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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