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Five new alien taxa are here recorded from Tunisia. Reported taxa (Livistona chinensis, Phoenix canariensis, P. reclinata, P. theophrasti and Washingtonia robusta) belong to the subfamily Coryphoideae (Arecaceae). Updated nomenclature, brief descriptions, general and national distributions are provided for each species. Livistona chinensis and Phoenix theophrasti are here reported for the first time in North Africa. Identification keys are also provided.

Antecedentes: Los frutos de Washingtonia robusta son un alimento para aves, pequeños y medianos mamíferos y humanos. Sin embargo, se desconocen los datos cuantificados de su contribución nutricional. Este es el primer informe sobre sus componentes fitoquímicos en la pulpa de su fruta y semillas.Preguntas: ¿Los compuestos de la pulpa favorecen su consumo y contribuyen con nutrientes para la vida silvestre, así como para el consumo humano? ¿El contenido de las semillas favorece las interacciones ecológicas para la germinación y el desarrollo vegetal?Especie en estudio: Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl . Sitio de estudio y fechas: Sierra El Aguaje, Sonora, México, febrero-abril 2016 Métodos: Análisis químico proximal y de metabolitos secundarios a partir de extractos crudos , pruebas fitoquímicas de coloración y cromatografía líquida de ultra resolución; actividad antioxidante por DPPH.Resultados: La semilla contiene 73 % azúcares, 7.4 % proteína, 8.4 % humedad, 4.3 % cenizas, 8.7 % grasa, 0.2 % calcio y glucósidos cianogénicos 0.8 ?g/g. Los componentes de la pulpa incluyen: 71 % azúcares, 10.8 % proteína, 1.6 % humedad, 5.5 % cenizas, 9.4 % grasa, 1.5 % calcio y 0.2 ?g/g de glucósidos cianogénicos. Los alcaloides, taninos y saponinas son más abundantes en las semillas que en la pulpa, lo mismo ocurre con fenoles y flavonoides. El ensayo DPPH expresado en equivalentes Trolox indicó la capacidad antioxidante.Conclusiones: Los frutos de W. robusta son una fuente de azúcares y antioxidantes naturales para el consumo por la fauna y los humanos. Los metabolitos secundarios presentes en la semilla son disuasorios a patógenos, y pueden ser benéficos para la germinación y el desarrollo de la plántula .

Exposure to ionizing radiation usually results in cellular oxidative damage and may induce liver toxicity. The efficiency of the ethanol extracts of Washingtonia filifera (EWF) and Washingtonia robusta (EWR) leaves in alleviating γ-radiation-induced oxidative hepatotoxicity was herein explored. Proximate and macronutrient composition of the leaves was determined to establish reliable quality control criteria. Colorimetric estimation of total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents revealed their occurrence in larger amounts in EWR. In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant capacity by 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays confirmed higher efficiency of EWR designating a close correlation with phenolic composition. Four phenolics, viz., naringenin, kaempferol, quercetin, and gallic acid, were isolated from EWR. In vivo assessment of the extracts’ antioxidant potential was performed on γ-irradiated (7.5 Gy) female rats. EWR was found more efficient in restoring the elevated liver index, ALT, albumin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Both extracts ameliorated the increase in the stimulator of interferon gene (STING) expression. Bioactivity was confirmed by immuno-histochemical examination of inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6 and caspase-3) and histopathological architecture. In addition, the interactions of the isolated compounds with STING were assessed in silico by molecular docking. Therefore, Washingtonia robusta leaves might be suggested as a valuable nutritional supplement to alleviate radiotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity.

Aided by their transplantability as adult plants, Phoenix canariensis and Washingtonia robusta palms have a long history as ornamental feature trees in urban settings. With their plentiful production of carbo-hydrate reach drupes, palms have become a major food source for the grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) during late autumn and early winter. This paper reviews the consumption of Phoenix canariensis and Washingtonia robusta drupes based on the field observations and a morphological and metric analysis of spat-out remains (‘ejecta’). Based on a review of the mastication mechanics of fruit consumption, the paper demonstrates that P. poliocephalus can be ruled out as a disperser of the invasive Phoenix canariensis, but must be considered for the dispersal of Washingtonia robusta.

