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
Agronomy
Lara A. Pinheiro, Jose Alberto Pereira, Pilar Medina, Sonia A. P. Santos
Summary: This study found that the consumption of single sugars and honeydew has a positive effect on the survival of the parasitoid. Male and female parasitoids benefit differently from different sugar sources, and honeydew plays an important role in the longevity of the parasitoid. Sucrose increases the percentage of non-emerged hosts and parasitism rate, while melezitose significantly decreases these percentages.
Article
Horticulture
Ricardo Fernandez-Escobar, Felisa Antonaya-Baena, Sergio Almeida-Lavado
Summary: The results of the experiments indicated that there are differences in nitrogen uptake efficiency among olive cultivars. Certain cultivars such as 'Picual', 'Arbequina', 'Manzanilla de Sevilla' from Spain, 'Koroneiki' from Greece, and 'Frantoio' from Italy showed higher nitrogen use efficiency. Soil type did not have a significant impact on nitrogen uptake efficiency.
Article
Plant Sciences
Amnon Haberman, Arnon Dag, Ran Erel, Isaac Zipori, Nerya Shtern, Alon Ben-Gal, Uri Yermiyahu
Summary: Phosphorus fertilization significantly impacts olive tree reproductive development and fruit production, with deficiency leading to reduced soil P quantity and availability, and long-term impairment of fruit production. Routine P fertilization is necessary in intensive olive cultivation to prevent negative impacts on productivity.
Article
Microbiology
Ana Lopez-Moral, Carlos Agusti-Brisach, Cristina Ruiz-Blancas, Begona I. Anton-Dominguez, Esteban Alcantara, Antonio Trapero
Summary: The impact of mineral nutrition on Verticillium wilt in olive trees is still uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen and potassium imbalances on V. dahliae infection in olive trees. The results showed that nitrogen excess and nitrogen-salt combination treatments can reduce disease progression, while potassium deficiency increases disease development.
Article
Agronomy
Mona Mazeh, Leen Almadi, Andrea Paoletti, Nicola Cinosi, Elissa Daher, Michele Tucci, Enrico Maria Lodolini, Adolfo Rosati, Franco Famiani
Summary: The organic fertilizer showed positive effects on promoting the growth of young olive trees, increasing the growth rate of plants and photosynthetic activity of leaves, which is conducive to assimilate production and overall tree growth.
Article
Plant Sciences
Carla Pinheiro, Teresa S. David, Paula Baptista, Leonor Guerra-Guimaraes
Summary: The Mediterranean region is a climate change hotspot, with significant impacts on the sustainability, biodiversity, and productivity of agroecosystems. Adaptation and changes in management strategies are crucial to minimize the risks and maintain economic viability.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuko Kurita, Satomi Kanno, Ryohei Sugita, Atsushi Hirose, Miwa Ohnishi, Ayumi Tezuka, Ayumi Deguchi, Kimitsune Ishizaki, Hidehiro Fukaki, Kei'ichi Baba, Atsushi J. Nagano, Keitaro Tanoi, Tomoko M. Nakanishi, Tetsuro Mimura
Summary: This study visualized the seasonal phosphorus re-translocation routes in plants using real-time radioisotope imaging and autoradiography. The results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of phosphorus redistribution and offer a basis for further understanding plant growth strategies.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Meagan van Dyk, Christoffel F. J. Spies, Lizel Mostert, Francois Halleen
Summary: Multiple potential trunk pathogens were found in olive nurseries in South Africa, with additional infections occurring during the propagation process. Management strategies should focus on preventing and eliminating infections in mother blocks, as well as ensuring that pathogen-free material is delivered to producers during the propagation process.
Article
Plant Sciences
Helia Sales, Zlatko Satovic, Mara Lisa Alves, Pedro Fevereiro, Joao Nunes, Maria Carlota Vaz Patto
Summary: The genetic analysis of 595 Olea europaea 'Galega vulgar' trees revealed significant genetic and morphological variability, suggesting a monoclonal origin and genetic erosion. The study highlights the importance of recovering lost diversity in this traditional olive variety and investing in the protection of valuable genetic resources. The approach used in this study could be applicable to other diverse olive varieties as well.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Jean-Frederic Terral, Vincent Bonhomme, Clemence Pagnoux, Sarah Ivorra, Claire Newton, Laure Paradis, Mohammed Ater, Jalal Kassout, Bertrand Limier, Laurent Bouby, Fiona Cornet, Oz Barazani, Arnon Dag, Ehud Galili
Summary: Geometrical morphometric analysis on ancient olive stones reveals the domestication process, with a mixture of wild and domesticated morphotypes. These early domesticated forms, some morphologically similar to modern varieties, likely played a key role in the dispersal and diversification of olive trees in the Mediterranean Basin.
