Light intensity affects the growth and flavonol biosynthesis of Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.)

Response of growth and secondary metabolites to light intensity are useful measurements to determine suitable silviculture treatments for the cultivation of medicinal plants. Here, we analyzed the growth, flavonols (total flavonol, quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin) content, flavonols yield per plant, and expression of flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes in 2-year Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) seedlings at four different light intensities (100, 76, 40, and 25 % of full sunlight) in a greenhouse setting. Across all light intensities, the 76 % sunlight treatment produced the highest growth of total biomass, root, stem, and leaf, indicating negative effects of either fulllight or heavy shading on Ginkgo seedling development. Both flavonols (total flavonol, quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin) content and expression of flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes [PAL (Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), CHS (Chalcone synthase), F3H (Flavanone 3-hydroxylase), and FLS (Flavonol synthase)] in leaves were highest under 100 % sunlight, suggesting that full sunlight promotes the expression of flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes and increases flavonoid biosynthesis. The highest and lowest flavonol contents were found in leaves and stems, respectively. The 76 % sunlight treatment produced the highest flavonols yield while the 100 % sunlight produced the highest flavonoids content in leaves, indicating that flavonol production per unit land area depends not only flavonol content but also biomass. Overall, in order to achieve the highest flavonols yield per area in Ginkgo leaf-harvesting plantations, it is important to manipulate light conditions of field.     

Evaluation of microbial and chemical insecticides for the control ofSpodoptera exigua (Lep., Noctuidae) on soybean plants

Field experiments have been carried out to evaluate the potency of the biological control agentBacillus thuringiensis (Dipel), the pyrethroid Fenvalerate and their combinations for the control of the lesser cotton leafwormSpodoptera exigua on soybeans in Qualubia governorate. Molasses was combined with all treatments to enhance their effectiveness. One spray application with either Dipel or Fenvalerate showed an obvious reduction in larval counts ofS. exigua, associated with a significant increase in the crop yield but in varying degrees, in correlation with the tested dose. Treatments with combinations of both biological and chemical insecticides at the lowest tested doses (62 g ofB. t. +50 ml of Fenvalerate/feddan) showed to be highly potential, and caused 2.8 fold increase in the crop yield. It may be recommended that a combination of both preparations may be used for the control ofS. exigua.     

Circumferential variation of heartwood and stem quality in maritime pine stems

Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) is an important timber and pulpwood species covering about 4 million ha in Portugal, Spain and France. This work studied the cross-sectional distribution of heartwood and sapwood along the stem using 3D modelling on 20 trees. The target was to assess the potential of this species for the industrial production of heartwood sawn products. The maritime pine stems were characterized by wide sapwood of 10 cm, in average, and the presence of heartwood at all height levels with constant diameter up to 35 % tree height, decreasing afterwards. In the radial section, the heartwood follows a circumferential-like shape which changes along the stem. Pith eccentricity index values were low and homogeneous regarding to stem and higher for heartwood. Heartwood cross-sectional shape was constant up to 45 % of total height of the tree and more elongated upwards. The constant heartwood diameter, low taper and pith eccentricity index, and an approximate circular shape up to 10 m height indicated these species’ potential to produce solid wood products made out of heartwood.     

Ectomycorrhizal communities associated with silver fir seedlings (Abies alba Mill.) differ largely in mature silver fir stands and in Scots pine forecrops

Context

The requirement for rebuilding forecrop stands besides replacement of meadow vegetation with forest plants and formation of soil humus is the presence of a compatible ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal community.

Aims

This study aims to assess ectomycorrhizal fungi diversity associated with silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) seedlings regenerating in silver fir stands and Scots pine forecrops.

Methods

One-year-old seedlings were sampled in six study sites: three mature fir forests and three pine forests. ECM fungi were identified by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer of rDNA.

