cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969595.v1
title: Could the reproductive system explain the stability and long-term persistence in a natural hybrid zone of Petunia (Solanaceae)?

description: ABSTRACT The long-term success of populations is dependent on individual reproductive success, and in general, increased population size and genetic diversity contribute to population maintenance, reducing the risk of local extinction. Interspecific hybridization has consequences that can vary according to the hybrids' fate, which can be strongly influenced by the reproductive capacity of hybrids and canonical individuals from the contact zone. We examined the reproductive biology and morphology of two closely related Petunia (Solanaceae) species and their interspecific hybrids from Serra do Sudeste, Southern Brazil, and we measured their reproductive success under controlled conditions based on seed production and germination from five pollination treatments. We found differences in self-compatibility degree among individuals, lineages, and pollination treatments based on high total seed production (&gt; 204,000 seeds) and germination (630 seedlings evaluated). No correlation was observed between corolla colour and reproductive success or between floral morphological traits and compatibility. High self-compatibility and inter-lineage compatibility can explain the hybrid populations' maintenance and origin, favouring the two analysed species' introgression.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969593
title: Untangling Eriotheca gracilipes (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae): A new species and a new combination in Eriotheca

description: ABSTRACT Eriotheca gracilipes concept is re-circumscribed according to the shape and texture of the leaflets, diameter of the petiole, calyx color, seed striation and geographic distribution. In addition, a new species (Eriotheca uniflora) and a new combination (Eriotheca crenulata) are proposed here. Descriptions, identification key, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution, phenology and conservation status, images of diagnostic characteristics and a table with information about these features are provided for the three species.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969593.v1
title: Untangling Eriotheca gracilipes (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae): A new species and a new combination in Eriotheca

description: ABSTRACT Eriotheca gracilipes concept is re-circumscribed according to the shape and texture of the leaflets, diameter of the petiole, calyx color, seed striation and geographic distribution. In addition, a new species (Eriotheca uniflora) and a new combination (Eriotheca crenulata) are proposed here. Descriptions, identification key, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution, phenology and conservation status, images of diagnostic characteristics and a table with information about these features are provided for the three species.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969596
title: Contrasting functional responses of non-native invasive species along a tropical elevation gradient

description: ABSTRACT One hypothesized invasion strategy (“try-harder”) predicts that invaders exhibit functional traits that are better adjusted to the environment than native species. Alternatively, the “join-the-locals” hypothesis predicts trait convergence between invasive and native species due to environmental filtering with increasing resource limitation. We hypothesized that invasions strategies shift from “try-harder” to “join-the-locals” with increasing elevation. We used an elevational gradient to detect possible trait convergences between alien invaders and native plant species in Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. We found a significant trait convergence with elevation only in Asteraceae, suggesting a species-specific pattern, but also an important phenotypic variability of the alien invader. This supports the idea that the more resource-limited the environment, the more it filters out traits substantially diverging from the locally-adapted native community, thereby entailing a shift from “try-harder” to “join-the-locals” strategies. The invasive grass was also more acquisitive but did not exhibit any relation to the native community, supporting the “try-harder” hypothesis. The size of the invasive Fabaceae species decreased with elevation, mirroring the native Fabaceae species, but not the overall native community. Including more replicates and a thorough quantification of environmental conditions, offers a promising avenue for improving the understanding the seemingly idiosyncrasies of invasion pathways.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969596.v1
title: Contrasting functional responses of non-native invasive species along a tropical elevation gradient

description: ABSTRACT One hypothesized invasion strategy (“try-harder”) predicts that invaders exhibit functional traits that are better adjusted to the environment than native species. Alternatively, the “join-the-locals” hypothesis predicts trait convergence between invasive and native species due to environmental filtering with increasing resource limitation. We hypothesized that invasions strategies shift from “try-harder” to “join-the-locals” with increasing elevation. We used an elevational gradient to detect possible trait convergences between alien invaders and native plant species in Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. We found a significant trait convergence with elevation only in Asteraceae, suggesting a species-specific pattern, but also an important phenotypic variability of the alien invader. This supports the idea that the more resource-limited the environment, the more it filters out traits substantially diverging from the locally-adapted native community, thereby entailing a shift from “try-harder” to “join-the-locals” strategies. The invasive grass was also more acquisitive but did not exhibit any relation to the native community, supporting the “try-harder” hypothesis. The size of the invasive Fabaceae species decreased with elevation, mirroring the native Fabaceae species, but not the overall native community. Including more replicates and a thorough quantification of environmental conditions, offers a promising avenue for improving the understanding the seemingly idiosyncrasies of invasion pathways.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969598
title: Lower oxidative damage and cell wall loosening, mediated or not by auxin, as part of the tolerance mechanism of Paubrasilia echinata morphotypes in the shade and full sun

