘natural’. Identifying what biotic and abiotic features of cityscapes promote or threaten the persistence of urban bee ersity is critical. We provide a comprehensive evaluation of how bees (both in aggregate and according to their ecological guild) have responded to the urban environment, identify gaps in knowledge in urban bee ecology, and make recommendations to advance our understanding of bees in urban environments to promote conservation of erse bee communities.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: 15-02-2018
DOI: 10.1093/OSO/9780198779841.003.0004
Abstract: The Droseraceae belongs to the botanical order Nepenthales and comprises three genera: Drosera (sundews) with adhesive traps and the sister genera Dionaea (Venus’ flytrap) and Aldrovanda (waterwheel plant), each of which evolved snap-traps. Vegetative and generative morphology of each genus are illustrated and interpreted based on phylogenetic evidence. Phylogeny, evolutionary history, and infrageneric classification of Drosera are discussed in light of molecular phylogenetic data, and illustrated with phylogenetic trees and maps of their distribution.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1071/BT06106
Abstract: Understanding seed germination biology and the dynamics of seed dormancy is essential to developing reliable germination techniques. This paper presents some new data and reviews recent findings from germination studies on Australian species, with respect to the role of temperature and moisture in the control of dormancy and germination. A seed-burial experiment was conducted over a 1-year period (January–December) with seeds of Acanthocarpus preissii Lehm., Astroloma xerophyllum (DC.) Sond., Gahnia grandis (Labill.) S.T.Blake, Goodenia scaevolina F.Muell. and Tersonia cyathiflora (Fenzl) J.W.Green to determine the fluctuations in temperature and moisture seeds naturally experience in the buried environment. All seeds became hydrated during autumn (March) while soil temperatures were °C, suggestive of a period of warm stratification before the onset of cooler winter temperatures appropriate for germination. Evidence of rapid wetting and drying of seeds in the soil environment was also present. Laboratory experiments testing stratification as a means for dormancy loss showed that several weeks of warm stratification at 26/13°C or 33/18°C promoted germination of Lomandra preissii (Endl.) Ewart, Marianthus bicolor (Putt.) F.Muell. and Xyris lanata R.Br. seeds. X. lanata seeds also responded to several weeks of cold stratification at 5°C. By integrating this new data with other published data on germination of Australian species, diagrammatic models of germination timing, dormancy syndromes and propagation strategies for temperate Australian species are presented as working hypotheses to help direct future research.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-07-2021
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCAB088
Abstract: Colour pattern is a key cue of bee attraction selectively driving the appeal of pollinators. It comprises the main colour of the flower with extra fine patterns, indicating a reward focal point such as nectar, nectaries, pollen, stamens and floral guides. Such advertising of floral traits guides visitation by the insects, ensuring precision in pollen gathering and deposition. The study, focused in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region, aimed to spot bee colour patterns that are usual and unusual, missing, accomplished by mimicry of pollen and anthers, and overlapping between mimic-model species in floral mimicry cases. Floral colour patterns were examined by false colour photography in 55 flower species of multiple highly erse natural plant communities in south-west Australia. False colour photography is a method to transform a UV photograph and a colour photograph into a false colour photograph based on the trichromatic vision of bees. This method is particularly effective for rapid screening of large numbers of flowers for the presence of fine-scale bee-sensitive structures and surface roughness that are not detectable using standard spectrophotometry. Bee- and bird-pollinated flowers showed the expected but also some remarkable and unusual previously undetected floral colour pattern syndromes. Typical colour patterns include cases of pollen and flower mimicry and UV-absorbing targets. Among the atypical floral colour patterns are unusual white and UV-reflecting flowers of bee-pollinated plants, bicoloured floral guides, consistently occurring in Fabaceae spp., and flowers displaying a selective attractiveness to birds only. In the orchid genera (Diuris and Thelymitra) that employ floral mimicry of model species, we revealed a surprising mimicry phenomenon of anthers mimicked in turn by model species. The study demonstrates the applicability of ‘bee view’ colour imaging for deciphering pollinator cues in a bio erse flora with potential to be applied to other eco regions. The technique provides an exciting opportunity for indexing floral traits on a biome scale to establish pollination drivers of ecological and evolutionary relevance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-1995
DOI: 10.1007/BF00317282
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.VIRUSRES.2012.10.003
Abstract: Four species of Diuris temperate terrestrial orchids from wild and captive populations were tested for the presence of polyadenylated RNA viruses. The genomes of three exotic viruses were determined: two potyviruses, Bean yellow mosaic virus and Ornithogalum mosaic virus, and the polerovirus Turnip yellows virus. The genomes of five indigenous viruses were detected, including four novel species. They were the potyvirus Blue squill virus A, another potyvirus, two proposed capilloviruses, and a partitivirus. Partitivirus infection is of interest as this group of viruses is also associated with endophytic fungi (mycorrhizae) that are necessary for the germination, growth, development of many terrestrial orchids. Sequence ergence data indicate post-European, pre-European, and endemic origins for these viruses via inoculum from introduced and native plants. The implications of the findings of this study for orchid conservation, and particularly reintroduction programs where viruses may be spread inadvertently to wild populations from infected propagation sources, are discussed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-08-2019
DOI: 10.1111/PLB.12885
Abstract: Grasslands across the globe are undergoing expansive degradation due to human impacts and climate change. If restoration of degraded native grassland is to be achieved at the scale now required, cost-effective means for seed-based establishment of grass species is crucial. However, grass seeds present numerous challenges associated with handling and germination performance that must be overcome to improve the efficiency of seeding. Previous research has demonstrated that complete removal of the palea and lemma (husk) maximises germination performance, hence we investigated the effects of complete husk removal on seed handling and germination of four temperate Australian grass species. Three techniques were tested to remove the husk - manual cleaning, flaming or acid digestion (the latter two followed by a manual cleaning step) these techniques were refined and adapted to the selected species, and germination responses were compared. The complete removal of the husk improved seed handling and sowability for all species. Germination was improved in Microlaena stipoides by 19% and in Rytidosperma geniculatum by 11%. Of the husk removal methods tested, flaming was detrimental to seed germination and fatal for one species (R. geniculatum). Compared to manual cleaning, sulphuric acid improved the overall efficacy of the cleaning procedure and increased germination speed (T50) in Austrostipa scabra, Chloris truncata and M. stipoides, and improved final germination in R. geniculatum by 13%. The seed processing methods developed and tested in the present study can be applied to grass species that present similar handling and germination performance impediments. These and other technological developments (seed coating and precision sowing) will facilitate more efficient grassland restoration at large scale.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2002
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-07-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JEB.13125
Abstract: The mechanism of pollinator attraction is predicted to strongly influence both plant ersification and the extent of pollinator sharing between species. Sexually deceptive orchids rely on mimicry of species-specific sex pheromones to attract their insect pollinators. Given that sex pheromones tend to be conserved among related species, we predicted that in sexually deceptive orchids, (i) pollinator sharing is rare, (ii) closely related orchids use closely related pollinators and (iii) there is strong bias in the wasp lineages exploited by orchids. We focused on species that are pollinated by sexual deception of thynnine wasps in the distantly related genera Caladenia and Drakaea, including new field observations for 45 species of Caladenia. Specialization was extreme with most orchids using a single pollinator species. Unexpectedly, seven cases of pollinator sharing were found, including two between Caladenia and Drakaea, which exhibit strikingly different floral morphology. Phylogenetic analysis of pollinators using four nuclear sequence loci demonstrated that although orchids within major clades primarily use closely related pollinator species, up to 17% of orchids within these clades are pollinated by a member of a phylogenetically distant wasp genus. Further, compared to the total ersity of thynnine wasps within the study region, orchids show a strong bias towards exploiting certain genera. Although these patterns may arise through conservatism in the chemical classes used in sex pheromones, apparent switches between wasp clades suggest unexpected flexibility in floral semiochemical production. Alternatively, wasp sex pheromones within lineages may exhibit greater chemical ersity than currently appreciated.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-02-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.09.171
Abstract: The present study aimed to characterize key physico-chemical and mineralogical attributes of magnetite iron (Fe) ore tailings to identify potential constraints limiting in situ soil formation and direct phytostabilization. Tailings of different age, together with undisturbed local native soils, were s led from a magnetite mine in Western Australia. Tailings were extremely alkaline (pH > 9.0), with a lack of water stable aggregate and organic matter, and contained abundant primary minerals including mica (e.g., biotite), with low specific surface area (N
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JBI.14703
Abstract: Dispersal and environmental filtering processes affect plant species colonisation success on islands and can be identified by functional traits. However, the lack of synthesis about the different methodological approaches in functional ecology h ers generalisation of filtering processes across island systems. Seventy islands of the Houtman Abrolhos archipelago, Western Australia. Angiosperms. We (i) apply a simple, conceptual framework based on the mean and variability of in idual functional traits in plant assemblages to identify species filters on islands, (ii) illustrate how trait distributions of island assemblages change in relation to island area and their source pool, (iii) compare distributions of in idual traits to multivariate functional ersity indices and trait spaces and (iv) provide guidelines to detect a signal of trait filtering in island floras. The island assemblages showed evidence for selective filters operating on seed mass and marginally on leaf area but not on plant height. Mean and variability of seed mass differed to those of the source pool indicating selective forces operating between source pool and island assemblages, especially on smaller islands. Multivariate functional ersity indices and trait spaces failed to reveal filtering processes acting on the island assemblages and insights into the putative processes. Using the mean and variability of in idual traits in plant assemblages provides direct information on the trait composition of island floras and the processes involved beyond what can be inferred from multivariate functional ersity indices or trait spaces. We used islands as their distinct boundaries and relatively simple sets of species provide good research models, but joint analyses of trait means and variability should also be applicable to understand filtering processes in isolates and habitat fragments on mainlands.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-04-2014
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 12-2005
DOI: 10.1079/SSR2005222
Abstract: Fire ephemerals are short-lived plants that primarily germinate after fire. Fresh and laboratory-stored seeds are difficult to germinate ex situ , even in response to fire-related cues such as heat and smoke. Seeds of eight Australian fire ephemeral species were buried in unburnt and recently burnt sites of natural bushland during autumn. Seeds were exhumed after 6 and 12 months and incubated in water and smoke water, either with or without a heat treatment at 70°C for 1 h. Generally, germination did not increase after 6 months of burial, but after 12 months of burial germination was enhanced in seven of the eight species. Actinotus leucocephalus produced higher germination following 12 months of burial without any further treatment, and smoke water and heat further improved germination. The four Gyrostemonaceae species, Codonocarpus cotinifolius , Gyrostemon racemiger , Gyrostemon ramulosus and Tersonia cyathiflora , only germinated in the presence of smoke water, and their germination was enhanced by burial. Burial improved germination in response to a heat treatment in Grevillea scapigera and Alyogyne huegelii seeds, but did not enhance Alyogyne hakeifolia germination. During concurrent dry laboratory storage of seeds at 15°C, only Actinotus leucocephalus produced increased germination in response to smoke water and heat over time. In summary, soil burial can alter the dormancy status of a number of Australian fire ephemeral seeds, rendering them more responsive to germination cues such as smoke water and heat. The requirement for a period of burial before seeds become responsive to smoke and/or heat would ensure that seeds persist in the soil until a subsequent fire, when there is an increase in nutrients available for growth and reduced competition from other plants.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-1996
Publisher: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Date: 16-12-2005
DOI: 10.58828/NUY00428
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-07-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-04-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-00650-6
