Artículos (Biología Vegetal y Ecología)

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

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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.
Framing challenges and polarized issues in invasion science: toward an interdisciplinary agenda
(Oxford University Press, 2024-10-14) Guareschi, Simone; Mathers, Kate L.; South, Josie; Navarro, Laetitia M.; Renals, Trevor; Hiley, Alice; Vilà, Montserrat; Wood, Paul J.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Academia de Ciencias de la República Checa; European Commission. Fondo Social Europeo (FSO); Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España
In a hyperconnected world, framing and managing biological invasions poses complex and contentious challenges, affecting socioeconomic and environmental sectors. This complexity distinguishes the field and fuels polarized debates. In the present article, we synthesize four contentious issues in invasion science that are rarely addressed together: vocabulary usage, the potential benefits of nonnative species,perceptions shifting because of global change, and rewilding practices and biological invasions.Researchers have predominantly focused on single issues; few have addressed multiple components of the debate within or across disciplinary boundaries. Ignoring the interconnected nature of these issues risks overlooking crucial cross-links. We advocate for interdisciplinary approaches that better integrate social and natural sciences. Although they are challenging, interdisciplinary collaborations offer hope to overcome polarization issues in invasion science. These may bridge disagreements, facilitate knowledge exchange, and reshape invasion science narratives. Finally, we present a contemporary agenda to advance future research, management, and constructive dialogue.
Delineating distinct sediment pollution signatures from diverse sources in a heavily contaminated estuary near an area of high cancer and cardiovascular mortality
(Elsevier, 2024-12-20) Contreras Llanes, Manuel; Santos Sánchez, Vanessa; Alguacil, Juan; Castillo Segura, Jesús Manuel; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología
Our study aimed to identify specific pollution signatures in marsh sediments using geochemical tracers in the highly polluted Odiel–Tinto Estuary prior to a planned restoration of the affected marshes. Tidal marshes in this estuary are heavily polluted from different sources such as acid mine drainage, industrial activities (including phosphogypsum stacks) and agricultural runoffs. We analysed the total concentrations of 48 chemical elements, pH, electrical conductivity, redox potential and texture of surface sediments from six marsh areas in the Odiel–Tinto Estuary and one in the adjacent Piedras Estuary. Spatial distribution maps were created using inverse distance weighting to visualise the distribution of elements associated with different pollution sources. We identified a specific pollution signature for PG stacks that distinguishes metal exposure from the other pollution sources in the Odiel–Tinto Estuary, such as acid mine drainage near mining waste deposits, an abandoned foundry and areas under intensive agricultural cultivation. Our results provide a valuable tool for discriminating between pollution sources, quantifying the most impacted areas of the salt marsh, assigning responsibility to the various polluting entities within the estuary, and setting a starting point to evaluate the impact of the RESTORE 2030 restoration plan in the Odiel–Tinto Estuary. The specific sediment pollution signatures identified may also be used as a reference to determine the impact of future interventions on existing pollution sources in estuaries or marshes polluted with phosphogypsum.
Pollen Season Variations among Anemophilous Species in an Atlantic-influenced Mediterranean Environment: a Long Term Study (1993–2022)
(Springer, 2025) Montiel, Nuria; Hidalgo, Pablo J.; Adame, José Antonio; González Minero, Francisco José; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; European Union (UE)
Numerous studies have shown that climate change is impacting the airborne pollen concentration of various anemophilous plant species, both herbaceous and woody. The aim of this study was to determine whether this trend, highly marked in Europe, is also occurring in the city of Huelva (south-western Spain), an area with a milder Mediterranean climate. The factors influencing the main pollen season were studied for all local taxa accounting for more than 1% of the total pollen collected, over the period 1993–2022, using a volumetric Hirst type trap to determine concentration. The study included a trend analysis of meteorological variables susceptible to climate change, specifically maximum, minimum and average temperature, precipitation and the number of hours of insolation per day. Although some of the variables analysed do not show significant trends for most taxa, such as start date or peak date, the overall results indicate a trend in the airborne pollen dynamics for herbaceous and woody taxa. Six of the eight woody taxa studied showed a significant trend towards increased pollen concentration, some of which are associated with temperature in previous seasons. In contrast, three of the five herbaceous taxa, which are more sensitive to short term meteorological variables, show a significant acceleration in the end date of the main pollen season, correlated negatively with temperature and insolation. In conclusion, some incipient changes are occurring, which may be indicative of future consequences on biodiversity in the Mediterranean area influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.
