Article
Plant Sciences
Yongjie Liu, Shuang Zhang, Hans J. De Boeck, Fujiang Hou
Summary: Temperature and salinity have significant effects on seed germination, but the sensitivity to these factors varies among plant species. Festuca arundinacea is less sensitive to temperature and salinity, while Bromus inermis and Elymus breviaristatus are sensitive to high salinity levels. These findings can enhance our understanding of seed germination in saline soils under changing climate conditions.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Yukun Fan, Shibao Zhang, Zengquan Lan, Qinying Lan
Summary: By studying the seed germination and storage performance of Pinus yunnanensis and P. kesiya var. langbianensis, it was found that moisture levels played a key role in affecting seed germination of the two pine species, with P. yunnanensis preferring lower moisture levels for germination. This difference in response to moisture levels may be an important factor causing the geographical distribution patterns of the two species to differ.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Martin Faucher, Seraphine Grellier, Clemence Chaudron, Jean-Louis Janeau, Gabrielle Rudi, Fabrice Vinatier
Summary: The Mediterranean region is expected to experience more intense rainfall events and severe droughts due to climate change, leading to an increase in runoff and erosion rates in agrosystems. Vegetation cover can help reduce erosion and the soil seed bank can provide cost-effective vegetation. This study assessed the effect of vegetation cover on seed loss in vineyards and evaluated the differences in the soil seed bank along a transect. The results suggest that vegetation may not protect interrows from runoff-induced seed loss.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tereza Maskova, Peter Poschlod
Summary: Seed persistence in the soil is crucial for population dynamics. This study found that burial depth and species-specific seed traits affect soil seed persistence, with dormant seeds having lower viability and light and temperature requirements impacting seed persistence.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Margaret B. Fleming, Lauren Stanley, Robyn Zallen, Matthew T. Chansler, Lars A. Brudvig, David B. Lowry, Marjorie Weber, Frank W. Telewski
Summary: The experiment studied the longevity of seeds in soil by burying glass bottles filled with seeds and sand for over a century. The results showed that a significant percentage of Verbascum seeds can still germinate after 141 years. This long-term experiment provides valuable insights into the viability of seeds in natural soil conditions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ruirui Yan, Tianqi Yu, Hongmei Liu, Shijie Lv, Baorui Chen, Yanling Wu, Guoping Que, Zhijun Wei, Lijun Xu, Xiaoyu Zhu, Guixia Yang, Xiaoping Xin
Summary: This study compared the effects of different grassland utilization methods on soil seed banks and found that grazing and enclosure increased seed bank content, while mowing reduced it. Grazing had the greatest impact on the density of perennial grass seed banks, while mowing mainly affected the seed bank of upper growth grasses.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Majda K. Suleiman, Arvind Bhatt, Sheena Jacob, Rini R. Thomas, Mini T. Sivadasan
Summary: The formation of soil seed banks is crucial for the survival of desert plant species. Stored seeds show higher germination percentages and changed light requirement for germination compared to fresh seeds. Additionally, stored seeds can persist in soil seed banks, offering great potential for maintaining and restoring desert ecosystems.
Article
Agronomy
Hongmei Liu, Yanling Wu, Yingxin Li, Shijie Lv, Zhijun Wei, Baorui Chen, Lijun Xu, Guixia Yang, Xiaoping Xin, Ruirui Yan
Summary: This study compares the germinable seed bank in the soil and the germination characteristics of Leymus chinensis in free-grazing and enclosed areas. The results show that free-grazing increases the number of germinable L. chinensis seeds and advances the initial germination time. Livestock grazing behaviors also improve the germination rate.
Article
Agronomy
Tereza Maskova, Shyam S. Phartyal, Mehdi Abedi, Maik Bartelheimer, Peter Poschlod
Summary: This study monitored the long-term effects of moisture and substrate on seed persistence. The results showed that moisture levels were the main driver for seed persistence, and different species had different seed viability in the soil. The classification of soil seed bank type should consider both environmental factors and seed germination traits.