Abstract: Mining of mineral resources produces substantial volumes of crushed rock based wastes that are characterised by poor physical structure and hydrology, unstable geochemistry and potentially toxic chemical conditions. Recycling of these substrates is desirable and can be achieved by blending waste with native soil to form a ‘novel substrate’ which may be used in future landscape restoration. However, these post-mining substrate based ‘soils’ are likely to contain significant abiotic constraints for both plant and microbial growth. Effective use of these novel substrates for ecosystem restoration will depend on the efficacy of stored topsoil as a potential microbial inoculum as well as the subsequent generation of key microbial soil functions originally apparent in local pristine sites. Here, using both marker gene and shotgun metagenome sequencing, we show that topsoil storage and the blending of soil and waste substrates to form planting substrates gives rise to variable bacterial and archaeal phylogenetic composition but a high degree of metabolic conservation at the community metagenome level. Our data indicates that whilst low phylogenetic conservation is apparent across substrate blends we observe high functional redundancy in relation to key soil microbial pathways, allowing the potential for functional recovery of key belowground pathways under targeted management.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 17-09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/BOJ.12336
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-11-2014
DOI: 10.1111/BOJ.12216
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-08-2016
DOI: 10.1111/BOJ.12453
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/WF18067
Abstract: Wildfires are expected to increase worldwide both in frequency and intensity owing to global warming, but are likely to vary geographically. This is of particular concern in the five mediterranean regions of the world that are all bio ersity hotspots with extraordinary plant and animal ersity that may be impacted by deliberately imposed fire. Wildland managers attempt to reduce the impact and mitigate the outcomes of wildfires on human assets and bio ersity by the use of prescribed burning. The response that we must ‘fight fire with fire’ is understandable, perceived as reducing the flammability of wildlands in fire-prone regions and lessening the impact of wildfires. The long-term impact on bio ersity is, however, less clear. The practice of prescribed burning has been in place and monitored in south-western Australia for 50 years, longer and more intensively than in most other mediterranean ecosystems. The present target is for 200 000 ha burned each year in this bio ersity hotspot. Published studies on the impact of this burning on infrastructure protection and on bio ersity are here used to understand the protective capacity of the practice and to foreshadow its possible long-term ecological impact across all mediterranean ecosystems.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12368
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13210
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-1989
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-03-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-04-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2001
DOI: 10.1046/J.0962-1083.2001.01378.X
Abstract: Leucopogon obtectus Benth. is a declared rare species found in the kwongan vegetation in Western Australia. Plants on a mineral sand mine and the rehabilitation area are subject to disturbance. Genetic ersity was examined within and among all known populations using random lified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and lified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) for conservation. Both molecular markers revealed a high percentage (> 89%) of polymorphic markers and a high mean genetic distance among in iduals (D = 0.3). Analysis of molecular variance showed that 86.7% (RAPD) and 89.7% (AFLP) of variability was partitioned among in iduals within populations. Exact tests showed no significant population differentiation. The analyses indicated that L. obtectus exhibits high levels of genetic ersity despite small population sizes. The high levels of variability among in iduals and the lack of clear population differentiation suggest that this species comprises a single, genetically erse group. Conservation and management of L. obtectus should concentrate on maintaining the high levels of genetic variability through mixing genotypes and promoting outcrossing.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-07-2009
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/BT14193
Abstract: In addition to population regeneration, the spore phase provides ferns with a capacity for dispersal through space and time (if spores are able to survive for long periods), and buffers their populations against environmental extremes. Inhabiting dry and fire-prone environments provides specific challenges to ferns, and the traits of fern spores in relation to these challenges are not well understood. Their shallow, dense and fibrous root networks mean that the loss or establishment of fern populations in disturbed ecosystems may influence soil stability, and indicate a keystone role in ecosystem function and ecological restoration. Here, we examine the requirements for, and limits of, spore persistence and germination of three Cheilanthes Syn.Fil. (Pteridaceae) species, namely, optimal conditions for spore germination and prothallial growth, sensitivity to temperature extremes and spore longevity. Viability of fresh spores was assessed following exposure to temperature extremes (–20 to 250°C) or after incubation at a range of temperatures (10−35°C) and in light or dark conditions. Viability of spores from herbarium voucher specimens was also assessed, covering 3–65 years of storage. Maximal germination occurred among spores incubated between 20°C and 30°C in light. Further temperature variation within this range resulted in a ×10 difference in prothallial size. Germination was unaffected by 10 min of exposure to temperatures up to 100°C, but was reduced after exposure to temperatures of −20°C and 110°C. Germination of herbarium-stored spores demonstrated longevity of up to 15 years. This longevity, combined with high spore density in field soils (including at depth to at least 10 cm), very high germination under ideal conditions, and microscopic size, describes a disturbance-mediated propagule persistence strategy. Spores are non-persisting and will germinate if exposed to light and water, but do persist if buried. Germinable spore can be found 5 cm below the soil surface, and can persist for at least 15 years, but the light requirement for germination means that persistent spores can achieve germination only if exhumed. Elucidating these traits reveals a unique pathway for plant persistence, and contributes to the development of the restoration capacity of arid-environment ferns.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.MYCRES.2006.11.006
Abstract: The ersity of mycorrhizal fungi associated with an introduced weed-like South African orchid (Disa bracteata) and a disturbance-intolerant, widespread, native West Australian orchid (Pyrorchis nigricans) were compared by molecular identification of the fungi isolated from single pelotons. Molecular identification revealed both orchids were associated with fungi from erse groups in the Rhizoctonia complex with worldwide distribution. Symbiotic germination assays confirmed the majority of fungi isolated from pelotons were mycorrhizal and a factorial experiment uncovered complex webs of compatibility between six terrestrial orchids and 12 fungi from Australia and South Africa. Two weed-like (disturbance-tolerant rapidly spreading) orchids - D. bracteata and the indigenous Australian Microtis media, had the broadest webs of mycorrhizal fungi. In contrast, other native orchids had relatively small webs of fungi (Diuris magnifica and Thelymitra crinita), or germinated exclusively with their own fungus (Caladenia falcata and Pterostylis sanguinea). Orchids, such as D. bracteata and M. media, which form relationships with erse webs of fungi, had apparent specificity that decreased with time, as some fungi had brief encounters with orchids that supported protocorm formation but not subsequent seedling growth. The interactions between orchid mycorrhizal fungi and their hosts are discussed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.BMCL.2012.04.016
Abstract: Karrikins and strigolactones are novel plant growth regulators that contain similar molecular features, but very little is known about how they elicit responses in plants. A tentative molecular mechanism has previously been proposed involving a Michael-type addition for both compounds. Through structure-activity studies with karrikins, we now propose an alternative mechanism for karrikin and strigolactone mode of action that involves hydrolysis of the butenolide ring.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-1992
DOI: 10.1007/BF02823316
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1071/FP10166
Abstract: Many coastal plant species are widely distributed, including several pan-global species. Long-distance dispersal and physiological resilience of diaspores (i.e. the plant dispersal unit encompassing the seed and any additional surrounding or attached tissues at dispersal) to adverse environmental conditions are possible contributors to the presence of species over hundreds of kilometres of coastline. Dispersal by water (hydrochory) may occur in coastal habitats. This study investigated diaspore traits considered important for oceanic hydrochorous dispersal, including morphology, buoyancy and survival in seawater, and germination under saline conditions for 13 species common to Holocene dune communities in Western Australia. Of the diaspores of 13 species dominant in this coastal community, 11 floated in seawater, with 7 having % of diaspores buoyant after 14 days and some diaspores remaining buoyant for 70 days. Of the 10 species that germinated, diaspores of 9 survived exposure to seawater for up to 70 days. Germination of physiologically dormant seeds contained within indehiscent woody fruits and physically dormant seeds was least affected by time in seawater. The effects of varying concentrations of NaCl (0–500 mM) on germination differed between species, but most were able to recover and germinate when transferred to non-saline water. Three different patterns of salt response were observed. It appears likely a combination of diaspore traits, rather than a single factor, facilitate oceanic hydrochorous dispersal.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-04-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JVS.12318
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 17-11-2015
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCV162
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-1996
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1071/BT10184
Abstract: Protocols for in vitro propagation of two critically endangered species, Commersonia adenothalia C.F.Wilkins ms and Commersonia sp. Mt Groper (R. Cranfield & D. Kabay 9157), from south-western Western Australia were established utilising both shoot and in vitro leaf explants. Regeneration from leaf explants was highest, with an average of four shoots per leaf explant per a 4-week incubation period on ½-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2.5 µM thidiazuron (TDZ) + 2.5 µM 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) for C. adenothalia and 13 shoots per leaf explant on ½-strength MS medium + 4.5 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.5 µM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for C. sp. Mt Groper. Shoot proliferation using single shoot explants of C. adenothalia resulted in a maximum average of 3.5 shoots per shoot explant per a 5-week incubation period on ½-strength MS medium + 5 µM kinetin and 0.5 µM BAP, whereas maximum mean shoot multiplication with C. sp. Mt Groper (×30 shoots per shoot explant per a 5-week incubation period) was recorded with ½-strength MS medium + 2.5 µM kinetin and 1 µM BAP. In general, C. sp. Mt Groper was much more reactive to cytokinins than was C. adenothalia, with prolific regeneration of shoots from leaf explants or shoot explants. Both species produced roots readily on ½-strength MS medium without added hormones or with 5 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (100% rooting in 3–4 weeks) and rooted plantlets survived the transition to soil (~70% survival).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2002
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1983
DOI: 10.1071/BT9830085
Abstract: Storage reserves of the aestivating corms of Isoetes muelleri (Isoetaceae, Pteridophyta), stem tubers of Phylloglossum drummondii (Lycopodiaceae, Pteridophyta) and corms of Stylidium petiolare (Stylidiaceae, Dicotyledoneae) and Philydrella pygmaea (Philydraceae, Monocotyledoneae) were examined by chemical analysis, microscopy and scanning X-ray microanalysis. Concentrations of mineral elements (P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn) in corm or stem tuber dry matter were similar to those recorded earlier for other bulbous, cormous and tuberous species, but levels of total N (31-32 mg/g dry matter) and protein (15-17% of corm fresh weight) were exceptionally high. Accumulation of mineral elements in developing replacement corms of S. petiolare showed precocious uptake of K, accumulation of Zn closely parallel to increases in dry weight, and most rapid accumulation of N, Mg and P during late corm filling, when tissues were dehydrating most rapidly. The dormant corms or stem tubers resembled seeds in small size (2-11 mg fresh weight), low water content (1-5% H20 in fresh weight) and the presence of closely packed starch grains (some species), lipid droplets and protein bodies in their storage parenchyma. Protein bodies contained 'soft', cluster-like (P. drummondii) or globoid-type (other three species) inclusions whose structure was often obscured due to leaching or dislodgement during specimen preparation. Point (0.5 �m2) microanalysis of protein bodies containing apparently intact inclusions indicated the latter to be especially rich in P, Ca, Mg, Zn and Mn (S. petiolare) or P, K, Ca and Zn (P. pygmaea). Storage reserves of seeds of S. petiolare (cotyledon tissue) and P. pygmaea (aleurone of endosperm) showed ultrastructural features closely similar to those of their respective corms.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-02-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1071/CH05086
Abstract: A single-crystal X-ray crystallographic study of a seed germination stimulant isolated from plant-derived smoke confirms it to be 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one 1.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 18-09-2012
DOI: 10.1021/NP300388Y
Abstract: Sexually deceptive orchids employ mimicry of insect sex pheromones to exploit a erse group of pollinators. The chemical structures of five semiochemicals (1-3, 7, 8) produced by populations of the warty hammer orchid, Drakaea livida, pollinated by a thynnine wasp in the genus Catocheilus were elucidated. With the exception of (2,5-dimethylpyrazin-3-yl)methyl 3-methylbutanoate (7), all active compounds were tetrasubstituted pyrazines, including hydroxymethyl (1) and ester (2 and 3) trimethylpyrazine derivatives. Male Catocheilus wasps were responsive to all of these compounds in GC-EAD experiments.
