Institut für Biologie

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Crop cultivation in the Talayotic settlement of Son Fornés (Mallorca, Spain): agricultural practices on the western Mediterranean islands in the first millennium bce
(2024) Stika, Hans-Peter; Neugebauer, Aleta; Rihuete-Herrada, Cristina; Risch, Roberto; Micó, Rafael; Voltas, Jordi; Amengual, Paula; Gelabert, Lara; Lull, Vicente
The Balearic Islands were colonised around the transition from the Chalcolithic to the Bronze Age, not earlier than 2300 cal bce and certainly much later than any central or eastern Mediterranean islands. The number of archaeobotanical records is low and consists mainly of cereals and a few pulses. We present here new results of our long-term study of Son Fornés, an archaeological site on Mallorca which was occupied since the beginning of the Iron Age Talayotic period (~ 850 cal bce ) and until Roman times (123 bce onwards), in the Balearic Islands. In the Talayotic period of Son Fornés Hordeum vulgare var. vulgare (hulled barley) and Triticum aestivum/durum/turgidum (free-threshing wheat) were the main cereals grown and Vicia faba (broad bean) was the main pulse, while Avena sp. (oats) is considered to have been a weed but was nonetheless consumed and was probably in an early phase of being domesticated. For the subsequent post-Talayotic (ca. 550 − 250 bce ), Classic I and Classic II, the Republican Roman occupation period (from 123 bce onwards) the databases are weak, displaying hulled barley as the main crop and broad bean as the main pulse. The archaeobotanical records of Ficus carica (fig), Olea europaea (olive) and Vitis vinifera (grapevine) represent wild or cultivated and domesticated forms. Prunus dulcis (almond) and Pinus pinea (stone pine) were found on Eivissa (Ibiza), pointing to a Phoenician introduction to the islands, while Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) and Castanea sativa (chestnut), found on Menorca, might have been brought in by the Romans. The number of crops being used on the Balearic Islands was limited when compared to sites of similar periods on the European mainland or the central and eastern Mediterranean islands. According to carbon isotope results of Δ 13 C, hulled barley grew under damper conditions than free-threshing wheat. The high δ 15 N values indicated that both crops were well-manured with animal dung during the entire occupation period.
Disc mower versus bar mower: Evaluation of the direct effects of two common mowing techniques on the grassland arthropod fauna
(2025) von Berg, Lea; Frank, Jonas; Betz, Oliver; Steidle, Johannes L. M.; Böttinger, Stefan; Sann, Manuela
1. In Central Europe, species‐rich grasslands are threatened by intensive agriculture with frequent mowing, contributing to the reduction of arthropods such as insects and spiders. However, comprehensive and standardised studies on the direct effects of the two most agriculturally relevant mowing techniques, e.g., double‐blade bar mower versus disc mower, are lacking. 2. In a 2‐year experiment, we have investigated the direct effect of mowing on eight abundant arthropod groups in grassland, covering two seasonal mowing events in both years, using a randomised block design. We compared (a) an unmown control, (b) a double‐blade bar mower and (c) a disc mower. 3. For most of the taxonomic groups studied, a significantly lower number of individuals was found in the experimental plots immediately after mowing, regardless of the mowing technique, compared to an unmown control. This was not the case for Orthoptera and Coleoptera, which did not show a significant reduction in the number of individuals for both mowing techniques (Orthoptera) or only for the double‐blade bar mower (Coleoptera). 4. Between both mowing techniques, no significant differences were found for all taxonomic groups investigated. 5. Synthesis and applications: Our findings suggest that mowing in general has a negative impact on abundant arthropod groups in grassland, regardless of the method used. Tractor‐driven double‐blade bar mowers do not seem to be a truly insect‐friendly alternative to a conventional disc mower. Other factors such as cutting height and mowing regimes should be seriously considered to protect spiders and insects from the negative effects of mowing. In addition, we strongly recommend the maintenance of unmown refugia. Insects and spiders that are spared by mowing can take refuge in these unmown areas to avoid subsequent harvesting and thermally unfavourable conditions that arise on mown areas. Further, unmown refugia are basic habitat structures for a subsequent recolonisation of mown areas once the flora has recovered.
