Conchita Alonso


Estación Biológica de Doñana,

CSIC,

Isla de La Cartuja

Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n,

E-41092 Sevilla, Spain

 

 

 

Researcher

 

Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)

 

conalo@ebd.csic.es


Academic background

General research interests

Outreach

    Juste, J., C. Ibáñez, J. Nogueras, S. Sánchez-Navarro, and C. Alonso (2022). La portentosa comunidad de murciélagos de las sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. Quercus 436: 20-27.

    Alonso C., and Y. Palomares (2021). Playing with genetic and epigenetic concepts at the school: an Epigenetic Orchestra project. Evolution: Education and Outreach 14: 6.

    Alonso, C., V. Parra-Tabla, and C. M. Herrera (2018). Polinización por insectos en comunidades vegetales hiperdiversas. Quercus 385: 26-34.


Publications

Google Scholar Citations Profile

74. Pugnaire, F. I., M. Arista, J. S. Carrión, J. A. Devesa, C. M. Herrera, G. Nieto Feliner, P. J. Rey, and C. Alonso (2024) Origen y retos actuales de la diversidad vegetal en las sierras Béticas, un área de diversidad de importancia global. Ecosistemas, in press.

73.  Valverde, J., M. Medrano, C. M. Herrera, and C. Alonso (2024) Comparative epigenetic and genetic spatial structure in Mediterranean mountain plants: a multispecies study. Heredity 132, 106–116. 

72. López-Jurado, J., J. Picazo-Aragonés, C. Alonso, F. Balao, E. Mateos-Naranjo (2023) Physiology, gene expression, and epiphenotype of two Dianthus broteri polyploid cytotypes under temperature stress. Journal of Experimental Botany, in press. doi:10.1093/jxb/erad462 

71. Ortiz-Sánchez, F. J., J. Valverde, A. Núñez Carbajal, C. Alonso, and C. M. Herrera (2023) The bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) of Sierra de Cazorla (Spain). Monografías Sociedad Entomológica Aragonesa 17, 91 p.  

70. Valverde, J., M. Medrano, C. M. Herrera and C. Alonso (2023) Assessing the links between pollinators and the genetic and epigenetic features of plant species with contrasting distribution ranges. bioRxiv preprint. doi:10.1101/2023.09.02.556048

69. Balao, F., M. Medrano, P. Bazaga, O. Paun, and C. Alonso (2023). Long-term methylome changes after experimental seed demethylation and their interaction with recurrent water stress in Erodium cicutarium (Geraniaceae). bioRxiv preprint. doi:10.1101/2023.01.19.524693

68. Troyee, A. N., C. Peña-Ponton, M. Medrano, K. J. F. Verhoeven and C. Alonso (2023) Herbivory induced methylation changes in the Lombardy poplar: A comparison of results obtained by epiGBS and WGBS. PLoS ONE 18, e0291202. 

67.  Herrera, C. M., A. Núñez, J. Valverde, and C. Alonso (2023) Body mass decline in a Mediterranean community of solitary bees supports the size shrinking effect of climatic warming. Ecology 104, e4128.

66. Herrera, C. M., A. Núñez, L. O. Aguado, and C. Alonso (2023) Seasonality of pollinators in Mediterranean montane habitats: cool-blooded bees for early-blooming plants. Ecological Monographs 93: e1570.

Photo Gallery:   Herrera, C. M., and C. Alonso (2023) Cool-blooded bees for cool-weather flowers. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America 104: e2068.

65. Boquete, M. T., M. W. Schmid, N. C. A. M. Wagemaker, S. B. Carey, S. F. McDaniel, C. L. Richards and C. Alonso (2022) Molecular basis of intraspecific differentiation for heavy metal tolerance in the copper moss Scopelophila cataractae. Environmental and Experimental Botany 201, 104970.

64. Troyee, A. N., M. Medrano, C. Müller, and C. Alonso (2022) Variation in DNA methylation and response to short-term herbivory in Thlaspi arvense. Flora 293, 152106.