Results

The mean mycorrhizal colonization exceeded 90 %. Thirty-six ectomycorrhizal taxa were identified in fir stands and 23 in pine forecrops; ten out of these species were common to both stands. The fungal communities were different between study sites (R?=?0.1721, p?=?0.0001). Tomentella stuposa was the only species present at all sites.

Conclusion

Silver fir seedlings in Scots pine forecrops supported smaller ECM fungal communities than communities identified in mature silver fir stands. Nevertheless, fungal colonization of seedling roots was similar in both cases. This suggests that pine stands afforested on formerly arable land bear enough ECM species to allow survival and growth of silver fir seedlings.     

Near-infrared spectroscopy and wavelength selection for estimating basic density in Mimosa tenuiflora [Willd.] Poiret wood

The aim of the present work was to estimate the basic wood density of Mimosa tenuiflora by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Fifty-eight wood samples representing sapwood, heartwood and pith were evaluated by gravimetric method and NIRS together with wavelength selection methods. A comparison was made among several multivariate calibration techniques and algorithms for preprocessing and variable selection of data, including full-spectrum partial least squares (PLS), interval PLS, backward interval PLS, synergy interval PLS, genetic algorithm-PLS and successive projections algorithm for interval partial least squares (iSPA–PLS). Finally, the results obtained using iSPA–PLS model for the root mean square error of calibration and prediction were 0.0383 and 0.0166 g/cm³, respectively. A t-test was performed to compare the results of the models with each other and with a reference method. NIRS and iSPA–PLS can be used to predict basic density of Mimosa tenuiflora [Willd.] Poiret wood samples rapidly. In addition, the basic density could also be predicted with only 17 wavelengths in the range from 2,090 to 2,208 nm that should allow for measurement of this parameter using handheld NIR spectrometer.     

Severe outbreaks of the ash sawflyTomostethus nigritus F. (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) on ornamental trees in oslo

During spring and summer 1990 observations on the biology of the ash sawfly,Tomostethus nigritus F. were made and control options discussed. The sawfly overwinters as an co- or pronymph in the soil, and pupates in earlys spring. The tlight period lasted for about 3 weeks. The larvae fed on the leaves till June. Injecting the systemic insecticide Carbicron 50 SCW (Dicrotophos) was successful.     

Impact of temperature and nutrition on the toxicity of the insecticide λ-cyhalothrin in full-lifecycle tests with the target mosquito species Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens

The global spread of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, an urban pest as well as a vector for arboviruses, is a threat for public health. As control measures include the use of insecticides such as the pyrethroid λ-cyhalothrin, it is crucial to assess their efficiency and their potential impact on the biodiversity especially under climate change conditions. To evaluate the environmental risk, biotests are well established for non-target organisms but not yet for mosquitoes. We therefore developed a full-lifecycle biotest for mosquitoes kept under quarantine conditions based on the OECD guideline 219. Therewith we tested the effect of temperature and nutrition on the ecotoxicological response to λ-cyhalothrin on the mosquitoes Ae. albopictus and Culex pipiens by assessing sublethal and life history parameters. The efficiency of λ-cyhalothrin decreased in both mosquito species with increasing temperature and changed with feeding protocol. At effective concentrations for potential mosquito control in surface waters, λ-cyhalothrin poses a high risk for indigenous aquatic key role species inhabiting the same microhabitats. Those aspects should to be taken into account in vector control strategies.     

Population fluctuations on parasites ofLepidosaphes beckii Newm. andCeroplastes floridensis Comst.

