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iDiv Conference 2016
Abstracts Posters
P-Andrz
Biodiversity Patterns
Andrzejak, Martin
Martin Andrzejak (MLU)
Ecosystems in a fast changing world. How stability influences the
biodiversity of Ecosystems.
In the last decades, researchers have focused on developing new strategies to
preserve biodiversity at the ecosystem level. In this context, protected areas were
created to provide a landscape level protection of biodiversity dynamics.
Furthermore, this approach often assumes that rather stable ecosystems are
strongly related to higher levels of biodiversity. Here we put to test this latest
assumption by, at the global scale, determining if protected areas with higher
biodiversity levels are significantly related to more stable ecosystems. Ecological
stability is here assessed by analyzing the temporal and spatial dynamics of
vegetation cover using a monthly dataset produced based on
MODIS/Terra L3 products. Following this framework, we have assessed different
approaches to determine temporal trends in vegetation cover, testing them in a
case study in Brazil comparing between areas in the core tropical forest with areas
subject to documented deforestation activities. With this exercise we aimed to
determine if the methods implemented were sensitive to identify the vegetation
trends and the timing of changes within specific sample sites. In the future, we plan
to use these preliminary results to identify different levels of stability (according to
different temporal ranges) and expand this analysis at the global scale. Finally, this
will allow to assess the relationbetween ecological stability and biodiversity by
combining our results with published biodiversity databases (e.g. PREDICTS).
Co-Authors
Carlos António Guerra (iDiv), Isabel Maria Duarte Rosa (iDiv)
Keywords
conservation, resilience, spatial modeling, temporal patterns, vegetation
change/trends
P-Cácer
Biodiversity Patterns
Cáceres, Yolanda
Yolanda Cáceres (MLU)
Combined effects of altitude, fire and biotic interactions on the
regeneration of subtropical mountain forest species in Central Argentina
Climate change is predicted to indirectly increase the occurrence of extreme
disturbances such as wildfires. Global evidence indicates that rising temperatures
and more pronounced drought events, together with changes in land-use, will
exacerbate both fire frequency and fire intensity in many ecosystems, leading to
changes in associated vegetation structure, species composition and ecosystem
functioning.
Our project addresses the questions of how environmental stress and disturbance
affect post-fire regeneration of native mountain tree/woody species in subtropical
Central Argentina across an elevational gradient, and how responses of woody
species are mediated by biotic interactions and local adaptation.
We combine observational and manipulative experimental studies to shed light on
the interplay of climate change, livestock impact and plant-plant interactions on the
responses of subtropical forest species to post-fire environments.
Our integrative approach, which joins an observational study along opposing
gradients of temperature and moisture with field experiments aims to enhance our
understanding of species responses to climate warming and to post-fire
disturbances and additionally to provide baseline data urgently required to allow for
the initiation of mountain forest restoration.
Co-Authors
Isabell Hensen (MLU), Daniel Renison (Univesidad Nacional de Córdoba)
Keywords
forest ecology, climate change, seedlings, regeneration, fire, tolerance
P-Durka
Biodiversity Patterns
Durka, Walter
Walter Durka (UFZ)
What´s in the GCEF - intraspecific phenotypic and genetic variation of
plants in grassland plots
In the Global Change Experimental Facility, species rich plots of extensively used
grassland were established using seeds from multiple regional populations. We
established a common garden using the original seed material and quantified
phenotypic traits (biomass, flowers, SLA, LDMC) and ask whether source
populations differ in their traits. In addition we used AFLP markers to genetically
compare source populations and plants from current GCEF plots, proofing high
genetic variation and mixture of sources in the GCEF. We show preliminary results
for the comparison of climate and land use treatments on AFLP marker diversity.