Publisher: Annual Reviews
Date: 02-06-2012
DOI: 10.1146/ANNUREV-ARPLANT-042811-105545
Abstract: It is well known that burning of vegetation stimulates new plant growth and landscape regeneration. The discovery that char and smoke from such fires promote seed germination in many species indicates the presence of chemical stimulants. Nitrogen oxides stimulate seed germination, but their importance in post-fire germination has been questioned. Cyanohydrins have been recently identified in aqueous smoke solutions and shown to stimulate germination of some species through the slow release of cyanide. However, the most information is available for karrikins, a family of butenolides related to 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one. Karrikins stimulate seed germination and influence seedling growth. They are active in species not normally associated with fire, and in Arabidopsis they require the F-box protein MAX2, which also controls responses to strigolactone hormones. We hypothesize that chemical similarity between karrikins and strigolactones provided the opportunity for plants to employ a common signal transduction pathway to respond to both types of compound, while tailoring specific developmental responses to these distinct environmental signals.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-01-2022
DOI: 10.1002/LDR.4165
Abstract: Mining activities alter soil physicochemical and biological properties that are critical for plant establishment. Revitalisation of soil biological properties via microbial inoculations can potentially be adopted to improve vegetation restoration. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using beneficial microorganisms in the form of commercially available inoculants to enhance plant performance in a non‐toxic and infertile mine‐waste substrate, using pigeon pea [ Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.] as a test plant. Six treatments were established to investigate the effects of inoculants ( Bradyrhizobium spp., microbial mix and uninoculated controls) and water availability (low and moderate) in a factorial design over 6 months. Plant performance was determined by physiological parameters (leaf gas exchange, leaf carbon, nitrogen and stable isotopes) and growth (height and biomass). Plant xylem sap phytohormones were measured to determine the plants' physiological status and effects of inoculation treatments. Results revealed that water had a greater effect on plant growth than inoculation treatments. Inoculation treatments, however, improved some physiological parameters. This study suggests that physical conditions such as soil moisture and nutrient availability may occlude more subtle (direct or interactive) effects of beneficial soil microbes on plant growth and plant condition. Prior knowledge on the biological and physicochemical properties of the soil to be amended, and on plant species‐specific responses, would be needed to customise microbial inoculants for maximum benefits to ecological restoration, to support future adoption of this practice.
Publisher: International Seed Testing Association
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 18-12-2014
DOI: 10.1111/BOJ.12230
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2003
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 18-07-2022
Abstract: Abstract. Mining can cause severe disturbances to the soil, which underpins the viability of terrestrial ecosystems. Post-mining rehabilitation relies on measuring soil properties that are critical indicators of soil health. Soil visible–near-infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy is rapid, accurate, and cost-effective for estimating a range of soil properties. Recent advances in infrared detectors and microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs) have produced miniaturised, relatively inexpensive spectrometers. Here, we evaluate the spectra from four miniaturised visible and NIR spectrometers, some combinations, and a full-range vis–NIR spectrometer for modelling 29 soil physical, chemical, and biological properties used to assess soil health at mine sites. We collected topsoil s les from reference, undisturbed native vegetation, and stockpiles from seven mines in Western Australia. We evaluated the spectrometers' repeatability and the accuracy of spectroscopic models built with seven statistical and machine learning algorithms. The spectra from the visible spectrometer could estimate sand, silt, and clay with similar or better accuracy than the NIR spectrometers. However, the spectra from the NIR spectrometers produced better estimates of soil chemical and biological properties. By combining the miniaturised visible and NIR spectrometers, we improved the accuracy of their soil property estimates, which were similar to those from the full-range spectrometer. The miniaturised spectrometers and combinations predicted 24 of the 29 soil properties with moderate or greater accuracy (Lin's concordance correlation, ρc≥0.65). The repeatability of the NIR spectrometers was similar to that of the full-range, portable spectrometer. The miniaturised NIR spectrometers produced comparably accurate soil property estimates to the full-range portable system which is an order of magnitude more expensive, particularly when combined with the visible range sensor. Thus, the miniaturised spectrometers could form the basis for a rapid, cost-effective soil diagnostic capacity to support mine site rehabilitation and deliver significant positive economic and environmental outcomes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12392
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1990
DOI: 10.1071/BT9900523
Abstract: Morphological features of Alexgeorgea nitens, A. subterranea and a recently named new species, A. ganopoda, are described. All are markedly rhizomatous and clonal, with spaced aerial culms and sand-binding roots. A. ganopoda develops nodal and internodal apogeotropic roots. Male plants bear spikelets aerially, female plants sessile underground inflorescences at a maximum intensity of one flower per season's rhizome segment. Fruiting is geocarpic and seeds are extremely large for Restionaceae, e.g. 605 mg dry weight per seed in A. ganopoda, 190 in A. nitens, 162 in A. subterranea. Germination occurs while fruits are still attached to rhizomes. Germination is hypogeal, remotive in A. nitens and A. subterranea, admotive in A. ganopoda. Graminoid seedling leaves are formed in A. nitens and A. subterranea but not in A. ganopoda. Anatomy of culm, root and rhizome conforms generally to that of other Restionaceae. Xeromorphic features are exhibited by the two dry habitat species A. nitens and A. subterranea. Roots, rhizomes and culm bases of A. ganopoda carry interconnected cortical investments of aerenchyma, apparently as an adaptation to seasonally waterlogged habitats. Species-specific anatomical differences include the tissue architecture of culms, vascular bundle numbers in rhizome internodes and seedling leaf anatomy. Starch reserves are prominent throughout A. nitens, less so in A. subterranea and absent from A. ganopoda. Seed dry matter contains 57-59% starch. Male and female A. subterranea and male A. nitens reproduce annually. Female A. nitens flower very occasionally, mostly without setting seed. One known population of A. ganopoda is male and female fertile, the other almost entirely sterile. A. subterranea flowers in spring coincident with peak vegetative growth, A. nitens in autumn before the season's onset of growth. The reproductive phenology of A. ganopoda is unclear. The large-seededness, geocarpy and in situ germination of Alexgeorgea spp. represent an unusual form of clone replacement, resulting in establishment of seedlings within the wake of the advancing parent clone. The implications of this system are discussed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.TPLANTS.2016.01.001
Abstract: Restoration ecology is a science, driven by practical application. Despite the well-recognized disconnect between the science and practice of ecological restoration, there is a lack of practical solutions. In 2014, US agriculture marked the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Extension Service, providing a timely reminder that the ide between science and practice can be bridged successfully. Major restoration efforts are underway across the globe and integrated science-practice communication is required to avoid project failure and a significant waste of resources. Here, we propose a three-tiered approach, re-emphasizing the integration of science-based practice in restoration utilizing the structure, function, and potential for success of the Cooperative Extension Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a model for connecting science and practice in ecosystem restoration.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-1994
DOI: 10.1007/BF00055943
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.1079/IVP2005700
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1071/BT09999
Abstract: Caladenia is a genus of more than 250 species of geophytic orchids in the Tribe Diurideae endemic to the Australasian Region. The genus in this broad sense has an exceptional ersity of insect pollination adaptations among its colourfully adorned species, from food-rewarding generalists to specialists achieving pollination by sexual deception of male thynnid wasps. The exploration of ersity in Caladenia involves many of the great names in the foundation of Australasian plant systematics, as well as reflecting a remarkable second phase of discovery and description over the past three decades. Molecular phylogenetics has greatly clarified relationships of Caladenia and established six major clades within the genus. Some researchers regard these clades as genera themselves, whereas they are treated as subgenera herein to maximise nomenclatural stability and information retrieval. More work is needed to adequately document relationships within each of these clades, and disputed matters of typification greatly influence nomenclature applied to many species if the six clades are recognised as genera. Given the relatively recent and ongoing discovery of so many new species in Caladenia, the biology of these orchids is only now being documented comprehensively. Significant advances in pollination ecology, mycorrhizal studies, horticulture and conservation biology are emerging that highlight the extraordinary ecological sensitivity and conservation vulnerability of the genus. Indeed, the high species number and complex biotic connections have resulted in no other genus of terrestrial orchids possessing such a large number of rare and threatened taxa. Some of this rich body of new data is presented by a erse range of laboratories and researchers in this special issue.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1994
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/BT05156