63. Herrera, C. M., M. Medrano, P. Bazaga, and C. Alonso (2022). Ecological significance of intraplant variation: epigenetic mosaicism in Lavandula latifolia plants predicts extant and transgenerational variability of fecundity-related traits. Journal of Ecology 110, 2555-2567.

62.  Alonso C., and Y. Palomares (2021). Playing with genetic and epigenetic concepts at the school: an Epigenetic Orchestra project. Evolution: Education and Outreach 14: 6.

61. Boquete, M.T., A. Muyle, and C. Alonso (2021). Plant epigenetics: phenotypic and functional diversity beyond the DNA sequence. American Journal of Botany 108: 553–558.

60. Herrera, C. M., P. Bazaga, R. Pérez, and C. Alonso (2021). Lifetime genealogical divergence within plants leads to epigenetic mosaicism in the shrub Lavandula latifolia (Lamiaceae). New Phytologist 231, 2065-2076. 

        Commentary: Wetzel, W. C. (2021) Plants as epigenetic mosaics: harnessing variability to thrive in a variable world. New Phytologist 231, 1667-1669.

59. Boquete, M. T., I. Lang, M. Weidinger, C. L. Richards, and C. Alonso (2021) Patterns and mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation and tolerance in two terrestrial moss species with contrasting habitatspecialization. Environmental and Experimental Botany 182, 104336. doi:10.1016/j.envexpbot.2020.104336

58. Parra-Tabla, V., and C. Alonso  (2020) Autonomous pollination alleviates pollen limitation in the endemic Cienfuegosia yucatanensis Millsp. (Malvaceae). Botanical Sciences 99. doi:10.17129/botsci.2651

57. Parra-Tabla, V.,  C. Alonso,  T.-L. Ashman, R.A. Raguso, C. Albor, P. Sosenski, D. Carmona, and G. Arceo-Gómez (2020) Pollen transfer networks reveal alien species as main heterospecific pollen donors with fitness consequences for natives. Journal of Ecology. doi: 10.1111/1365-2745.13520

56. Medrano, M., C. Alonso, P. Bazaga, E. López, and C. M. Herrera (2020) Comparative genetic and epigenetic diversity in pairs of sympatric, closely-related plants with contrasting distribution ranges in southeastern Iberian mountains. AoB Plants 12, plaa013. doi:10.1093/aobpla/plaa013

55. Ashman,T.-L, C. Alonso, V. Parra-Tabla, and G. Arceo-Gómez (2020) Pollen on stigmas as proxies of pollinator competition and facilitation: complexities, caveats, and future directions. Annals of Botany 125, 1003-1012.

54. Parra-Tabla, V., D. Angulo-Pérez, C. Albor, M. J. Campos-Navarrete, J. Tun-Garrido, P. Sosenski, C. Alonso, T.-L. Ashman, and G. Arceo-Gómez (2019) The role of alien species on plant-floral visitor network structure in invaded communities. PLoS ONE 14, e0218227. 

53. Alonso, C., M. Medrano, R. Pérez, A. Canto, V. Parra-Tabla, and C. M. Herrera (2019) Interspecific variation across angiosperms in global DNA methylation: phylogeny, ecology and plant features in tropical and mediterranean communities. New Phytologist 224, 949-960. 

52. Herrera, C. M., M. Medrano, R. Pérez, P. Bazaga, and C. Alonso (2019) Within-plant heterogeneity in fecundity and herbivory induced by localized DNA hypomethylation in the perennial herb Helleborus foetidus. American Journal of Botany 106, 798-806.

51. Alonso, C., Ramos-Cruz, D., and C. Becker (2019). The role of plant epigenetics in biotic interactions. New Phytologist 221, 731-737.

50. Arceo-Gómez, G., C. Alonso, T.-L. Ashman, and V. Parra-Tabla (2018) Variation in sampling effort affects the observed richness of plant-plant interactions via heterospecific pollen transfer: implications for interpretation of pollen transfer networks. American Journal of Botany 105, 1601-1608.

49. Herrera, C. M., C. Alonso, M. Medrano, R. Pérez, and P. Bazaga (2018) Transgenerational epigenetics: inheritance of global cytosine methylation and methylation-related epigenetic markers in the shrub Lavandula latifolia. American Journal of Botany 105, 741-748.

48. Balao, F., O. Paun, and C. Alonso (2018) Uncovering the contribution of epigenetics to plant phenotypic variation in Mediterranean ecosystems. Plant Biology 20, 38-49. 

47. Alonso, C., R. Pérez, P. Bazaga, M. Medrano, and C. M. Herrera (2018) Within-plant variation in seed size and inflorescence fecundity is associated with epigenetic mosaicism in the shrub Lavandula latifolia (Lamiaceae). Annals of Botany 121, 153–160.

46. Richards, C. L., C. Alonso, C. Becker, O. Bossdorf, E. Bucher, M. Colomé-Tatché, W. Durka, J. Engelhardt, B. Gaspar, A. Gogol-Doring, I. Grosse, T. P. van Gurp, K. Heer, I. Kronholm, C. Lampei, V. Latzel, M. Mirouze, L. Opgenoorth, O. Paun, S. Prohaska, S. A. Rensing, P. Stadler, E. Trucchi, K. Ullrich, and K. J. F. Verhoeven (2017) Ecological plant epigenetics: Evidence from model and non-model species, and the way forward. Ecology Letters 20, 1576-1590. 

45. Alonso, C., M. Medrano, R. Pérez, P. Bazaga, and C. M. Herrera (2017) Tissue-specific response to experimental demethylation at seed germination in the non-model herb Erodium cicutarium. Epigenomes 1, 16. doi:10.3390/epigenomes1030016

44. Alonso, C., G. Arceo-Gómez, G. A. Meindl, L. Abdala-Roberts, V. Parra-Tabla, and T.-L. Ashman (2017) Delimiting plant diversity that is functionally related via interactions with diurnal pollinators: An expanded use of rarefaction curves. Flora 232, 56-62.

43. Parra-Tabla V, Celaya C, P. Téllez, L. Salinas, L. Abdala-Roberts, and C. Alonso (2017) Fenología de floración y polinización en herbáceas de la Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Lagartos. In: S. J. Ramos, editor, Ecología funcional de la Reserva de la Biosfera de Ría Lagartos. Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico: UADYCONANP. 

42. Alonso, C., F. Balao, P. Bazaga, and R. Pérez (2016) Epigenetic contribution to successful polyploidizations: variation in global cytosine methylation along an extensive ploidy series in Dianthus broteri (Caryophyllaceae). New Phytologist 212, 571-576.

41. Arceo-Gómez, G., C. Alonso, L. Abdala-Roberts, and V. Parra-Tabla (2016) Patterns and sources of variation in pollen deposition and pollen tube formation in flowers of the endemic monoecious shrub Cnidoscolus souzae (Euphorbiaceae). Plant Biology 18, 594–600.

40. Alonso, C., R. Pérez, P. Bazaga, M. Medrano, and C. M. Herrera (2016) MSAP markers and global cytosine methylation in plants: a literature survey and comparative analysis for a wild growing species. Molecular Ecology Resources 16, 80-90.

39. Castilla, A., C. Alonso, and C. M. Herrera (2016) To be or not to be better pollinated: differences between sex morphs in marginal gynodioecious populations. American Journal of Botany 103, 388-395.

39. Arceo-Gómez, G., L. Abdala-Roberts, A. Jankowiak, C. Kohler, G. A. Meindl, C. Navarro-Fernández, V. Parra-Tabla, T.-L. Ashman, and C. Alonso (2016) Patterns of among- and within-species variation in heterospecific pollen receipt: the importance of ecological generalization. American Journal of Botany 103, 396-407.

37.

Celaya, I. N., G. Arceo-Gómez, C. Alonso, and V. Parra-Tabla (2015) Negative effects of heteroespecific pollen receipt vary with abiotic conditions: ecological and evolutionary implications. Annals of Botany 116: 789-795.

 

36. Alonso, C., R. Pérez, P. Bazaga, and C. M. Herrera (2015). Global DNA cytosine methylation as an evolving trait: phylogenetic signal and correlated evolution with genome size in Angiosperms. Frontiers in Genetics. doi:10.3389/fgene.2015.00004

35. Castilla, A. C., C. Alonso, and C. M. Herrera (2015). Sex-specific phenotypic selection and geographic variation in gender divergence in a gynodioecious shrub. Plant Biology 17, 186-193.

34. Alonso, C., R. Pérez, P. Bazaga, M. Medrano, and C. M. Herrera (2014). Individual variation in size and fecundity is correlated with differences in global DNA cytosine methylation in the perennial herb Helleborus foetidus (Ranunculaceae). American Journal of Botany 101, 1309-1313.

33. Pozo, M. I., C. M. Herrera, and C. Alonso (2014). Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of nectar-inhabiting yeasts: how different floral microenvironments arise in winter-blooming Helleborus foetidus. Fungal Ecology 11, 173-180.

32. Alonso, C., C. M. Navarro-Fernández, G. Arceo-Gómez, G. A. Meindl, V. Parra-Tabla, and T.-L. Ashman (2013) Among species differences in pollen quality and quantity limitation: implications for endemics in biodiverse hotspots. Annals of Botany 112, 1461-1469.

30.

Alonso, C., and M. García-Sevilla (2013) Strong inbreeding depression and individually variable mating system in the narrow endemic Erodium cazorlanum (Geraniaceae). Anales del Jardin Botanico de Madrid 70, 72-80.

 

29. Castilla, A. R., C. Alonso, and C. M. Herrera (2013) Herbivory at marginal populations: consequences for maternal fitness and vegetative differentiation. Acta Oecologica 49, 32-38.

28. Castilla, A. R., T. Wiegand, C. Alonso, and C. M. Herrera (2012) Disturbance-dependent spatial distribution of sexes in a gynodioecious understory shrub. Basic and Applied Ecology 13, 405-413. Supplementary material

27. Castilla, A. R., C. Alonso, and C. M. Herrera (2012) Genetic structure of the shrub Daphne laureola across the Baetic Ranges, a Mediterranean glacial refugium and biodiversity hotspot. Plant Biology 14, 515-524.  

26. Alonso, C., C. M. Herrera, and T.-L. Ashman (2012) A piece of the puzzle: a method for comparing pollination quality and quantity across multiple species and reproductive events. New Phytologist 193, 532-542.

25. Alonso, C., and C. M. Herrera (2011) Back-and-forth hermaphroditism: phylogenetic context of reproductive system evolution in subdioecious Daphne laureola. Evolution 65, 1680-1692. 

24. Castilla, A., C. Alonso, and C. M. Herrera (2011) Exploring local borders of distribution in the shrub Daphne laureola: individual and populations traits. Acta Oecologica 37, 269-276.

23. Alonso, C., J. C. Vamosi, T. M. Knight, J. A. Steets, and T.-L. Ashman (2010) Is reproduction of endemic plant species particularly pollen limited in biodiversity hotspots? Oikos 119: 1192-1200. Appendix 1

22. Alonso, C., I. M. García, N. Zapata, and R. Pérez (2009) Variability in the behavioural responses of three generalist herbivores to the most abundant coumarin in Daphne laureola leaves. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 132: 76-83.

21. Alonso, C. and C. M. Herrera (2008) Site-specific features affect pollination success of a gynodioecious understory shrub in a gender-specific mode. Ecoscience 15: 358-365.

20. Alonso, C., P. Mutikainen, and C. M. Herrera (2007) Ecological context of breeding system variation: sex, size and pollination in a (predominantly) gynodioecious shrub. Annals of Botany 100: 1547-1556.

19. Herrera, C. M, R. Pérez, and C. Alonso (2006) Extreme intraplant variation in nectar sugar composition in an insect-pollinated perennial herb. American Journal of Botany 93: 575-581.

18. Alonso, C. (2005) Pollination success across an elevation and sex ratio gradient in gynodioecious Daphne laureola. American Journal of Botany 92: 1264-1269.

17. Alonso, C., R. Pérez, P. M. Nieto, and J. Delgado (2005) Gender dimorphism and altitudinal variation of secondary compounds in leaves of the gynodioecious shrub Daphne laureola. Journal of Chemical Ecology 31: 139-150.

16. Medrano, M., C. Alonso, and C. M. Herrera (2005) Mating system, sex ratio, and persistence of females in the gynodioecious shrub Daphne laureola L. (Thymelaeaceae). Heredity 94: 37-43.

15. Alonso, C., J. L. Garrido, and C. M. Herrera (2004). Investigaciones sobre plantas y animales en las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. 25 años de estudios por el CSIC. Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla.

14. Alonso, C. (2004) Early blooming´s challenges: extended flowering season, diverse pollinator assemblage, and the reproductive success of gynodioecious Daphne laureola. Annals of Botany 93: 61-66.

13. Alonso, C., and C. M. Herrera (2003) Developmental and spatial covariation of nutrients in growing leaves of Daphne laureola and their relationships with herbivory. New Phytologist 159: 645-656.

12. Alonso, C. (2003) Herbivores do not discriminate between leaves of female and hermaphrodite individuals of gynodioecious Daphne laureola (Thymelaeaceae). Oikos 101: 505-510.

11. Alonso, C., S. Ossipova, and V. Ossipov (2002) High concentration of glucogallin, the common precursor of hydrolysable tannins, does not deter herbivores. Journal of Insect Behavior 15: 649-657.

10. Alonso, C., and C. M. Herrera (2001) Patterns made of patterns: variation and covariation of leaf nutrient concentrations within and among populations of Prunus mahaleb. New Phytologist 150: 629-640.

09. Alonso, C., K. Ruohomäki, M. Riipi, and J. Henriksson (2001) Testing for prerequisites of local adaptation in an insect herbivore, Epirrita autumnata. Ecoscience 8: 26-31.

08. Alonso, C., and  C. M. Herrera (2001) Neither vegetative nor reproductive advantages account for high frequency of male-steriles in southern Spanish gynodioecious Daphne laureola (Thymelaeaceae). American Journal of Botany 88: 1016-1024.

07. Alonso, C. (2001). Is plant chemistry determining mortality and dispersal of young Epirrita autumnata larvae ? Annals of the Icelandic Forestry Association (Skogræktarritið) 2001: 174-179.

06. Alonso, C., T. Vuorisalo, B. Wilsey, and T. Honkanen (2000) Yponomeuta evonymellus outbreaks in southern Finland: spatial synchrony but different local magnitudes. Annales Zoologici Fennici 37: 179-188.

05. Alonso, C. & Herrera, C. M. (2000) Seasonal variation in leaf characteristics and food selection by larval noctuids on an evergreen Mediterranean shrub. Acta Oecologica 21: 257-265.

04. Alonso, C. (1999) Variation in herbivory by Yponomeuta mahalebella on its only host plant Prunus mahaleb along an elevational gradient. Ecological Entomology 24: 1-9.

03. Alonso, C. (1997) Choosing a place to grow. Importance of within-plant abiotic microenvironment for Yponomeuta mahalebella. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 83: 171-180.

02. Alonso, C., and C. M. Herrera (1996). Variation in herbivory within and among plants of Daphne laureola (Thymelaeaceae): correlation with plant size and architecture. Journal of Ecology 84: 495-502.

01. Vera, M. L., M. C. Alonso, and J. R. Obeso (1995). Rebrote después de incendio e inversión reproductiva en Erica cinerea y E. vagans. Orsis 10: 7-15.


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