Co-Authors
Anna-Maria Madaj (UFZ), Stefan Michalski (UFZ)
Keywords
plant population genetics
P-Häußl
Biodiversity Functions
Häußler, Johanna
Johanna Häußler (iDiv)
Using spatially explicit process-based modelling to quantify wild bee
dynamics and their pollination services
Crop pollination by wild bees is an important ecosystem service and therefore it is
crucial to understand and predict impacts from e.g. land-use decisions, pesticide
management and future climate change. Useful models can be spatially explicit
quantitative models integrating bee’s foraging behaviour and the consequences of
foraging success on population fitness. We developed a process-based model that
predicts flower visitation rates by central-place foragers (e.g. nesting bees) and
their population dynamics in agricultural landscapes which allows us to explore
within- and between-year population dynamics in response to land use. The model’s
ability to evaluate impact from land-use change including agri-environmental
measures, e.g. planting flower strips or increasing semi-natural habitats, on bumble
bee population fitness and their pollination services is demonstrated on landscapes
with different amounts of nesting and floral resources (linear semi-natural habitats
respectively early mass-flowering crops). With wild bee diversity and abundance
particularly suffering from land-use intensification and loss of flower-rich seminatural habitat, we implemented wider grassy arable field margins offering high
nesting resources and low flower resources, and/or late-flowering flower strips
offering no nesting resources but abundant flowers. Our results show that flower
strips were three times more effective in increasing pollinator populations and
visitation rates than field margins, with the effect increasing over time. Earlyseason visitation rates benefited from late-blooming flower strips, but reduced
visitation rates in other late-season flowers. This apparent competition for
pollinators was mitigated by increased pollinator abundance over time in response
to flower strips and semi-natural habitats. The emerging patterns generated by our
model are supported by empirical observations, with our model allowing the
exploration of these effects and the comparison of effect sizes. Moreover, our model
provides a useful tool to improve evidence-based policy by linking ecosystem
services to land use, with various biological and management applications.
Co-Authors
Ullrika Sahlin (Lund University Centre for Environmental and Climate Research),
Charlotte Baey (Lund University Centre for Environmental and Climate Research),
Henrik G. Smith (Lund University Centre for Environmental and Climate Research),
Yann Clough (Lund University Centre for Environmental and Climate Research)
Keywords
bee foraging, bumble bees, crop pollination, ecosystem service mapping, landscape
ecology, natural capital, pollination model, population dynamics, wildflower habitat
P-Huten
Biodiversity Patterns
Hutengs, Christopher
Christopher Hutengs (UL)
Portable mid-infrared spectroscopy for the quantification of soil biological
properties and soil microbial community structure
Soils provide important ecosystem functions such as plant material decomposition,
nutrient cycling, and carbon storage, all of which are mediated by soil organisms.
However, knowledge of how ongoing environmental changes (e.g. land use, plant
diversity and climate) affect soil organisms, in particular soil microbial communities,
is still limited, as the composition of microbial communities cannot be easily
measured with high spatial and temporal resolution. In this context, mid-infrared
(MIR) spectroscopy may contribute to our understanding of spatio-temporal
changes in community structure through rapid and cost-efficient sampling.
Laboratory studies have shown MIR spectroscopy to be efficient and accurate for
quantifying soil parameters such as OC, N or clay content. Few attempts have been
made, however, to predict variables related to the composition of soil microbial
communities. Additionally, the use of MIR spectroscopy for the investigation of soil
properties had been limited as it was not available as a portable technique.
Recently, the first portable MIR instruments have become available offering the
potential for on-site measurements. Against this background, the aims of our study
were (i) to test a portable MIR spectrometer (Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR) through
parallel measurements of soil samples with the handheld instrument and a
laboratory bench-top spectrometer, and (ii) to explore whether soil biological
properties (soil microbial C, gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and fungi
using PLFA biomarkers) could be quantified from the handheld instrument’s spectra.
For the latter, we used laboratory measurements of dried and ground soil samples
and also in-situ measurements that were carried out at 50 agricultural sites in
Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
Co-Authors
Simone Cesarz (iDiv), , Bernard Ludwig (University of Kassel), Nico Eisenhauer
(iDiv), Michael Vohland (UL)
Keywords
portable mid-infrared spectroscopy, biological soil properties, soil microbial
community, multivariate calibration
P-Knigh
Biodiversity Patterns
Knight, Tiffany
Tiffany Knight (iDiv)
Plant pollinator networks across more than a century - Indicators for
global change effects?
