Clonal diversity and genetic variation of the sedge in an alpine fen depend on soil nutrients.

In this study we analysed the impact of water regime and soil nutrients on the clonal diversity and genetic variation of the sedge in a central alpine fen. For our analysis, we established 16 study plots randomly distributed over the fen. We determined the exact elevation of each plot as an indicator for the water regime and measured the content of phosphorous and potassium in the soil of each plot.

Ellenberg's water table experiment put to the test: species optima along a hydrological gradient.

An important aspect of niche theory is the position of species' optima along ecological gradients. It is widely believed that a species' ecological optimum takes its shape only under competitive pressure. The ecological optimum, therefore, is thought to differ from the physiological optimum in the absence of interspecific competition.

Belowground neighbor perception in Arabidopsis thaliana studied by transcriptome analysis: roots of Hieracium pilosella cause biotic stress.

Root-root interactions are much more sophisticated than previously thought, yet the mechanisms of belowground neighbor perception remain largely obscure. Genome-wide transcriptome analyses allow detailed insight into plant reactions to environmental cues. A root interaction trial was set up to explore both morphological and whole genome transcriptional responses in roots of Arabidopsis thaliana in the presence or absence of an inferior competitor, Hieracium pilosella.