Artículos (Biología Vegetal y Ecología)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/10819

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The war in Ukraine is changing plausible future socioeconomic scenarios leading to an unexplored outlook for biodiversity
(Wiley, 2023-11-24) Vincent, Claire; Cristiano, Andrea; Cuadros Casanova, Ivon; Pacifici, Michela; Soria, Carmen D.; Tedeschi, Lisa; Lucas Ibáñez, Pablo Miguel; Rondinini, Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Ministry of Education, University and Research. Italy
Shared socioeconomic pathways are a key tool in predicting biodiversity sce-narios and in the subsequent design of environmental policies. Here, we dis-cuss how recent policy changes to global trade routes, agriculture, and energyproduction in response to the war in Ukraine are impacting socioeconomicscenarios used to set and assess biodiversity targets. We also discuss how thedisruption to the global geopolitical landscape provides a window of opportu-nity for policy reform and the radical societal paradigm shift that is needed totackle the global biodiversity crisis. We call for the re-evaluation of biodiversitytargets with newly developed scenarios that reflect the changes made to pro-duction and consumption patterns. We also recommend establishing nationalbiodiversity working groups to screen proposed policies for their potential risksto the drivers of biodiversity change, since policy decisions made in responseto the war that seemingly are far removed from the environment can have last-ing impacts on nature.
The Potential of Biocrust-Forming Cyanobacteria to Enhance Seedling Growth of Native Semi-arid Plants Through Seed Biopriming
(Springer, 2024-10-04) Alameda Martín, Aitor; Chamizo, Sonia; Rodríguez Caballero, Emilio; Muñoz Rojas, Miriam; Cantón, Yolanda; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Bioquímica Vegetal y Biología Molecular; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
In drylands, extreme environmental conditions pose a challenge for restoration, especially on a large scale. Direct seeding,is the most cost-efective approach to restore large areas, but it requires improvements to enhance seedling survival and,establishment. For this purpose, biopriming seeds with cyanobacteria is promising due to their plant growth-promoting,properties. We evaluated the efect of seed biopriming with native biocrust-forming cyanobacteria on seed germination and,radicle length of four native plant species, two perennials (Macrochloa tenacissima and Thymus hyemalis) and two annuals,(Plantago ovata and Stipa capensis), chosen for their ubiquity in Mediterranean drylands. Treatments included seed biopriming with cyanobacteria inoculants (biomass+exudate), seed priming only with the cyanobacterial exudate, and controls,(BG11 culture medium and distilled water). Biopriming efect was assessed individually for four native biocrust-forming,cyanobacteria species: Nostoc commune, Tolypothrix distorta, Trichocoleus desertorum, and Leptolyngbya frigida. Seed,biopriming showed no efect on germination with similar rates among treatments (on average, 45±12.6% for M. tenacissima,,38.8±12.4% for T. hyemalis, 91.7±9.8% for P. ovata and 77.6±10.8% for S. capensis). However, biopriming signifcantly,afected radicle length of annual plants. Radicles were signifcantly increased in P. ovata when treated with cyanobacterial,exudates (15–30% increase over control), and in S. capensis when treated with cyanobacterial biomass+exudate (26–42%,increase over control). These results indicate that the efect of seed biopriming is species specifc, but selecting the appropriate plant species and biopriming treatment can enhance plant survival and establishment in drylands, making restoration,eforts more successful.