espanolEl termino Antropoceno ha sido propuesto para describir la epoca en que los cambios en sistemas terrestres pueden ser claramente atribuibles a las actividades humanas. Los oasis de la peninsula de Baja California son un buen ejemplo de las transformaciones que las actividades humanas pueden producir en un ecosistema durante un largo periodo de tiempo. Estos sitios, ubicados en el desierto del noroeste de Mexico, son refugio para una gran diversidad de especies. Al mismo tiempo, son importantes para la subsistencia humana, que ha ejercido presion sobre los recursos hidricos de estos ecosistemas desde que los humanos se establecieron en estos lugares despues de su llegada al continente Americano. Para reconstruir los cambios hidrologicos en estos ecosistemas y su relacion con los patrones climaticos y las actividades humanas durante el ultimo siglo, medimos los isotopos de δ18O en la celulosa del tallo de las palmas de vida larga, Washingtonia robusta, en tres oasis de Baja California Sur. Las muestras de madera se colectaron a diferentes alturas desde la base hasta la parte superior (es decir, desde la parte mas antigua del tallo hasta la parte mas joven del mismo) de cada palma y tambien se obtuvieron muestras de agua de diferentes fuentes presentes en los sitios de estudio. Los valores de isotopos de oxigeno de W. robusta parecen estar influidos principalmente por anomalias climaticas intensas. Algunos eventos de El Nino (El Nino Southern Oscillation, ENSO) fueron registrados en las senales isotopicas de las palmas, asi como un evento de La Nina que ocurrio entre 1942 y 1957 y causo un aumento evidente en los isotopos δ18O de las palmas del oasis de San Ignacio. Sin embargo, otros eventos ENSO no produjeron cambios isotopicos en las palmas. Proponemos que la infraestructura hidraulica de los oasis incluido el riego agricola, posiblemente mantuvo condiciones de humedad constantes que causaron una estabilidad en la proporcion de isotopos 18O/16O en las palmas y limitaron la evidencia isotopica de las anomalias climaticas en la celulosa de las palmas. Aunque la evidencia isotopica de W. robusta puede ser utilizada como una aproximacion razonable para las reconstrucciones climaticas, se necesita encontrar metodos mas precisos para estimar la edad de las palmas y un conocimiento mas cercano de otros factores relacionados con los ciclos hidrologicos de los oasis. EnglishThe term Anthropocene has been suggested to describe the epoch in which changes in Earth systems can be clearly attributable to human activities. The oasis ecosystems of the Baja California Peninsula provide a good example of the transformations that human activities can produce in an ecosystem over centuries of use. These sites, which are located in the northwestern desert of Mexico, are a refuge for a great diversity of species. At the same time, they are important for human subsistence, which has exerted pressure on the water resources of these ecosystems since humans settled in these locations following the arrival on the American continent. To reconstruct the changes in hydrological conditions in these ecosystems and their relationship with climatic patterns and human activities during the last century, we measured δ18O isotopes in the stem cellulose of the longlived palm Washingtonia robusta in three Baja California Sur oases. Samples were collected at different heights from the base to the top (i.e., from the oldest part of the stem to the youngest) of each palm and from different water sources. The oxygen isotope values of W. robusta appear to be influenced mainly by intense climatic anomalies. Some El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events were recorded in the isotope signals of the palms, such as La Nina drought event that occurred between 1942 and 1957 and caused an evident increase in the δ18O of the palms of the San Ignacio oasis. However, other ENSO events did not produce isotope changes in the palms. We propose that the hydrological characteristics of the oases, as well as agricultural irrigation, likely maintained constant moisture conditions that caused the observed stability of the 18O/16O isotope ratios in the palms and limited the evidence of climatic anomalies that these palms provide. Although W. robusta can serve as a reasonable proxy for climate reconstructions, improvements in our understanding are needed; e.g., more accurate methods for estimating the ages of palms and more knowledge of the effects of other factors related to the hydrological cycles of oases.

Se registra por primera vez el sitio de anidación de la cotorra argentina (Myiopsitta monachus) en el sur de la ciudad de Chilpancingo, en el estado de Guerrero, México. El 6 de agosto de 2015 un nido con dos individuos de M. monachus fue observado en la palmera de abanico mexicana (Washingtonia robusta). El 21 de febrero de 2016, se encontró un segundo nido con cuatro individuos en un árbol de eucalipto (Eucalyptus spp.). Con estos datos se confirma el estado de crianza de esta especie invasora en el estado.

