Search

The application of foliar sprays of suspensions of relatively insoluble essential element salts is gradually becoming common, chiefly with the introduction of nano-technology approaches in agriculture. However, there is controversy about the effectiveness of such sparingly soluble nutrient sources as foliar fertilizers. In this work, we focussed on analysing the effect of adding Ca-carbonate (calcite, CaCO3) micro- and nano-particles as model sparingly soluble mineral compounds to foliar fertilizer formulations in terms of increasing the rate of foliar absorption. For these purposes, we carried out short-term foliar application experiments by treating leaves of species with variable surface features and wettability rates. The leaf absorption efficacy of foliar formulations containing a surfactant and model soluble nutrient sources, namely Ca-chloride (CaCl2), magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), potassium nitrate (KNO3), or zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), was evaluated alone or after addition of calcite particles. In general, the combination of the Ca-carbonate particles with an essential element salt had a synergistic effect and improved the absorption of Ca and the nutrient element provided. In light of the positive effects of using calcite particles as foliar formulation adjuvants, dolomite nano- and micro-particles were also tested as foliar formulation additives, and the results were also positive in terms of increasing foliar uptake. The observed nutrient element foliar absorption efficacy can be partially explained by geochemical modelling, which enabled us to predict how these formulations will perform at least in chemical terms. Our results show the major potential of adding mineral particles as foliar formulation additives, but the associated mechanisms of action and possible additional benefits to plants should be characterised in future investigations.

We studied two 'Eucalyptus globulus' salvage clearcuts—after a wildfire and a 'Gonipterus' attack—and a strong thinning on a dense 'Pinus pinaster' stand which was regenerated 20 years after a wildfire and also affected by a 'Matsococcus' pest. Biomass harvesting was performed using the feller-bundler Fixteri FX-15a, which was time-studied during several weeks using GNSS combined with an automatic weight/time registration system (WNexus-2®). Detailed 'in situ' time studies were applied during shorter periods as well. The productivity equations found as main explanative factors for the salvage clearcuts the unit weight per tree and the felling reason (wildfire vs. pest); for the thinning, besides the unit weight, the percentage of extracted basal area explained the productivity. Biomass collection did not allow an economic positive balance: in the 'Gonipterus'-affected plantation the cost was reduced to 125 €·ha−1, reaching a zero balance for unit weights greater than 33 kg (dry matter) per tree; the restoration cost in the pine stand was 265 €·ha−1, much lower than the cost without biomass harvesting. In the burned eucalypt, the zero cost would be achieved for a dry unit weight much greater than the observed values. Although Fixteri performance and utilization were remarkable, recommendations about possible improvements of its design and operation were concluded from the detailed time studies.

Essential oils (EOs) obtained from 'Juniperus communis' L. are frequently used in the production of bioproducts. However, there are no studies regarding industrial crops’ production, allowing for better control of the quality and production of juniper EOs. To select the plant material for developing future crops of this species in northern Spain, four locations where this shrub species grows in the wild were selected and samples of both genera were collected. The EOs were obtained by steam distillation, and their chemical composition and bioactivity were evaluated. The results showed that the yield of EOs from male and female samples were within the usual reported ranges, varying between 0.24 and 0.58% (dry basis, d.b.). However, limonene content in three locations varied between 15 and 25%, which is between 100% and 200% higher than the values usually reported for other European countries. The antibacterial activity was determined by broth microdilution and showed that gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the tested EOs since, in general, lower MIC values were obtained compared to gram-negatives. The EOs from location 1 (L1F) and 2 (L2M) inhibited the growth of six out of the eight clinical strains tested. Samples from location 1 were particularly effective, exhibiting MBC against two gram-negative ('E. coli' and 'P. mirabilis') and one gram-positive bacteria ('E. faecalis'). Moreover, the majority of the EOs tested showed anti-inflammatory activity. Cytotoxic effect has been demonstrated in tumor cell lines, with the best results observed against gastric carcinoma (AGS) cells (GI50 between 7 to 77 µg/mL). Although generally presenting higher GI50, most samples also inhibited the growth of non-tumoral cells, particularly hepatocytes (PLP2 cells). Therefore, its use for their anti-proliferative activity should consider specific conditions to avoid damaging normal cells. Finally, the results and conclusions obtained led to the selection of the female shrub

