Indicators for taxonomic and functional aspects of biodiversity in the vineyard agroecosystem of Southern Switzerland

Abstract

a b s t r a c tIt is widely accepted that the concept of biodiversity embraces two essential and complementary components: taxonomic and functional diversity. Our goal is to produce a list of plant species predictive of high taxonomic and functional biodiversity values and discuss their use within biodiversity monitoring programmes. We selected a representative sample of 48 vineyard areas from Southern Switzerland, and vegetation from the ground cover was sampled from within a total of 120 sampling plots. We considered ten widely used functional traits and selected six taxonomic and functional indices. We applied a two-step analysis: (i) using Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) based on the above mentioned biodiversity indices, we defined 3 groups of sampling plots with low (L), medium (M) and high (H) biodiversity values; (ii) using the Indicator Value analysis, we identify indicator species that are significantly associated with the above-mentioned groups and their combinations. In total, 259 vascular plants were identified across the sampling plots. As a whole, 52 species were significant indicators for groups with high and mid-to-high biodiversity values. Out of all indicator species, 24 (46%) were exclusively selected by functional biodiversity indices whereas only 10 (19%) were associated with taxonomic indices. Eighteen (35% of the total) species were selected by both types of indices. We point out that indicator species associated with two different aspects of biodiversity show a high degree of complementarity. Our results emphasize the need to consider functional aspects of biodiversity in diversity-conservation strategies when the objectives are to preserve both taxonomic diversity and ecosystem functioning.

Plant Diversity in an Intensively Cultivated Vineyard Agroecosystem (Langhe, North-West Italy)

“…It has been highlighted that field management techniques and geographic features may influence vineyard plant species richness (Passarelli & Pirola, 1990;Dujmović Purgar & Hulina, 2004;Monteiro & Moreira, 2004;Gago et al, 2007;Bruggisser et al, 2010;Nascimbene et al, 2013;Trivellone et al, 2014). Only a couple of studies have considered the impact of margin type on arthropod communities (Debras et al, 2008;Thomson & Hoffmann, 2009) but, to our knowledge, no study has considered the possible margin effect on the diversity of vineyard flora.…”

“…We also present the species shared between our list and the few available lists drawn up in other winegrowing areas. The available studies deal with Valtellina, North-West Italy (Passarelli & Pirola, 1990), the Jastrebarsko area in North-West Croatia (Dujmović Purgar & Hulina, 2004), West-Central Portugal (Monteiro & Moreira, 2004), North-Western Spain (Gago et al, 2007), Northern Switzerland (Bruggisser et al, 2010), North-Eastern Italy (Nascimbene et al, 2013) and Southern Switzerland (Trivellone et al, 2014).…”

“…However, there is evidence that cover crop management (i.e. mowing vs. mulching, mowing frequency, fertilisation, tillage, chemical weeding, sowing) has a strong impact on natural plant coverage (Gay et al, 1998;Gago et al, 2007;Nascimbene et al, 2013;Trivellone et al, 2014).…”

An overview of the applicability of functional diversity in Biological Conservation

“…Metrics of functional diversity of different organisms have been used as indicator of habitat quality and conservation values, and thus it bases recommendation of management and selection of priority areas to conservation (Leroy et al, 2014;Bishop and Myers, 2005;Maire et al, 2013). It can also be used to find Functional diversity and conservation 5 biodiversity indicators in natural areas and agroecosystems (Kadoya et al, 2011;Trindade-Filho et al, 2012;Trivellone et al, 2014).…”

“…An increasing number of authors has pointed out functional diversity approach as useful to reaching biological conservation goals Cadotte, 2011;Gillison et al, 2013;Isbell et al, 2011;Schwartz et al, 2000;Loyola, 2011, 2010;Trindade-Filho et al, 2012;Trivellone et al, 2014). Assessments on the status of functional diversity approach in Biological Conservation issues elucidates knowledge gaps that may be useful to both functional diversity and conservation fields by improving the connection between them.…”