Search

Seed dispersal affects gene flow and hence genetic differentiation of plant populations. During the Late Quaternary, most fruit‐eating and seed‐dispersing megafauna went extinct, but whether these animals have left signatures in the population genetics of their food plants, particularly those with large, 'megafaunal' fruits (i.e. >4 cm—megafruits), remains unclear.Here, we assessed the population history, genetic differentiation and recent migration among populations of four animal‐dispersed palm (Arecaceae) species with large (Borassus madagascariensis), medium‐sized (Hyphaene coriacea, Bismarckia nobilis) and small (Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis) fruits on Madagascar. We integrated double‐digest restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD) of 167 individuals from 25 populations with (past) distribution ranges for extinct (e.g., giant lemurs and elephant birds) and extant seed‐dispersing animals, landscape and human impact data, and applied linear mixed‐effects models to explore the drivers of genetic variation in Malagasy palms.Palm populations that shared more megafrugivore species in the past had lower genetic differentiation than populations that shared fewer megafrugivore species. This suggests that megafrugivore‐mediated seed dispersal in the past may have led to frequent gene flow among populations. In comparison, extant frugivore diversity only decreased genetic differentiation in the small‐fruited palm. Furthermore, genetic differentiation of all palm species decreased with landscape connectivity (i.e. environmental suitability, forest cover and river density) and human impact (i.e. road density), while migration rates of the small‐fruit palm increased with road density.Synthesis. Our results suggest that the legacy of megafrugivores regularly achieving long dispersal distances is still reflected in the population genetics of palms that were formerly dispersed by such animals. Furthermore, low genetic differentiation was possibly maintained after the megafauna extinctions through alternative dispersal (e.g. human‐ or river‐mediated), long generation times and long lifespans of these megafruit palms. Our study illustrates how species interactions that happened >1000 years ago can leave imprints in their population genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Palms provide vital plant resources and ecosystem services to people across the tropics. To improve conservation guidance, a "health check" of palms in two highly threatened biodiversity hotspots in Colombia and Ecuador was undertaken. Palms are very diverse in these regions, but over one third are threatened with extinction now, especially among endemic species. Widespread and useful palms are also under intense human pressure and need to be prioritized in terms of sustainable management practices. Given the importance of palms for humans, inclusive conservation actions should be continued in both countries in order to safeguard this resource. Summary: Palms provide central plant resources to societies in the tropics, especially in the Global South. The western Pacific and Andean regions of Colombia and Ecuador host two hotspots of biodiversity. To prioritize conservation policies towards palms, we undertook a conservation assessment of species in the region.We compiled a taxonomically verified database of specimens collected in both hotspots. We inferred preliminary conservation assessments using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Criteria B. In addition, we evaluated the level of exposure of palms to human use and population density using the anthrome concept.We documented 144 native palm species in 33 genera occurring in both hotspots of Colombia and Ecuador. Of these, 55 are endemic to this region. We recorded 133 species for Colombia, 43 endemic, and 71 species for Ecuador, 9 endemic. A third of all palm species in the region are potentially threatened with extinction (50/144) and 12 as preliminary Critically Endangered. Aiphanes and Geonoma have the highest number of threatened species. In total, 60% of palm specimens were collected in the "low human impact" anthrome type. In contrast, 41% of specimens occur in high human density areas.The two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador are very diverse in palms. However, we show that this diversity is under threat and is predominantly found in areas impacted by human activities. Extinction risk is highest in endemic species in both countries. Widespread and useful palm species also face threats linked to overexploitation or habitat loss. Inclusive conservation measures should be designed to conserve, together with communities, this plant resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The differential diagnosis of atypical melanocytic skin lesions localized on palms and soles represents a diagnostic challenge: indeed, this spectrum encompasses atypical nevi (AN) and early-stage melanomas (EN) displaying overlapping clinical and dermoscopic features. This often generates unnecessary excisions or delayed diagnosis. Investigations to date were mostly carried out in specific populations, focusing either on acrolentiginous melanomas or morphologically typical acquired nevi. Aims: To investigate the dermoscopic features of atypical melanocytic palmoplantar skin lesions (aMPPLs) as evaluated by variously skilled dermatologists and assess their concordance; to investigate the variations in dermoscopic appearance according to precise location on palms and soles; to detect the