Article
Ecology
Raquel Munoz-Gallego, Thorsten Wiegand, Anna Traveset, Jose M. Fedriani
Summary: This study fills the knowledge gap by assessing the combined influence of plant sex, distance, and density of conspecific neighbors on plant-herbivore interactions. The results show that plant sex is a key plant trait modulating neighborhood effects, with female palms experiencing lower intensity of herbivory than isolated ones, while male palms showed the opposite pattern. The findings highlight the importance of considering relevant plant traits such as sex in understanding plant-herbivore interactions.
Article
Entomology
Fernando Monroy, Paolo Curir, Virginia Lanzotti, Laura Grauso, Enrico Busato, Lindsay Karen Hernandez Nova, Chiara Ferracini
Summary: The Red Palm Weevil is an insect pest native to Southeast Asia that poses a major threat to palm trees in the Mediterranean Basin. Chamaerops humilis palms are resistant to these pests due to the toxic effect of catechin on their larvae.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Roberto Scaffaro, Andrea Maio, Michele Gammino
Summary: Platelet-like and fibrous lignocellulosic fillers were prepared from the leaves of Chamaerops humilis (CHL) and Posidonia oceanica (POL) for use as a hybrid reinforcement in a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. The resulting hybrid biocomposites exhibited improved mechanical and dynamic-mechanical properties compared to composites with only CHL or POL, likely due to the balanced effect of morphological features and physicochemical characteristics. These green materials have potential applications in the furniture and automotive industries.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Roberto Scaffaro, Andrea Maio, Michele Gammino, Giuseppe Alaimo
Summary: Two fibrous fillers obtained from Chamaerops humilis dwarf palm were tested as reinforcing agents for PBAT-based composites. The results showed that these fillers can effectively overcome the limitations of PBAT, improving the stiffness and cost-effectiveness of the composites while maintaining their stretchability and environmental sustainability. The formation of a robust interphasic region, attributed to the chemical affinity between the fillers and the matrix, played a crucial role in the mechanical performance of the resulting biocomposites.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hafssa El Cadi, Hajar El Bouzidi, Ginane Selama, Btissam Ramdan, Yassine Oulad El Majdoub, Filippo Alibrando, Katia Arena, Miguel Palma Lovillo, Jamal Brigui, Luigi Mondello, Francesco Cacciola, Tania M. G. Salerno
Summary: The study aimed to characterize the phytochemical content and antioxidant ability of the Moroccan species Chamaerops humilis L. The results showed its potential as an important source of bioactive components, making it a valuable candidate for beneficial addition to the daily diet, as well as for exploitation in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Khaoula Boudjaber, Yamina Ben Miri, Amina Benabdallah, Nada Bennia, Chaima Hamadi, Boudjema Soumati, Djamel Djenane, Jesus Simal-Gandara
Summary: The present study demonstrated the potential of Chamaerops humilis extracts as food preservatives based on their antifungal, antiaflatoxin, and antioxidant efficacy. Molds isolated from peanuts were identified as Aspergillus, Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., and Alternaria sp. The extracts effectively inhibited the growth and aflatoxin production of A. flavus at lower concentrations. These findings suggest that C. humilis extracts can be utilized as plant-based preservative food additives.
Article
Ecology
N. Manaut, Z. EL Bzar, C. El-Bachri, Z. Bouabidi, M. Hafidi, M. Douma
Summary: This study explored the potential beneficial effects of the microflora of Chamaerops humilis L. soil on the growth and flowering of saffron, with a special focus on the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The results showed that the live treatment significantly improved the physico-chemical properties of the soil and the growth traits of saffron compared to the sterile treatment. Additionally, the live treatment also enhanced the colonization of roots by mycorrhizal fungi. This suggests that Ch. humilis L. soil can be recommended as a potential bio-fertilizer and/or nursing plant to improve the productivity and quality of saffron culture.
APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nacima Lachkar, Fatima Lamchouri, Hamid Toufik
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the antimitotic and antidiabetic activities of Chamaerops humilis and analyze the correlation between its chemical composition and activities. The results showed that the decocted extract exhibited higher inhibitory activity, and Chamaerops humilis leaves could be a good source in traditional herbal medicine. The acute toxicity study indicated low toxicity of the decocted and ethanolic extracts.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nacima Lachkar, Fatima Lamchouri, Hamid Toufik
Summary: This study conducted an ethnopharmacological survey and experimental research on Chamaerops humilis from the region of Taza. The results showed that the leaves of Chamaerops humilis contain rich mineral compounds and polyphenols, and exhibit strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Latif Ullah Khan, Xianmei Cao, Ruibai Zhao, Hang Tan, Zengyu Xing, Xi Huang
Summary: Yellow leaf disease (YLD) is a major limiting factor in the betel palm plantations in Hainan, China, and is closely associated with the areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1). This study found that the severity of YLD symptoms is related to temperature, with the most severe symptoms at low temperature and milder symptoms at high temperature.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beibei Ran, Chang-E Guo, Yushi Zhang, Chao Han, Tianli Cao, Houyu Huang, Zeyu Geng, Weidong Li
Summary: This study evaluated the protective effects and regulatory mechanism of Chinese dwarf cherry fermentation juice (CFJ) on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The results showed that CFJ could effectively modulate oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, improve gut microbiota composition, and enhance intestinal mucosal immune function. CFJ has the potential to be used as a treatment for ulcerative colitis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Houria Nekhla, Smail Aazza, Khadija Tarmoun, Laila El Hanafi, Laila Lahrizi, Wafae Squalli, Ahmed Harrach, Lahsen El Ghadraoui
Summary: This study optimized the extraction of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from fruits, leaves, and pulp of Chamaerops humilis L. using water, ethanol, and methanol solvents in their binary and ternary combinations. The results showed that the highest TPC content was achieved with the ternary interaction of equal proportions of water, ethanol, and methanol for the leaves part. For the fruit part, the best solvent combination was 50% ethanol and 50% water, while for the pulp part, it was 50% methanol and 50% water.
CHEMISTRY AFRICA-A JOURNAL OF THE TUNISIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
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
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. A. Mahrous, A. A. H. El-Tahan, Y. H. Hafez, M. A. El-Shora, O. A. Olafadehan, H. Hamdon
Summary: The nutritive value of date palm leaves ensiled with different additives was evaluated in lambs. The additives-treated DPL silage showed higher digestibility, nutrient content, and daily weight gain compared to the control, with T2 showing better results than T3. Blood constituents were within the normal ranges for the lambs, with some slight alterations due to treatments.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Evangelia Tigka, Dimitrios Beslemes, Ioanna Kakabouki, Chrysanthi Pankou, Dimitrios Bilalis, Ioannis Tokatlidis, Dimitrios N. Vlachostergios
Summary: The study investigated the performance of six common vetch cultivars used as green manure in a Mediterranean environment. It identified genotype-independent traits suitable for green manuring farming systems at low seed rates, offering economic and environmental benefits.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pedro Jose Garrote, Antonio Ramon Castilla, Jose Maria Fedriani
Summary: This study investigates the role of nurse-beneficiary plant interactions in the success of revegetation projects, showing that shifts in plant-plant interactions can affect plant recruitment and performance. The study also highlights the strong inter-individual variation in these interactions and proposes management recommendations to increase plant recruitment and project success.
APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Tamara Burgos, Jose M. Fedriani, Gema Escribano-Avila, Javier Seoane, Javier Hernandez-Hernandez, Emilio Virgos
Summary: The presence of apex predators can have significant impacts on food webs, affecting the abundance and foraging behavior of frugivorous carnivores, as well as seed dispersal and the demography of fleshy-fruited plant species. Understanding these ecological interactions is crucial for designing effective conservation strategies, particularly in rewilding programs.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Raquel Munoz-Gallego, Jose M. Fedriani, Pau E. Serra, Anna Traveset
Summary: Plant-animal interactions have a wide range of effects on plant reproductive success. This study examines the isolated and joint effects of two introduced herbivores on pollinator abundance and plant reproductive success in the Mediterranean dwarf palm.
