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Schimann, H., Petit-Jean, C., Guitet, S., Reis, T., Domenach, A. M., & Roggy, J. - C. (2012). Microbial bioindicators of soil functioning after disturbance: The case of gold mining in tropical rainforests of French Guiana. Ecol. Indic., 20, 34–41.
Abstract: In the context of an ongoing monitoring study on the impacts of gold-mining activities on critical ecosystem processes, we explored the use of soil Denitrifying Enzyme Activity (DEA) and Substrate Induced Respiration (SIR) as ecosystem indicators in tropical rainforests of French Guiana. We also propose DEA/SIR ratio as ecosystem attribute able to describe the state of an ecosystem and to reflect changes in ecological processes. With this purpose, we measured SIR, DEA and DEA/SIR ratio in five gold-mining areas and five surrounding natural reference rainforests. We also measured indicators in two conditions of spontaneous regeneration of vegetation (stratified or not) and two conditions of soil rehabilitation (prior preparation of soils or not). We showed a high variability of DEA, SIR and DEA/SIR ratio in the natural reference forests. This pointed out the necessity to identify relevant reference systems – i.e. proving a close match in all relevant ecological dimensions – to compare with closed perturbed systems in order to assess the levels of alterations after disturbances. Results showed a high impact of gold mine on microbial processes with a strong decrease of DEA (10-fold lower), SIR (2-fold lower) and DEA/SIR ratio (8-fold lower) in perturbed areas in comparison with natural reference forests. The type of spontaneous vegetation (stratified or not) influenced the values of indicators as well as prior rehabilitation of soils, demonstrating the capacity of DEA, SIR and DEA/SIR ratio to respond in proportion to the perturbation (robustness) and to the different levels of restoration (sensitivity). The systematic decrease of the ratio DEA/SIR observed in the studied perturbed situations demonstrates clearly that the structure of microbial communities has been also modified. The ratio DEA/SIR proved to be robust and sensitive, and able to describe in fairly fine way changes of soil microbial communities in terms of structure and function in gold mine areas and during processes of restoration. We propose to use DEA, SIR and DEA/SIR ratio as bioindicators of both structural and functional aspects of C and N cycling in soils. Together with others bioindicators based on key supporting functions in soils, these indicators should accurately evaluate the ecological potential of natural ecosystems and the levels of degradation in case of land-use changes. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords: Bioindicators; DEA/SIR ratio; Denitrifying Enzyme Activity (DEA); Disturbance; Substrate Induced Respiration (SIR); Tropical rainforest
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Royer, M., Rodrigues, A. M. S., Herbette, G., Beauchene, J., Chevalier, M., Herault, B., et al. (2012). Efficacy of Bagassa guianensis Aubl. extract against wood decay and human pathogenic fungi. Int. Biodeterior. Biodegrad., 70, 55–59.
Abstract: Extractives that provide natural resistance to Bagassa guianensis Aubl. heartwood were examined. Soil-bed tests showed that the B. guianensis heartwood resistance was significantly reduced after ethyl acetate extraction, whereas methanol and especially water extractions improved the resistance. The ethyl acetate extract was submitted to a bioguided fractionation, and fractions were tested against one wood-destroying fungal strain (Pycnoporus sanguineus) and two human pathogenic fungal strains (Candida glabrata (yeast) and Trichophyton rubrum (filamentous dermatophyte)). Fraction F7, which exhibited the strongest antifungal activity, was subsequently fractionated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Six previously described compounds were isolated. Although the two moracins, 6-O-methyl-moracin N (3) and moracin N (4) were the most active against fungal strains with MIC values between 4 and 16 μg ml -1, the isolated compounds showed less or equivalent antifungal activity than the initial fraction. Possible synergism between compounds 3 and 4 and other secondary metabolites have been hypothesized. Our study demonstrated that this extract as a whole might be used as a wood preservation or antimycotic product. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords: Antifungal; Bagassa guianensis; Extractives; Natural durability; Polyphenols; Synergy
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Delnatte, C., & Meyer, J. - Y. (2012). Plant introduction, naturalization, and invasion in French Guiana (South America). Biol. Invasions, 14(5), 915–927.
