Insects and spiders on Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) saplings as bioindicators for the recovery of tropical degraded areas / Insetos e aranhas em plantas de Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) como bioindicadores na recuperação de área tropical degradada

Abstract Acacia mangium is a pioneer species with fast growth and frequently used in the recovery of degraded areas. The objectives were to evaluate insects and spiders, their ecological indices and interactions on A. mangium saplings in a tropical degraded area in recovering process. The experimental design was completely randomized with 24 replications, with treatments represented by the first and second years after A. mangium seedling planted. Numbers of leaves/branch, branches/sapling, and ground cover by A. mangium saplings, Hemiptera: Phenacoccus sp. and Pachycoris torridus; Hymenoptera: Tetragonisca angustula and Trigona spinipes, Brachymyrmex sp., Camponotus sp. and Cephalotes sp.; Blattodea: Nasutitermes sp. and Neuroptera: Chrysoperla sp.; abundance, species richness of pollinating insects, tending ants, and the abundance of Sternorrhyncha predators were greatest in the second year after planting. Numbers of Hemiptera: Aethalium reticulatum, Hymenoptera: Camponotus sp., Cephalotes sp., Polybia sp., T. angustula, T. spinipes, tending ants, pollinating insects, Sternorrhyncha predators and species richness of tending ants were highest on A. mangium saplings with greatest numbers of leaves or branches. The increase in the population of arthropods with ground cover by A. mangium saplings age increase indicates the positive impact by this plant on the recovery process of degraded areas.

Resumo Acacia mangium é uma espécie pioneira, de rápido crescimento e utilizada na recuperação de áreas degradadas. Os objetivos foram avaliar insetos e aranhas, seus índices ecológicos e interações com plantas de A. mangium em área tropical degradada em processo de recuperação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 24 repetições, com os tratamentos representados pelos primeiro e segundo anos após a plantio de A. mangium. Os números de folhas/galhos, galhos/plantas e cobertura do solo por plantas de A. mangium, de Hemiptera: Phenacoccus sp. e Pachycoris torridus; Hymenoptera: Tetragonisca angustula e Trigona spinipes, Brachymyrmex sp., Camponotus sp. e Cephalotes sp.; Blattodea: Nasutitermes sp. e Neuroptera: Chrysoperla sp.; a abundância, riqueza de espécies de insetos polinizadores, formigas cuidadoras e a abundância de predadores de Sternorrhyncha foram maiores no segundo ano após o plantio. Os números de Hemiptera: Aethalium reticulatum, Hymenoptera: Camponotus sp., Cephalotes sp., Polybia sp., T. angustula, T. spinipes, formigas cuidadoras, insetos polinizadores, predadores de Sternorrhyncha e a riqueza de espécies de formigas cuidadoras foram maiores em plantas de A. mangium com maior altura e número de folhas ou galhos. O aumento populacional de artrópodes e da cobertura do solo com o processo de envelhecimento das plantas de A. mangium indicam impacto positivo dessa planta na recuperação de áreas degradadas.

Percentage of importance indice-production unknown: loss and solution sources identification on system / Percentagem de índice de importância-produção desconhecida: identificação de fontes de perda e de solução no sistema

Abstract Indices are used to help on decision-making. This study aims to develop and test an index, which can determine the loss (e.g., herbivorous insects) and solution (e.g., natural enemies) sources. They will be classified according to their importance regarding the ability to damage or to reduce the source of damage to the system when the final production is unknown. Acacia auriculiformis (Fabales: Fabaceae), a non-native pioneer species in Brazil with fast growth and rusticity, is used in restoration programs, and it is adequate to evaluate a new index. The formula was: Percentage of the Importance Indice-Production Unknown (% I.I.-PU) = [(ks1 x c1 x ds1)/Σ (ks1 x c1 x ds1) + (ks2 x c2 x ds2) + (ksn x cn x dsn)] x 100. The loss sources Aethalion reticulatum L., 1767 (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Stereoma anchoralis Lacordaire, 1848 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and Tettigoniidae, and solution sources Uspachus sp. (Araneae: Salticidae), Salticidae (Araneae), and Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith, 1877) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) showed the highest % I.I.-PU on leaves of A. auriculiformis saplings. The number of Diabrotica speciosa Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was reduced per number of Salticidae; that of A. reticulatum that of Uspachus sp.; and that of Cephalocoema sp. (Orthoptera: Proscopiidae) that of P. termitarius on A. auriculiformis saplings. However, the number of Aleyrodidae was increased per number of Cephalotes sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and that of A. reticulatum that of Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on A. auriculiformis saplings. The A. reticulatum damage was reduced per number of Uspachus sp., but the Aleyrodidae damage was increased per number of Cephalotes sp., totaling 23.81% of increase by insect damages on A. auriculiformis saplings. Here I show and test the % I.I.-PU. It is an new index that can detect the loss or solution sources on a system when production is unknown. It can be applied in some knowledge areas.

Resumo Índices são usados para ajudar na tomada de decisões. Este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver e testar um índice capaz de determinar fontes de perda (ex.: insetos herbívoros) e de solução (ex.: inimigos naturais). Eles serão classificados de acordo com sua importância quanto a habilidade de danificar ou reduzir danos no sistema, quando a produção final é desconhecida. Acacia auriculiformis (Fabales: Fabaceae), uma espécie pioneira não nativa do Brasil com rápido crescimento e rusticidade, usada em programas de restauração, é adequada para avaliar um novo índice. A fórmula foi: Porcentagem de Índice de Importância-Produção Desconhecida (% I.I.-PD) = [(ks1 x c1 x ds1)/Σ (ks1 x c1 x ds1) + (ks2 x c2 x ds2) + (ksn x cn x dsn)] x 100. As fontes de perda Aethalion reticulatum L., 1767 (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Stereoma anchoralis Lacordaire, 1848 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) e Tettigoniidae, e as fontes de solução Uspachus sp. (Araneae: Salticidae), Salticidae (Araneae) e Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith, 1877) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) apresentaram maiores % I.I.-PD nas folhas das mudas de A. auriculiformis. O número de Diabrotica speciosa Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) foi reduzido pelo número de Salticidae; o de A. reticulatum pelo de Uspachus sp.; e o de Cephalocoema sp. (Orthoptera: Proscopiidae) pelo de P. termitarius em mudas de A. auriculiformis. Entretanto, o número de Aleyrodidae foi aumentado pelo número de Cephalotes sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) e o de A. reticulatum pelo de Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em mudas de A. auriculiformis. O dano de A. reticulatum foi reduzido pelo número de Uspachus sp., mas o dano de Aleyrodidae foi aumentado pelo número de Cephalotes sp., totalizando 23,81% de aumento de danos em mudas de A. auriculiformis. Aqui eu apresento e testo o % I.I.-PD. Ele é um novo índice capaz de detectar fontes de perda e de solução no sistema quando não se conhece a produção final. Ele pode ser aplicado em algumas áreas do conhecimento.

Development of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) protein isolate-gum Arabic conjugates via ultrasound-assisted wet heating for spice essential oils emulsification: Effects on water solubility, bioactivity, and sensory stimulation.

Quinoa protein isolate-gum Arabic (QPI-GA) conjugates were developed by ultrasound-assisted wet heating to improve the water solubility and bioactivity of spice essential oils (EOs) in this study. The optimal conditions for QPI-GA conjugates preparation were found to be: heating temperature of 72 ℃, ultrasound power of 450 W, and reaction time of 46 min. QPI-GA conjugates displayed significantly higher emulsifying efficiency and stronger tolerance to pH variation, high salt concentration, and storage than raw materials. The emulsifying efficiency of emulsions was also influenced by the pH and viscosity of EOs, zeta potential of the emulsion as well as the relative density and lipid/water partition coefficient (P) of EOs were the possible factors impacting the stability of EO emulsions. The water solubility, antioxidant ability, and antibacterial ability of tested EOs were improved after emulsification. Meanwhile, encapsulation with QPI-GA conjugates played a good effect on reducing the sensory stimulation of EOs.

