AusTraits, a curated plant trait database for the Australian flora

We introduce the AusTraits database - a compilation of values of plant traits for taxa in the Australian flora (hereafter AusTraits). AusTraits synthesises data on 448 traits across 28,640 taxa from field campaigns, published literature, taxonomic monographs, and individual taxon descriptions. Traits vary in scope from physiological measures of performance (e.g. photosynthetic gas exchange, water-use efficiency) to morphological attributes (e.g. leaf area, seed mass, plant height) which link to aspects of ecological variation. AusTraits contains curated and harmonised individual- and species-level measurements coupled to, where available, contextual information on site properties and experimental conditions. This article provides information on version 3.0.2 of AusTraits which contains data for 997,808 trait-by-taxon combinations. We envision AusTraits as an ongoing collaborative initiative for easily archiving and sharing trait data, which also provides a template for other national or regional initiatives globally to fill persistent gaps in trait knowledge

AusTraits, a curated plant trait database for the Australian flora

We introduce the AusTraits database - a compilation of values of plant traits for taxa in the Australian flora (hereafter AusTraits). AusTraits synthesises data on 448 traits across 28,640 taxa from field campaigns, published literature, taxonomic monographs, and individual taxon descriptions. Traits vary in scope from physiological measures of performance (e.g. photosynthetic gas exchange, water-use efficiency) to morphological attributes (e.g. leaf area, seed mass, plant height) which link to aspects of ecological variation. AusTraits contains curated and harmonised individual- and species-level measurements coupled to, where available, contextual information on site properties and experimental conditions. This article provides information on version 3.0.2 of AusTraits which contains data for 997,808 trait-by-taxon combinations. We envision AusTraits as an ongoing collaborative initiative for easily archiving and sharing trait data, which also provides a template for other national or regional initiatives globally to fill persistent gaps in trait knowledge

Pattern of solutes accumulated during leaf osmotic adjustment as related to duration of water deficit for wheat at the reproductive stage

This study examined expression of osmotic adjustment (OA) and accumulation of solutes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L) leaves in response to water deficit (WD) imposed at the reproductive stage. Two contrasting cultivars, Hartog and Sunco (putatively high and low in OA capacity, respectively), were grown in deep (viz. 80 cm) pots in a controlled environment. In a sandy substrate, leaf OA was 5-times greater in Hartog compared with Sunco. At 21 d of WD treatment, K(+) only accounted for 12% of OA in Hartog and 48% in Sunco with less OA (i.e. tissue K(+) led to different proportions owing to different magnitudes of OA). Glycinebetaine and proline also increased under WD, but these were not significant osmotica on a whole tissue basis. Hartog accumulated dry matter faster than Sunco under WD, and this was consistent with greater water extraction by Hartog than by Sunco. In a second experiment on Hartog, with loam added to the sand to increase water-holding capacity and thus enable a longer draw-down period, leaf OA increased to 0.37 MPa at 37 d of withholding water. K(+) increased up to 16 d of drying and then decreased towards 37 d. Glycinebetaine, proline, glucose and fructose all increased during the draw-down period, although with different dynamics: e.g. glycinebetaine increased linearly whereas glucose showed an exponential increase. By contrast, sucrose declined. K(+) was the major contributor to OA (viz. 54%) up to 30 d of drying, whereas glycinebetaine, proline and glucose were major contributors later (at d 37 these organic solutes each accounted for 19, 21 and 21% of OA). Thus, the various solutes that contributed to leaf OA in wheat cv. Hartog accumulated at different times as WD developed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved

Isles of Scilly seagrass mapping

The objectives of this study are to utilise aerial survey and GIS methods, along with historic information, contextual information, and ground truthing to produce an up to date, accurate, GIS based map showing the current extent of seagrass (Zostera marina) in the Isles of Scilly. The results will enable changes in the extent of the seagrass to be monitored and so inform the site managers as to any changes that may need to be made to the future management of the SAC

Isles of Scilly seagrass mapping

Under the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive the UK Government has established a series of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) which, with Special Protection Areas, form a series known as Natura 2000 (N2K). Articles 11 and 17(1) of the Habitats Directive require that member states regularly assess the ecological condition of the designated features within the N2K series. Condition Assessment of European Marine Sites is carried out on a six yearly cycle, and it is the responsibility of Natural England to report this to Europe through the JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee). One of the qualifying marine features for SAC designation is sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time. Extensive meadows of the seagrass Zostera marina are a key sub-feature of this biotope. The Isles of Scilly SAC was selected for subtidal sandbanks and Zostera meadows. The objectives of this study are to utilise aerial survey and GIS methods, along with historic information, contextual information, and ground truthing to produce an up to date, accurate, GIS based map showing the current extent of seagrass Zostera marina in the Isles of Scilly. The results will enable changes in the extent of the seagrass to be monitored and so inform the site managers as to any changes that may need to be made to the future management of the SAC. This report is being published to inform managers and to allow others to review the work, as well as to develop and adapt monitoring programmes for this and other SACs

Summer dormancy and winter growth: root survival strategy in a perennial monocotyledon

Here, we tested the alternation of root summer dormancy and winter growth as a critical survival strategy for a long-lived monocotyledon (Restionaceae) adapted to harsh seasonal extremes of Mediterranean southwest Western Australia. • Measurements of g