Alex J. Brook
University of Reading
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Publication
Featured researches published by Alex J. Brook.
New Phytologist | 2008
Lisèle Crémieux; Armin Bischoff; Majka Šmilauerová; Clare Lawson; Simon R. Mortimer; Jiří Doležal; Vojtěch Lanta; Andrew R. Edwards; Alex J. Brook; Thomas Tscheulin; Mirka Macel; Jan Lepš; Heinz Müller-Schärer; Thomas Steinger
Genetic differentiation among plant populations and adaptation to local environmental conditions are well documented. However, few studies have examined the potential contribution of plant antagonists, such as insect herbivores and pathogens, to the pattern of local adaptation. Here, a reciprocal transplant experiment was set up at three sites across Europe using two common plant species, Holcus lanatus and Plantago lanceolata. The amount of damage by the main above-ground plant antagonists was measured: a rust fungus infecting Holcus and a specialist beetle feeding on Plantago, both in low-density monoculture plots and in competition with interspecific neighbours. Strong genetic differentiation among provenances in the amount of damage by antagonists in both species was found. Local provenances of Holcus had significantly higher amounts of rust infection than foreign provenances, whereas local provenances of Plantago were significantly less damaged by the specialist beetle than the foreign provenances. The presence of surrounding vegetation affected the amount of damage but had little influence on the ranking of plant provenances. The opposite pattern of population differentiation in resistance to local antagonists in the two species suggests that it will be difficult to predict the consequences of plant translocations for interactions with organisms of higher trophic levels.
Insect Conservation and Diversity | 2012
Ben A. Woodcock; Duncan Westbury; Alex J. Brook; Clare Lawson; Andrew R. Edwards; Stephanie J. Harris; Matthew S. Heard; Valerie K. Brown; Simon R. Mortimer
Abstract. 1. Species‐rich lowland hay meadows are of conservation importance for both plants and invertebrates; however, they have declined in area across Europe as a result of conversion to other land uses and management intensification. The re‐creation of these grasslands on ex‐arable land provides a valuable approach to increasing the extent and conservation value of this threatened habitat.
Journal of Ecology | 2006
T. Martijn Bezemer; Clare Lawson; Katarina Hedlund; Andrew R. Edwards; Alex J. Brook; José M. Igual; Simon R. Mortimer; Wim H. van der Putten
Journal of Ecology | 2006
Armin Bischoff; Lisèle Crémieux; Marie Šmilauerová; Clare Lawson; Simon R. Mortimer; Jiri Dolezal; Vojtech Lanta; Andrew R. Edwards; Alex J. Brook; Mirka Macel; Jan Lepš; Thomas Steinger; Heinz Müller-Schärer
Journal of Applied Ecology | 2008
Alex J. Brook; Ben A. Woodcock; M. Sinka; Adam J. Vanbergen
Journal of Applied Ecology | 2006
René Eschen; Simon R. Mortimer; Clare Lawson; Andrew R. Edwards; Alex J. Brook; José M. Igual; Katarina Hedlund; Urs Schaffner
Journal of Applied Ecology | 2010
Ben A. Woodcock; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Duncan Westbury; Clare Lawson; Andrew R. Edwards; Alex J. Brook; Stephanie J. Harris; Kerry Lock; Norbert Maczey; Greg Masters; Valerie K. Brown; Simon R. Mortimer
Oecologia | 2008
Ben A. Woodcock; Andrew R. Edwards; Clare Lawson; Duncan Westbury; Alex J. Brook; Stephanie J. Harris; Valerie K. Brown; Simon R. Mortimer
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment | 2012
René Eschen; Alex J. Brook; Norbert Maczey; Andy Bradbury; Andy Mayo; Paul Watts; David Buckingham; Karen Wheeler; Will J. Peach
Restoration Ecology | 2010
Ben A. Woodcock; Andrew R. Edwards; Clare Lawson; Duncan Westbury; Alex J. Brook; Stephanie J. Harris; Greg Masters; Roger Booth; Valerie K. Brown; Simon R. Mortimer