Türkiye'nin sahil kesimlerinin neredeyse tamamında yaygın olarak yetişen Meksika yelpaze palmiye ağaçları (Washingtonia robusta); kırmızımsı ince gövdeli, büyük ve parlak koyu yeşil yapraklara sahip hızlı büyüyen bir park-bahçe ağacıdır. Kahverengi-siyah renkli, elipsoid şeklindeki yenilebilir özellikteki palmiye meyveleri Akdeniz Bölgesi'nde sonbaharda olgunlaşmaktadır. Washingtonia robusta meyveleri yüksek miktarda suda çözünür kuru madde (SÇKM, 69,90°Bx) içeriğine sahip atıl bir meyvedir. Bu çalışmada yanıt yüzey metodu (YYM) kullanılarak palmiye meyvelerinden şeker özütlemede geleneksel ve modern yöntemlerin optimum koşulları belirlenmiştir. Hem geleneksel özütleme (GÖ) hem de ultrases destekli özütleme (UÖ) yöntemlerinde; özütleme sıcaklığı (25, 50, 75°C) ve meyve:su (M:S) oranı (1:2, 1:6, 1:10, g meyve:mL su) bağımsız değişkenler olarak kullanılmıştır. Ayrıca UÖ yönteminde ultrases gücü de (%20, 50, 80) bağımsız değişken olarak belirlenmiştir. Optimizasyon işlemi SÇKM (°Bx) ve özütleme verimi (ÖV, %) değerleri en yüksek olacak şekilde gerçekleştirilmiştir. YYM ile optimum GÖ koşullarında (75°C özütleme sıcaklığı ve 1:3,9 M:S oranı) tahmini SÇKM ve ÖV değerleri sırasıyla 9,17°Bx ve %38,22 olarak belirlenmiştir. Optimum UÖ koşullarında (75°C özütleme sıcaklığı, 1:2,7 M:S oranı ve %20 ultrases gücü) YYM ile tahmini SÇKM 11,93°Bx ve ÖV %36,00 olduğu tespit edilmiştir. UÖ yöntemi GÖ'ye göre daha yüksek kütle transfer katsayısına sahip olduğu için daha kısa sürede istenilen SÇKM değerine ulaşılabilmiştir. UÖ yönteminde özütleme süresinin kısalmasına bağlı olarak GÖ yöntemine göre daha az elektrik enerjisi tüketiminin (13,33 kWh) olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, UÖ ve GÖ yöntemleri işlem sürelerine göre kıyaslandığında, UÖ yöntemiyle elde edilen özütlerin bazı fizikokimyasal kalite özelliklerinin iyileştiği gözlenmiştir.Anahtar Kelimeler: Geleneksel özütleme, ultrases destekli özütleme, özütleme verimi, suda çözünür kuru madde, Washingtonia robusta, yanıt yüzey metodu. Mexican fan palm trees (Washingtonia robusta) is a fast growing park-garden tree with reddish thin stems, large and bright dark green leaves that widely grown an almost all the coastal region of Turkey. Brown-black colored ellipsoid-shaped edible palm fruits ripen in the Mediterranean Region in autumn. Washingtonia robusta fruit is an underutlized crops that has high content of water soluble dry matter (WSDM, 69.90°Bx). In this study, optimization of sugar extraction conditions from fan palm fruits by traditional and modern methods was determined by using response surface methodology (RSM). In both traditional (TE) and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) methods; extraction temperature (25, 50, 75°C) and fruit:water (F:W) ratio (1:2, 1:6, 1:10, g fruits:mL water) were used as independent variables. Additionly, ultrasound power (20, 50, 80%) was added to the independent variables in the UAE method, too. Optimization process was performed both both WSDM (°Bx) and extraction yield (EY, %) values that will be to maximum. Under optimum TE conditions (75°C extraction temperature and 1:3.9 F:W ratio), the estimated WSDM with RSM was determined as 9.17°Bx and EY 38.22% respectively. For optimal UAE conditions (75°C extraction temperature, 1:2.7 F:W ratio and 20% ultrasound power) the estimated WSDM with RSM was 11.93°Bx and EY 36.00%. In the UAE method, because of the higher mass transfer coefficient value than the TE method, the desired WSDM value was achieved in a shorter time. In the UAE method, less electrical energy consumption (13.33 kWh) was determined due to the shorter extraction time than the TE method. As a result, it was observed that some physicochemical quality properties of the extracts obtained by the UAE method are improved, when the UAE and TE methods were compared as regarding to processing times.Keywords: Traditional extraction, ultrasound assisted extraction, extraction yield, water soluble dry matter, Washingtonia robusta, response surface methodology. 172

Among ornamental palms, Washington (Washingtonia robusta) or Mexican fan Palm is one of the most important and regularly cultivated tree, throughout the world. It is fast growing, with thick reddish stem and large, shiny leaves. It is an ecologically and economically important plant, that can be used as profited farm business as well source of wood, thatch and other byproducts such as oils, phenolic compounds and terpenoids. There are different constrains in palm cultivation including pathogens that significantly diminish its production. Many fungal diseases such as wilt, bud rot, crown and rot rots, leaf spots, blights, seedling blight and damping off have been recorded, caused by different pathogens. Among several pathogens Phytophthora and Fusarium spp. are the leading cause of death of W. robusta. Various conventional and modern management strategies have been successfully exploited for sustainable palm production.

Palms (Arecaceae) are part of many urban environments in warmer climatic zones where they are mainly planted for their aesthetical value. Due to physiological and morphological characteristics they provide many common services at lower levels than trees, putting them in danger of being replaced. To avoid this, it is necessary to adequately match them to available sites so that costs remain small in comparison to their benefits. To determine what factors might be related to palm health, and therefore aesthetic value, information on the total palm population in Olhao, Portugal, was collected and statistically analysed for relationships between crown state and variables like palm height, distance to the nearest road or objects located within a species-specific growing space. While city-scape related variables showed no or only very weak correlations, it was found that the three most common species differed significantly from each other as comparatively many Phoenix canariensis palms were in poor state due to red palm weevil damage. The results of the study suggest that, in order to reduce financial inputs required to create high levels of desired benefits, a focus should be on macro-environmental conditions which cannot easily be manipulated or only with considerable costs associated. In addition to often discussed general climatic suitability of different species it is also necessary to consider the factor ‘pests and diseases’ when evaluating the appropriateness of certain plant types for designated growing spaces.