description: ABSTRACT Paubrasilia echinata presents three morphotypes that differ from each other in leaf morphology (small morphotype-SM, medium morphotype-MM, and large morphotype-LM) with indications of divergence between them regarding irradiance tolerance. The present study aimed to identify possible physiological and growth patterns in P. echinata morphotypes under contrasting irradiance. The growth and photosynthesis of SM were inhibited in the full sun, and those of MM and LM, in the shade. The auxin contents of the three morphotypes increased in the full sun. However, in MM and LM, this increase was 5 times greater. The oxidative damage (hydrogen peroxide-H2O2 and lipid peroxidation-MDA content) of SM were higher in the full sun and of MM and LM in the shade. The stem hemicelluloses and CO2 assimilation decreased in shade for SM, and sun for MM and LM. The shade tolerance of SM and the full sun tolerance of MM and LM were associated with lower oxidative damage and cell wall loosening (lower hemicelluloses content) in the photo-promoted treatments. The integration of the lower oxidative damage with cell wall loosening seems to represent an essential part of the tolerance mechanism of P. echinata morphotypes in the shade and full sun.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969598.v1
title: Lower oxidative damage and cell wall loosening, mediated or not by auxin, as part of the tolerance mechanism of Paubrasilia echinata morphotypes in the shade and full sun

description: ABSTRACT Paubrasilia echinata presents three morphotypes that differ from each other in leaf morphology (small morphotype-SM, medium morphotype-MM, and large morphotype-LM) with indications of divergence between them regarding irradiance tolerance. The present study aimed to identify possible physiological and growth patterns in P. echinata morphotypes under contrasting irradiance. The growth and photosynthesis of SM were inhibited in the full sun, and those of MM and LM, in the shade. The auxin contents of the three morphotypes increased in the full sun. However, in MM and LM, this increase was 5 times greater. The oxidative damage (hydrogen peroxide-H2O2 and lipid peroxidation-MDA content) of SM were higher in the full sun and of MM and LM in the shade. The stem hemicelluloses and CO2 assimilation decreased in shade for SM, and sun for MM and LM. The shade tolerance of SM and the full sun tolerance of MM and LM were associated with lower oxidative damage and cell wall loosening (lower hemicelluloses content) in the photo-promoted treatments. The integration of the lower oxidative damage with cell wall loosening seems to represent an essential part of the tolerance mechanism of P. echinata morphotypes in the shade and full sun.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969599
title: Challenges and lessons learned from digitizing small Brazilian herbaria

description: ABSTRACT The digital era provides new opportunities for taxonomists, as well as for everyone that studies biodiversity. Many herbaria have been able to digitize their collections, a process that started with the typing of label data, moving more recently towards the digitization of each sample with the simultaneous acquisition of high-resolution images. Here we discuss some of the challenges we faced in digitizing samples and provide a series of suggestions to avoid common mistakes for herbaria that have yet to start the process. We used a professional camera, database management software, and a barcode scanner to digitize the collections of herbaria CRI, ECT, FURB, LUSC, and UFRN. Pre-revision of samples with prior restoration when needed, barcode fixation, and a good database allowed faster digitization of samples. Good database software and the formation of a network among small herbaria accelerated digitization and increased the number of images available of Brazilian biodiversity. Thus far, our joint efforts made 118,000 specimen images available online with the purpose of accelerating botanical research.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969599.v1
title: Challenges and lessons learned from digitizing small Brazilian herbaria

description: ABSTRACT The digital era provides new opportunities for taxonomists, as well as for everyone that studies biodiversity. Many herbaria have been able to digitize their collections, a process that started with the typing of label data, moving more recently towards the digitization of each sample with the simultaneous acquisition of high-resolution images. Here we discuss some of the challenges we faced in digitizing samples and provide a series of suggestions to avoid common mistakes for herbaria that have yet to start the process. We used a professional camera, database management software, and a barcode scanner to digitize the collections of herbaria CRI, ECT, FURB, LUSC, and UFRN. Pre-revision of samples with prior restoration when needed, barcode fixation, and a good database allowed faster digitization of samples. Good database software and the formation of a network among small herbaria accelerated digitization and increased the number of images available of Brazilian biodiversity. Thus far, our joint efforts made 118,000 specimen images available online with the purpose of accelerating botanical research.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969601
title: Localised photosynthetic pigments in the node of a holoparasitic plant: support for shoot growth?

