21 research outputs found
Identification of differentially expressed genes implicated in peel color (red and green) of Dimocarpus confinis
Soilâborne pathogens as determinants of regeneration patterns at community level in Mediterranean forests
13 pĂĄginas.- 4 figuras.- 4 tablas.- 93 referenciasEmergent diseases are an increasing problem in forests worldwide. Exotic pathogens are now threatening forests where pathogens have not traditionally been considered to be major ecological drivers of tree demography, such as waterâlimited Mediterranean forests. However, how pathogens might limit regeneration in invaded forests is largely unknown.
Here we used fungicide to analyse the impact of soilâborne oomycete pathogens on seedling establishment at community level in Mediterranean forests invaded by the exotic oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi . Fungicide effects were modelled as a function of the tree neighbourhood composition, the seed mass of the target species, and the abiotic environment.
Fungicide application had positive effects on seedling performance that varied in magnitude and spatial structure among coexisting species. Seed mass predicted fungicide effects on seedling emergence, but not on survival or growth. Positive fungicide effects were modulated by levels of abiotic resources, mainly water, increasing with soil moisture.
Our results support a novel role for soilâborne oomycete pathogens as one more axis of the regeneration niche of woody species in waterâlimited forests. Given the increasing numbers of exotic oomycete pathogens worldwide, more research is needed to understand the role of this relevant microbial group as a factor shaping seedling establishment.This research was supported by the Ministerio de EconomĂa y Competitividad (MICINN) projects CGL2011-26877 and CGL2014-56739-R. JD-B was supportedby a FPI-MEC grant (BES- 2012-055113) and JMA by a FPU-MEC grant (AP2010-0229Peer reviewe