PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET最新文献

{"title":"Cell wall polysaccharides determine cooking quality in cassava roots","authors":"Sukhita Sathitnaitham, Hernan Ceballos, P. Wonnapinij, Ekaphan Kraichak, Supanut Utthiya, Anongpat Suttangkakul, Leonardo D. Gomez, P. Kittipadakul, Nongnuch Siriwong, P. Kongsil, S. Vuttipongchaikij","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10558","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10558","url":null,"abstract":"Cassava is a vital food source for millions worldwide, crucial for food security and economic stability. This study analyzed cell wall polysaccharides in cassava roots to understand their impact on cooking properties. We found these polysaccharides influence the textural attributes of cassava roots, essential for both cooking and consumption. The research highlights the need to further identify and analyze cassava cell wall components. By improving our understanding of these components, we can improve food security, affordability, and resilience in diverse regions, ultimately contributing to global food security and better aligning with consumer preferences.\u0000The textural attributes of cassava roots significantly influence preferences in cooking and consumption as a food source, yet the specific components dictating these properties remain unclear. We aimed to identify the factors shaping the cooking properties of cassava roots.\u0000We conducted a compositional analysis of 22 traits in a diverse F1 biparental population derived from soft‐ and hard‐boiling progenitors. The traits encompassed cooking qualities, starch properties, and cell wall composition.\u0000Specific cell wall components including cellulose, xylan, un‐esterified, and methyl‐esterified homogalacturonan (HG) demonstrated a correlation with cooking quality attributes: sensory assessments related to texture (SAT) and water absorption during boiling (WAB). Correlation and regression analyses revealed that these wall components collectively contribute to 20% of SAT variability and 14% of WAB variability. SAT appeared to be influenced by methyl‐esterified and un‐esterified HGs, xylan, and cellulose, impacting the tensile strength of the cell wall. Conversely, WAB appeared to be associated with methyl‐esterified HG, potentially altering water absorption properties. Although genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) were unable to identify significant SNPs for SAT and WAB, notable associations emerged for cellulose, xylan, and un‐esterified‐ and methyl‐esterified HG. Candidate genes associated with these SNPs point towards diverse cell wall‐related proteins, transcription factors, sugar metabolism‐related genes, and glycosyl hydrolases.\u0000This study provides insights into the relationship between cassava root compositions and cooking characteristics and the role of wall components in determining the cooking quality of edible cassava. This information represents a substantial contribution towards the development of protocols for selecting varieties with texture preferences.\u0000","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":"36 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141922855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Towards resource‐efficient forests: Mixing species changes crown biomass allocation and improves growth efficiency","authors":"T. Hilmers, L. Mehtätalo, K. Bielak, G. Brazaitis, Miren del Río, R. Ruiz‐Peinado, G. Schmied, E. Uhl, H. Pretzsch","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10562","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10562","url":null,"abstract":"Forests worldwide face significant challenges due to climate change, impacting their health and productivity. In this study, we examined how European beech and Scots pine influence each other's phenology and growth in mixed forests. Our findings indicate that mixing these complementary tree species can increase resource efficiency within forest ecosystems. By leveraging informed species selection, this research highlights the potential for developing knowledge‐based, resource‐efficient forests. These insights are invaluable for policymakers and forest managers in designing forests that are not only productive but also sustainable and adaptable to evolving environmental conditions.\u0000We investigated the effects of interspecific neighbors on crown morphology and growth efficiency in European temperate forests, specifically focusing on European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Our goal was to determine whether the previously reported overyielding in this mixture is primarily due to improved space‐use efficiency and packing density or enhanced resource‐use efficiency.\u0000Our methodology involved a detailed analysis of 128 individual felled trees. We assessed the effect of intraspecific and interspecific neighbors on stem volume growth, the allometric relationships of tree crowns and their components, and the allocation of branch and leaf biomass along the trees' vertical structure.\u0000Our findings demonstrate that interspecific neighbors significantly influence the allometric relationships of tree crowns, especially altering the vertical biomass distribution in European beech. Additionally, we found that interspecific neighbors can significantly enhance the growth efficiency of European beech but not for Scots pine.