Abstract:Wetland sedges mediate nutrient retention but depend on rhizosphere microbes for nitrogen transformations. We sequence rhizosphere metagenomes from sedge stands along a documented phosphorus and nitrogen gradient and annotate genes involved in denitrification and methanogenesis. Enriched sites show reduced functional diversity in nitrogen-cycling pathways, with implications for methane flux under continued eutrophication pressure.
Abstract:Understory herbs experience steep light gradients that should favor adaptive plasticity in photosynthetic traits. We transplant clonal fragments of six species across experimentally manipulated shade treatments and measure specific leaf area, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic capacity. Plastic responses are species-specific and partially decouple from phylogenetic relatedness, indicating repeated evolution of shade strategies within the community.
Abstract:Riparian corridors facilitate both native biodiversity and invasive plant spread. We compare bee visitation to co-flowering native and invasive shrubs along three river segments using timed focal-plant observations and pan traps. Invasive-dominated reaches attract high bee abundance but reduce visit diversity to native co-flowering species, suggesting competition for pollinator attention that may slow native recruitment.
Abstract:Low phosphorus availability constrains legume productivity on weathered soils common in Mediterranean climates. We quantify root length density, cortical aerenchyma, and exudate profiles in six native legume species grown in stratified sand columns. Species with deeper coarse-root systems maintain uptake at low bulk phosphorus concentrations, while shallow fibrous roots depend on localized solubilization by rhizosphere microbes.
Abstract:Historical collections offer long temporal baselines rarely available from field monitoring alone. We georeference 1,840 herbarium specimens of ten montane forbs collected over 120 years and model elevational centroids against regional warming trends. Most species show upward displacement of median elevation, but trailing-edge populations persist on north-facing slopes, implying heterogeneous extinction debt across the assemblage.
Abstract:Crop wild relatives harbor microbial partners that may confer stress tolerance absent in domesticated lines. We isolate root-associated fungi from drought-prone barley populations and inoculate seedlings under controlled water deficit. Several endophyte strains improve biomass retention and stomatal regulation without increasing water use efficiency penalties, suggesting exploitable symbioses for pre-breeding programs.
Abstract:Alpine sedges occupy nutrient-poor fens yet tolerate wide temperature swings, making them useful models for cold-adaptation genomics. We generate a chromosome-scale assembly using long-read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding from a single individual collected above treeline. Annotation reveals expanded gene families linked to membrane stability and stress signaling relative to lowland congeners, supporting targeted comparative analyses across the genus.
Abstract:Habitat fragmentation can disrupt mutualistic interactions without immediately reducing species richness. We compare pollination networks across eight forest patches of varying size and connectivity using standardized transect sampling over two flowering seasons. Smaller remnants show higher network specialization but lower redundancy, with generalist pollinators buffering the loss of specialist links only when adjacent matrix vegetation remains structurally diverse.
Abstract:Timely irrigation decisions require indicators that work at sub-field scale. We fly weekly multispectral missions over 36 wheat plots under controlled deficit irrigation and compare vegetation indices to stomatal conductance ground truth. A red-edge based index outperforms NDVI for detecting stress three to five days before visible wilting.
Abstract:Breeding for yield can unintentionally alter defensive chemistry. We profile headspace VOCs from eight chickpea cultivars and link emission suites to oviposition preference in a specialist bruchid. A subset of terpenoid-rich lines reduces attraction without yield penalty in field cages, pointing to a tractable resistance trait.