Abstract: Seeds of the endemic Western Australian species Diplopeltis huegelii Endl. were successfully germinated after the presence of combinational dormancy was identified, following the observation of selected seed characteristics. D. huegelii seeds were found to have large, fully developed, peripheral coiled embryos (with no endosperm) that are 7–8 mm long when uncoiled. Seed-coat dormancy was overcome by dipping seeds in hot water for ≥15 s, but seeds also required a period of after-ripening before they would germinate readily. After-ripening occurred while intact seeds were stored dry at ambient laboratory conditions for 13 months or when scarified (hot-water treated) seeds were stored at 13, 23 or 50% RH at 23°C for 6 weeks. Scarified 13-month-old seeds germinated readily at 7/18, 13/26 and 18/33°C in a 12-h photoperiod and in constant darkness, whereas scarified 1-month-old seeds germinated to ≤43%. Thus, seed dormancy in this species is caused by a water-impermeable seed coat (physical dormancy, PY) and a (non-deep) physiologically dormant embryo (PD), i.e. combinational dormancy (PY + PD). This is only the second report of combinational dormancy in seeds of Sapindaceae and the first report in this family of the PD component of (PY + PD) being broken during dry storage.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-07-2009
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCP171
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-06-2016
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 26-08-2015
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCV142
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 06-2019
DOI: 10.1017/S0960258519000084
Abstract: The flora of Mediterranean ecosystems contains families with species having fully and under-developed embryos in their seeds. After-ripening for physiological dormancy release and smoke influence germination in many species. We investigated how after-ripening and embryo growth interact with smoke to influence the temporal dynamics of seedling emergence among fire ephemerals. Seeds were placed in the field and under standardized (50% relative humidity, 30°C) laboratory conditions to test the effects of summer conditions on physiological dormancy loss. Germination was tested with water or smoke compounds (smoke water, KAR 1 ) at a simulated autumn/winter temperature (18/7°C). The timing and amount of seedling emergence with smoke was observed for seeds exposed to near-natural conditions. During summer, physiological dormancy was broken in all species, enabling germination at autumn/winter but not summer temperatures no embryo growth occurred in seeds with under-developed embryos. At the start of the wet season, seedling emergence from seeds with fully developed embryos occurred earlier than from seeds with under-developed embryos. In a non-consistent manner among our study species, smoke and smoke compounds influenced the rate of embryo growth and amount of germination. Effects of smoke were noticeable in terms of number of emergents in the first emergence season. Among ecologically similar species, we have shown (1) that both thermal and embryo traits exclude germination in the summer, (2) how embryo size influences the timing of seedling emergence in autumn–winter, and (3) a reduced requirement for smoke in the second emergence season after a fire with a shift to reliance on seasonal cues for emergence.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-09-2017
DOI: 10.3390/SU9101682
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-04-2020
DOI: 10.3390/AGRICULTURE10040118
Abstract: Honey yield from apiary sites varies significantly between years. This affects the beekeeper’s ability to manage hive health, as well as honey production. This also has implications for ecosystem services, such as forage availability for nectarivores or seed sets. This study investigates whether machine learning methods can develop predictive harvest models of a key nectar source for honeybees, Corymbia calophylla (marri) trees from South West Australia, using data from weather stations and remotely sensed datasets. Honey harvest data, weather and vegetation-related datasets from satellite sensors were input features for machine learning algorithms. Regression trees were able to predict the marri honey harvested per hive to a Mean Average Error (MAE) of 10.3 kg. Reducing input features based on their relative model importance achieved a MAE of 11.7 kg using the November temperature as the sole input feature, two months before marri trees typically start to produce nectar. Combining weather and satellite data and machine learning has delivered a model that quantitatively predicts harvest potential per hive. This can be used by beekeepers to adaptively manage their apiary. This approach may be readily applied to other regions or forage species, or used for the assessment of some ecosystem services.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-04-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Universidad de Costa Rica
Date: 17-06-2015
DOI: 10.15517/LANK.V7I1-2.19507
Abstract: Effective plant conservation involves careful con- sideration and difficult choices when investing limit- ed resources to conservation programs and policies. The conservation practice must integrate the under- standing of existing and future environmental threats, taxonomic distinctiveness, numbers of in iduals in populations, reproductive biology, ex situ propagation and the maintenance of evolutionary processes influ- encing population distribution patterns.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12386
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/BT17244
Abstract: Seed biology in the annual herbaceous flora of ecologically stressful, seasonally wet habitats remains largely unexplored. Temporal and spatial species turnover among these habitats is often high, yet little is known about how fine-scale habitat variation drives intraspecific variability in seed dormancy depth and seed germination requirements. The present study characterised seed dormancy and investigated the germination biology of six closely related herbaceous annual species of Byblis from northern Australia. We assessed variation in the response of seeds of all species to temperature cues, as well as light and the naturally occurring germination stimulants karrikinolide (KAR1) and ethylene. We also examined intraspecific variation in germination response and seed-dormancy depth for three widely distributed species with overlapping distribution occurring in habitats with differing soil thermal and hydrological conditions. Seed germination in all six species was significantly increased by exposure to either KAR1 or ethylene, with this effect being lified in two species (B. filifolia and B. rorida) following a period of warm, dry after-ripening. Seed-dormancy depth and the germination response of seeds to both KAR1 and ethylene were partitioned more strongly among habitats than among species. Populations on shallow ( -cm soil depth) sandy soils produced less dormant seeds than did populations of the same species on deeper sandy soils (40+ cm) or on heavy cracking clays. The upper soil profile of shallow soil habitats was exposed to higher average temperatures, greater diurnal temperature fluctuation and greatly reduced moisture persistence compared with deeper soils. Fine-scale differences in the thermal and hydrological conditions of seasonally wet habitats appear to be strong drivers of dormancy depth in seeds of tropical Byblis. Widely distributed species exhibit high levels of plasticity in seed-dormancy depth and germination response among different habitats, with similar responses being observed for sympatric species. So as to fully understand species turnover in tropical ephemerals, future studies should examine phenotypic plasticity and the rate of local adaptation of seed traits in greater detail.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12389
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1071/BT07209
Abstract: Effective methods for propagation of native Solanum species are required for mine rehabilitation and the native food industry in Australia. This study investigated seed germination of eight native Solanum species with respect to incubation temperature and the efficacy of germination-promoting compounds gibberellic acid (GA3), the butenolide isolated from smoke (karrikinolide, KAR1) and smoke water (SW). Seeds of all species were tested under a temperature regime of 26/13°C or 33/18°C. In these conditions, seeds of only two species, S. cunninghamii Benth. and S. phlomoides Benth. germinated to high levels without treatment. Of the remaining six species, GA3 alone promoted germination in S. chippendalei Symon, S. ersiflorum F.Muell. and S. sturtianum F.Muell., whereas GA3, KAR1 and SW were effective at promoting germination of S. centrale J.M.Black, S. dioicum W.Fitzg. and S. orbiculatum Dunal ex Poir. to varying degrees. Additional incubation temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C) were examined for S. centrale and S. orbiculatum. For both species, broadly similar patterns were noted in the response of seeds to GA3, KAR1 and SW across all temperatures. However, for S. centrale seeds, germination percentages were higher at 26/13°C than at any of the constant temperatures, and there was a trend of increasing germination with increasing constant temperature for S. orbiculatum seeds. Analysis of seed embryo type and imbibition characteristics and consideration of the subsequent germination results indicates that dormant Solanum seeds possess physiological dormancy.
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 12-01-2018
DOI: 10.11646/PHYTOTAXA.334.1.15
Abstract: Two new sympatric species of Caladenia from relatively inaccessible, high lateritic plateaux in a high rainfall area in southwestern Western Australia are described here as new to science. The species occur in a restricted area, c 100 km southeast of Perth, south of Dwellingup and northeast of Waroona. The two species co-occur and are associated with putative floral model species that they are mimicking. Caladenia lateritica mimics Conostylis setosa (Haemodoraceae) in terms of flowering time, height, colour and fragrance. Caladenia rosea mimics the flowers of Hypocalymma robustum (Myrtaceae) in terms of flowering time, colour and scent. We assume that these orchids share a pollinator with their mimics and attract the pollinator via food deception as the ‘hosts’ are sources of nectar and pollen for visiting native bees. Because the species co-occur and exhibit a remarkable evolutionary ‘arms race’, they would make an ideal model for further study of the processes driving sympatric speciation. Unfortunately, both new species are under threat from mining activities and poorly informed burning regimes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-1995
DOI: 10.1007/BF00051579
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 07-2011
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 12-01-2018
DOI: 10.11646/PHYTOTAXA.334.1.12
Abstract: Few plants are so cryptic as the underground orchids, Rhizanthella Rogers (1928: 1), of Australia. Unlike the species on the eastern seaboard of Australia, the Western Australian species spend their entire life cycle, including flowering, below the soil surface (only rarely with the tips of the bracts showing), making them unique among orchids and indeed, among flowering plants generally (Brown et al. 2013). Discovery in 1928 of the first underground orchid in Western Australia was an international sensation where the plant was described as ‘a remarkable subterranean orchid’ (Wilson 1929). The new taxon described in this paper resolves the enigmatic, disjunct distribution of Rhizanthella in Western Australia, where there was thought to be a central and southern node of a single species, R. gardneri Rogers (1928: 1).