Expression of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and αKlotho in two commercial laying hen strains fed with and without dietary mineral P supplements before and after the onset of the laying phase
(2025) Meier, Leonie; Wallauch, Nadine; Feger, Martina; Oster, Michael; Sommerfeld, Vera; Schmucker, Sonja; Wimmers, Klaus; Huber, Korinna; Stefanski, Volker; Rodehutscord, Markus; Föller, Michael
Maintenance of phosphate homeostasis is particularly critical in laying hens for bone formation and calcium mobilization. The supplementation of their feed with mineral phosphate is common although recent research questions the usual levels of supplementation. Phosphate homeostasis is classically regulated by active vitamin D (calcitriol) and parathyroid hormone, whereas fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and its co-receptor αKlotho are novel factors. FGF23 has emerged as an important disease biomarker and αKlotho as an anti-aging factor in mammals, however, little is known about their role in poultry. Here, we studied FGF23 and αKlotho expression in two commercial laying hen strains under conditions of dietary mineral phosphorus renunciation and sufficient phosphorus supply. Fifteen- and 20-week-old Lohmann Brown-Classic (LB) or LSL-Classic (LSL) hens were fed a standard maize-soybean-based diet containing 0 or 1 g/kg additional mineral phosphorus for 4 weeks. The animals were sacrificed, and gene expression studied in different organs by quantitative real-time PCR and protein expression by western blotting. Statistical correlation with further parameters of mineral metabolism was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient or Spearman’s Rho. As a result, FGF23 bone expression was significantly lower and hepatic FGF23 expression higher in 24-week-old than in 19-week-old hens. Bone, hepatic, and renal αKlotho expression was significantly higher in older than younger animals. Compared to LB hens, LSL hens exhibited higher hepatic αKlotho irrespective of diet and age. Dietary phosphorus content did not significantly affect FGF23 and αKlotho expression. Bone FGF23 expression was positively and hepatic FGF23 negatively associated with plasma phosphate concentration whereas bone FGF23 expression was negatively and hepatic FGF23 positively associated with plasma calcitriol concentration. To conclude, we uncovered a strong impact of age and strain on FGF23 and αKlotho expression in two high performance laying hen strains, effects possibly associated with initiation of the egg-laying phase. Moreover, the regulation of hepatic FGF23 expression differed from the regulation of bone FGF23 expression. Further studies are needed to elucidate the physiological relevance.
Functionality of the Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase and quinol:fumarate reductase from Prevotella bryantii inferred from homology modeling
(2024) Hau, Jann-Louis; Schleicher, Lena; Herdan, Sebastian; Simon, Jörg; Seifert, Jana; Fritz, Günter; Steuber, Julia
Members of the family Prevotellaceae are Gram-negative, obligate anaerobic bacteria found in animal and human microbiota. In Prevotella bryantii , the Na + -translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NQR) and quinol:fumarate reductase (QFR) interact using menaquinone as electron carrier, catalyzing NADH:fumarate oxidoreduction. P. bryantii NQR establishes a sodium-motive force, whereas P. bryantii QFR does not contribute to membrane energization. To elucidate the possible mode of function, we present 3D structural models of NQR and QFR from P. bryantii to predict cofactor-binding sites, electron transfer routes and interaction with substrates. Molecular docking reveals the proposed mode of menaquinone binding to the quinone site of subunit NqrB of P. bryantii NQR. A comparison of the 3D model of P. bryantii QFR with experimentally determined structures suggests alternative pathways for transmembrane proton transport in this type of QFR . Our findings are relevant for NADH-dependent succinate formation in anaerobic bacteria which operate both NQR and QFR.
Limitations of soil-applied non-microbial and microbial biostimulants in enhancing soil P turnover and recycled P fertilizer utilization: A study with and without plants
(2024) Herrmann, Michelle Natalie; Griffin, Lydia Grace; John, Rebecca; Mosquera-Rodríguez, Sergio F.; Nkebiwe, Peteh Mehdi; Chen, Xinping; Yang, Huaiyu; Müller, Torsten
Introduction: Phosphorus recovery from waste streams is a global concern due to open nutrient cycles. However, the reliability and efficiency of recycled P fertilizers are often low. Biostimulants (BS), as a potential enhancer of P availability in soil, could help to overcome current barriers using recycled P fertilizers. For this, a deeper understanding of the influence of BSs on soil P turnover and the interaction of BSs with plants is needed. Methods: We conducted an incubation and a pot trial with maize in which we testednon-microbial (humic acids and plant extracts) and microbial BSs (microbial consortia) in combination with two recycled fertilizers for their impact on soil P turnover, plant available P, and plant growth. Results and discussion: BSs could not stimulate P turnover processes (phosphatase activity, microbial biomass P) and had a minor impact on calcium acetate-lactate extractable P (CAL-P) in the incubation trial. Even though stimulation of microbial P turnover by the microbial consortium and humic acids in combination with the sewage sludge ash could be identified in the plant trial with maize, this was not reflected in the plant performance and soil P turnover processes. Concerning the recycled P fertilizers, the CAL-P content in soil was not a reliable predictor of plant performance with both products resulting in competitive plant growth and P uptake. While this study questions the reliability of BSs, it also highlights the necessity toimprove our understanding and distinguish the mechanisms of P mobilization in soil and the stimulation of plant P acquisition to optimize future usage.
