Taxonomy & Evolution
Extra blue-light receptors helped ferns thrive in early angiosperm forests
Leptosporangiate ferns have three times more cryptochrome receptors than their nearest relatives.
Ecosystems
Stomatal traits do not determine species range via abiotic stress tolerance in Pooideae
Stomatal trait variation may have evolved more in response to pathogens than climate, or climate may be affecting the traits in unexpected ways.
Growth & Development
Above- and below-ground factors determine the effect of added nitrogen
Both light capture and phosphorous acquisition affected the success of nitrogen-enriched plants.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Maize chloroplast genomes hint at high levels of genetic diversity within landraces
Haplotype analysis showed a clear distinction between Andean and lowland landraces.
Close Encounters
Condensed tannin distribution in fine roots linked to mycorrhizal type
Both tannin distribution and root anatomy showed distinct patterns depending on mycorrhiza type.
Growth & Development
Nurse cushion plants show independent trait adaptation to differing habitats
More independence in trait adaptation may mean a greater leeway to adapt to changing climate.
Growth & Development
Root hairs more important than root exudate in rhizosheath formation
Exudates did bind soil to the roots, but were unable to compensate for the absence of root hairs.
Taxonomy & Evolution
A new high-throughput method for building large phylogenies from herbarium samples
Herbaria are an under-used resource for large phylogenies.
Ecosystems
Historical angle important in centre-periphery approaches to species performance
Accounting for the historical range can help explain trait variation in some cases.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Seasonality and glucosinolate production important factors in genome size in a clade of mustards
Surprisingly, life history, soil nutrients, and range size were not key determinants.
Growth & Development
What traits govern root sprouting in temperate herbs?
The ability is most common in dry, open habitats, and most vigorous where disturbance is frequent.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Horizontal gene transfer found between moss plastids
The transfer may have been triggered by the large-scale liming of acidic mires.