Forest hydrology,the study of water dynamics within forested catchments,is crucial for understanding the intricate relationship between forest cover and water balances across different scales,from ecosystems to landsc...Forest hydrology,the study of water dynamics within forested catchments,is crucial for understanding the intricate relationship between forest cover and water balances across different scales,from ecosystems to landscapes,or from catchment watersheds.The intensified global changes in climate,land use and cover,and pollution that occurred over the past century have brought about adverse impacts on forests and their services in water regulation,signifying the importance of forest hydrological research as a re-emerging topic of scientific interest.This article reviews the literature on recent advances in forest hydrological research,intending to identify leading countries,institutions,and researchers actively engaged in this field,as well as highlighting research hotspots for future exploration.Through a systematic analysis using VOSviewer,drawing from 17,006 articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning 2000–2022,we employed scientometric methods to assess research productivity,identify emerging topics,and analyze academic development.The findings reveal a consistent growth in forest hydrological research over the past two decades,with the United States,Charles T.Driscoll,and the Chinese Academy of Sciences emerging as the most productive country,author,and institution,respectively.The Journal of Hydrology emerges as the most co-cited journal.Analysis of keyword co-occurrence and co-cited references highlights key research areas,including climate change,management strategies,runoff-erosion dynamics,vegetation cover changes,paired catchment experiments,water quality,aquatic biodiversity,forest fire dynamics and hydrological modeling.Based on these findings,our study advocates for an integrated approach to future research,emphasizing the collection of data from diverse sources,utilization of varied methodologies,and collaboration across disciplines and institutions.This holistic strategy is essential for developing sustainable approaches to forested watershed planning and management.Ultimately,our study provides valuable insights for researchers,practitioners,and policymakers,guiding future research directions towards forest hydrological research and applications.展开更多
In forests,a few large trees(L-trees)versus small-medium trees(S-trees)are often considered the major reservoir of aboveground carbon stock(AGCS).Here,we hypothesize that tree species'functional strategies regulat...In forests,a few large trees(L-trees)versus small-medium trees(S-trees)are often considered the major reservoir of aboveground carbon stock(AGCS).Here,we hypothesize that tree species'functional strategies regulate AGCS by tree sizes in temperate deciduous forests across local scale environmental gradients.Using data from 99 plots,we modelled the multivariate effects of the tree-based(tree diversity,stand density and multidimensional tree size inequality)versus the trait-based(multi-trait diversity and single-trait dominance)attributes of L-trees versus S-trees,along topographic and soil conditions,to predict AGCS through four L-trees threshold size(i.e.,≥50 cm fixed-diameter,top 95th percentile,≥top 50%cumulative AGCS descending-ranked ordered,and mean threshold size)approaches.The tree-based and trait-based attributes of L-trees and S-trees shaped species co-occurrence processes but L-trees regulated AGCS more effectively(31.29-93.20%)than S-trees and abiotic factors across four thereshold size approaches and two concepts.Although L-trees threshold size and tree-based attributes mattered for AGCS,the dominant resource-acquisitive strategy of structurally complex L-trees having higher specific leaf area but lower leaf dry matter content and lesser multi-trait dispersion could promote AGCS better than the resource-conservative strategy(low specific leaf area)of S-trees.Capturing tree species'functional strategies,synergies and trade-offs across tree sizes can enhance our understanding of how to achieve nature-based carbon neutrality and lessen climate change.Thus,forest management and restoration initiatives should prioritize high-functioning tree species with dominant productive traits while conserving multi-trait diversified species in temperate deciduous forests.展开更多
Forest plays a vital role in the global biogeochemical cycles through a high rate of carbon sequestration and harboring biodiversity.However,local species diversity is declining while also becoming increasingly homoge...Forest plays a vital role in the global biogeochemical cycles through a high rate of carbon sequestration and harboring biodiversity.However,local species diversity is declining while also becoming increasingly homogenized across communities.Although eff ects of local biotic processes(e.g.,speciesα-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity)and environmental factors on aboveground biomass(AGB)have been widely tested,there is a huge knowledge gap for the eff ect of regional biotic processes(i.e.,taxonomic and functionalβ-diversity)in forests.Here,we hypothesized that regional and local environmental factors along with biotic processes jointly regulate AGB through species shifts in tropical forests.Using piecewise structural equation modeling(pSEM),we linked climatic water availability,soil fertility,stand structural heterogeneity(either tree DBH inequality,height inequality,or stand density),speciesα-diversity,taxonomic or functionalβ-diversity(and its two components;β-turnover andβ-richness),and AGB across 189 inventory plots in tropical forests of Sri Lanka.Soil fertility and climatic water availability shaped local and regional biotic processes.Stand structural heterogeneity promoted speciesα-diversity but declinedβ-diversity(but increasedβ-taxonomic turnover).Speciesα-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity promoted AGB whereas taxonomic and functionalβ-diversity declined(butβ-taxonomic turnover increased)AGB.The relationships of AGB with speciesα-diversity andβ-diversity varied from signifi cant to nonsignifi cant positive depending on the specifi c combinations of stand structural heterogeneity metrics used.This study shows that local biotic processes could increase AGB due to the local and regional niche complementarity eff ect whereas the regional biotic processes could restrict AGB due to the regional selection or functional redundancy eff ect under favorable environmental conditions.We argue that biotic homogenization,as well as drought conditions,may have strong divergent impacts on forest functions and that the impacts of tree diversity loss may greatly reduce carbon sequestration.展开更多
Correction to:J.For.Res.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-022-01560-8 During production process,the below mentioned errors appeared in the original article and inadvertently published with error.
