The evolutionary ecology of dust seeds

Eriksson, Ove; Kainulainen, Kent

doi:10.1016/j.ppees.2011.02.002

Cited by 117 publications

(93 citation statements)

References 148 publications

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“…It appears that dispersal distances could also be connected with seed shape (relationship between seed length and width). Arditti and Ghani [38] and Eriksson and Kainulainen [60] reported that elongated seeds disperse farther. However, Eriksson and Kainulainen [60] stated that the low weight of orchid seeds enables them to disperse long distances regardless of shape.…”

Section: Factors Influencing Seed Dispersal In Orchidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Arditti and Ghani [38] and Eriksson and Kainulainen [60] reported that elongated seeds disperse farther. However, Eriksson and Kainulainen [60] stated that the low weight of orchid seeds enables them to disperse long distances regardless of shape. The wind on the forest floor is weak, and orchids that grow in this habitat have to adapt to the weak-wind environment to disperse their seeds; therefore, we can speculate that the seeds of orchids living on the forest floor may have evolved to be long, because increased length reduces the speed of the fall and increases the chance that the seed will be carried by wind [58,59].…”

Section: Factors Influencing Seed Dispersal In Orchidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Seed dispersal in six species of terrestrial orchids in Biebrza National Park (NE Poland)

et al. 2017

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Knowledge about seed dispersal is required to explain problems in ecology, phylogeography, and conservation biology. Even though seed dispersal is a fundamental mechanism to understand problems at different levels of biological organization (individual, population, species, landscape), it remains one of the least recognized processes. Similar to other groups of plants, very little is known regarding patterns and distances of seed dispersal in orchids. Orchid seeds are generally assumed to be widely dispersed by wind because of their small size and low weight. Between 2006 and 2008, we conducted a field study of the distances at which orchid seeds are dispersed, and determined factors affecting dispersal. Investigations included 13 populations of six terrestrial orchid species -Cypripedium calceolus, Cephalanthera rubra, Epipactis helleborine, Goodyera repens, Neottia ovata, and Platanthera bifolia. To evaluate seed dispersal in orchid populations, 8.5-cm Petri dishes (traps) with self-adhesive paper were placed along transects, starting from a group of fruiting plants, which were considered to be the dispersal source. Seeds of the investigated orchid species were dispersed over relatively short distances. There were statistically significant negative correlations between seed density and distance from the fruiting plants. Seeds of species with taller fruiting shoots were dispersed farther than those with shorter ones (R = 0.68, p < 0.05). We discuss the causes and consequences of the dispersal patterns of orchid seeds.

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Section: Factors Influencing Seed Dispersal In Orchidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Factors Influencing Seed Dispersal In Orchidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seed dispersal in six species of terrestrial orchids in Biebrza National Park (NE Poland)

et al. 2017

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“…He found that colonization by a fungus provided all nutrients, including carbon, in a type of heterotrophic nutrition now called mycoheterotrophy (MH; Leake, 2004; Smith & Read, 2008). At least 15 independent angiosperm lineages have evolved minute seeds (a condition called microspermy), and of these 12 display MH germination (Eriksson & Kainulainen, 2011). These so‐called ‘dust seeds’ contain few embryonic cells with minimal carbon reserves, embedded within a testa of dead cells that provide protection and buoyancy.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mycoheterotrophic germination of Pyrola asarifolia dust seeds reveals convergences with germination in orchids

et al. 2012

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Summary• Dust seeds that germinate by obtaining nutrients from symbiotic fungi have evolved independently in orchids and 11 other plant lineages. The fungi involved in this 'mycoheterotrophic' germination have been identified in some orchids and non-photosynthetic Ericaceae, and proved identical to mycorrhizal fungi of adult plants. We investigated a third lineage, the Pyroleae, chlorophyllous Ericaceae species whose partial mycoheterotrophy at adulthood has recently attracted much attention.• We observed experimental Pyrola asarifolia germination at four Japanese sites and investigated the germination pattern and symbiotic fungi, which we compared to mycorrhizal fungi of adult plants.• Adult P. asarifolia, like other Pyroleae, associated with diverse fungal species that were a subset of those mycorrhizal on surrounding trees. Conversely, seedlings specifically associated with a lineage of Sebacinales clade B (endophytic Basidiomycetes) revealed an intriguing evolutionary convergence with orchids, some of which also germinate with Sebacinales clade B. Congruently, seedlings clustered spatially together, but not with adults.• This unexpected transition in specificity and ecology of partners could support the developmental transition from full to partial mycoheterotrophy, but probably challenges survival and distribution during development. We discuss the physiological and ecological traits that predisposed to the repeated recruitment of Sebacinales clade B for dust seed germination.

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“…All species of the tribe Pyroleae have extremely small dust seeds, which are produced in large numbers (Eriksson and Kainulainen 2011). Johansson et al (2014) estimated the seed production in six members of the Pyroleae species and found the highest number in C. umbellata, with an average of around 7,800 seeds/ capsule.…”

Section: Study Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population size and reproduction in the declining endangered forest plant Chimaphila umbellata in Sweden

2015

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The rare forest plant Chimaphila umbellata (Ericaceae) has decreased drastically during the last century, approximately by 80 % in some regions in Sweden. We examined associations between various biotic and abiotic conditions related to changes in forest management and nitrogen deposition, and C. umbellata population size, flowering frequency, fruit set and seed production. Environmental conditions at 38 C. umbellata sites in the provinces of Uppland and Södermanland, Sweden, included light inflow, cover of competitive species, soil nitrogen, continuity of forest cover and soil texture. The results suggested that population size was negatively affected by cover of competitive species. Population size was not related to light availability although increased shading was associated with decreased flowering frequency. Fruit set was negatively affected by cover of competitive species, and seed production decreased with increasing soil nitrogen content. Fruit set and seed production increased with increasing population size. This study shows that denser forest stands and increased abundance of Vaccinium myrtillus and graminoid species may have strong negative effects on C. umbellata. This species' longevity and clonal propagation may buffer some negative impacts, which in turn might contribute to an extinction debt. To maintain viable populations of Chimaphila umbellata in Swedish forests, there is a need for targeted management in forest habitats, i.e. reintroducing moderate disturbance regimes to reduce competition and increase light inflow.

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The evolutionary ecology of dust seeds

Cited by 117 publications

References 148 publications

Seed dispersal in six species of terrestrial orchids in Biebrza National Park (NE Poland)

Seed dispersal in six species of terrestrial orchids in Biebrza National Park (NE Poland)

Mycoheterotrophic germination of Pyrola asarifolia dust seeds reveals convergences with germination in orchids

Population size and reproduction in the declining endangered forest plant Chimaphila umbellata in Sweden

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