Lepidosaphes beckii Newm. (Hom., Diaspididae) andCeroplastes floridensis Comst. (Hom., Coccidae), are dominant pests on citrus trees (Citrus sinensis), in Alexandria district. The population fluctuations of the parasites of both insects were studied during a whole year. Six species of hymenopterous primary parasites together with one secondary parasite were found onL. beckii. These species wereAphytis lepidosaphes Compere,A. bispanicus Compere,Encarsia (Prospaltella) spp.,Aspidiotiphagus citrinus Craw,Aphytis lingnanensis Compere, and the secondary parasiteMarietta javensis Howard.A. lepidosaphes was the most common parasite onL. beckii. ConcerningC. floridensis, four species of hymenopterous parasites were found, namelyTetrastichus ceroplastae (Girault),Aspidiotiphagus citrinus Craw,Metophycus flavus (Howard), andMicroterys flavus (Howard).     

Forecasting of outbreaks ofSpodoptera exempta Wik. (Lep., Noctuidae) based on sex-pheromone trapping in the republic of Yemen

Spodoptera exempta (Wlk.) is recorded every year in the Republic of Yemen. Based on the use of pheromone traps, a very simple but effectively applicable monitoring and forecasting system was developed. Areas from which infestations have been reported and the frequency of attacks are mapped in detail. The monthly distributions and frequencies of incidence are presented in two tables. The range of recordedS. exempta moths is illustrated and the number of outbreaks for the last 32 years described.     

Grazing affects shoot growth,nutrient and water status of Quercus ilex L. in Mediterranean open woodlands

Context

Mediterranean open woodlands (dehesa) have faced a dual process of intensification and abandonment of grazing which has resulted in alteration of the understory vegetation.

Aims

We analysed the effects of land use changes on the physiological status of holm oak in different open woodlands (dehesa) in southern Iberian Peninsula.

Methods

In an area of extensive grazing, we selected six paired plots (one grazed, one abandoned) and grouped them by habitat types according to understory composition (nearly all monospecific Cistus ladanifer L. shrub or mixed shrub). Six plots of moderate and heavy grazing intensity were chosen within a settled area of livestock use. Shoot growth, macronutrient concentrations and water content were assessed in samples of holm oak leaves.

Results

Abandonment of grazing affected some nutrient concentrations and water content of holm oak leaves, but the effects were different according to habitat type. C. ladanifer shrub reduced N and P concentrations and water content while mixed shrub increased P concentration and water content. High grazing intensity improved shoot growth and leaf N and Mg concentrations.

Conclusion

Extensive grazing could be a useful management tool to enhance growth, nutritional and water status of holm oak in a habitat with limited resources such as Mediterranean open woodlands (dehesa).     

The decomposition of the leaf mulches ofLeucaena leucocephala Gliricidia sepium andFlemingia macrophylla under humid tropical conditions

The decomposition of the leaf mulches ofLeucaena leecocephala, Gliricidia sepium andFlemingia macrophylla has been studied under field conditions. Mulch samples were analysed over a period of 70 days on carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus,potassium, calcium and magnesium left. Loss rates for the elements show similar patterns for the three mulches. Losses of mulch material are caused by decomposition as well as removal by soil-dwelling fauna (insects, arthropods, etc.) feeding on the mulch. Based on the data decomposition-and nutrient release functions are developed for the three mulches. These functions are useful in alley-cropping system analysis and models.

Important properties of bamboo pellets to be used as commercial solid fuel in China

Bamboo is a type of biomass material and has great potential as a bio-energy resource of the future in China. Some properties of bamboo pellets, length, diameter, moisture content (MC), particle density, bulk density, durability, fine content, ash, gross calorific value, combustion rate and heat release rate, were determined and the effects of MC and particle size (PS) on these properties were investigated in this research. The results showed that bamboo pellets will be the proposed new biomass solid fuel and have the potential to be developed as commercial pellets. All properties of bamboo pellets met the requirement of Pellet Fuels Institute Standard Specification for Residential/Commercial Densified Fuel. The gross calorific value of bamboo pellets also met the minimum requirement for making commercial pellets according to DIN 51731 (>17,500 J/g). The effects of MC on length, diameter, MC, particle density and bulk density were significant at p = 0.05. There were no significant differences between PS and all properties of bamboo pellets. Due to higher MC and larger PS, bamboo pellets exhibited higher combustion rates and heat release rates. This research represents an initial stage in the study of bamboo pellets, and its objectives provide guidelines for further research.     