Green Flowers Need Yellow to get Noticed in a Green World
(Oxford, 2024) Valle García, José Carlos del; León Osper, M.; Domínguez González, C.; Buide, M.; Arista Palmero, Montserrat; Ortiz Ballesteros, Pedro Luis; Whittall, J. B.; Narbona, E.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Background and Aims Flower colour is a key feature in plant–pollinator interactions that makes the flowers visible amid the surrounding green vegetation. Green flowers are expected to be scarcely conspicuous to pollinators; however, many of them are visited by pollinators even in the absence of other traits that might attract pollinators (e.g. floral scents). In this study, we investigate how entomophilous species with green flowers are perceived by pollinators. Methods We obtained reflectance spectra data of 30 European species that display green or green–yellow flowers to the human eye. These data were used to perform spectral analyses, to calculate both chromatic (colour contrast against the background) and achromatic (colour contrast that relies on the signals from the green-sensitive photoreceptors) cues and to model colour perception by hymenopterans (bees) and dipterans (flies). Key Results The visibility of green flowers to bees and flies (i.e. their chromatic contrast values) was lower compared with other floral colours commonly pollinated by these insects, whereas green–yellow flowers were as conspicuous as the other flower colours. Green flowers with low chromatic contrast values exhibited higher achromatic contrast, which is used to detect distant flowers at narrow visual angles, than green–yellow flowers. Additionally, the marker points (i.e. sharp transition in floral reflectance that aids pollinators in locating them) of green and green–yellow flowers aligned to some degree with the colour discrimination abilities of bees and flies. Conclusions We found that many entomophilous green and green–yellow flowers are conspicuous to bees and flies through their chromatic or achromatic contrasts. Although acquiring pigments such as carotenoids, which impart a yellowish hue to flowers and enhance their visibility to pollinators, could increase their conspicuousness, the metabolic costs of pigment production, along with the use of alternative strategies to attract pollinators, might have constrained carotenoid emergence in certain lineages of green-flowered species.
Evaluation of Dried Blood Spots for Serological Surveys of Myxoma and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Viruses in their Wild Reservoir
(Elsevier, 2025) Ferreira e Silva, Joana; Jiménez Ruiz, Saúl; Rodrigues, Marisa; Santos, Emídio; Castro Scholten, Sabrina; Lizana, Vitor; Martí Marco, Alba; Almeida, Tereza; Lopes, Ana M.; Abrantes, Joana; Rouco Zufiaurre, Carlos; Santos, Nuno; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Portugal; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Life Iberconejo
Myxoma (MYXV) and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV) viruses are pathogens of economic relevance for cuniculture and conservation concern for wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), recently classified as ‘Endangered’ in its native range. Large-scale serological surveys, facilitated by sample collection using dried blood spots (DBS), allow monitoring seroprevalence in the wild reservoir but require evaluating the technique for the host and pathogen of interest. This study aimed to evaluate Protein Saver 903 DBS for MYXV and RHDV (genotype GI.2) serological surveys in European rabbits. Paired serum and DBS collected from 172 rabbits harvested or found dead in the Iberian Peninsula were tested for IgG antibodies specific against MYXV and RHDV GI.2 using indirect ELISA. We found an almost perfect agreement between serum and DBS for MYXV (Cohen's κ=0.914, CI95 0.847 – 0.981) and a strong agreement for RHDV GI.2 (Cohen's κ=0.808, CI95=0.722 – 0.893). The diagnostic sensitivity of DBS was 95.4 % (CI95 90.3 – 97.9 %) for MYXV and 82.1 % (CI95 73.2 – 88.5 %) for RHDV GI.2. The diagnostic specificity and positive predictive value were 100 % for both pathogens. This study supports DBS as a suitable sampling strategy for serological surveys of antibodies specific to MYXV and RHDV GI.2 in European rabbits, which generally agrees with results from other hosts and pathogens where this technique was evaluated.