description: ABSTRACT Understanding the role of photosynthesis in the holoparasitic genus Cuscuta may give insights into the biology and evolution of these plants. We hypothesised that light irradiance on the node of C. racemosa is important for sustaining the growth of the new shoot through photosynthesis. We blocked light irradiance on the node of detached twigs of C. racemosa for one week and measured twig fresh and dry weight, shoot length and photosynthetic pigment content. Even though fresh and dry weight did not differ between non-irradiated and irradiated twigs, the shoots of non-irradiated nodes were significantly shorter. The non-irradiated plants showed higher amounts of chlorophyll a, b, and lycopene, and a lower concentration of β-carotene. Furthermore, the chlorophyll a/b ratio was lower than that of the control (irradiated) plants. Beyond corroborating our hypothesis, our results suggest that, when light is blocked on the node of C. racemosa, the holoparasite responds in a way similar to that of autotrophic plants under shaded conditions. Our findings suggest a new and previously unacknowledged role for the node of C. racemosa, which would be supporting shoot elongation through photosynthesis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969601.v1
title: Localised photosynthetic pigments in the node of a holoparasitic plant: support for shoot growth?

description: ABSTRACT Understanding the role of photosynthesis in the holoparasitic genus Cuscuta may give insights into the biology and evolution of these plants. We hypothesised that light irradiance on the node of C. racemosa is important for sustaining the growth of the new shoot through photosynthesis. We blocked light irradiance on the node of detached twigs of C. racemosa for one week and measured twig fresh and dry weight, shoot length and photosynthetic pigment content. Even though fresh and dry weight did not differ between non-irradiated and irradiated twigs, the shoots of non-irradiated nodes were significantly shorter. The non-irradiated plants showed higher amounts of chlorophyll a, b, and lycopene, and a lower concentration of β-carotene. Furthermore, the chlorophyll a/b ratio was lower than that of the control (irradiated) plants. Beyond corroborating our hypothesis, our results suggest that, when light is blocked on the node of C. racemosa, the holoparasite responds in a way similar to that of autotrophic plants under shaded conditions. Our findings suggest a new and previously unacknowledged role for the node of C. racemosa, which would be supporting shoot elongation through photosynthesis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969608
title: A window of opportunity: a recent exotic palm invader can still be eradicated in an Atlantic Forest Protected Area

description: ABSTRACT Exotic palms are introduced as ornamental all over the world, with some of them become invasive. Here, we characterize the population status and the stage of invasion of the exotic palm Caryota urens in an Atlantic Forest Protected Area, southeastern Brazil. Palms were sampled in 2019 and 2020, in fifteen 10 x 10 m plots, placed from an alley of planted reproductive palms. All individuals inside plots were marked and classified in ontogenetic stages. The number of sampled individuals was 110 in 2019 and 114 in 2020; palms were recorded in six plots in 2019 (the furthest 330 m from the alley) and in eight plots in 2020 (the furthest 420 m from the alley). In 2020, most palms were on the earlier ontogenetic stages (seedlings and infants, 86 %), but we also recorded juveniles (10.5 %) and immatures (3.5 %), values similar to those found in 2019. The population structure observed and the natural expansion of the species inside the forest indicate that the palm has successfully established in the area and has become invasive. Management actions should be taken urgently in an attempt to contain the spreading to new locations or eradicate this palm from this protected area.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969608.v1
title: A window of opportunity: a recent exotic palm invader can still be eradicated in an Atlantic Forest Protected Area

description: ABSTRACT Exotic palms are introduced as ornamental all over the world, with some of them become invasive. Here, we characterize the population status and the stage of invasion of the exotic palm Caryota urens in an Atlantic Forest Protected Area, southeastern Brazil. Palms were sampled in 2019 and 2020, in fifteen 10 x 10 m plots, placed from an alley of planted reproductive palms. All individuals inside plots were marked and classified in ontogenetic stages. The number of sampled individuals was 110 in 2019 and 114 in 2020; palms were recorded in six plots in 2019 (the furthest 330 m from the alley) and in eight plots in 2020 (the furthest 420 m from the alley). In 2020, most palms were on the earlier ontogenetic stages (seedlings and infants, 86 %), but we also recorded juveniles (10.5 %) and immatures (3.5 %), values similar to those found in 2019. The population structure observed and the natural expansion of the species inside the forest indicate that the palm has successfully established in the area and has become invasive. Management actions should be taken urgently in an attempt to contain the spreading to new locations or eradicate this palm from this protected area.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969610
title: The explosive flowers of Marsypianthes chamaedrys (Lamiaceae) resort to self-pollination and improve reproduction

