Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maria-Ioana Socaciu, Cristina Anamaria Semeniuc, Elena Andruta Muresan, Andreea Puscas, Anda Tanislav, Floricuta Ranga, Francisc Dulf, Emoke Pall, Alina Maria Truta, Claudia Pasca, Daniel Severus Dezmirean, Vlad Muresan
Summary: The present study characterised Fagaceae kernels as potential novel food ingredients rich in nutritional compounds. Proximate and mineral composition, phenolic content, fatty acid composition, and cytotoxicity of the kernels were investigated. Results showed that beech achene and oak acorn kernels have distinct nutritional profiles and potential uses in food as protein-rich or starch-rich ingredients.
Article
Forestry
Shawn P. Brown, Stacy L. Clark, Emerald Ford, Ari Jumpponen, Arnold M. Saxton, Scott E. Schlarbaum, Richard Baird
Summary: The loss of Fagaceae species is a global concern. In North America, American chestnut has been almost wiped out by non-native pathogens, and oaks are experiencing regeneration failures and declines. This study examined the regeneration of American chestnut and oaks using quality seedlings in North Carolina. The results showed that American chestnut and BC3F3 hybrids performed better than Chinese chestnut and white oak in the first three years. Soil fungi were not able to predict plant performance.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Ana Rita Leal, Helena Sapeta, Tom Beeckman, Pedro M. Barros, M. Margarida Oliveira
Summary: This study reveals the potential of cork oak taproots as a model system for studying phellem development and suberization, and identifies the molecular regulation of secondary development and suberization in cork oak roots. The provided morphological characterization creates new opportunities for faster assessment of phellogen activity and addressing fundamental questions.
Article
Agronomy
Maria Socorro Serrano, Francisco Jose Perez, Lorena Gomez-Aparicio
Summary: The study investigated the interactive effects of climate change and pathogen infection on Mediterranean mixed oak forests. Results showed that the impact of the pathogen was more significant than climate factors, with some tree species exhibiting resistance to multiple stressors. Overall, the adaptability of the pathogen to changing climatic conditions in the region was highlighted.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elaine G. Mission, Maria Jose Cocero
Summary: This study presents a novel and scalable approach for accessing suberin from cork by proposing ultrafast supercritical hydrolysis. The study highlights the importance of obtaining high-quality and highly functionalized biopolymers as a source of new building blocks. The research contributes to the development of a sustainable process for extracting valuable molecules from cork.
Article
Forestry
Filipe Campelo, Alvaro Rubio-Cuadrado, Fernando Montes, Michele Colangelo, Cristina Valeriano, J. Julio Camarero
Summary: This study investigates the effects of different leaf and xylem traits on wood formation and tree-ring development in coexisting tree species in a Mediterranean forest. The simulations show that climate warming will result in reduced growth in both deciduous and evergreen oaks, with evergreen oaks being better able to recover after drought.
Article
Forestry
Rita Simoes, Manuela Branco, Carla Nogueira, Carolina Carvalho, Conceicao Santos-Silva, Suzana Ferreira-Dias, Isabel Miranda, Helena Pereira
Summary: This study compared the chemical composition of the inner cork layers under low and moderate Coronaebus undatus attack, finding similar total extractives with a high proportion of polar compounds. The chemical composition of the lipophilic extractives in infested and uninfested trees was the same, with triterpenes as the most abundant family. The hydrophilic extractives differed in the levels of phenolic compounds.
Article
Forestry
Rita Simoes, Isabel Miranda, Helena Pereira
Summary: The cuticular wax content and chemical composition of Quercus suber L. leaves show seasonal variation, with an increase in wax content as the leaves mature. Triterpenoids are the dominant compound, particularly lupeol. The increase in cyclic-to-acyclic component ratio after summer indicates extensive deposition of intracuticular waxes, contributing to the mechanical and thermal stability and water barrier properties of the mature leaf cuticle.
Article
Microbiology
Maria Caballol, Dora Straus, Hector Macia, Xavier Ramis, Miguel A. Redondo, Jonas Oliva
Summary: The study found that Halophytophthora fluviatilis is mainly distributed in forest streams under warm and dry climates, and does not pose a significant threat to the most common Mediterranean broadleaved trees.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lionel R. Hertzog, Martijn L. Vandegehuchte, Daan Dekeukeleire, Wouter Dekoninck, Pallieter deSmedt, Irene van Schrojenstein Lantman, Willem Proesmans, Lander Baeten, Dries Bonte, An Martel, Kris Verheyen, Luc Lens
Summary: The study found that tree species composition and forest fragmentation impact the provision of forest ecosystem services. Tree species mixtures can maximize multifunctionality and biodiversity across trophic levels regardless of the management perspective.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Federico Sanna, Giuseppe Campesi, Paola Deligios, Luigi Ledda, Giovanna Piluzza, Leonardo Sulas, Giovanni Antonio Re
Summary: Appropriate agroforestry practices can contribute to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Different microenvironments have varying soil respiration rates, and changes in land use can affect soil organic carbon stocks.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tong Yu, Qing Yang, Min Deng, Nan Cheng, Kaiping Yao, Wanshu Yang, Xueping Ji, Hongbo Zheng
Summary: This study emphasizes the importance of nut fruits in the prehistoric society and the need for research on their morphological characteristics and statistical comparisons. By collecting nuts from various species and conducting statistical measurements and comparative analysis, researchers were able to identify starch granules extracted from stone tools and provide insights into the plant utilization of ancient humans.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohamed Riadh Mahmoudi, Beya Bachtobji-Bouachir, Houcine Sebai, Mossadok Ben-Attia, Neziha Ghanem-Boughanmi
Summary: This study highlighted the importance of the shrub layer in Mediterranean forests, emphasizing the need to consider it in any disturbance assessment and management. Disturbance significantly reduced total litter fall in disturbed sites, with the increased shrub layer contribution not compensating for the decreased input by the tree layer. Leaf litter decomposition was negatively affected by disturbance, leading to differences in above ground soil organic matter and nutrient dynamics between disturbed and undisturbed sites.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Ana Patricia Poeiras, Cordula Vogel, Bjoern Guenther, Constanca Camilo-Alves, Peter Surovy, Maria Emilia Silva, Nuno de Almeida Ribeiro
Summary: The study shows that cork oak grown under irrigation conditions exhibit greater cell wall expansion during soaking and boiling compared to cork oak grown under traditional rainfed conditions. Cell walls of rainfed cork oak become thinner after boiling, while those of irrigated cork oak become thicker.
Article
Plant Sciences
Leonie C. Schonbeck, Philipp Schuler, Marco M. Lehmann, Eugenie Mas, Laura Mekarni, Alexandria L. Pivovaroff, Pascal Turberg, Charlotte Grossiord
Summary: Temperature and vapour pressure deficit have significant effects on plant hydraulic responses. Even under unlimited soil water availability, high VPD and temperature can lead to reductions in stem conductive area, highlighting their importance in future plant mortality mechanisms.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Carolina Osuna-Mascaro, Rafael Rubio de Casas, Jose M. Gomez, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro, Jacob B. Landis, Robin Hopkins, Francisco Perfectti
Summary: This study analyzed the evolution of Erysimum species from the South of the Iberian Peninsula and found that hybridization played a significant role in their evolution, especially in species with purple and yellow flowers. These results demonstrate the importance of hybridization for plant diversification, which should be considered in studies of plant evolution.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Carla Goncalves, Helena Oliveira, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro, Maria Eduarda Fidalgo, Teresa Ribeiro, Ahmed Ouhammoud, Rachid Amirouche, Leonor Morais-Cecilio, Conceicao Santos, Paulo Silveira
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the complex taxonomy of Calendula and explore the relationships between genome size and chromosome number, ploidy level, and life cycle. Genome size estimations were provided for five species and three putative newly undescribed species for the first time. The 2C values varied up to 6-fold among different euploid species, ranging from 1.37 pg in diploid populations to 8.26 pg in octoploid populations. 1Cx-values varied 2.07-fold, ranging from 0.68 pg to 1.41 pg. Significant differences in mean 1Cx genome size were found between different ploidy levels. Genome size variation plays a significant role in explaining the relationships within Calendula, and the presence of individuals not fitting the current classification suggests the need for further analysis in future studies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Garcia-Munoz, Camilo Ferron, Celia Vaca-Benito, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro, A. Jesus Munoz-Pajares, Mohamed Abdelaziz
Summary: Studying the relationship between reproductive investment, phenotype, and fitness in selfing plants provides insights into these questions. Using a selfing species complex with different ploidy levels, this study found that an increase in ploidy level leads to larger flowers with more pollen and ovules. Genome duplication also affects floral characteristics, reproductive investment, and fitness, influencing transitions in reproductive strategy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rodrigo Narciso, Sara Sario, Rafael J. Mendes, Conceicao Santos
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effects of infection by two entomopathogenic bacteria on the lifespan and immune molecular responses of Drosophila suzukii. The results showed that the lifespan of the flies was not significantly disturbed, but there were changes in the expression of immune-related genes and activation of immune pathways. Additionally, the immune response was found to be influenced by the sex of the flies, with females showing earlier expression of certain immune genes and higher susceptibility to one of the bacterial strains.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Helena Castro, Maria Celeste Dias, Mariana Castro, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro
Summary: Polyploidy has significant ecological effects on morphology, breeding system, and ecological tolerances. This study used the diploid-tetraploid Jasione maritima polyploid complex to assess the contribution of genome duplications to ecological divergence. The results showed that diploids and tetraploids have different strategies in response to water deficit, and the distribution pattern of J. maritima complex is population-dependent.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Afonso, Silvia Castro, Joao Loureiro, Juan Arroyo, Albano Figueiredo, Sara Lopes, Mariana Castro
Summary: The high frequency of polyploidy in plant groups in the Mediterranean region is likely a result of its dynamic geological and climatic history. Polyploids have distinct characteristics that allow them to grow in different habitats and expand to new areas, leading to spatial segregation. This study aims to explore the role of environmental variables in the distribution patterns of cytotypes in Linum suffruticosum s.l. polyploid complex. Evaluation: 8/10.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Laura Regalado, Sara Sario, Rafael J. J. Mendes, Javier Valle, Peta J. J. Harvey, Catia Teixeira, Paula Gomes, David Andreu, Conceicao Santos
Summary: In this study, the biological activity of two underexplored spider venom peptides (J-atracotoxin-Hv1c and mu-theraphotoxin-Hhn2b) against adult D. suzukii flies was assessed, as well as the biological response of flies to these peptides through detoxification mechanisms. Results demonstrate that mu-theraphotoxin-Hhn2b enhanced fly longevity. Gene expression analysis suggests that detoxification and stress-related mechanisms are triggered in D. suzukii flies in response to treatment with these peptides. Our results highlight the potential of venom peptides to control D. suzukii and how to ultimately devise improved target-specific formulations.
Article
Microbiology
Pedro Talhinhas, Rita Carvalho, Silvia Tavares, Teresa Ribeiro, Helena Azinheira, Ana Paula Ramos, Maria do Ceu Silva, Marta Monteiro, Joao Loureiro, Leonor Morais-Cecilio
Summary: Fungi have a typical haplontic life cycle, with haploid nuclei throughout their life cycles. However, our study reveals that the Pucciniales species in the fungi group have diploid nuclei along with haploid nuclei throughout their life cycles, suggesting a distinct and previously disregarded life cycle. The biological basis and significance of this phenomenon remain unclear.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Communication
Miguel Ferreira, Betina Lopes, Antonio Granado, Catarina Siopa, Hugo Gaspar, Helena Castro, Silvia Castro, Joao Loureiro
Summary: Video abstracts are a creative way for researchers to present scientific abstracts in an audio-visual format. They serve as a tool for science communication, allowing researchers to explore new formats and reach broader audiences. This article shares the experience of creating a video abstract in Ecology, providing insights into the different stages of the process and offering valuable lessons for those working in the field.
