Work

Hydroclimate, Thallus Dynamics and Multi-Seasonal Reproductive Phenology in Mannia triandra

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: in Gesäuse National Park, Austria, using surveys at approximately 14-day intervals over one annual cycle in two quantitatively monitored populations, combined with continuous near-surface temperature and relative humidity measurements. We quantified relative thallus area change, frost exposure, carpocephalum emergence, and post-emergence development. At the site × survey interval scale, median relative thallus area change declined with increasing 14-day mean vapour pressure deficit (standardised β = -0.58, 95% CI [-1.00, -0.16]), whereas temperature had no independent association. Cold-season dynamics did not support a simple frost damage response: longer frost duration was not associated with greater thallus loss, and frost exposure did not increase the probability of negative area change. Reproductive development was multi-seasonal. Carpocephala occurred on thalli persisting from the previous growing season, newly recorded carpocephala were concentrated in early spring, and subsequent development progressed seasonally towards maturation and dehiscence. These findings suggest a potential carry over across life cycle phases: short-term atmospheric drying was reflected in vegetative thallus dynamics, while subsequent reproductive development occurred on gametophytic tissue that persisted across seasons.

Source: Plants

DOI: 10.3390/plants15182808

Authors: Michaela Kropik, Anna-Lena Hauser, Harald G. Zechmeister

Institution: University of Vienna

Language: English

Topic: Fern and Epiphyte Biology

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258