Spatio-temporal variation in the zooplankton community of the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir (Cádiz, Spain)
(Asociacion Iberica de Limnologia, 2024-05-24) Orduna, Carlos; Meo, Ilaria de; Encina Encina, Lourdes; Cid Quintero, Juan Ramón; Rodríguez Ruiz, Amadora; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología
Reservoirs play a crucial role in providing essential social and economic services at different scales. However, in recent years, anthropogenic impacts such as climate change and pollution have increased, affecting this type of ecosystem. Zooplankton communities are fundamental for regulating the biological balance in these environments, so it is essential to understand the processes that affect their dynamics. This study investigated the seasonal and spatial variation in species abundance of the zooplankton community of the Zahara- El Gastor Reservoir, Cádiz, Spain. This reservoir it is located in the Guadalete-Barbate River basin and is included in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, the area with the highest rainfall in the Iberian Peninsula. Water and zooplankton samples were collected monthly over a year at four sampling sites located along the reservoir’s long-axis to determine its physicochemical characteristics and zooplankton species composition. The reservoir presented a mesotrophic state and a monomictic thermal cycle, with the mixing period occurring in winter. Temperature, water depth and volume, phosphates, carbonates, pH, and conductivity were the main environmental variables that affected the seasonal and spatial patterns of the zooplankton community. Rotifers presented the highest number of species and were predominant at the tail of the reservoir, especially in autumn, where Polyarthra spp. reached high densities. Relatively low densities of copepods were found throughout the year. Small branchiopods and cyclopoids were predominant in summer, while Daphnia longispina was linked to the colder seasons. The zooplankton community of the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir reflected changes in the trophic state of the reservoir both in space and time.
Soil Bacterial Biodiversity in Drylands Is Dependent onGroundcover Under Increased Temperature
(Wiley, 2024-11-05) Stewart, Jana; Lima, Nathali Machado de; Kingsford, Richard; Muñoz Rojas, Miriam; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Hermon Slade Foundation (HSF). Australia; Australian Research Council; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Introduction: Drylands are a major terrestrial biome, supporting much of the earth's population. Soil microbial communitiesmaintain drylands’ ecosystem functions but are threatened by increasing temperature. Groundcover, such as vegetation orbiocrust, drives the patchiness of drylands' soil microbial communities, reflected in fertile islands and rhizosphere soil microbialassociations. Groundcover may shelter soil microbial communities from increasingly harsh temperatures under climate change,mitigating effects on microclimate, but few data on the microbial response exists. Understanding the fine‐scale interactionsbetween plants and soil is crucial to improving conservation and management of drylands under climate change.Materials and Methods: We used open‐top chambers to experimentally increase the temperature on five key groundcoverspecies found in arid Australia, and are commonly present in drylands worldwide; bareground (controls), biocrust, perennialgrass, Maireana sp. shrub, Acacia aneura trees, testing soil bacterial diversity and community composition response to theeffects of increased temperatures.Results: We found that groundcover was a stronger driver of soil bacterial composition than increased temperature, but thisresponse varied with groundcover type. Larger groundcover types (Acacia and Maireana) buffered the impact of heat stress onthe soil bacterial community. Bacterial diversity and species richness declined with heat stress affecting the bacterial com-munities associated with perennial grass, Maireana and Acacia. We identified 16 bacterial phyla significantly associated withgroundcover types in ambient treatment. But, under heat stress, only three phyla, Verrumicrobiota, Patescibacteria, andAbditibacteriota, had significantly different relative abundance under groundcovers, Acacia and Maireana, compared tobareground controls. The soil bacterial community associated with perennial grass was most affected by increased temperature.Conclusion: Our findings suggest soil communities may become more homogeneous under climate change, with composi-tional change, rather than diversity, tracking soil response to heat stress.
Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) a legume with great ecological and agronomical potential under climate change
(Cambridge Univ Press, 2024-08-03) Sakhraoui, Anis; Ltaeif, Hela B.; Sakhraoui, Asma; Villalba, Juan J.; Castillo Segura, Jesús Manuel; Rouz, Slim; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología
Climate change is a global challenge to ecosystem services, altering crop yields and food,security worldwide. In the context of climate change, Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. (sainfoin),can offer a multitude of ecosystem services conferred by its multifaceted beneficial properties.,We reviewed the morphological, biochemical and physiological responses to environmental,stressors of O. viciifolia, summarized its ecological, agronomic, nutritional and biological,interests, and we discussed its use under climate change. Onobrychis viciifolia is a hemicryptophyte forage legume adapted to arid and semiarid regions by evolving a diverse array of protective mechanisms against abiotic stressors at morphological, biochemical and physiological,levels. In the present scenario of climate change, O. viciifolia has desirable forage characteristics such as high nutritive value, high voluntary intake and palatability to grazing animals,,leading to satisfying animal performance for milk, meat, honey and wool production. Recent,studies suggest that O. viciifolia has several highly beneficial phytochemical properties,including condensed tannins and polyphenol content, which have been demonstrated to,have anthelmintic activities, enhance protein utilization, and prevent bloating. In addition,,O. viciifolia also has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequestrate atmospheric carbon and nitrogen into the soil. Ethnobotanical investigations show that O. viciifolia,possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic and vulnerary activities. This review could be helpful for,understanding of O. viciifolia characteristics, interests and uses, thus promoting its reasonable,cultivation under a changing climate.