Papaver somniferum and Cannabis sativa are ancient medicinal plants that contain secondary metabolites with multiple pharmacological properties, such as benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in opium poppy and cannabinoids in cannabis. However, their addictive potential and psychotropic effects have led to historical and social controversies surrounding their cultivation and use. Understanding the research evolution in these crops is of particular interest. While previous bibliometric analyses have explored opiate and cannabis research separately, no study has compared these two plant species as sources of these substances. To address this gap, a bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database was conducted to examine scientific documents related to Papaver somniferum and Cannabis sativa. The analysis included metrics such as publication and patent numbers, distribution by country, language, and affiliation, as well as journals and subject areas. Additionally, the main keywords from research publications were analysed and categorized thematically. The results reveal interesting differences in research trends between the two crops, highlighting a higher relevance of cannabis in recent years. This finding triggers further discussion on the underlying factors driving this divergence.

The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to a rich biodiversity of woody plant species. Nonetheless, their conservation remains difficult, as some areas remain poorly explored and lack georeferenced records. Therefore, the current study aims predominantly to analyze the collection patterns of timber species in the Amazon lowlands of Ecuador and to evaluate the conservation coverage of these species in protected areas. Furthermore, we try to determine the conservation category of the species according to the criteria of the IUCN Red List. We identified that one third of the timber species in the study area was concentrated in three provinces due to historical botanical expeditions. However, a worrying 22.0% of the species had less than five records of presence, and 29.9% had less than ten records, indicating a possible underestimation of their presence. In addition, almost half of the species evaluated were unprotected, exposing them to deforestation risks and threats. To improve knowledge and conservation of forest biodiversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon, it is recommended to perform new botanical samplings in little-explored areas and digitize data in national herbaria. It is critical to implement automated assessments of the conservation status of species with insufficient data. In addition, it is suggested to use species distribution models to identify optimal areas for forest restoration initiatives. Effective communication of results and collaboration between scientists, governments, and local communities are key to the protection and sustainable management of forest biodiversity in the Amazon region.

Nuestras ciudades y localidades están repletas de espacios públicos con muchas posibilidades de aprovechamiento educativo. Aquí proponemos una actividad complementaria para la asignatura de Cultura Clásica en la que se pone en valor el Jardín Botánico de Arroyo de la Encomienda, un espacio en el que disfrutar de la naturaleza al aire libre. En este Trabajo Fin de Máster se puede encontrar un ejemplo de actividad para realizar allí: una yincana. Además, se incluye un breve recorrido teórico sobre temas como: la nomenclatura científica, la nomenclatura botánica o la fitoterapia y la importancia de las lenguas clásicas en este aspecto., Our cities and towns are full of public spaces with many possibilities for educational use. Here we propose a complementary activity for the subject of Classical Culture which highlights the value of the Botanical Garden of Arroyo de la Encomienda, a space in which you can enjoy nature in the open air. In this Master's Thesis, an example of an activity to be carried out there can be found: a gymkana. It also includes a quick theoretical overview of topics such as: scientific nomenclature, botanical nomenclature and phytotherapy and the importance of the classical languages in this context., Departamento de Filología Clásica, Máster en Profesor de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato, Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Idiomas

