A quick glance at noteworthy articles for August 2021

American Journal of BotanyVolume 108, Issue 8 p. 1307-1309 News & ViewsFree Access A quick glance at noteworthy articles for August 2021 First published: 30 https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.1723AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions Use check box below share version article.I have read accept the Wiley Online Library UseShareable LinkUse link a this article with your friends colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat MOLECULAR UNDERPINNINGS OF NECTAR SPUR DEVELOPMENT IN NASTURTIUMS Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp., Tropaeolaceae) are only members Brassicales that develop nectar spurs bilaterally symmetrical flowers. Both structural homology genes responsible spur development were unknown. Martínez-Salazar et al. use scanning electron light microscopy, as well candidate gene approach, understand development. They show both sepals petals contribute formation spur, they isolated putatively involved in floral bilateral symmetry initiation T. longifolium. Only three 23 exhibit differential expression between region tube forming lacking spur. Interestingly, two these spur-controlling transcription factors found Tropaeolacaeae, providing plausible scenario neo-functionalization after duplication. This research sets stage evo-devo studies outside model Arabidopsis thaliana other core Brassicales. References Sebastián 2021. Molecular framework underlying Tropaeolum, an atypical member Botany https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.1719Wiley LibraryPubMedGoogle Scholar ALTERED TRAITS FROM GENOME DUPLICATION SUPPORT DIFFERENT ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES Genome duplication can alter traits, resulting different adaptive strategies. Two subspecies big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis) differ ploidy often soil depths textures; thus, experience levels aridity. Richardson examined populations common gardens, showing genome (tetraploidy) substantially reduced fecundity growth. The diploid exhibited high growth regardless environment: evidence competitive strategy. tetraploid slow low fecundity: consistent stress-tolerating These results proposed strategies reflect contrasting landscape patterns highlight importance SEX DIMORPHISM WILLOW FOR KEY THAT AFFECT BIOMASS PRODUCTION Shrub willows be grown agricultural crop produce woody biomass source bioenergy, ecosystem services such carbon sequestration. Willows dioecious, but mechanism sex determination is poorly understood. Gouker quantified differences unrelated male female individuals among siblings produced through controlled crosses. plants consistently displayed wider crown architecture earlier flowering phenology than females. There also males females rust susceptibility, stem height, leaf dimensions, nitrogen accumulation, although there no significant yield due sex. As we continue study mechanisms Salicaceae (willows poplars), it valuable know some sex-biased traits may evolution dioecy should considered breeding. HISTORY AND ECOLOGY SHAPE PATTERNS ENDEMISM THE NORTH AMERICAN BRYOPHYTE FLORA For mosses bryophytes, large range sizes typical, most species occur across multiple continents. Carter analyzed distribution data from entire North bryophyte flora test whether continents endemics distribution, ecological niche breadth, dispersal-related traits. Nonendemic ranges twice large, offset north, broader longitudinally; however, their climatic niches not those endemic species. Nonendemics more likely asexual propagules spore size or sexual condition. Finally, models indicate broad areas climate suitable exist America. Together, suggest contemporary biogeographic richness endemism result filtering historical events, Pleistocene glaciation counteracting dispersal ability spore-dispersed plants. HIGH COST HERBIVORY ON STARCH STORAGE POOLS WOODY PLANTS On average, herbivores consume over 10% planet's annual net primary productivity, depleting internal reserves rely on rebuild damaged tissues. To better how foliage herbivory impacts plants, Hultine implemented defoliation experiment Tamarix hybrid species, which widely distributed riparian tree/shrub western Defoliation starch storage by 55% 26% stems roots, respectively, relative control had impact either above- belowground soluble sugar pools. Results occurring single growing season does immediate plant functions osmoregulation, depleted could limit future survival reproduction, particularly where occurs years. Volume108, Issue8August 2021Pages ReferencesRelatedInformation