The low mutational flexibility of the EPSP synthase in Bacillus subtilis is due to a higher demand for shikimate pathway intermediates
(2023) Schwedt, Inge; Schöne, Kerstin; Eckert, Maike; Pizzinato, Manon; Winkler, Laura; Knotkova, Barbora; Richts, Björn; Hau, Jann-Louis; Steuber, Julia; Mireles, Raul; Noda‐Garcia, Lianet; Fritz, Günter; Mittelstädt, Carolin; Hertel, Robert; Commichau, Fabian M.
Glyphosate (GS) inhibits the 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase that is required for aromatic amino acid, folate and quinone biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The inhibition of the EPSP synthase by GS depletes the cell of these metabolites, resulting in cell death. Here, we show that like the laboratory B. subtilis strains also environmental and undomesticated isolates adapt to GS by reducing herbicide uptake. Although B. subtilis possesses a GS-insensitive EPSP synthase, the enzyme is strongly inhibited by GS in the native environment. Moreover, the B. subtilis EPSP synthase mutant was only viable in rich medium containing menaquinone, indicating that the bacteria require a catalytically efficient EPSP synthase under nutrient-poor conditions. The dependency of B. subtilis on the EPSP synthase probably limits its evolvability. In contrast, E. coli rapidly acquires GS resistance by target modification. However, the evolution of a GS-resistant EPSP synthase under non-selective growth conditions indicates that GS resistance causes fitness costs. Therefore, in both model organisms, the proper function of the EPSP synthase is critical for the cellular viability. This study also revealed that the uptake systems for folate precursors, phenylalanine and tyrosine need to be identified and characterized in B. subtilis.
Mutations of PDS5 genes enhance TAD-like domain formation in Arabidopsis thaliana
(2024) Göbel, Anna-Maria; Zhou, Sida; Wang, Zhidan; Tzourtzou, Sofia; Himmelbach, Axel; Zheng, Shiwei; Pradillo, Mónica; Liu, Chang; Jiang, Hua; Göbel, Anna-Maria; Department of Epigenetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, Stuttgart, Germany; Zhou, Sida; Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Wang, Zhidan; Department of Epigenetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, Stuttgart, Germany; Tzourtzou, Sofia; Department of Epigenetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, Stuttgart, Germany; Himmelbach, Axel; Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany; Zheng, Shiwei; Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, Potsdam-Golm, Germany; Pradillo, Mónica; Departamento de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Liu, Chang; Department of Epigenetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, Stuttgart, Germany; Jiang, Hua; Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
In eukaryotes, topologically associating domains (TADs) organize the genome into functional compartments. While TAD-like structures are common in mammals and many plants, they are challenging to detect in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we demonstrate that Arabidopsis PDS5 proteins play a negative role in TAD-like domain formation. Through Hi-C analysis, we show that mutations in PDS5 genes lead to the widespread emergence of enhanced TAD-like domains throughout the Arabidopsis genome, excluding pericentromeric regions. These domains exhibit increased chromatin insulation and enhanced chromatin interactions, without significant changes in gene expression or histone modifications. Our results suggest that PDS5 proteins are key regulators of genome architecture, influencing 3D chromatin organization independently of transcriptional activity. This study provides insights into the unique chromatin structure of Arabidopsis and the broader mechanisms governing plant genome folding.
The potential of farnesene isomer mixtures to support the control of aphids in the cultivation of lettuce crops
(2025) Kuhn, Denise; Bauer, Philipp; Tolasch, Till; Petschenka, Georg; Steidle, Johannes L. M.; Kuhn, Denise; Department of Chemical Ecology 190 T, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Bauer, Philipp; Department of Applied Entomology 360 C, Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Tolasch, Till; Department of Chemical Ecology 190 T, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Petschenka, Georg; Department of Applied Entomology 360 C, Institute of Phytomedicine, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Steidle, Johannes L. M.; Department of Chemical Ecology 190 T, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
(E)-ß-farnesene (EBF) acts as an alarm pheromone of many aphid species and is also used as an aphid repellent by plants. Upon perception of EBF, aphids exhibit avoidance behavior. They walk away, stop feeding or drop from leaves. Moreover, EBF is an attractant for natural enemies of aphids. However, EBF is not used in pest management because it is expensive in its pure form. Therefore, we assessed the effect of a less expensive farnesene isomer mixture (FIM) on Myzus persicae (Sternorrhyncha: Aphidiae) on lettuce ( Lactuca sativa var. Ulmo) in the laboratory and under field conditions. First, we tested under laboratory conditions if FIM has the same effect on M. persicae as it is described for pure EBF. The aphids were influenced by EBF. They stopped feeding, withdrew their stylets, went away from the danger zone, or developed and reproduced more slowly. Therefore, we studied the behavioral response of the aphids after FIM application and aphid reproduction under permanent exposure of FIM. Second, we tested in the field the reaction to FIM either directly applied to lettuce or released by dispensers. In the lab experiments, we found that M. persicae reacts to FIM by walking away and that reproduction tends to be reduced in the presence of FIM. In the field, we found lower numbers of aphids in the treatments with FIM. In particular, dispenser application caused higher aphid reduction compared to spray application on lettuce. In addition, more natural enemies of aphids could be found in dispenser-treated plots. Taken together, these results indicate that the use of FIM could contribute to insecticide-free aphid control in lettuce, but possibly also in other crops.