Genipin versus Ferric Chloride cross-linked unmodified Gum Arabic/Chitosan/nano-Hydroxyapatite nanocomposite hydrogels as potential scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Ferric chloride (FeCl3) and Genipin were utilized as cross-linkers to create two types of nanocomposite hydrogels through physical and covalent cross-linking methods, respectively. The hydrogels were composed of unmodified Gum Arabic (GA), Chitosan (Ch), and natural nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHA) using an acrylic acid solvent. Both the natural nHA and the FeCl3 vs. genipin cross-linked GA/Ch/nHA nano-composite hydrogels were prepared and characterized using various in vitro and in vivo analysis techniques. The use of FeCl3 and genipin cross-linkers resulted in the formation of novel hydrogels with compressive strengths of (15.43-22.20 MPa), which are comparable to those of natural cortical bone. In vivo evaluation was conducted by creating calvarial defects (6 mm) in Sprague-Dawley male rats. The results showed the formation of new, full-thickness bone at the implantation sites in all groups, as evidenced by digital planar tomography and histological staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain (H & E). Additionally, the use of genipin as a cross-linker positively affected the hydrogel's hydrophilicity and porosity. These findings justify further investigation into the potential of these nanocomposite hydrogels for bone regeneration applications.

Microwave-induced rapid 4D change in color of 3D printed apple/potato starch gel with red cabbage juice-loaded WPI/GA mixture.

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of utilizing microparticle mixture (MCPs) comprised of whey protein isolate (WPI), gum Arabic (GA), and freeze-dried red cabbage juice (FDRCJ) as a smart material to realize a rapid color change of 3D printed apple/potato starch gel in response to microwave heating stimulation. The particle size, morphology and thermal stability of WPI/FDRCJ/GA microparticles were examined. Then, the rheology, texture properties and printability of Apple/potato starch gel affected by different concentrations of WPI/FDRCJ/GA microparticles (0, 15, 30, 45, 60% (w/w)) were studied. Results showed that the WPI/FDRCJ/GA microparticles were more thermally stable than pure materials, indicating that the heat-sensitive anthocyanin and other compounds present in FDRCJ were effectively protected by the wall materials (WPI/GA). Moreover, the addition of various microparticle concentrations decreased the samples' mechanical properties but had no significant influence on their loss modulus, viscosity, or printing accuracy. As the microwave heating time increased, the lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of microparticle-added samples decreased while the redness (a*) significantly increased (p < 0.05), resulting in a gradual color change from yellow/brown to red. These findings could be useful to produce novel colorful and appealing 4D healthy food products that stimulate consumer appetite.

Application of spray drying, spray chilling and the combination of both methods to produce tucumã oil microparticles: characterization, stability, and ß-carotene bioaccessibility.

The aim of this work was to produce tucumã oil (PO) microparticles using different encapsulation methods, and to evaluate their properties, storage stability and bioaccessibility of the encapsulated ß-carotene. Gum Arabic was used as carrier for spray drying (SD), while vegetable fat was the wall material for spray chilling (SC) and the combination of the methods (SDC). Powders were yellow (hue angle around 80°) and presented particles with small mean diameters (1.57-2.30 µm). PO and the microparticles possess high ß-carotene contents (∼0.35-22 mg/g). However, some carotenoid loss was observed in the particles after encapsulation by SD and SDC (around 20%). After 90 days of storage, SDC particles presented the lowest degradation of total carotenoids (∼5%), while SD samples showed the highest loss (∼21%). Yet, the latter had the lowest contents of conjugated dienes (4.1-5.3 µmol/g) among treatments. At the end of simulated digestion, PO and the microparticles provided low ß-carotene bioaccessibility (<10%), and only SC increased this parameter compared to the pure oil. In conclusion, carotenoid-rich microparticles with attractive color were obtained through microencapsulation of PO by SD, SC and SDC, revealing their potential as natural additives for the development of food products with improved nutritional properties. The SC method stood out for providing microparticles with high carotenoid content and retention, high oxidative stability, and improved ß-carotene bioaccessibility.

Alginate/gum arabic-based biomimetic hydrogel enriched with immobilized nerve growth factor and carnosine improves diabetic wound regeneration.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) often remain untreated because they are difficult to heal, caused by reduced skin sensitivity and impaired blood vessel formation. In this study, we propose a novel approach to manage DFUs using a multifunctional hydrogel made from a combination of alginate and gum arabic. To enhance the healing properties of the hydrogel, we immobilized nerve growth factor (NGF), within specially designed mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). The MSNs were then incorporated into the hydrogel along with carnosine (Car), which further improves the hydrogel's therapeutic properties. The hydrogel containing the immobilized NGF (SiNGF) could control the sustain release of NGF for >21 days, indicating that the target hydrogel (AG-Car/SiNGF) can serve as a suitable reservoir managing diabetic wound regeneration. In addition, Car was able to effectively reduce inflammation and significantly increase angiogenesis compared to the control group. Based on the histological results obtained from diabetic rats, the target hydrogel (AG-Car/SiNGF) reduced inflammation and improved re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. Specific staining also confirmed that AG-Car/SiNGF exhibited improved tissue neovascularization, transforming growth factor-beta (TGFß) expression, and nerve neurofilament. Overall, our research suggests that this newly developed composite system holds promise as a potential treatment for non-healing diabetic wounds.

Synthesis, characterization and biological investigation of zinc nanoparticles using Acacia modesta Wall. leaves.

The study aimed to synthesize zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) using an aqueous extract derived from Acacia modesta Wall. leaves. Several characterization techniques were employed to confirm the successful formation of zinc nanoparticles. UV-visible spectrophotometry indicated a peak at 374 nm, validating the bioreduction process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to analyze the morphology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine particle size and shape, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystalline structure analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental composition and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify functional groups. The synthesized Zn-NPs demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (95% inhibition) and moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans (70% inhibition). In phytotoxicity tests, the Zn-NPs exhibited a 55% reduction in the growth of Lamina minor at the highest dilution (1000 µl). Based on these findings, the study concluded that the green-synthesized Zn-NPs hold great potential as effective antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria and could be utilized in various industrial and agricultural applications.

Allometric relationships for eight species of 4-5 year old nitrogen-fixing and non-fixing trees.

Allometric equations are often used to estimate plant biomass allocation to different tissue types from easier-to-measure quantities. Biomass allocation, and thus allometric equations, often differs by species and sometimes varies with nutrient availability. We measured biomass components for five nitrogen-fixing tree species (Robinia pseudoacacia, Gliricidia sepium, Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia koa, Morella faya) and three non-fixing tree species (Betula nigra, Psidium cattleianum, Dodonaea viscosa) grown in field sites in New York and Hawaii for 4-5 years and subjected to four fertilization treatments. We measured total aboveground, foliar, main stem, secondary stem, and twig biomass in all species, and belowground biomass in Robinia pseudoacacia and Betula nigra, along with basal diameter, height, and canopy dimensions. The individuals spanned a wide size range (<1-16 cm basal diameter; 0.24-8.8 m height). For each biomass component, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, and total biomass, we determined the following four allometric equations: the most parsimonious (lowest AIC) overall, the most parsimonious without a fertilization effect, the most parsimonious without canopy dimensions, and an equation with basal diameter only. For some species, the most parsimonious overall equation included fertilization effects, but fertilization effects were inconsistent across fertilization treatments. We therefore concluded that fertilization does not clearly affect allometric relationships in these species, size classes, and growth conditions. Our best-fit allometric equations without fertilization effects had the following R2 values: 0.91-0.99 for aboveground biomass (the range is across species), 0.95 for belowground biomass, 0.80-0.96 for foliar biomass, 0.94-0.99 for main stem biomass, 0.77-0.98 for secondary stem biomass, and 0.88-0.99 for twig biomass. Our equations can be used to estimate overall biomass and biomass of tissue components for these size classes in these species, and our results indicate that soil fertility does not need to be considered when using allometric relationships for these size classes in these species.

The nutritional composition of six plant species after irrigation with treated wastewater and possible hazards by heavy metal accumulation.

A field experiment was conducted investigating the possibility of using treated wastewater (TWW) on sites affected by water scarcity in summer, waterlogging during the wet season, and salinity. A corresponding pot experiment was conducted comparable to the field experiment in Kalaât Landelous. The same plant species (Atriplex nummularia Lindl., Eucalyptus gomphocephala DC., Acacia cyanophylla Lindl., Casuarina glauca Sieber ex Spreng., Cupressus sempervirens L., and Pinus halepensis Mill.) were grown with the same treatments. While, in the field the plants, elemental composition cannot be linked to inputs by TWW, this was studied under controlled conditions. Additionally, a control was established lower in salinity receiving tap water. The effect of TWW irrigation on macro- and microelement uptake by the six plant species was studied. The treatments were high soil salinity under drained saline (DS) conditions, high salinity under waterlogged saline (WS), and a drained non-saline control (DNS: EC = 3.0 dS/m, pH = 8.4). TWW application under DS treatment increased Na, Cl, Ca, Mg, N, P, and K in most plant tissues compared to the control. TWW application in WS treatment resulted in an increase in heavy metals. Cu and Zn showed the highest bioaccumulation factor (BAF). The BAF in different plant tissues followed the order: Cu > Zn > Mn > Cd > Ni > Co > Pb. The plants accumulated significant amounts of metals in their roots.

Effects of Acacia mearnsii added to silages differing in nutrient composition and condensed tannins on ruminal and manure-derived methane emissions of dairy cows.

This study investigated the effects of acacia (extract of Acacia mearnsii) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) as condensed tannin (CT)-rich sources on ruminal and manure methane (CH4) emissions in comparison with non-CT silages characterized by different contents of the cell wall and water-soluble carbohydrates. In a 3 × 6 incomplete Latin square design, 30 Holstein cows (63 ± 23 d in milk; mean ± SD; 33.8 ± 7.6 kg of milk per day, body weight 642 ± 81 kg) were provided with ad libitum access to 1 of 6 total mixed rations comprising 790 g of silage and 210 g of concentrate per kilogram of dry matter (DM). The silages were either rich in sainfoin [neutral detergent fiber (NDF): 349 g/kg of DM], perennial ryegrass (NDF: 420 g/kg of DM), or red clover (NDF: 357 g/kg of DM). Each silage was supplemented with 20 g/kg (of total diet DM) of acacia or straw meal. Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk composition and ruminal fluid characteristics and microbiota were analyzed. The individual ruminal CH4 production was determined using the GreenFeed system, and CH4 emissions from the manure of cows fed the same diets were measured in a parallel experiment over 30 d at 25°C using a dynamic flux chamber. The CT sources did not reduce CH4 yield or emission intensity. Acacia reduced milk production (from 26.3 to 23.2 kg/d) and DM intake (from 19.7 to 16.7 kg/d) when supplemented with ryegrass, and both CT sources reduced the milk protein content and yield. Acacia supplementation and ryegrass silage reduced the ruminal acetate:propionate ratio. Furthermore, during acacia treatment, the abundance of Methanobrevibacter archaea tended to be lower and that of Thermoplasmata was higher. Acacia reduced the CH4 emissions from manure for the ryegrass group by 17% but not for the sainfoin and clover groups. Feeding sainfoin silage resulted in the lowest manure-derived CH4 emissions (-47% compared with ryegrass). In conclusion, acacia reduced ruminal CH4 production by 10%, but not emission intensity, and the mitigation effect of sainfoin depended on the silage to which it was compared. Because mitigation was partially associated with animal productivity losses, careful evaluation is required before the implementation of tanniferous feeds in farm practice.

Adaptive ecological knowledge among the Ndjuka Maroons of French Guiana; a case study of two 'invasive species': Melaleuca quinquenervia and Acacia mangium.

BACKGROUND: To understand how local ecological knowledge changes and adapts, here in the case of the recent introduction of plant species, we report the knowledge and perceptions of the Ndjuka (Maroon) of French Guiana concerning two tree species, Acacia mangium and niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), which are categorized as "invasive alien plants" in the savannas of their territory. METHODS: To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted between April and July 2022, using a pre-designed questionnaire, plant samples and photographs. The uses, local ecological knowledge, and representations of these species were surveyed among populations of Maroon origin in western French Guiana. All responses to closed questions collected during the field survey were compiled into an Excel spreadsheet in order to perform quantitative analyses, including the calculation of use reports (URs). RESULTS: It appears that the local populations have integrated these two plant species, which are named, used and even traded, into their knowledge systems. On the other hand, neither foreignness nor invasiveness seem to be relevant concepts in the perspective of the informants. The usefulness of these plants is the determining factor of their integration into the Ndjuka medicinal flora, thus resulting in the adaptation of their local ecological knowledge. CONCLUSION: In addition to highlighting the need for the integration of the discourse of local stakeholders into the management of "invasive alien species," this study also allows us to observe the forms of adaptation that are set in motion by the arrival of a new species, particularly within populations that are themselves the result of recent migrations. Our results furthermore indicate that such adaptations of local ecological knowledge can occur very quickly.

In vitro ovicidal effect of p-coumaric acid from Acacia bilimekii aerial parts against Haemonchus contortus.

Acacia bilimekii is a plant with a high content of protein, fibre, and condensed tannins, making it an excellent feed for small ruminants with anthelmintic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the ovicidal activity of a hydroalcoholic extract (Ab-HA) and fractions from A. bilimekii aerial parts on Haemonchus contortus. The ovicidal activity of the Ab-HA extract and its fractions obtained by chromatographic fractionation were evaluated through the egg hatching inhibition (EHI) test. The results showed that the Ab-HA extract had 91% EHI at 20,000 µg/mL with a mean effective concentration (EC50) of 9260 µg/mL. After liquid-liquid fractionation of Ab-HA extract, the aqueous fraction (Ab-Aq) did not show ovicidal activity, whereas the organic fraction (Ab-EtOAc) showed a better EHI than the Ab-HA extract (98.9% at 2500 µg/mL). Then, the chemical fractionation of Ab-EtOAc allowed obtaining six bioactive fractions (AbR12-17) with an EHI greater than 90% at 1500 µg/mL. The best treatment was AbR15 (98.7% EHI at 750 µg/mL). Chemical analysis by HPLC-PDA of AbR15 indicated the presence of p-coumaric acid and the flavone luteolin as major compounds. Additionally, the commercial p-coumaric acid standard was evaluated in the EHI assay and showed an EHI of 97% at 62.5 µg/mL. Meanwhile, the confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis demonstrated a colocalization effect between p-coumaric acid and the H. contortus embryonated eggs. These results indicate that due to their major chemical compounds (including p-coumaric acid), the aerial parts of the plant A. bilimekii, could be considered as natural potential tool for controlling haemonchosis in small ruminants.

Physico-chemical and extraction properties on alkali-treated Acacia pennata fiber.

The production of reinforced composite materials can generally benefit greatly from the use of natural cellulosic woody fibers as good sustainable resources. Natural plants like hemp, cotton, and bamboo are great options for knitters and crocheters looking to make eco-friendly goods. The current study examines the properties of natural fiber obtained from the stem of the Acacia pennata (AP) plant, as well as its basic physico-chemical, structural, thermal, and mechanical characteristics. The key goal of this work was to investigate how alkali treatment affected the AP fibers' morphology, chemical composition, tensile capabilities, morphological changes, structural changes, and thermal degradation (APFs). The SEM image and pXRD analyses support the improved surface roughness of the fiber, and that was seen after the alkaline treatment. From XRD analysis, the fiber crystallinity index (54.65%) was improved and it was connected to their SEM pictograms in comparison to untreated APF. Alkali-treated AP fibers include a higher percentage of chemical components including cellulose (51.38%) and ash (5.13%). Alkali-treated AP fibers have a lower amount of hemi-cellulose (30.30%), lignin (20.96%), pectin (8.77%), wax (0.12%), and moisture (13.44%) than untreated APF. Their low density and high cellulosic content will improve their ability to fiber matrices. The thermal behavior of AP fiber at various temperatures was demonstrated by TG-DTA analysis, and tensile strength was also investigated.

Acacia ants.

Palmer introduces the specialized defensive symbionts known as acacia ants.

Genotype-Environment Interaction and Horizontal and Vertical Distributions of Heartwood for Acacia melanoxylon R.Br.

Acacia melanoxylon (blackwood) is a valuable wood with excellent-quality heartwood extensively utilized worldwide. The main aim of this study was to confirm the horizontal and vertical variation and provide estimated values of genetic gains and clonal repeatabilities for improving breeding program of A. melanoxylon. Six blackwood clones at 10 years old were analyzed in Heyuan and Baise cities in China. Stem trunk analysis was conducted for sample trees to explore the differences between heartwood and sapwood. The heartwood radius (HR), heartwood area (HA), and heartwood volume (HV) in heartwood properties decreased as tree height (H) in growth traits increased, and the HV = 1.2502 DBH (diameter at breast height)1.7009 model can accurately estimate the heartwood volume. Furthermore, G × E analysis showed that the heritabilities of the eleven indices, including DBH, DGH (diameter at ground height), H, HR, SW (sapwood width), BT (bark thickness), HA, SA (sapwood area), HV, HRP (heartwood radius percentage), HAP (heartwood area percentage), and HVP (heartwood volume percentage) were between 0.94 and 0.99, and repeatabilities of the eleven indices were between 0.74 and 0.91. Clonal repeatability of DBH (0.91), DGH (0.88), and H (0.90) in growth traits, HR (0.90), HVP (0.90), and HV (0.88) in heartwood properties were slightly higher than for SA (0.74), SW (0.75), HAP (0.75), HRP (0.75), and HVP (0.75). These data also implied that the growth characteristics of heartwood and sapwood of blackwood clones were less affected by the environment and had substantial heritability.

Bioactive Phytochemicals of Acacia saligna.

Acacia saligna is native to Western Australia. It has become an introduced and fast-growing plant in other parts of the world due to its ability to adapt to drought, saline and alkaline soils, and hast growing environments. Studies on the bioactivities and phytochemicals of the plant extracts were conducted. However, comprehensive information that links those bioactivities to the identified compounds in the plant's extracts is still lacking. Data gathered in this review revealed a rich chemical diversity of hydroxybenzoic acids, cinnamic acids, flavonoids, saponins, and pinitols in A. saligna growing in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, South Africa, and Australia. The variability in phytochemical composition and quantity could be attributed to plant parts, growing locations, extraction solvents, and analysis methods. Identified phytochemicals support observed biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, α-glucosidase inhibition, and anti-inflammation in the extracts. The knowledge of chemical structures, biological activities, and possible mechanisms of action of the bioactive phytochemicals identified in A. saligna were discussed. In addition, the structure-activity relationships of dominant active compounds were examined to explain the bioactivities exerted by A. saligna extracts. The review provides valuable insights towards future research and the development of new therapeutics from this plant.

Climatic niche convergence through space and time for a potential archaeophyte (Acacia caven) in South America.

Based on the niche conservatism hypothesis, i.e. the idea that niches remain unchanged over space and time, climatic niche modelling (CNM) is a useful tool for predicting the spread of introduced taxa. Recent advances have extended such predictions deeper in time for plant species dispersed by humans before the modern era. The latest CNMs successfully evaluate niche differentiation and estimate potential source areas for intriguing taxa such as archaeophytes (i.e., species introduced before 1492 AD). Here, we performed CNMs for Acacia caven, a common Fabaceae tree in South America, considered an archaeophyte west of the Andes, in Central Chile. Accounting for the infraspecific delimitation of the species, our results showed that even when climates are different, climatic spaces used by the species overlap largely between the eastern and western ranges. Despite slight variation, results were consistent when considering one, two, or even three-environmental dimensions, and in accordance with the niche conservatism hypothesis. Specific distribution models calibrated for each region (east vs west) and projected to the past, indicate a common area of occupancy available in southern Bolivia-northwest Argentina since the late Pleistocene, which could have acted as a source-area, and this signal becomes stronger through the Holocene. Then, in accordance with a taxon introduced in the past, and comparing regional vs continental distribution models calibrated at the infraspecific or species level, the western populations showed their spread status to be mostly in equilibrium with the environment. Our study thus indicates how niche and species distribution models are useful to improve our knowledge related to taxa introduced before the modern era.

Antihyperglycemic Properties of Extracts and Isolated Compounds from Australian Acacia saligna on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

Our early work indicated that methanolic extracts from the flowers, leaves, bark, and isolated compounds of Acacia saligna exhibited significant antioxidant activities in vitro. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria (mt-ROS) interfered with glucose uptake, metabolism, and its AMPK-dependent pathway, contributing to hyperglycemia and diabetes. This study aimed to screen the ability of these extracts and isolated compounds to attenuate the production of ROS and maintain mitochondrial function via the restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Downstream effects were investigated via an immunoblot analysis of the AMPK signalling pathway and glucose uptake assays. All methanolic extracts effectively reduced cellular ROS and mt-ROS levels, restored the MMP, activated AMPK-α, and enhanced cellular glucose uptake. At 10 µM, (-)-epicatechin-6 (from methanolic leaf and bark extracts) markedly reduced ROS and mt-ROS levels by almost 30% and 50%, respectively, with an MMP potential ratio 2.2-fold higher compared to the vehicle control. (-)-Epicatechin 6 increased the phosphorylation of AMPK-α by 43%, with an 88% higher glucose uptake than the control. Other isolated compounds include naringenin 1, naringenin-7-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside 2, isosalipurposide 3, D-(+)-pinitol 5a, and (-)-pinitol 5b, which also performed relatively well across all assays. Australian A. saligna active extracts and compounds can reduce ROS oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and enhance glucose uptake through AMPK-α activation in adipocytes, supporting its potential antidiabetic application.

Nitrogen rather than carbon released by litter decomposition mediates nutrient relationships in a multispecies forest plantation with hemiparasite.

Hemiparasitic plants influence community composition by altering nutrient cycling. Although hemiparasites can deplete a host's nutrients via parasitism, their potentially positive effects on nutrient return to multispecies communities remain unclear. We used 13C/15N-enriched leaf litter of the hemiparasite sandalwood (Santalum album, Sa) and two N2-fixing hosts of acacia (Acacia confusa, Ac) and rosewood (Dalbergia odorifera, Do), either as a single-species or mixed-species litter, to elucidate nutrient return by litter decomposition in an acacia-rosewood-sandalwood mixed plantation. We determined litter decomposition rates, litter C and N release, and the resorption of C and N from seven litter types (Ac, Do, Sa, AcDo, AcSa, DoSa, and AcDoSa) at 90, 180, 270, and 360 days. We found that non-additive mixing effects were common during the decomposition of mixed litter and depended on litter type and decomposition timing. After rapidly increasing for around 180 days, both the decomposition rate and release of C and N from litter decomposition declined, but the resorption of litter-released N by the target tree species increased. There was a 90-day lag time between the release and resorption of litter N. Sandalwood litter consistently stimulated the litter mass loss of its mixed litter. Rosewood had the highest release rate of litter 13C or 15N from litter decomposition, but resorbed more litter 15N into its leaves than other tree species. In contrast, acacia had a lower decomposition rate and a higher 15N resorption in its roots. Initial litter quality was closely correlated with the release of litter 15N. Neither the release nor resorption of litter 13C significantly differed among sandalwood, rosewood, and acacia. Our study demonstrates that the fate of litter N, rather than litter C, mediates nutrient relationships in mixed sandalwood plantations and thus provides important silvicultural implications for planting sandalwood with other host species.