The influences of trait diversity(i.e.,the niche complementarity effect)and functional composition(i.e.,the mass ratio effect)on aboveground biomass(AGB)is a highly debated topic in forest ecology.Therefore,further st...The influences of trait diversity(i.e.,the niche complementarity effect)and functional composition(i.e.,the mass ratio effect)on aboveground biomass(AGB)is a highly debated topic in forest ecology.Therefore,further studies are needed to explore these mechanisms in unstudied forest ecosystems to enhance our understanding,and to provide guidelines for specific forest management.Here,we hypothesized that functional composition would drive AGB better than trait diversity and stem size inequality in the(sub-)tropical forests of Nepal.Using data from 101 forest plots,we tested 25 structural equation models(SEMs)to link elevation,stem DBH inequality,trait diversity(i.e.,trait richness,evenness,dispersion and divergence),functional composition[i.e.,community-weighted of maximum height mean(CWM of Hmax),specific leaf area(CWM of SLA),leaf dry matter content(CWM of LDMC),and wood density(CWM of WD)]and AGB.The best-fitted SEMs indicated that CWM of Hmax promoted AGB while overruling the impacts of trait diversity indices on AGB.However,low trait diversity indices were linked with higher AGB while overruling the effects of CWM of SLA,LDMC and WD on AGB.In addition,AGB decreased with increasing elevation,whereas stem size inequality did not influence AGB.Our results suggest that divergent species’functional strategies could shape AGB along an altitudinal gradient in tropical forests.We argue that forest management practices should include plant functional traits in the management plan for the co-benefits of biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration that underpins human wellbeing.展开更多
An improved understanding of biodiversity-productivity relationships(BPRs)along environmental gradients is crucial for effective ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.The stress-gradient hypothesis sugges...An improved understanding of biodiversity-productivity relationships(BPRs)along environmental gradients is crucial for effective ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.The stress-gradient hypothesis suggests that BPRs are stronger in stressful environments compared to more favorable conditions.However,there is limited knowledge regarding the variation of BPRs along elevational gradients and their generality across different landscapes.To study how BPRs change with elevation,we harnessed inventory data on 6,431 trees from152 plots surveyed twice in eight to ten year intervals in mountain forests of temperate Europe and subtropical Asia.We quantified the relationship between aboveground productivity and different biodiversity measures,including taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic diversity.To elucidate the processes underlying BPRs,we studied the variation of different functional traits along elevation across landscapes.We found no general pattern of BPRs across landscapes and elevations.Relationships were neutral for all biodiversity measures in temperate forests,and negative for taxonomic and functional diversity in subtropical forests.BPRs were largely congruent between taxonomic,functional and phylogenetic diversity.We found only weak support for the stress-gradient hypothesis,with BPRs turning from negative to positive(effect not significant)close to the tree line in subtropical forests.In temperate forests,however,elevation patterns were strongly modulated by species identity effects as influenced by specific traits.The effect of traits such as community-weighted mean of maximum plant height and wood density on productivity was congruent across landscapes.Our study highlights the context-dependence of BPRs across elevation gradients and landscapes.Species traits are key modulating factors of BPRs and should be considered more explicitly in studies of the functional role of biodiversity.Furthermore,our findings highlight that potential trade-offs between conserving biodiversity and fostering ecosystem productivity exist,which require more attention in policy and management.展开更多
Synchrony between seed growth and oogenesis is suggested to largely shape trophic breadth of seed-feeding insects and ultimately to contribute to their co-existence by means of resource partitioning or in the time whe...Synchrony between seed growth and oogenesis is suggested to largely shape trophic breadth of seed-feeding insects and ultimately to contribute to their co-existence by means of resource partitioning or in the time when infestation occurs.Here we investigated:(i)the role of seed phenology and sexual maturation of females in the host specificity of seed-feeding weevils(Curculio spp.)predating in hazel and oak mixed forests;and(ii)the consequences that trophic breadth and host distribution have in the genetic structure of the weevil populations.DNA analyses were used to establish unequivocally host specificity and to determine the population genetic structure.We identified 4 species with different specificity,namely Curculio nucum females matured earlier and infested a unique host(hazelnuts,Corylus avellana)while 3 species(Curculio venosus,Curculio glandium