Should we delay leaf water potential measurements after excision? Dehydration or equilibration?
(2024) Perera‐Castro, Alicia V.; Puértolas, Jaime; Fernández-Marín, Beatriz; González-Rodríguez, Águeda M.; Perera-Castro, Alicia V.; Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain; Puértolas, Jaime; Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain; Fernández-Marín, Beatriz; Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain; González-Rodríguez, Águeda M.; Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
Background: Accurate leaf water potential (Ψw) determination is crucial in studying plant responses to water deficit. After excision, water potential decreases, even under low evaporative demand conditions, which has been recently attributed to the equilibration of pre-excision Ψw gradients across the leaf. We assessed the influence of potential re-equilibration on water potential determination by monitoring leaf Ψw and relative water content decline after excision using different storage methods. Results: Even though leaf Ψw declined during storage under low evaporative demand conditions, this was strongly reduced when covering the leaf with a hydrophobic layer (vaseline) and explained by changes in relative water content. However, residual water loss was variable between species, possibly related to morpho-physiological leaf traits. Provided water loss was minimized during storage, pre-excision leaf transpiration rate did not affect to the magnitude of leaf Ψw decline after excision, confirming that transpiration-driven Ψw gradients have no effect on leaf Ψw determination. Conclusions: Disequilibrium in water potentials across a transpiring leaf upon excision is dissipated very quickly, well within the elapsed time between excision and pressurization, therefore, not resulting in overestimation of leaf Ψw measured immediately after excision. When leaf storage is required, the effectiveness of a storage under low evaporative demand varied among species. Covering with a hydrophobic layer is an acceptable alternative.
SNMP1 is critical for sensitive detection of the desert locust aromatic courtship inhibition pheromone phenylacetonitrile
(2024) Lehmann, Joris; Günzel, Yannick; Khosravian, Maryam; Cassau, Sina; Kraus, Susanne; Libnow, Johanna S.; Chang, Hetan; Hansson, Bill S.; Breer, Heinz; Couzin-Fuchs, Einat; Fleischer, Joerg; Krieger, Jürgen; Lehmann, Joris; Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Günzel, Yannick; Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany; Khosravian, Maryam; Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Cassau, Sina; Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Kraus, Susanne; Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany; Libnow, Johanna S.; Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Chang, Hetan; Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany; Hansson, Bill S.; Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany; Breer, Heinz; Department of Physiology (190V), Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Couzin-Fuchs, Einat; Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany; Fleischer, Joerg; Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Krieger, Jürgen; Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
Background: Accurate detection of pheromones is crucial for chemical communication and reproduction in insects. In holometabolous flies and moths, the sensory neuron membrane protein 1 (SNMP1) is essential for detecting long-chain aliphatic pheromones by olfactory neurons. However, its function in hemimetabolous insects and its role for detecting pheromones of a different chemical nature remain elusive. Therefore, we investigated the relevance of SNMP1 for pheromone detection in a hemimetabolous insect pest of considerable economic importance, the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria , which moreover employs the aromatic pheromone phenylacetonitrile (PAN) to govern reproductive behaviors. Results: Employing CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene editing, a mutant locust line lacking functional SNMP1 was established. In electroantennography experiments and single sensillum recordings, we found significantly decreased electrical responses to PAN in SNMP1-deficient (SNMP1 −/− ) locusts. Moreover, calcium imaging in the antennal lobe of the brain revealed a substantially reduced activation of projection neurons in SNMP1 −/− individuals upon exposure to PAN, indicating that the diminished antennal responsiveness to PAN in mutants affects pheromone-evoked neuronal activity in the brain. Furthermore, in behavioral experiments, PAN-induced effects on pairing and mate choice were altered in SNMP1 −/− locusts. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the importance of SNMP1 for chemical communication in a hemimetabolous insect pest. Moreover, they show that SNMP1 plays a crucial role in pheromone detection that goes beyond long-chain aliphatic substances and includes aromatic compounds controlling reproductive behaviors.

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