Article
Plant Sciences
Deived Uilian de Carvalho, Daniel A. Boakye, Tim Gast, Rui Pereira Leite Junior, Fernando Alferez
Summary: The maturity of citrus rootstock fruits affects seed quality and seedling performance, influencing seed germination and seedling growth.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Arvind Bhatt, David J. J. Gallacher, Alfredo Jarma-Orozco, Denise Fernandes, Marcelo F. F. Pompelli
Summary: This study assessed the variation in seed germination among different populations of two desert halophytes and examined the correlation between seed fresh weight and germination. The results showed that the provenance had a significant impact on the germination of Suaeda vermiculata seeds, while the impact was less clear for Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. Additionally, a lower soil pH promoted seed germination.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Cristina Patane, Alessandro Saita, Salvatore L. Cosentino, Antonella Iurato, Giorgio Testa
Summary: Vegetative propagation and tissue culture are currently the only options for cultivating Miscanthus spp., but a preliminary study on the seeds of hybrids obtained through cross-pollination shows that they can be a valid alternative. The germination of the seeds decreased significantly after storage for 1 year at room temperature or 8 degrees C, indicating dormancy. However, the use of gibberellic acid (GA(3)) solution can improve seed germination.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jahangir A. Malik, AbdulAziz A. AlQarawi, Mashail N. AlZain, Basharat A. Dar, Muhammad M. Habib, Salah Nasser S. Ibrahim
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of temperature and salinity on germination and seedling growth of L. scindicus, an important forage grass species in Arabian deserts. The results showed that both salinity and temperature significantly affected germination and growth parameters. The seeds were unable to germinate under extreme salinity and temperature conditions but remained viable.
Article
Plant Sciences
Luis Marone, Rodrigo G. Pol
Summary: Long-term field studies in Argentina's Monte desert revealed that grazing and heavy rainfall are significant factors affecting the composition and size of grass soil seed bank (SSB). Grazing disrupts SSB composition and size, while heavy rainfall acts as a positive force in restoring grazed areas. The study found that cattle-free grasslands showed continuous positive response to rainfall in SSB size, while grazed habitats showed a threshold response, with scarce seeds of palatable grasses.
Article
Ecology
Peng Jia, Guojuan Qu, Jing Jia, Dezhi Li, Yuming Sun, Lu Liu
Summary: Different vegetation types in the coastal wetland have higher soil seed bank richness and species density compared to aboveground vegetation. The invasion of Spartina alterniflora has long-term impacts on the soil seed banks and regenerated communities.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rone S. Barbosa, Fabianne Ribeiro, Aline Silvestre Pereira Dornelas, Althieris de Souza Saraiva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Renato Almeida Sarmento, Carlos Gravato
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a thiamethoxam-based formulation on a population of insects and found that the offspring showed higher tolerance to the formulation, suggesting that insect resistance to neonicotinoids may be associated with improved biological functions in the progeny.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Cunha, Monica G. Silva, Lucia De Marchi, Rui G. Morgado, Valdemar I. Esteves, Valentina Meucci, Federica Battaglia, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlo Pretti, Rosa Freitas
Summary: This study evaluated the toxicity of a mixture of 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and salicylic acid (SA) on mussels and measured the effects at the cellular level. The results revealed that the combined effect of EE2 and SA caused the highest metabolic capacity, antioxidant activation, and cellular damage in the organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Joana C. Prata, CarlosJ. M. Silva, Dalila Serpa, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlos Gravato, Ana L. Patricio Silva
Summary: This work aimed to understand the factors and mechanisms influencing microplastic uptake and related adverse effects on Chironomus riparius. Results showed that high concentrations of small microplastics filled the gut of fourth instar C. riparius. Ingested microplastics had a slower elimination rate and short-term toxicity seemed to result from damage to the gut epithelium. Wild chironomids already have microplastics in their guts and environmental exposure to microplastics may induce adverse effects on C. riparius in freshwater benthic ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Helena Barbosa, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas
Summary: The global Lithium (Li) industry has rapidly expanded in recent decades, and future projections indicate further growth in its production. Li has been identified as an emerging pollutant in aquatic environments, but there is limited understanding of its implications in marine and coastal ecosystems. This review aims to bridge these knowledge gaps by examining the literature on Li occurrence and its effects on marine and coastal ecosystems. The findings highlight concerns about Li pollution and the urgent need for new solutions to meet sustainable development goals.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Aline Silvestre Pereira Dornelas, Joao L. T. Pestana, Althieris de Souza Saraiva, Rone Silva Barbosa, Grasiele Soares Cavallini, Carlos Gravato, Amadeu Mortagua Velho da Maia Soares, Renato Almeida Sarmento
Summary: This study assessed the chronic effects of increasing salinity and microbial insecticides on a species of mosquito larvae. The results showed that these insecticides have detrimental impacts on nontarget freshwater insects, potentially leading to cascading effects in freshwater ecosystems.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julieta Sturla Lompre, Lucia De Marchi, Joao Pinto, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlo Pretti, Federica Chielini, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas
Summary: Studies have shown the presence of nanoparticles, particularly carbon nanotubes, in aquatic ecosystems, raising concerns about their toxicity when combined with other pollutants. This study evaluated the effects of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes and chromium on the metabolic capacity, oxidative status, and neurologic status of two filter feeder organisms: Ruditapes decussatus and R. philippinarum. Results revealed species-specific accumulation of chromium, with higher values in R. decussatus. Only R. philippinarum showed inhibition of antioxidant defenses and neurotoxic effects. The interaction between contaminants did not affect antioxidant enzyme activities and neuro status. However, the combined exposure to both contaminants altered the metabolic capacity of R. decussatus. Both clams were tolerant to the contaminants but showed a significant accumulation capacity, posing a potential transfer of contaminants to humans.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ligia M. B. M. Santana, Evila Pinheiro Damasceno, Susana Loureiro, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Pedro Pousao-Ferreira, Denis M. S. Abessa, Roberto Martins, Maria D. Pavlaki
Summary: This study presents an accessible protocol for histological processing of Senegal sole larvae, which are commonly used in ecotoxicological studies. The protocol uses low-cost and easy-to-use techniques and provides valuable background information for observing changes in cell morphology and physiology.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diana Carneiro, Evila Pinheiro Damasceno, Violeta Ferreira, Ives Charlie-Silva, Joao Tedim, Frederico Maia, Susana Loureiro, Roberto Martins, Maria D. Pavlaki
Summary: The present study aimed to assess the ecotoxicological effects of Zinc-Aluminium LDH-nitrate (Zn-Al LDH-NO3) in zebrafish early life stages. The results showed that Zn-Al LDH-NO3 had no observable acute effects on zebrafish embryos and larvae, but caused malformations in embryos and affected locomotor behavior in larvae. However, no significant biochemical and molecular changes were recorded. Overall, Zn-Al LDH-NO3 can be regarded as a non-toxic nanomaterial towards zebrafish.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fabio Campos, Patricia V. Silva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Roberto Martins, Susana Loureiro
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of different exposure methodologies on the ecotoxicological profile of different powder grain sizes of Zn-Al LDH-NO3 and Cu-Al LDH-NO3. The results showed that the serial dilutions methodology was preferable for Zn-Al LDH-NO3, while both methodologies were suitable for Cu-Al LDH-NO3. Thus, the serial dilutions methodology was selected to assess the ecotoxicity of different grain sizes for both LDHs. All Zn-Al LDH-NO3 grain sizes yielded similar toxicity, while smaller grain sizes of Cu-Al LDH-NO3 had a greater effect on microalgae growth.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magda Carvalho Henriques, Joana Santiago, Antonio Patricio, Maria Teresa Herdeiro, Susana Loureiro, Margarida Fardilha
Summary: Lifestyle choices significantly affect male fertility, as evidenced by the association between tobacco consumption, decreased semen quality, and increased levels of stress-related proteins in sperm cells.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rone S. Barbosa, Fabianne Ribeiro, Eliane Aparecida Rotili, Rosaina de Sousa Venega, Aline Silvestre Pereira Dornelas, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlos Gravato, Renato Almeida Sarmento
Summary: This study evaluated the biological effects of the commercial formulation Actara on the aquatic non-target and non-biting larvae of Chironomus xanthus. The results showed that Actara was non-toxic to C. xanthus at environmentally relevant concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana M. Oliveira, Ana L. Patricio Silva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Damia Barcelo, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased use of disposable face masks has led to a significant environmental burden. This critical review discusses the degradation and toxicity of face mask contaminants and emphasizes the need for more research in this area. The lack of studies on biodegradation and ecotoxicity, as well as the uncertainties in experimental procedures, hinder the comparison with conventional plastic debris. Further studies on the abundance and composition of face mask-released contaminants and the development of methodological strategies are crucial to understand their environmental impact.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristiana Lopes, Andreia C. M. Rodrigues, Silvia F. S. Pires, Diana Campos, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Hugo C. Vieira, Maria D. Bordalo
Summary: This study investigated the combined effects of invasive red seaweed, polyethylene microplastics, and warming on mussels. The results showed that simultaneous exposure did not necessarily amplify the toxic effects of these factors. It highlights the importance of studying the impact of multiple stressors to better understand the underlying mechanisms of chronic exposure.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Rita R. Silva, Patricia V. Silva, Ana Raquel Soares, M. Nazaret Gonzalez-Alcaraz, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Dick Roelofs, Gabriela Moura, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Susana Loureiro
Summary: The global population growth leads to increased demand for food and the use of pesticides. Persistent pesticide contamination, such as carbendazim, remains a pressing environmental concern with potential long-term impacts on aquatic ecosystems. This study exposed Daphnia magna to carbendazim and found changes in gene transcription and reproductive impairment. However, after 12 generations, the daphnids showed some level of acclimation.