Diversity and spatial distribution of Opuntia spp. in the Mediterranean Basin

This work offers a methodology based on statistical tools and GIS applications in a study of the adaptability of Opuntia to the environment, applied on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. Detailed surveys of habitats containing naturalized populations of Opuntia spp. were made in order to select study sites. The topographic, soil and climatic features of these are described. The local biotypes are ascribed mainly to the spineless Opuntia ficus–indica (L.) Mill. and to the spiny Opuntia amyclaea Ten. Although introduced at different times, for different uses, they have adapted to the Sardinian environment and established in the wild. The distributions of the two species differed. The FloraMap^® modelling approach was used to simulate Opuntia distribution as a function of the island's climate and produced individual distribution maps using the accession points for the two species. Our analysis showed that environmental conditions at elevations above 800 m are the main limiting factors for the presence and abundance of Opuntia in Sardinia. Spatial representation developed by GIS software indicated temperatures below 2 °C as the threshold impairing the species naturalized distribution. The statistic results also show that variation in rainfall does not affect Opuntia spatial distribution in Sardinia.     

Reproductive biology of Opuntia: A review

A review of the reproductive biology of fleshy-fruited species of Opuntia sensu stricto was conducted. Among Cactaceae, Opuntia is the most diverse and widely distributed genus in the Americas. The genus is strongly associated with bee pollination and coevolution with at least two bee genera is suggested. Fruits and vegetative parts, such as spiny cladodes, are closely linked with seed dispersal and highly efficient vegetative dissemination by animals. Vegetative multiplication appears to be more efficient than sexual reproduction for plant recruitment. Both sexual reproduction and plant multiplication seem to have contributed to the ecological and evolutionary success of the genus, but empirical evidence is lacking.     

A greenhouse study on root dynamics of cactus pears, Opuntia ficus-indica and O. robusta

Over the last 10 years a great interest in spineless cactus pear was shown in the drier areas in terms of both fresh fruit and fodder production. However, there is a lack of knowledge on quantitative data on root dynamics of these plants needed to fully understand its potential under water limiting conditions. This study aimed at quantifying the effects of water stress on the growth of tap roots, side roots and rain roots of the species Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller (cultivar Morado—green cladode) and O. robusta Wendl. (cultivar Monterey—blue cladode). One-year-old cladodes were planted in root boxes and pots (2002/2003 season) that were kept in the greenhouse at day/night temperatures of 25–30 °C/15–18 °C. Placing the cladodes flat on the soil, more areoles came in contact with the soil and therefore more roots developed in both species with an average of only 3.4% areole complexes not rooting. Each areole complex formed on average 3 roots. The highest daily tap root growth was 42 and 36 mm for O. ficus-indica and O. robusta, respectively. Tap root growth increased in the morning with water stress for both species but decreased in the afternoon. Side root growth increased with water stress, with that of O. robusta more per tap root than O. ficus-indica. O. robusta showed a finer root system than O. ficus-indica. The side roots grew as much as 8 and 5 mm per day for O. ficus-indica and O. robusta, respectively. Whitish rain roots developed on the established roots within the first hour after rewetting the soil and grew for only 3 days. Rain roots grew up to 7 and 5 mm within a day for O. ficus-indica and O. robusta, respectively. Considering all studied aspects of their roots systems, O. robusta appears to be better adapted to drought (less sensitive to water stress) than O. ficus-indica.     

Germination of Denmoza rhodacantha (Salm-Dyck) Britton & Rose (Cactaceae)

The germination response of Denmoza rhodacantha (Salm-Dyck) Britton & Rose to seed scarification and different calcium concentrations was analysed. Both scarified and unscarified seeds were treated with two different calcium concentrations (1.74 or 6.36 meq l⁻¹ calcium sulfate in distilled water). All treatments were conducted under a constant temperature (30 °C), and a photoperiodic regime of 12 h light and 12 h dark. Germination was initiated significantly sooner (3.6 days), and the rate of final germination was significantly higher (90.8%), for scarified seeds treated with a solution of 6.36 meq l⁻¹ Ca compared with all other treatments (9.0–11.4 days and 3.6–6.8%, respectively). There were no significant differences among the treatments for the time in which 50% of final germination occurred (6.9–13.6 days). The results suggest that both factors, scarification and calcium concentration, favor germination of Denmoza seeds.     

Distribution of cacti in Larrea spp. shrublands in Mendoza, Argentina

In three Larrea shrublands, cacti grow under Larrea canopy at northern and southern exposures and in open spaces were counted. Cacti distribution was related to environmental variables. Seven out of the 15 cacti present were found to be associated with shrubs, whereas the other species were found in the open spaces. The lower temperature and radiation occurring under shrubs at south exposures would explain the absence of cacti in these places. The higher organic matter, nutrients, and moisture in the soils under shrubs appeared to be correlated with higher cacti density. The presence of cacti seedlings only under shrubs could be attributed to the favourable environmental conditions for cacti seed germination and seedling survival that occurred in these places.     

Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) germination and survival in black-grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) grassland: relations between microsite and heteromyid rodent (Dipodomys spp.) impact

Prosopis pallida H.B.K. is one of the most economically and ecologically important tree species in the arid and semi-arid lands of the American continent. Sections of P. pallida were used to describe its wood anatomy and to determine whether annual rings were visible or not. Results showed that P. pallida has well-differentiated annual growth rings and is therefore suitable for dendrochronological studies. Tree ring chronologies correlate well with precipitation events related to El Niño Southern Oscillation phases. A master chronology for the northern area of Peru was built with these data, and some physiological derivations from the anatomy of P. pallida wood are discussed.     

Research strategies for the improvement of cactuspear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit quality and production

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) is cultivated worldwide for fruit production either in the subsistence agriculture of dryland areas or as a cash crop. However, little horticultural research has been devoted to this species so far. Research needs related to reproductive biology as well as productivity and orchard management are outlined. A better knowledge of the environmental influence on reproductive biology and fruit quality, the control of fluctuations in plant cropping, as well as the reduction of seed number and size, are the major challenges for future research. Cactus pear will transcend the ethnical markets only if adequate marketing strategies can be promoted and fruit quality enhanced and standardized.     

Micropropagation of Acacia seyal Del. in vitro

In vitro mass propagation of Acacia seyal Del. was achieved using seedling shoot tip explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (BA) or Thidiazuron (TDZ) with ∝-Naphtalene acetic acid (NAA). The best result was obtained with BA in the presence of NAA. The greatest shoot multiplication with long shoots was observed on media containing (mg l^-1) 2·0 BA with 0·1 or 0·5 NAA and 4·0 BA with 0·1 NAA; with 6·4 and 6·7 mean number of shoots, respectively. TDZ also induced multiple shoots but most of the shoots were stunted. Microshoots were rooted better on half-MS salts supplemented with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The highest rooting percentage (80%) and root number (4·9 roots/microshoot) were promoted by 4·0 mg IBA. The plantlets (90%) successfully survived acclimatization ex vitro.     

Vivipary in the cactus family: A reply to Ortega-Baes’ et al. evaluation of 25 species from northwestern Argentina

This is a reply to Ortega-Baes’ et al. (2010) survey of 25 Argentinean species of cacti evaluated for vivipary. We argue that the sample size and geographic area of the species investigated is insufficient to totally exclude the putative commonness of this condition in the Cactaceae. We indicate possible reasons why they did not find viviparous fruits in their survey. Failure to detect vivipary in cacti of NW Argentina may be correlated with limited taxonomic sampling and geographic region in addition to intrinsic and extrinsic plant factors, including different stages of fruit and seed development and genetic, ecological, and edaphic aspects, which, individually or in concert, control precocious germination. We uphold that viviparity is putatively frequent in this family and list 16 new cases for a total of 53 viviparous cacti, which make up ca. 4% incidence of viviparism in the Cactaceae, a substantially higher percentage than most angiosperm families exhibiting this condition. The Cactaceae ranks fourth in frequency of viviparity after the aquatic families of mangroves and seagrasses. We suggest the re-evaluation of cactus vivipary, primarily as a reproductive adaptation to changing environments and physiological stress with a secondary role as a reproductive strategy with limited offspring dispersal/survival and fitness advantages.     