Rewilding through inappropriate species introduction:The case of European bison in Spain
(Wiley, 2024-08-06) Nores, Carlos; Álvarez-Laó, Diego; Navarro, Alberto; Pérez-Barbería, Francisco Javier; Castaños, Pedro María; Castaños de la Fuente, Jone; Granado Lorencio, Carlos Antonio; Vilà, Montserrat; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Principado de Asturias; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Most European rewilding initiatives are based on the recovery of large herbi-vores, particularly European bison Bison bonasus, aiming at restoring ecosys-tem processes and increase trophic complexity. The growing support for therelease of bison as a wild species, and change its legal status, in Spain, as anecological analogue of the extinct steppe bison Bison priscus, makes it an excel-lent example to reflect the limits of a rewilding biogeographically advisable.We discuss if this initiative could be justified from ecological, biogeographical,ethical, and legal reasons. Besides remarkable taxonomic and functional differ-ences between both bison species, the Mediterranean environment, under thepresent and future climatic scenarios, does not suit the European bison. Fur-thermore, there is no evidence to support the presumption that the Europeanbison was ever present in the Iberian Peninsula, with legal implications. Weexpect that our approach will be inspirational for similar assessments onrewilding initiatives globally.
Optimizing survival and growth of inoculated biocrust-forming cyanobacteria through native plant-based habitat amelioration
(Elsevier, 2024) Alameda Martín, Aitor; Chamizo, Sonia; Maggioli, Lisa; Román, Raúl; Machado de Lima, Nathali; Muñoz Rojas, Miriam; Cantón, Yolanda; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología
Low restoration success in degraded drylands has promoted research efforts towards recovery of pioneer components of these ecosystems such as biocrusts. Biocrusts can stabilize soils and improve nutrient cycling to assist vegetation establishment, but their natural recovery following a disturbance may be very slow. Soil inoculation with biocrust-forming components such as cyanobacteria is widely spread to foster biocrust formation. However, the growth of induced biocrust can be constrained under field conditions due to the harsh environmental conditions in drylands. Thus, strategies to reduce abiotic stresses have to be explored to improve cyanobacteria survival and growth. In this study, we performed an outdoor experiment to analyze the effect of plant-based ameliorating strategies in combination with cyanobacteria inoculum on biocrust formation and improvement of degraded arid soil properties. These ameliorants consisted of a plant mesh made of Macrochloa tenacissima and a Plantago ovata-based stabilizer. Application of ameliorating treatments improved cyanobacteria growth (higher chlorophyll a content, lower albedo and higher NDVI) compared to the application of cyanobacteria inoculum alone. Inoculated soils showed higher aggregate stability than non-inoculated ones, but the highest soil stability was found in the soils treated with P. ovata and was also significantly increased in the soils covered by the M. tenacissima mesh compared to uncovered soils. Both the mesh and the P. ovata stabilizer increased soil organic carbon content by up to 10% and 172%, respectively, compared to soils without habitat amelioration. Microbial community composition was similar between control and inoculated soils and between the mesh covered and uncovered soils, indicating that neither cyanobacteria inoculation nor the vegetal mesh had negative effects on the native soil community. In contrast, the soil with the P. ovata stabilizer alone displayed a different composition, with up to 95% of the bacteria’s relative abundance represented by Firmicutes. This effect needs to be considered when applying this stabilizer to prevent a potential alteration of the indigenous soil microbial community. This study indicates the viability of using plant-based ameliorating strategies to optimize the establishment and growth of cyanobacteria inoculum and maximize their effects on soil properties, thus contributing to advancing in the application of nature-based solutions for the restoration of degraded dryland ecosystems.