Abstract: Continental tropical ecosystems are generally viewed as less vulnerable to biological invasions than island ones. Their apparent resistance to invasive alien species is often attributed to their higher native biota diversity and complexity. However, with the increase of human activities and disturbances and the accelerate rate of introductions of plant species, these apparently resilient continental ecosystems are now experiencing alien plant naturalization and invasion events. In order to illustrate this emergent phenomenon, we compiled a list of all known introduced and naturalized plant species in French Guiana (Guiana Shield, South America). A total of 490 alien plants were recorded, about 34% of which are currently naturalized, mainly species belonging to the Acanthaceae and Fabaceae (Faboideae) in the Eudicotyledons, and Poaceae (grasses) and Arecaceae (palms) in the Monocotyledons. The coastal dry and wet savannas appears to be vulnerable to plant invasion (with 165 naturalized species, about 34% of the alien flora), especially by Acacia mangium (Mimosaceae) and Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae) which are forming localized but dense monotypic stands. Both tree species, intentionnally introduced for reforestation, rehabilitation, and as garden ornamentals and have the potential to spread with increasing human disturbances The number and abundance of naturalized alien plants in the relatively undisturbed tropical lowland rainforests and savannas remains still very low. Therefore, surveillance, early detection, and eradication of potential plant invaders are crucial; moreover collaboration with neighbouring countries of the Guiana Shield is essential to prevent the introduction of potentially invasive species which are still not present in French Guiana. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Keywords: Acacia mangium; French Guiana; Invasive plant; Melaleuca quinquenervia; Naturalization; Savanna
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Fouquet, A., Ledoux, J. - B., Dubut, V., Noonan, B. P., & Scotti, I. (2012). The interplay of dispersal limitation, rivers, and historical events shapes the genetic structure of an Amazonian frog. Biol. J. Linn. Soc., 106(2), 356–373.
Abstract: Disentangling the impact of landscape features such as rivers and historical events on dispersal is a challenging but necessary task to gain a comprehensive picture of the evolution of diverse biota such as that found in Amazonia. Adenomera andreae, a small, territorial, terrestrial frog species of the Amazonian forest represents a good model for such studies. We combined cytochromeb sequences with 12 microsatellites to investigate the genetic structure at two contrasted spatial scales in French Guiana: along a ∼6-km transect, to evaluate dispersal ability, and between paired bank populations along a ∼65-km stretch of the Approuague river, to test the effect of rivers as barriers to dispersal. We observed significant spatial genetic structure between individuals at a remarkably small geographical scale, and conclude that the species has a restricted dispersal ability that is probably tied to its life-history traits. Mitochondrial and microsatellite data also indicate a high level of differentiation among populations on opposite banks of the river, and, in some cases, among populations on the same riverbank. These results suggest that the observed population structure in A.andreae is the result of restricted dispersal abilities combined with the action of rivers and Quaternary population isolation. Given that Amazonia hosts a great portion of anurans, as well as other small vertebrates, that display life-history traits comparable with A.andreae, we argue that our analyses provide new insights into the complex interactions among evolutionary processes shaping Amazonian biodiversity. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London.
Keywords: Amazonia; Amphibian; Gene flow; Microsatellites; Mitochondrial DNA; Spatial genetic structure
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Perrin, A. - S., Fujisaki, K., Petitjean, C., Sarrazin, M., Godet, M., Garric, B., et al. (2014). Conversion of forest to agriculture in Amazonia with the chop-and-mulch method: Does it improve the soil carbon stock? Agric. Ecosyst. Environ., 184, 101–114.