Most flowering plant species rely on animal pollinators for reproduction. Global
changes to the environment such as land use and climate change have been linked
to declines in pollinator diversity and abundance. There is a deficit of information on
how plant-pollinator networks have changed over long time periods. We take
advantage of a data set collected by Hermann Mueller from 1874-1879 in the Alps
to re-construct historical information on the diversity of pollinators that visit plant
species and the structure of plant-pollinator networks. We are in the process of
collecting contemporary data to determine how the diversity, composition and
network structure of pollination have changed across the past century. Because the
historical data was collected on elevation gradients that range from 600-3100m, we
have the opportunity to examine how pollination has changed across this gradient.
In this poster we present information about the diversity and composition of
pollinators observed on well-studied plants in the historic dataset. We also will
provide a display of our pollinator collections from our recent field collections in the
Swiss Alps.
Co-Authors
Reinart Feldmann (UFZ), Valentin Stefan (UFZ, iDiv), Laura Burkle (Montana State
University), Walter Durka (UFZ)
Keywords
spatial interaction ecology, pollen limitation, forest dynamics, restoration
P-Liang
Biodiversity Patterns
Liang, Yu
Yu Liang (The Chinese Acedemy of Sciences)
Plant-fungi networks in a subtropical forest
Tree root samples were taken from 828 soil cores in a subtropical forest. Spatial
relationship between tree species and fungi were studied using point pattern
analyses. Significant nested networks were found between nine EM plants and 788
EMF OTUs, which enable the rare EM plant to host more EM fungi for survival. A
network was also established between 102 tree species and 61 putative pathogen
OTUs. These network analyses may be helpful in better understanding plant-fungal
interactions in natural ecosystems.
Co-Authors
Shan Li (The Chinese Acedemy of Sciences), Naili Zhang (The Chinese Acedemy of
Sciences), Keping Ma (The Chinese Acedemy of Sciences)
Keywords
spatial patterns, fungal diversity, plant-fungi networks
P-Pfaff
Biodiversity and Society
Pfaff, Claas-Thido
Claas-Thido Pfaff (UL)
The Essential Annotation Schema for Ecology (EASE)
Ecology has become a data intensive science over the last decade often relying on
the reuse of data in cross experimental analyses. The discovery of data which is
appropriate for a specific analysis can be quite challenging. It requires good quality
metadata as well as efficient data discovery strategies. Typically used full text
search mechanisms are known to be inaccurate; they yield many unspecific results.
Faceted navigation gained popularity over the last years complementing full text
search with a simple but efficient filtering mechanism. Today faceted navigation is
used successfully in a wide range of applications. In ecology however we do not yet
see their full potential exploited. Here we introduce a framework which allows for
an efficient annotation and the improved discovery of ecological data based on a
faceted navigation. The framework consist of a controlled ecological vocabulary and
an annotation schema both of which consolidating ideas coming from widely
accepted life science metadata standards, textbooks, scientific literature,
established vocabularies and expert knowledge.
Co-Authors
David Eichenberg (UL), Mario Liebergesell (UL), Christian Wirth (UL), Birgitta KönigRies (FSU)
Keywords
Ecology, Data discovery, Metadata
P-Quija
Biodiversity Processes
Quijano, Teresa
Teresa Quijano (iDiv/FSU)
Mutualistic associations between soil-borne fungi and tomato plants
negatively affect performance of the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta.
Endophytic root symbionts as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and Trichoderma fungi
increase the performance of plants by improving growth and nutrient acquisition.
