Biology subjects

Bachtold, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Bachtold, A..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Fabaceae and Cerrado savanna: Two descriptors of Brazilian extrafloral nectary plants

Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) have been described in almost 4000 plant species, but there are several gaps in our knowledge of their occurrence and distribution. Here, we investigated the geographical distribution and richness of EFN-plants in Brazilian biomes (Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Amazon, Pantanal, and Pampa). Data were extracted from 170 papers, and our analysis included only EFN-plants that interacted with ants. A total of 224 EFN-plant species in 115 genera and 48 families were registered in five biomes: Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Pampa, and the Amazon. The Cerrado was evaluated in 64% of all publications, had the highest richness (90 species) and the most exclusive flora compared to the other biomes. In addition, the most studied species belonged to the Cerrado flora (e.g., Caryocar brasiliense). Fabaceae was the most speciose family, with 76 species, being dominant in all biomes and greatly surpassing other families. Only Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae were found in all biomes, and in general, each biome had its own flora, as only 18 (of 224) plants were found in more than one biome. In a network analysis, Qualea grandilflora and Plathymenia reticulata were relatively more important than other species, as they connected biomes and increased the cohesion of the community. Our study shows that our understanding of EFN-plants is limited because the Fabaceae and Cerrado were overrepresented. A detailed record of species occurrence and distribution could be a valuable tool for studying the biodiversity of EFN-plants and their potential mutualistic interactions.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2023

The best plant-guarding ants in extrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes according to baiting tests

Extrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes offer resources to ants that may engage in protective mutualisms. The role of different ant species in herbivore deterrence has long been analyzed by using herbivore baits, and ants are regarded as effective plant guards if they attack and/or remove the baits (mostly termites) from plants. Here, we conducted a comparative investigation on which ants display aggression toward baits, which ants are better plant guards, and which plants (extrafloral nectaried plants or myrmecophytes) are better defended by ants. Data from the literature revealed that baiting studies have been performed on 37 extrafloral nectaried plant species and 19 myrmecophytes, and have involved over 30 genera of ants. Extrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes rely on specific ant fauna to defend them from herbivores. In extrafloral nectaried plants, Camponotus and Crematogaster were regarded as the best plant protectors, as they attacked baits in nearly all plants. In myrmecophytes, Azteca, Pheidole and Pseudomyrmex were the most important bait attackers. Myrmecophytes were better protected by ants, as all baits were attacked; in extrafloral nectaried plants, some ants failed to attack the baits. Plants can be patrolled by several different ants, but there is a core of ants that excel in protection, and this varies according to plant type (extrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes). With this knowledge, it may be possible to label different ants as effective plant guards, to anticipate their effects on plant performance and even to understand their potential role as biological control agents.

ecology↗