Downscaling Mutualistic Networks from Species to Individuals Reveals Consistent Interaction Niches and Roles within Plant Populations
(National Academy of Sciences, 2025) Quintero Borrero, Elena; Arroyo Correa, Blanca; Isla, Jorge; Rodríguez Sánchez, Francisco; Jordano Barbudo, Pedro D.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; European Union (UE); Caixa Catalunya; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Universidad de Sevilla
Species-level networks emerge as the combination of interactions spanning multiple individuals, and their study has received considerable attention over the past 30 y. However, less is known about the structure of interaction configurations within species, even though individuals are the actual interacting units in nature. We compiled 46 empirical, individual-based, interaction networks on plant-animal seed dispersal mutualisms, comprising 1,037 plant individuals across 29 species from various regions. We compared the structure of individual-based networks to that of species-based networks and, by extending the niche concept to interaction assemblages, we explored individual plant specialization. Using a Bayesian framework to account for uncertainty derived from sampling, we examined how plant individuals “explore” the interaction niche of their populations. Both individual-based and species-based networks exhibited high variability in network properties, lacking remarkable structural and topological differences between them. Within populations, frugivores’ interaction allocation among plant individuals was highly heterogeneous, with one to three frugivore species dominating interactions. Regardless of species or bioregion, plant individuals displayed a variety of interaction profiles across populations, with a consistently-small percentage of individuals playing a central role and exhibiting high diversity in their interaction assemblage. Plant populations showed variable mid to low levels of niche specialization; and individuals’ interaction niche “breadth” accounted for 70% of the population interaction diversity, on average. Our results highlight how downscaling from species to individual-based networks helps understanding the structuring of interactions within ecological communities and provide an empirical basis for the extension of niche theory to complex mutualistic networks.
Development of a PGPB-based Biofertilizer to Optimize Strawberry Cultivation in Semiarid regions: Screening, Validation and Scaling up to Commercial Production
(Elsevier, 2025) Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; García López, Jesús V.; Flores Duarte, Noris J.; Romano Rodríguez, Elena; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pérez Romero, Jesús Alberto; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
The interest in the use of PGPR-based biofertilizers has increased in the last few years, since they may allow crops to increase their productivity through alleviating environmental stress. However, this promising technology is still at an early experimental stage since the majority of evidence has been obtained under controlled conditions. Therefore, the technology readiness levels (TRL) of PGPR-based biofertilizers is in low phases (1–4; laboratory environment), so it is necessary to focus on higher phases to achieve real implementation. In this study, our aim was to reach levels framed between TRLs 5–6, from relevant to the real environment, which addresses the design and development of a definitive prototype of PGPR-based biofertilizer to improve strawberry production under two agronomic managements [FS1 (100 % application of evapotranspired water and conventional fertilizer application) and FS2 (70 % application of irrigation and fertilization reduction to 70 %)] through three experimental phases (1: biofertilizer screening; 2: validation under greenhouse; and 3: trial validation in a commercial strawberry production facility). Phases 1 and 2 allowed us to select biofertilizer 2 (PGP strains SDT3, HPJ40, SMT38, SRT15 and S110) which was able to increase production c. 13 % and 23 % under the FS1 and FS2 treatments, respectively. Furthermore, a significant relationship was also found between biofertilizer supply and the accumulation of primary metabolites. These positive effects were associated with the higher plant carbon assimilation capacity and photosystem energy efficiency. Commercial facility trial validation results showed an increase of 10 % and 8 % in inoculated plots with respect to non-inoculated plots under FS1 and FS2 treatments, respectively. Likewise, this positive effect was related to positive physiological responses. Although the biofertilizer effect was less acute than under laboratory conditions, the magnitude of the percentages obtained was important enough to validate the positive impact of biofertilizer 2 on strawberry yield in the real environment to be able to verify the development of this technology up to level 6.
Decline of Aquatic Plants in an Iconic European Protected Natural Area
(Elsevier, 2025) García Murillo, Pablo; Díaz Paniagua, Carmen; Fernández Zamudio, Rocío; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
We examined occurrence patterns over time for aquatic vascular plant species in a major European natural protected area: Doñana National Park (southwestern Spain). We used all available records (1965 to the present) for aquatic vascular plants found in the park's pond network. Information was available for 38 species across 263 sites, including more than 100 ponds that were intensively monitored between 2001 and 2023. Our results show that aquatic vascular plant species began to decline in the last third of the 20th century. Two phases were apparent: 1) an early phase (late 20th century), during which declines in aquatic vascular plant populations were largely provoked by the arrival of an invasive species, Procambarus clarkii, and 2) a more recent phase during which the overexploitation of the aquifer has resulted in many ponds drying up and in shorter flooding periods in the remaining ponds. At present, nine species have disappeared, and 72% of the remaining species have smaller ranges. Our findings suggest that the dramatic local extinction and decline of Doñana's various aquatic plant populations is a consequence of the rapid habitat loss that has occurred in recent decades. Historically, the park's pond network acted as a refuge for many endangered and unique species facing major threats to their survival. Such no longer appears to be the case.
