Phenocams, cameras that monitor leaf function, offer a promising new method to track and detect the impact of climate change on ecosystems, helping conservation efforts and ensuring long-term resilience.
Drought and rising temperatures can cause massive forest diebacks around the world. When a tree is experiencing drought, “shedding off” the leaves can enhance tree water status by reducing canopy transpiration. Whilst...
When fungal infection comes to Pinus radiata, it can run through the bottom of the crown of the tree, removing its leaves. What effect does this defoliation have when it occurs? Mireia Gomez-Gallego and colleagues...
Plant regrowth in response to defoliation relies on efficient nitrogen use. Roche et al. find that remobilisation of water soluble carbohydrate stores in leaves of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is coordinated with...
Forecasting the effects of climate change on nitrogen (N) cycling in pastures requires an understanding of changes in tissue N. A new study published in AoB PLANTS by Volder et al. shows that elevated CO2, climate...
Clonal plants are a common feature of heavily grazed ecosystems where large herbivores inflict simultaneous pressures of trampling and defoliation. Xu et al. examine the effects of physiological integration (resource...
Reproduction imposes a cost as resources are diverted from other functions within the plant. Ida et al. use both defoliation and shading to reduce photosynthate supply in fully pollinated plants of a perennial legume...