In this study some physical properties of fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) fruits, seeds and seed coats were determined using dimensional, bulk and single kernel physical analysis. The moisture content of whole fruits, seeds and seed coats was 12.0, 9.86 and 13.87% (d.b.), respectively. The sphericity values showed that seed shape (0.86) is close to a sphere, similar as the fruit shape (0.83), both of which were close to a scalene ellipsoid shape. The surface area values of fruits and seeds were obtained as 163.27 and 80.25 mm2, and volume values were obtained as 190.96 and 66.32 mm3, respectively. Bulk densities of fruits, seeds and seed coats were 559, 783 and 272 kg m−3, and the corresponding true densities were 1143, 1147 and 864 kg m−3, whereas the corresponding porosities were 48.87, 54.12, and 31.52%, respectively. The values of the static coefficient of friction and the angle of repose of fruits, seeds and seed coats of palm fruits were studied on aluminium, canvas, galvanised iron, plywood, PP knitted bag, PVC and stainless steel surfaces. As expected, seed coat has higher values of coefficient of static friction on the all surfaces than fruit and seed.

The canids gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus and coyote Canis latrans consume the fruits of Mexican fan palm, Washingtonia robusta , endemic to the oases of the Sonoran Desert. We analyzed biotic covariates (consumption, dispersal, and germination of palm seeds and abundance of gray foxes and coyotes) and organic matter in soils between different exposures in Barajitas Canyon, to better understand palm establishment. Mexican fan palm seeds found in feces had a greater germination rate (94%) than those dispersed directly from mother plants (55%). According to the results for palm establishment, the habitat can provide likely locations for successful colonization that did not significantly differ among sampling sites (α = 0.05, F = 1.104). The canyon is a dynamic habitat in which the reproductive season of these 2 mammals coincides with palm reproductive phenology. Our data suggest that the consumption and dispersal of W. robusta seeds by gray fox and coyote represent a positive interaction that plays a significant role in the establishment of this oasis species.

Severe terminal bud rot disease symptoms of Washingtonia, Washingtonia robusta, palms were observed in the 5-year-old trees in a farm located at the north of Al Shehia governorate, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. The fungus found associated with the diseased palm buds was isolated in the laboratory, and pathogenicity tests were conducted on healthy 1-year-old Washingtonia palms, at an experimental station, Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. Pathogenicity tests showed that a single fungus caused typical symptoms of bud rot on the inoculated trees. Petiole bases and terminal buds were rotted after 5–6 weeks of inoculation. The pathogen was identified through microscopy and characterized molecularly, using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA, as a fungal-like organism Phytophthora nicotianae (synonym = P. parasitica). Experiments were conducted on the biological control of the pathogen in the laboratory, and a promising RN13 isolate of Lysobacter enzymogenes was selected for further study. This study seems to be the first report of bud rot disease of Washingtonian palms caused by P. nicotianae in Saudi Arabia. Great attention should be given to this disease because it is soil borne and may be transmitted to the date palm crop.

Los bosques urbanos y áreas verdes de las ciudades proveen beneficios directos a la población, como mejorar la temperatura y la calidad del aire, protegen el suelo y permiten la permeabilidad de agua al subsuelo. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la estructura, composición y diversidad del arbolado urbano de Linares, Nuevo León. Se recabó información dasométrica de áreas verdes urbanas y parques públicos; se trabajó con seis camellones, 14 parques y 25 plazas con una superficie de 273 904 m2. Se registró el diámetro normal (d1.30), la altura total (h) y el diámetro de copa (dcopa). Se calculó la densidad de especies vegetales por área verde urbana y su número total. La diversidad fue evaluada mediante los índices de Shannon-Weiner y de Margalef. El total de individuos fue de 2 066, pertenecientes a 41 especies, 34 géneros y 25 familias. La más representativa fue Fabaceae con seis taxones; Fraxinus americana (fresno) es sobresaliente desde el punto de vista ecológico, con 25.67 N ha-1, que representa 34.03 % de la abundancia total, 1 225.38 m2 ha-1 que equivale a 46.93 % de dominancia y 30.91 % de IVI; seguida de Quercus virginiana con 22.46 % y Washingtonia robusta con 11.56 %. El índice de Shannon-Weiner registró un valor de H’ = 1.99 y H'max = 3.17, y el índice de Margalef DMg = 5.24. Se concluye que el arbolado urbano estudiado está compuesto, principalmente, por especies introducidas, de las cuales la más importante es el fresno.