Observed and Potential Range Shifts of Native and Nonnative Species with Climate Change
(Annual Reviews, 2024-06-17) Bradley, Bethany A.; Beaury, Evelyn M.; Gallardo, Belinda; Ibáñez, Inés; Jarnevich, Catherine; Morelli, Toni Lyn; Sofaer, Helen R.; Sorte, Cascade J.B.; Vilà, Montserrat; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; United States Geological Survey (USGS); National Science Foundation (NSF). United States; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
There is broad concern that the range shifts of global flora and fauna will not keep up with climate change, increasing the likelihood of population declines and extinctions. Many populations of nonnative species already have advantages over native species, including widespread human-aided dispersal and release from natural enemies. But do nonnative species also have an advantage with climate change? Here, we review observed and potential range shifts for native and nonnative species globally. We show that nonnative species are expanding their ranges orders of magnitude faster than native species, reflecting both traits that enable rapid spread and ongoing human-mediated introduction. We further show that nonnative species have large potential ranges and range expansions with climate change, likely due to a combination of widespread introduction and broader climatic tolerances. With faster spread rates and larger potential to persist or expand, nonnative populations have a decided advantage in a changing climate
A large-scale assessment of European rabbit damage to agriculture in Spain
(John Wiley & Sons, 2018-01) Delibes Mateos, Miguel; Farfán, Miguel Ángel; Rouco Zufiaurre, Carlos; Olivero, Jesús; Márquez, Ana Luz; Fa, John E.; Vargas, Juan Mario; Villafuerte, Rafael; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; European Union (UE); Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Organismo Autónomo Parques Nacionales. España
BACKGROUND: Numerous small and medium-sized mammal pests cause widespread and economically significant damage to crops all over the globe. However, most research on pest species has focused on accounts of the level of damage. There are fewer studies concentrating on the description of crop damage caused by pests at large geographical scales, or on analysis of the ecological and anthropogenic factors correlated with these observed patterns. We investigated the relationship between agricultural damage by the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and environmental and anthropogenic variables throughout Spain. RESULTS: Rabbit damage was mainly concentrated within the central-southern regions of Spain. We found that rabbit damage increased significantly between the early 2000s and 2013. Greater losses were typical of those areas where farming dominated and natural vegetation was scarce, where main railways and highways were present, and where environmental conditions were generally favourable for rabbit populations to proliferate. CONCLUSION: From our analysis, we suggest that roads and railway lines act as potential corridors along which rabbits can spread. The recent increase in Spain of such infrastructure may explain the rise in rabbit damage reported in this study. Our approach is valuable as a method for assessing drivers of wildlife pest damage at large spatial scales, and can be used to propose methods to reduce human − wildlife conflict.
Impactos de la herbivoría por ungulados en las comunidades de plantas leñosas del Parque Natural Los Alcornocales
(Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Comarca del Campo de Gibraltar, 2018-12) Rodríguez Sánchez, Francisco; Luque Oliva, Virginia; Jurado Doña, Vicente; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología
Las poblaciones de ciervos y otros ungulados se han incrementado enormemente en muchas áreas mediterráneas en las últimas décadas. Los impactos del incremento de la presión de herbivoría en las comunidades de plantas y la eficacia de distintas medidas de conservación están aún poco claras. En este trabajo se evalúan los efectos de la herbivoría en comunidades arbustivas del Campo de Gibraltar y Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales. Se ha comparado la diversidad de plantas, la cobertura, la altura y la intensidad de daños dentro y fuera de un total de 20 cercados de exclusión de herbívoros establecidos hace 10-15 años para favorecer la regeneración del bosque. Aunque la composición de la comunidad de plantas (riqueza de especies y diversidad) fue similar en las zonas cercadas y no cercadas, la altura de los arbustos y su cobertura fueron mayores dentro de los cercados de protección. En contraste, el daño de herbivoría fue mucho mayor en las áreas no cercadas, particularmente en aquellas plantas de etapas sucesionales tardías y más palatables. Aunque la mayoría de las especies son de larga vida y muy resilientes, la sobrepoblación de herbívoros mantenida en el tiempo puede comprometer su reproducción y persistencia a largo plazo. De este modo, la sobrepoblación de ciervos está moldeando la estructura de las comunidades arbustivas mediterráneas, reduciendo su densidad y seleccionando aquellas plantas más tolerantes a la perturbación y el ramoneo frente a aquellas de etapas sucesionales más tardías.