features with the strongest association with malignancy/benignity in each specific site. Methods: A dataset of 471 aMPPLs—excised in the suspect of malignancy—was collected from 10 European Centers, including a standardized dermoscopic picture (17×) and lesion/patient metadata. An anatomical classification into 17 subareas was considered, along with an anatomo-functional classification considering pressure/friction, (4 macroareas). A total of 156 participants (95 with less than 5 years of experience in dermoscopy and 61 with ≥than 5 years) from 17 countries performed a blinded tele-dermoscopic pattern analysis over 20 cases through a specifically realized web platform. Results: A total of 37,440 dermoscopic evaluations were obtained over 94 (20%) EM and 377 (80%) AN. The areas with the highest density of EM compared to AN were the heel (40.3% EM/aMPPLs) of the sole and the "fingers area" (33%EM/aMPPLs) of the palm, both characterized by intense/chronic traumatism/friction. Globally, the recognition rates of 12 dermoscopic patterns were non statistically different between 95 dermatology residents and 61 specialists: aMPPLs in the plantar arch appeared to be the most "difficult" to diagnose, the parallel ridge pattern was poorly recognized and irregular/regular fibrillar patterns often misinterpreted. Regarding the aMPPL of the "heel area", the parallel furrow pattern (p = 0.014) and lattice-like pattern (p = 0.001) significantly discriminated benign cases, while asymmetry of colors (p = 0.002) and regression structures (p = 0.025) malignant ones. In aMPPLs of the "plantar arch", the lattice-like pattern (p = 0.012) was significant for benignity and asymmetry of structures, asymmetry of colors, regression structures, or blue-white veil for malignancy. In palmar lesions, no data were significant in the discrimination between malignant and benign aMPPLs. Conclusions: This study highlights that (i) the pattern analysis of aMPPLs is challenging for both experienced and novice dermoscopists; (ii) the histological distribution varies according to the anatomo-functional classification; and (iii) different dermoscopic patterns are able to discriminate malignant from benign aMPPLs within specific plantar and palmar areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This technical report was prepared in the context of EFSA's mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114), at the request of the European Commission. Its purpose is to support the Member States in the planning and preparation of crop‐based surveys of regulated pests in line with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. In particular, the report includes the list of palms and ornamental species reported as hosts of regulated pests within the scope of grant GP/EFSA/PLANTS/2022/10 'Development of crop‐based survey tools for plant pests of fruit trees, conifers, and palms and ornamentals in the EU'. A list of pests associated with palms and ornamentals is provided. In addition, the occurrence, phenology, main uses, management, distribution and climate suitability of palms and ornamentals in the EU is elaborated. Finally, the regulatory requirements and data on trade and import for palms and ornamentals are reported. In total, 111 palm tree species are reported as hosts of at least one of the regulated pests. Among them, only three are native to the EU, four are non‐native but locally abundant in the EU, while 104 palm species are considered to be very rare or absent in the EU. With the exception of the date palm, all palm species present in the EU are used for ornamental purposes. The ornamental crop group comprises 36 plant species, of which three are native to the EU, 14 are non‐native but locally abundant in the EU, and 19 are considered to be absent or very rare in the EU. Ornamentals are often cultivated in production systems ranging from low shelters or tunnels to high‐technology greenhouses or glasshouses. The most common ornamental plants in the EU that are grown as potted plants, seedlings, bulbs, corms or cut flowers include chrysanthemums, carnations, dahlias, pelargonium, gerbera and violas. Ornamentals are cultivated in all Member States; the Netherlands being by far the biggest producer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) is one of the most important economic crops abundantly found in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. The robustness of the palm triggered the Sarawak government’s selection as one of the state’s commodity crops, with the opening of several sago palm plantations. However, stunted (non-trunking) palms were reported in several sago palm plantations despite attaining a maturity period of more than ten years after cultivation. Research targeting this problem has been conducted in various fields, yet information on molecular mechanisms is still scarce. This study aimed to determine the genes responsible for sago palm’s normal phenotype (trunking) by attaining leaf transcriptomes from samples of all trunking sago palms from different sago palm plantations. Data description The conventional CTAB method was employed in the present investigation to extract total RNA from leaf tissues. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Differential expression analysis was performed using the DESeq2 package. A total of 6,119 differentially expressed genes, comprising 4,384 downregulated and 1,735 upregulated genes, were expressed in all three sago palm datasets. The datasets provide insights into the commonly expressed genes among trunking sago palms.

Salmonella species is the causative agent of typhoid fever which is a disease characterized by high mortality and morbidity worldwide. This study was carried out to screen oxacillin resistant- Salmonella species isolated from palms of some primary school pupils and food vendors within Kaduna South LGA, Nigeria. Three hundred (300) swab samples were collected from pupils and food vendors of the three selected primary schools as the sampling location. Salmonella enterica was isolated and identified using standard bacteriological methods. Isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin 28 (70.0%), Augmentin® 25 (65.0%) amoxicillin 25 (62.5%) and vancomycin 22 (55.0%) but showed resistance to oxacillin 9 (22.5%), ampicillin 12 (30.0%), chloramphenicol 15 (37.5%) and tetracycline 16 (40.0%). Antibiotics that exhibited intermediate susceptibility were methicillin 8 (20.0%) and gentamicin 11 (27.5%). Ciprofloxacin was the most effective antimicrobial agent against Salmonella enterica. The presence of oxacillin-resistant Salmonella enterica was detected via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis. The study recommends that regular monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility pattern and good hygiene practices such as hand washing with soap and water and the use of alcoholic based hand sanitizers should be encouraged.

BackgroundThe rising number of children identified with autism has led to exponential growth in for-profit applied behavior analysis (ABA) agencies and the use of highly structured approaches that may not be developmentally appropriate for young children. Multiple clinical trials support naturalistic developmental behavior interventions (NDBIs) that integrate ABA and developmental science and are considered best practices for young autistic children. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive NDBI shown to improve social communication outcomes for young autistic children in several controlled efficacy studies. However, effectiveness data regarding NDBI use in community-based agencies are limited.MethodsThis study uses a community-partnered approach to test the effectiveness of ESDM compared to usual early behavioral intervention (EBI) for improving social communication and language in autistic children served by community agencies. This is a hybrid type 1 cluster-randomized controlled trial with 2 conditions: ESDM and EBI. In the intervention group, supervising providers will receive training in ESDM; in the control group, they will continue EBI as usual. We will enroll and randomize 100 supervisors (50 ESDM, 50 EBI) by region. Each supervisor enrolls 3 families of autistic children under age 5 (n = 300) and accompanying behavior technicians (n = 200). The primary outcome is child language and social communication at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes include child adaptive behavior, caregiver use of ESDM strategies, and provider intervention fidelity. Child social motivation and caregiver fidelity will be tested as mediating variables. ESDM implementation determinants will be explored using mixed methods.DiscussionThis study will contribute novel knowledge on ESDM effectiveness, the variables that mediate and moderate child outcomes, and engagement of its mechanisms in community use. We expect results from this trial to increase community availability of this model and access to high-quality intervention for young autistic children, especially those who depend on publicly funded intervention services. Understanding implementation determinants will aid scale-up of effective models within communities.Trail registrationClinicaltrials.gov identifier number NCT06005285. Registered on August 21, 2023.Protocol versionIssue date 6 August 2024; Protocol amendment number: 02.

Abstract Background The rising number of children identified with autism has led to exponential growth in for-profit applied behavior analysis (ABA) agencies and the use of highly structured approaches that may not be developmentally appropriate for young children. Multiple clinical trials support naturalistic developmental behavior interventions (NDBIs) that integrate ABA and developmental science and are considered best practices for young autistic children. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive NDBI shown to improve social communication outcomes for young autistic children in several controlled efficacy studies. However, effectiveness data regarding NDBI use in community-based agencies are limited. Methods This study uses a community-partnered approach to test the effectiveness of ESDM compared to usual early behavioral intervention (EBI) for improving social communication and language in autistic children served by community agencies. This is a hybrid type 1 cluster-randomized controlled trial with 2 conditions: ESDM and EBI. In the intervention group, supervising providers will receive training in ESDM; in the control group, they will continue EBI as usual. We will enroll and randomize 100 supervisors (50 ESDM, 50 EBI) by region. Each supervisor enrolls 3 families of autistic children under age 5 (n = 300) and accompanying behavior technicians (n = 200). The primary outcome is child language and social communication at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes include child adaptive behavior, caregiver use of ESDM strategies, and provider intervention fidelity. Child social motivation and caregiver fidelity will be tested as mediating variables. ESDM implementation determinants will be explored using mixed methods. Discussion This study will contribute novel knowledge on ESDM effectiveness, the variables that mediate and moderate child outcomes, and engagement of its mechanisms in community use. We expect results from this trial to increase community availability of this model and access to high-quality intervention for young autistic children, especially those who depend on publicly funded intervention services. Understanding implementation determinants will aid scale-up of effective models within communities. Trail registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier number NCT06005285. Registered on August 21, 2023. Protocol version Issue date 6 August 2024; Protocol amendment number: 02.

Asexual species of Tubeufiaceae are characterised as helicosporous hyphomycetes and are abundantly discovered in tropical and subtropical regions. The present study collected helicosporous fungal samples from rotting tissues of Caryota mitis, Elaeis guineensis and E. oleifera in Xishuangbanna, Yunan Province, China. Fungal isolates were identified, based on the morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogeny with DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), part of the large subunit nuclear rRNA gene (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef 1-α) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit gene (rpb2). Herein, we introduce three new species viz. Helicoma oleifera, Neohelicosporium guineensis and N. xishuangbannaensis. In addition, we introduce two new host records of Helicoma guttulatum and H. rufum on Caryota mitis. The illustrations of all identified species, detailed descriptions and in-depth phylogenetic analyses are provided. Our results add new knowledge of fungal species associated with palm hosts in southern China. Moreover, our data will contribute to the biodiversity of fungi in tropical China.

Palms are an integral part of the urban landscape in Florida. Ganoderma butt rot of palms, a disease caused by the wood-decaying white-rot fungus Ganoderma zonatum, is one of the major biotic concerns for the landscape industry. The lethal disease is prevalent across palm-growing regions in the US, and all palm species are believed to be susceptible to this fungus. It may take six months to a year for the diseased palm to die once the initial symptoms appear. But with the availability of a disease diagnostic assay, this fungal pathogen can be detected using saw dust samples collected from declining palms, several months before symptoms appear. Collect good quality samples by following these steps and understanding the caveats associated with each step.

Societal Impact Statement Palms provide vital plant resources and ecosystem services to people across the tropics. To improve conservation guidance, a “health check” of palms in two highly threatened biodiversity hotspots in Colombia and Ecuador was undertaken. Palms are very diverse in these regions, but over one third are threatened with extinction now, especially among endemic species. Widespread and useful palms are also under intense human pressure and need to be prioritized in terms of sustainable management practices. Given the importance of palms for humans, inclusive conservation actions should be continued in both countries in order to safeguard this resource. Summary Palms provide central plant resources to societies in the tropics, especially in the Global South. The western Pacific and Andean regions of Colombia and Ecuador host two hotspots of biodiversity. To prioritize conservation policies towards palms, we undertook a conservation assessment of species in the region. We compiled a taxonomically verified database of specimens collected in both hotspots. We inferred preliminary conservation assessments using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Criteria B. In addition, we evaluated the level of exposure of palms to human use and population density using the anthrome concept. We documented 144 native palm species in 33 genera occurring in both hotspots of Colombia and Ecuador. Of these, 55 are endemic to this region. We recorded 133 species for Colombia, 43 endemic, and 71 species for Ecuador, 9 endemic. A third of all palm species in the region are potentially threatened with extinction (50/144) and 12 as preliminary Critically Endangered. Aiphanes and Geonoma have the highest number of threatened species. In total, 60% of palm specimens were collected in the “low human impact” anthrome type. In contrast, 41% of specimens occur in high human density areas. The two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador are very diverse in palms. However, we show that this diversity is under threat and is predominantly found in areas impacted by human activities. Extinction risk is highest in endemic species in both countries. Widespread and useful palm species also face threats linked to overexploitation or habitat loss. Inclusive conservation measures should be designed to conserve, together with communities, this plant resource.

Objective: Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) is one of the most important economic crops abundantly found in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. The robustness of the palm triggered the Sarawak government's selection as one of the state's commodity crops, with the opening of several sago palm plantations. However, stunted (non-trunking) palms were reported in several sago palm plantations despite attaining a maturity period of more than ten years after cultivation. Research targeting this problem has been conducted in various fields, yet information on molecular mechanisms is still scarce. This study aimed to determine the genes responsible for sago palm's normal phenotype (trunking) by attaining leaf transcriptomes from samples of all trunking sago palms from different sago palm plantations. Data description: The conventional CTAB method was employed in the present investigation to extract total RNA from leaf tissues. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Differential expression analysis was performed using the DESeq2 package. A total of 6,119 differentially expressed genes, comprising 4,384 downregulated and 1,735 upregulated genes, were expressed in all three sago palm datasets. The datasets provide insights into the commonly expressed genes among trunking sago palms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS - The palm genus Pinanga is the most diverse in Southeast Asia. - Limited ecological studies on Pinanga show the influence of environmental factors. - High Pinanga endemism in Borneo requires conservation action. ABSTRACT Palms represent some of the keystone species in tropical forests, providing numerous ecosystem services. They are widely studied by botanists because of their iconic and majestic appearance, although ecological studies of palm abundance, distributions, and diversity have only recently begun to gain attention. The abundance and diversity of palms at different spatial scales can be influenced by various factors, such as climate, soil properties, hydrology, topography and forest structure; understanding these influences is essential for conservation. This review details four abiotic factors (climate, soil chemistry, hydrology and topography) and one biotic factor (forest structure) affecting palm distribution and diversity. The genus Pinanga, one of the most diverse genera of palms, is discussed in terms of its distribution and diversity in Southeast Asia. Ecological studies on Pinanga diversity in the region are examined, revealing the influence of micro- and macro-scale variation in environmental factors, such as litter depth and thickness, canopy openness and crown cover, elevation, slope, aspect, light intensity, humidity and air temperature. The existing knowledge gaps on Pinanga ecology in Southeast Asia are discussed, and the need for more studies on population structures, functional traits and determinants of Pinanga diversity and distributions within different lowland forest types in the region are highlighted. The high endemism shown by Pinanga necessitates a more comprehensive ecological understanding of this genus to better inform its conservation and protection.

The date palm occupies a special place in the Arab cultural heritage in general, and the Omani heritage in particular. The development of the agricultural sector and date palms cultivation depend mainly on the human factor represented by the farmlands with scientific skills and knowledge. This study explores Omani school students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards date palms in light of two variables: gender and geographical area. The research follows a descriptive method, where a questionnaire consisting of 50 phrases about the date palms was distributed (25 knowledge, 15 attitudes, and 10 behaviors). The sample consisted of 894 students (447 males and 447 females) randomly selected from different schools in two geographically different governorates or regions (Muscat and Dakhiliya). The results showed a lack in students' knowledge of date palms, while they showed positive attitudes and behaviors. Knowledge about date palms among male and female students is the same, but attitudes and behaviors are more positive with male students than female students. In addition, students who live in Al-Dakhiliya (Interior) Governorate have more favorable attitudes and behaviors than those living in Muscat Governorate. The results also showed statistically significant differences at ([alpha] = 0.05) in the students' attitudes and behaviors on the date palms due to the existence of date palms in their homes or a family member working in the agricultural field. This study highlights the importance of developing a strategic plan to generate interest in date palms among school students across Oman.

Peatswamp forest is a unique habitat that supports high biodiversity, particularly fungal diversity. The current study collected submerged and dead plant parts from Eleiodoxa conferta, Eugeissona tristis and Licuala paludosa from a peatswamp forest in Narathiwat Province, Thailand. Morphological features coupled with multigene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tef1-a sequence data identified our isolates as new Distoseptispora species (viz. D. arecacearum sp. nov., D. eleiodoxae sp. nov. and D. narathiwatensis sp. nov.). Morphological descriptions, illustrations and notes are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable management of wild useful palms is crucial for their long-term survival. To understand how populations respond to extraction, it is necessary to examine the impacts of extraction in relation to their life histories in their habitat. A suitable genus for studying extraction responses and understanding life histories is Geonoma, as it exhibits a variety of demographic strategies, has a high potential for use, and some species are considered as untapped sources. Two species, Geonoma orbignyana and G. undata, are used as ornamentals for domestic purposes and commercialized in small-scale markets. They differ in their habitats, with G. orbignyana found in the understory and G. undata in more open spaces, suggesting different life histories. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to simulate the impacts of extraction for ornamental purposes in G. orbignyana and G. undata and identify the relationship with their life histories. The research was conducted in the Andean Forest of Chicaque Natural Park, Colombia in 2019–2021. We determined the demography of the two species, using Integral Projection Models (IPMs), and simulated the extraction of juveniles, leaves, and fruits. We found that both species exhibited typical understory palm patterns in terms of survival and growth rates. However, G. orbignyana had lower maximum individual size and onset of fecundity, indicating understory strategies, while G. undata displayed mixed strategies. The population of G. undata declined during both census periods due to high elasticities on juveniles, and extracting of juveniles is unsustainable, contrary of extraction of fruits and leaves, that seems to be sustainable under certain scenarios. Similarly, the extraction of leaves and fruits in G. orbignyana is potentially sustainable if occurring on specific sizes and rates, but the extraction of juveniles depletes the population. These findings suggest that sustainable extraction practices can be implemented to untapped palm populations while ensuring their conservation. To achieve this, it is crucial to protect the sizes and processes related to the growth and survival of acaulescent juveniles. Only after ensuring their growth should any extraction activities be considered. By adopting these practices, we can promote the responsible use of palm resources and safeguard their long-term viability.