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2001
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-03-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12819
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-03-2018
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.1071/BT00015
Abstract: The impact of soil disturbance of the Banksia woodland soil profile and particularly the effect of different reconstructed soil profiles (overburden profile, white profile and yellow profile) and soil ripping within rehabilitation sites, was investigated in terms of root development and architecture for eight species that are key structural elements in Banksia woodland. The aim was to determine the soil environment best suited for root development and architecture likely to contribute to high seedling survival in post-mined sites. Root development and architecture differed significantly between native woodland, and rehabilitation sites. In general, roots were longer in native woodland with low lateral root production (for all species studied) compared to rehabilitation sites where the roots were shorter, tended to ide or lose geotrophy and consisted of numerous laterals. When comparing the different soil profiles in the rehabilitation sites, the commonly reconstructed profile of ‘topsoil over overburden’ (overburden profile) was the least favourable for root development and architecture. Ripping of the soil to 80 cm depth had a positive effect on root growth. There were differences between native woodland and rehabilitation sites, in soil impedance, soil bulk density, soil moisture percentage and organic carbon content. In general, reconstructed soils in rehabilitation sites have (1) soil impedance and soil bulk density values likely to seriously impede root development and architecture, (2) soil moisture percentages higher than those in undisturbed woodland during all months of monitoring and at most depths down to 40 cm and (3) lower organic carbon content than native woodland. When comparing the different soil profiles in rehabilitation sites, the overburden profile (a) had the highest impedance values, (b) was one of the profiles with the highest bulk density values and (c) had the highest soil moisture percentages during most months and at most depths examined. Ripping the soil decreased soil impedance and soil moisture contents. The major conclusion from this study is that soil impedance, which influences water movement, is a key characteristic of soil conditions that are not conducive to the development of deep penetrating root systems. These deep root systems may be directly linked to survival.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.172874
Abstract: We explore a recent innovative variation of closed-system respirometry for terrestrial organisms, whereby pO2 is repeatedly measured fluorometrically in a constant-volume chamber over multiple time points. We outline a protocol that aligns this technology with the broader literature on aerial respirometry, including the calculations required to accurately convert O2 depletion to metabolic rate (MR). We identify a series of assumptions, and sources of error associated with this technique, including thresholds where O2 depletion becomes limiting, that impart errors to the calculation and interpretation of MR. Using these adjusted calculations, we found that the resting MR of five species of angiosperm seeds ranged from 0.011 to 0.640 mL.g−1.h−1, consistent with published seed MR. This innovative methodology greatly expands the lower size limit of terrestrial organisms that can be measured, and offers the potential for measuring MR changes over time as a result of physiological processes of the organism.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1992
DOI: 10.1071/BT9920305
Abstract: Cryopreservation of leaf, petiole, stem pieces and shoot-tips was investigated as a means for long-term maintenance of germplasm of the rare and endangered species, Grevillea scapigera A.S. George. Crypreservation was only achieved using shoot-tips or axillary buds and a slow-cooling regime with the aid of an improvised freezing device. The highest survival of thawed explants (20%) was obtained with 4-week-old in vitro shoot-tips cultured for 48 h in a prefreezing liquid culture medium supplemented with 5% dimethylsulfoxide. The pretreated shoot-tips were frozen in a liquid medium containing 10% dimethylsulfoxide cooled at a rate of 0.5°C/min to -40°C and held at this temperature for 30 min before being plunged into liquid nitrogen. Shoot-tips that survived the freeze-thaw cycle produced callus followed by shoot production 22 weeks after thawing. All shoots regenerated from thawed tissues and transferred to soil appeared phenotypically identical to untreated control shoots and plants. Rapid methods for assessing post-thaw tissue viability and explant recovery using triphenyltetrazolium chloride were tried but these methods were inadequate for determining the capacity of thawed tissues to recover from freeze damage.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2009
Publisher: Kasetsart University and Development Institute
Date: 2016
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-04-2021
DOI: 10.1093/BIOLINNEAN/BLAB024
Abstract: European honey bees have been introduced across the globe and may compete with native bees for floral resources. Compounding effects of urbanization and introduced species on native bees are, however, unclear. Here, we investigated how honey bee abundance and foraging patterns related to those of native bee abundance and ersity in residential gardens and native vegetation remnants for 2 years in urbanized areas of the Southwest Australian bio ersity hotspot and assessed how niche overlap influenced these relationships. Honey bees did not overtly suppress native bee abundance however, complex relationships emerged when analysing these relationships according to body size, time of day and floral resource levels. Native bee richness was positively correlated with overall honeybee abundance in the first year, but negatively correlated in the second year, and varied with body size. Native bees that had higher resource overlap with honey bees were negatively associated with honey bee abundance, and resource overlap between honey bees and native bees was higher in residential gardens. Relationships with honey bees varied between native bee taxa, reflecting adaptations to different flora, plus specialization. Thus, competition with introduced bees varies by species and location, mediated by dietary breadth and overlap and by other life-history traits of in idual bee species.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 06-2003
DOI: 10.1079/SSR2003133
Abstract: The influence of the storage environment on seed viability and antioxidant potential was examined for four species native to Western Australia: Acacia bivenosa DC., Anigozanthos manglesii D. Don, Banksia ashbyi E.G. Baker, and Mesomelaena tetragona (R. Br.) Benth. Seeds were stored at four water contents (at c . 5%, 11–15%, 20–23% and 50% relative humidity) at each of five temperatures (–196, –18, 5, 23 and 50°C), and seed germination and seedling vigour monitored over an 18-month period. Deterioration was apparent in all species (except A. bivenosa ) stored at 50°C, with 11% RH maximizing longevity for B. ashbyi and M. tetragona seeds, and 5% or 11% RH preventing deterioration for A. manglesii seeds. Seed viability generally remained high for all species stored at 23°C or less. Notably, however, germination and seedling vigour of A. manglesii and M. tetragona seeds gradually declined when stored at –18°C, suggesting that storage at this temperature was detrimental. The antioxidant activity of lipid extracts of seeds after 18 months storage at 5, 23 and 50°C was also examined to determine whether the seed viability decline was associated with a loss of antioxidants. Antioxidant activity varied between storage treatments and was not related to seed viability.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2001
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 13-08-2004
Abstract: Exposure of seeds to aerosol smoke or crude smoke extracts stimulates the germination of a number of fire-dependent and fire-independent plant species. We now report the identity of a germination-promoting compound present in plant- and cellulose-derived smoke. The structure of this compound, deduced from spectroscopic analysis and confirmed by synthesis, was shown to be that of the butenolide 3-methyl-2 H -furo[2,3- c ]pyran-2-one ( 1 ). Here we show that 1 promotes germination of a number of plant species at a level similar to that observed with plant-derived smoke water.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/AR06031
Abstract: Saltbush (Atriplex) species are widely grown in Australia as saltland pastures. Direct seeding practices for saltbush currently result in asynchronous and unreliable seedling establishment (5% successful establishment is not uncommon from field-sown seed). In part this may stem from a limited understanding of Atriplex seed germination requirements. This paper presents findings with 3 Atriplex species, A. amnicola (Paul G. Wilson.), A. nummularia (Lindl.), and A. undulata (D. Dietr), each of which differs in germination characteristics. For A. amnicola, the presence of light (and artificial substitution of light by 1000 ppm gibberellic acid) improved germination under controlled conditions and resulted in a 4-fold increase (70% total emergence) in field emergence of seedlings. For A. undulata, removing bracteoles increased germination under controlled conditions (~15%), with a 1.5-fold improvement in field seedling emergence (55% final emergence) however, seed priming or gibberellic acid application had no significant effect. In contrast, for A. nummularia, bracteole removal and light had minor positive effects on germination under controlled conditions, but this did not translate into improved emergence in soil or in the field. Under –0.5 MPa NaCl stress, application of gibberellic acid, salicylic acid, or kinetin to the germination medium significantly increased the final germination percentage of A. amnicola seeds (58, 16, and 14%, respectively) and improved the rate at which seeds germinated. All plant signalling compounds significantly increased final germination percentage and germination rate of A. undulata, albeit with a % increase at –0.5 MPa NaCl. Priming seeds with plant signalling compounds had similar effects on seed germination under low water potentials compared to direct treatment of the germination media. The effects of seed priming on Atriplex seedling emergence from saline soils varied among species. Priming with water significantly increased emergence percentage of A. amnicola but had no effect on A. nummularia and A. undulata. Gibberellic acid improved A. amnicola germination parameters only, whereas salicylic acid and kinetin improved the rate of emergence in all 3 species at various levels of salinity. This study suggests that a basic understanding of seed dormancy and germination requirements has the potential to substantially improve field emergence of saltbush species.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-09-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-08-2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-03-2020
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13140
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-1994
DOI: 10.2307/3235632
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 31-08-2001
DOI: 10.1081/AL-100106852
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2005
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/FP13366