Moreover, more recent studies demonstrate that plants colonized by AM and
Trichoderma fungi undergo physiological and metabolomic changes that might
influence their responses against below and aboveground attackers. However, the
mechanisms driving these interactions remain poorly understood. Here we studied
the influence of two root endosymbiotic fungi - Trichoderma harzianum and the AM
fungus Rizhopagus irregularis - on plant defenses against the specialist herbivore
Manduca sexta on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. An increase in the
mortality of the caterpillars was found when they feed from plants that were
colonized by the endophytic symbionts. Furthermore the remaining caterpillars
showed a delay in developmental time and lower pupation rates. Subsequent
analysis of genes markers for the main hormonal-defense pathways showed that
root colonization by the fungal symbionts primed plants leaves for a faster
activation of the jasmonic acid (JA)-regulated defenses after herbivory. By using
untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomic analysis, we are trying to further
uncover the main molecular and chemical mechanisms driving this induced
immunity.
Co-Authors
Anne Maedicke (iDiv, FSU), Rebecca Sontowski (iDiv, FSU), Axel Touw (iDiv,
Wageningen University), Nicole van Dam (iDiv, FSU), Ainhoa Martinez-Medina (iDiv)
Keywords
fungi symbionts, molecular interaction ecology, herbivory induced plant defenses
P-Risto
Biodiversity Processes
Ristok, Christian
Christian Ristok (iDiv)
Plant-soil feedbacks introduce changes in the metabolome of common
grassland species
Plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) are plant-induced changes in soil properties and
organisms that feedback on the productivity and fitness of a plant. So far, the
majority of studies focused on the effects of PSFs on plant biomass production.
Only few studies assessed the cascading effects to higher trophic levels and
illuminated the hidden mechanisms of PSF effects. It is likely that changes in the
plant metabolome cause these cascading effects.
We tested this hypothesis by establishing a plant-soil feedback experiment with
four perennial plant species to investigate changes in the metabolome of both
above- and belowground plant organs. We grew plants in a sterile background
substrate inoculated with either sterilized soil, or soil conditioned by different plant
species compositions, (i) the focal plant species in monoculture, (ii) a four-plant
species mixture or (iii) an eight-plant species mixture including the focal plant
species. We took samples for metabolomics at the end of the flowering season and
analyzed secondary metabolites by LC-qToF-MS. Data processing was performed in
R statistical software using the ‘xcms’ and ‘CAMERA’ packages.
Our results indicate that species-specific aboveground and belowground
metabolomes differed among the four different soil treatments. The above- and
belowground metabolomes of plants grown in sterile soil overall differed from those
grown in the other soil treatments. Furthermore, a variety of above- or
belowground metabolites changed in concentration with increasing plant diversity of
the soil’s inoculum origin, while others were only found in specific soil treatments.
We conclude that soil with a history of different plant diversity levels exerts PSFs
that induces changes in the plant metabolome, and that those changes in plant
chemistry may be linked to important ecosystem processes, such as plant
herbivory.
Co-Authors
Jan-Hendrik Dudenhöffer (University of Freiburg), Anne Ebeling (FSU), Nico
Eisenhauer (iDiv, UL), Yvonne Poeschl (iDiv), Cameron Wagg (University of Zurich),
Nicole van Dam (iDiv/FSU), Alexander Weinhold (iDiv/FSU)
Keywords
plant-soil feedbacks introduce changes in the metabolome of common grassland
species
P-Röder
Biodiversity Processes
Roeder, Anna
Anna Roeder (UFZ)
Linking plant ecology and plant anatomy – First results from the Jena
Experiment
Age is an important life history trait of plant individuals. Possibly, old plants
respond differently to environmental stresses than young plants, irrespective of
size. Age may be determined by counting annual growth rings and the width of
growth rings may provide information on growth conditions. The application of
these stem anatomical methods is common in trees. Although the anatomical stem
structure of the dicotyledonous forb species is essentially the same, stem anatomy
has been rarely applied to forbs so far. We studied growth rings in all forb species
in a large grassland biodiversity experiment (Jena Experiment) and used Plantago
lanceolata as a model species to measure additional anatomical features. Our aim
was to examine the influence of plant species richness on age and anatomical
features. Age counts showed that the studied forb species responded differently to
increasing plant diversity of the communities. In 24 out of 38 species mean age
declined with increasing species richness, while it increased in 12 species.
