Molecular signaling networks in the actinorhizal rhizosphere select host-compatible Frankia strains, trigger the infection process and eventually the genesis of nitrogen-fixing nodules. The molecular triggers involved remain difficult to ascertain. Root exudates (RE) are highly dynamic substrates that play key roles in establishing the rhizosphere microbiome. RE are known to induce the secretio...

Nodules formed on the roots of actinorhizal plants as a consequence of nitrogen-fixing symbioses with the actinomycete Frankia appear to result from modification of the developmental pathway that leads to lateral root formation. Presently no information exists about factors that control this developmental switch or, until now, about genes that are differentially expressed as a result of an alte...

Urbanization and industrial activities have contributed to widespread contamination by metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, but the combined effects of these toxics on aquatic biota and processes are poorly understood. We examined the effects of cadmium (Cd) and phenanthrene on the activity and diversity of fungi associated with decomposing leaf litter in streams. Leaves of Alnus glutin...

Populations located at the rear-edge of a species' distribution may have disproportionate ecological and evolutionary importance for biodiversity conservation in a changing global environment. Yet genetic studies of such populations remain rare. This study investigates the evolutionary history of North-African low latitude marginal populations of Alnus glutinosa Gaertn., a European tree species...

Abstract Wildfires affect different physical, chemical, and hydraulic soil properties, the magnitude of their effects varies depending on intrinsic properties wildfire characteristics. The objectives this study are: to estimate impact heating temperature (50–900°C) sandy (Arenosol) taken in 1) coniferous forests (Scots pine Pinus sylvestris ) ages (30 100 years); 2) deciduous (alder Alnus gluti...

eleven populations of five avena species were analysed for meiotic characters including chiasma frequency and distribution as well as chromosomal association and segregation. plants of a single population of a. eriantha showed the presence of 2n = 14 (diploid) and 2n = 4x = 28 chromosome number. populations of a. barbata and a. wiestii possessed n = 14, while populations of a. sterilis ssp. lud...

Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and more than 200 angiosperms that encompass 24 genera are collectively called actinorhizal plants. These plants form a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing actinomycete Frankia strain HFPArI3. The plants provide the bacteria with carbon sources in exchange for fixed nitrogen, but this metabolite exchange in actinorhizal nodules has not been well defined. We i...

Elevated atmospheric CO2 can change foliar tissue chemistry. This alters leaf litter palatability to macroinvertebrate detritivores with consequences for decomposition, nutrient turnover, and food-web structure. Currently there is no consensus on the link between CO2 enrichment, litter chemistry, and macroinvertebrate-mediated leaf decomposition. To identify any unifying mechanisms, we presente...