The loss of plant genetic resources has made necessary the development of new ex situ conservation methods. Advances in biotechnology provide new methods for plant germplasm conservation and evaluation. Biotechnological tools like in vitro culture, cryopreservation, and molecular markers offer a valuable alternative to plant diversity studies, management of genetic resources and ultimately cons...

Stand establishment problems occur frequently in Arkansas rice fields and are commonly associated with cool soil temperatures (early planting) and saturated soils. There are several factors that affect rice stand establishment including diseases and insects. It is important to understand what pathogens or pests are the cause of stand problems in rice for managing stand establishment problems. I...

Climate change is expected to force many species in arctic regions to migrate and track their climatic niche. This requires recruitment from seed, which currently shows very low rates in arctic regions, where long-lived and vegetatively reproducing plants dominate. Therefore, we pose the question whether recruitment (germination and seedling establishment) in arctic regions will significantly i...

Ecological restoration on roadsides confers several ecological benefits, but also poses significant challenges. Native plants used in restoration efforts must survive compacted soil, harsh microclimates, prolific invasive species, and pollution from road salts and vehicle emissions. Criteria for both site and species selection need to be developed to assist practitioners in restoring roadside e...

To exploit plants as living substrates, biotrophic fungi have evolved remarkable variations of their tubular cells, the hyphae. They form infection structures such as appressoria, penetration hyphae and infection hyphae to invade the plant with minimal damage to host cells. To establish compatibility with the host, controlled secretory activity and distinct interface layers appear to be essenti...

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Biotic resistance is often studied in the context of how interactions between native biota and invading species influence the success of those invaders. Seldom, however, is the strength of "resistance" compared biogeographically, where the ability of a species to impede invader establishment is contrasted between an invader's native and introduced recipient community. MET...