Anatomical features of P. lanceolata were also influenced by plant species richness.
Growth related tissues as xylem were wider at low species richness, while storage
related tissues as piths were wider at high species richness. We conclude that plant
stem anatomy allows new insights into ecological processes like population
dynamics or community assembly in vegetation dominated by herbaceous species.
Co-Authors
Fritz Schweingruber (Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL), Markus Fischer
(University of Bern), Christiane Roscher (iDiv, UFZ)
Keywords
community ecology, plant anatomy
P-Schme
Biodiversity Patterns
Schmeller, Dirk
Dirk Schmeller (UFZ)
People, Pollution and Pathogens
The project P³ will combine expertise in paleo-environmental studies, ecogeochemistry, ecology, human and wildlife disease ecology, sociology, hydrology
and ecotoxicology to conduct comprehensive and highly innovative research at the
interface of aquatic and terrestrial habitats in four selected mountain ranges that
span the biosphere. These four mountain ranges have variable and sometimes long
histories of human impacts starting in the Neolithic. P³ integrates studies in the
Pyrenees (France), the Dhofar Mountains (Oman), the Sierra Nevada (USA) and the
Great Hinggan Mountains (China) to compare anthropogenic and environmental
impacts in mountain watersheds. P³ will focus on the impact of biodiversity changes
on the resilience and functioning of mountain ecosystems in light of past and future
global change using environmental archives (i.e. sediment and peatland cores). P³
is a multidisciplinary and integrative project that will augment, align and focus
research strands already ongoing in the institutions of P³ partners. The P³
consortium and its collaborators will elevate mountain research to a new level and
will allow for a better understanding of present and future impacts of global change
on biodiversity and ecosystems on a global scale.
Keywords
ecology, epidemiology, mountains, climate change
P-Selle
Biodiversity and Society
Sellenriek, Elisabeth
Elisabeth Sellenriek (MLU)
How landscapes get shaped by large Herbivores
Across Europe the abandonment of agricultural landscapes is observable. These
areas have high potential for nature and biodiversity conservation but the
conservation objectives, especially in regions with long land-use histories, is still
matter of debate. It is known, that managed intermediate disturbances, for
example by sheep flocks can enhance biodiversity and conserve semi-natural
landscapes. Rewilding is a relatively new approach and implies the return of
wilderness to former agriculture areas. In this study we investigate the impact of
large herbivores on succession in abandoned fields in the National Park PenedaGerês in northern Portugal. In a semi-experimental setup we established 30 plots
with 3 x 3 m fenced controls and equally sized treatment plots to study the relative
impact of domesticated and free ranging herbivores on plant species-richness,
seedlings growth and recruitment and biomass. In contrast to many other studies
herbivore densities in the treatment sites were not manipulated but instead an
index of herbivore activity was inferred trough monitoring by camera traps. Animal
activity was monitored during spring and summer of 2015 and 2016 and the
development of vegetation with and without herbivory pressure was documented.
First results suggest that domesticated and free-ranging herbivores differ in the
extent to which they impact succession. In a more comprehensive model the landuse history, climate conditions and primary productivity will be included and
alternative calculations for an herbivory-index and the vegetation variables will be
applied.
Co-Authors
Andrea Perino (iDiv), Florian Wolf (iDiv), Henrique Pereira (iDiv)
Keywords
succession, rewilding, land-use change, grazing pressure, extensive grazing
P-Sonto
Biodiversity Processes
Sontowski, Rebekka
Rebekka Sontowski (iDiv)
The role of native detoxification enzymes and gut microbes in disarming
the „mustard-oil bomb“ by Delia larvae
Plants protect themselves from herbivory by producing specific defence compounds.
Both wild and cultivated members of the plant family Brassicacae produce
glucosinolates (GC), which are stored in the vacuoles. Upon damage, for example
by herbivore feeding, the GCs are released and react with the enzyme myrosinase.