Análisis de la producción de corcho en 6 municipios del Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales (Cádiz-Málaga) durante los últimos 30 años (1985-2014)
(Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Comarca del Campo de Gibraltar, 2018-12) Jurado Doña, Vicente; Luque Oliva, Virginia; Rodríguez Sánchez, Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología
Se ha analizado la producción corchera de seis municipios del Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales desde 1985 hasta 2014, incluyendo tanto datos de los montes públicos como de las fincas privadas. Encontramos grandes diferencias en la producción anual de corcho tanto entre municipios como entre montes públicos y privados. Estas diferencias están determinadas, entre otros factores, por la superficie descorchada cada año y el grado de afectación por seca. En todos los casos estudiados existe una gran variabilidad interanual en la producción de corcho en la que intervienen factores ambientales, sociales y económicos. Además se detectan tendencias decrecientes de la producción durante estos 30 años en gran parte de los montes. Los resultados obtenidos aconsejan el seguimiento detallado del estado de los alcornocales a lo largo y ancho del Parque Natural para lograr la detección temprana de procesos de declive y la gestión adaptativa de la masa forestal ante los problemas derivados de la seca.
Medicago lesinsii E. Small, (Leguminosae), nueva cita para la flora ibérica
(Universidad de Málaga, 2019) Romero Zarco, Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Junta de Andalucía
Se revisan materiales de herbario del complejo de Medicago murex Willd. (Leguminosae) y se pone de manifiesto la presencia de dos especies distintas en el territorio andaluz: M. murex y M. lesinsii E. Small, siendo la segunda novedad floristica para la Península Ibérica.
Management Measures and Trends of Biological Invasionsin Europe: A Survey-Based Assessment of Local Managers
(Wiley, 2025) Garcia Lozano, Carla; Pueyo Ros, Josep; Canelles, Quim; Latombe, Guillaume; Adriaens, Tim; Bacher, Sven; Cardoso, Ana Cristina; Cleary, Michelle; Coromina, Lluís; Courchamp, Franck; Vilà, Montserrat; Roura Pascual, Núria; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); Austrian Science Fund (FWF); Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF); Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agence Nationale de la Recherche. France
Biological invasions are a major threat to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and nature's contributions to people worldwide.However, the effectiveness of invasive alien species (IAS) management measures and the progress toward achieving biodiversitytargets remain uncertain due to limited and nonuniform data availability. Management success is usually assessed at a local leveland documented in technical reports, often written in languages other than English, which makes such data notoriously difficultto collect at large geographic scales. Here we present the first European assessment of how managers perceive trends in IAS andthe effectiveness of management measures to mitigate biological invasions. We developed a structured questionnaire translatedinto 18 languages and disseminated it to local and regional managers of IAS in Europe. We received responses from 1928 par-ticipants from 41 European countries, including 24 European Union (EU) Member States. Our results reveal substantial effortsin IAS monitoring and control, with invasive plants being the primary focus. Yet, there is a general perception of an increasein the numbers, occupied areas, and impacts of IAS across environment and taxonomic groups, particularly plants, over time.This perceived increase is consistent across both EU and non-EU countries, with respondents from EU countries demonstratingmore certainty in their responses. Our results also indicate a lack of data on alien vertebrates and invertebrates, reflecting a needfor more targeted monitoring and knowledge sharing between managers and policymakers and between countries. Overall,our study suggests that Europe's current strategies are insufficient to substantially reduce IAS by 2030 and hence to meet theKunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target.