and Curculio elephas)predated upon the acorns of the 2 oaks(Quercus ilex and Quercus pubescens).The high specificity of C.nucum coupled with a more discontinuous distribution of hazel trees resulted in a significant genetic structure among sites.In addition,the presence of an excess of local rare haplotypes indicated that C.nucum populations went through genetic expansion after recent bottlenecks.Conversely,these effects were not observed in the more generalist Curculio glandium predating upon oaks.Ultimately,co-existence of weevil species in this multi-host-parasite system is influenced by both resource and time partitioning.To what extent the restriction in gene flow among C.nucum populations may have negative consequences for their persistence in a time of increasing disturbances(e.g.drought in Mediterranean areas)deserves further research.展开更多
Insect herbivory decreases plant fitness by constraining plant growth,survival and reproductive output.Most studies on the effects of herbivory in trees rely on correlational inter-individual comparisons and could,thu...Insect herbivory decreases plant fitness by constraining plant growth,survival and reproductive output.Most studies on the effects of herbivory in trees rely on correlational inter-individual comparisons and could,thus,be affected by confounding factors linked to both herbivory and plant performance.Using the Mediterranean Holm oak(Quercus ilex)as a study model,we followed an experimental approach in which leaf-feeding insects(mainly Lepidoptera caterpillars)were excluded from some shoots in all study trees.Shoots subjected to herbivore exclusion exhibited lower defoliation rates and produced more acorns than control shoots.Defoliation constrained shoot growth throughout the study period,but had no effect on the number of female flowers produced per shoot.Acorn production was,however,lower in control shoots due to their higher abortion rates,and also to their greater mortality risk during summer drought,as shoots with fewer leaves were less likely to survive.Plant reaction to herbivory inhibits certain physiological pathways involved in plant growth,which,together with the effects of physical damage,reduces the amount and efficiency of the photosynthetic tissue.This increases their vulnerability to environmental stresses,such as water deficit,which limit resource assimilation.Defoliation is likely a key factor affecting oak regeneration,as it may be a significant source of seed loss prior to pre-dispersal acorn predation.Further experimental studies could help to elucidate its effects in contrasting environments.In Mediterranean regions,the harsher droughts predicted by climate change models could worsen the effects of insect herbivory on oak reproductive output.展开更多
Species introduced to habitats outside their native range often escape control by their natural enemies.Besides competing with native species,an alien species might also affect the native herbivores by introducing a n...Species introduced to habitats outside their native range often escape control by their natural enemies.Besides competing with native species,an alien species might also affect the native herbivores by introducing a new source of different quality food.Here,we describe the case of northern red oak(Quercus rubra)invasion in Europe.We collected data on insect(moth Cydia spp.and weevil Curculio spp.)seed predation of northern red oak in its native(USA,North America)and invasive(Poland,Europe)range,as well as for sessile oaks(Quercus petrea)in Europe.We also evaluated the quality of acorns as hosts for weevil larvae by collecting infested acorns and measuring weevil developmental success,and quantifying acorn traits such as seed mass,tannins,lipids and protein concentration.We used DNA barcoding to identify insects to the species level.The predation by moths was similar and very low in both species and in both ranges.However,red oaks escape pre-dispersal seed predation by weevils in Europe.Weevil infestation rates of northern red oak acorns in their invasive range were 10 times lower than that of sessile oaks,and also 10 times lower than that of red oaks in North America.Furthermore,even when weevils oviposited into northern red oaks,the larvae failed to develop,suggesting that the exotic host created a trap for the insect.This phenomenon might gradually decrease the local abundance of the seed predator,and further aid the invasion.展开更多
The function and conservation of many forest ecosystems depend on the distribution and diversity of the community of rodents that consume and disperse seeds.The habitat preferences and interactions are especially rele...The function and conservation of many forest ecosystems depend on the distribution and diversity of the community of rodents that consume and disperse seeds.The habitat preferences and interactions are especially relevant in alpine systems where such granivorous rodents reach the southernmost limit of their distribution and are especially sensitive to global warming.We analyzed the community of granivorous rodents in the Pyrenees,one of the southernmost mountain ranges of Europe.Rodent species were identified by DNA with particular attention to the Apodemus species,which are prominent seed-dispersing rodents in Europe.We