Biology subjects

Bont, Z.

Publications and source records attributed to Bont, Z..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Adaptations and responses of the common dandelion to low atmospheric pressure in high altitude environments

Atmospheric pressure is an important, yet understudied factor that may shape plant ecology and evolution. By growing plants under controlled conditions at different experimental stations in the Swiss alps, we evaluated the impact of ecologically realistic atmospheric pressures between 660 and 950 hPa on the growth and defence of different dandelion populations. Low atmospheric pressure was associated with reduced root growth and defensive sesquiterpene lactone production. Defense suppression only occurred in populations originating from lower altitudes. Populations from higher altitudes constitutively produced less sesquiterpene lactones and did not suffer from suppression under low atmospheric pressure. We conclude that atmospheric pressure modulates root growth and defence traits, and that evolutionary history shapes plant phenotypic responses to atmospheric pressure. Our findings have important implications for our understanding of altitudinal gradients and the future use of plants as a source of food and bioactive metabolites in extraterrestrial habitats.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Variation in root secondary metabolites is shaped by past climatic conditions

O_LIPlants can adapt to changing environments by adjusting the production and maintenance of diverse sets of bioactive secondary metabolites. To date, the impact of past climatic conditions relative to other factors such as soil abiotic factors and herbivore pressure on the evolution of plant secondary metabolites is poorly understood, especially for plant roots. C_LIO_LIWe explored associations between root latex secondary metabolites in 63 Taraxacum officinale populations across Switzerland and past climatic conditions, soil abiotic parameters, and root herbivore pressure. To assess the contribution of environmental effects, root secondary metabolites were measured in F0 plants in nature and F2 plants under controlled greenhouse conditions. C_LIO_LIConcentrations of root latex secondary metabolites were most strongly associated with past climatic conditions, while current soil abiotic factors or root herbivore pressure did not show a clear association with root latex chemistry. Results were identical for natural and controlled conditions, suggesting heritable trait variation rather than environmental plasticity as underlying factor. C_LIO_LISynthesis. We conclude that climatic conditions likely play a major role in the evolution of root secondary metabolites. Direct abiotic effects are likely underlying this pattern, hinting at a novel role of root latex metabolites the tolerance of abiotic stress. C_LI

ecology↗

bioRxiv2019

Adapted dandelions increase seed dispersal when they are attacked by root herbivores

Plants allow their offspring to escape unfavourable local conditions through seed dispersal. Whether plants use this strategy to escape herbivores is not well understood. Here, we explore how different Taraxacum officinale populations modify seed dispersal in response to root herbivore attack by Melolontha melolontha in the field. Root herbivore attack increases seed dispersal potential through a reduction in seed weight in populations that have evolved under high root herbivore pressure, but not in populations that have evolved under low pressure. This increase in dispersal potential is associated with reduced germination, suggesting that adapted plants trade dispersal for establishment. Analysis of vegetative growth parameters suggests that increased dispersal is not the result of stress flowering. These results suggest that root herbivory selects for genotypes that increase their dispersal ability in response to herbivore attack.

ecology↗