Purification and characterization of acetylcholinesterase from brain tissues of Oreochromis aurea and its application in environmental pesticide monitoring

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays an important role in enzyme-based detection of pesticides in the environment. In this paper, AChE from the Triton X-100 extract of brain tissues of Oreochromis aurea was purified by (NH₄)₂SO₄ fractional precipitation, Sephadex G-100 gel filtration, and DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography. Certain biochemical characterizations of the purified enzyme and inhibition of pesticides on the enzyme were also studied. The specific activity of this purified enzyme was 20.628 U/mg protein, fold of purification was 139, and recovery was 22.1%. The optimal temperature of this enzyme was between 35–40 °C, and optimal pH was between 7.5–8.0. The Michaelis constant (K_m) for acetylthiocholine iodide was 0.183 mmol/L. The enzyme activity was inhibited by excess substrate, and optimal substrate concentration was 6 mmol/L. Four pesticides (dichlorvos, phoxim, triazophos, and methomyl) exhibited strong inhibitions on this enzyme with IC₅₀ less than 5 μg/mL. This study suggests that Oreochromis aurea (tilapia) could be a good enzyme source for pesticide monitoring in water environments.     

Acacia salicina, Pinus halepensis and Eucalyptus occidentalis improve soil surface conditions in arid southern Tunisia

Despite low growth rates, plants in arid areas have a strong ability to modify soil surface properties affecting ecosystem processes and community dynamics. But our knowledge on species effects on soil properties in these areas comes largely from observational studies, increasing the risk of confounding factors and precluding estimations of rates of change. We evaluated changes in soil surface properties underneath Acacia salicina, Pinus halepensis and Eucalyptus occidentalis in a 10-year-old common garden experiment established on a degraded Stipa tenacissima steppe in southern Tunisia. The three species tested improved soil properties compared to those of open areas. Acacia salicina ranked first as soil modifier as the soil underneath this species showed higher total organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil CO₂ efflux and infiltration rate, and lower soil hydrophobicity than soil in open areas. The richness of vascular plants was higher under A. salicina than under the other types of cover. This species showed higher ability to improve microsite conditions and foster succession. Short rotations of A. salicina could thus be employed for the restoration of degraded S. tenacissima steppes provided that other aspects of its ecology are controlled. Pinus halepensis represents a good alternative when native species are a priority, albeit facilitative ability is lower.     

Adaptive evolution of rbcL in Reaumuria soongarica (Tamaricaceae)

In the field of phylogenetic analyses, the rbcL gene encoded large subunit Ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC4.1.1.39), which plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis for most terrestrial plants, has been considered to be conserved; however, recent controversy regarding rbcL conservation has appeared since it was proposed to be under natural selection within all principal lineages of land plants. In this study, by examining the variation of DNA and protein sequences among 17 species in the family Tamaricaceae, three nonsynonymous mutations were identified to be under positive selection. The favored sites were located in the alph-helix domains of Rubisco, with decreased hydrophobicity and increased entropy, which could facilitate CO₂ penetration into the active site of Rubisco. We also found that the expression level of rbcL in different genotypes of Reaumuria soongarica shifted in response to various stresses such as drought, temperature, salt, and light. This study not only sheds light on the functional/structural features of Rubisco in the evolution scenarios from C₃-like into C₄ in Tamaricaceae but also provides useful information on directing genetic performance to enhance photosynthesis efficiency of desert plants for sustaining fragile desert ecosystems; furthermore, it promotes the ability to cope with desert aridification and global warming.     

Effects of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica afforestation on soil phosphorus status of the Keerqin Sandy Lands in China

Few studies have considered the effects of afforestation on soil phosphorus (P) status in semiarid regions such as the Keerqin Sandy Lands in China, though plantations have been widely established on P-deficient sandy soils to control wind-induced desertification. Phosphorus fractions and acid phosphomonoesterase (AP) activities were compared in the rhizosphere and bulk soils (0–5 and 5–20 cm) under Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litv.) plantations of different ages (15, 22, and 30 years old) and in bulk soils under grasslands to understand soil P behavior with Mongolian pine plantation development and to find out major factors controlling soil P cycling. Stand age and rhizosphere processes had similar effects on the soil P fractions. Labile inorganic P and phosphate absorbed on aluminum and iron oxides were not affected by stand age and rhizosphere processes. Rhizosphere effects of Mongolian pine accelerated the mineralization of organic P by increasing microbial and AP activities. Soil P properties in bulk and rhizosphere soils changed similarly with plantation development. In the first 15 years after afforestation, total organic P, calcium phosphate, labile organic P, microbial biomass P (MBP) concentrations, and AP activities were reduced sharply. About 73% of the reduction in total P came from mineralization of organic P and 24% came from solubilization of calcium phosphate. From 15 to 22 years onward, soil total organic P and calcium phosphate decreased gradually and labile organic P, MBP, and AP activities increased greatly, whereas total inorganic P remained constant. The results suggest that soil P pool was depleted with Mongolian pine plantation development, especially in the early stage. As the dominant form of soil P, organic P was the main source of available P and associated biological processes controlled soil P cycling under Mongolian pine plantations. To ensure sustainability of pine plantations, it is imperative that soil fertility is conserved by adding fertilizer, thinning, and protecting litterfall.     

Genetic diversity of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) and its utilization for barley improvement

Wild barley (Hordeum vulgare spp. spontaneum) is the undisputed progenitor of cultivated barley and offers considerable potential as a genetic resource for barley improvement. Naturally occurring populations are distributed primarily across the Fertile Crescent, but secondary areas of diversity are also found in central Asia and Tibet. The pattern of its genetic diversity is non-random, and is structured on a global, regional and local scale. On a global scale, diversity follows ecogeography, while on a regional and local scale, it is more strongly determined by ecology. Populations growing in areas where the climate is unreliable and/or the soil is heterogeneous tend to retain the most diversity. A large number of accessions are currently conserved ex situ, but a high proportion of these have originated from the Fertile Crescent. Given the likelihood of future climate change, conserving germplasm both in situ and ex situ in the various regions where the species’ currently existing is a research priority. The value of H. vulgare spp. spontaneum for the improvement of cultivated barley lies largely in its potential contribution to the levels of attainable pathogen resistance and abiotic stress tolerance.     

Habitat and leaf cytogenetic characteristics of Deschampsia antarctica Desv. in the Maritime Antarctica

Antarctic hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica Desv.) was studied in the Maritime Antarctica with respect to general ecological characteristics, soil conditions, viral contamination, cell nucleus area, and relative DNA content. Material was gathered in six localities that were highly diverse in terms of the nature of soil-like substrata, presence of viral antigen determinants, and the average nucleus area and relative DNA content in leaf epidermis and parenchyma cells. Our results show that Antarctic hairgrass lives upon soils that are variable with respect to trace elements, pH, and other soil characteristics. The hairgrass is susceptible to a number of viruses, and shows substantial variation in DNA content and nucleus size.     

Growth response of the saltbush Atriplex nummularia L. to inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices

Plantlets of Atriplex nummularia were inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Glomus intraradices in a pot experiment. Plants were grown in a low P soil. Highly significant growth response of a Chenopodiaceae was recorded for the first time. Mycorrhizal colonization of roots was well developed, internal hyphae and vesicles were observed, but not arbuscules. These observations suggest that arbuscules are not necessary to obtain significant growth stimulation from mycorrhizal inoculation. Atriplex nummularia is already used as forage crops, its high mycorrhizal dependency offers possibilities to develop this production and revegetation strategies.     

Display-sites selection by houbara bustard (Chlamydotis [undulata] macqueenii) in Mori, Xinjiang, People''s Republic of China

Display-site selection by houbara bustards was studied in Mori, Xinjiang, China during the breeding seasons from April to June 2000. Most of the habitats chosen for displaying were short sub-shrubby and open areas close to high shrub patches. The displaying males clearly prefer low covered areas and avoid densely covered and high vegetation sites. The vegetation density and number of plant species at display sites were significantly lower from that at randomly selected sites. The average distance to the closest shrub patch was significantly shorter at display sites than at random sites. Plant species richness, vegetative density, vegetative cover and distance to the shrub patches are possibly the most important factors that determined the display-sites selection of houbara bustard.