Atmospheric nitrogen deposition on petals enhances seed quality of the forest herb Anemone nemorosa
De Frenne, P; Blondeel, H; Brunet, J; Carón, MM; Chabrerie, O; Cougnon, M; Cousins, SAO; Decocq, G; Diekmann, M; Graae, BJ; Hanley, ME; Heinken, T; Hermy, M; Kolb, A; Lenoir, J; Liira, J; Orczewska, A; Shevtsova, A; Vanneste, T; Verheyen, K
| HERO ID | 4739502 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2018 |
| Title | Atmospheric nitrogen deposition on petals enhances seed quality of the forest herb Anemone nemorosa |
| Authors | De Frenne, P; Blondeel, H; Brunet, J; Carón, MM; Chabrerie, O; Cougnon, M; Cousins, SAO; Decocq, G; Diekmann, M; Graae, BJ; Hanley, ME; Heinken, T; Hermy, M; Kolb, A; Lenoir, J; Liira, J; Orczewska, A; Shevtsova, A; Vanneste, T; Verheyen, K |
| Journal | Plant Biology |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Page Numbers | 619-626 |
| Abstract | Elevated atmospheric input of nitrogen (N) is currently affecting plant biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The growth and survival of numerous plant species is known to respond strongly to N fertilisation. Yet, few studies have assessed the effects of N deposition on seed quality and reproductive performance, which is an important life-history stage of plants. Here we address this knowledge gap by assessing the effects of atmospheric N deposition on seed quality of the ancient forest herb Anemone nemorosa using two complementary approaches. By taking advantage of the wide spatiotemporal variation in N deposition rates in pan-European temperate and boreal forests over 2 years, we detected positive effects of N deposition on the N concentration (percentage N per unit seed mass, increased from 2.8% to 4.1%) and N content (total N mass per seed more than doubled) of A. nemorosa seeds. In a complementary experiment, we applied ammonium nitrate to aboveground plant tissues and the soil surface to determine whether dissolved N sources in precipitation could be incorporated into seeds. Although the addition of N to leaves and the soil surface had no effect, a concentrated N solution applied to petals during anthesis resulted in increased seed mass, seed N concentration and N content. Our results demonstrate that N deposition on the petals enhances bioaccumulation of N in the seeds of A. nemorosa. Enhanced atmospheric inputs of N can thus not only affect growth and population dynamics via root or canopy uptake, but can also influence seed quality and reproduction via intake through the inflorescences. |
| Doi | 10.1111/plb.12688 |
| Pmid | 29323793 |
| Wosid | WOS:000430010500025 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |