Bryophyte interactions with other plants

Abstract

Bryophytes live in microhabitats determined by the physical environment, usually modified by the vascular plant vegetation, and seemingly in ‘ecological isolation’ from other plants. However, bryophytes are involved in a variety of competitive, parasitic, symbiotic, mutualistic and as yet unspecifiable interactions with vascular plants, algae, fungi, lichens, cyanobactcria and autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria. In only very few cases have these interactions been analysed functionally. Yet, such information may be essential for a better understanding of (1) such aspects of bryophyte ecology as mineral nutrition, carbon economy, herbivory, and growth and development of the gametophyte, and (2) the ecological role of bryophytes in terrestrial ecosystems.

Moss and Soil Substrates Interact with Moisture Level to Influence Germination by Three Wetland Tree Species

“…In this study the major effect appears to be physical with the presence of the moss lifting the germinating seed away from the soil surface decreasing the effective moisture level. These results are similar to those found in other studies where mosses affect moisture levels and thereby influence germination (e.g., [14,[17][18][19]22]. Competition for water may also have decreased available water levels.…”

“…In general the presence of a bryophyte mat may positively [7][8][9] or negatively [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] affect seed germination and seedling survival. Seeds that get caught in a moss mat often remain too dry to germinate or are too far from the ground for the radicle to reach the soil surface and fail to establish [17][18][19][20][21][22]. Competition for water between the moss and the seedling is an important factor, especially in dry habitats [14,23].…”

Líquens e outros organismos epifílicos em Conchocarpus macrophyllus J.C. Mikan no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais, Brasil

“…O estudo da diversidade dos organismos epifílicos pode ser de grande interesse no aspecto de bioindicação, assim como estudos enfocando organismos pouco estudados são necessários para se avaliar seu papel nas interações ecológicas (During & van Tooren 1990) e na ciclagem de nutrientes (Bentley & Carpenter 1984).…”

Biologie et écologie du gaillet nain (Galium minutulumJordan,Rubiaceae) sur les îles d'Hyères (Var, France); implications pour la conservation de l'espèce

“…Le maintien des tapis de bryophytes, surtout presents au niveau des populations internes, doit optimiser Ia germination du gaillet : les mousses assurent une humidite prolongee, ameliorent Ia retention locale des graines et pourraient meme jouer un role allelopathique vis-a-vis des champignons pathogenes comme cela a ete remarque in vitro. L'importance des bryophytes dans Ia germination et le developpement des especes annuelles, phenomene longtemps neglige (During & Van Tooren, 1990), merite ainsi d'etre teste dans le cas present.…”