Se presenta información sobre la presencia y abundancia así como evidencias de anidación de la cotorra Argentina (Myiopsittamonachus), especie exótica en el sur de la península de Baja California. La cotorra fue registrada por primera vez en noviembre de 2012 en el poblado de Chametla, 7 km al norte de la ciudad de La Paz. Desde entonces y hasta el día de hoy, el perico ha incrementado su abundancia en 10 veces su población inicial. Reportamos actividad de anidación, entre mayo y agosto de 2013 y mayo -agosto 2014. Los nidos fueron construidos sobre la palma de abanico (Washingtonia robusta, 75%) y palma de coco (Cocos nucifera, 25%). Se les observó alimentándose de frutos de palma datilera (Phoenix dactylifera), mezquite (Prosopis sp.), tamarindo (Tamarindus indica), guamúchil (Pithecellobium dulce) y otatave (Vallesia glabra), así como de restos de comida provistos por la gente. Se discuten las posibles implicaciones de la presencia deesta especie exótica en la región.

The ornamental value of plants used in semiarid areas can be improved by knowledge of their required nutrients and of their nutritional responses under saline conditions. We present a long-term study concerning the nutritional status in Chamaerops humilis and Washingtonia robusta. Two-year-old plants were grown for two years outdoors in pots using water with electrical conductivity values of 2 (control) or 8 dS m−1 (saline conditions). Nutrient specific absorption rates and leaf nutrient transport rates were estimated by fitting a Richards function regression. We suggest fertilizing C. humilis and W. robusta plants with nitrogen (N): phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5): dipotassium oxide (K2O) ratios of 4:1:5 and 5:1:3, respectively. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and Plant Analysis with Standardized Scores (PASS) norms were also evaluated. PASS norms provided better nutritional diagnosis than DRIS norms. In saline conditions, PASS-INI (Independent nutrient index) pointed to a deficiency (

Based on historical records, Jesuit missionaries were the first to introduce date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L., Arecacea) to the mission oases of the Mexican Baja California peninsula. Seedling date palms readily naturalized and have partially, and in some cases almost entirely replaced the native fan palm, Washingtonia filifera and Washingtonia robusta in the oases. These wild and introduced palms form the over-story for smaller cultivated trees, shrubs, and open gardens of mixed perennial and annual cultivars in complex agro-ecosystems. They also grow in dense stands along the oases arroyos where they may be “owned” by various oasis residents and semi- to carefully managed, or comprise wild populations beyond the periphery of the oasis settlements. These palms serve as ecological and cultural keystone species, altering oasis microclimates and providing shade for understory crops, shelter and food resources for resident and migratory fauna, and building materials and food for oasis human residents. I explore the agro-ecological role of the date palm in Baja California peninsula oases.

Palm trees are very fast-growing species. Their management produces annually a large amount of biomass that traditionally has been either disposed of at dumping sites or has been burnt onsite. This paper presents an experimental study to obtain particleboard using this biomass in a low energy process (short pressing time and low pressing temperature), using particles of different sizes from the rachis (midrib) of the three palm species most representative of urban gardening in Spain: canary palm (Phoenix canariensis hort. ex Chabaud), date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and washingtonia palm (Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl). Their physical and mechanical properties were tested, and the feasibility of their use as a construction material was evaluated. The results showed that the manufactured particleboard had similar performance to conventional wood particleboard and good thermal insulation properties. Boards made with the canary species showed better mechanical performance. The properties of the particleboard depended on the particle size and species. The use of the pruning waste of palm trees to produce durable materials such as particleboard could be beneficial to the environment since it is a method of carbon fixation, helping to decrease atmospheric pollution and reducing the amount of waste that ends in dumping sites.

Ecological boundaries have been of interest to naturalists since the time of Darwin and Wallace because they are transitional zones on the landscape across which distinct changes occur in constitution of plant and animal communities. In the xeric landscapes of the central Baja California Peninsula, fan palm (Erythea armata and Washingtonia robusta) oases are small (usually

Chamaerops humilis L. and Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl trees represent two ornamental palms which differ in size and water use, the result of which may confer contrasting responses to salinity. Tw...

A new disease of Syagrus romanzoffiana (queen palm) and Washingtonia robusta (Mexican fan palm) has spread across the southern half of Florida during the past 5 years. The initial foliar symptom is a one-sided chlorosis or necrosis of older leaf blades, with a distinct reddish-brown stripe along the petiole and rachis and an associated discoloration of internal tissue. Within 2 to 3 months after onset of symptoms, the entire canopy becomes desiccated and necrotic but the leaves do not droop or hang down around the trunk. Based on pathogenicity and morphological and molecular characterization, the etiological agent has been identified as a new forma specialis of Fusarium oxysporum, designated f. sp. palmarum. Sequence analysis of a portion of the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (EF-1α) separated 27 representative isolates into two EF-1α groups, which differed by two transition mutations. Members of both EF-1α groups are pathogenic on both species of palm. A phylogenetic analysis inferred from partial EF-1α sequences from a genetically diverse set of F. oxysporum isolates, including three other formae speciales pathogenic on palm (i.e., f. sp. albedinis, f. sp. canariensis, and f. sp. elaeidis), suggested that f. sp. palmarum and f. sp. albedinis may be more closely related to one another than either is to the two other palm pathogens.

