Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana M. Rodrigues, Swen Langer, Isabel Carrasquinho, Ed Bergstrom, Tony Larson, Jane Thomas-Oates, Carla Antonio
Summary: The study validated a fast liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for quantifying phytohormones in Pinus pinaster tissues. Results showed significant increases in salicylic acid and jasmonic acid methyl ester in susceptible phenotypes, indicating higher susceptibility of Pinus pinaster to PWN infection might result from an inefficient trigger of immune responses.
Article
Agronomy
Lifeng Zhou, Xinxin Ma, Najie Zhu, Qingchi Zou, Kai Guo, Liqun Bai, Hongshi Yu, Jiafu Hu
Summary: Bxy-mab-3 gene is essential for spermatogenesis, ontogenesis, and mating behavior in B. xylophilus, showing differential expression in males, but does not impact the sex ratio. This finding contributes to a better understanding of the molecular events of Bxy-mab-3 in B. xylophilus and provides potential insights for controlling pine wilt disease.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanfen Zhang, Xiaoting Gu, Chenying Huang, Jiao Zhou, Juan Shi, Lilin Zhao
Summary: This study found that the growth temperature of Serratia marcescens AHPC29 had different effects on the reproduction of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, with inhibition observed at 15 degrees C or 25 degrees C, but not at 37 degrees C. Metabolomic analysis identified several potential effective substances, including salsolinol, which was verified to have inhibitory effects on B. xylophilus reproduction. These findings suggest that S. marcescens and its metabolites have promising potential as new agents for the management of B. xylophilus.
Article
Forestry
Maria Menendez-Gutierrez, Margarita Alonso, Raquel Diaz
Summary: The study revealed significant genetic variation in susceptibility to pine wilt disease, with moderate heritability estimates and genetic gain observed for survival. Additionally, differences in constitutive chemical compounds between susceptible and non-susceptible seedlings were identified, highlighting the potential for breeding P. radiata genotypes resistant to the disease.
Article
Forestry
Li-Chao Wang, Min Li, Ruo-Cheng Sheng, Feng-Mao Chen
Summary: This study describes the development of a new DNA extraction method and detection technology for the efficient and rapid detection of the pinewood nematode, which causes extensive mortality in pine trees worldwide.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xi Zhang, Runmao Lin, Jian Ling, Yunsheng Wang, Feifei Qin, Junru Lu, Xin Sun, Manling Zou, Jing Qi, Bingyan Xie, Xinyue Cheng
Summary: By genome analysis and functional experiments, we identified that B. xylophilus-specific legumains play an important role in the infection process of parasitic nematodes, potentially involved in nematode-plant interaction and host cell death.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana M. Rodrigues, Isabel Carrasquinho, Carla Antonio
Summary: The pinewood nematode (PWN) is a major threat to conifer forests, causing pine wilt disease (PWD). Research on susceptible and resistant maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) plants revealed that susceptible plants shut down central metabolism, accumulate osmolytes, inhibit photosynthesis, and decrease water status after PWN inoculation. In contrast, resistant plants showed a regulated defense response, restricted PWN migration, and accumulated certain metabolites like GABA and succinate, providing insights into mechanisms for disease resistance and selection of resistant phenotypes for forest breeding programs.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Yajie Guo, Mingqing Weng, Yunzhu Sun, Rebeca Carballar-Lejarazu, Songqing Wu, Chunlan Lian
Summary: The pine wilt disease caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus results in significant ecological and economic losses. This study evaluated the nematocidal activity of various toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis against B. xylophilus. Six toxins were identified to have high toxicity, leading to the shrinkage, thinning, and degeneration of the pinewood nematodes. These findings provide valuable insights into the action mechanism of nematocidal toxins and their potential use in the biological control of B. xylophilus.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jorge M. S. Faria, Tomas Cavaco, Diogo Goncalves, Pedro Barbosa, Dora Martins Teixeira, Cristina Moiteiro, Maria L. Inacio
Summary: Control of pine wilt disease caused by the pinewood nematode (PWN) can be achieved by trunk injection of nematicides. Essential oils (EOs) are potential alternatives due to their biodegradability and low toxicity. This study evaluated the toxicity of EOs and their mixtures against PWN and compared them with a commercial nematicide. The results showed that certain EO mixtures exhibited high activities against PWN, with low toxicity to mammals and potential for environmental degradation.
Article
Microbiology
David Pires, Claudia S. L. Vicente, Maria L. Inacio, Manuel Mota
Summary: This review examines the biology and ecology of nematophagous fungi, particularly those of the Esteya genus, and provides insights into their potential as biocontrol agents for managing the pinewood nematode and pine wilt disease.
Article
Forestry
Jinghan Wang, Huan Hong, Rong Xie, Jingjing Ji, Kai Guo, Liqun Bai, Jia Tang, Hongshi Yu, Jianren Ye, Jiafu Hu
Summary: Pine wilt disease, caused by the nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, requires strategies to inhibit population growth or prevent spread for control. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of the daf-8 gene in B. xylophilus shed light on its roles in embryonic development and potential target for population suppression.
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Elena N. Arbuzova, Oleg A. Kulinich, Andrey A. Chalkin, Natalia I. Kozyreva, Vyacheslav V. Gorbach, Alexander Yu. Ryss
Summary: Through our experiment, we have determined that sawdust infested with the pinewood nematode can pose a phytosanitary risk, as the nematodes actively move from the infested sawdust into root or stem damaged pine seedlings.
ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Yefan Cao, Xizhuo Wang, Laifa Wang, Xiang Wang, Yanzhi Yuan, Xiangchen Cheng, Chunhe Lv
Summary: This study investigated the molecular characteristics and biological functions of the GPCR gene Bx-srh-1 in B. xylophilus. The results showed that Bx-srh-1 is involved in the reproductive ability and pathogenicity of B. xylophilus, and its expression levels increase after exposure to α-pinene.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jorge M. S. Faria, Pedro Barbosa, Paulo Vieira, Claudia S. L. Vicente, Ana Cristina Figueiredo, Manuel Mota
Summary: Research has shown that essential oils have good direct activity against the pinewood nematode, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative. By analyzing parameters and chemical compositions, more effective essential oil biopesticides can be developed to contribute to improved forest health.
Article
Ecology
Tamara Sanchez-Gomez, Steven J. Harte, Paula Zamora, Mateo Bareyre, Julio Javier Diez, Baudilio Herrero, Jonathan Nino-Sanchez, Jorge Martin-Garcia
Summary: This study evaluated the nematicidal effect of two Beauveria species, as well as the mycotoxin beauvericin, on pine wood nematode populations. The results showed that both the fungi and the toxin had a clear nematicidal effect, making them potential candidates for an integrated pest management strategy.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
M. Nunes da Silva, M. W. Vasconcelos, V Pinto, G. M. Balestra, A. Mazzaglia, A. Gomez-Cadenas, S. M. P. Carvalho
Summary: The use of plant elicitors such as salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate to control Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae has shown contrasting effects, with salicylic acid decreasing disease susceptibility and methyl jasmonate increasing it. This study found that methyl jasmonate increased Psa population while salicylic acid decreased colonization. Additionally, both elicitors led to changes in polyphenols, lignin concentrations, and total proteins in the plants.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Marta Nunes da Silva, Susana M. P. Carvalho, Ana M. Rodrigues, Aurelio Gomez-Cadenas, Carla Antonio, Marta W. Vasconcelos
Summary: Differential tolerance of Actinidia spp. to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) may be linked to differential plant-defence strategies, phytohormones, and primary metabolism. Higher susceptibility of A. chinensis to Psa is attributed to inefficient activation of plant defences and metabolic impairments.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rafaela Geraldo, Carla S. Santos, Elisabete Pinto, Marta W. Vasconcelos
Summary: Legume grains are important sources of essential nutrients in human diets. In addition, they contain non-nutrients with interesting bioactive properties, such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anticarcinogenic effects. However, there is a lack of sufficient data to determine the ideal amount of these non-nutrients and their specific health benefits, which calls for further studies to define recommended levels and optimize dietary strategies.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sophie Saget, Marcela Porto Costa, Carla Sancho Santos, Marta Vasconcelos, David Styles, Mike Williams
Summary: Legume-derived foods generally have lower greenhouse gas emissions and higher nutritional value compared to meat analogues, but processing legumes into meat substitutes can be energy-intensive. A life cycle assessment comparing plant-based and beef burger patties from Brazil and Ireland found that plant-based patties have a smaller environmental footprint, but beef products scored higher in key impact categories. Plant-based patties have higher nutrient density units and lower environmental impacts per serving compared to beef patties. Switching from beef to plant-based patties could result in significant reductions in carbon emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Marta Nunes da Silva, Joana Machado, Jazmin Osorio, Rafael Duarte, Carla S. Santos
Summary: Agricultural systems face environmental pressure and require increased productivity. Studies support the benefits of using aluminum, cobalt, selenium, silicon, and sodium in agriculture, including improved plant growth, productivity, nutrient balance, pest and pathogen resistance, water stress management, heavy-metal toxicity alleviation, and postharvest performance. However, their application lacks systematic integration to support the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Evla D. F. Vieira, David Styles, Sergio Sousa, Carla Santos, Ana M. Gil, Ana M. Gomes, Marta W. Vasconcelos
Summary: Studies show that adding pulses to foods increases their nutritional value. This study focuses on lupin flour's effects on yogurt, finding that lupin-enriched yogurt is high in protein, fiber, and omega 3. Rheological tests also indicate that this yogurt is stiffer and more viscous. Sensory analysis shows no significant differences compared to controls, but bitterness, granularity, and after-taste are observed. Using lupin flour to enhance yogurt production could be an alternative for creating more nutritious products.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GASTRONOMY AND FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Carla S. S. Santos, Ephrem Habyarimana, Marta W. W. Vasconcelos
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Maryam Bagheri, Carla S. Santos, Diego Rubiales, Marta W. Vasconcelos
Summary: Drought, caused by climate change, is a significant obstacle for crop yield. It can hinder plant growth, disrupt water relations, and reduce water use efficiency. Pea, a protein-rich grain legume, has several drought resistance mechanisms through morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes. Strategies like screening, breeding, and marker-assisted selection have been used to manage drought tolerance in peas. Biotechnological approaches have also led to the development of drought-tolerant pea cultivars.
ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Janaina S. Medeiros, Marta Nunes da Silva, Susana M. P. Carvalho, Carla S. Santos, Marta W. Vasconcelos
Summary: Based on the research results, a decrease in water supply negatively affects the growth and productivity of chickpeas, and white chickpeas and black chickpeas have different biomass and water allocation strategies under low water supply. These findings are important in guiding strategies to improve the productivity and nutritional profile of chickpea crops under water-limited conditions.
ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Carla S. Santos, Clara Sousa, Maryam Bagheri, Simao Pinho, Marta W. Vasconcelos
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for detecting iron deficiency and oxidative stress in soybean plants. The results showed that FTIR spectroscopy could discriminate between iron-sufficient and iron-deficient plants at an early stage of stress induction, with high reproducibility. This technique may serve as an early, non-invasive, cheap, and environmentally friendly method for managing iron deficiency in plants.
Proceedings Paper
Agricultural Engineering
M. Nunes da Silva, A. P. G. Fernandes, M. V. Vasconcelos, L. M. P. Valente, S. M. P. Carvalho
Summary: The study found that kiwifruit plants grown under different nitrogen sources exhibited variations in response to Psa infection, with plants supplied with nitrate showing better disease resistance and higher mineral contents.
X INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON KIWIFRUIT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Adrian Lopez-Villamor, Marta Nunes da Silva, Marta W. Vasconcelos
Summary: Treatment with plant elicitors can enhance Pinus pinaster tolerance against the pinewood nematode by promoting plant antioxidant system, micronutrient accumulation, and modulating plant-associated bacterial diversity.