confirmed for the first time the presence of the yellow-necked mouse,Apodemus flavicollis,in central Pyrenees,a typical Eurosiberian species that reaches its southernmost distribution limit in this area.We also found the wood mouse,Apodemus sylvaticus,a related species more tolerant to Mediterranean environments.Both rodents were spatially segregated by altitude.A.sylvaticus was rare at high altitudes,which might cause the genetic differentiation between populations of the different valleys reported here.We also found other seed consumers like dormice,Elyomis quercinus,and voles,Myodes glareolus,with marked habitat preferences.We suggest that population isolation among valleys may increase the genetic diversity of rodents,like A.sylvaticus.We also highlight the potential threat that global warming may represent for species linked to high-altitude refuges at the southern edge of its distribution,like Apodemus flavicollis.Finally,we discuss how this threat may have a dimension in the conservation of alpine forests dispersed by these rodent populations.展开更多
基金supported by Yibin University,Sichuan,China and Hebei University,Baoding,China(Grant No.521100221033).
文摘Forest hydrology,the study of water dynamics within forested catchments,is crucial for understanding the intricate relationship between forest cover and water balances across different scales,from ecosystems to landscapes,or from catchment watersheds.The intensified global changes in climate,land use and cover,and pollution that occurred over the past century have brought about adverse impacts on forests and their services in water regulation,signifying the importance of forest hydrological research as a re-emerging topic of scientific interest.This article reviews the literature on recent advances in forest hydrological research,intending to identify leading countries,institutions,and researchers actively engaged in this field,as well as highlighting research hotspots for future exploration.Through a systematic analysis using VOSviewer,drawing from 17,006 articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning 2000–2022,we employed scientometric methods to assess research productivity,identify emerging topics,and analyze academic development.The findings reveal a consistent growth in forest hydrological research over the past two decades,with the United States,Charles T.Driscoll,and the Chinese Academy of Sciences emerging as the most productive country,author,and institution,respectively.The Journal of Hydrology emerges as the most co-cited journal.Analysis of keyword co-occurrence and co-cited references highlights key research areas,including climate change,management strategies,runoff-erosion dynamics,vegetation cover changes,paired catchment experiments,water quality,aquatic biodiversity,forest fire dynamics and hydrological modeling.Based on these findings,our study advocates for an integrated approach to future research,emphasizing the collection of data from diverse sources,utilization of varied methodologies,and collaboration across disciplines and institutions.This holistic strategy is essential for developing sustainable approaches to forested watershed planning and management.Ultimately,our study provides valuable insights for researchers,practitioners,and policymakers,guiding future research directions towards forest hydrological research and applications.
基金the Iran National Science Foundation(Grant No.97010593)Hebei University(Special Project No.521100221033).
文摘In forests,a few large trees(L-trees)versus small-medium trees(S-trees)are often considered the major reservoir of aboveground carbon stock(AGCS).Here,we hypothesize that tree species'functional strategies regulate AGCS by tree sizes in temperate deciduous forests across local scale environmental gradients.Using data from 99 plots,we modelled the multivariate effects of the tree-based(tree diversity,stand density and multidimensional tree size inequality)versus the trait-based(multi-trait diversity and single-trait dominance)attributes of L-trees versus S-trees,along topographic and soil conditions,to predict AGCS through four L-trees threshold size(i.e.,≥50 cm fixed-diameter,top 95th percentile,≥top 50%cumulative AGCS descending-ranked ordered,and mean threshold size)approaches.The tree-based and trait-based attributes of L-trees and S-trees shaped species co-occurrence processes but L-trees regulated AGCS more effectively(31.29-93.20%)than S-trees and abiotic factors across four thereshold size approaches and two concepts.Although L-trees threshold size and tree-based attributes mattered for AGCS,the dominant resource-acquisitive strategy of structurally complex L-trees having higher specific leaf area but lower leaf dry matter content and lesser multi-trait dispersion could promote AGCS better than the resource-conservative strategy(low specific leaf area)of S-trees.Capturing tree species'functional strategies,synergies and trade-offs across tree sizes can enhance our understanding of how to achieve nature-based carbon neutrality and lessen climate change.Thus,forest management and restoration initiatives should prioritize high-functioning tree species with dominant productive traits while conserving multi-trait diversified species in temperate deciduous forests.
