Genetic structure in parasitic <i>Rhinanthus angustifolius</i> is determined by geographical distance rather than habitat – implications for taxonomy and conservation

Jonstrup, Anneli; Andersson, Stefan; Hedrén, Mikael

doi:10.1111/njb.01941

Cited by 4 publications

References 51 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

The evolution of spring fen ecotypes in Rhinanthus: genetic evidence for parallel origins in Scandinavia after the last ice age

et al. 2020

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Locally adapted ecotypes can constitute an important part of the biodiversity, especially in young floras with few endemic species. However, the origins, distinctness and conservation value of many ecotypes remain uncertain because genetic data are lacking or no common-garden study has been carried out. In the present study, we evaluated the distinctness and genetic structure of a phenotypically deviating morph of Rhinanthus angustifolius, growing in calcareous spring fens on the Baltic island of Gotland. Using data from a common-garden experiment and analyses of nuclear microsatellite variation, we compared fen populations on Gotland with conspecific populations from habitats more typical of the study species. We also included the fen specialist R. osiliensis from the Baltic island of Saaremaa in the molecular analyses to make further inferences about the origin of the Gotlandic fen morph. Our data indicate that the Gotlandic fen populations constitute a phenotypically and genetically distinct ecotype that most likely has evolved at least two times on Gotland after the last ice age. In congruence with previous studies, we also infer that fen ecotypes have evolved independently on Gotland and Saaremaa. We propose a varietal status for the Gotlandic fen ecotype and give recommendations for the conservation of this taxon.

show abstract

The evolution of spring fen ecotypes in Rhinanthus: genetic evidence for parallel origins in Scandinavia after the last ice age

et al. 2020

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Local adaptation of a generalist hemiparasitic plant to one of its potential host plants

Sandner,

Brand,

Hickler

et al. 2024

Oikos

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Coevolution is often found in parasite–host interactions, but has not yet been described for hemiparasitic plants and their hosts. Root hemiparasites like Rhinanthus alectorolophus perform photosynthesis but also parasitize other plant species, some of which (e.g. Plantago lanceolata) may defend themselves against parasite attack by blocking the haustoria of the parasites. We grew seedlings of the hemiparasite R. alectorolophus and the potential host P. lanceolata from seven grassland sites in a factorial design. To detect differences in host defence, we also included hosts from two ‘naïve' populations from regions where the parasite does not occur. R. alectorolophus grew consistently larger and had higher fitness with sympatric than with allopatric hosts, suggesting parasite adaptation to local host populations. Moreover, R. alectorolophus remained smallest with allopatric hosts from the same region and reached intermediate sizes with allopatric hosts from other regions or naïve hosts, suggesting host adaptation to parasites at the regional scale. Parasite presence reduced the size of the host plants already after four weeks, but only that of hosts with ‘experience' of the parasite, suggesting an early host response. Follow‐up experiments confirmed that parasites attach to hosts already after four weeks and hosts respond by changing belowground allocation patterns. However, parasite roots did not preferentially grow towards sympatric hosts. Our results suggest that local adaptation to hosts can occur even in generalist parasites and does not require specialization on individual hosts. We discuss the role of potential mechanisms, including variation in chemical signalling (early) and in host defence (late effects).

show abstract

Biology of Hemiparasitic Rhinanthus Species in the Context of Grassland Biodiversity

Ievinsh

2024

Land

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The aim of the present review is to compile and analyze information on biology of Rhinanthus species in the context of grassland biodiversity. Root hemiparasites have been relatively less studied in comparison to economically important holoparasitic weed species. Rhinanthus species appear to be genetically polymorphic, but also possess high phenotypic plasticity, and ecological factors are important determinants in evolution of specialization to most appropriate hosts. Rhinanthus individuals have a relatively short life span, and flowering is a photoperiod- or host plant-independent phenomenon. Both insect pollination and self-pollination can occur. Seeds do not form a persistent soil seed bank and have physiological dormancy broken by stratification. In general, Rhinanthus species have low host specificity, but there clearly are ‘preferred’ or ‘avoided’ hosts in natural conditions. In controlled conditions, interaction with most grass species result in more prominent parasite growth stimulation in comparison to that of legumes, and, especially, forbs, but there are significant gradations and exceptions. Ecological requirements of Rhinanthus species have been rarely studied, but it can be expected that significant tolerance against mineral nutrient heterogeneity and water shortage can be found. It seems that host plant characteristics are important determinants of the environmental resilience of Rhinanthus. Parasites not only obtain resources (water and minerals) from host plants but also negatively affect their physiological functions. The most intriguing and practically unexplored question is the exchange of chemical signals between the Rhinanthus parasite and the host plant. Extending this idea, it can be predicted that signals will also be exchanged between multiple host plants whose roots are connected through the parasite. It is highly possible that the exchange of small RNAs between plants could influence their environmental tolerance. Host selectivity forms the functional basis of changes in species diversity in grasslands, but the outcome seems to be highly dependent on other conditions, especially, soil edaphic factors. Development of new model systems is necessary to further expand our knowledge about the complex effects of parasitic plants on ecosystems.

show abstract

Genetic structure in parasitic Rhinanthus angustifolius is determined by geographical distance rather than habitat – implications for taxonomy and conservation

Cited by 4 publications

References 51 publications

The evolution of spring fen ecotypes in Rhinanthus: genetic evidence for parallel origins in Scandinavia after the last ice age

The evolution of spring fen ecotypes in Rhinanthus: genetic evidence for parallel origins in Scandinavia after the last ice age

Local adaptation of a generalist hemiparasitic plant to one of its potential host plants

Biology of Hemiparasitic Rhinanthus Species in the Context of Grassland Biodiversity

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About