Introduction: The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, is one of the most popular non-alcoholic beverages in the world. The main components of Camellia sinensis include amino acids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, flavins and purine alkaloids (xanthines). For this reason, in the field of medicine, Camellia sinensis has been used as an anticancer, anxiolytic, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, chemopreventive, cytotoxic and apoptogenic, genoprotective, hepatoprotective, nephro-protective, hemato-protective, and in wound healing, among other uses. Objective: To carry out a systematic review of the use of C. sinensis as supportive therapy in the treatment of oral disorders. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Academic databases. Articles from studies of Camellia sinensis were reviewed and those from a secondary source, such as literature review articles, were excluded. Results: A total of 12 full-text articles were selected for review, in which the properties of Camellia sinensis are detailed. Conclusions: According to the bibliography reviewed, C. sinensis exhibits anticariogenic properties, applications in the treatment of dental erosion, applications in the treatment of gingivitis and bacterial plaque, and applications in the prevention of oral cancer; however, more controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety of use, Introducción: La planta del té es una de las bebidas no alcohólicas más populares en todo el mundo. Entre los principales componentes de Camellia sinensis tenemos los aminoácidos, ácidos grasos, compuestos fenólicos, flavinas y alcaloides de purina (xantinas). Por ello en medicina, la Camellia sinensis se ha utilizado como anticancerígeno, ansiolítico, antidiabético, antiobesidad, antiinflamatorio, analgésico, antipirético, quimiopreventivo, citotóxico y apoptógeno, genoprotector, hepatoprotector, nefroprotector, hematoprotector, cicatrizantes de heridas, entre otros. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática del uso de C. sinensis como apoyo en el tratamiento de afecciones bucales. Materiales y Métodos: Esta revisión sistemática se llevó a cabo siguiendo los lineamientos PRISMA. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, Science Direct y Google Academic. Se revisaron los artículos de estudios de Camellia sinensis y se excluyeron aquellos de fuente secundaria, como los de revisión de la literatura. Resultados: Se seleccionaron un total de 12 artículos de texto completo para la revisión. En los que se detalla las propiedades de la Camellia sinensis. Conclusión: De acuerdo a la bibliografía revisada, la C. sinensis exhibió efecto anticariogénico, aplicación en el tratamiento de la erosión dental, aplicación en el tratamiento de gingivitis y placa bacteriana, y aplicación en la prevención del cáncer bucal, sin embargo, se necesitan realizar más ensayos clínicos controlados que confirmen su efectividad y seguridad de uso.

La Estación Biológica de Torretes - Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Alicante, situada en Ibi, es un centro propio del Vicerrectorado de Transferencia, Innovación y Divulgación Científica de la UA que constituye un importante corredor biológico que conecta las llanuras centrales con las comarcas montañosas del norte de la provincia de Alicante. Un espacio abierto a toda la sociedad que promueve la conservación y la recuperación del patrimonio cultural y rural. Más información: https://torretes.es/ Agradecimientos: Imágenes aéreas cedidas por Manuel Vicedo.

La Estación Biológica de Torretes - Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Alicante, situada en Ibi, es un centro propio del Vicerrectorado de Transferencia, Innovación y Divulgación Científica de la UA que constituye un importante corredor biológico que conecta las llanuras centrales con las comarcas montañosas del norte de la provincia de Alicante. Un espacio abierto a toda la sociedad que promueve la conservación y la recuperación del patrimonio cultural y rural. Más información: https://torretes.es/ Agradecimientos: Imágenes aéreas cedidas por Manuel Vicedo.

The light environment within a tree crown can be characterized by specific variation patterns arising from the structural features of the crown. Within-crown light variation patterns can be important for plant productivity, but this has yet to be assessed in natural settings. The spatio-temporal variations of direct and diffuse photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), their proportions and sunfleck frequency within the crowns of isolated adult wild olive trees (Olea europaea L.) were investigated. Trees growing in contrasting Mediterranean conditions (continental vs. coastal) at the same latitude were compared. Instantaneous diffuse and total PPFD were measured with sunshine sensors in three crown layers (outer-, middle- and inner-crown) in the south-facing part of the crown, at two points of the diurnal (mid-morning and midday) and seasonal (summer and winter) cycles. Direct PPFD and the proportion of direct to total PPFD vary diurnally within the crown as a result of an increase in sunfleck requency during midday and in self-shading during mid-morning, in both summer and winter conditions. Conversely, the lack of seasonal variation in the three light attributes is better explained by a greater average crown transmittance in winter conditions. The interplay between crown architecture heterogeneity and varying solar position renders identifiable patterns of temporal variations in the light environment within tree crowns. These patterns suggest that trees can benefit from the light heterogeneity typical of Mediterranean environments by developing conservative architectural layouts., Ministerio de Ciencia y Educación, Comunidad de Madrid, Depto. de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Fac. de Ciencias Biológicas, TRUE, pub

This systematization is related to the development of the multimedia "Planeta Planta" (in Spanish), a proposal that is part of the management of technological resources for distance teaching and learning of the General Botany course of the Natural Resources Management career of the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), Costa Rica. The first stage of the project included a diagnosis of the factors that affected student performance in the General Botany course in 2017. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the multimedia “Planeta Planta” was created, based on a constructivist paradigm and a cognitivist epistemological approach to promote meaningful learning. Multimedia is characterized by containing a variety of training activities, concept maps, images of plant anatomical structures, conceptual diagrams, and videos on plant physiological processes, among other resources. The validation of the product was carried out with students and teaching experts. Both groups considered that “Planeta Planta” is an educational resource with great usability and that it can increase motivation towards learning botany., Esta sistematização está relacionada ao desenvolvimento do multimídia "Planeta Planta", uma proposta que faz parte da gestão de recursos tecnológicos para o ensino e aprendizagem a distância da disciplina Botânica Geral, no curso de Gestão de Recursos Naturais da Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), Costa Rica. A primeira etapa do projeto envolveu um diagnóstico dos fatores que afetaram o desempenho dos alunos no curso de Botânica Geral em 2017. Com base nos resultados do diagnóstico, foi criada a multimídia Planeta Planta, baseada em um paradigma construtivista e em uma abordagem epistemológica cognitivista para promover a aprendizagem significativa. A multimídia é caracterizada por uma variedade de atividades educacionais, mapas conceituais, imagens de estruturas anatômicas de plantas, diagramas conceituais e vídeos sobre processos fisiológicos de plantas, entre outros recursos. A validação do produto foi realizada com alunos e especialistas em ensino. Ambos os grupos consideraram que o Planeta Planta é um recurso educacional de grande usabilidade e que pode aumentar a motivação para o aprendizado de botânica., La presente sistematización se relaciona con el desarrollo del multimedia “Planeta Planta”, propuesta que se inscribe en la gestión de recursos tecnológicos para la enseñanza y aprendizaje a distancia de la asignatura Botánica General, de la carrera de Manejo de Recursos Naturales de la Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), Costa Rica. La primera etapa del proyecto comprendió un diagnóstico de los factores que afectaron el rendimiento estudiantil en el curso de Botánica General en 2017. Con base en los resultados del diagnóstico se crea el multimedia Planeta Planta, fundamentado en un paradigma constructivista y un enfoque epistemológico cognitivista para fomentar el aprendizaje significativo. El multimedia se caracteriza por contener una variedad de actividades formativas, mapas conceptuales, imágenes de estructuras anatómicas de los vegetales, esquemas conceptuales y videos sobre procesos fisiológicos de las plantas, entre otros recursos. La validación del producto se llevó a cabo con estudiantes y expertos docentes. Ambos grupos consideraron que Planeta Planta es un recurso educativo con gran usabilidad y que puede incrementar la motivación hacia el aprendizaje de la botánica.

Se describe una nueva especie del género Arenaria L. [Caryophyllaceae, Subgen.Arenaria, Sect. Plinthine (Reichenb.) Pau], descubierta recientemente en el Sistema Ibérico meridional. Se aporta una clave para separar esta nueva especie de las próximas.

229 p., Holm oak decline in Iberian dehesas, characterized by defoliation, is caused by the interaction of multiple stressors such as climate change-related events, invasive pathogens, and changes in dehesa use and management. Understanding the biochemical and physiological mechanisms preceding and following defoliation remains a challenge. This dissertation conducted a regional study across nine dehesa sites, examining physiological, morphological, and ecological responses underlying holm oak decline. Findings highlighted the oak's ability to acclimate through adjustments in photoprotective compounds. Defoliation occurred when stress exceeded certain physiological threshold. This was accompanied by a shift in energy allocation towards soil resource acquisition through fine root phenotypic plasticity. The loss of tree health was related to upregulated biogeochemical steps and the subsequent downregulation of soil nutrients, forming a tree-soil feedback loop. This research deepens our understanding of holm oak decline, including factors defining tree health, underlying mechanisms, and tree-soil interactions, offering insights to predict, prevent, and mitigate this decline in Iberian dehesa.

According to Biodiversity International, a descriptor is defined as an attribute, or a measurable character that is observed in an accession of a genetic bank. The importance of the standardization of descriptors is based on generating information under a universal language. The characterization of crops is essential to assess their diversity, classification, conservation and exploitation, however the list of plants that have not been described is vast. The cas (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) is native to Costa Rica, whose fruit is very common, and its production and uses have increased in recent years, even though, it is almost an orphan studied crop. Objective. Validate a descriptors list and use it in the characterization of cas in the country, as opportunities for its genetic improvement may arise. Materials and methods. Descriptors and morphological characterization of different species of the Myrtaceae family were adapted and 5 accessions of Costa Rican creole located in 5 producing farms in the provinces of Cartago, San José, Heredia and Limón were evaluated in the field. Results. The field results, together with additional observations, were compared and possible discriminant descriptors within the Costa Rican creole cas were identified. Conclusions. it was developed a varietal descriptor to the morphologic characterization of Costa Rican creole cas and it was applied in different genetic accessions in the country. It got with the morlogic characterization that the variables calyx cavity diameter, petals number, relation long / fruit diameter, pistil long, relation long / leave width, fruit diameter and fruit long are possible discriminant descriptor to the Costa Rican creole cas, Introducción. Según Biodiversity International, un descriptor es definido como un atributo, o carácter medible, propio en una accesión de un banco genético. La estandarización de descriptores es importante pues incurre en generar información en un lenguaje que permite su interpretación a nivel global. La caracterización de cultivos es indispensable para evaluar su diversidad, clasificación, conservación y explotación, sin embargo, es extensa la lista de estas plantas que aún no han sido adecuadamente descritas. El cas (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) es nativo de Costa Rica, su fruta de corte alimenticio es muy común, por lo que su producción y usos en los últimos años ha aumentado, sin embargo, aun es un cultivo poco estudiado. Objetivo. Validar una lista de descriptores para la caracterización del cas presente en el país, como aporte para su mejoramiento genético. Materiales y métodos. Se adaptaron descriptores y caracterización morfológica de diferentes especies de la familia Myrtaceae y se evaluaron en campo, 5 accesiones de cas criollo costarricense ubicadas en 5 fincas productoras, en las provincias de Cartago, San José, Heredia y Limón. Resultados. Los resultados de campo junto con observaciones adicionales se compararon y se identificaron con posibles descriptores discriminantes para el cas criollo costarricense. Conclusiones. Se logró desarrollar un descriptor varietal para la caracterización morfológica del cultivo de cas criollo costarricense aplicado en diferentes accesiones genéticas. De la caracterización morfológica, se obtuvo que las variables diámetro de la cavidad del caliz, número de pétalos, relación longitud / diámetro del fruto, largo del pistilo, relación longitud / ancho de la hoja, diámetro del fruto y longitud del fruto son características que podrían actuar como descriptores discriminantes para el cas criollo costarricense.

Trabajos científicos, de prácticas, revisiones bibliográficas de estudiantes de la ETSIAAB presentados como comunicaciones orales y pósters.

Key message: Maximizing CDmean and Avg_GRM_self were the best criteria for training set optimization. A training set size of 50–55% (targeted) or 65–85% (untargeted) is needed to obtain 95% of the accuracy. Abstract: With the advent of genomic selection (GS) as a widespread breeding tool, mechanisms to efficiently design an optimal training set for GS models became more relevant, since they allow maximizing the accuracy while minimizing the phenotyping costs. The literature described many training set optimization methods, but there is a lack of a comprehensive comparison among them. This work aimed to provide an extensive benchmark among optimization methods and optimal training set size by testing a wide range of them in seven datasets, six different species, different genetic architectures, population structure, heritabilities, and with several GS models to provide some guidelines about their application in breeding programs. Our results showed that targeted optimization (uses information from the test set) performed better than untargeted (does not use test set data), especially when heritability was low. The mean coefficient of determination was the best targeted method, although it was computationally intensive. Minimizing the average relationship within the training set was the best strategy for untargeted optimization. Regarding the optimal training set size, maximum accuracy was obtained when the training set was the entire candidate set. Nevertheless, a 50–55% of the candidate set was enough to reach 95–100% of the maximum accuracy in the targeted scenario, while we needed a 65–85% for untargeted optimization. Our results also suggested that a diverse training set makes GS robust against population structure, while including clustering information was less effective. The choice of the GS model did not have a significant influence on the prediction accuracies.

Trees often show better growth in mixed as opposed to monospecific neighborhoods as consequence of competition reduction and facilitation between species. However, it can be challenging to discern the effect of these factors as they occur simultaneously, so often they are jointly refereed as complementarity. By using tree growth models based on potential tree growth reduced by a competition modifier and including species mixing effects on both components (potential tree growth and competition modifier), we aim to verify that tree potential growth is modified by admixture, which may provide further information on species interactions and complementarity. We used tree data from the Spanish National Forest Inventory, selecting plots located in two different mixtures, Scots pine – European beech and Scots pine – Oak mixtures, as well as in the corresponding monospecific stands of those species. To analyse whether the species mixture increases the potential basal area growth, we developed linear mixed quantile regressions to model the potential growth, while to analyse the competition reduction we developed linear mixed models. We include the Martonne aridity index as a measure of the site conditions in the models to explore whether climate conditions modify the effects of species mixture. Our results show a slight effect of the mixture on the potential basal area growth of pine while the potential growth of beech clearly benefited from the pine/beech mixtures. For the pine/oak mixtures the potential growth of both species was higher in mixtures than in monospecific stands. Moreover, we found a positive influence of humidity on potential growth for all the species and mixtures, although the magnitude of the effect was less important for beech and more notable in the case of the pine/oak mixtures. We also found that for the studied species, admixed species reduced competition, with lower inter-specific than intra-specific competition effects, and that these effects were m

Although conifers have very homogeneous wood anatomical structure, some of their features allow differentiation of genera or groups of genera. Softwood anatomy is reviewed and the authors have added contributions, grouping features in five blocks (axial tracheids, axial parenchyma, rays, resin canals and mineral inclusions), with special attention to their diagnostic value at the family, genus or species levels. The discussion addresses, in axial tracheids: growth rings, intercellular spaces, pit arrangement, presence of scalloped tori, torus extensions, notches, warty layer, organic deposits, helical and callitroid thickenings, bars of Sanio and trabeculae; in axial parenchyma: presence or absence, arrangement and type of transverse end walls; in rays: composition, type of horizontal and end walls and cross-field pitting; in resin canals: epithelium and the presence of normal or traumatic resin canals; and in mineral inclusions: presence or absence. Wood structure is characterised at the family level, discussing the main elements that can be used for diagnosis at the genus level or in groups of genera.