Palms (Arecaceae) exert great relevance to the structure and functioning of tropical forest ecosystems, in addition to comprise key resources for frugivorous animals. However, many species are currently at risk of extinction due to overexploitation and/or habitat loss. Our study aimed to perform a systematic review with a scientometric approach of all 78 native palm species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, seeking to identify the best‐studied species and regions, main studied topics, overall patterns, trends and gaps in scientific research associated with this botany family. In total, studies were carried out for 48 species belonging to 10 genera, with the number of studies exponentially increasing from the 70s and exhibiting great difference in the number of publications among species. Euterpe edulis was the most studied species (n = 274), followed by Acrocomia aculeata (n = 205), whereas Bactris bahiensis (1), Geonoma litoralis (1), Syagrus santosii (1) and Trithrinax acanthocoma (0) comprised the less studied species. The largest number of studies was carried out in the south‐eastern states of Brazil. Regarding the type of studies, 34% and 27% were related to biochemical properties and ecological processes, respectively, while studies on entomology (n = 26), tissue culture (n = 23) and taxonomy (n = 7) showed the lowest number of studies. Given the key role of palms in tropical forests, our study suggests that future research should focus on less studied species, including Desmoncus spp., Geonoma spp. and Trithrinax sp., and on some less studied areas like the north‐east portion of the Atlantic Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced to utilize its domestic resources to enhance its future nuclear power capacity to a total of 17.6 GW by 2040. This ambitious plan is followed by mining and extraction of uranium from various approaches both physically and chemically. Therefore, an economical and efficient approach was devised for harvesting uranium content from aqueous solutions by using two bio-sorbent, i.e., date pit sawdust (DPS) and date palm biowaste (PDB). The DPS and PDB were analyzed with BET surface area, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, pHPZC and XRD techniques to examine the surface area, porosity, functional group on surface, morphology, point of zero charge of the materials and nature of materials respectively. Effect of parameters like sorbent dose, solutions pH, concentrations and time of contact on adsorption were studied in a batch method. The findings indicated that both DPS and PDB exhibited significant sequestration of U(VI) with maximum adsorption observed at 6 pH. However, PDB exhibited the maximum sorption percentage (78.80 %) and capacity (3.25 mg/g), followed by DPS (70.5 %, 2.47 mg/g, respectively), for uranium sequestration.

Abstract Conservation and sustainable management of lineages providing non‐timber forest products are imperative under the current global biodiversity loss. Most non‐timber forest species, however, lack genomic studies that characterize their intraspecific variation and evolutionary history, which inform species' conservation practices. Contrary to many lineages in the Andean biodiversity hotspot that exhibit high diversification, the genus Parajubaea (Arecaceae) has only three species despite the genus' origin 22 million years ago. Two of the three palm species, P. torallyi and P. sunkha, are non‐timber forest species endemic to the Andes of Bolivia and are listed as IUCN endangered. The third species, P. cocoides, is a vulnerable species with unknown wild populations. We investigated the evolutionary relationships of Parajubaea species and the genetic diversity and structure of wild Bolivian populations. Sequencing of five low‐copy nuclear genes (3753 bp) challenged the hypothesis that P. cocoides is a cultigen that originated from the wild Bolivian species. We further obtained up to 15,134 de novo single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers by genotyping‐by‐sequencing of 194 wild Parajubaea individuals. Our total DNA sequencing effort rejected the taxonomic separation of the two Bolivian species. As expected for narrow endemic species, we observed low genetic diversity, but no inbreeding signal. We found three genetic clusters shaped by geographic distance, which we use to propose three management units. Different percentages of missing genotypic data did not impact the genetic structure of populations. We use the management units to recommend in situ conservation by creating new protected areas, and ex situ conservation through seed collection.

In this study, the pests of palms on Kish Island landscape, and the possible damages caused by palm borers and dominant termite species during 2019-2021 were identified. They include: two phytophagous mites, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) and Oligonychus washingtoniae Mushtaq et al. (Tetranychidae), three Hemipteren, Parlatoria blanchardi (Targioni Tozzetti) (Diaspididae), Phoenicoccus marlatti Cockerell (Phoenicoccidae) and Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Pseudococcidae), four termite species, Amitermes stephensoni Harris, Microcerotermes brettikeri Chhotani &. Bose, Microcerotermes sp. (Isoptera: Termitidae), and Anacanthotermes vagans (Hagen) (Hodotermitidae) were collected for the first time from Kish Island. The A. stephensoni was the predominant species over the other species. Furthermore, two types of plam borers including, Jebusaea hammerschmidti Reiche (Col.: Cerambycidae) and Oryctes agamemnon matthiesseni Reitter (Col.: Scarabaeidae) were detected on date palm and Washingtonia palm. In this study, O. washingtoniae is reported for the first time from Iran and Washingtonia filifera (Linden ex André) H. Wendl. is reported for the first time as a host of J. hammerschmidti in the world. The study on the activity of borer pests showed that 87% of palm trees on the Island were infested with termites and 38% with wood borer beetles.

Hybridization has significant evolutionary consequences across the Tree of Life. The process of hybridization has played a major role in plant evolution and has contributed to species richness and trait variation. Since morphological traits are partially a product of their environment, there may be a link between hybridization and ecology. Plant hybrid species richness is noted to be higher in harsh environments, and we explore this hypothesis with a keystone tropical plant lineage, palms (Arecaceae). Leveraging a recent literature review of naturally occurring palm hybrids, we developed a method to calculate hybrid frequency, and then tested if there is phylogenetic signal of hybrids using a phylogeny of all palms. Further, we used phylogenetic comparative methods to examine the interaction between hybrid frequency and presence in dry environments, on islands, and the species richness of genera. Phylogenetic generalized least squares models had stronger support than models of random association, indicating phylogenetic signal for the presence of hybrids in dry and island environments. However, all p‐values were >.05 and therefore the correlation was poor between hybridization and the trait frequencies examined. Presence in particular environments are not strongly correlated to hybrid frequency, but phylogenetic signal suggests a role in its distribution in different habitats. Hybridization in palms is not evenly distributed across subfamilies, tribes, subtribes yet plays an important role in palm diversity, nonetheless. Increasing our understanding hybridization in this economically and culturally important plant family is essential, particularly since rates are projected to increase with climate change, reconfiguring the dynamics and distribution of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hybridization has significant evolutionary consequences across the Tree of Life. The process of hybridization has played a major role in plant evolution and has contributed to species richness and trait variation. Since morphological traits are partially a product of their environment, there may be a link between hybridization and ecology. Plant hybrid species richness is noted to be higher in harsh environments, and we explore this hypothesis with a keystone tropical plant lineage, palms (Arecaceae). Leveraging a recent literature review of naturally occurring palm hybrids, we developed a method to calculate hybrid frequency, and then tested if there is phylogenetic signal of hybrids using a phylogeny of all palms. Further, we used phylogenetic comparative methods to examine the interaction between hybrid frequency and presence in dry environments, on islands, and the species richness of genera. Phylogenetic generalized least squares models had stronger support than models of random association, indicating phylogenetic signal for the presence of hybrids in dry and island environments. However, all p‐values were >.05 and therefore the correlation was poor between hybridization and the trait frequencies examined. Presence in particular environments are not strongly correlated to hybrid frequency, but phylogenetic signal suggests a role in its distribution in different habitats. Hybridization in palms is not evenly distributed across subfamilies, tribes, subtribes yet plays an important role in palm diversity, nonetheless. Increasing our understanding hybridization in this economically and culturally important plant family is essential, particularly since rates are projected to increase with climate change, reconfiguring the dynamics and distribution of biodiversity.

A review is given of pollination systems in the palm family (Arecaceae). Pollination studies of 149 species (6% of the total number) in 60 genera (33% of the total number) are reviewed. The majority of these studies (75%) are of Neotropical palms. In the sample of 149 species, approximately 52% are beetle-pollinated, 27% bee-pollinated, 7% fly-pollinated, 5% thrips pollinated, 5% wind pollinated, 3% moth-pollinated, and 1% mammal-pollinated. A few other species may be bird-pollinated. Adaptations of inflorescences and flowers to pollinators are not readily apparent except for a general tendency for bee-/fly-pollinated species to have longer, open inflorescences and beetle-pollinated species to have shorter, condensed inflorescences. Classical pollination syndromes are not useful in describing, classifying, or predicting palm pollination systems because of numerous exceptions. The degree to which palm pollination systems may be considered specialized or generalized is unclear. There appear to have been numerous, bidirectional shifts in palms between beetle pollination and bee/fly pollination, and less often shifts to other pollinators. Beetle-pollinated inflorescences are usually visited by bees, and bee-pollinated inflorescences are usually visited by beetles. It seems likely that many species of palm, irrespective of pollinator, have their inflorescences used as brood-sites by beetles.

Spiny keratoderma (SKD) is a rare palmoplantar keratoderma that presents with few to numerous millimetric hyperkeratotic projections on the palms and soles. It has been described with both hereditary and acquired variants. The acquired form, which presents in older adults, has been associated with a variety of systemic diseases and malignant conditions. In patients suspected of having acquired spiny keratoderma, an evaluation for malignant conditions may be warranted. Treatment with topical keratolytics or topical and oral retinoids is usually insufficient. Herein, we present the case of a 58-year-old man diagnosed with idiopathic SKD.

Peatswamp forest is a unique habitat that supports high biodiversity, particularly fungal diversity. The current study collected submerged and dead plant parts from Eleiodoxa conferta, Eugeissona tristis and Licuala paludosa from a peatswamp forest in Narathiwat Province, Thailand. Morphological features coupled with multigene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tef1-α sequence data identified our isolates as new Distoseptispora species (viz. D. arecacearum sp. nov., D. eleiodoxae sp. nov. and D. narathiwatensis sp. nov.). Morphological descriptions, illustrations and notes are provided.

IntroductionThe involvement of palms and soles is variable among disease entities belonging to autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD). We present our own clinical-laboratory experience concerning presentations of skin lesions on palms and soles in the pemphigus diseases group, pemphigoid diseases group, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), and lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) and discuss the pertinent literature.MethodsLesions on palms and soles were assessed retrospectively on the basis of just photographic archives from the beginning of 2014 to March 2023. We comparatively evaluated 462 Slavic patients with AIBD.ResultsPalmoplantar involvement was observed in only 21 patients with AIBD (12 females and 9 males). There was no statistically significant difference between palmoplantar involvement in the pemphigus diseases group compared to the pemphigoid diseases group and no statistically significant difference between the pemphigus diseases group compared to the subepithelial AIBD.DiscussionNevertheless, particularly in LPP and EBA, and occasionally in pemphigus diseases and pemphigoid diseases groups of AIBD, localization on palms and soles may be diagnostically important at the clinical level.

Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms (AWP) is a rare, acquired condition of the skin, defined by transient rapidly developing white to translucent papules on palms and/or soles after brief exposure to water. Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms is associated with cystic fibrosis (CF). Therefore, the diagnosis of AWP can be important. Etiopathogenesis of AWP is still unclear. Treatment is often unsatisfactory and can be very challenging. This article contributes to the knowledge of AWP as we describe two new cases of aquagenic wrinkling of the palms: one patient with familial history of CF and one patient with AWP that was presumed to be induced by use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, we present a review of the literature on drug-induced AWP.

Aim: Leaves display a remarkable variety of shapes, each with potential ecological advantages in specific climates. While the relations between leaf shape and either climate or height have been relatively well studied in eudicots, the macroecological drivers of shape remain poorly known in monocots. Here, we investigated the associations between climate and plant height with the evolution of leaf shape in a clade with high species and morphological diversity. Location: Global. Time period: Cretaceous to contemporary. Major taxa studied: Palms (Arecaceae). Methods: We apply a Bayesian phylogenetic mixed model to test for associations between climate and leaf shape (all – entire‐leaved, pinnate‐dissected, palmate‐dissected and costapalmate). We further reconstruct the ancestral leaf shape using multistate speciation and extinction models and compare the frequency of shapes with global temperatures through time. Results: We find that plant height associates with dissected leaves and that annual precipitation associates with pinnate shapes. The ancestral leaf shape is unclear, but early diversification was dominated by pinnate‐dissected palms, which has remained the most species‐rich form of leaves throughout palm history. Main Conclusions: Palms that are tall and live in humid regions are more likely to have pinnate leaves. Through geological time scales, temperature did not play an obvious role in determining leaf shapes. This study contributes to our understanding of how the diversity of leaf shapes is linked to biological and climatic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The growing demand for coconut water has led to the expansion of irrigated green dwarf coconut cultivation; however, the inefficient use of water has contributed to the degradation and waste of water resources, making fundamental studies aiming to optimize the use of water. The objective of this study was to determine the physical productivity and water productivity of green dwarf coconut palms under the climatic conditions of Santa Izabel do Pará, eastern Amazonia, Brazil. The experiment was carried out from 2020 to 2021, in a green dwarf coconut plantation spaced 7.5 m x 7.5 m in a triangle, at Fazenda Reunidas Sococo, with an area of approximately 7 ha. Water productivity (WP) was determined both in terms of fruit production (WPf) and coconut water production (WPca), through the relationship of fruit productivity (fruit biomass and water volume) with accumulated evapotranspiration. The dwarf coconut tree presented a total production of 105 and 186 fruits plant-1 and 37 and 62 L plant-1 of coconut water in the years 2020 and 2021. The largest volumes of water and the highest weights occurred during the wettest season. WPf was of 1.87 fruits m-3 (2020) and 2.94 fruits m-3 (2021) and WPca 0.66 L m-3 (2020) and 0.98 L m-3 (2021).