| 1. |
- Abreu, Ilka, et al.
(author)
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UHPLC-ESI/TOFMS Determination of Salicylate-like Phenolic Gycosides in Populus tremula Leaves
- 2011
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In: Journal of Chemical Ecology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0098-0331 .- 1573-1561. ; 37:8, s. 857-70
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Associations of salicylate-like phenolic glycosides (PGs) with biological activity have been reported in Salix and Populus trees, but only for a few compounds, and in relation to a limited number of herbivores. By considering the full diversity of PGs, we may improve our ability to recognize genotypes or chemotype groups and enhance our understanding of their ecological function. Here, we present a fast and efficient general method for salicylate determination in leaves of Eurasian aspen that uses ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI/TOFMS). The time required for the liquid chromatography separations was 13.5 min per sample, compared to around 60 min per sample for most HPLC protocols. In leaf samples from identical P. tremula genotypes with diverse propagation and treatment histories, we identified nine PGs. We found the compound-specific mass chromatograms to be more informative than the UV-visible chromatograms for compound identification and when quantitating samples with large variability in PG content. Signature compounds previously reported for P. tremoloides (tremulacin, tremuloidin, salicin, and salicortin) always were present, and five PGs (2'-O-cinnamoyl-salicortin, 2'-O-acetyl-salicortin, 2'-O-acetyl-salicin, acetyl-tremulacin, and salicyloyl-salicin) were detected for the first time in P. tremula. By using information about the formic acid adduct that appeared for PGs in the LTQ-Orbitrap MS environment, novel compounds like acetyl-tremulacin could be tentatively identified without the use of standards. The novel PGs were consistently either present in genotypes regardless of propagation and damage treatment or were not detectable. In some genotypes, concentrations of 2'-O-acetyl-salicortin and 2'-O-cinnamoyl-salicortin were similar to levels of biologically active PGs in other Salicaceous trees. Our study suggests that we may expect a wide variation in PG content in aspen populations which is of interest both for studies of interactions with herbivores and for mapping population structure.
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| 2. |
- Agostinelli, Marta, et al.
(author)
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Pedunculate Oaks (Quercus robur L.) Differing in Vitality as Reservoirs for Fungal Biodiversity
- 2018
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In: Frontiers in Microbiology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-302X. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ecological significance of trees growing in urban and peri-urban settings is likely to increase in future land-use regimes, calling for better understanding of their role as potential reservoirs or stepping stones for associated biodiversity. We studied the diversity of fungal endophytes in woody tissues of asymptomatic even aged pedunculate oak trees, growing as amenity trees in a peri-urban setting. The trees were classified into three groups according to their phenotypic vitality (high, medium, and low). Endophytes were cultured on potato dextrose media from surface sterilized twigs and DNA sequencing was performed to reveal the taxonomic identity of the morphotypes. In xylem tissues, the frequency and diversity of endophytes was highest in oak trees showing reduced vitality. This difference was not found for bark samples, in which the endophyte infections were more frequent and communities more diverse than in xylem. In general, most taxa were shared across the samples with few morphotypes being recovered in unique samples. Leaf phenolic profiles were found to accurately classify the trees according to their phenotypic vitality. Our results confirm that xylem is more selective substrate for endophytes than bark and that endophyte assemblages in xylem are correlated to the degree of host vitality. Thus, high vitality of trees may be associated with reduced habitat quality to wood-associated endophytes.
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| 3. |
- Albrectsen, Benedicte, et al.
(author)
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Does the differential seedling mortality caused by slugs alter the foliar traits and subsequent susceptibility of hybrid willows to a generalist herbivore?
- 2007
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In: Ecological Entomology. - : Wiley. - 0307-6946 .- 1365-2311. ; 32, s. 211-220
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract. 1. Many Salicaceae species naturally form hybrid swarms with parental and hybrid taxa that differ in secondary chemical profile and in resistance to herbivores. Theoretically, the differential mortality in the seedling stage can lead to changes in trait expression and alter subsequent interactions between plants and herbivores. This study examines whether herbivory by the generalist slug Arion subfuscus, which causes extensive mortality in young willow seedlings, causes shifts in (a) the foliar chemistry of F2 willow hybrids (Salix sericea and Salix eriocephala), and (b) the subsequent susceptibility to Japanese Beetles, Popillia japonica.2. In 2001, two populations of F2 seedlings were generated: those that survived slug herbivory (80–90% of seedlings placed in the field were killed by the slugs) were designated as S-plants, whereas C-plants (controls) experienced no mortality.3. Common garden experiments with cuttings from these populations, in 2001 and 2002, revealed extensive variation in the phenolic chemistry of F2 hybrids, but revealed no significant difference between S- and C-plants, although the levels of foliar nutrients, proteins and nitrogen tended to be higher in S-plants.4. Concentrations of salicortin and 2'-cinnamoylsalicortin explained 55 and 38% of the the variation in leaf damage caused by Japanese beetles, and secondary chemistry was highly correlated within replicate clones (salicortin R2 = 0.85, 2-cinnamoylsalicortin R2 = 0.77, condensed tannins R2 = 0.68).5. Interestingly, Japanese beetle damage and condensed tannins were positively correlated within the S-plants, but not in the C-plants, suggesting that slugs had selected for plants with a positive relationship between tannins and P. japonica damage. This is unlikely to be a consequence of a preference for tannins, but is suggested to be related to the elevated nutrient levels in the S-plants, perhaps in combination with the complex-binding properties of tannins.6. The damage was highly correlated within replicate clones and a model choice analysis suggested that Japanese beetle damage may be explained by four factors: concentrations of salicortin, condensed tannins, and nitrogen, as well as the specific leaf area (thick leaves were damaged less).
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| 4. |
- Albrectsen, Benedicte, et al.
(author)
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From micro towards the macro scale
- 2006
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In: New Phytologist. - : Wiley. - 0028-646X .- 1469-8137. ; 172, s. 7-10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 5. |
- Albrectsen, Benedicte Riber, 1960-, et al.
(author)
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Both plant genotype and herbivory shape aspen endophyte communities
- 2018
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In: Oecologia. - : Springer. - 0029-8549 .- 1432-1939. ; 187:2, s. 535-545
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Salicinoid phenolic glycosides are common defence substances in salicaceous trees and specialist leaf beetles use these compounds for their own defence against predators. Salicinoids vary qualitatively and qualitatively in aspen (Populus tremula) and this variation has a genetic basis. The foliar endophyte mycobiome is plentiful and we hypothesised that it is related to plant genotype, potentially mediated by salicinoid composition, and that interactions with the leaf beetle Chrysomela tremula may alter this relationship. We studied these three-way interactions in controlled greenhouse experiments. Endophytic fungi were isolated from sterilised leaf tissues with and without beetle damage, and from beetles. We confirmed that endophyte composition was influenced by host genotype. Beetle activity added generalist morphs to the mycobiome that overrode the initial host association. Yeast-like genera (Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula) were isolated only from beetle-damaged tissues and from beetles, whereas fast-growing filamentous fungi dominated beetle-free control plants. Competition experiments between filamentous fungi of plant origin and beetle-related yeasts suggested interaction of both stimulating and inhibiting modes of action amongst the fungi. As a result, we detected examples of amensalism, commensalism, parasitism and competition between the morphs tested, but we found no evidence of mutualism, and consequently no co-evolutionary relationship could be demonstrated, between yeasts carried by beetles, host genotype and associated filamentous morphs. Endophyte studies are method-dependent and high-throughput sequencing technology best define the fungal mycobiome, culturing however continues to be a cheap way to provide fundamental ecological insights and it is also required for experimental studies.
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| 6. |
- Albrectsen, Benedicte Riber, 1960-, et al.
(author)
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Disentangling functions of fungal endophytes in forest trees
- 2012
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In: Fungi. - : Nova Science Publishers, Inc.. - 9781619426719 - 9781619426856 ; , s. 235-246
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Endophytic fungi are known to be abundant colonizers of the internal tissues of forest trees, but their ecological functions are still largely unknown. Recent studies indicate that endophytes may associate with tree's resistance and tolerance properties, and they are thus potential bio-agents that could be utilized in sustainable forest protection and management. To gain a better understanding of the endophytes' potential role in shaping forest health we need more evidence in the form of ecological studies of endophyte communities, in various tissues, across space, and time. The recent advances in molecular methods have given us new and effective tools to obtain such data. Studies of endophyte functions are further facilitated with the development of new high through-put screening methods for substrate use and competitive ability. Fungi are known as chemical factories of natural compounds with biological properties. Beside their potential as antagonists against pests and diseases, the tree-associated endophytic fungi therefore also appear as an emerging source of novel biomolecules for industrial or clinical applications outside forestry. This chapter presents some of the current methodological approaches that are likely to be valuable in studies on endophyte diversity in forest trees, and discusses the goals and impacts of the studies that aim at disentangling the beneficial potential of fungal endophytes in trees. A new concept, bioactive symbiosis, is suggested as a general framework for these studies.
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| 7. |
- Albrectsen, Benedicte R., 1960-, et al.