description: Abstract Explosive pollination includes a rapid release of floral sexual elements that are enclosed in modified petals, and a subsequent contact with pollinators’ body. It requires specific groups of visitors in order to assure plant reproduction, thus reproductive success is threatened in species with explosive pollination mechanisms, especially when pollinator activity is uncertain. Autogamy can alleviate such a problem by improving plant reproductive output. Here we investigated the mating strategies of Marsypianthes chamaedrys, a species with an explosive pollen release mechanism and whose medicinal properties are broadly investigated, but no data is available regarding its reproduction. We studied its floral morphology, anthesis, floral visitors and breeding system. Flowers have a bilabiate organization with the reproductive structures housed within a lower, keel-like petal lobe. The species is protandrous and flowers have short life span. Only bees were able to activate the explosive mechanism, while butterflies acted as nectar thieves. Marsypianthes chamaedrys is self-compatible and able to autonomously self-pollinate, likely due to the elongation of the pistil within the keel of unvisited flowers. Marsypianthes chamaedrys likely has a mixed mating system, in which bee pollination and autogamy interplay to improve its reproductive output.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969610.v1
title: The explosive flowers of Marsypianthes chamaedrys (Lamiaceae) resort to self-pollination and improve reproduction

description: Abstract Explosive pollination includes a rapid release of floral sexual elements that are enclosed in modified petals, and a subsequent contact with pollinators’ body. It requires specific groups of visitors in order to assure plant reproduction, thus reproductive success is threatened in species with explosive pollination mechanisms, especially when pollinator activity is uncertain. Autogamy can alleviate such a problem by improving plant reproductive output. Here we investigated the mating strategies of Marsypianthes chamaedrys, a species with an explosive pollen release mechanism and whose medicinal properties are broadly investigated, but no data is available regarding its reproduction. We studied its floral morphology, anthesis, floral visitors and breeding system. Flowers have a bilabiate organization with the reproductive structures housed within a lower, keel-like petal lobe. The species is protandrous and flowers have short life span. Only bees were able to activate the explosive mechanism, while butterflies acted as nectar thieves. Marsypianthes chamaedrys is self-compatible and able to autonomously self-pollinate, likely due to the elongation of the pistil within the keel of unvisited flowers. Marsypianthes chamaedrys likely has a mixed mating system, in which bee pollination and autogamy interplay to improve its reproductive output.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969611
title: Seed predation by macaws favors fruits with less seeds and thicker endocarps in the palm Attalea phalerata

description: ABSTRACT When foraging on a specific range of fruits or seeds, animals can represent a natural selection force, affecting plant population realized fecundity. Most studies have focused on characteristics of dispersed seeds, but the higher predation of seeds of specific size or shape is also an important force that influences the populations’ realized fecundity and can help to understand patterns of plants genetic variability. In the Brazilian Pantanal, we investigated the predation of Acuri (Attalea phalerata) palm fruits by macaws, whose seeds go intact through tapirs digestive tract and then are deposited on latrines, where they are often consumed by seed predators. We found 251 fruits, containing between 1 and 5 seeds per fruit; 170 were intact and 81 had been partially damaged by macaws, mostly those containing 3 or 4 seeds per fruit and with thin endocarps. We argue that the higher consumption of fruits with these traits reflects a trade-off in the energy spent by macaws to open the fruits and the energy provided by them. Higher predation on 3-4 seeded fruits favors the selection of 1-2 seeded fruits, revealing a selection force opposed to the one exerted by bruchids and small rodents, which favors multi-seeded palm fruits.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19969611.v1
title: Seed predation by macaws favors fruits with less seeds and thicker endocarps in the palm Attalea phalerata

description: ABSTRACT When foraging on a specific range of fruits or seeds, animals can represent a natural selection force, affecting plant population realized fecundity. Most studies have focused on characteristics of dispersed seeds, but the higher predation of seeds of specific size or shape is also an important force that influences the populations’ realized fecundity and can help to understand patterns of plants genetic variability. In the Brazilian Pantanal, we investigated the predation of Acuri (Attalea phalerata) palm fruits by macaws, whose seeds go intact through tapirs digestive tract and then are deposited on latrines, where they are often consumed by seed predators. We found 251 fruits, containing between 1 and 5 seeds per fruit; 170 were intact and 81 had been partially damaged by macaws, mostly those containing 3 or 4 seeds per fruit and with thin endocarps. We argue that the higher consumption of fruits with these traits reflects a trade-off in the energy spent by macaws to open the fruits and the energy provided by them. Higher predation on 3-4 seeded fruits favors the selection of 1-2 seeded fruits, revealing a selection force opposed to the one exerted by bruchids and small rodents, which favors multi-seeded palm fruits.