Biology subjects

Podar, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Podar, D..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Method for maintaining translocated wild roses under laboratory conditions for controlled gall induction by Diplolepis rosae and D. mayri

O_LIPlant-gall wasp systems provide unique models for studying multitrophic interactions and unique developmental processes, yet standardized laboratory protocols for maintaining wild rose hosts (Rosa spp.) and sustaining gall inducers (Diplolepis spp.) are lacking. C_LIO_LIWe developed and tested a method for growing and maintaining translocated individuals of Rosa canina, R. rubiginosa, R. spinosissima, R. gallica, R. tomentosa, and R. pendulina under laboratory conditions over three consecutive years (2023-2026) to provide a continuous source of host plant material for experimental gall induction by D. rosae and D. mayri. C_LIO_LIThe protocol integrates soil and substrate composition, photoperiod and humidity regimes, pruning, dormancy management, and controlled exposure to gall-inducing wasps. More than 75% of rose individuals survived the full 3-year period, with consistent annual gall induction achieved in several host species. C_LIO_LIThis work represents the first reproducible laboratory method for long-term maintenance of wild rose hosts and controlled gall induction by Diplolepis species. The framework also provides a broadly applicable approach for maintaining perennial woody hosts and experimentally manipulating specialized plant-insect interactions under laboratory conditions, thereby supporting ecological, physiological, and evolutionary research across comparable systems. C_LI

ecology↗

bioRxiv2025

Impact of Long-Term Mercury Contamination on the Rhizosphere Microbiota of Lotus tenuis: A Pathway to Resilience via Interkingdom Facilitation

The rhizosphere microbial communities of Lotus tenuis in Hg-contaminated soils demonstrate remarkable resilience, maintaining stable bacterial and fungal diversity across a broad contamination gradient (40-1964 mg Hg kg-{superscript 1} soil). Despite significant shifts in community structure compared to control communities from uncontaminated rhizosphere soil, alpha diversity remained largely unaffected, likely due to widespread merA-mediated bacterial detoxification. These findings align with the stress gradient hypothesis, indicating that facilitative microbial interactions drive adaptation under Hg stress rather than competition-driven diversity loss. The rhizosphere was enriched with Mesorhizobium sp., supporting nitrogen fixation, Pseudomonas sp., a promising Hg-resistant bacterium, and various fungal partners enhancing plant tolerance to metal stress and drought. Key taxa included: Streptomyces sp. (a biocontrol agent), Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium sp., Shinella sp. (rhizobial plant-growth promoters), Nocardioides and Skermanella potential metal- or aridity-resistant bacteria, Darksidea sp., Acrocalymma paeoniae (septate fungal endophytes that may promote plant stress tolerance), Mortierella alpina, Chaetosphaeronema (plant growth-promoting fungi), Humicola sp., Vishniacozyma sp. (potential pathogen suppressors). Septoglomus, Dioszegia, and Articulospora emerged as potential candidates for microorganism-assisted phytoremediation. This study provides a field-based, long-term perspective on microbial adaptation to Hg stress, highlighting plant-driven recruitment of beneficial microbiota as a key mechanism for ecosystem resilience and soil recovery.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2023

Successful gall induction by Diplolepis rosae and D. mayri on the sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) under laboratory conditions

O_LIPlant galls are unique outgrowths caused by various organisms, including insects, serving as nourishment for the inducers larvae. Despite the taxonomists and ecologists attempts to elucidate the mechanisms behind plant gall formation, its understanding is still incomplete. Modern genetic techniques allow in depth analysis of the molecular processes, but variations across species entangle the analysis. Establishing laboratory-friendly plant-gall inducer communities is crucial, yet past attempts have faced challenges. C_LIO_LIOur study aimed to create a sustainable laboratory community involving wild roses (Rosa sp.) and as gall-inducing insects rose gall wasps belonging to the genus Diplolepis. Controlled indoor conditions were optimized for plant growth. Wild roses were transplanted, then exposed to gall inducers, and monitored. C_LIO_LISuccessfully initialized gall growth was measures and analysed, revealing insights into the impact of plant vigour on gall size. C_LIO_LIOur study successfully established a novel laboratory community for further research on gall formation mechanisms. C_LI

ecology↗