Abstract: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of drought, and seedling response to a recurrent pattern of drought stress is necessary to understand vegetation establishment patterns in particularly for ecological restoration and conservation projects. A controlled environment study investigated seedling physiological response of framework Mediterranean tree species to simulated successive droughts. Six-month-old seedlings were grown in 1.0 m tall pots to emulate deep soil profiles and subjected to a well watered treatment and a drought treatment consisting of an initial 60 day drought (water withholding), followed by 120 days of re-watering and a subsequent 60 day drought. Soil water access, soil water content, maximum root depth and xylem water potential were assessed through successive harvests. To assess seedling response to multiple droughts, gas-exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were taken every 15 days after each drought, and multiple times throughout re-watering. No seedling mortality was observed during the initial drought, whereas 100% mortality of all species occurred within 48 days of the second drought. Seedling gas exchange and water potential decreased with decreasing water availability but was dependent on the isohydric or anisohydric behaviour of in idual species. An absence of sustained photoprotection during the second drought phase heightened photodamage to foliar tissues resulting in a more rapid decrease of gs and leaf water potential. Therefore, biphasic drought proved detrimental to seedling establishment by reducing physiological resilience, highlighting the severity of future climate change predictions towards the regeneration capacity of Mediterranean ecosystems.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2000
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.TPLANTS.2010.09.006
Abstract: Ecological restoration of plant-pollinator interactions has received surprisingly little attention, despite animal-mediated pollination underpinning reproduction of the majority of higher plants. Here, we offer a conceptual and practical framework for the ecological restoration of pollination mutualisms. Through the use of targeted restoration plantings to attract and sustain pollinators and increased knowledge of the ecological requirements of pollinators, we propose that pollination could be successfully restored in degraded ecosystems. The challenge for pollination biologists is to integrate their findings with those of plant restoration ecologists to ensure sustainable pollination in restored ecosystems.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-08-2015
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCV087
Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers
Date: 2004
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 12-02-2010
Abstract: The Southwest Australian Bio ersity Hotspot contains an exceptionally erse flora on an ancient, low-relief but edaphically erse landscape. Since European colonization, the primary threat to the flora has been habitat clearance, though climate change is an impending threat. Here, we review (i) the ecology of nectarivores and biotic pollination systems in the region, (ii) the evidence that trends in pollination strategies are a consequence of characteristics of the landscape, and (iii) based on these discussions, provide predictions to be tested on the impacts of environmental change on pollination systems. The flora of southwestern Australia has an exceptionally high level of vertebrate pollination, providing the advantage of highly mobile, generalist pollinators. Nectarivorous invertebrates are primarily generalist foragers, though an increasing number of colletid bees are being recognized as being specialized at the level of plant family or more rarely genus. While generalist pollination strategies dominate among insect-pollinated plants, there are some cases of extreme specialization, most notably the multiple evolutions of sexual deception in the Orchidaceae. Preliminary data suggest that bird pollination confers an advantage of greater pollen movement and may represent a mechanism for minimizing inbreeding in naturally fragmented populations. The effects of future environmental change are predicted to result from a combination of the resilience of pollination guilds and changes in their foraging and dispersal behaviour.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 06-2022
DOI: 10.1017/S0960258522000162
Abstract: Plant community-level studies on seed dormancy traits are important to understand and determine the significance of seed dormancy in different ecosystems. Hence, we studied seed dormancy and other related seed biological traits of 42 selected tropical lowland rainforest tree species from Sri Lanka, aiming to address seed dormancy class(es) for a bio erse tropical lowland wet zone forest community and the relationship between dormancy classes, forest strata and seed dispersal mechanisms. Seed germination, imbibition, embryo length:seed length ratio, embryo morphology and the effect of gibberrelic acid on seed germination were determined. Sixty-two percent of the species with T 50 30 days were identified as having fast-germinating seeds and the remaining 38% with T 50 30 possessed slow-germinating seeds. Seeds of 33 species had fully developed embryos, while nine species had underdeveloped embryos three had morphological dormancy (MD) and six morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Treatment with gibberellic acid revealed physiological dormancy (PD) in seeds of six species, and the response to manual scarification confirmed physical dormancy (PY) in seeds of Pericopsis moonina . The majority of tropical lowland rainforests had non-dormant (ND) species (62%), and 14.3, 14.3, 7 and 2.3% of the species had MPD, PD, MD, and PY, respectively. Non-dormancy decreased for taxa from the upper strata to the lower strata of the forest. ND seeds were dispersed during the rainy season. Thus, non-dormancy seems to be the most dominant germination behaviour among the tree species in the lowland rainforest of Sri Lanka with the class of dormancy related to forest strata and dispersal time.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-10-2013
Publisher: Royal Botanical Gardens and Domain Trust
Date: 16-08-2012
Abstract: Names are provided for one species of Sporadanthus from the south of Western Australia (S. rivularis), five species of Lepyrodia from the same region (L. curvescens, L. extensa, L. fortunata, L. porterae and L. riparia) and four from eastern Australia (L. imitans, L. cryptica, L. oligocolea and L. verruculosa). These new eastern species have previously all been included within L. scariosa sens. lat. Seed surface patterns assist in characterizing the species. A lectotype, L. scariosa R.Br., is designated for Lepyrodia and a lectotype also designated for L. scariosa. There is evidence suggesting some hybridisation in various combinations of L. scariosa, the species allied to L. scariosa, and L. anarthria.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/BT05205
Abstract: We evaluated the utility of a focussed, short-duration research program for investigation of two rare species that occur within an urban bushland remnant, with application for improving conservation management and translocation outcomes. Conospermum undulatum Lindl. is listed as Threatened and Macarthuria keigheryi Lepschi is listed as Vulnerable under the (Australian) Federal Environment Protection and Bio ersity Conservation Act 1999. The C. undulatum population lacked evidence of juvenile plants, indicating either lack of a suitable germination cue or failure of seedling establishment. The M. keigheryi population was browsed heavily by feral rabbits where exposed and thrived when sheltered within unpalatable vegetation from rabbits. Seeds of M. keigheryi were rapidly removed in an ant cafeteria-style experiment, although seeds of the related Macarthuria australis and an ‘outgroup’ species, Gompholobium tomentosum, were removed at equally high rates. Seed viability was high in M. keigheryi, but variable in C. undulatum. Germination rates, in untreated fresh seed, were 11% for C. undulatum and 0% for M. keigheryi and increased to 27 and 3%, respectively, when treated with gibberellic acid. Maximum strike rates for cuttings of 33 and ~75% were obtained for C. undulatum and M. keigheryi, respectively. Cutting-grown plants of M. keigheryi flowered and seeded profusely in the nursery within 7 months, providing a highly effective seed-orchard resource for research and conservation seed banking. Genetic fingerprinting (AFLP) indicated that the C. undulatum population at Perth Airport was not genetically distinct from nearby C. undulatum populations, despite its relatively high variability in leaf morphology. All C. undulatum populations contained moderate to high levels of genetic variation, with the percentage of AFLP markers polymorphic ranging from 48.6 to 64.9%, and heterozygosity from 0.167 to 0.202. Overall, the knowledge gained from this program of short duration will enable informed management and will underpin successful population enhancement through future translocations.
Publisher: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Date: 11-06-1993
DOI: 10.58828/NUY00196
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2017
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1997
DOI: 10.1071/BT96099
Abstract: Seed germination of many Australian native plant species has consistently proven to be fractious. With the discovery of smoke-mediated germination, it is now possible to better understand the heterogeneity in germination patterns for a wide range of species both in situ and ex situ. In the present study, over 180 species were examined as to viability and smoke responsiveness of freshly collected seed. Soil storage and a number of commonly used seed pre-treatments were employed in combination with smoke to examine both longevity in artificially constructed seed banks, and the role of seed ageing in improved germination. Methods of smoke application for commercial use were also investigated. Viability decline over 1 year varied between 10% and 80%. Reductions of as little as 15% were found to compromise the ability of a number of species to successfully recruit in consecutive seasons. When fresh seed was used,almost 70% of species tested responded positively to smoke whether applied prior to or after sowing. Variation in success between the two methods confirmed earlier conclusions that substances contained in plant-derived smoke may be inhibitory at high concentrations for particularly sensitive species. Only 10% of species under investigation recorded optimum germination with seed ageing alone but when smoke was applied as a treatment after soil storage, 60% of species responded positively. Implications for horticulture, rehabilitation, seed bank research and habitat management are discussed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-05-2006
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 13-04-2016
DOI: 10.5194/SOIL-2016-25
Abstract: Abstract. Land degradation affects 10–20 % of drylands globally. Intensive land use and management, large scale disturbances such as extractive operations, and global climate change, have contributed to degradation of these systems worldwide. Restoring these damaged environments is critical to improve ecosystem services and functions, conserve bio ersity, and contribute to climate resilience, food security, and landscape sustainability at local, regional and global scales. Here, we present a case study on plant species of the mining intensive semi-arid Pilbara region in Western Australia that examines the effects of climate and soil factors on the restoration of drylands. We analysed the effects of a range of climate scenarios (rainfall and temperature) and the use of alternative soil materials on seedling recruitment of key native plant species from this area. Experimental studies were conducted in controlled environment facilities where conditions simulated those found in the Pilbara. Air temperature and soil moisture were modified and monitored routinely. Soil from topsoil (T) stockpiles and waste materials (W) from an active mine site were mixed at different proportions (100 % T, 100 % W, and two mixes of topsoil and waste at 50 : 50 (TW50 : 50) and 25 : 75 (TW25 : 75) ratios) and used as growth media. Our results showed that seedling recruitment of the five native plants was highly dependent on soil moisture. Emergence across the five plant species was higher in the topsoil growth media, which had the highest available water content compared to the other soil materials. In general, responses to the climate scenarios differed significantly among the native species which suggest that future climate scenarios of increasing drought might affect not only seedling recruitment but also ersity and structure of native plant communities. The use of growth media such as waste materials from mining operations could be an alternative to the limited topsoil. However, at early plant stages the use of these alternative substrates that are depleted of organic compounds can be challenging for successful seedling recruitment in the absence of water. These limitations could be overcome by using soil amendments but the cost associated to these solutions at large landscape scales needs to be adressed.