\u0000This research provides valuable insights for enhancing forest growth models and guiding forest management practices. By understanding the critical role of crown biomass allocation and growth efficiency in mixed‐species stands, policymakers and forest managers can design forests that are both productive and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. This study emphasizes the importance of species interactions in forest dynamics and bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications.\u0000","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":"40 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141922784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Whole genome resequencing reveals the evolutionary history and geographic isolation of the eastern Asian Hickory (Carya)","authors":"Da Zhang, Rui‐Feng Yang, Jia‐Hui Chen, Lang‐Bo Pan, Wei Duan, Guo‐Hua Xia, Qi‐Xiang Zhang, You‐Jun Huang","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10564","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10564","url":null,"abstract":"Unraveling the genetic intricacies and evolutionary history of Asian Hickories through advanced genome sequencing gives valuable insights into their ecological adaptations. Understanding the impact of historical dynamics, climate fluctuations, and geographical barriers on Asian hickories not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also empowers policymakers with evidence‐based decisions and guides conservationists in their efforts to protect vulnerable species. The identification of potential habitats, especially for the endangered Carya kweichowensis, offers a promising avenue for targeted conservation efforts, aligning with global initiatives to preserve Earth's precious biodiversity, but also ensures the conservation of a vital genetic reservoir for nut‐bearing economic tree species.Biogeographic characteristics of disjunct distribution play a vital role in plant geography and the endangered mechanism. The whole genome resequencing provides an opportunity to study the genetic relationship, population diffusion, and floristic evolution of disjunctive‐distribution flora. Based on the SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) data generated by the whole genome deep resequencing of five EA (Eastern Asian) Carya species, we constructed the phylogenetic tree, genetic structure, and species distribution modeling to clarify the phylogenetic relationships and to predict the potential distribution area of EA Carya. Phylogenetic analysis of Carya revealed two distinct clades, separating EA Carya from NA (North America) Carya. C. kweichowensis, an endangered species, showed the lowest nucleotide diversity and the earliest divergence among studied EA Carya species. Species distribution modeling predicted suitable habitats for five EA Carya species, revealing the potential distribution of endangered C. kweichowensis. Importantly, minimal spatial overlap was observed among distribution regions of EA Carya species during different time periods. The uneven regional distribution of EA Carya is believed to be a consequence of Quaternary climate fluctuations, mountain barriers hindering species dispersal, and the limited cold tolerance of these trees. EA Carya highlights the significant role of climate and geological changes in their regional distribution and migration routes in Asia. Furthermore, the discovery of potential habitats offers a promising avenue for the conservation of C. kweichowensis.","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":"34 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141924967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plant memories: Art co‐created with the public as a tool for investigating how people build lasting connections with plants","authors":"Aideen McGinn, Lorna Donlon, J. Kacprzyk","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10555","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10555","url":null,"abstract":"People often undervalue plants, hindering botanical education and conservation efforts. This study demonstrates how art‐based approaches including audience co‐creation elements can yield new insights into human‐plant interactions. Analyzing plant‐related memories showed that reflecting on personal experiences with plants evokes emotions and can reconnect individuals to specific people and places. The role of multisensory experiences of plants was also highlighted. This knowledge can inform botanical education practices and improve the design of effective outreach programs, fostering greater societal plant awareness and appreciation.\u0000The lack of plant appreciation, a manifestation of plant awareness disparity, is concerning in the context of plant conservation and preservation of botanical knowledge and skills. Developing effective strategies to foster plant awareness requires a better understanding of the nature of human interactions with plants. Art‐based approaches offer a new lens for attracting diverse audiences and can generate unique data through promoting self‐reflection and evoking emotional responses. Herein, we used the case study of visual exhibition “In Memory of Plants” to investigate how arts can be used to explore lasting connections to plants.