Variability of the compression properties of cork

The variability of the compression properties of cork was determined after field sampling covering the main production area in Portugal (10 sites) with samples taken from 20 trees per site at the time of cork stripping. In all cases, cork showed compressive stress–strain curves typical for cellular materials, which are characterized by an approximately “elastic” region up to a 5 % strain, followed by a large plateau up to 70 % strain caused by progressive buckling of cell walls, and a steep stress increase for higher strains corresponding to cell collapse. The radial direction of compression offered higher strength. The Young’s moduli averaged 10.4 and 9.2 MPa for radial and non-radial directions, respectively, spreading from 3.5 to 22.5 MPa for the non-radial and 4.2 to 21.5 MPa for the radial directions. The geographical location of cork production was the major factor of variability. Density, annual growth ring width and chemical composition influenced compression. Cork samples with higher density showed overall larger resistance to compression. The energy absorbed per unit volume to achieve the maximal deformation with full densification of cork is higher when the average annual ring width is smaller. Cork samples with relatively higher suberin content required less stress for deformation. The results encompass the natural variability of cork and are the most extensive to characterize cork. They allow a better insight into the differences that may explain the variation in cork properties and strengthen its use either in the known applications, i.e. as a sealant, or in novel applications.     

Characterization of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) heartwood extractives: identification of resveratrol and piceatannol

Robinia pseudoacacia L. heartwood is characterized by a very high natural durability. However, a significant difference was observed between the mature and juvenile heartwood, the latter presenting less durability against fungi decay, which could be attributed to lower extractive content. In order to elucidate this idea, extractives from mature and juvenile heartwoods of black locust trees were investigated. Results showed that extractive and phenolic contents were higher in mature than in juvenile heartwoods. The identification of phenolic compounds by UPLC–DAD–MS/MS revealed, for the first time, the presence of resveratrol and piceatannol. These two stilbenes as well as the flavonoid dihydrorobinetin were present at the highest level in mature heartwood, and as they are known antifungals, they could account for the great durability of mature heartwood. The stilbenes were detected in significant amounts particularly in mature heartwood where piceatannol reached a level tenfold higher than that reported for Japanese knotweed roots, the primary natural source of these stilbenes, whereas resveratrol level was comparable with reported values. As resveratrol and piceatannol receive increasing demand for nutraceutical, cosmetic and, possibly, pharmaceutical purposes, due to their beneficial health effects, this study underlines the use of R. pseudoacacia as a promising sustainable and economical source of resveratrol and piceatannol.     

The significance of ergonomics to agroforestry Part II

Part I of this article dealt with the theoretical background of ergonomics and its role in rural development. This second part points out the economic and social advantages of ergonomically-orientated planning of rural development. Outside the industrial world ergonomics is still a largely hypothetical science. Research and information needs prevail for the derivation of ergonomic guidelines for agroforestry landuse in tropical and subtropical regions. Climate, nutrition and skills are decisive factors in determining the sustainable work capacity of people. Agroforestry with its increased use of human labour must fail if economic goals cannot be reconciled with ergonomic requirements, particularly physiologically balanced work designs.     

Digital radiography (DR) and imaging analysis for evaluating the penetration and distribution of organic substances used in wood conservation

Consolidation treatments are commonly employed in museum conservation studios for treating biologically deteriorated wooden cultural heritage objects. Impregnation using either a solvent/resin or a polymerizing system is an example of such an intervention, which is often difficult to describe in terms of its behavior within the object’s structure. A new simple method has been devised to evaluate the effectiveness of these impregnation treatments in terms of spatial distribution of consolidant solution. A combination of digital radiography and imaging analysis has permitted to evaluate the degree of penetration of a consolidant and to determine its location within the artifact by studying the X-ray images taken before, during, and after treatment. The adequacy of polymer solutions or their effectiveness as wood consolidants is properties which are often difficult to investigate due to limited visual access to the interior of the object. The proposed method provides an alternative way of studying these parameters through analysis of X-ray attenuation recorded on two images: taken before and after the conservation treatment. The resulting image is then converted into a two-dimensional map of consolidation agent within the object using a straightforward calibration procedure.     

Distribution and persistence ofSteinernema spp. andHeterorhabditis spp. (Nematodes) under different field conditions

The vertical and horizontal distribution, as well as the persistence ofSteinernema glaseri, S. carpocapsae (1192, I 100 and Mexican strains),Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. heliothidis andHeterorhabditis sp. were studied in three different soil types under field conditions. The presence of infective juveniles in soil samples taken at various depths was assessed usingGalleria mellonella larvae as baits for the nematodes. Results show that all tested nematodes had a similar pattern of vertical distribution. On the other hand,Heterorhabditis spp. were significantly more persistent thanSteinernema spp. in all soil types. As for the horizontal dispersal, none of the nematodes were ever found outside the treated plots, indicating that most of the juveniles remained near the point of application.     

Mechanical properties of kenaf fiber–cement composites containing kenaf gamma-ray grafted with acrylamide

Kenaf fibers have excellent properties and possess the potential to be outstanding reinforcing fillers in cement. The grafting of acrylamide to kenaf fibers is important in improving the compatibility between the fibers and the cement. Acrylamide was grafted onto kenaf fibers using gamma-ray radiation. The radiation dose ranged from 20 to 100 kGy, and the dose rate was 10 kGy/h. The degree of grafting increased with increased radiation doses. FT-IR analysis revealed an increase in amide content after gamma-ray-radiation-induced grafting, further evincing the attachment of acrylamide to the kenaf fibers. SEM images showed evidence of acrylamide grafting to the fiber surface. Contact angle measurements on individual fibers taken before and after grafting demonstrated changes in wettability. The mechanical properties of the gamma-ray-grafted kenaf fiber–cement composites were superior to those of the ungrafted kenaf fiber–cement specimens.     

A review of research on the nun moth (Lymantria monacha L.) conducted with pheromone traps in Czechoslovakia, 1973–1984

A review of research on the nun moth (Lymantria monacha L.) 1973–1984 in Czechoslovakia conducted with pheromone traps is given. By using this method many new results on bionomy, ecology and gradology of this pest could be obtained.     

Temperature has more effects than soil moisture on biosynthesis of flavonoids in Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) leaves

The flavonoids content and its composition in Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) leaves are affected by environmental factors such as temperature and soil moisture. Here we performed experiments in phytotron using 2-year-old Ginkgo seedlings to explore the effects of temperature and soil moisture on flavonoids content, enzymes related to flavonoids biosynthesis such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H) and p-coumarate CoA ligase (4CL), soluble sugar and protein content. We found that temperature and lower soil moisture had significant effects on these parameters. The effects of temperature on flavonoids content, the activity of C4H and 4CL and soluble sugar content were greater than that of soil moisture. The total flavonoid content, the activity of PAL, C4H and 4CL, soluble sugar content were higher in lower temperature regime 15 °C (daytime)/5 °C (nighttime) and lower soil moisture (30–35 % of field capacity), but higher temperature was beneficial to the accumulation of soluble protein. This indicates that increasing of soluble sugar content and the activity of PAL, C4H and 4CL are beneficial to flavonoids biosynthesis and accumulation in the Ginkgo leaves, while increasing of soluble protein is adverse to flavonoids biosynthesis. Because lower temperature and soil moisture are favorable to flavonoids biosynthesis, we can take some silvicultural steps to increase flavonoids production in Ginkgo plantation, such as establishing leaf-harvest plantation at lower temperature zone, reducing irrigating before harvesting leaves.