Publisher: Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth
Date: 2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Date: 2002
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-06-2015
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCV084
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1071/BT08183
Abstract: The genus Caladenia comprises species that exhibit remarkable consistency in terms of growth form and phenological patterns. All taxa are herbaceous perennials, with the shoot arising annually from a single, usually spheroid, tuber and producing a single, hairy leaf. The tuber is annually replaced either side-by-side with the parent tuber or terminating a descending structure known as a dropper. The dropper is a depth-seeking mechanism that enables placement of the tuber at depth in the soil as a means to avoid predation by surface-foraging native mammals or away from the high temperatures and desiccating conditions during summer dormancy. The 3--5 attenuated roots produced at the junction between the tuber and shoot and produced late in the growing cycle and devoid of mycorrhiza suggest their functional significance may relate to water uptake. Mycorrhizal endophytes are confined to a hypertrophic stem region at the soil surface (collar) subtending the leaf that positions the collar directly in the organically rich zone at the soil surface. This morphology is a unique characteristic of several Australasian orchids in the tribe Diuridae. Mycorrhizal infection occurs rapidly, with maximum colonisation in concert with the onset of breaking rains. Pelotons are restricted to cortical cells, with fully developed pelotons throughout infected tissues within a week or so of soil wetting. Infection occurs as a ‘once-off’ event, with little evidence of secondary infection later in the growth cycle and no evidence of peloton digestion. Some taxa utilise vegetative propagation, often leading to localised clustering as for taxa in the ‘filamentosa’ complex or, extensive clonal mats as found in Caladenia flava and C. latifolia where daughter tubers are produced at the end of extending horizontal outgrowths. For the majority of taxa, plants remain dry-season (summer) dormant from a few months up to 7 months for arid-zone taxa, with shoot emergence from the tuber of temperate species thought to occur in response to a drop in the mean minimum temperature. Pollination biology of Caladenia is apparently through a process of deception, either as food or sexual mimics, with some taxa engaging in self-pollination. Here we review the natural history of Caladenia and acknowledge that much of our understanding is based on assumptions of the biology of terrestrial orchids in general and emphasise areas of research and biological enquiry that will be critical in the development of an effective conservation program for the genus.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-10-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-1994
DOI: 10.1007/BF02291885
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.TPLANTS.2016.11.002
Abstract: Seed coating is the practice of covering seeds with external materials to improve handling, protection, and, to a lesser extent, germination enhancement and plant establishment. With an annual value exceeding US$1 billion dollars, this technology is mostly the preserve of the private research sector, with few links to the scientific community. Here, we analyse the science and industry of seed coating and its contribution to seed establishment and plant performance. We posit that a closer collaboration between academia and industry is critical to realising the potential of seed coating both as a tool for enhancing plant establishment in the face of the challenges posed to agricultural systems and to propel the multibillion-dollar global push for ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.02.086
Abstract: Soil respiration (Rs) is the second largest carbon flux in terrestrial ecosystems and therefore plays a crucial role in global carbon (C) cycling. This biogeochemical process is closely related to ecosystem productivity and soil fertility and is considered as a key indicator of soil health and quality reflecting the level of microbial activity. Wildfires can have a significant effect on Rs rates and the magnitude of the impacts will depend on environmental factors such as climate and vegetation, fire severity and meteorological conditions post-fire. In this research, we aimed to assess the impacts of a wildfire on the soil CO
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2012
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 23-02-2016
DOI: 10.1111/BOJ.12387
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-07-2015
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-12-2009
Abstract: Discovery of the primary seed germination stimulant in smoke, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (KAR1), has resulted in identification of a family of structurally related plant growth regulators, karrikins. KAR1 acts as a key germination trigger for many species from fire-prone, Mediterranean climates, but a molecular mechanism for this response remains unknown. We demonstrate that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), an ephemeral of the temperate northern hemisphere that has never, to our knowledge, been reported to be responsive to fire or smoke, rapidly and sensitively perceives karrikins. Thus, these signaling molecules may have greater significance among angiosperms than previously realized. Karrikins can trigger germination of primary dormant Arabidopsis seeds far more effectively than known phytohormones or the structurally related strigolactone GR-24. Natural variation and depth of seed dormancy affect the degree of KAR1 stimulation. Analysis of phytohormone mutant germination reveals suppression of KAR1 responses by abscisic acid and a requirement for gibberellin (GA) synthesis. The reduced germination of sleepy1 mutants is partially recovered by KAR1, which suggests that germination enhancement by karrikin is only partly DELLA dependent. While KAR1 has little effect on sensitivity to exogenous GA, it enhances expression of the GA biosynthetic genes GA3ox1 and GA3ox2 during seed imbibition. Neither abscisic acid nor GA levels in seed are appreciably affected by KAR1 treatment prior to radicle emergence, despite marked differences in germination outcome. KAR1 stimulation of Arabidopsis germination is light-dependent and reversible by far-red exposure, although limited induction of GA3ox1 still occurs in the dark. The observed requirements for light and GA biosynthesis provide the first insights into the karrikin mode of action.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1992
DOI: 10.1071/EA9920131
Abstract: A method is described for the in vitro propagation of the Australian terrestrial orchid Diuris longifolia R. Br. Explants from inflorescences of D. longifolia were successfully cultured on modified Burgeffs N3f containing the cytokinin N6 benzyladenine. Protocorm-like bodies formed after 49 days on explants taken from the basal section of flower buds and axillary nodes from inflorescences. Root formation occurred 70 days after transfer of 10-20-rnm-long shoots onto medium containing coconut water and no cytokinin, and rooted plantlets were transferred to soil and acclimatised 2-3 weeks later. Rooting of in vitro shoots was improved by increasing the sucrose concentration to 40 g/L or by addition of 0.05% activated charcoal to the culture medium. Plantlets developed flowering stems in vitro and flowered in pots 11 months after excision of explants from the parent plant. This tissue culture method has been successfully applied to the propagation of D. purdiei, a rare and threatened species from Western Australia.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-12-2013
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12072
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/MF12032
Abstract: Here, we review the literature to evaluate seagrass revegetation projects focussed on Posidonia australis and Amphibolis antarctica, the main affected species in Shark Bay in the World Heritage Area in Western Australia, together with projects from Florida Bay, an analogous system with a long history of seagrass revegetation. We assessed the effectiveness of anchoring planting units, plant-unit density and size on planting-unit survival. We found no positive trends in our assessment, suggesting that there is no discrete technique, approach or technology that could be used with confidence to deliver cost-effective, scalable revegetation. Of concern was that revegetation success was evaluated over comparatively short time frames (1–3 years), driven by the strict time frames or deadlines of governing grant funding and commercial activities, leading to concerns that long-term revegetation outcomes may be difficult to assess with confidence. Several factors influenced revegetation outcomes which were grouped into three ‘filter’ categories abiotic, biotic and socioeconomic. We recommend that future revegetation programs involving seagrass have greater emphasis on understanding how these filters act independently or collectively to drive successful revegetation as well as developing cost-effective, proven and scalable technology supported by longer-term monitoring to ensure revegetation programs do achieve the desired ecological outcomes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-04-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2004
DOI: 10.1079/IVP2004534
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-05-2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-03-2010
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCQ062
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/BT04024
Abstract: The establishment of five species of temperate terrestrial orchids (Caladenia arenicola Hopper & A.P.Brown, Diuris magnifica D.L.Jones, D. micrantha D.L.Jones, Pterostylis sanginea D.LJones & M.A.Clem. and Thelymitra manginiorum ms) in natural habitat through in situ seed sowing, or by planting of seedlings and dormant tubers, was evaluated. Seed of the Western Australian temperate terrestrial taxa, Caladenia arenicola and Pterostylis sanguinea germinated best when sown into soil inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi at field sites but failed to develop the tubers necessary for surviving summer dormancy. However, seedling survival improved when actively growing symbiotic seedlings were transferred to natural habitat during the growing season. Caladenia arenicola and P. sanguinea seedlings survived the initial transfer to field sites but only P. sanguinea survived into the second growing season. Highest survival was obtained by translocating dormant tubers of C. arenicola and Diuris magnifica, with D. magnifica persisting at the site 5 years after translocation. However, outplanted C. arenicola survived for only 2 years. In another trial, where seedlings and dormant tubers of a rare orchid Thelymitra manginiorum were translocated into eucalypt woodland, 18% persisted after 5 years. The rare orchid D. micrantha exhibited the highest survival rates, with greater than 80% of tubers surviving 5 years after transfer of mature dormant tubers to field sites. This study highlights the benefit of using optimised methods for seedling production by symbiotic germination and nursery growth to produce advanced seedlings or dormant tubers to maximise the survival of translocated plants. It also demonstrates the need to consider different strategies when dealing with in idual species.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2000
DOI: 10.1071/BT99033
Abstract: Seed survival of cryostorage (–196˚C) was examined for Banksia ashbyi (E.G.Baker), a tree species endemic to Western Australia. Seeds were cryostored over a moisture content range of 3–30%. Moisture contents of 18–20% significantly depressed survival for seed of all ages tested (1 month to 13 years old). Cryostorage at seed moisture contents below 18% did not affect seed germination or vigour (radicle growth). Seed age influenced survival with freshly harvested seeds showing a greater tolerance to cryostorage at high moisture contents than older seeds. Exotherms, indicating ice formation within seed tissues, were detected by thermal analysis at seed moisture contents above the critical. However, there was no increase in electrolyte efflux from seeds frozen at lethal moisture contents, suggesting the plasma membrane of cells remained intact. This study shows that seed storage physiology of a Western Australian species is similar to that of other orthodox species and that cryostorage may be successfully applied for conservation of native species without detrimental effects on germination and growth.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/BT04023
Abstract: This research aimed to improve the success of soil transfer of terrestrial orchid seedlings after symbiotic germination in the laboratory. Three native Western Australian terrestrial orchids (Caladenia arenicola Hopper & A.P.Brown, Diuris magnifica D.L.Jones and Thelymitra crinita Lindley) were used in this study. The key to improved seedling survival on transfer to soil was found to be the use of an intermediate stage between the Petri dish and soil where larger seedlings were grown in an axenic environment with controlled humidity. There was no apparent benefit of pre-inoculating potting medium with appropriate strains of mycorrhizal fungi for subsequent growth of symbiotic seedlings under glasshouse conditions. Initial survival of seedlings in the glasshouse was high. However, some seedlings failed to produce tubers (from modified roots or droppers) necessary for plant survival through the summer dormancy period, and this caused survival to decrease to 40–60% of the glasshouse-grown seedlings in the first year. The initiation of tubers on droppers by C. arenicola was inversely correlated with leaf size, with smaller plants more likely to form tubers. This suggests that leaves and tubers were competing for resources. However, larger seedlings that did tuberise had larger tubers that were more likely to survive summer dormancy. There was no correlation between leaf size and root tuber size in D. magnifica, but the number of tubers produced was greatest in larger plants. As with C. arenicola, plants of D. magnifica and T. crinita with larger tubers were more likely to survive summer dormancy. Methods developed in this study enable the production of both actively growing symbiotic seedlings and dormant tubers which improve the success of translocation of laboratory-grown terrestrial orchids to field sites.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2011
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-03-2010
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCQ061
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2002
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/BT04025
Abstract: The conservation of wild orchid populations may depend on the establishment of propagated orchids to field sites to help sustain depleted populations if natural recruitment is not successful. However, very little is known about biotic factors which influence the establishment of terrestrial orchid seedlings in natural habitats. An experiment was established to measure the survival of six orchid species during their first growing season following transplantation to a West Australian urban bushland with a Banksia and Eucalyptus canopy and understorey dominated either by weeds or native vegetation. Symbiotically germinated orchid seedlings raised in the laboratory for 5 months before planting were established in adjacent field sites with high or low weed cover. There was a gradual mortality of seedlings at field sites throughout the growing season, primarily owing to insect grazing, and this was not affected by the enclosure of seedlings by wire mesh or shade cloth. Overall rates of survival varied from 49% for Microtis media R.Br., a species capable of growing in disturbed habitats, to 21% for Caladenia arenicola Hopper & A.P.Brown, the most common native orchid at these sites. However, not all surviving seedlings produced a tuber, so their expected rate of survival after the next dry season was reduced further. The factors having the greatest impact on seedling survival were site aspect (slope and canopy cover), weed cover and orchid species respectively. Orchid seedling survival was not well correlated with the presence of existing orchids of the same species at the same sites or the presence of compatible fungi in soil at these sites (simultaneously measured by orchid seed baiting).
