links between spore ultrastructural traits and dispersal strategies

What is it about?

Most mosses have xerochastic dispersal (i.e., they open their capsules when conditions are dry), which is thought to favor long-distance dispersal. However, there are several species that use a hygrochastic strategy: spores are dispersed when conditions are wet. The significance of this strategy in the Mediterranean region is unknown. In this study, we explored whether ultrastructural features related to differences in spore resistance may explain these different strategies of spore dispersal.

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Why is it important?

- The spores of xerochastic and hygrochastic species show only subtle ultrastructural differences. A lower abundance of lipids and a higher proportion of bicellular spores seem to be associated with hygrochasy. We have not observed any clear-cut ultrastructural character consistent with a greater sensitivity in spores with this dispersal strategy. We discuss the relevance of these findings, and hypothesize that hygrochasy in Mediterranean environments might respond to a spatial, safe-site strate