Abstract: Fire-free forest conversion with organic inputs as an alternative to slash-and-burn could improve agro-ecosystem sustainability. We assessed soil carbon mass changes in a sandy-clayey and well-drained soil in French Guiana after forest clearing by the chop-and-mulch method and crop establishment. At the experimental site of Combi, native forest was cut down in October 2008; woody biomass was chopped and incorporated into the top 20cm of soil. After about one year of legume and grass cover, three forms of land management were compared: grassland (Urochloa ruziziensis), maize/soybean crop rotation with disk tillage and in direct seeding without tillage. There were four replicates. We measured 14.16kgm-2 of carbon in 2mm-sieved soil down to 2m depth for the initial forest. Forest clearing did not induce significant soil compaction; neither did any specific agricultural practice. In converted soils, C stocks were measured in the 0-30cm layer after each crop for three years. Carbon mass changes for soil fractions <2mm (soil C stock) and >2mm (soil C pool) in the 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-30cm soil layers were assessed on an equivalent soil mass basis. One year and 1.5 years after deforestation, higher C stocks (+0.64 to 1.16kgCm-2yr-1) and C pools (+0.52 to 0.90kgCm-2yr-1) were measured in converted soils, compared to those of the forest into the top 30cm of soil. However, the masses of carbon in these converted soils declined later. The highest rates of carbon decrease were measured between 1.5 and 2 years after forest conversion in the <2mm soil fraction, from 0.46kgCm-2yr-1 (in grassland soils) to 0.71kgCm-2yr-1 (in cropland under no tillage). The carbon pool declined during the third year at rates of 0.41kgCm-2yr-1 (cropland under disk tillage) to 0.76kgCm-2yr-1 (grassland soils). Three years after forest conversion, C masses in the top 30cm of soils for grassland showed similar values than for forest. In comparison, the carbon stock in cropped soils managed under no tillage in direct seeding (without mulch) was significantly 17% and 16% lower than in forest and grassland soils, respectively. None of the studied agricultural practices succeeded in accumulating carbon from the chopped forest biomass. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Keywords: Annual crops; Brachiaria; Deforestation; Fire-free; French Guiana; No-tillage
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Malé, P. - J. G., Leroy, C., Dejean, A., Quilichini, A., & Orivel, J. (2012). An ant symbiont directly and indirectly limits its host plant's reproductive success. Evol. Ecol., 26(1), 55–63.
Abstract: In theory, mutualisms are intrinsically unstable, and the search for the maximum profit at the minimum cost should lead every mutualist to become a parasite. From an empirical point of view, mutualisms are ubiquitous and of major importance to ecosystems, suggesting the existence of mechanisms that enhance the maintenance of such relationships. We focused on the obligatory myrmecophytic association between the Neotropical plant Hirtella physophora (Chrysobalanaceae) and the ant Allomerus decemarticulatus (Myrmicinae). The plant shelters the ants in leaf pouches in exchange for protection from phytophagous insects. We experimentally demonstrated that the ants partially castrate their host plant by destroying almost two-thirds of its floral buds. The ants also impede pollination through their presence and interactions with pollinators. These results reveal that ant activity negatively affects the plant's reproduction both directly and indirectly. This dual negative effect does not result in the complete castration of the plant. We also highlight major limitations to plant reproduction due to the spontaneous abscission of flowers and to the limited quantity and/or poor quality of the pollen. These limitations must not be overlooked since they can alter the outcome of the association of H. physophora with its ant partner. We therefore conclude that the evolutionary fate of the relationship depends on both ant castration intensity and obstacles to plant fertilization not related to the presence of ants. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Keywords: Cheater; Evolutionary conflict; Mutualism breakdown; Myrmecophyte; Pollination
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Aili, S. R., Touchard, A., Escoubas, P., Padula, M. P., Orivel, J., Dejean, A., et al. (2014). Diversity of peptide toxins from stinging ant venoms. Toxicon, 92, 166–178.
Abstract: Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) represent a taxonomically diverse group of arthropods comprising nearly 13,000 extant species. Sixteen ant subfamilies have individuals that possess a stinger and use their venom for purposes such as a defence against predators, competitors and microbial pathogens, for predation, as well as for social communication. They exhibit a range of activities including antimicrobial, haemolytic, cytolytic, paralytic, insecticidal and pain-producing pharmacologies. While ant venoms are known to be rich in alkaloids and hydrocarbons, ant venoms rich in peptides are becoming more common, yet remain understudied. Recent advances in mass spectrometry techniques have begun to reveal the true complexity of ant venom peptide composition. In the few venoms explored thus far, most peptide toxins appear to occur as small polycationic linear toxins, with antibacterial properties and insecticidal activity. Unlike other venomous animals, a number of ant venoms also contain a range of homodimeric and heterodimeric peptides with one or two interchain disulfide bonds possessing pore-forming, allergenic and paralytic actions. However, ant venoms seem to have only a small number of monomeric disulfide-linked peptides. The present review details the structure and pharmacology of known ant venom peptide toxins and their potential as a source of novel bioinsecticides and therapeutic agents.