基金funded by the Swedish Energy Agency(Project No 35586-1)for supporting the fieldworkSpecial Project(No.521100221033)of Hebei University for the interpretation of results
文摘Forest plays a vital role in the global biogeochemical cycles through a high rate of carbon sequestration and harboring biodiversity.However,local species diversity is declining while also becoming increasingly homogenized across communities.Although eff ects of local biotic processes(e.g.,speciesα-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity)and environmental factors on aboveground biomass(AGB)have been widely tested,there is a huge knowledge gap for the eff ect of regional biotic processes(i.e.,taxonomic and functionalβ-diversity)in forests.Here,we hypothesized that regional and local environmental factors along with biotic processes jointly regulate AGB through species shifts in tropical forests.Using piecewise structural equation modeling(pSEM),we linked climatic water availability,soil fertility,stand structural heterogeneity(either tree DBH inequality,height inequality,or stand density),speciesα-diversity,taxonomic or functionalβ-diversity(and its two components;β-turnover andβ-richness),and AGB across 189 inventory plots in tropical forests of Sri Lanka.Soil fertility and climatic water availability shaped local and regional biotic processes.Stand structural heterogeneity promoted speciesα-diversity but declinedβ-diversity(but increasedβ-taxonomic turnover).Speciesα-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity promoted AGB whereas taxonomic and functionalβ-diversity declined(butβ-taxonomic turnover increased)AGB.The relationships of AGB with speciesα-diversity andβ-diversity varied from signifi cant to nonsignifi cant positive depending on the specifi c combinations of stand structural heterogeneity metrics used.This study shows that local biotic processes could increase AGB due to the local and regional niche complementarity eff ect whereas the regional biotic processes could restrict AGB due to the regional selection or functional redundancy eff ect under favorable environmental conditions.We argue that biotic homogenization,as well as drought conditions,may have strong divergent impacts on forest functions and that the impacts of tree diversity loss may greatly reduce carbon sequestration.
文摘Correction to:J.For.Res.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-022-01560-8 During production process,the below mentioned errors appeared in the original article and inadvertently published with error.
基金supported by the Jiangsu Science and Technology Special Project(Grant No.BX2019084)Research Startup Funding at Nanjing Forestry University(Grant No.163010230)the Faculty Startup Funding(to Arshad Ali)for establishing Forest Ecology Research Group at Hebei University(Special Project No.521100221033)。
文摘The influences of trait diversity(i.e.,the niche complementarity effect)and functional composition(i.e.,the mass ratio effect)on aboveground biomass(AGB)is a highly debated topic in forest ecology.Therefore,further studies are needed to explore these mechanisms in unstudied forest ecosystems to enhance our understanding,and to provide guidelines for specific forest management.Here,we hypothesized that functional composition would drive AGB better than trait diversity and stem size inequality in the(sub-)tropical forests of Nepal.Using data from 101 forest plots,we tested 25 structural equation models(SEMs)to link elevation,stem DBH inequality,trait diversity(i.e.,trait richness,evenness,dispersion and divergence),functional composition[i.e.,community-weighted of maximum height mean(CWM of Hmax),specific leaf area(CWM of SLA),leaf dry matter content(CWM of LDMC),and wood density(CWM of WD)]and AGB.The best-fitted SEMs indicated that CWM of Hmax promoted AGB while overruling the impacts of trait diversity indices on AGB.However,low trait diversity indices were linked with higher AGB while overruling the effects of CWM of SLA,LDMC and WD on AGB.In addition,AGB decreased with increasing elevation,whereas stem size inequality did not influence AGB.Our results suggest that divergent species’functional strategies could shape AGB along an altitudinal gradient in tropical forests.We argue that forest management practices should include plant functional traits in the management plan for the co-benefits of biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration that underpins human wellbeing.