GUBIC: The Global Urban Biological Invasions Compendium for Plants
(John Wiley and Sons, 2025) Li, Daijiang; Potgieter, Luke J.; Aronson, Myla F.J.; Axmanová, Irena; Baiser, Benjamin; Carboni, Marta; Celesti Grapow, Laura; Knapp, Sonja; Kühn, Ingolf; Lacerda de Matos, Ana Carolina; Vilà, Montserrat; Cadotte, Marc W.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft / German Research Foundation (DFG); Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); National Science Foundation (NSF). United States; Italian Ministry of University and Research; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). Brazil; Czech Science Foundation; Czech Academy of Sciences
Urban areas are foci for the introduction of non-native plant species, and they often act as launching sites for invasions into the wider environment. Although interest in biological invasions in urban areas is growing rapidly, and the extent and complexity of problems associated with invasions in these systems have increased, data on the composition and numbers of non-native plants in urbanized areas remain scattered and idiosyncratic. We assembled data from multiple sources to create the Global Urban Biological Invasions Compendium (GUBIC) for vascular plants representing 553 urban centres from 61 countries across every continent except Antarctica. The GUBIC repository includes 8140 non-native plant species from 253 families. The number of urban centres in which these non-native species occurred had a log-normal distribution, with 65.2% of non-native species occurring in fewer than 10 urban centres. Practical implications: The dataset has wider applications for urban ecology, invasion biology, macroecology, conservation, urban planning and sustainability. We hope this dataset will stimulate future research in invasion ecology related to the diversity and distributional patterns of non-native flora across urban centres worldwide. Further, this information should aid the early detection and risk assessment of potential invasive species, inform policy development and assist in setting management priorities.
Interactive Effects of Climate Change and Pathogens on Plant Performance: A Global Meta-Analysis
(Wiley, 2024-09-24) Gallego Tevar, Blanca; Gil Martínez, Marta; Perea, Antonio; Pérez Ramos, Ignacio M.; Gómez Aparicio, Lorena; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Plant health is increasingly threatened by abiotic and biotic stressors linked to anthropogenic global change. These stressors arefrequently studied in isolation. However, they might have non-additive (antagonistic or synergistic) interactive effects that affectplant communities in unexpected ways. We conducted a global meta-analysis to summarize existing evidence on the joint effectsof climate change (drought and warming) and biotic attack (pathogens) on plant performance. We also investigated the effectof drought and warming on pathogen performance, as this information is crucial for a mechanistic interpretation of potentialindirect effects of climate change on plant performance mediated by pathogens. The final databases included 1230 pairwisecases extracted from 117 recently published scientific articles (from 2006) on a global scale. We found that the combined negativeeffects of drought and pathogens on plant growth were lower than expected based on their main effects, supporting the exist-ence of antagonistic interactions. Thus, the larger the magnitude of the drought, the lower the pathogen capacity to limit plantgrowth. On the other hand, the combination of warming and pathogens caused larger plant damage than expected, supportingthe existence of synergistic interactions. Our results on the effects of drought and warming on pathogens revealed a limitation oftheir growth rates and abundance in vitro but an improvement under natural conditions, where multiple factors operate acrossthe microbiome. Further research on the impact of climate change on traits explicitly defining the infective ability of pathogenswould enhance the assessment of its indirect effects on plants. The evaluated plant and pathogen responses were conditionedby the intensity of drought or warming and by moderator categorical variables defining the pathosystems. Overall, our findingsreveal the need to incorporate the joint effect of climatic and biotic components of global change into predictive models of plantperformance to identify non-additive interactions.