Article
Horticulture
Sofiene B. M. Hammami, Lorenzo Leon, Hava F. Rapoport, Raul de la Rosa
Summary: This study evaluated the relationship between architectural parameters and vigor types in olive seedlings, finding that certain architectural types were more prominent in seedlings with short juvenile periods. Three selection strategies based on combining quantitative and qualitative parameters were more effective in early elimination of seedlings with long juvenile periods compared to using only height as a selection criterion.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Andrea Galman, Carla Vazquez-Gonzalez, Gregory Roeder, Bastien Castagneyrol
Summary: The effects of plant diversity on plant defences vary under different tree species compositions and water availability conditions, and are not mediated by changes in tree stem diameter. Reduced defensive investment in more diverse stands may negatively impact tree resistance.
Article
Agronomy
Hamdy A. Z. Hussein, Ahmed A. M. Awad, Hamada R. Beheiry
Summary: Improving nutritional status through the application of highly soluble phosphorus fertilizers, such as mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and urea phosphate (UP), was found to be effective in overcoming undesirable soil conditions for olive trees. The study suggests that MAP and UP applications outperformed granular calcium super-phosphate (GCSP) in improving various parameters, especially when applied at maximum levels.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tao Wu, Li Pan, Isaac Zipori, Jihua Mao, Rongbo Li, Yongpeng Li, Yongjie Li, Yuebo Jing, Haiyun Chen
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of native AMF in promoting the growth and phosphorus uptake of olive plantlets, highlighting their potential as inoculants for producing healthy and robust olive plantlets.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongtao Zhong, Carol Smith, Brett Robinson, Young-Nam Kim, Nicholas Dickinson
Summary: The study revealed significant impacts of ecological restoration on soil biogeochemistry and the interrelationship between vegetation and soil phosphorus, especially in surface soil layers. Over time, with the establishment of vegetation, there were notable changes in soil organic matter, phosphorus forms and content, highlighting the dynamic nature of soil properties during restoration processes.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Enrique G. de la Riva, Ivan Prieto, Teodoro Maranon, Ignacio M. Perez-Ramos, Manuel Olmo, Rafael Villar
Summary: The study quantified the construction costs (CC) of fine roots in 60 Mediterranean woody species and found a positive relationship between root CC and the root economics spectrum (RES). Different symbiotic types influenced the specific CC components differently, and root CC were affected by soil resource availability. This highlights the importance of understanding root construction costs for below-ground resource-use strategies.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Furong Li, Xu Wang, Fuhua Wang, Dian Wen, Zhichao Wu, Yingqiong Du, Ruiying Du, Brett H. Robinson, Peihua Zhao
Summary: The study compared the current regulatory system based on total trace element concentrations and pH with a risk-based approach using 0.01 mol L-1 CaCl2 to estimate the bioavailable fraction. The findings suggest that the current soil regulatory guidelines for safe production of Chinese flowering cabbages are overly strict and conservative, and a risk-based approach based on extractable TE concentrations would provide a better indication for plant uptake of soil TEs.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Marta Gil-Martinez, Alvaro Lopez-Garcia, Maria T. Dominguez, Rasmus Kjoller, Carmen M. Navarro-Fernandez, Soren Rosendahl, Teodoro Maranon
Summary: Soil biodiversity loss due to pollution can be mitigated through phytoremediation, which enhances soil fungal diversity and functionality. Different tree species used in afforestation have species-specific effects on soil fungal diversity, with ectomycorrhizal fungi being more abundant under host trees. Phytoremediation leads to increased spatial heterogeneity in soil properties and recruitment of a wider variety of fungi, improving overall soil health and functionality.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dharshika Welikala, Brett H. Robinson, Elena Moltchanova, Adam Hartland, Niklas J. Lehto
Summary: The release of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from Cd contaminated soils is linked to the mobilisation of Cd-DOM complexes, with organic matter-rich soil amendments exacerbating this process. The quantity and quality of DOM determine the proportion of dissolved Cd that forms mobile complexes, affecting Cd transport from contaminated soils. Structural properties of DOM play a key role in the mobilisation of Cd from contaminated soils, as observed in this study.