\u0000The exhibition, presented at the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival 2022, was designed to inspire reflection on plants as elements of personal experiences and introduce the concept of plant awareness disparity. It also included a co‐creation component where visitors were invited to add their own plant‐related memories to a display board. These audience contributions were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses.\u0000The results underscored the ability of plants to act as memory anchors, providing lasting connections to places and people from the past. Additionally, the study yielded insights into the identity of “plant mentors” and highlighted the role of multisensory perception in human‐plant interactions.\u0000Presented observations can inform future projects focused on plant awareness and may encourage new collaborations between artists, botanists, and science communicators. Collectively, this study supports the use of arts‐based methods to both enhance and investigate plant awareness.\u0000","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":"84 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141812895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Solar arrays create novel environments that uniquely alter plant responses","authors":"Matt Sturchio, S. Kannenberg, Tillie A. Pinkowitz, Alan K. Knapp","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10554","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10554","url":null,"abstract":"Globally, the combustion of fossil fuels represents the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions, and as such, a transition to renewable forms of energy provides the greatest potential for mitigating climate warming. Although solar photovoltaic energy generation is a leading climate solution, these energy facilities have a significant spatial footprint. Naturally, concerns regarding the coexistence of solar development in agriculturally productive and pristine native ecosystems remain. This study offers insight for how plants respond to novel environmental conditions within a solar array and contextualizes results to inform future array siting, design, and management to realize a sustainable solar energy future.\u0000\u0000Photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays impose dynamic shading regimes and redistribute precipitation to the ecosystems beneath, leading to spatial and temporal heterogeneity in plant growth environments. Although PV are known to alter ecosystem‐level processes in managed and native landscapes, the control of PV‐induced microenvironments on plant ecophysiological responses are largely unexplored. A more robust and mechanistic understanding of how PV microenvironments control plant response will inform management of existing solar arrays and provide insight for future arrays designed to enhance ecosystem services.\u0000Here, we evaluated carbon (photosynthetic parameters) and water relations (daily patterns of leaf water potential (ψL) and stomatal conductance (gsw)) in a C3 perennial grass (Bromus inermis) across PV microsites within a 1.6 ha (1.2 MW) array in semiarid Colorado, USA.\u0000Light‐saturated photosynthetic rate was surprisingly consistent spatially, not differing between plants growing in near full sun (between PV rows) versus those growing in shadier microsites beneath panels (~28% of full sunlight). Additionally, plants located in microsites receiving only direct sunlight in the morning, when air temperature and vapor pressure deficits (VPD) were low, had greater ψL and gsw than plants receiving direct sunlight primarily in the hotter drier afternoon.\u0000Thus, while soil moisture is a primary control of plant productivity in most water‐limited grasslands, we found that VPD was a better predictor of daily patterns of leaf‐level photosynthetic and water relations responses that control aboveground biomass production in a PV array. These findings provide new mechanistic insight for evaluating vegetation management strategies in semiarid PV arrays.\u0000","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":"12 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141813851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chía and its wild relatives: A superfood Salvia (Lamiaceae)","authors":"S. Lara-Cabrera, Y. Ramírez-Amezcua, Nadia Castro Cárdenas, Amanda E. Fisher, José Luis Fernández Alonso","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10543","url":null,"abstract":"Alternative crops are a promising approach to address the global food shortage that is exacerbated by climate change and wealth disparities. Some of these alternative crops are traditional food plants that have been widely traded for centuries, whereas others have only recently become more popular. Chía is a traditional native “superfood” that is the fruit of three distinct mint species. Chía (Salvia hispanica) is commercially cultivated and shares nutritional properties with California thistle sage (Salvia carduacea) and desert chía (Salvia columbariae). These wild relatives of S. hispanica are adapted to arid conditions and have potentially valuable genetic variation for the development of chía agricultural varieties. The development of nutritious, drought‐tolerant crops such as chía will increase the resilience of people to the impact of climate upheaval.In the Spanish language, the word chía refers to the nutlet fruits of several Salvia species native to Mesoamerica. The process of domestication of S. hispanica altered several traits, including the absence of shattering fruits, which makes harvest easier and mechanizable. S. hispanica is commercially