Fire, historically viewed as a destructive force, plays a significant and often beneficial role in various ecosystems. Natural fire events contribute to the health and diversity of plant communities by clearing out old vegetation, recycling nutrients, and creating opportunities for new growth. Fire-related signals such as heat, smoke, and charred organic material have been shown to stimulate seed germination and promote the growth of native plant species. These fire cues can help maintain and enhance biodiversity, making them a critical factor in ecosystem dynamics and resilience. Similarly, in the context of climate change, global warming significantly increases the frequency and magnitude of fires, impacting the biodiversity. Understanding the mechanisms behind these effects is essential for advancing conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices.
The primary goal of this Research Topic is to explore and understand the beneficial effects of fire-related cues on the diversity of native plant species. The problem we aim to address is the gap in knowledge regarding how fire cues such as heat, smoke, and chemicals from burned material influence seed germination, plant growth, and biodiversity of plant communities. Advances in ecological research have begun to uncover the complex interactions between fire and plant species, highlighting the potential for fire cues to be used as tools in conservation and land management. By investigating these mechanisms, conducting field studies, and comparing ecosystems with varying fire regimes, we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of how fire cues can promote native biodiversity. This knowledge could lead to more effective conservation strategies and sustainable ecosystem management practices, ultimately contributing to the resilience and sustainability of natural habitats.
This Research Topic seeks contributions that explore the multifaceted effects of fire-related signals on native plant diversity. We invite authors to submit manuscripts focusing on several key themes: the mechanisms by which fire cues influence seed germination and plant growth, case studies from various ecosystems where wildfires are natural and recurring events, or unusually but where the climate change increases their frequency and severity, comparative analyses between regions with regular fire occurrences and those without, the long-term impacts of fire cues on plant communities, and practical applications of fire cues in conservation and land management. We are interested in original research articles, review papers, and field study reports that provide new insights and contribute to a deeper understanding of how fire cues can be harnessed to support native biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Keywords:
Biodiversity-Fire cues-Seed germination-Ecosystem resilience-Native plant species
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Fire, historically viewed as a destructive force, plays a significant and often beneficial role in various ecosystems. Natural fire events contribute to the health and diversity of plant communities by clearing out old vegetation, recycling nutrients, and creating opportunities for new growth. Fire-related signals such as heat, smoke, and charred organic material have been shown to stimulate seed germination and promote the growth of native plant species. These fire cues can help maintain and enhance biodiversity, making them a critical factor in ecosystem dynamics and resilience. Similarly, in the context of climate change, global warming significantly increases the frequency and magnitude of fires, impacting the biodiversity. Understanding the mechanisms behind these effects is essential for advancing conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices.
The primary goal of this Research Topic is to explore and understand the beneficial effects of fire-related cues on the diversity of native plant species. The problem we aim to address is the gap in knowledge regarding how fire cues such as heat, smoke, and chemicals from burned material influence seed germination, plant growth, and biodiversity of plant communities. Advances in ecological research have begun to uncover the complex interactions between fire and plant species, highlighting the potential for fire cues to be used as tools in conservation and land management. By investigating these mechanisms, conducting field studies, and comparing ecosystems with varying fire regimes, we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of how fire cues can promote native biodiversity. This knowledge could lead to more effective conservation strategies and sustainable ecosystem management practices, ultimately contributing to the resilience and sustainability of natural habitats.
This Research Topic seeks contributions that explore the multifaceted effects of fire-related signals on native plant diversity. We invite authors to submit manuscripts focusing on several key themes: the mechanisms by which fire cues influence seed germination and plant growth, case studies from various ecosystems where wildfires are natural and recurring events, or unusually but where the climate change increases their frequency and severity, comparative analyses between regions with regular fire occurrences and those without, the long-term impacts of fire cues on plant communities, and practical applications of fire cues in conservation and land management. We are interested in original research articles, review papers, and field study reports that provide new insights and contribute to a deeper understanding of how fire cues can be harnessed to support native biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Keywords:
Biodiversity-Fire cues-Seed germination-Ecosystem resilience-Native plant species
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.