This results in the production of isothiocyanates (ITC) and nitriles. These
compounds are toxic to most herbivores. Some specialists have adapted to these
compounds by evolving detoxification enzymes. Furthermore, the insect’s gut
microbes can play a role in the detoxification process. In this project, we study the
adaptation of root feeding larvae of the flies Delia floralis and D. radicum, both
specialists on Brassicaceae, to plant defences. The main aim is to assess the
relative importance of gut microbial communities and native enzymes in the
detoxification of glucosinolate breakdown products, specifically ITC. Using a
combination of experimental, genomic and transcriptomic approaches as well as
bioinformatic methods, we will identify genes encoding detoxification enzymes,
such as xxx. The expression of these genes in these insects when feeding on ITC
spiked diets will be determined. With regards to the gut microbiomes we will
determine their necessity to survive on ITC diet and the similarity between two fly
species. This will show the relevance of native versus microbial detoxification
enzymes in the feeding strategy of these specialist fly species.
Co-Authors
Kirtsen Küsel (iDiv, FSU), Manja Marz (iDiv, FSU), Nicole van Dam (iDiv, FSU)
Keywords
moleculat interaction ecology
P-Soro
Biodiversity Patterns
Soro, Antonella
Antonella Soro (MLU)
Linear mixed-effects models to control for the variability of microsatellite
loci when comparing genetic diversity
There is broad interest in comparing genetic variation among populations of a
species; usually that variation is measured as the number of alleles/allelic richness
or heterozygosity.
The genetic variability of populations of a species is important to quantify because it
can be thought of as an indirect measure of their evolvability. By comparing genetic
diversity among populations that might differ naturally or because of human
impact, one can test theoretical predictions on the effects of factors shaping genetic
diversity and gain insight into how resilient populations of a species are to rapid
environmental change. Yet there is a lack of consensus on the best way to quantify
genetic variation and test for differences between populations in that variation.
We now propose the use of linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) to compare genetic
diversity (response variable) among populations while controlling for the variability
of the markers used (random component of a mixed model). In an LMM approach,
we account for the portion of variance due to intrinsic differences in marker
variability by introducing a level of grouping (modeled as locus), within which the
chosen measurement of genetic diversity (allelic richness or heterozygosity) will
vary around a group (locus) mean. Our method allows a statistically powerful and
marker-independent means by which genetic variability can compared across
populations.
Co-Authors
Panagiotis Theodorou (MLU, iDiv)
Keywords
population genetics
P-Sporb
Biodiversity Patterns
Sporbert, Maria
Maria Sporbert (MLU)
Matching large plot databases with distribution range data to evaluate
spatial and ecological representativeness
The understanding of niche dynamics and niche structures is tightly coupled with
the idea that the niche represents a species' performance space.
To proper test theories and hypotheses concerning species abundance and
populations position in geographical and environmental space (e.g. abundance–
range-size–relationship, abundance–centre–hypothesis) a critical point is the
representativeness of plot samples across species’ distribution ranges and
environmental niches. A good coverage and sufficient number of replicates is crucial
for the questions that can be asked.
In this project, vegetation plot data from the European vegetation archive (EVA)
are used to determine species local and regional cover and abundance. European
and range-wide species distribution data from the Chorological database Halle
(CDH) are used to derive species’ environmental niches.
As one of the first steps the representativeness of vegetation plot data across
geographical ranges and environmental niches are compared for 730 species from
866,028 vegetation plots.
Two methods are used in comparison: (1) Moran´s I and (2) DMC (dynamic match
coefficient). DMC is calculated via weighted AUC of cell statistics along increased
raster resolution a) in geographical space and b) in environmental space (extracted
environmental variables at EVA/CDH locations).
