There are indications that a persistent seed bank can protect small and isolated plant populations from local extinction. Genetic mechanisms contributing to this phenomenon the increase of effective population size – hence decrease genetic drift through reservoir seeds, accumulation intergenerational diversity in bank. To find evidence for these mechanisms, we conducted two formal meta‐analyses. First, analyzed 42 published habitat fragmentation studies investigated whether degree...

There are numerous grassland ecosystem types on the Tibetan Plateau. These include alpine meadow and steppe degraded steppe. This study aimed at developing a method to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB) for these grasslands from hyperspectral data explore feasibility of applying air/satellite-borne remote sensing techniques AGB estimation larger scales. We carried out field survey collect reflectance five major ecosystems Plateau calculated seven narrow-band vegetation indices index based...

AimsTo describe the biodiversity patterns of plants along an altitudinal gradient on Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and to clarify bias in plant specimen records at high altitude.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most economically important oilseed crops worldwide. In Japan, it has been cultivated for more than a century and formed many feral populations. The aim this study was to elucidate genetic diversity rapeseeds by genotyping 537 individuals (among which 130 were determined be genetically modified) sampled from various regions in Japan. Analysis 30 microsatellite markers amplified 334 alleles indicated moderate high inbreeding (expected heterozygosity,...

AimsRecent studies have shown that alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau act as significant CO2 sinks. On plateau, shrub meadow is one of typical grassland ecosystems. The major Potentilla fruticosa L. (Rosaceae), which distributed widely from 3 200 to 4 000 m. Shrub species play an important role carbon sequestration in In addition, shrubs are sensitive climate change such global warming. Considering warming, biomass and productivity P. will increase Plateau. Thus, understanding...

Requirement of in-country confined field trials for genetically modified (GM) crops prior to unrestricted release is well-established among countries with domestic regulations the cultivation approval GM crops. However, requirement not common in where scope application does include cultivation. Nonetheless, Japan and China request which are intended only use as food, feed processing. This paper considers transportability trial data from (e.g. United States, Canada, South American countries)...

AimsOur objectives were (i) to elucidate the phylogeography of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in Potentilla fruticosa relation Quaternary climate change and postglacial colonization, (ii) infer historical population range expansion using mismatch distribution analyses (iii) locate refugia this alpine species on Qinghai-Tibetan plateau during glacial–interglacial periods.

Abstract Aim We identified and evaluated general latitudinal trends in genetic diversity within populations of a widespread arctic–alpine plant, Dryas octopetala , to examine the applicability this species dominant hypothesis that intraspecific is highest tropics declines towards poles. Location The circumpolar Arctic northern temperate alpine ranges, with focus on high altitude mountains at lowest margin Japanese archipelago. Methods Within‐population was assessed using genotypes determined...

Recent studies have recognized the alpine grasslands on Qinghai–Tibetan plateau as a significant sink for atmospheric CO2. The carbon-sink strength may differ among grassland ecosystems at various altitudes because of contrasting biotic and physical environments. This study aims (i) to clarify altitudinal pattern ecosystem CO2 fluxes, including gross primary production (GPP), daytime respiration (Redaytime) net (NEP), during period with peak above-ground biomass; (ii) elucidate effects...

Abstract Efficient use of any breeding resources requires a good understanding the genetic value founder materials for predicting gain and diversity in future generations. This study evaluates distribution variation level relatedness among within nine populations Norway spruce Northern Sweden using nuclear microsatellite markers. A sample set 456 individuals selected from 140 stands were genotyped with 15 SSR loci. Over all loci each individual was identified unique multilocus genotype. High...

Summary Compared with natural seed dispersal, human‐mediated dispersal could spread herbicide resistance genes on a much larger scale. Herbicide‐resistant weed seeds have been reported as contaminants in commercial grain. We investigated the contamination of L olium species target‐site mutations conferring to acetolactate synthase ( ALS )‐inhibiting herbicides wheat imported from USA , Canada and A ustralia into J apan. also establishment ‐inhibiting herbicide‐resistant 12 seaports apan that...

The tidal flats on which mangrove plants grow tend to have low soil nitrogen contents because nitrogen-containing litter is repeatedly washed offshore by ebb tides. Under such circumstances, it unclear how acquire the required support their vigorous growth. In present work, chemical and biological characteristics of diazotrophy around plant roots were surveyed under natural conditions elucidate mangrove-diazotroph relationships.Soil nitrogenase activity a representative plant, Rhizophora...

Summary The spatial genetic structure of soil seed banks establishes the initial template for development in above‐ground plants, but is rarely evaluated. We used kinship coefficients to analyse fine‐scale autocorrelation plants and from different depths Primula modesta at a subalpine fen site on Mt Asama, central Japan. surface seeds (0–1 cm depth) was significant, while deeper (1–5 had no significant structure. also detected more pronounced association between flowering genets than genets....

Societal Impact Statement The dispersal of alien species is tightly coupled to human activities such as trade and transport. Trade known spread troublesome weeds from countries exporting, those importing, grain. Glyphosate resistant (GR) Amaranthus palmeri one the most problematic in US, which largest grain exporter Japan. We demonstrate that GR A. has become established a Japanese port less than 10 years first report US. initial detection critical enable effective control measures be...

Abstract Spatial and temporal variation in the seed production of a species various factors affecting provide essential information for understanding biotic abiotic controls on reproduction assessing population trends. We conducted 4‐year study combining field observations pollination experiments to evaluate major causing Primula modesta at two sites (fen grassy sites) Mt Asama central Japan. switched from vegetative reproductive life phase stage that depended its accumulation biomass,...

Abstract Nitrogen-fixing activity has been observed in the rhizosphere of mangrove ecosystems, suggesting a close mangrove–diazotroph relationship. In regularly flooded soil, however, pathway by which atmospheric nitrogen reaches diazotrophs is unknown. This study provides evidence that aerial roots serve as pathways supply gas to colonizing buried roots. A plastic chamber was attached on exposed part Rhizophora stylosa Griff prop root, and 15N2 tracer injected into it. The entire including...

The aims of this study were to compare the fungal communities developing on cotton strips at three different altitudes Tibetan Plateau and assess environmental variables influencing them. Cotton that had been buried in soil for a year sampled sites (4500, 4950 5200 m) located southeast-facing slope Nyainqentanglha Mountains near Damxung. fungi isolated using modified washing method. decomposition abilities colony growth properties major species cultured pure-culture conditions investigated...

Insect-protected soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) was developed to protect against foliage feeding by certain Lepidopteran insects. The assessment of potential consequences transgene introgression from wild soja Seib. et Zucc.) is required as one aspect the environmental risk (ERA) in Japan. A hazard insect-protected may be hypothesized transfer a trait gene flow and subsequent reduction insects that result increased weediness To assess this two studies were conducted. three-year survey...

<title>Abstract</title> Semi-natural grasslands, which support high biodiversity, are declining worldwide, underscoring an urgent need to identify biodiversity grasslands that should be prioritised for conservation. We previously reported with longer temporal continuity in a single region Japan have higher plant diversity. To confirm the generality of this finding, we targeted three regions (40 90 km apart) central Japan, including previously-studied area. first traced vegetation changes...