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. mycorrhizae, Washingtonia robusta, Syagrus romanzoffiana SUMMARY. Container-grown mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) and queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) transplanted into a field nursery having phosphorus (P)-sufficient and P-deficient soils were treated at the time of planting with four commercial microbial inoculants (each containing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, alone or with other microbial components or fertilizers), two fertilizers, or nothing (control). All but the control palms received applications of an 8N‐0.9P‐10K palm fertilizer every 3 months for 2 years. None of the treatments improved growth over the control in the P-deficient soil. In the P-sufficient soil, none of the microbial inoculants improved growth over that of similarly fertilized noninoculated palms. Discrepancies were observed regarding nonmycorrhizal fungi and bacteria present in the microbial inoculant products. The type and quantity of these microbes listed on the labels of the microbial inoculant products did not necessarily match the type and quantity actually detected in the products.

A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect phytoplasmas in stem tissues from declining silver date (Phoenix sylvestris), Canary Island date (Phoenix canariensis), edible date (Phoenix dactylifera), Queen (Syagrus romanozoffiana) and Mexican fan (Washingtonia robusta) palms, all displaying symptoms similar to lethal yellowing (LY) disease, in a tri-county region of west central Florida. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis or sequencing of PCR-amplified rDNA products (1.6 kb) identified three distinct group 16SrIV phytoplasma strains among 38 infected palms. Most palms (86.8%) contained Texas Phoenix decline (TPD) phytoplasma, a subgroup 16SrIV-D strain, while two P. canariensis harboured palm LY phytoplasma, a subgroup 16SrIV-A strain. A novel phytoplasma, initially detected in W. robusta and tentatively classified as a subgroup 16SrIV-F strain, also occurred with LY phytoplasma as mixed infections in two P. dactylifera palms. Collectively, these findings extend the known geographic range of TPD in the USA to include Florida and the listing of TPD-susceptible palm species to include P. dactylifera, P. sylvestris and S. romanozoffiana. Moreover, discovery of a novel subgroup 16SrIV-F strain in W. robusta adds to the list of phytoplasma host palm species and complexity of phytoplasma-vector-palm pathosystems newly identified in the west central region of the state. The emergence of new lethal disease of palms beyond southern subtropical region of the state is unprecedented but follows similar developments in other regions where LY is known to occur.

Palms can grow at sites exposed to high winds experiencing large dynamic wind and gust loads. Their stems represent a system of stiff fibrous elements embedded in the soft parenchymatous tissue. The proper design of the interface of the stiffening elements and the parenchyma is crucial for the functioning of the stem. The strategy of the palm to compromise between stiff fibre caps and the soft parenchymatous tissue may serve as a model system for avoiding stress discontinuities in inhomogeneous and anisotropic fibre-reinforced composite materials. We investigated the mechanical, structural and biochemical properties of the fibre caps of the palm Washingtonia robusta at different levels of hierarchy with high spatial resolution. A gradual decrease in stiffness across the fibre cap towards the surrounding parenchymatous tissue was observed. Structural adaptations at the tissue level were found in terms of changes in cell cross sections and cell wall thickness. At the cell wall level, gradients across the fibre cap were found in the degree of orientation of the microfibrils and in the lignin level and composition. The impact of these structural variations in the local material stiffness distribution is discussed.

Three palm species common to southern California landscapes were grown and established under mulch treatments. Turfgrass clippings and Eucalyptus sideroxylon mulches increased the growth of king and queen palms and increased survival of king palms. Although palms growing under fresh eucalyptus mulches did not display nutrient deficiency symptoms, Mexican fan palm and queen palm were not significantly benefited by mulch treatments. Mexican fan palm was not adversely affected by turfgrass growing around it. However, turfgrass significantly reduced queen and king palm growth and increased mortality of king palms during establishment. Turfgrass increased drought effects and decreased stomatal conductance of palms. Soils under turfgrass were significantly drier than mulched or unmulched soils.

The Mexican fan palm is a fast-growing species that can reach heights of 70 to 100 feet, making it too tall for typical residential landscapes. It is native to northern Mexico but grows well in Florida, being hardy down to about 20°F or USDA hardiness zone 9A. Mexican fan palms grow well in a wide range of soils in Florida, but do require good drainage. Though considered a desert palm, it is native to areas having permanent surface or subsurface water and thus is not as drought tolerant as might be expected. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Timothy K. Broschat, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, February 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st670

A Fraunhofer Line Radiometer (FLR) measured solar-excited chlorophyll a fluorescence (F) as an indicator of photosynthetic capacity in leaves of Washingtonia robusta (palm) and Vitis vinifera (grape). Under clear skies, the FLR utilized the Fraunhofer line-depth principle (FLDP) to detect F within the O2 absorption band centered at 687 nm wavelength. On 20 April, the morning after soils were treated with the photosystem II herbicide DCMU F increased significantly (p = 0.05) in palm, while leaf reflectance at 687 nm (R) did not change. By 21 April, leaf herbicide concentrations were lethal. Increased F and R in palm corresponded with net photosynthetic rates near zero. Photosynthesis in grape also decreased greatly, but F and R remained similar to the controls. Results for palm indicate that F could be measured while leaves remained exposed to full sunlight, and support earlier work to indicate a potential role for the FLDP in remotely sensing F and photosynthetic capacity.

