Odor of achlorophyllous plants’ seeds drives seed‐dispersing ants

Yamada, Mikihisa; Hojo, Masaru; Imamura, Akio

doi:10.1002/ece3.7612

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 43 publications

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“…The VOC emission regulates key ecological functions, being involved in plants’ protection against abiotic stressors such as temperature and light, by acting as antioxidants and cell membrane stabilizers [ 69 ]. Also, VOCs play an important role in natural seed dispersal [ 70 , 71 , 72 ], and they act directly or indirectly as protection mechanisms against herbivores [ 73 , 74 ] and pathogens [ 75 ]. VOCs also mediate intraspecific inter-plant communication [ 76 ].…”

Section: Volatile Emission Of the Family Lamiaceaementioning

confidence: 99%

Aerobiology of the Family Lamiaceae: Novel Perspectives with Special Reference to Volatiles Emission

Haas,

Crișan,

Vârban

et al. 2024

Plants

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Lamiaceae is a botanical family rich in aromatic species that are in high demand such as basil, lavender, mint, oregano, sage, and thyme. It has great economical, ecological, ethnobotanical, and floristic importance. The aim of this work is to provide an updated view on the aerobiology of species from the family Lamiaceae, with an emphasis on novelties and emerging applications. From the aerobiology point of view, the greatest interest in this botanical family is related to the volatile organic compounds emitted by the plants and, to a much lesser extent, their pollen. Research has shown that the major volatile organic compounds emitted by the plants from this botanical family are monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The most important monoterpenes reported across studies include α-pinene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, menthol, limonene, and γ-terpinene. Most reports tend to cover species from the subfamily Nepetoideae. Volatile oils are produced by glandular trichomes found on aerial organs. Based on general morphology, two main types are found in the family Lamiaceae, namely peltate and capitate trichomes. As a result of pollinator-mediated transfer of pollen, Lamiaceae species present a reduced number of stamens and quantity of pollen. This might explain the low probability of pollen presence in the air from these species. A preliminary synopsis of the experimental evidence presented in this work suggests that the interplay of the organic particles and molecules released by these plants and their environment could be leveraged for beneficial outcomes in agriculture and landscaping. Emerging reports propose their use for intercropping to ensure the success of fructification, increased yield of entomophilous crops, as well as in sensory gardens due to the therapeutic effect of volatiles.

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Section: Volatile Emission Of the Family Lamiaceaementioning

confidence: 99%

Aerobiology of the Family Lamiaceae: Novel Perspectives with Special Reference to Volatiles Emission

Haas,

Crișan,

Vârban

et al. 2024

Plants

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Earwigs and woodlice as some of the world's smallest internal seed dispersal agents: Insights from the ecology of Monotropastrum humile (Ericaceae)

Suetsugu,

Kimura‐Yokoyama,

Kitamura

2024

Plants People Planet

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Societal Impact StatementThis study illuminates the underappreciated role of invertebrates in seed dispersal, extending beyond the well‐documented contributions of ants. Focusing on Monotropastrum humile (銀竜草 [silver dragon plant] or 水晶蘭 [crystal orchid]), a non‐photosynthetic plant known for its minuscule, dust‐like seeds, the present research uncovers their seed dispersal roles of woodlice and earwigs in Japan. Remarkably, these invertebrates include the smallest known endozoochorous seed dispersers.Summary Endozoochory, or internal seed dispersal through the digestive tracts of animals, has been less studied in invertebrates compared with vertebrates. Nonetheless, endozoochory is plausible whenever seeds are small enough for ingestion by frugivorous animals, suggesting a potential role for invertebrates in seed dispersal, especially for plants with minute seeds. Monotropastrum humile (Ericaceae), characterized by its fleshy fruits and dust‐like seeds, is known to utilize invertebrate agents such as camel crickets and cockroaches for seed dispersal. Here, we investigate this seed dispersal mechanism using time‐lapse photography, feeding experiments, and seed coat anatomy analysis, particularly focusing on interactions among undocumented invertebrate internal seed dispersers. Field observations indicated that in the studied population, M. humile fruits were primarily consumed by camel crickets, woodlice, and earwigs. Their effectiveness as seed dispersers varied, with camel crickets primarily acting as dispersers, whereas earwigs and woodlice were more inclined toward seed predation. Nonetheless, some seeds defecated by earwigs and woodlice remained intact, suggesting that they could also function as dispersal agents. The woodlouse Porcellio scaber is now recognized as the world's smallest internal seed dispersal agent. Combined with earlier discoveries, such as seed dispersal by camel crickets, cockroaches, and ants, and the fact that P. scaber is an exotic species in the study site, M. humile likely depends on a broad spectrum of local invertebrates. The engagement of multiple invertebrate dispersers may enhance seed dispersal across diverse habitats.

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Plant-defense mimicry facilitates rapid dispersal of short-lived seeds by hornets

et al. 2022

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Odor of achlorophyllous plants’ seeds drives seed‐dispersing ants

Cited by 3 publications

References 43 publications

Aerobiology of the Family Lamiaceae: Novel Perspectives with Special Reference to Volatiles Emission

Aerobiology of the Family Lamiaceae: Novel Perspectives with Special Reference to Volatiles Emission

Earwigs and woodlice as some of the world's smallest internal seed dispersal agents: Insights from the ecology of Monotropastrum humile (Ericaceae)

Plant-defense mimicry facilitates rapid dispersal of short-lived seeds by hornets

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