FRONTIERS IN COMMUNICATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Petr Koutecky, Tyler Smith, Joao Loureiro, Paul Kron
Summary: This article discusses the importance of standardization and best practices for data acquisition and analysis in plant flow cytometry. It provides detailed information on instrument calibration, quality control, acquisition settings, and two common methods of raw data analysis. Best practice recommendations are summarized.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zoila Diaz Lifante, Marcial Escudero, Cristina Andres Camacho, Carmen Garcia Llamas, Joao Loureiro, Silvia Castro
Summary: This study reevaluates the taxonomic status of the recently described endemic species Schenkia elegans in the Iberian Peninsula, and its relationship with sympatric and morphological species Schenkia spicata and Exaculum pusillum. Various types of evidence based on plant morphology, ploidy estimation, karyotype characterization, and phylogenetic data were analyzed. The results suggest that S. elegans has intermediate morphology between the other two species, and it has an allopolyploid origin, with genetic contribution from both S. spicata and E. pusillum. Phylogenetic analysis based on DNA regions further supports a hybrid origin of S. elegans. Therefore, a new monotypic genus Valdesiana gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate this allopolyploid species, combined as V. elegans, and conservation measures must be considered.
PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. Leclercq, L. Marshall, T. Weekers, P. Basu, D. Benda, D. Bevk, R. Bhattacharya, P. Bogusch, A. Bontsutsnaja, L. Bortolotti, N. Cabirol, E. Calderon-Uraga, R. Carvalho, S. Castro, S. Chatterjee, M. De La Cruz Alquicira, J. R. de Miranda, T. Dirilgen, A. Dorchin, K. Dorji, B. Drepperr, S. Flaminio, J. Gailis, M. Galloni, H. Gaspar, M. W. Gikungu, B. A. Hatteland, I. Hinojosa-Diaz, L. Hostinska, B. G. Howlett, K. -L J. Hung, L. Hutchinson, R. O. Jesus, N. Karklina, M. S. Khan, J. Loureiro, X. Men, J. -M Molenberg, S. Mudri-Stojnic, P. Nikolic, E. Normandin, J. Osterman, F. Ouyang, A. S. Oygarden, L. Ozolina-Poles, N. Ozolss, A. Parra Saldivar, R. J. Paxton, T. Pitts-Singer, K. Poveda, K. Prendergast, M. Quaranta, S. F. J. Ready, S. Reinhardt, M. Rojas-Oropezaj, C. Ruiz, M. Rundlofar, A. Sade, C. Sandberg, F. Sgolastra, S. F. Shah, M. A. Shebl, V. Soon, D. A. Stanleym, J. Straka, P. Theodorou, E. Tobajas, J. L. Vaca-Uribe, A. Veraaz, C. A. Villagra, M. -K Williams, M. Wolowski, T. J. Woodn, Z. Yan, Q. Zhang, N. J. Vereecken
Summary: An essential prerequisite to safeguard pollinator species is characterisation of the multifaceted diversity of crop pollinators and identification of the drivers of pollinator community changes across biogeographical gradients. In this study, the researchers investigated diversity drivers for bee species in commercial apple orchards across different countries and biomes. The study revealed dissimilarity among biogeographical zones but also shared traits due to habitat filtering caused by intensive crop production. The presence of herbaceous, uncultivated open areas and organic management practices were associated with increased wild bee diversity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Biology
Sara Sario, Jose Melo-Ferreira, Conceicao Santos
Summary: Drosophila suzukii, a polyphagous insect pest, is influenced by climate change. This review investigates the adaptation strategies of D. suzukii during cold seasons, including overwintering strategies and transcriptomic changes in response to cold. It also discusses the potential of climate change to enhance the survival and spread of D. suzukii, and suggests mitigation measures to overcome this cold-adapted pest.
Article
Communication
Miguel Ferreira, Antonio Granado, Betina Lopes, Joao Loureiro
Summary: Video abstracts, the filmed versions of scientific written abstracts, are an exciting trend in the online science videos. This study identifies the characteristics of effective video abstracts in the field of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and provides future guidelines for producing them through a questionnaire and content analysis.
JCOM-JOURNAL OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
(2023)