基金supported by the Sino-German Postdoc Scholarship Program of the China Scholarship Council(CSC)the German Academic Exchange Service(DAAD)+4 种基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32071541,41971071)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(Nos.2021FY100200,2021FY100702,2023YFF0805802)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association,CAS(No.2021392)the International Partnership Program,CAS(No.151853KYSB20190027)the“Climate Change Research Initiative of the Bavarian National Parks”funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection.
文摘An improved understanding of biodiversity-productivity relationships(BPRs)along environmental gradients is crucial for effective ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.The stress-gradient hypothesis suggests that BPRs are stronger in stressful environments compared to more favorable conditions.However,there is limited knowledge regarding the variation of BPRs along elevational gradients and their generality across different landscapes.To study how BPRs change with elevation,we harnessed inventory data on 6,431 trees from152 plots surveyed twice in eight to ten year intervals in mountain forests of temperate Europe and subtropical Asia.We quantified the relationship between aboveground productivity and different biodiversity measures,including taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic diversity.To elucidate the processes underlying BPRs,we studied the variation of different functional traits along elevation across landscapes.We found no general pattern of BPRs across landscapes and elevations.Relationships were neutral for all biodiversity measures in temperate forests,and negative for taxonomic and functional diversity in subtropical forests.BPRs were largely congruent between taxonomic,functional and phylogenetic diversity.We found only weak support for the stress-gradient hypothesis,with BPRs turning from negative to positive(effect not significant)close to the tree line in subtropical forests.In temperate forests,however,elevation patterns were strongly modulated by species identity effects as influenced by specific traits.The effect of traits such as community-weighted mean of maximum plant height and wood density on productivity was congruent across landscapes.Our study highlights the context-dependence of BPRs across elevation gradients and landscapes.Species traits are key modulating factors of BPRs and should be considered more explicitly in studies of the functional role of biodiversity.Furthermore,our findings highlight that potential trade-offs between conserving biodiversity and fostering ecosystem productivity exist,which require more attention in policy and management.
基金This research was supported by the projects FORASSEMBLY(CGL2015-70558-P)and PLAGANADO(AGL2014-54739-R)of the Spanish Ministry of Economythe projects BEEMED(SGR913)(Generalitat de Catalunya)and PII1C09-0256-9052(Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha and the European Social Fund)R.B.was funded by a contract of the Program Atracción de Talento Investigador(Gobierno de Extremadura).
文摘Synchrony between seed growth and oogenesis is suggested to largely shape trophic breadth of seed-feeding insects and ultimately to contribute to their co-existence by means of resource partitioning or in the time when infestation occurs.Here we investigated:(i)the role of seed phenology and sexual maturation of females in the host specificity of seed-feeding weevils(Curculio spp.)predating in hazel and oak mixed forests;and(ii)the consequences that trophic breadth and host distribution have in the genetic structure of the weevil populations.DNA analyses were used to establish unequivocally host specificity and to determine the population genetic structure.We identified 4 species with different specificity,namely Curculio nucum females matured earlier and infested a unique host(hazelnuts,Corylus avellana)while 3 species(Curculio venosus,Curculio glandium and Curculio elephas)predated upon the acorns of the 2 oaks(Quercus ilex and Quercus pubescens).The high specificity of C.nucum coupled with a more discontinuous distribution of hazel trees resulted in a significant genetic structure among sites.In addition,the presence of an excess of local rare haplotypes indicated that C.nucum populations went through genetic expansion after recent bottlenecks.Conversely,these effects were not observed in the more generalist Curculio glandium predating upon oaks.Ultimately,co-existence of weevil species in this multi-host-parasite system is influenced by both resource and time partitioning.To what extent the restriction in gene flow among C.nucum populations may have negative consequences for their persistence in a time of increasing disturbances(e.g.drought in Mediterranean areas)deserves further research.