BACKGROUND: The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), is a phytophagous insect that feeds on soft succulent tissues of most palm species and is considered the main palm pest in the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of imidacloprid oil dispersion (OD) as a drench in preventive and curative treatments against R. ferrugineus in Phoenix canariensis, Washingtonia robusta, Washingtonia filifera and Trachycarpus fortunei. RESULTS: Levels of infestation were highest in P. canariensis. There was no infestation in W. filifera. Mean efficacies of 100 and 94% were obtained in preventive and curative treatments respectively. High efficacies in preventive treatments (mean 95.4%) lasted for up to 45 days after application. CONCLUSION: The high efficacies and persistence of imidacloprid OD applied as a drench in young palms show the potential of this product for the management of R. ferrugineus. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

The objective of this study was to adapt a plant DNA preparation procedure for the isolation of biologically active DNA and DNA with a high molecular weight from the date palm and other related palms. Mature leaf tissue extractions of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., the coconut tree, Cocos nucifera, and the Mexican Fan Palm, Washingtonia robusta, were characterized for total genomic DNA yield, purity, integrity, as well as restriction digestion and ligation capabilities. It is demonstrated here that the DNA isolation procedure, modified for use with various palm leaf tissues, met the criteria for simplicity and low costs, and yielded DNA of high molecular weight (∼50 Kbp) and of sufficient purity suitable for molecular studies.

Tree stability in windstorms and tree failure are important issues in urban areas where there can be risks of damage to people and property and in forests where wind damage causes economic loss. Current methods of managing trees, including pruning and assessment of mechanical strength, are mainly based on visual assessment or the experience of people such as trained arborists. Only limited data are available to assess tree strength and stability in winds, and most recent methods have used a static approach to estimate loads. Recent research on the measurement of dynamic wind loads and the effect on tree stability is giving a better understanding of how different trees cope with winds. Dynamic loads have been measured on trees with different canopy shapes and branch structures including a palm (Washingtonia robusta), a slender Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and trees with many branches and broad canopies including hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) and two species of eucalypt (Eucalyptus grandis, E. teretecornus). Results indicate that sway is not a harmonic, but is very complex due to the dynamic interaction of branches. A new dynamic model of a tree is described, incorporating the dynamic structural properties of the trunk and branches. The branch mass contributes a dynamic damping, termed mass damping, which acts to reduce dangerous harmonic sway motion of the trunk and so minimizes loads and increases the mechanical stability of the tree. The results from 12 months of monitoring sway motion and wind loading forces are presented and discussed.

Plant growth response to salinity on a scale of years has not been studied in terms of growth analysis. To gain insights into this topic, 2-year-old Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis L.) and Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl) seedlings, each with its own distinct plant morphology, were grown for 2 years in a peat soil and irrigated with water of 2 dS m(-1) (control) or 8 dS m(-1) (saline). Plants were harvested on seven occasions and the time trends in relative growth rate (RGR, the rate of increase of biomass per unit of biomass already existing) and its components were analysed. In the long term, salinity produced a slight reduction in the mean RGR, values in both species. In the short term, salinity caused a reduction in RGR. However, during the second year, plants irrigated with 8 dS m(-1) grew somewhat more quickly than the control plants, probably as a result of delay in the growth kinetics due to salinity. Regarding RGR components, leaf nitrogen productivity (the rate of biomass gain per unit leaf N and time) was the major factor causing the differences in RGR resulting from salinity. Washingtonia robusta showed a relatively high plasticity in plant morphology by increasing root and decreasing stem biomass allocation in the presence of salinity. However, the long-term response of W. robusta to salinity, based to a great extent, on this morphological plasticity, was less effective than that of C. humilis, which is based mainly on the contribution of leaf N to RGR values.

