The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study

Large clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of >5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing >10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions.The database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated.Most Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost three-quarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented.Within Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades

The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study

Background and Aims Large clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of >5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing >10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions. Methods The database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated. Key Results Most Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost three-quarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented. Conclusions Within Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades

Brazil nuts in the Peruvian Amazon: Linking genetic diversity and sustainable forest management of a socio-ecological system

• Non-timber forest products offer a critical opportunity for supporting sustainable development of rural communities and conservation of natural ecosystems. The Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) is arguably the most prominent NFTP from the Neo-tropics, as a globallytraded product from a hyperdominant carbon-rich tree and cornerstone species for rainforest conservation with potential for restoration. Hence, this species has the capacity to contribute to resilient stewardship of forest landscapes, while generating income and improving the livelihood of a vast number of people and local communities throughout the Amazon basin, as well as playing a role in climate change mitigation. • Although it is a protected species, the habitat where Brazil nuts occur is being degraded due to logging of other tree species and land conversion from forest to unsustainable agricultural systems. In this thesis I adopt an interdisciplinary approach across ecosystem management and applied molecular ecology and genomics to 1) Explore the reproductive vulnerability of natural Brazil nut populations in a categorized forest-degradation gradient in the highly biodiverse region of Madre de Dios; 2) Increase our understanding of the role of forest genetic resources as a foundation for resilient oroduction and a vital source of material for forest enrichment and Brazil-nut based restoration; and 3) Provide evidence-based recommendations for management practices that have demonstrated positive effects on the sustainability of Brazil nut populations and its value for restoration. • For genetic analyses, I used a combination of traditional microsatellite SSR loci and developed ddRAD-generated SNPs novel to the species. I place the overall results in the context of patterns of fine-scale genetic structure (FSFS), comparisons genetic-diversity and pollen geneflow patterns, signs of inbreeding through genetic erosion, heterozygosity-fitness correlations related to survival, growth and fruit productivity, monitoring of the success of planting initiatives, and exploration of cost-efficient management practices from collaborative research components. • These findings are detailed and discussed in three main chapters, followed by an additional genome-size technical note and information from co-authored studies related to similar topics within sustainable forest management. Together, they aim to contribute to our holistic understanding of approaches required for resilient management of this vulnerable and socioecologically valuable Amazon rainforest species

Genetic threats to the Forest Giants of the Amazon: Habitat degradation effects on the socio-economically important Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa)

La castaña es un producto forestal no maderero de gran valor procedente de una especie arbórea silvestre, hiperdominante y emergente que es cada vez más vulnerable y está expuesta a la degradación del hábitat. Aportamos pruebas de cómo los recursos genéticos de la castaña se ven afectados negativamente por la degradación de los bosques y examinamos las consecuencias de ello para el éxito de la reproducción. Para evitar los efectos negativos de la erosión genética y la endogamia, examinamos la necesidad de poner fin a la conversión forestal en gran escala y de promover la conectividad del paisaje. Esto podría apoyar el flujo de genes, mantener la diversidad genética entre los individuos que se reproducen en patrones agrupados y contribuir a asegurar la viabilidad reproductiva a largo plazo y la resistencia de este alto nivel socioeconómico y ecológico. especies valiosas.Revisión por pares

Establishment success of Brazil nut trees in smallholder Amazon forest restoration depends on site conditions and management

1. Forest landscape restoration (FLR) has gained momentum globally and guidance is needed to identify those species, sites and planting methods that increase restoration success. Incorporating native Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) species in FLR approaches provides an opportunity to simultaneously deliver ecological and economic benefits. The Brazil nut tree is one of the most valuable Amazonian NTFP species and could fulfil a cornerstone role in Amazon FLR. However, the factors defining establishment success within Brazil nut restoration activities remain unknown. 2. Here, we evaluate the effect of management practices, restoration site (pastures, agroforestry, secondary forest and canopy gaps in old growth forest) and environmental conditions on the establishment success (tree growth, survival and fruit production) of Brazil nut restoration projects implemented by smallholders in the Peruvian Amazon. We performed a field study at 25 restoration sites of 1–38 years in age, where we conducted measurements on 481 trees and interviewed 21 smallholders. We used mixed effect models to identify drivers of performance. 3. Twenty years after planting, diameter growth in secondary forests was 38%, 34%, and 24% higher than in canopy gaps, pastures, and agroforestry sites, respectively. Survival rate was similar for trees planted in pastures and secondary forests, but 15–20% higher there than trees planted in agroforestry sites, and 7–12% higher than in canopy gaps. Fruit production was 262% higher for reproductive trees in secondary forest sites compared to pastures, but production probability did not differ between restoration sites. These results show that secondary forests are the most suitable sites for planting Brazil nut trees. 4. In addition to restoration site effects, we also found significant effects of management practices. Survival rate increased with application of fire for clearing and weeding and economic investments and decreased with potentially inefficient herbivore protection. Fruit production was lower for trees planted further away from smallholders’ homes. These results show that smallholders’ management has a substantial effect on establishment success. 5. Our findings suggest a significant importance of post-planting maintenance of trees to increase success of FLR projects. Further, our study shows that evaluation of past restoration activities can guide future forest restoration in tropical landscapes.ISSN:0378-1127ISSN:1872-704