Keywords: Ant venom; Chemotaxonomy; Disulfide linkage; Peptides; Venom biochemistry
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Cottet, K., Genta-Jouve, G., Fromentin, Y., Odonne, G., Duplais, C., Laprévote, O., et al. (2014). Comparative LC-MS-based metabolite profiling of the ancient tropical rainforest tree Symphonia globulifera. Phytochemistry, 108, 102–108.
Abstract: In the last few years, several phytochemical studies have been undertaken on the tropical tree Symphonia globulifera leading to the isolation and characterisation of several compounds exhibiting antiparasitic activities against Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania donovani. The comparative LC-MS based metabolite profiling study conducted on the tree led to the identification of compounds originating from specific tissues. The results showed that renewable organs/tissues can be used as the starting material for the production of polycyclic poly-prenylated-acylphloroglucinols, therefore reducing impacts on biodiversity. This study also underlined the lack of knowledge on the secondary metabolites produced by S. globulifera since only a small number of the total detected features were putatively identified using the database of known compounds for the species.
Keywords: Kendrick mass defect; Lc-Ms; Plant organs; Symphonia globulifera; Untargeted metabolomics; Symphonia globulifera
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Wagner, F., Rossi, V., Stahl, C., Bonal, D., & Herault, B. (2013). Asynchronism in leaf and wood production in tropical forests: A study combining satellite and ground-based measurements. Biogeosciences, 10(11), 7307–7321.
Abstract: The fixation of carbon in tropical forests mainly occurs through the production of wood and leaves, both being the principal components of net primary production. Currently field and satellite observations are independently used to describe the forest carbon cycle, but the link between satellite-derived forest phenology and field-derived forest productivity remains opaque. We used a unique combination of a MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI) dataset, a wood production model based on climate data and direct litterfall observations at an intra-annual timescale in order to question the synchronism of leaf and wood production in tropical forests. Even though leaf and wood biomass fluxes had the same range (respectively 2.4 ± 1.4 and 2.2 ± 0.4 Mg C ha-1 yr-1), they occurred separately in time. EVI increased with leaf renewal at the beginning of the dry season, when solar irradiance was at its maximum. At this time, wood production stopped. At the onset of the rainy season, when new leaves were fully mature and water available again, wood production quickly increased to reach its maximum in less than a month, reflecting a change in carbon allocation from short-lived pools (leaves) to long-lived pools (wood). The time lag between peaks of EVI and wood production (109 days) revealed a substantial decoupling between the leaf renewal assumed to be driven by irradiance and the water-driven wood production. Our work is a first attempt to link EVI data, wood production and leaf phenology at a seasonal timescale in a tropical evergreen rainforest and pave the way to develop more sophisticated global carbon cycle models in tropical forests. © 2013 Author(s).
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Rey, O., Estoup, A., Vonshak, M., Loiseau, A., Blanchet, S., Calcaterra, L., et al. (2012). Where do adaptive shifts occur during invasion? A multidisciplinary approach to unravelling cold adaptation in a tropical ant species invading the Mediterranean area. Ecol. Lett., 15(11), 1266–1275.
Abstract: Evolution may improve the invasiveness of populations, but it often remains unclear whether key adaptation events occur after introduction into the recipient habitat (i.e. post-introduction adaptation scenario), or before introduction within the native range (i.e. prior-adaptation scenario) or at a primary site of invasion (i.e. bridgehead scenario). We used a multidisciplinary approach to determine which of these three scenarios underlies the invasion of the tropical ant Wasmannia auropunctata in a Mediterranean region (i.e. Israel). Species distribution models (SDM), phylogeographical analyses at a broad geographical scale and laboratory experiments on appropriate native and invasive populations indicated that Israeli populations followed an invasion scenario in which adaptation to cold occurred at the southern limit of the native range before dispersal to Israel. We discuss the usefulness of combining SDM, genetic and experimental approaches for unambiguous determination of eco-evolutionary invasion scenarios. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd/CNRS.
Keywords: Adaptation; Biological invasion; Climatic niche shift; Cold temperature; Mediterranean zone; Wasmannia auropunctata
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