Co-Authors
Erik Welk (iDiv, MLU), Helge Bruelheide (iDiv, MLU)
Keywords
macroecology, niche structure, ranges, species distribution, vegetation plot data
P-Tehel
Tehel, Anja
Anja Tehel (MLU)
Assessing the virulence of Deformed wing virus and Varroa destructor
virus-1 on development of honeybees (Apis mellifera)
Deformed wing virus (DWV) and Varroa destructor virus-1 (VDV-1) are two viruses
thought to be linked to colony decline in honey bees. Additionally, they share a
closely related genetic background and it is possible that they readily can
recombine. These viruses supposedly have similar pathology, the primary
symptoms of DWV being wing deformity and mortality in honeybees, but there is no
clear demonstration reporting if VDV-1 is causing deformed wings on the same level
as DWV. In this study, we assess honeybee fitness regarding mortality and wing
deformity associated with the influences by DWV and VDV-1. Pupae were infected
with either DWV, VDV-1 or a mix of both viruses resulting in a co-infection. We
then looked for symptoms and measured mortality of the individuals daily for two
weeks until full development. We found that VDV-1 infection causes wing deformity
and mortality similar to the ones we observed in DWV. This increases support that
VDV is a subspecies of DWV. Moreover, co-infection of both viruses at high level of
virus concentration may contribute to higher mortality on honeybee.
Co-Authors
Vu Quynh (Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute)
Keywords
bees, viruses, spillover, DWV, mortality
P-van D
Biodiversity Processes
van Dam, Nicole
Nicole van Dam (iDiv)
Ecometabolomics for Biodiversity: Tapping into chemical communication in
the wild
In this poster I introduce the new Ecometabolomics platform at the German Centre
for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig. The aim of this
facility is to become an international centre to train and support ecologists and
biodiversity researchers to properly implement metabolomics analyses in their
research projects. Currently our facility contains a Bruker Impact HD LC-qToF-MS
(secondary metabolites), a Bruker EvoQ LC-QqQ (hormones, targeted analyses), a
SCION GC-QqQ (Bruker) equipped with a Markes Thermodesorber Unity 2
(volatiles), and a Thermo Scientific/Dionex HPLU-PDA (glucosinolates). In addition
we have analytical platforms that are more commonly used in ecological research
such as a C/N analyser (Elementar) and a MPA FT-NIR (Bruker). The latter allow for
more global assessments of plant chemical composition. We closely collaborate with
iDiv members and associated centres on chemical-analytical methods (MPI-CE,
Meredith Schuman, Ian Baldwin), data workflows (IPB-Halle, Steffen Neumann,
Dierk Scheel), bio-informatics for MS/MS spectral identification (Michael Stifel
Centrum, FSU Jena, Sebastian Böcker), data management (BDU-iDiv, Birgitta
König-Ries, Jitendra Gaikwad), multivariate statistics and data visualisation (BIUiDiv, Yvonne Poeschl; MLU, Ivo Grosse). We aim to promote eco-metabolomics
within iDiv and beyond by organising lectures and training seminars on
metabolomics applications in biodiversity research as well as proper data
processing, analysis and archiving. The research projects of Molecular Interaction
Ecology at iDiv focus, amongst others, on identifying novel metabolites involved in
communication in soil foodwebs, specifically on exudates and root volatiles. For this
application, we are currently designing novel set-ups for sampling belowground
metabolites, e.g. root volatiles, root exudates, and bacterial volatiles, under nonsterile conditions.
Co-Authors
Alexander Weinhold (iDiv), Katharina Grosser (iDiv), W. Stanley Harpole (iDiv),
Susanne Dunker (iDiv), Petra Hoffmann (iDiv), Steffen Neumann (IPB)
Keywords
ecometabolomics, plant-herbivore interaction, above-belowground interactions
P-Wang
Biodiversity Processes
Wang, Fang
Fang Wang (The Chinese Acedemy of Sciences)
Recruitment pattern of Castanopsis eyrei in a subtropical forest of China
Recruitment is an important process that can affect community composition and
dynamics (Ribbens et al., 1994). The Janzen-Connell hypothesis, as one of the
most important mechanisms for explaining species coexistence, is also a model
describing the process of recruitment (Terborgh, 2013). It is well tested in tropical
forest, but its role in subtropical forest is still unclear. However, only few studies
actually verified mother-offspring relationship. In this study, twelve microsatellite
markers were used to assign parentage of offspring. We aim to test the existence of
“Janzen-Connell recruitment”, i.e. reduced survival of offspring near a mother tree,
in subtropical forest, and explore the effect of topography on recruitment. We
hypothesize that the Janzen-Connell effect will decrease across the life stages.