cultivated in Mexico, South America, Australia, and less so in Europe and Africa. Other edible chía species are not commercially cultivated, including S. carduacea, and S. columbariae. These Californian chías are traditionally harvested by hand since the fruiting calices shatter and release the nutlets. Here we compare these three edible chía species, review their uses by native peoples, describe their morphology, summarize their natural distributions and cultivation, and provide an identification key. Native peoples in North America have traditionally used chías for food, medicine, and oil. S. hispanica naturally occurs throughout areas of Mexico that receive summer monsoonal rains. As such, it is a summer annual with an erect habit and cauline, simple leaves. In contrast, the Californian chía species are distributed through areas of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts that receive winter rains. They are winter annuals and their rosettes of lobed, pubescent leaves are typical adaptations to arid conditions. Nutlets in these chía species are similar when dry, but cultivated S. hispanica nutlets produce extensive mucilage when wetted, while the other chía produce mucilage to a lesser extent. As consumer interest grows in superfoods like chía, crop breeders may use wild chía to breed varieties appropriate for areas affected by drought or in desert agroecological systems.","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":"22 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141817092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shifts in plant functional trait dynamics in relation to soil microbiome in modern and wild barley","authors":"Amit Kumar, Olga Kuznetsova, S. Gschwendtner, Hao Chen, Inés M. Alonso-Crespo, Mohammad Yusuf, S. Schulz, M. Bonkowski, Michael Schloter, Vicky M. Temperton","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10534","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding domestication's impact on crop root traits and interactions with soil microbiomes is vital for improving crop resilience and agricultural sustainability. Using this knowledge to enhance root systems, reduce chemical inputs, and adapt crops to environmental stress will help to increase global food production, promote eco‐friendly farming, and mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, identifying microorganisms specific to plant species may help in biodiversity conservation. Advancing scientific understanding and educating future generations on the intricate relationships between plants, soil, and microorganisms is integral to developing innovative, sustainable agricultural practices and improved food security.\u0000Domestication and intensive management practices have significantly shaped characteristics of modern crops. However, our understanding of domestication's impact had mainly focused on aboveground plant traits, neglecting root and rhizospheric traits, as well as trait–trait interactions and root‐microbial interactions.\u0000To address this knowledge gap, we grew modern (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Barke) and wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum K. Koch var. spontaneum) in large rhizoboxes. We manipulated the soil microbiome by comparing disturbed (sterilized soil inoculum, DSM) versus non‐disturbed (non‐sterilized inoculum, NSM) microbiome. Results showed that modern barley grew faster and increased organic‐carbon exudation (OCEXU) compared to wild barley.\u0000Both barley species exhibited accelerated root growth and enhanced OCEXU under DSM, indicating their ability to partially compensate and exploit the soil resources independently of microbes if need be. Plant trait network analysis revealed that modern barley had a denser, larger, and less modular network of microbes than wild barley indicating domestication's impact on trait–trait coordination. In addition, the relative abundance of bacteria did not vary between wild and modern barley rhizospheres; however, species‐specific unique bacteria were identified, with stronger effects under DSM.\u0000Overall, our findings highlight domestication‐driven shifts in root traits, trait coordination, and their modulation by the soil microbiome.\u0000","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":" 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141823098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Jersey Daffodil Project: Integrating nanopore sequencing into classrooms improves STEM skills, scientific identity and career development","authors":"J. Hale, A. Harkess, Kálmán Könyves","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10550","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10550","url":null,"abstract":"The Jersey Daffodil Project, a secondary school initiative, boosted students' aspirations in science careers. Fieldwork, DNA sequencing and discussions with scientists enriched their learning and aspirations. Surveys revealed a positive shift in students' views towards STEM careers. The project also influenced an entire cohort to pursue biological sciences in 2021. The use of cutting‐edge technology reduced costs and time, showing promise for broader school collaboration. This project not only transforms science education but also inspires students, shaping their futures and fostering a new generation of scientists.","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":" 