Article
Ecology
M. Teresa Alonso-Lopez, Pedro J. Garrote, Jose M. Fedriani
Summary: The spatial distribution of individuals has important effects on the reproduction of self-incompatible trees, with higher conspecific density resulting in competition for pollinators. However, trees close to flowering conspecifics have higher fruit set despite receiving fewer visits from pollinators, indicating pollen limitation rather than pollinator limitation. Additionally, spatially isolated trees have higher crop sizes, which may be attributed to reduced competition for resources and higher reproductive investment.
ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pedro J. Garrote, Antonio R. Castilla, Jose M. Fedriani
Summary: Seed dispersal is crucial for plant (re)colonization in human-altered habitats, and understanding the spatial patterns and mechanisms of dispersal is essential. A study in southwestern Spain found that the Eurasian badger plays a central role in the seed dispersal and colonization of Mediterranean old-fields. The study also revealed variations in the strength and scale of spatial associations between mammal feces, plant seeds, and adult plants, providing evidence for both density-dependent mortality effects and facilitative effects.
PERSPECTIVES IN PLANT ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pedro J. J. Garrote, Antonio R. R. Castilla, F. Xavier Pico, Jose M. M. Fedriani
Summary: This study examines the spatiotemporal genetic variation in seedlings of a keystone pioneer palm and its impact on plant recruitment. The authors found that seedlings from carnivore-dispersed seeds showed moderate to high levels of genetic diversity and no inbreeding. There was a genetic sub-structure among seedlings, with sibling relationships varying depending on spatial scale. While rare genotypes arrived slightly later and tended to be spatially isolated, genetic rarity was not a significant predictor of seedling survival. The study emphasizes the importance of studying plant-animal interactions from a genetic perspective for plant conservation.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Brayan Morera, Victor Montalvo, Eduardo Carrillo, Ronald Sanchez, Miriam Selwyn, Jose M. Fedriani, Carolina Saenz-Bolanos, Todd K. Fuller
Summary: The study examines the spatial and temporal interactions between white-tailed deer and horses in Costa Rica. The results suggest that white-tailed deer prefer areas with horses and habitats such as grassland and shrubland. Although there is a high degree of overlap in activity patterns between horses and white-tailed deer, the presence of horses does not negatively affect the spatiotemporal activity of white-tailed deer.
RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jairo Robla, Victor Gonzalez-Garcia, Sara Santamarina, Mikel Artazkoz
Summary: This study aims to improve knowledge of the distribution, ecology, and conservation of Schistostega pennata on the Iberian Peninsula. Through compiling available data and creating species distribution models, new populations of S. pennata were discovered, expanding its potential climatic range in the region.
JOURNAL OF BRYOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Raquel Munoz-Gallego, Thorsten Wiegand, Anna Traveset, Jose M. Fedriani
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between Mediterranean palm and feral goat, and finds that the intensity of goat activity affects palm distribution, seed rain, and seed predation. In areas with low goat activity, seeds are spatially aggregated around adult palms but experience higher insect-seed predation and lower seed germination success. In areas with high goat activity, palm seed dispersal and recruitment are almost non-existent due to heavy consumption by goats. The study shows how the outcome of plant-animal interactions can vary from mutualism to antagonism and even reproductive collapse depending on species abundance and activity.
Article
Plant Sciences
P. J. Garrote, M. N. Bugalho, J. M. Fedriani
Summary: This study investigates the effects of plant intrinsic and extrinsic factors on plant-ungulate interactions in Mediterranean ecosystems. The results suggest that severe clipping and seedling aging decrease seedling survival, while moderate clipping has no effect. Nurse shrubs play a role in increasing seedling size and improving survival. The study emphasizes the importance of managing severe herbivory and summer droughts to protect plant communities.