Host-driven phenotypic and phenological differentiation in sympatric races of a parasitic plant
(Elsevier, 2024-09-28) de Vega, Clara; Ortiz Ballesteros, Pedro Luis; Arista Palmero, Montserrat; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Host specificity is a key factor influencing the ecology and evolutionary diversification of parasitic organisms. Host specialisation and geographic isolation are known to lead to the genetic differentiation of allopatric races in parasitic plants. However, how divergence can co-occur in sympatry remains largely unknown. We investigated phenological and phenotypic differentiation and potential reproductive isolation among three sympatric genetic races of Cytinus hypocistis (Cytinaceae) - an extreme endophytic holoparasite with a high degree of host specialisation. We compared spatio-temporal variations in flowering phenology, flower production, floral longevity, floral rewards, and morphology, and conducted inter-race pollinations among three races parasitising Cistus ladanifer, C. salviifolius, and Halimium halimifolium (Cistaceae) in six co-occurring populations. We found that host-defined genetic races differed significantly across multiple phenotypic and phenological aspects – a phenomenon previously overlooked due to the plants’ cryptic morphology. The race parasitising H. halimifolium showed earlier blooming, higher floral display, longer flowers, and higher pollen production and nectar concentration; the race on C. salviifolius showed later flowering, significantly lower floral display and smaller flowers with lower floral rewards; the race on C. ladanifer had intermediate characteristics. Genetic races were interfertile yet may remain differentiated by restricted gene flow and host-driven selection pressures. Together, our data point to a rare case of sympatric divergent evolution hiding in plain sight: apparently morphologically similar co-occurring parasite races can be genetically, phenotypically, and phenologically distinct. This hitherto unreported example of host-driven sympatric diversification challenges how species concepts are applied to cryptic parasitic plant races
Conditions for vegetative propagation of three key halophytes from habitats of EU community interest: substrate nature, salinity and PGP-bacterial interactions and cost evaluation
(Elsevier, 2025-04-18) Valle Romero, Pedro; Martín Peláez, María Rocío; Flores Duarte, Noris J.; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Puglielli, Giacomo; Zunzunegui González, María; Álvarez Cansino, Leonor; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
The ecological transition faces the challenge of expanding wetland restoration areas due to their critical role in ecosystem service provision. To improve restoration efforts, particularly in plant material production for revegetation, scientific knowledge is essential. This study focuses on establishing optimal vegetative propagation protocols for three slow-growing, perennial halophyte species from EU habitats of interest: Atriplex portulacoides, Arthrocaulon macrostachyum and Sporobolus maritimus. Cuttings were grown in three substrates (perlite, coconut fiber and mulch) with two salinity levels (0 and 171 mM NaCl) and three inoculation treatments (non-inoculated and inoculated with two plant growth-promoting (PGP) rhizobacteria consortia). Cuttings survival rate was species-specific, with A. portulacoides showing the highest survival range (78.75 ± 18.75) compared to the ranges observed for A. macrostachyum and S. maritimus (57.50 ± 12.50 % and 59.60 ± 9.00 %, respectively). Plants grown with coconut fiber performed best survival rate, followed by perlite independently of inoculation. Moreover, survival rates of S. maritimus were also enhanced by PGP inoculation. Similar patterns were observed for cutting development: cuttings grown in perlite, followed by coconut fiber, and exposed to high salinity showed higher above- and belowground biomass. By selecting this Substrate and Salinity, Inoculum had a positive effect on the development of A. portulacoides and A. macrostachyum. Furthermore, inoculated plants showed overall higher values of photosynthetic efficiency and carboxylation. Finally, a cost analysis comparing our approach to using direct transplant material indicates significant economic advantages. Our results provide compelling evidence to enhance nursery stock for future revegetation projects.
Genomic-Guided Conservation Actions to Restore the Most Endangered Conifer in the Mediterranean Basin.