Article
Agronomy
Luis Matias, M. Dolores Hidalgo-Galvez, Jesus Cambrolle, Maria T. Dominguez, Ignacio M. Perez-Ramos
Summary: Soil respiration is a key carbon flux in terrestrial ecosystems, affected by climate change and land use. A study in a Mediterranean savannah ecosystem found that climate scenarios interacted with grazing legacy and habitat structure to influence soil respiration, with higher respiration under tree canopy. Factors like soil moisture, temperature, grazing legacy, and canopy were identified as main controls of soil respiration, showing seasonal variations in their effects.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Yanqing Zhou, Xiaodong Gao, Jiaxin Wang, Brett H. Robinson, Xining Zhao
Summary: The study investigated the water sources and water use efficiency of Chinese wolfberry under different management practices. It found that full-film mulching and ridge-furrow cultivation can increase yield and water use efficiency, altering the trees' water source utilization strategy. Further research on soil nutrients and subsurface irrigation responses is recommended for optimizing field management practices.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Maria Jesus Gutierrez-Gines, Hossein Alizadeh, Elizabeth Alderton, Vikki Ambrose, Alexandra Meister, Brett H. Robinson, Sky Halford, Jennifer A. Prosser, Jacqui Horswell
Summary: Novel research has shown that pathogen phytoremediation plants can reduce the transport of human pathogens to water sources by enhancing die-off of pathogenic organisms in the soil. Several New Zealand native plants have demonstrated antimicrobial activity, with Leptospermum scoparium and Metrosideros robusta showing the most significant reduction of Escherichia coli numbers in soil compared to other plant species.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Michael W. H. Evangelou, Brett H. Robinson
Summary: Globally, hundreds of thousands of hectares of land are contaminated with PFAS, which pose risks to human health and ecosystems. This review explores the feasibility of using plants and soil conditioners for managing PFAS-contaminated land. Phytoextraction is not viable for most sites, but low Bioaccumulation Coefficients timber species or native vegetation may be used for phytomanagement to limit human exposure. Despite limitations, phytomanagement may be the only economically viable option for managing most of this land.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hadee Thompson-Morrison, Sally Gaw, Brett Robinson
Summary: African oil palm plantation in Southeast Asia, a major producer of oil, faces the issue of trace element accumulation in their soils and plants due to the use of fertilizers and fungicides. Lack of research and knowledge on key contaminants poses a risk to the industry's sustainability.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhang Wei, Thomas Maxwell, Brett Robinson, Nicholas Dickinson
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the compatibility of plants with different root systems in terms of nutrient procurement from limiting soil. Results showed that when two species with evolutionary origins in low fertility soils were grown together, there was an enhanced uptake of phosphorus and manganese. In contrast, a species that probably originated from a more fertile soil procured lesser amounts of six elements from the soil when grown together with grasses. Moreover, two grasses tolerant of less fertile soils obtained more nutrients when they grew together with proteas.
Article
Ecology
Paula Madejon, Maria Teresa Dominguez, Ignacio Giron, Pilar Burgos, Maria Teresa Lopez-Fernandez, Oscar Garcia Porras, Engracia Madejon
Summary: The study focused on the application of assisted phytoremediation to accelerate the restoration of uranium mining areas. By applying sugar lime and seeding common grasses, the development of vegetation and accumulation of soil organic matter were improved, leading to decreased uranium and manganese availability in the soil-plant system.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Layla M. San-Emeterio, Nicasio T. Jimenez-Morillo, Ignacio M. Perez-Ramos, Maria T. Dominguez, Jose A. Gonzalez-Perez
Summary: The molecular composition of soil organic matter (SOM) in Mediterranean savannahs is mainly determined by the effect of the tree canopy. After a five-year field manipulative experiment, the differences caused by drought, warming, and the combination of both became statistically significant with respect to the untreated controls, particularly in the open pasture habitat. The predicted climate change scenarios mainly affected lignocellulose dynamics, as well as other SOM compounds, pointing to accelerated humification processes and SOM degradation under warmer and drier conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hadee Thompson-Morrison, Elena Moltchanova, Sally Gaw, Brett Robinson
Summary: This study investigated the concentrations of chemical elements in palm kernel expeller (PKE) imported into New Zealand and compared them to pasture. The results showed that PKE had higher concentrations of certain elements compared to pasture, and some of these elements exceeded the maximum tolerable levels for animal feed. The study also suggested that PKE could be used as an alternative to fertilizers in dairy systems due to its low cadmium content.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Paula Madejon, Elena Fernandez-Boy, Laura Morales-Salmeron, Carmen M. Navarro-Fernandez, Engracia Madejon, Maria Teresa Dominguez
Summary: Climate change may have negative effects on agro-ecosystems and agricultural production in Mediterranean countries. This study examines the impact of drought predictions on faba bean crops and the use of conservation tillage practices to mitigate this effect. The results show that reduced rainfall negatively affects germination and aboveground biomass in faba bean crops under conservation tillage systems.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