Establishment success of Brazil nut trees in smallholder Amazon forest restoration depends on site conditions and management

1. Forest landscape restoration (FLR) has gained momentum globally and guidance is needed to identify those species, sites and planting methods that increase restoration success. Incorporating native Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) species in FLR approaches provides an opportunity to simultaneously deliver ecological and economic benefits. The Brazil nut tree is one of the most valuable Amazonian NTFP species and could fulfil a cornerstone role in Amazon FLR. However, the factors defining establishment success within Brazil nut restoration activities remain unknown. 2. Here, we evaluate the effect of management practices, restoration site (pastures, agroforestry, secondary forest and canopy gaps in old growth forest) and environmental conditions on the establishment success (tree growth, survival and fruit production) of Brazil nut restoration projects implemented by smallholders in the Peruvian Amazon. We performed a field study at 25 restoration sites of 1–38 years in age, where we conducted measurements on 481 trees and interviewed 21 smallholders. We used mixed effect models to identify drivers of performance. 3. Twenty years after planting, diameter growth in secondary forests was 38%, 34%, and 24% higher than in canopy gaps, pastures, and agroforestry sites, respectively. Survival rate was similar for trees planted in pastures and secondary forests, but 15–20% higher there than trees planted in agroforestry sites, and 7–12% higher than in canopy gaps. Fruit production was 262% higher for reproductive trees in secondary forest sites compared to pastures, but production probability did not differ between restoration sites. These results show that secondary forests are the most suitable sites for planting Brazil nut trees. 4. In addition to restoration site effects, we also found significant effects of management practices. Survival rate increased with application of fire for clearing and weeding and economic investments and decreased with potentially inefficient herbivore protection. Fruit production was lower for trees planted further away from smallholders’ homes. These results show that smallholders’ management has a substantial effect on establishment success. 5. Our findings suggest a significant importance of post-planting maintenance of trees to increase success of FLR projects. Further, our study shows that evaluation of past restoration activities can guide future forest restoration in tropical landscapes

The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study

Background and Aims: Large clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of \u3e5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing \u3e10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions. Methods: The database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated. Key Results: Most Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost three-quarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented. Conclusions: Within Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades

The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study

• Background and Aims Large clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of >5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing >10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions. • Methods The database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated. • Key Results Most Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost threequarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented. • Conclusions Within Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades.Fil: Ollerton, Jeff. University of Northampton; Reino UnidoFil: Liede Schumann, Sigrid. University of Bayreuth; AlemaniaFil: Endress, Mary E.. Universitat Zurich; SuizaFil: Meve, Ulrich. University of Bayreuth; AlemaniaFil: Rech, André Rodrigo. Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri; BrasilFil: Shuttleworth, Adam. University of KwaZulu-Natal; SudáfricaFil: Keller, Hector Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste; ArgentinaFil: Fishbein, Mark. Oklahoma State University; Estados UnidosFil: Alvarado Cárdenas, Leonardo O.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Amorim, Felipe W.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Bernhardt, Peter. Saint Louis University; Estados UnidosFil: Celep, Ferhat. No especifíca;Fil: Chirango, Yolanda. University of Cape Town; SudáfricaFil: Chiriboga Arroyo, Fidel. Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich; SuizaFil: Civeyrel, Laure. Université de Toulouse; FranciaFil: Cocucci, Andrea Aristides. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Cranmer, Louise. University of Northampton; Reino UnidoFil: Da Silva Batista, Inara Carolina. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: De Jager, Linde. University of the Free State; SudáfricaFil: Deprá, Mariana Scaramussa. Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro; BrasilFil: Domingos Melo, Arthur. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Dvorsky, Courtney. Saint Louis University; Reino UnidoFil: Gorostiague, Pablo. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales. Escuela de Agronomía. Laboratorio de Investigaciones Botánicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta; ArgentinaFil: Galetto, Leonardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Torres, Carolina Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Wiemer, Ana Pia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Yamashiro,Tadashi. Tokushima University; JapónFil: Nadia,Tarcila. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Queiroz, Joel. Universidade Federal da Paraiba; BrasilFil: Quirino, Zelma. Universidade Federal da Paraiba; Brasi