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-08-2018
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12868
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.TPLANTS.2010.10.007
Abstract: As climate change increases vegetation combustibility, humans are impacted by wildfires through loss of lives and property, leading to an increased emphasis on prescribed burning practices to reduce hazards. A key and pervading concept accepted by most environmental managers is that combustible ecosystems have traditionally burnt because plants are fire adapted. In this opinion article, we explore the concept of plant traits adapted to fire in Mediterranean climates. In the light of major threats to bio ersity conservation, we recommend caution in deliberately increasing fire frequencies if ecosystem degradation and plant extinctions are to be averted as a result of the practice.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1988
DOI: 10.1071/BT9880711
Abstract: Four species of Restionaceae and Cyperaceae from the Mediterranean-type climate region of Western Australia were studied to determine factor(s) limiting their reproductive performance. Ecdeiocolea monostachya (Ecdeiocoleaceae), Lepidobolus chaetocephalus (Restionaceae), Restio aff. sphacelatus (Restionaceae) and Mesomelaena pseudostygia (Cyperaceae) differed in the pattern of dry matter partitioning and phenological patterns. All species were moderately efficient at remobilising dry matter from senescing vegetative organs, maintaining constant tissue water to dry matter content in mature organs over the study period regardless of soil moisture availability. In situ nutrient and water supplements of study species did not elicit improved seed production or significant increases in dry matter accumulation (except for current and old culms of E. monostachya and spikelets of L. chaetocephalus). For all study species except L. chaetocephalus, seed production was low, while herbivore activity, insect predation andlor infection by a smut (Tolyposporium lepidiboli) reduced seed production potential in L. chaetocephalus and E. monostachya. Attempts at seed germination for all study species were not successful. Extracted embryos from mature seed of all species cultured in vitro grew rapidly, providing a reliable method for propagation of study species.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1071/SB08003
Abstract: Taxonomic identification is traditionally carried out with dichotomous keys, or at least computer-based identification keys, often on the basis of subjective visual assessment and frequently unable to detect small differences at subspecies and varietal ranks. The aims of the present work were to (1) clearly discriminate a wide group of accessions (species, subspecies and varieties) belonging to the genus Banksia on the basis of 14 phyllometric parameters determined by image analysis of the leaves, and (2) unequivocally identify the accessions with a relatively simple back-propagation neural-network (BPNN) architecture (single hidden layer) in order to develop a complementary method for fast botanical identification. The results indicate that this kind of network could be effectively and successfully used to discriminate among Banksia accessions, as the BPNN enabled a 93% unequivocal and correct simultaneous identification. Our BPNN had the advantage of being able to resolve subtle associations between characters, and of making incomplete data (i.e. absence of Banksia flower parameters such as the colour or size of styles) useful in species diagnostics. This method is relatively useful it is easy to execute as no particular competences are necessary, equipment is low cost (scanner connected to a PC and software available as freeware) and data acquisition is fast and effective.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1071/BT10011
Abstract: The comparative longevity of seeds of species from the early-angiosperm group, Hydatellaceae, along with other temporary wetland aquatics from the South-west Australian Floristic Region were tested under standard experimental storage conditions. In contrast to recent hypotheses proposing that seeds from basal angiosperm species may be short-lived in storage, seeds of the Hydatellaceae species (Trithuria submersa Hook.f. and T. austinensis D.D.Sokoloff, Remizowa, T.Macfarlane and Rudall) were longer-lived than the other temporary wetland aquatic species tested. Seeds of Glossostigma drummondii Benth. (Scrophulariaceae), Myriophyllum petreaum Orchard and M. balladoniense Orchard (Haloragaceae), lost viability quickly and are thus predicted to be short-lived in seed bank storage. To assist seed bank conservation programs, the effect of seed moisture content on the viability of seeds stored for 1, 6 and 12 months at −18°C or in vapour phase cryopreservation (−150°C) was determined. Seeds of all species survived storage at both temperatures for up to 12 months, provided seed equilibrium relative humidity was below ~50%. Given the high conservation value of Hydatellaceae species and the potential short-lived nature of seeds of some of the species, we recommend that ex situ conservation programs for these aquatic species should consider cryopreservation as a means to maximise the longevity of their seeds.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13155
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1111/REC.12984
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13035
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-06-2015
DOI: 10.1111/FWB.12609
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.VIRUSRES.2017.11.026
Abstract: Terrestrial orchids represent a symbiotic union between plants and mycorrhizal fungi. This study describes the occurrence and nature of viruses associated with one population of wild Pterostylis sanguinea orchids, including their fungal symbionts, over two consecutive years. A generic sequencing approach, which combined dsRNA-enrichment from plant and mycelial tissues, random lification and high throughput shotgun sequencing was used to identify novel viruses. The majority of the virus-like sequences represent partial genomes, and their identification is based solely on de novo assembly of sequencing data. In orchid leaf tissues we found three isolates of a novel totivirus and an unclassified virus both resemble fungus-infecting viruses. Two isolates of Ceratobasidium sp that were isolated from orchid underground stems contained at least 20 viruses, 16 of which were previously described as alphapartitiviruses and betapartitiviruses. A novel hypovirus and a mitovirus were genetically distant from existing members of the genera and did not readily fit into recognised subgroups.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/BT14291
Abstract: This study investigated optimisation of media and primary-protocorm development stages to enhance secondary-protocorm production as a novel means for propagation of terrestrial orchids, including taxa of conservation concern. Seeds of Caladenia latifolia were germinated asymbiotically on ½-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 5% (v/v) coconut water. Resulting protocorms at 3, 5 and 7 weeks of growth were subcultured to protocorm-proliferation media treatments consisting of ½-strength MS basal-salts medium with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and α- naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) singly or in combination. Conversion of seeds to primary protocorms was high (87–92%). The highest percentage of secondary-protocorm proliferation was 40.1%, using 5-week-old protocorms (early Stage 4 of protocorm development) as explants and cultured on ½-strength MS with a combination of 5 µM NAA + 2 µM BA. Half-strength MS media containing a single plant-growth regulator (BA or NAA) were substantially less effective ( % protocorm proliferation). The present study has provided a novel approach to sequential protocorm production that will be of value particularly for threatened orchids with limited seed availability. Protocorm proliferation in vitro enables a renewable supply of protocorms with which to conduct propagation, cryostorage and pilot restoration programs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 12-2009
DOI: 10.1017/S0960258509990134
Abstract: Seeds of the iconic Australian baobab Adansonia gregorii display physical dormancy (PY) and germinate readily once they become water permeable, a trait found in most other species in this genus. Highest germination (100%) was observed when seeds were placed in concentrated sulphuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) for 24 h, although exposure to H 2 SO 4 for 6–12 h also resulted in % germination. Exposure to boiling water for 1–5 min was far less effective in promoting germination (0–23%), although a high number of seeds were water permeable (67–99%) following boiling water treatment. However, the majority of these water-permeable seeds appeared to have been injured by boiling water exposure. Germination at warmer temperatures (30 or 35°C) was found to be optimal (81–83% germination) and proceeded rapidly, with maximum germination occurring after incubation for only 8 d. In comparison, germination at 15–25°C resulted in 3–67% germination over a longer time frame (up to 20 d). While seeds of A. gregorii display PY they are unusually sensitive to dipping in boiling water and are therefore atypical when compared to most other Adansonia species.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.TPLANTS.2009.07.008
Abstract: Orchids, one of the largest families of flowering plants, face an uncertain future through overexploitation, habitat loss and impacts of climate change. With their intricate abiotic and biotic dependencies, orchids typify the plight of global plant resources and, thus, provide ideal model species for ecological tracking and focussing conservation programs. Botanic gardens worldwide have traditionally been major centres of excellence in orchid horticulture, research and conservation as orchids generate wide public and educational appeal. Here, we highlight the role of botanic gardens in areas key to orchid conservation. With pristine habitats under threat globally, the challenge for orchid conservation programs will ultimately depend upon developing ecological restoration technologies, whereby orchids are reinstated into sustainably restored habitats.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.137588
Abstract: Seasonal acclimatisation of thermal tolerance, evaporative water loss and metabolic rate, along with regulation of the hive environment, are key ways whereby hive-based social insects mediate climatic challenges throughout the year, but the relative importance of these traits remains poorly understood. We examined seasonal variation in metabolic rate and evaporative water loss of worker bees, and seasonal variation of hive temperature and humidity, for the stingless bee Austroplebeia essingtoni (Apidae Meliponini) in arid tropical Australia. Both water loss and metabolic rate were lower in the cooler, dry winter than in the hot, wet summer at most ambient temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. Contrary to expectation, thermal tolerance thresholds were higher in the winter than in the summer. Hives were cooler in the cooler, dry winter than in the hot, wet summer, linked to an apparent lack of hive thermoregulation. The humidity of hives was regulated at approximately 65% RH in both seasons, which is higher than unoccupied control hives in the dry season, but less than unoccupied control hives in the wet season. While adaptations to promote water balance appear more important for survival of A. essingtoni than traits related to temperature regulation, their capacity for water conservation is coincident with increased thermal tolerance. For these small, eusocial stingless bees in the arid tropics, where air temperatures are relatively high and stable compared with temperate areas, regulation of hive humidity appears to be of more importance than temperature in maintaining hive health.
Start Date: 2011
End Date: 2016
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2011
End Date: 2014
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity