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The genus Acacia is a large group of woody legumes containing an enormous amount of morphological diversity in leaf shape. This diversity is at least in part the result of an innovation in leaf development where many Acacia species are capable of developing leaves of both bifacial and unifacial morphologies. While not unique in the plant kingdom, unifaciality is most commonly associated with monocots, and its developmental genetic mechanisms have yet to be explored beyond this group. In this study, we identify an accession of Acacia crassicarpa with high regeneration rates and isolate a clone for genome sequencing. We generate a chromosome-level assembly of this readily transformable clone, and using comparative analyses, confirm a whole-genome duplication unique to Caesalpinoid legumes. This resource will be important for future work examining genome evolution in legumes and the unique developmental genetic mechanisms underlying unifacial morphogenesis in Acacia.

BackgroundWhile early autism intervention can significantly improve outcomes, gaps in implementation exist globally. These gaps are clearest in Africa, where forty percent of the world's children will live by 2050. Task-sharing early intervention to non-specialists is a key implementation strategy, given the lack of specialists in Africa. Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) are a class of early autism intervention that can be delivered by caregivers. As a foundational step to address the early autism intervention gap, we adapted a non-specialist delivered caregiver coaching NDBI for the South African context, and pre-piloted this cascaded task-sharing approach in an existing system of care.ObjectivesFirst, we will test the effectiveness of the caregiver coaching NDBI compared to usual care. Second, we will describe coaching implementation factors within the Western Cape Department of Education in South Africa.MethodsThis is a type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid design; assessor-blinded, group randomized controlled trial. Participants include 150 autistic children (18-72 months) and their caregivers who live in Cape Town, South Africa, and those involved in intervention implementation. Early Childhood Development practitioners, employed by the Department of Education, will deliver 12, one hour, coaching sessions to the intervention group. The control group will receive usual care. Distal co-primary outcomes include the Communication Domain Standard Score (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition) and the Language and Communication Developmental Quotient (Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition). Proximal secondary outcome include caregiver strategies measured by the sum of five items from the Joint Engagement Rating Inventory. We will describe key implementation determinants.ResultsParticipant enrolment started in April 2023. Estimated primary completion date is March 2027.ConclusionThe ACACIA trial will determine whether a cascaded task-sharing intervention delivered in an educational setting leads to meaningful improvements in communication abilities of autistic children, and identify implementation barriers and facilitators.Trial registrationNCT05551728 in Clinical Trial Registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Background: Pain and inflammation are the major medical condition commonly addressed with traditional remedies. Acacia seyal is a traditional herb widely used in Ethiopian folk medicine for pain management. However, its effectiveness has yet to be validated through scientific or experimental research. Therefore, the current study aims at evaluating the in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of 80% methanolic stem bark extract of Acacia seyal in rodent models. Methods: After successful extractions of the stem barks of Acacia seyal with 80% methanol, the pain relieving effects of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg extract were evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing test and hot plate method whereas the anti-inflammatory profile was determined by carrageenan induced paw-edema model and cotton pellet induced granuloma technique. Results: The 80% methanol Acacia seyal stem bark extract exhibited substantial (p < 0.001) analgesic effect in acetic acid induced writing test (p < 0.001). The plant extract also witnessed significant central analgesic effect in hot plate method beginning at 30 min with maximum % elongation time occurred at 120 min. Furthermore, the acacia stem bark extract produced anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenan induced paw-edema model. In cotton pellet induced granuloma model, the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of the current plant material appeared to inhibit granuloma mass formation and exudate reduction significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The collective findings of the current study revealed that 80% methanol extracts of Acacia seyal exhibited considerable analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the plant's traditional use for management of pain and inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the phytochemical profile of Acacia cyclops trunk bark methanol extract using LC-MS/MS, as well as to assess its antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. Thus, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the studied extract were established and 19 compounds were detected and quantified. In addition of their antioxidant potential against DPPH and ABTS assays, in vitro and in silico studies were adopted to evaluate tyrosinase inhibitory property of A. cyclops extract. Methanol trunk bark extract showed significant total phenolic content, antioxidant potential in terms of free radical scavenging, as well as an interesting tyrosinase inhibitory action (IC50= 05.12 ± 0.41 μg/mL). The molecular docking analysis and the drug-likeness prediction of the major selected compounds supported the significant anti-tyrosinase activity of the studied extract. The obtained results suggest that A. cyclops extract could be a promising candidate in the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global recognition of eco‐friendly products like plant‐based dyes is escalating, driven by their exceptional biological and Ayurvedic attributes. This study isolates colorants from mango turmeric (Curcuma aromatica) using ultrasonic irradiation, supplemented with bio‐mordants to enhance color retention. Through the utilization of Response Surface Methodology and Central Composite Design, a technique that was optimized was completed to maximize coloring variables using statistical analysis. Results from 32 experimental runs reveal that optimal color depth (K/S = 19.399) was achieved with ultrasonic‐treated silk fabric (20 min exposure) using 65 mL of irradiated aqueous extract (20 min) with a pH of 5, supplemented with 1.5 g/100 mL salt of sodium chloride, maintained the temperature 75°C for the 45 min. Precoloring treatment with acacia, pomegranate, and pistachio extracts at specified concentrations enhanced colorfastness. Postdyeing, alterations in the concentrations of these extracts led to further improvements in colorfastness. Notably, adding Al+3 and Fe+2 salts, alongside tannic acid, exhibited notable effects in both pre‐ and postdyeing stages. While the colorfastness properties of unmordated silk fabric was lower than mordanted dyed silk fabric. Irradiation with ultrasonic waves significantly boosted the amount of dye that could be extracted from rhizomes of mango turmeric. Moreover, the application of bio and synthetic mordants in a strategic manner led to colorfastness ratings on silk fabric that ranged from excellent to satisfactory. This research underscores ultrasonic technologies and bio‐mordants' efficacy in sustainable dyeing processes, offering insights for developing eco‐friendly textile coloration methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species are major drivers of global ecosystem change. They often displace native species through competitive exclusion, creating novel species interactions. These interactions can lead to ecological cascades, where the presence of one invasive species enhances the fitness of another. Despite this, the mechanisms that underpin these mutualistic interactions and promote secondary invasions remain poorly understood. We assessed how the introduction of the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) alters mutualistic interactions within the recipient community, enhancing the dispersal and fitness of species of a secondary invasive plant genus (Acacia spp.). Our study examines these interactions at the community, individual species, and trait levels for a range of native and non‐native ant and plant species. Specifically, we aimed to investigate the direct and indirect effects of L. humile on seed dispersal mutualisms. We found that in L. humile invaded locations, seeds of the invasive Acacia plant species were approximately three times more likely to be dispersed than seeds of native endemic plant species. This preference is driven by indirect changes in the community structure of native seed‐dispersing ants, rather than direct interactions between the invasive ant and plant species. Moreover, we found that native ant species that co‐exist with L. humile, such as Tetramorium sericeiventre, respond to a narrower range of seed traits—traits which the invasive Acacia seeds possess. Our findings suggest that the invasion of L. humile has cascading effects on ant‐plant mutualisms, potentially increasing community permeability to secondary invasions. These results highlight that the impact of invaders like the Argentine ant may be greater than initially perceived, driving losses in both biological and functional plant diversity. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a case study of how we position our rewilding project in central Chile in order to find scientific and social support and build alliances, collaborations, and consensus. Our core vision focuses on reintroducing guanacos (Lama guanicoe) to central Chile in order to provide natural restoration and ecosystem processes in espinal woodlands dominated by the native tree Vachellia [Acacia] caven. We envision a scenario of "social-ecological rewilding" with widespread guanaco browsing in woodlands and guanaco migration across the region, coexisting with multiple human uses of the landscape. Guanacos would ideally be managed by regional collectives who could benefit from guanaco tourism, sustainable harvest of their fiber (wool), and regulated hunting. Our wider vision for reintroductions and integrated conservation management extends to a set of other species that may have coexisted with guanacos and V. caven at various points in the past, but more research is necessary to establish and gain support for evidence-based baselines. Our strategy is to inspire actors with greater resources (land, money, influence) to share our vision and implement it, in collaboration with the NGO that we have formed to support our projects. Over ten years, circulating alternate interpretations and a novel imaginary of how central Chile was in the past and could be in the future, along with developing and testing scientific hypotheses, has moved our vision from an idea shared by two people to one that a wide variety of actors publicly embrace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia mearnsii, among the 100 worst invasive weeds worldwide, negatively impacts native biodiversity, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. Global climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, enhances the risk of A. mearnsii invasion in Asia, making it crucial to identify high-risk areas for effective management. This study performed species distribution modeling using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm to predict the potential introduction and spread of A. mearnsii under various climate scenarios based on shared socio-economic pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). Currently, only 4.35% of Asia is invaded, with a high invasion risk identified in six countries, including Bhutan, Lebanon, and Taiwan, where more than 75% of their areas are threatened. Under future climate scenarios, 21 countries face invasion risk, among which 14 countries, such as Georgia, Laos, Republic of Korea, and Turkey, are at moderate to very high risk, potentially encompassing up to 87.89% of their territories. Conversely, Northern Asian countries exhibit minimal changes in invasion risk and are considered relatively safe from invasion. These findings underscore that climate change will exacerbate invasion risks across Asia, emphasizing the urgent need for robust management strategies, including stringent quarantine measures and control efforts, to mitigate the threat of A. mearnsii expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in the Mandara Mountains in Cameroon and aimed to assess the effects of human activities on woody vegetation in gallery forests, based on floristic inventories and observations made by the government. Firstly, the inventories were carried out in 150 plots of 1000 m2 each, installed on the banks of watercourses following the band of plant formations. In each plot, woody species were counted and those showing at least one sign of degradation were noted. Secondly, the survey was conducted in 18 administrative structures made up of delegations (MINFOF, MINADER, MINEPDED, and MINEPIA) and town halls. One hundred woody species, grouped into 63 genera and 30 families, have been inventoried, in which 45 species showed at least one sign of damage caused by human being. The species most affected are Anogeissus leiocarpus (67 stems), Azadirachta indica (46 stems), Diospyros mespiliformis (43 stems), Acacia albida (42 stems), Andira inermis (30 stems), Acacia sieberiana (23 stems), Khaya senegalensis (19 stems), Ficus sycomorus (13 stems), and Acacia polyacantha (10 stems). The most recurrent activity in the gallery forests is pruning (212 stems), followed by cutting (93 stumps), then picking (71 individuals). However, there are fewer debarked trees (11) and trees with fire trail (6). According to the responses provided, logging (77.78%), agriculture (72.22%), population growth (44.44%), grazing (33.33%), and bush fires (33.33%) are the main causes of the degradation of plant formations in the Mandara Mountains. These main factors could have a negative impact on biodiversity if appropriate integrated management measures are not taken. To maintain these vital ecosystems, an integrated management plan must be put in place, limiting human activities to a minimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting how plants respond to drought requires an understanding of how physiological mechanisms and drought response strategies occur, as these strategies underlie rates of gas exchange and productivity. We assessed the response of 11 plant traits to repeated experimental droughts in four co-occurring species of central Australia. The main goals of this study were to: (i) compare the response to drought between species; (ii) evaluate whether plants acclimated to repeated drought; and (iii) examine the degree of recovery in leaf gas exchange after cessation of drought. Our four species of study were two tree species and two shrub species, which field studies have shown to occupy different ecohydrological niches. The two tree species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. and Corymbia opaca (D.J.Carr & S.G.M.Carr) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson) had large reductions in stomatal conductance (g s) values, declining by 90% in the second drought. By contrast, the shrub species (Acacia aptaneura Maslin & J.E.Reid and Hakea macrocarpa A.Cunn. ex R.Br.) had smaller reductions g s in the second drought of 52 and 65%, respectively. Only A. aptaneura showed a physiological acclimatation to drought due to small declines in g s versus ᴪpd (0.08 slope) during repeated droughts, meaning they maintained higher rates of g s compared with plants that only experienced one final drought (0.19 slope). All species in all treatments rapidly recovered leaf gas exchange and leaf mass per area following drought, displaying physiological plasticity to drought exposure. This research refines our understanding of plant physiological responses to recurrent water stress, which has implications for modelling of vegetation, carbon assimilation and water use in semi-arid environments under drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mytilinidioid fungi are conchiform in nature, with the appearance of bivalve shells or wedge-shaped, rigid, brittle, and carbonaceous hysterothecia growing on the bark of gymnosperms or angiosperms. Based on their morphological characteristics and molecular markers (ITS and LSU), this study describes three new species of mytilinidioid fungi: Ericboehmia mexicana of the family Hysteriaceae of the order Hysteriales and Lophium pinicola and Mytilinidion mexicanum of the family Mytilinidiaceae of the order Mytilinidiales. The first species grows on Liquidambar styracyphlua, the second species grows on Pinus patula, and the third species grows on Acacia californica subsp. pringlei. The specimens studied were deposited in the ENCB Herbarium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on the modelling of the production of bio-oil by thermochemical liquefaction. Species Acacia melanoxylon was used as the source of biomass, the standard chemical 2-Ethylhexanol (2-EHEX) was used as solvent, p-Toluenesulfonic acid (pTSA) was used as the catalyst, and acetone was used for the washing process. This procedure consisted of a moderate acid-catalysed liquefaction process and was applied at 3 different temperatures to determine the proper model: 100, 135, and 170 °C, and at 30-, 115-, and 200-min periods with 0.5%, 5.25%, and 10% (m/m) catalyst concentrations of overall mass. Optimized results showed a bio-oil yield of 83.29% and an HHV of 34.31 MJ/kg. A central composite face-centred (CCF) design was applied to the liquefaction reaction optimization. Reaction time, reaction temperature, as well as catalyst concentration, were chosen as independent variables. The resulting model exhibited very good results, with a highly adjusted R-squared (1.000). The liquefied products and biochar samples were characterized by Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed. The results show that invasive species such as acacia may have very good potential to generate biofuels and utilize lignocellulosic biomass in different ways. Additionally, using acacia as feedstock for bio-oil liquefaction will allow the valorisation of woody biomass and prevent forest fires as well. Besides, this process may provide a chance to control the invasive species in the forests, reduce the effect of forest fires, and produce bio-oil as a renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Three different Acacia seeds (A. retinodes, A. provincialis and A. tenuissima) harvested from different locations and in different years were analysed for their variations in proximate and mineral composition. Results showed no one species had the highest content across all proximate and mineral analyses, for example, A. retinodes Harmans 2020 had the highest ash (3.7%), A. retinodes Harmans 2022 had the highest protein content (31.3%), A. tenuissima Hindmarsh 2020 had the highest fat content (18.5%) and A. provincialis Tarrington 2022 had the highest magnesium content (469 mg/100 g). Principle component analysis was carried out to determine the effect of species, harvest locations and years on the chemical composition. A biplot of the first two principal components with a total of 60.5% variation showed clustering based on harvest years. The compositions of the Acacia seeds were determined to be affected by species, harvest location and year differences. However, a complete gene–environment interaction study is needed to validate this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytogenic additives such as tannins are characterized as polyphenolic compounds known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory properties that have been used to enhance the performance, intestinal health, and meat quality of broiler chickens. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary supplementation of tannins from Acacia mearnsii on the intestinal morphometrics, litter moisture, and growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 1400 Cobb 500 one-day-old male chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatments with eight replicates (35 birds/pen) until 42 days of age. The treatments consisted of Salmonella Heidelberg-challenged groups supplemented with 0, 300, 500, 700, or 900 mg/kg tannin from Acacia mearnsii. A four-phase feeding program was used with pre-starter, starter, grower, and finisher feeds. At 3 days of age, birds were orally gavaged with an S. Heidelberg culture. Feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated until day 42. The morphometry of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was measured at 7 and 42 days of age. From 1 to 28, 1 to 35, and 1 to 42 days of age, tannin supplementation for broilers under S. Heidelberg challenge led to quadratic increases (p < 0.05) in BWG, with optimal responses at 265, 412, and 456 mg/kg, respectively. No effects of tannin were observed on FCR in all periods. Villus height was similar in all segments on day 7 (p > 0.05); however, on day 42, tannin supplementation that improved villus height of the ileum was 600 mg/kg (p = 0.0100). In conclusion, tannins from Acacia mearnsii were able to improve body weight gain and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens under an imposed challenge of S. Heidelberg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the influence of canopy trees on soils in natural and restored forest environments is well studied, the influence of understory species is not. Here, we evaluate the effects of outplanted native woody understory on invasive grass biomass and soil nutrient properties in heavily grass-invaded 30 + year-old plantations of a native N-fixing tree Acacia koa in Hawai'i. We analyze soils from under A. koa trees with versus without planted woody understory and compare these to soils from under remnant pasture trees of the pre-deforestation dominant, Metrosideros polymorpha where passive recruitment of native woody understory has occurred since the cessation of grazing. Simultaneously, we experimentally planted understory species at three times the density used by managers to see if this could quickly decrease grass biomass and change soil nutrient dynamics. We found that invasive grass biomass declined with understory planting in surveyed and experimental sites. Yet, woody understory abundance had no effect on N cycling. Short-term N availability and nitrification potential were higher under A. koa than M. polymorpha trees regardless of understory. Net N mineralization either did not differ (~ 1 mo) between canopy species or was higher (171 day incubations) under remnant M. polymorpha where organic matter was also higher. The only influence of understory on soil was a positive correlation with loss-on-ignition (organic matter) under M. polymorpha. We also demonstrate differential controls over N cycling under the two canopy tree species. Overall, understory restoration has not changed soil characteristics even as invasive grass biomass declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senegalia was recently described as non-monophyletic; however, its sections exhibit robust monophyletic support, suggesting a potential reclassification into separate genera—Senegalia sect. Monocanthea p.p. is the largest section. It contains 164 species of pantropical distribution and includes all of the current 99 neotropical species of Senegalia; however, no morphological characteristics are available to differentiate this section. To characterize this section, we examined floral developmental traits in four species of Senegalia sect. Monocanthea p.p. These traits were previously considered as potentially distinguishing features within Acacia s.l. and include the onset patterns of the androecium, the timing of calyx union, the origin of the staminal disc, and the presence of stomata on the petals. Furthermore, we analyzed previously unexplored traits, such as corolla union types, inflorescence development, and micromorphological features related to the indumentum, as well as the presence and location of stomata. The characteristics proposed as potential synapomorphies of the group include the postgenital fusion of the corolla and the presence of a staminal disc formed at the base of the filaments. The other analyzed floral characteristics were not informative for the characterization of the group. Future studies of floral ontogeny will help to establish more precise patterns, mainly whether corolla union and staminal tube formation occur similarly in African and Asian sections of Senegalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii on intravaginal temperature, production and milk composition of Holstein cows in a subtropical environment. The study period was 29 days and 20 multiparous Holstein cows were selected with an average milk production of 50 ± 6 kg/day and 147 ± 83 days in milk. The cows were separated into two treatments: Control (n = 10) did not receive dietary supplementation. Tannin (n = 10) received Condensed Tannin (Tanac S.A., Montenegro, RS, Brazil) at a dose of 0.19% dry matter (40 g/cow/day). Animals were monitored for milk production and composition as well as intravaginal temperature. The environmental temperature and humidity index (THI) were monitored. The mean THI was 72.39 ± 0.69. The mean intravaginal temperature was 39.17 ± 0.14 °C in the Tannin treatment and 39.03 ± 0.14°C in the Control treatment (P > 0.05). The animals in the Tannin treatment exhibited an intravaginal temperature of 39.2 °C at THI 69.38, and the Control treatment exhibited the same temperature at THI 70.16 (receiver operating characteristic (ROC); P < 0.01). Milk production was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (51.38 ± 0.90 kg/day and 49.94 ± 1.05 kg/day, respectively; P < 0.01). The protein content in milk was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (3.20 ± 0.01% and 3.04 ± 0.01%; respectively; P < 0.01). The results of this study suggested that tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii can attenuate heat stress and its negative effects on animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The global recognition of eco‐friendly products like plant‐based dyes is escalating, driven by their exceptional biological and Ayurvedic attributes. This study isolates colorants from mango turmeric (Curcuma aromatica) using ultrasonic irradiation, supplemented with bio‐mordants to enhance color retention. Through the utilization of Response Surface Methodology and Central Composite Design, a technique that was optimized was completed to maximize coloring variables using statistical analysis. Results from 32 experimental runs reveal that optimal color depth (K/S = 19.399) was achieved with ultrasonic‐treated silk fabric (20 min exposure) using 65 mL of irradiated aqueous extract (20 min) with a pH of 5, supplemented with 1.5 g/100 mL salt of sodium chloride, maintained the temperature 75°C for the 45 min. Precoloring treatment with acacia, pomegranate, and pistachio extracts at specified concentrations enhanced colorfastness. Postdyeing, alterations in the concentrations of these extracts led to further improvements in colorfastness. Notably, adding Al+3 and Fe+2 salts, alongside tannic acid, exhibited notable effects in both pre‐ and postdyeing stages. While the colorfastness properties of unmordated silk fabric was lower than mordanted dyed silk fabric. Irradiation with ultrasonic waves significantly boosted the amount of dye that could be extracted from rhizomes of mango turmeric. Moreover, the application of bio and synthetic mordants in a strategic manner led to colorfastness ratings on silk fabric that ranged from excellent to satisfactory. This research underscores ultrasonic technologies and bio‐mordants' efficacy in sustainable dyeing processes, offering insights for developing eco‐friendly textile coloration methods.

