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J Chem Ecol

Title:		Allelochemicals of Pinus halepensis as drivers of biodiversity in Mediterranean open mosaic habitats during the colonization stage of secondary succession
Author(s):		Fernandez C; Santonja M; Gros R; Monnier Y; Chomel M; Baldy V; Bousquet-Melou A;
Address:		"Aix-Marseille Universite Institut Mediterraneen de Biodiversite et d'Ecologie (IMBE UMR CNRS IRD 7263), Campus St Charles, Case 4, 13331, Marseille Cedex 03, France. catherine.fernandez@imbe.fr"
Journal Title:		J Chem Ecol
Year:		2013
Volume:		20130118
Issue:		2
Page Number:		298 - 311
DOI:		10.1007/s10886-013-0239-6
ISSN/ISBN:		1573-1561 (Electronic) 0098-0331 (Linking)
Abstract:		"The Mediterranean region is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. However, over the last 50 years or so, the cessation of traditional farming has given way to strong afforestation at the expense of open habitats. Pinus halepensis Miller, known to synthesize a wide range of secondary metabolites, is a pioneer expansionist species colonizing abandoned agricultural land that present high species richness. Here, laboratory bioassays were used to study the potential impact of P. halepensis on plant diversity through allelopathy, and the role of microorganisms in these interactions. Germination and growth of 12 target species naturally present in fallow farmlands were tested according to concentration of aqueous extracts obtained from shoots of young pines (aged about 5 years), with or without the presence of soil microorganisms (autoclaved or natural soil). Under the highest concentrations and autoclaved soil, more than 80 % of target species were germination and/or growth-inhibited, and only two species were non-sensitive. Under more natural conditions (lower extracts concentrations and natural soil with microorganisms), only 50 % of species were still inhibited, one was non-sensitive, and five were stimulated. Thus, microorganisms alter the expression of allelochemicals released into the ecosystem, which highlights their key role in chemical plant-plant interactions. The results of allelopathic experiments conducted in the lab are consistent with the community patterns observed in the field. These findings suggest that allelopathy is likely to shape vegetation composition and participate to the control of biodiversity in Mediterranean open mosaic habitats"
Keywords:		*Biodiversity Ecosystem Mediterranean Region Pheromones/isolation & purification/*metabolism Pinus/*metabolism *Plant Development Plant Extracts/isolation & purification/metabolism Soil Microbiology;
Notes:		"MedlineFernandez, Catherine Santonja, Mathieu Gros, Raphael Monnier, Yogan Chomel, Mathilde Baldy, Virginie Bousquet-Melou, Anne eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2013/01/19 J Chem Ecol. 2013 Feb; 39(2):298-311. doi: 10.1007/s10886-013-0239-6. Epub 2013 Jan 18"