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141826022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relictithismia: An underground fairy lantern","authors":"K. Suetsugu","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10539","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10539","url":null,"abstract":"The discovery of a new genus within the family Thismiaceae, known as fairy lanterns, marks a significant scientific milestone in Japan, a country renowned for its botanical research. The unearthing of a new genus, especially in a well‐documented flora like Japan, is both rare and monumental. Unlike other fairy lanterns that bloom under leaf litter and can be easily overlooked, the new genus and species, Relictithismia kimotsukiensis, often does not even emerge above the surface of the soil when flowering. This captivating characteristic not only enriches our knowledge of botanical diversity but also emphasizes the importance of preserving natural habitats that harbor such rare species.The family Thismiaceae, known as “fairy lanterns”, is distinguished by its urn‐ or bell‐shaped, glasswork‐like flowers with basally fused tepals and its dependence on specific fungi for carbon. A new genus and species, Relictithismia kimotsukiensis, has been discovered in southern Japan. This species is notable for its unique anther‐stigma contact, hitherto unreported in the other Thismiaceae. Unlike typical fairy lanterns that bloom just above the leaf litter, Relictithismia often flowers beneath it. The underground habit is potentially associated with self‐pollination. The discovery of Relictithismia enhances our understanding of evolutionary pathways within the Thismiaceae, as it possesses characteristics previously thought to be unique to Thismia (the annulus with drooping stamens) as well as traits found in other genera (free stamens without expanded connectives). This paper reviews the morphology, ecology, and evolutionary history of Relictithismia, offering insights into the peculiarities of these enigmatic plants.","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":" 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141826638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Across Madagascar, treeless grasslands characterised by erosion gullies are named after forest and trees","authors":"G. Joseph, Fetraharimalala Randriatsara, Andrinajoro R. Rakotoarivelo, Ando A. Rafidiarimanda, Coleen L Seymour","doi":"10.1002/ppp3.10542","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10542","url":null,"abstract":"Debates about the impacts of human settlement on Madagascar's habitat have missed the Malagasy perspective. Using indigenous and local knowledge in the form of toponyms, we find many regions across today's treeless grasslands are named after forest/trees, suggesting they may be novel. Where observed habitat does not match toponyms, erosion is significantly more likely at landscape scales. This suggests rapid expansion of erosion following human removal and burning of endemic forest, savanna woodland, heathland and grass assemblages. Findings also provide a timely warning: current practices may be unsustainable and may impact not only biodiversity but also human wellbeing unless urgently addressed.\u0000The debate surrounding the extent of Madagascar's treeless grasslands at human settlement is important because introduced disturbance can negatively impact the biodiversity and productivity of systems that evolved under different regimes. Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK), often overlooked, can provide information about past vegetation structure. To test whether clearance of forest and trees, frequent fires and pasture preparation have accelerated today's island‐wide erosion, we use vegetation toponyms and assess whether mismatches between these and current vegetation types are significantly more likely to be associated with erosion.\u0000Using Malagasy and Imerina linguistic records spanning 150 years, we mapped forest‐related and grassland‐related extensive toponyms in current grassland and forest, respectively. We then assessed whether remotely‐sensed erosion was more likely when toponyms and current habitat did not match.\u0000We found 316 sites in treeless grasslands, named after forest/clusters of trees, but no grassland‐named sites in forest. Globally, natural forest and grasslands both constrain erosion. Forest toponyms in grassland were significantly more likely to reflect erosion than sites in extant forest.\u0000These findings concur with palaeoecological, geomorphological, molecular and rangeland palatability studies. Malagasy ILK, hitherto largely ignored as a source of information, strongly suggests vegetation clearance and human disturbance have exacerbated the degradation of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems through topsoil loss and siltation and selected fire‐adapted, less‐palatable grasslands. Malagasy ILK in the form of toponyms highlights the need to address the negative impacts of burning and land‐clearance practices (e.g., loss of biodiversity and ecological function, decreased agricultural productivity, collapsed fisheries), given island‐wide challenges to food security and conservation.\u0000","PeriodicalId":508327,"journal":{"name":"PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET","volume":" 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141832551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}