(author)
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Endophytic fungi in European aspen (Populus tremula) leaves - diversity, detection, and a suggested correlation with herbivory resistance
- 2010
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In: Fungal diversity. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1560-2745 .- 1878-9129. ; 41:1, s. 17-28
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- According to the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution (GMTC), clines of traits reflecting local co-adaptation (including resistance genes) should be common between a host and its parasite and should persist across time. To test the GMTC-assumption of persistent clinal patterns we compared the natural prevalence of two parasites on aspen Populus tremula trees: mining moths of the genus Phyllocnistis and leaf rust Melampsora spp. Damage data were collated from the Swedish National Forest Damage Inventory (2004–2006). In addition, occurrence of the parasites was scored in field conditions in two common gardens in the north and south of Sweden over five growing seasons (2004–2008), then related to biomass (stem height and diameter) and to concentrations of eleven leaf phenolics. Phyllocnistis mainly occurred in the northern garden, a distribution range which was confirmed by the countrywide inventory, although Phyllocnistis was more abundant on southern clones, providing evidence for possible local maladaptation. Melampsora occurred all over the country and in both gardens, but built up more quickly on northern clones, which suggests a centre of local clone maladaptation in the north. Stem growth also followed a clinal pattern as did the concentration of three phenolic compounds: benzoic acid, catechin and cinnamic acid. However, only benzoic acid was related to parasite presence: negatively to Phyllocnistis and positively to Melampsora and it could thus be a potential trait under selection. In conclusion, clines of Phyllocnistis were stronger and more persistent compared to Melampsora, which showed contrasting clines of varying strength. Our data thus support the assumption of the GMTC model that clines exist in the border between hot and cold spots and that they may be less persistent for parasites with an elevated gene flow, and/or for parasites which cover relatively larger hot spots surrounded by fewer cold spots.
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| 8. |
- Albrectsen, Benedicte R, 1960-, et al.
(author)
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Large scale geographic clines of parasite damage to Populus tremula L
- 2010
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In: Ecography. - : Wiley. - 0906-7590 .- 1600-0587. ; 33:3, s. 483-493
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In conclusion, clines of Phyllocnistis were stronger and more persistent compared to Melampsora, which showed contrasting clines of varying strength. Our data thus support the assumption of the GMTC model that clines exist in the border between hot and cold spots and that they may be less persistent for parasites with an elevated gene flow, and/or for parasites which cover relatively larger hot spots surrounded by fewer cold spots.
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| 9. |
- Albrectsen, Benedicte R., 1960-, et al.
(author)
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Nutrient addition extends flowering display, which gets tracked by seed predators, but not by their parasitoids
- 2008
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In: Oikos. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0030-1299 .- 1600-0706. ; 117, s. 473-480
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although phenological matching between two and three trophic interactions has received some attention, it has largely been disregarded in explaining the lack of strong cascade dynamics in terrestrial systems. We studied the response of the specialist seed predator, Paroxyna plantaginis (Tephritidae) and associated generalist parasitoids (Chalcidoidea) to controlled fertilisation of individuals of naturally growing Tripolium vulgare (Asteraceae) on four island populations (Skeppsvik Archipelago, Sweden). We consistently found evidence of nutrient limitation: fertilised plants increased their biomass, produced more capitula (the oviposition units for tephritid flies), were more at risk of attack by the tephritids, and puparia were heavier in fertilised plants. During some parts of the season tephritids became more heavily parasitized, supporting the presence of cascade dynamics, however net parasitism over season decreased in response to nutrient addition. We found no evidence that capitulum size complicated parasitoid access to the tephritids, however the extended bud production prolonged the flowering season. Thus, tephritids utilized the surplus production of capitula throughout the entire season, while parasitoids did not expand their oviposition time window accordingly. Implications for top down regulation and cascade dynamics in the system are discussed.
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| 10. |
- Albrectsen, Benedicte Riber, 1960-, et al.
(author)
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Slugs, willow seedlings and nutrient fertilization: intrinsic vigor inversely affects palatability
- 2004
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In: Oikos. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0030-1299 .- 1600-0706. ; 105, s. 268-278
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study evaluates how preference by a generalist slug herbivore Arion subfuscus changes inversely with seedling size across three levels of fertilization for three full‐sib families of willow seedlings. We analyzed seedlings for condensed tannin and protein concentration, and related these data to changes in palatability. In preference tests over time, leaf discs from more fertilized seedlings experienced an extended window of vulnerability compared to discs from less fertilized seedlings, which were also more tannin‐rich. In a whole seedling selection study, slugs readily attacked smaller seedlings (<5 cm) but rarely attacked taller seedlings (>10 cm). However, a general difference in risk of damage close to 50% existed when comparing shorter and taller individuals within each family and level of fertilizer. The decrease in palatability with height of the seedlings was positively correlated with an increase in condensed tannin concentration. We found no effect of seedling size on protein concentration. Akaiki index criterion model comparisons suggested that only main effects were important for explaining seedling choice by slugs as well as the ratio between proteins and condensed tannins. Seedling size, had the largest effect, followed by fertilizer level and family. Surprisingly, seedling size and fertilizer treatment had opposite effects on palatability to slugs. Size decreased probability of damage, whereas fertilization extended the window of susceptibility. Because the seedlings were even‐aged, differences in size are interpreted as differences in growth rate or vigor. The positive phenotypic correlation found between size and tannin production in the less preferred willow seedlings confirms that several plant defense traits may be selected for simultaneously, because fast growth may allow an early development of plant defenses. We discuss these results in the light of plant‐defense theories that predict a negative correlation between the allocation to growth and the production of secondary defense compounds.
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