Seed fungal endophytes play a crucial role in assisting the overall health and success of their host plant; however, little is known about the factors that influence the diversity and composition of these endophytes, particularly with respect to how they change over time and within urban environments. Using culturing techniques, morphological analyses, and Sanger sequencing, we identified the culturable seed fungal endophytes of Banksia ericifolia at two urban and two natural sites in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. A total of 27 Operational Taxonomic Units were obtained from 1200 seeds. Older cones were found to contain, on average, more colonised endophytes than younger cones. Species richness was also significantly influenced by cone age, with older cones being more speciose. Between urban and natural sites, the overall community composition did not change, although species richness and diversity were greatest at urban sites. Understanding how these endophytes vary in time and s
Hong Kong’s climate adaptation plans must take into account the rise of extreme weather events, pay attention to topographically vulnerable areas and the impact of urbanisation, and make natural habitats a part of its solutions.
“At the same time, cities are also major contributors to climate change. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that cities emit up to 75% of the global CO2-equivalent emissions globally. Buildings and urban transport are amongst the largest contributors,” Puri said at the event.