Spread of Antarctic vegetation by the kelp gull: comparison of two maritime Antarctic regions

Retrotransposon‐based genetic diversity of Deschampsia antarctica Desv. from King George Island (Maritime Antarctic)

“…The reproductive biology of D. antarctica is yet another important factor which should be considered in evaluations of the evolution and maintenance of genetic diversity and differentiation in the species. D. antarctica is self‐compatible plant species which can reproduce by self‐pollinating cleistogamous flowers or by vegetative reproduction (Giełwanowska & Kellmann‐Sopyła, 2015; Parnikoza et al., 2018) which does not contribute to genetic variation. In favorable circumstances, the species can produce viable seeds by outcrossing (Convey, 1996).…”

“…In favorable circumstances, the species can produce viable seeds by outcrossing (Convey, 1996). However, outcrossing is highly unlikely in the Maritime Antarctic due to adverse climate conditions which inhibit generative reproduction or prolong the development of viable seeds even to two growing seasons (Parnikoza et al., 2018). Very strong winds may also impede pollen and seed dispersal.…”

Genetic Structure and Gene Flow of Moss Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske in Maritime Antarctica and Southern-Patagonia

“…This dichotomy may also be partly explained by the model of Kimmerer. Vegetative propagation could be happening in some populations through gametophyte settlement with diaspores advancing with predominant western winds in the Southern Hemisphere (Muñoz et al, 2004), or being transported by birds (Parnikoza et al, 2018) or carried by snow and streams (McDaniel and Miller, 2000), while sexual reproduction could occur in Antarctica under appropriate environmental conditions such as temperature and elevation conditions-which are the most significant abiotic factor affecting the presence of this moss species (Gonzalez et al, 2013). Microclimatic differences may explain why populations in the same area do not show the same levels of genetic diversity, although they are also under the influence of western winds.…”

First record of the endophytic bacteria ofDeschampsia antarcticaE. Desv. from two distant localities of the maritime Antarctica

“…( Poaceae ) (Parnikoza et al 2009; Parnikoza et al 2017). The adaptation of the Antarctic hairgrass to cold environment could be supported by individual and unique cross-species interactions, e.g., D. antarctica has no specific adaptive mechanisms, therefore its survival and colonization of the Antarctica may depend on the interactions with another organisms, like birds (Parnikoza et al 2018) or bacteria. Moreover, plants, living in extreme environments, can be a rich source of associated bacterial species, beneficial for biotechnological purposes, e.g.…”