(Wylei, 2024-12-06) Valle García, José Carlos del; Arista Palmero, Montserrat; Benítez Benítez, Carmen; Ortiz Ballesteros, Pedro Luis; Jiménez López, Francisco J.; Terrab Benjelloun, Anass; Balao Robles, Francisco J.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; European Union (UE)
Species with extremely small population sizes are critically endangered because of reduced genetic diversity, increased inbreed-ing and hybridisation threats. Genomic tools significantly advance conservation by revealing genetic insights into endangeredspecies, notably in monitoring frameworks. Sicilian fir (Abies nebrodensis) is the most endangered conifer in Europe with only30 adult trees in an 84-ha area. Using 20,824 SNPs from RAD-seq, employing genome assembly and a custom 120 SNP-array,we evaluated genetic diversity, mating patterns, and effective population size in adult trees, 118 natural seedlings, and 2064nursery seedlings from past conservation actions. We assessed introgression from neighbouring non-native fir plantations (~6%)and established an intra-population assisted gene flow (AGF) program selecting the most genetically dissimilar individuals andinvestigating the outcome through simulations. Genomic analysis unveiled significant genetic diversity among adult Sicilianfirs, comparable to non-endangered Mediterranean firs with larger populations. However, the genetic diversity of the forthcom-ing generation declined due to high self-fertilisation, leading to marked inbreeding (F IS = 0.38) and an alarmingly low effectivepopulation size (Ne = 6). Nursery seedling monitoring revealed similar selfing rates and introgression (~2%) from non-native firs.Although intra-population AGF could help to mitigate genetic loss, it may not alleviate the species vulnerability to imminentenvironmental challenges, perpetuating the risk of an extinction vortex. Hence, investigating the impact of Sicilian fir populationdecline and selfing on inbreeding depression, along with exploring the potential of hybrids for genetic load alleviation and futureadaptation, is crucial for effective conservation strategies
Francisella tularensis in Wild Lagomorphs in Southern Spain’s Mediterranean Ecosystems
(MDPI, 2024-11-23) Castro Scholten, Sabrina; García Bocanegra, Ignacio; Rejón Segura, Salvador; Cano Terriza, David; Jiménez Martín, Débora; Rouco Zufiaurre, Carlos; Caballero Gómez, Javier
Francisella tularensis is a vector-borne zoonotic bacterium that causes tularemia, a disease of great importance for animal and public health. Although wild lagomorphs are considered one of the major reservoirs of this bacterium, information about the circulation of F. tularensis in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) populations in Europe is still very limited. In Spain, F. tularensis is present in northern central regions, with recurrent outbreaks occurring annually. However, southern Spain has been neglected in terms of monitoring and research. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of F. tularensis in wild lagomorphs in the Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain through using molecular techniques. Spleen samples from 774 European wild rabbits and 178 Iberian hares were collected on 135 hunting grounds between the 2017/2018 and 2022/2023 hunting seasons. A primer set targeting the 16S rRNA gene was used for the detection of F. tularensis DNA. None of the 952 (0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0–0.4) wild lagomorphs sampled showed presence of F. tularensis DNA. Our finding indicates the absence or very low circulation of the bacterium in wild rabbit and Iberian hare populations in the Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain, denoting a limited risk of transmission of this pathogen from wild lagomorphs to other sympatric species, including human beings, in this Iberian region.
A Survey of the Commercial Traits and Antioxidant Status of Goat Milk in Mediterranean Pastoral Farms
(Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (CSIC-INIA), 2024) Delgado Pertíñez, Manuel; Mancilla Leytón, Juan Manuel; Morales Jerrett, Eduardo; Muñoz Vallés, Sara; Cruz, Verónica; Mena Guerrero, Yolanda; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Agronomía; Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA). España; European Commission. Fondo Social Europeo (FSO)
Aim of study: To enhance the viability of goat farms in Mediterranean mountain areas, studies have proposed strategies to improve the marketing of their animal products. The primary aim of this work was to provide an overview of the commercial traits and antioxidant composition of milk produced on Payoya farms. A second aim was to assess the relationships between the antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the hygiene-sanitary parameters in milk. Area of study: Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (Southern Spain). Material and methods: The commercial traits (total solids, fat, protein, lactose, bacterial and somatic cell counts) and TAC of milk were determined monthly throughout the year. Milk samples were collected from sixteen Payoya farms under grazing-based management systems classified into three clusters (Low-productivity grazing farms; More intensive grazing farms; High-productivity grazing farms). Main results: No significant differences were found between clusters in the milk quality. Principal changes were observed in the milk composition in different months due to the variation in the lactation stage and differences in feeding regimens. The negative correlation between the TAC and the somatic cell count contributes to the important role of antioxidants in maintaining optimal udder health. Vitamin A could be involved in this antioxidant mechanism due to the positive correlation between the TAC and retinol determined in a previous study. Research highlights: The information generated on the quality of goat milk would contribute to establishing the records of the traceability system to guarantee that the animal products obtained are of the Payoya native breed.

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