Abstract Green products such as plant tints are becoming more and more well-known worldwide due to their superior biological and ayurvedic properties. In this work, colorant from Amba Haldi (Curcuma aromatica) was isolated using microwave (MW), and bio-mordants were added to produce colorfast shades. Response surface methodology was used to develop a central composite design (CCD), which maximizes coloring variables statistically. The findings from 32 series of experiments show that excellent color depth (K/S = 12.595) was established onto MW-treated silk fabric (RS = 4 min) by employing 65 mL of radiated aqueous extract (RE = 4 min) of 5 pH cutting-edge the existence of 1.5 g/100 mL used sodium chloride at 75 °C for 45 min. It was discovered that acacia (keekar) extract (1%), pomegranate extract (2%), and pistachio extract (1.5%) were present before coloring by the use of bio-mordants. On the other hand, upon dyeing, acacia extract (1.5%), pomegranate extract (1.5%), and pistachio extract (2%) have all shown extremely strong colorfast colors. Comparatively, before dyeing, salts of Al3+ (1.5%), Fe2+ (2%), and TA (1.5%) gave good results; after dyeing, salts of Al3+ (1%) and Fe2+ (1.5%) and TA (2%) gave good results. When applied to silk fabric, MW radiation has increased the production of dyes recovered from rhizomes. Additionally, the right amount of chemical and biological mordants have been added, resulting in color fastness ratings ranging from outstanding to good. Therefore, the natural color extracted from Amba Haldi can be a sustainable option for the dyeing of silk fabric in the textile dyeing and finishing industries.

The increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves will intensify stress on plants. Given regional variation in heatwave exposure and expected differences in thermal tolerance between species it is unlikely that all plant species will be affected equally by climate change. However, little is currently known about variation in the responses of plants to heat stress, or how those responses differ among closely related species adapted to different environments. Here we quantify the response of 17 Acacia species (175 RNA‐seq libraries), from across Australia's diverse biomes, to a multi‐day experimental heatwave treatment to identify variation in transcriptomic and physiological responses to heat stress. Genes with known heat response functions showed consistent responses across Acacia species. Up to 10% of all genes and over 100 gene families showed significant clinal variation in the magnitude of their expression plasticity across species. Specifically, gene families linked to the temperature stress response were overrepresented among significant relationships with home range temperature conditions. Gene expression responses seen on the first day of the heatwave were more frequently associated with home range climates, while expression responses by day four were more commonly related to photosystem II acclimation. Comparative transcriptomics on non‐model species has the potential to provide key information on stress response plasticity, especially when linked with our understanding of model species. Our study indicates that the pressing challenge to identifying potentially vulnerable species to climate change could be benefited by the further exploration of clinal variation in transcriptome plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of electrocution with magnetized water on the seed germination and seedling growth characteristics of Acacia cyanophylla. The seeds exposed to electrocution with magnetized water at low magnetic flux levels had different exposure durations using a device designed for this purpose. The parameters were zero × zero, four amps × zero, four amps × 500 gauss, four amps × 850 gauss, and four amps × 1100 gauss, while the exposure durations were four, six, and eight minutes. The experiment occurred in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks. The results showed that treating A. cyanophylla seeds with an intensity of 4 amperes × 850 watts in all exposure periods displayed a significant increase in the seed germination ratio (60.00%) compared with the control treatment, recorded with the lowest germination ratio (37.77%). For growth characteristics, the treated seedlings with four amps × 850 gauss for four min emerged with the highest seedling height, dry weight, and shoot diameter, compared with the control treatment providing the lowest rates for studied growth traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of restoration programs may differ in terms of environmental and socioeconomic metrics, depending on the strategies employed and ecological settings. Thus, we synthesized different restoration strategies and discussed the environmental and socioeconomic factors influencing restoration success. In the present systematic review, we examined peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2024 that discussed strategies and factors impacting land-based restoration. Only 227 of 55,229 articles from ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases met the inclusion criteria. China, Brazil, and India are more active in conducting studies about land restoration compared to other regions, particularly in megadiverse countries in Asia with high degradation rates. There is a strong emphasis on practical and adaptive restoration strategies, including soil and water management (e.g., agroforestry), the use of native plant species, and weed and invasive species management. The prevalence of Acacia, Leucaena, and Eucalyptus species in restoration programs can inform decisions about effective species selection. Here, a holistic understanding of the complex ecological processes is crucial for the development of effective restoration strategies. Although policy frameworks have received less attention in restoration research, their incorporation into restoration projects can help address policy implications for land-based restoration. Overall, successful restoration necessitates a thorough understanding of the optimal strategies and environmental and socioeconomic factors impacting restoration success. Future restoration initiatives can leverage such an understanding to ensure successful implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia (the wattles) is the largest genus of plants in Australia and its species occupy almost every habitat in the country. Hard galls on the branches, phyllodes and flower parts of wattle trees were noticed from the very early days of British colonisation, but their causes were unknown. Some insects were believed to be involved, but they were not the only cause of wattle galls. In 1889, the Italian mycologist Pier Andrea Saccardo described the rust fungus Uromyces tepperianus from the galls on Acacia salicina , and later, the Victorian government vegetable pathologist, Daniel McAlpine transferred the species tepperianus to his new genus Uromycladium which also included six new species. A total of 28 valid species of Uromycladium , most endemic to Australia, are currently described. Several species of Uromycladium were somehow introduced into South Africa and countries in southeast Asia where they cause significant losses in Acacia plantations, while others are used as biocontrol agents for invasive Acacia species. Short biographies of two of the early collectors of rust galls, the South Australian naturalist and later entomologist Johann Gottlieb Otto Tepper and the Victorian plant pathologist Charles Clifton Brittlebank are also presented. The wattles (Acacia species) are an ancient and iconic Australian genus of trees and shrubs which form part of the identity of the nation. Galls were a common feature on wattle trees, initially being attributed to the activity of some insects, but later a genus of rust fungi, Uromycladium , was found to also cause galls. The lives of two of the early collectors of wattle rust galls, Otto Tepper and Charles Brittlebank, are also illuminated in this paper. Photograph by Alastair McTaggart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the impacts of saponin, extracted from the fruits of Acacia Concinna, in its effectiveness as a dispersant and stabilizer during the pipeline conveyance of iron ore particles. The basic fundamental characteristics of iron ore, which comprises a majority of hematite and has a size of (≤75 µm), have been examined and characterized. Iron ore water slurry (IWS) rheological behavior has been investigated as a function of saponin doses, pH, particle concentration, and the shear rate-shear stress correlation. The change in zeta potential with pH is used to compute the isoelectric point of IWS. An appropriate mechanism has been presented to explicate the interaction between saponin and particles of Iron ore. The surface-modified particles exhibit improved dispersion characteristics in the aqueous solution due to the modification of electrostatic force that the surface charge on each particle causes. Investigation indicates that the optimal proportion of saponin had a significant favorable effect on the fluidity and stability of the suspension. The analysis of the economic impact of the dispersant has been conducted through the evaluation of slurry head loss and specific energy consumption (SEC) pertaining to the implementation of the IWS pipeline in its intended commercial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface water resources have played a fundamental role in the development of human societies. Considering that different agricultural and industrial activities are carried out in the Acacias River basin, the main objective of this research was to analyze the influence of land use on the water quality in this area by identifying the main sources that influence river water quality. The methodology consisted of establishing 12 sampling stations with different land uses at three times. The National Sanitation Foundation-Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI) was applied to the obtained water quality evaluation data. The main results showed that the stations associated with urban centers presented a higher concentration in the following variables: fecal coliforms, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and phosphates. The principal components analysis revealed a close relation between the parameters of fecal coliforms, phosphates and BOD, and the pollution processes by organic matter, which are probably related to domestic and industrial wastewater discharges, and to detergents in urbanized areas. The parameters with the greatest range of values were total dissolved solids and turbidity. These results coincide with what was observed in the correlation analysis. Finally, nitrates showed higher concentrations at stations 6 and 7, associated with agricultural and industrial influence areas (i.e., oil palm crops in the basin). This study about the Acacias River is, thus, extremely important for the region, and concludes that the river's self-purifying capacity allows improved water quality in the areas where the predominant land use is not associated with human settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many invasive alien species (IAS) produce secondary metabolites that affect how other plants function (allelopathic compounds) and can drive other species invasion, as proposed by the invasional meltdown hypothesis. Acacia melanoxylon and Eucalyptus globulus are two of such species. In this study, we analyzed the germination response of seven IAS (Acacia dealbata, Acacia mearnsii, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia longifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Paraserianthes lophantha, Phytolacca americana) and a native biotest species (Lactuca sativa) to the application of two different aqueous extracts at two different concentrations of donor species A. melanoxylon and E. globulus. Extract compounds were identified by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Eucalyptus aqueous extracts significantly reduced germination in three species (A. dealbata, E. globulus, P. americana). The germination of all the species tested was reduced with acacia aqueous extracts. Our results support the postulates of the Biochemical Recognition Hypothesis in that seeds gauge establishment potential based on phytochemical release of other plants. Furthermore, A. melanoxylon and E. globulus lowered their own germination, suggesting that these species exhibit intraspecific biochemical recognition. We also found support for the Novel Weapons Hypothesis in the case of L. sativa as a native species. Our research shows that phytochemicals are a component of plant-plant interactions, including the invasion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia dealbata Link, known as Mimosa in Portugal, is an invasive hardwood species with potential for construction use, but research is limited. The available stock of small-diameter juvenile wood logs can help reduce this gap, but tangential cracking at log ends challenges fastener connections. This study evaluated different treatments to control and reduce end-face cracking in small wood logs during air drying, an economical and environmentally friendly procedure. The extreme two-thirds of sixteen Mimosa logs were subjected to two treatments: one with longitudinal kerfs 15 mm deep along the length (two and three kerfs) and the other with a hollow in the center up to half the length (16 mm and 30 mm diameters). Over 219 days of air drying and compared with the central part, kerfing treatments significantly reduced outer-wood tangential cracking (p < 0.001), with the three kerfs also reducing crack numbers (p < 0.05) but increasing significantly cracks near the pith (p < 0.01). The 30 mm central hollow significantly reduced central perforation cracking (p < 0.05). Prospectively, the results suggest that a combined treatment approach involving cross-cuts could help reduce and/or control end cracking, thereby improving the suitability of wild Mimosa logs for construction use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper in Southern Forests , Jaganathan and co-workers indicated that the low constant-temperature drying method (LCTDM) (103°C for 17 h) is satisfactory for determining moisture content (MC) in seeds with physical dormancy (PY). Would this recommendation apply to Acacia , a large genus (1000+ species) with a seed coat so strong that seeds in the soil can maintain high viability for many decades? MC was assessed, using the LCTDM, in six Australian Acacia species by comparing intact seeds with those cut in half. Halved seeds of all species lost moisture rapidly and their mass had largely stabilised after about 2–3 h. Intact seeds had a wide variation in moisture-loss patterns. In some species, the testa was morphologically unchanged after 24 h at 103°C and this was associated with a relatively slow moisture loss. In other species, the testa had completely shattered after 8 h, leading to a rapid moisture loss. If the LCTDM is used to determine MC in Acacia species, it is advisable to employ a technique that substantially disrupts the testa. Moisture content (MC) is an important property of seeds, associated with many aspects of physiological seed quality. Acacias have very hard seed coats, which means that seeds can survive for decades in the soil, but in standard methods of determining MC (e.g. heating in an oven at 103°C for 17 h), the moisture in the seed might not be able to escape. The standard method can work for some Acacia species; however, to ensure accurate results, seeds should be halved before going into the oven. Image by Geoff Burrows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beyond ecological and health impacts, invasive alien plant species can generate indirect and direct costs, notably through reduced agricultural yields, restoration, and management of the invaded environment. Acacia dealbata and Ailanthus altissima are invasive plant species that cause particularly significant damage to the railway network in the Mediterranean area. The allelopathic properties of Mediterranean plant species could be used as nature‐based solutions to slow down the spread of such invasive plant species along railway borders. In this context, a mesocosm experiment was set‐up: (i) to test the potential allelopathic effects of Cistus ladanifer, Cistus albidus, and Cotinus coggygria leaf aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of A. dealbata and A. altissima; (ii) to evaluate whether these effects depend on the extract dose; and finally, (iii) to estimate whether these effects are modified by soil amendment. Leaf aqueous extracts of the three native plant species showed negative effects on both seed germination and seedling growth of the two invasive species. Our results show that the presence of allelochemicals induces a delay in seed germination (e.g., A. dealbata germination lasted up to 269% longer in the presence of high‐dose leaf aqueous extracts of C. coggygria), which can lead to a decrease in individual recruitment. They also highlight a decrease in seedling growth (e.g., high‐dose C. coggygria leaf aqueous extracts induced a 26% decrease in A. dealbata radicle growth), which can alter the competitiveness of invasive species for resource access. Our results also highlight that compost addition limits the inhibitory effect of native Mediterranean plants on the germination of invasive alien plants, suggesting that soil organic matter content can counteract allelopathic effects on invasive alien plants. Thus, our findings revealed that the allelopathic potential of certain Mediterranean plant species could be a useful tool to manage invasive plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligonychus perseae Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a major pest of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) crops, but it also causes damage to other crops and ornamental plants. Classifying and evaluating the type of spatial distribution pattern of mites on their host plants under natural conditions is ecologically and biologically important. Furthermore, to develop strategies to control the populations of pest mites in agroecosystems, it is essential to know the type of spatial pattern of distribution (uniform, random, or aggregate) of that mite on its host plant and its habitat. This study aimed to classify and assess the spatial distribution of O. perseae on A. saligna. The indices of Lloyd's mean crowding indices, Morisita, and mean-variance relationship classified the spatial pattern of dispersion of the persea mites as aggregate. Iwao's mean crowding regression and Taylor's power law confirmed these results, which indicated that O. perseae formed aggregate colonies to reproduce, avoid predators, and socialize. This is also the first report of O. perseae on A. saligna in Baja California and may help us developing sampling programs for O. perseae. Resumen Oligonychus perseae Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae) es una plaga importante del aguacate (Persea americana Mill.), pero también causa daños a otros cultivos y plantas ornamentales. Clasificar y evaluar el tipo de patrón de distribución espacial de los ácaros en sus plantas hospederas bajo condiciones naturales es importante para desarrollar estrategias de control de sus poblaciones. La distribución espacial de O. perseae sobre A. saligna se midió con los índices de hacinamiento medio de Lloyd, Morisita y la relación mediavarianza clasificaron el patrón de dispersión espacial de los ácaros persea como agregado. La regresión de hacinamiento medio de Iwao y la ley de potencia de Taylor confirmaron estos resultados, indicando que O. perseae formó colonias agregadas para reproducirse, evitar depredadores y socializar. Este es también el primer reporte de O. perseae sobre A. saligna en Baja California, y nos puede sirvir para desarrollar programas de muestro para O. perseae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates a comparative study between mechanical and ImhoflotTM cells on a mini-pilot scale and the applicability of one self-aspirated H-16 cell (hybrid ImhoflotTM cell) on an industrial scale on-site. The VM-04 cell (vertical feed to the separator vessel with 400 mm diameter) was fabricated, developed, and examined. The copper flotation experiments were conducted under similar volumetric conditions for both the ImhoflotTM and mechanical flotation cells keeping the rest of the parameters constant. Further, one H-16 cell was positioned at four different stages in the Gökirmak copper flotation circuit of the Acacia (Türkiye) copper beneficiation plant, i.e., at (i) pre-rougher flotation, (ii) rougher concentrate, (iii) cleaner-scavenger tailing, and (iv) first cleaning concentrate aiming at enhancing the flotation circuit capacity through flash flotation in the rougher stage, reducing copper grade in the final tailing, and increasing cleaning throughput, respectively. Comparative copper flotation tests showed that ultimate recoveries using the ImhoflotTM and mechanically agitated conventional cells were 94% and 74%, respectively. The industrial scale test results indicated that locating one pneumatic H-16 cell with the duty of pre-floating (also known as flash flotation) led to the enrichment ratio and recovery of 4.84 and 89%, respectively. Positioning the H-16 cell at the cleaner-scavenger tailings could diminish the copper tailings grade from 0.43% to 0.31%. Further, a relatively greater enrichment ratio and copper recovery were obtained using only one ImhoflotTM cell (1.76 and 64%) in comparison with employing four existing mechanical cells (50 m3, each cell) in series (1.45 and 60%) at the first cleaner stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research work was to investigate the influence of parameters such as particle size, mass/solvent ratio, temperature and spray drying on the tannin extraction process in order to develop cost-effective methods with better environmental and structural performance. The pods of Acacia nilotica ssp. tomentosa (ANT) were fractionated into three fractions, coarse fraction (C) (>2 mm), medium fraction (M) (1–2 mm), and fine fraction (F) < 1 mµ), and extracted with different water-to-pod ratios (2:1, 4:1 and 6:1) at different temperatures (30, 50 and 70 °C). The best results were scaled up using the three fractions of ANT, its bark and the bark of Acacia seyal var. seyal (ASS). Part of their extract was spray dried. The tannin content and total polyphenolic materials were evaluated using standard methods. Their adhesives were tested for their tensile strength. Tannins of ASS were characterized by 13C NMR and MALDI-TOF. The results revealed that the fine fraction (F) gave the highest percentage of tannins in both small and scaled-up experiments. The results of the tensile strength conformed to the European standard. The 13C NMR spectra of ANT and ASS showed that the bark contained condensed tannins mainly consisting of procyanidins/prodelphinidin of 70%/30% and 60%/40%, respectively. MALDI–TOF spectra confirmed the results obtained by 13C NMR and detailed the presence of flavonoid monomers and oligomers, some of which were linked to short carbohydrate monomers or dimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (Black wattle) is a forest species with great social and economical importance for the southern region of Brazil. This species has multifunctional characteristics, being cultivated to produce tannin, cellulose and energy. This research identified black wattle genotypes with competence for adventitious rooting for mini-cutting propagation. Single-bud mini-cuttings were treated with IBA at a concentration of 2000 mg L-1. After 30 days of cultivation in a humid chamber, the mini-cuttings were evaluated for percentages of survival, rooting, number of roots, average length of the three largest roots, and the number of mini-cuttings rooted per mini-stump. The identification of the best genotypes was performed with the Selegen REML/BLUP software. Selection between and within black wattle progenies can be performed based on the number of rooted mini-cuttings, making it possible to select genotypes with high competence for adventitious rooting while maintaining genetic variability for new selection cycles to develop clones for vegetative propagation by mini-cutting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Acacia species are aggressive invaders outside their native range, often occupying extensive areas. Traditional management approaches have proven to be ineffective and economically unfeasible, especially when dealing with large infestations. Here, we explain a different approach to complement traditional management by using the waste from Acacia management activities. This approach can provide stakeholders with tools to potentially reduce management costs and encourage proactive management actions. It also prioritizes potential applications of Acacia waste biomass for agriculture and forestry as a way of sequestering the carbon released during control actions. We advocate the use of compost/vermicompost, green manure and charcoal produced from Acacia waste, as several studies have shown their effectiveness in improving soil fertility and supporting crop growth. The use of waste and derivatives as bioherbicides or biostimulants is pending validation under field conditions. Although invasive Acacia spp. are banned from commercialization and cultivation, the use of their waste remains permissible. In this respect, we recommend the collection of Acacia waste during the vegetative stage and its subsequent use after being dried or when dead, to prevent further propagation. Moreover, it is crucial to establish a legal framework to mitigate potential risks associated with the handling and disposal of Acacia waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Ethiopia relies on biomass resources for about 90% of its energy sources, problems such as deforestation and soil degradation have been intensified more than ever. To mitigate these problems, a possibility of using excess aquatic biomass such as water hyacinth as alternative energy is being investigated. In this study, fuel characteristics of biochar briquettes made from combination of water hyacinth biochars, different binders, and organic matter used in Ethiopia were evaluated. Water hyacinth was dried and pyrolyzed at 400 and 800°C (WHB400 and WHB800, respectively). Water hyacinth biochar was mixed with different binders (molasses and Ethiopian soil) at a ratio of [6:4:0] without organic matter, or at a ratio of [6:3:1] with organic matter ([water hyacinth biochar:binder:organic matter]). The experimental results showed that WHB400 with molasses as binder without organic matter [6:4:0] was the best mixing ratio as biochar briquette with the highest higher heating value and the greatest compressive strength among all other biochar briquettes. Therefore, this study showed water hyacinth biochar could be a great potential as an alternative fuel to conventional acacia charcoal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raising paiche in the Peruvian Amazon it produces enough raw material to produce leather skins, but because of his use limited, these skins They present a pollution problem. In its research study, the importance of using both mechanical procedures as chemicals to obtain high quality leather. To bring about the process, they were used in different concentrations of quebracho and mimosa. Paiche skin leather resulting was resistant and moldable, with a bending resistance capacity that exceeded 30,000 bends without deformation, thus providing greater tear resistance T1 (146.23 N) and T5 (143.12 N), and greater traction in T4 (16.62 N/mm2), Furthermore, the leather had ashes less than 1 %, humidity less than 9%, and chromium oxide content by below 1.5%. It was also treated the effluent generated during the process getting values acceptable pH, conductivity and COD. The study I consider the legislation existing in the country to guarantee the protection and safety of workers during the management of paiche skin tanning, considering the use of chromium oxide as a high risk for the health of workers, the regulations are still insufficient and the protection and security of the workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If we are to reckon Ursula K. Le Guin as the architect of several liminal ecotopian landscapes, what is most noticeable is her pervasive attitude toward the evolutionary ethic of speculative fiction, which clearly encompasses experimentation on several mind-bending ideas, such as the veracity of accessing other-than-human contexts and models of communication, as well as the examination of complex multisensorial modalities backing such phenomena. As a result, it is evident that Le Guin passionately pronounced the ecocultural imperative as the yardstick of her creative sorties, while she explored radical possibilities for networking life and relationships in fictional geographies. On these lines, the three short stories chosen for discussion--Direction of the Road, The Author of the Acacia Seeds, and Texts--are based on the premise of one perceiving and interpreting what otherwise cannot be easily shaped in words. Can a rhizomatic entity claim sentience and chronicle its saga of psycho-ambulatory movement? Can the eusocial ant be deemed an authentic antiquarian scribe on par with a human? Can the ocean's spatial language of ebb and flow be adequately deciphered? These are earth-centered thematic questions raised and answered by Le Guin in the vein of imaginative realism. So too, we observe, the distinctive feature that characterizes the author's narratives is her emphasis on the subject of geo-linguistics and eco-historicism, whereupon every rock, tree, bird, and insect is deemed the hero of one's own story. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia longifolia (Andrews) Willd. is a legume native to southeast mainland Australia and Tasmania and has two described subspecies: A. l. subsp. longifolia and A. l. subsp. sophorae. The species has been introduced around the world and is considered invasive in several Mediterranean-type climate regions, including in South America, South Africa, and southern Europe. Previous studies comparing native and invasive populations of A. longifolia have focused on its reproductive ecology and population genetics, and little information exists on the species' early life development and how abiotic factors influence it. Here, we performed a glasshouse experiment to compare the phenotypic responses of native and invasive (in Portugal) A. longifolia seedlings to different levels of water and nutrient availability. We found that seedlings of both subspecies responded similarly to different water and nutrient availability conditions in terms of biomass accumulation, root length, the number of phyllodes produced, phyllode water content, and root-to-shoot ratio. However, compared to native seedlings, invasive seedlings had limited capacity for stress responses. We found that invasive seedlings had lower drought tolerance than native seedlings, and thus the speed of invasion by A. longifolia into drier parts of Portugal may be hindered. Our results also hint of a possible role of seed "imprinting" in this species' early growth responses, resulting in different resource allocation strategies such as favouring early growth and development over drought resistance in the invaded range. Further studies are required to better understand the species' abiotic stress responses at the intraspecific level and their relation to its invasiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse studies have showed that the pesticides can cause important damages in ecosystem. Therefore, the development of bio pesticides through nanotechnology can increase efficacy and limit the negative impacts in the environmental that traditionally seen through the use of chemical pesticides. Nanoparticles obtained from plants' extracts can be used for effective pest management as a combined formulation of metal and some other organic material present in the plants. In the present study, our evaluated biosynthesis of nanoparticles of copper used two plant extracts (Acacia cornigera and Annona purpurea), and the Taguchi method was adopted for the synthesis optimization of the following variables of biosynthesis: temperature, pH, extract concentration, and reaction times to maximize the insecticidal activity on Tribolium castaneum. Our results showed that the nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Acacia cornigera and Anona purpurea extract under optimum conditions under Taguchi L 9 orthogonal design, where copper nanoparticles were obtained with a size of 63–153 nm for using A. cornigera extract, 87–193 nm for A. purpurea extract, and a zeta potential of 9.6 mV and −32.7 mV, respectively. The nanoparticles of copper from A. cornigera showed effective insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum, and 90% mortality compared to the 76.6% obtained from nanoparticles of copper from A. purpurea. The results suggest that Cu-nanoparticles derived from both plants could be used as a biocontrol agent of Tribolium castaneum, a pest of stored grain with great economic importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 (

N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychedelic substance produced within various Acacia species; however, the range of species that contain it and the quantity of the compound found within each species is relatively unknown. This work focused on the identification of DMT in 104 plant samples, representing 79 Acacia species, utilizing a reverse phase liquid chromatographic separation prior to mass spectral characterization with a robust Q-TOF-MS method. The findings of this work determined 51 DMT-containing species, 41 of which were previously unknown to contain the psychedelic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cistus ladanifer L., Acacia dealbata L., and Aloysia citrodora Paláu were subject to an optimization procedure for two extraction techniques (heat-assisted extraction (HAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)). The extracts were then analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS for their phenolic profile (cistus—15 compounds, acacia—21 compounds, and lemon verbena—9 compounds). The response surface methodology was applied, considering four varying factors: ethanol percentage; extraction time; temperature/power; and S/L ratio, generating two responses (the major phenolic compound, or family of compounds, and the extraction yield). For cistus, both techniques optimized the extraction yield of punicalagins, with UAE proving to be the most efficient extraction method (3.22% ethanol, 22 min, 171 W, and 35 g/L). For acacia, HAE maximized the extraction of procyanidin (74% ethanol, 86 min, 24 °C, and 50 g/L), and UAE maximized the content of myricetin (65% ethanol, 8 min, 50 W, and 50 g/L). For lemon verbena, HAE favored the extraction of martynoside (13% ethanol, 96 min, 49 °C and 17 g/L) and forsythiaside UAE (94% ethanol, 25 min, 399 W, and 29 g/L). The optimal conditions for the extraction of compounds with high added value and potential for use in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals were defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small streams and their riparian vegetation are closely linked ecosystems. Thus, the invasion of native riparian forests with non‐native species can impact stream ecosystems.We assessed the effects of the invasion of broadleaf deciduous forests by evergreen, nitrogen‐fixing Acacia species on seasonal variation of relevant instream environmental variables, litterfall in the riparian area, aquatic decomposers, and leaf litter decomposition, by comparing three streams flowing through native forests (native streams) and three streams flowing through invaded forests (invaded streams) in central Portugal. Invaded streams flow through forests composed (almost) of monospecific stands of Acacia trees.Litterfall in the riparian area was sampled with fabric traps and sorted into five categories: leaf (including phyllodes), flower, fruit and seed, wood litter, and other materials. Aquatic hyphomycete conidia suspended in water were sampled to assess conidia concentration and community composition. Leaf litter of Quercus robur was enclosed in coarse‐mesh bags and incubated in streams to assess decomposition rates and associated macroinvertebrate density and community composition. Samples from each variable were collected monthly from streams over 1 year.Aquatic hyphomycete conidia concentration was higher in invaded streams in spring/summer when litter inputs, water temperature, and aquatic nutrient concentrations were higher. In contrast, conidia concentration was lower in invaded streams in autumn/winter as they received less native deciduous leaf litter in autumn than native streams. Aquatic hyphomycete community structure changed, and species richness was lower in invaded streams because aquatic nutrient concentrations were higher and leaf litter species richness was lower.Macroinvertebrate and shredder density in decomposing leaf litter did not differ between native and invaded streams, but litter bags may have artificially increased densities by providing high quality food and/or refuges in streams with poor‐quality resources. Nevertheless, macroinvertebrate community structure changed, and family richness was lower in invaded streams.Finally, decomposition rates of Q. robur leaf litter in coarse‐mesh bags were similar between stream types, despite differences in aquatic decomposer communities.Overall, Acacia invasion changed water quality, litterfall seasonality and composition, and aquatic decomposer communities (especially aquatic hyphomycetes). However, Acacia effects on macroinvertebrate density and leaf litter decomposition rates were less pronounced, suggesting that higher trophic levels may be more resilient to invasion than basal levels, or the invasion time/extent in our invaded streams was not strong enough to affect macroinvertebrates and associated processes. Instream invasion effects on aquatic hyphomycete communities were more strongly mediated by changes in litter inputs rather than increases in aquatic nutrient concentrations because they remained oligotrophic in invaded streams. Simplification of riparian and aquatic communities may render them less efficient in coping with additional environmental changes. Acacia effects might be mitigated by the maintenance of a riparian corridor composed of native vegetation. The protection of non‐invaded riparian galleries and restoration of invaded ones could protect and restore stream ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia melanoxylon is highly valued for its commercial applications, with the heartwood exhibiting a range of colors from dark to light among its various clones. The underlying mechanisms contributing to this color variation, however, have not been fully elucidated. In an effort to understand the factors that influence the development of dark heartwood, a comparative analysis was conducted on the microstructure, substance composition, differential gene expression, and metabolite profiles in the sapwood (SW), transition zone (TZ), and heartwood (HW) of two distinct clones, SR14 and SR25. A microscopic examination revealed that heartwood color variations are associated with an increased substance content within the ray parenchyma cells. A substance analysis indicated that the levels of starches, sugars, and lignin were more abundant in SP compared to HW, while the concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids were found to be higher in HW than in SP. Notably, the dark heartwood of the SR25 clone exhibited greater quantities of phenols and flavonoids compared to the SR14 clone, suggesting that these compounds are pivotal to the color distinction of the heartwood. An integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolomics data uncovered a significant accumulation of sinapyl alcohol, sinapoyl aldehyde, hesperetin, 2′, 3, 4, 4′, 6′-peptahydroxychalcone 4′-O-glucoside, homoeriodictyol, and (2S)-liquiritigenin in the heartwood of SR25, which correlates with the up-regulated expression of CCRs (evm.TU.Chr3.1751, evm.TU.Chr4.654_667, evm.TU.Chr4.675, evm.TU.Chr4.699, and evm.TU.Chr4.704), COMTs (evm.TU.Chr13.3082, evm.TU.Chr13.3086, and evm.TU.Chr7.1411), CADs (evm.TU.Chr10.2175, evm.TU.Chr1.3453, and evm.TU.Chr8.1600), and HCTs (evm.TU.Chr4.1122, evm.TU.Chr4.1123, evm.TU.Chr8.1758, and evm.TU.Chr9.2960) in the TZ of A. melanoxylon. Furthermore, a marked differential expression of transcription factors (TFs), including MYBs, AP2/ERFs, bHLHs, bZIPs, C2H2s, and WRKYs, were observed to be closely linked to the phenols and flavonoids metabolites, highlighting the potential role of multiple TFs in regulating the biosynthesis of these metabolites and, consequently, influencing the color variation in the heartwood. This study facilitates molecular breeding for the accumulation of metabolites influencing the heartwood color in A. melanoxylon, and offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying heartwood formation in woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia auriculiformis seed oil (ASO) contains linoleic acid (72%) and vernolic acid, which are capable of rendering it as a salient resource for coating applications. In this investigation, ASO a non-conventional source, was first converted to its fatty acid (AFA), followed by aminolysis and esterification to produce an AFA-based polyester amide resin (APEA), using toluene as an azeotropic solvent. Structural confirmation of APEA was performed by FTIR-ATR and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The AFA and APEA resin were characterized and compared with conventional soybean oil-based polyester amide resins (SPEA). The thermal stability of SPEA (270 °C) and APEA (274 °C) resins was determined and compared. Films were produced by curing the resins with melamine–formaldehyde and aliphatic poly-isocyanate and characterized by mechanical, and chemical resistance tests. These tests revealed that APEA has enhanced chemical resistance and scratch hardness than SPEA. The surface morphology of PEA resins was determined by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which shows PEA is compatible with these curing agents that contain different true solvents (based on polarity). To study the corrosion resistance properties, a paint primer was formulated with the resins and 5% zinc phosphate. The metal content of the cured primer film was analyzed by Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission (ICP-OE) spectroscopy. All the findings prove that ASO-based PEA exhibited better performance than the soya-based PEA. The APEA can be used as binders in coating formulations to improve the mechanical as well as corrosion resistance properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]