Propagule size has important consequences on the genetic structure of wind-dispersed species, as species with small propagules have higher capability of long-distance dispersal. Here, we studied reproductive modes and compared local and regional population structures in three Macaronesian lichenized fungi differing in propagule size. First, we quantified size distribution of propagules in each ...

The goals of this study were to evaluate the microbial activity, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and inoculation of woody plants (Caesalpinia ferrea, Mimosa tenuiflora and Erythrina velutina) in lead contaminated soil from the semi-arid region of northeastern of Brazil (Belo Jardim, Pernambuco). Dilutions were prepared by adding lead contaminated soil (270 mg Kg(-1)) to uncontaminated soil (37 mg ...

The effects of increased densities of settled propagules and the presence of adults on survlval of recruits were lnvest~gated to determine whether patterns of propagule settlement would pel slst and be expressed as distribution of recruits for Sargassum spln~l l lgeru~n S d ~ s t l c h u n ~ and S podacanthum in a subtidal mixed specles bed at Rottnest Island, Western Australia The effect of hi...

The concept of ecological resistance includes both abiotic and biotic features of a recipient environment that influence the success of propagules of a species that has not previously occurred on a site. Despite broad interest in this topic by ecologists and land managers, we lack an understanding of what factors contribute to ecological resistance and how processes influencing resistance inter...

Models of virulence evolution for horizontally transmitted parasites often assume that transmission rate (the probability that an infected host infects a susceptible host) and virulence (the increase in host mortality due to infection) are positively correlated, because higher rates of production of propagules may cause more damages to the host. However, empirical support for this assumption is...

Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are closely related pathogenic fungi that cause pneumonia and meningitis in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts and are a significant global infectious disease risk. Both species are found in the environment and are acquired via inhalation, leading to an initial pulmonary infection. The infectious propagule is unknown but is hypothesi...