基金This work was financed by the project AGL2014-54739-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund(FEDER,European Union)RB was funded by a contract of the Atracción de Talento Investigador Programme(Gobierno de Extremadura TA13032)TC was funded by a FPI fellowship(Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness BES-2015-071382)。
文摘Insect herbivory decreases plant fitness by constraining plant growth,survival and reproductive output.Most studies on the effects of herbivory in trees rely on correlational inter-individual comparisons and could,thus,be affected by confounding factors linked to both herbivory and plant performance.Using the Mediterranean Holm oak(Quercus ilex)as a study model,we followed an experimental approach in which leaf-feeding insects(mainly Lepidoptera caterpillars)were excluded from some shoots in all study trees.Shoots subjected to herbivore exclusion exhibited lower defoliation rates and produced more acorns than control shoots.Defoliation constrained shoot growth throughout the study period,but had no effect on the number of female flowers produced per shoot.Acorn production was,however,lower in control shoots due to their higher abortion rates,and also to their greater mortality risk during summer drought,as shoots with fewer leaves were less likely to survive.Plant reaction to herbivory inhibits certain physiological pathways involved in plant growth,which,together with the effects of physical damage,reduces the amount and efficiency of the photosynthetic tissue.This increases their vulnerability to environmental stresses,such as water deficit,which limit resource assimilation.Defoliation is likely a key factor affecting oak regeneration,as it may be a significant source of seed loss prior to pre-dispersal acorn predation.Further experimental studies could help to elucidate its effects in contrasting environments.In Mediterranean regions,the harsher droughts predicted by climate change models could worsen the effects of insect herbivory on oak reproductive output.
基金This study was supported by the Polish National Science Foundation grant Preludium no.2015/17/N/NZ8/01565while MB was supported by Polish Foundation for Science scholarship‘Start’,and Etiuda NSF grant no.2015/16/T/NZ8/00018+1 种基金DNA sequencing was supported by PLAGANADO AGL2014-54739-R awarded to RBMAS recognizes the support of the U.S.National Science Foundation(DEB-1556707).
文摘Species introduced to habitats outside their native range often escape control by their natural enemies.Besides competing with native species,an alien species might also affect the native herbivores by introducing a new source of different quality food.Here,we describe the case of northern red oak(Quercus rubra)invasion in Europe.We collected data on insect(moth Cydia spp.and weevil Curculio spp.)seed predation of northern red oak in its native(USA,North America)and invasive(Poland,Europe)range,as well as for sessile oaks(Quercus petrea)in Europe.We also evaluated the quality of acorns as hosts for weevil larvae by collecting infested acorns and measuring weevil developmental success,and quantifying acorn traits such as seed mass,tannins,lipids and protein concentration.We used DNA barcoding to identify insects to the species level.The predation by moths was similar and very low in both species and in both ranges.However,red oaks escape pre-dispersal seed predation by weevils in Europe.Weevil infestation rates of northern red oak acorns in their invasive range were 10 times lower than that of sessile oaks,and also 10 times lower than that of red oaks in North America.Furthermore,even when weevils oviposited into northern red oaks,the larvae failed to develop,suggesting that the exotic host created a trap for the insect.This phenomenon might gradually decrease the local abundance of the seed predator,and further aid the invasion.
基金This work was supported by the projects IMPACTBOAR(394/2011)and PLAGANADO AGL2014-54739-9R.B.was funded by a contract of the Atracción de Talento Investigador Programme(Gobierno de Extremadura TA13032).
文摘The function and conservation of many forest ecosystems depend on the distribution and diversity of the community of rodents that consume and disperse seeds.The habitat preferences and interactions are especially relevant in alpine systems where such granivorous rodents reach the southernmost limit of their distribution and are especially sensitive to global warming.We analyzed the community of granivorous rodents in the Pyrenees,one of the southernmost mountain ranges of Europe.Rodent species were identified by DNA with particular attention to the Apodemus species,which are prominent seed-dispersing rodents in Europe.We confirmed for the first time the presence of the yellow-necked mouse,Apodemus flavicollis,in central Pyrenees,a typical Eurosiberian species that reaches its southernmost distribution limit in this area.We also found the wood mouse,Apodemus sylvaticus,a related species more tolerant to Mediterranean environments.Both rodents were spatially segregated by altitude.A.sylvaticus was rare at high altitudes,which might cause the genetic differentiation between populations of the different valleys reported here.We also found other seed consumers like dormice,Elyomis quercinus,and voles,Myodes glareolus,with marked habitat preferences.We suggest that population isolation among valleys may increase the genetic diversity of rodents,like A.sylvaticus.We also highlight the potential threat that global warming may represent for species linked to high-altitude refuges at the southern edge of its distribution,like Apodemus flavicollis.Finally,we discuss how this threat may have a dimension in the conservation of alpine forests dispersed by these rodent populations.
