W. Durka

Low land-use intensity buffers grasslands against future climate and inter-annual climate variability in a large field experiment

This study shows that low land-use intensity grasslands are more resilient to climate change than intensively managed ones, based on eight years of field experiments in Germany.

Recent evolution of flowering time across multiple European plant species correlates with changes in aridity

The paper uses historical seeds and greenhouse experiments to show that flowering time shifts in European plants correlate with changes in aridity over decades.

Plants cultivated for ecosystem restoration can evolve towards a domestication syndrome

This study shows that wild plants cultivated for restoration can evolve domestication-like traits in few generations, but changes are generally moderate and vary between species and cultivation lineages.

Genomic signatures of past megafrugivore-mediated dispersal in Malagasy palms

The paper examines how past megafrugivore extinctions in Madagascar affected genetic diversity and differentiation in Malagasy palms, finding higher diversity in megafruit species and links between extinct dispersers and reduced genetic differentiation.

Tree species and genetic diversity increase productivity via functional diversity and trophic feedbacks

This study shows that both tree species and genetic diversity increase productivity through functional diversity and trophic feedbacks, with genetic diversity effects varying between monocultures and mixtures.

Evolution during seed production for ecological restoration? A molecular analysis of 19 species finds only minor genomic changes

This study examines genetic changes in 19 grassland species during seed cultivation for ecological restoration and finds minimal genetic drift and increased gene diversity.

Rapid evolution in managed grasslands: different land-use regimes are associated with contrasting phenotypes in Plantago lanceolata

This study shows that different land-use regimes in grasslands lead to distinct phenotypic and genetic changes in Plantago lanceolata, with mowing and grazing having opposing effects on plant traits and diversity.

Resilience trinity: safeguarding ecosystem services across three different time horizons and decision contexts

The paper introduces a conceptual framework called resilience trinity to manage ecosystem resilience across three decision contexts and time horizons.

Strong positive biodiversity-productivity relationships in a subtropical forest experiment

The paper demonstrates a strong positive biodiversity-productivity relationship in a subtropical forest experiment, showing increased productivity with species richness and complementary effects over time.

Phylogenetic turnover during subtropical forest succession across environmental and phylogenetic scales

The paper examines phylogenetic turnover during forest succession, finding low inter-stage turnover but high within-stage turnover linked to environmental differentiation and deep phylogenetic traits.

Ecological plant epigenetics: Evidence from model and non-model species, and the way forward

The paper reviews epigenetic contributions to plant ecology and proposes integrating model-species research with non-model species studies to better understand ecological processes.