Microbial Strategies in Non-target Invasive Spartina Densiflora for Heavy Metal Clean up in Polluted Saltmarshes
(Elsevier, 2020) Mesa Marín, Jennifer; Redondo Gómez, Susana; 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 Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Rhizoremediation is the use of microorganisms from the rhizosphere to assist plant phytoremediation. Optimistic results have been obtained these years for this biotool, but its effects in non-target cohabiting species has never been studied. This concern, in principle pointless, gains importance when the non-target species is an invasive plant. It is the case of highly polluted saltmarshes in SW Spain, where the native cordgrass Spartina maritima, proposed for heavy metal rhizoremediation, cohabitates with the invasive Spartina densiflora. In this work, we designed a greenhouse experiment where S. densiflora was placed in pots with natural metal polluted soil from Tinto marsh and inoculated with a bacterial consortium designed for rhizoremediation purposes with S. maritima. After 30 days of treatment, our data revealed that inoculated S. densiflora showed better fitness and metal accumulation capacity than non-inoculated control plants. This enhancement was demonstrated by increased S. densiflora biomass (58% for belowground tissues), amelioration of photosynthetic parameters (i.e., 48% for net photosynthetic rate (AN) and stomatal conductance (gs) and 17% for intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE)), and finally by an increase of inoculated S. densiflora root metal uptake, reaching around 40% in case of cadmium and lead. Within this scenario, the rhizoremediation strategy proposed using S. maritima should be managed cautiously, and if would be entitled to determine to which extent its practical implementation may boost invasive capability of S. densiflora.
Inter-population Differences Tolerance to Cu Excess During the Initials Phases of Juncus Acutus Life Cycle: Implications for the Design of Metal Restoration Strategies
(Taylor and Francis, 2019) Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Pérez Romero, Jesús Alberto; Mesa Marín, Jennifer; López Jurado, Javier; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (MECD). España
The research on the plant population metal intra-specific tolerance variability is of paramount importance for the design of phytoremediation restoration. The aim of this study was to asses if any variability exists in the copper stress response during seed germination and seedling development in Juncus acutus depending on provenance habitat. Our results showed that J. acutus were able to germinate until Cu concentration of 23 mM Cu, but at 15 and 23 mM Cu, the final percentage of germination were 100 and 68% for seeds derived from polluted area and were 86 and 40% for those collected in non-polluted one, respectively. Moreover, the germination kinetic was more impaired by Cu concentration in those no historically exposed to metal excess. Provenance effect was also reflected in seedlings survival and development; thus at 9 mM Cu higher survival percentage, total height and dry mass were recorded in seedlings derived from no polluted area compared with their historically exposed counterparts. Therefore, we can conclude that the variability of Cu tolerance in J. acutus should be considered for the design of restoration projects, since it allows use of provenances with greater potential as a source of propagules highly adapted to metal excess.
Climate change and exotic pathogens shift carbon allocation in Mediterranean mixed forests
(2024-10-09) Gaytán, Álvaro; Matías Resina, Luis; Godoy, Óscar; Pérez Ramos, Ignacio M.; Homet, Pablo; Moreira, Xoaquin; Gómez Aparicio, Lorena; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Forecasting the effects of global change drivers on ecosystems is one of the most pressing challenges for scientists worldwide. Particularly, climate change and exotic pathogens might have a large impact on plant community dynamics and ecosystem functioning through changes in carbon uptake and sinks. Nevertheless, we still have a poor understanding of the combined effects of these two drivers on plant communities. Here, we explored the impact of rainfall reduction and exotic pathogens on the carbon balance of Mediterranean tree species. For this, we performed a 3-year field experiment taking advantage of rainfall exclusion infrastructures (30% exclusion) installed in the southernmost European oak forests invaded by the aggressive exotic pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. We measured a set of 10 variables representative of tree carbon sources (photosynthetic rates) and sinks (primary production, reproduction, defence, and reserves) in adult trees of three species in two forest types: closed forests of Quercus suber and Q. canariensis, and open woodlands of Q. suber and Olea europaea. We found a large variability in the sensitivity of the different carbon sources and sinks to the effects of drought and pathogens, from variables highly sensitive to both factors (carbon fixation and reproduction, root chemistry) to variables only responsive to drought (litter production) or totally unresponsive (tree trunk, leaf chemistry). Although negative effects predominated, positive effects of rainfall exclusion were also detected in wet years, likely due to a reduction of pathogen abundance in drier soil. Trade-offs between carbon sinks appeared in all tree species, but rainfall exclusion only modified trade-offs in Q. suber, the species most susceptible to P. cinnamomi. Synthesis. We provide evidence on the complexity of the combined effects of abiotic (drought) and biotic (pathogens) global change drivers on carbon source and sinks of adult trees, including both negative direct effects and positive indirect effects. Our results showed that these effects varied among co-existing species, particularly for carbon sinks directly related to tree demography (reproduction). Therefore, long-term changes in the structure of Mediterranean mixed forests might be expected towards the dominance of species highly resistant to both drought and pathogens.

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