Co-Authors
Yu Liang (The Chinese Academy of Sciences), Keping Ma (The Chinese Academy of
Sciences)
Keywords
Janzen-Connell hypothesis, microsatellites, negative density dependence, parentage
analysis, subtropical forest
P-Zang
Biodiversity Functions
Zang, Naili
Naili Zhang (The Chinese Acedemy of Sciences)
Effects of root decomposition on plant–soil feedback of early– and mid–
successional plant species
- Plant–soil feedback (PSF) is an important driver of plant community dynamics.
Many studies have emphasized the role of pathogens and symbiotic mutualists in
PSFs, however, less is known about the contribution of decomposing litter,
especially of roots.
- We conducted a PSF experiment, where soils were conditioned by living early–
and mid–successional grasses and forbs with and without decomposing roots of
conspecific species (conditioning phase). These soils were used to test growth
responses of conspecific and heterospecific plant species (feedback phase).
- Root addition of conspecifics decreased biomass of both early– and mid–
successional plant species in the conditioning phase. In the feedback phase, root
addition had positive effects on the biomass of early–successional species and
neutral effects on mid-succesional species, except when mid–successional grasses
were grown in soils conditioned by conspecifics effects were negative. Biomass of
early– and mid–successional forbs was generally reduced in soils conditioned by
conspecifics.
- We conclude that root decomposition may enhance short–term negative PSF
effects, but that the effects can become neutral to positive over time, thereby
counteracting negative components of PSF. This implies that root decomposition is
a key element of PSF and needs to be included in future studies.
Co-Authors
Wim H. Van der Putten (NIOO, Wageningen University), G.F. Veen (NIOO)
Keywords
biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, plant-soil feedback
P-Zörb
Biodiversity Functions
Zörb, Christian
Christian Zörb (University of Hohenheim)
Interaction of grapes and trees in the rhizosphere: N-nutrition, nabsorption and water supply
Agriculture, combined with forestry components, so called agroforestry, forms a
unit, which causes a change in microclimate, eutrophication, water and nitrogen
use efficiency. Trees were also used as a stabilizer and shade. We established an
agroforestry system, consisting of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. subspecies. vinivera
cv. Riesling and cv. Sauvignon Blanc) together with trees of the varieties oak
(Quercus petraea) and poplar (Populus tremula & Populus alba ).
Trees with a comparatively low net photosynthesis per tree mass shading the
grapes and resulting in a negative influence on development and growth. There
might be a competition, for water and certain nutrients, initial in the rhizosphere.
Most of the native trees are associated with mycorrhiza. This contributes to an
improved impact in nutrient uptake by the roots. For instance, due to the supply of
poorly soluble phosphates, trees receive photoassimilates as a symbiosis
performance of the vine, e.g. their exudates.
The aim of the project is to identify specific interactions of trees and grapevines in
the rhizosphere, as well as in leaves. Using a stable isotope discrimination (δN¹⁵)
the absorption capacity for nitrogen compounds and the distribution of various
nitrogen forms within the grapevine were analyzed. Moreover a carbon isotope
discrimination (δC¹³) in grape vine leaves and tree leaves will provide information
on the water supply of both plant species. An associated competition or synergy of
both will be evaluated on the basis of this information. Furthermore, the effects of
agroforestry on the quality of berries and wine will be evaluated by sensory tastings
and biochemical analysis.
Co-Authors
Carina Paola Lang (University of Hohenheim), Nikolaus Mekr (University of
Hohenheim), Cornelia Blessing (University of Freiburg), Heinz Rennenberg
(University of Freiburg)
Keywords
salt stress, quality, plant nutrition, crop plants