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. Erin ZimmermanApril 16, 2021
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. Erin ZimmermanApril 12, 2021
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. Erin ZimmermanApril 6, 2021
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. Erin ZimmermanApril 5, 2021
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. Erin ZimmermanApril 2, 2021
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. Erin ZimmermanMarch 23, 2021
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. Erin ZimmermanMarch 18, 2021
Taxonomy & Evolution A new high-throughput method for building large phylogenies from herbarium samples Herbaria are an under-used resource for large phylogenies. Erin ZimmermanMarch 17, 2021
EcosystemsGrowth & Development Historical angle important in centre-periphery approaches to species performance Accounting for the historical range can help explain trait variation in some cases. Erin ZimmermanMarch 16, 2021
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. Erin ZimmermanMarch 12, 2021
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. Erin ZimmermanMarch 3, 2021
Cells, Genes & Molecules Horizontal gene transfer found between moss plastids The transfer may have been triggered by the large-scale liming of acidic mires. Erin ZimmermanMarch 1, 2021
Growth & Development Hakea drought resistance determined by climate factors rather than functional traits Cavitation resistance appears to be genetic, making it useful as a predictor of drought resistance. Erin ZimmermanFebruary 27, 2021
Growth & Development Local adaptation of invasive species occurs in clonal plants too In transplant experiments, closely-related sexual and asexual species both showed evidence of local adaptation. Erin ZimmermanFebruary 24, 2021