Because palms grow in highly varying climates and reach considerable heights, they present a unique opportunity to evaluate how environment and plant size impact hydraulic function. We studied hydraulic properties of petioles from palms of varying height from three species: Iriartea deltoidea, a tropical rainforest species; Mauritia flexuosa, a tropical rainforest, swamp species; and Washingtonia robusta, a subtropical species. We measured leaf areas, petiole cross-sectional areas, specific conductivity (K S), petiole anatomical properties, vulnerability to embolism and leaf water potentials and calculated petiole Huber values and leaf-specific conductivities (K L). Leaf and petiole cross-sectional areas varied widely with height. However, hydraulic properties including Huber values, K S and K L, remained constant. The two palmate species, M. flexuosa and W. robusta, had larger Huber values than I. deltoidea, a pinnately-compound species which exhibited the highest K S. Metaxylem vessel diameters and vascular bundle densities varied with height in opposing patterns to maintain petiole conductivities. I. deltoidea and W. robusta petioles had similar P 50 values (the point at which 50% of hydraulic conductivity is lost) averaged over all crown heights, but W. robusta exhibited more negative P 50 values in taller palms. Comparison of P 50 values with transpiring midday leaf water potentials, as well as a double-dye staining experiment in a 1-m-tall palm, suggested that a fairly significant amount of embolisms were occurring and refilled on a diurnal basis. Therefore, across palms differing widely in height and growing environments, we found convergence in water transport per unit leaf area (K L) with individuals exhibiting differing strategies for achieving this.

Summary • Structure and mechanics of fibre caps of different types of vascular bundles were studied at a certain height in the trunk of the palm Washingtonia robusta. By correlating these features with the distribution of the different bundle types across the trunk, possible strategies to cope with mechanical loads were elucidated. • Micromechanical properties, cell parameters, microfibril orientation and lignification were studied using micromechanical testing, image analysis, synchrotron X-ray diffraction and UV-microspectrophotometry. • The adjustment of stiffness followed a common principle in the fibre caps of all bundle types. Gradients in stiffness appeared across the caps in the centre of the trunk whereas stiffness remained high across the caps in the periphery of the trunk. • The difference in stiffness profiles was interpreted as an adaptation to different mechanical constraints arising across the trunk. The gradual transition in stiffness prevents high local stress discontinuities between cap fibres and parenchyma and might be beneficial for trunk damping. At the periphery, the fibre caps without stiffness gradients contribute to a high flexural stiffness of the trunk as this has to be exclusively maintained by the material properties because geometric adjustments through increasing trunk diameter hardly occur in monocotyledonous palms.

Syagrus romanzoffiana and Washingtonia robusta are popular landscape ornamental palms grown throughout most of Florida. Since late 2004, we have noted mature specimens in the landscape and juvenile material in nurseries of S. romanzoffiana with symptoms not observed previously for this species. Symptoms are first observed on the oldest leaves, with individual leaves exhibiting chlorosis and necrosis initially only on one side. A distinct reddish-brown stripe is visible on the petiole and rachis, and there is a corresponding discoloration internally. Within 2-3 months after onset of initial symptoms, the entire canopy desiccates and turns brown as if freeze-dried in situ. Similar symptoms were observed on W. robusta beginning in the spring of 2007 in landscapes and a nursery. Fusarium oxysporum was consistently isolated from symptomatic petiole tissue from both palm species. DNA was extracted from single-spore isolates, and a portion of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction and the efl and ef2 primers. The resulting amplicons were sequenced. Comparison of the sequences obtained with TEF sequences in the FUSARIUM-ID database (http://fusarium.cbio.psu.edu) demonstrated that this F. oxysporum is likely to be a new forma speciales. Koch's postulates were completed using S. romanzoffiana and IV. robusta and F. oxysporum isolates obtained from both palm species. F. oxysporum isolates from S. romanzoffiana were pathogenic on W. robusta, and, likewise, isolates from IV. robusta were pathogenic on S. romanzoffiana.

La cotorra argentina Myiopsitta monachus es una especie invasora muy exitosa y una plaga agrícola en muchos de los países en que se encuentra establecida. El estudio de la selección de árboles nido podría ser una herramienta valiosa para controlar esta plaga de forma más eficiente. En este trabajo se describen los patrones de uso y selección de árboles nido de la cotorra común en cinco parques de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (Argentina). Se registró cada árbol nido junto con su especie y características estructurales. Asimismo, se realizó un censo de árboles nido potenciales para calcular el índice de selectividad de Savage para cada especie arbórea. Se encontraron 128 nidos de cotorra en 60 árboles. Las especies seleccionadas por las cotorras para nidificar fueron cedro Cedrus atlantica, araucaria Araucaria sp. y palmeras (Butia capitata, Washingtonia robusta, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Phoenix sp.). Los cedros representaron un caso particular como árboles nido puesto que sostuvieron el 40% de los nidos registrados y albergaron la mayor cantidad de nidos por árbol. Este es el primer estudio que encuentra que los cedros y las araucarias son seleccionados por la cotorra común para nidificar. La selección de árboles nido es un proceso dependiente del contexto y está guiado por la especie arbórea y sus características estructurales y fenológicas. A partir de estos resultados, se sugiere implementar una selección cuidadosa de las especies a plantar en los parques de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y de parques en zonas urbanas donde habite la cotorra argentina en general, de tal modo que pueda realizarse un manejo adecuado ante potenciales conflictos entre los humanos y estas aves. The monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus is a very successful invasive species and a worldwide agricultural pest. Knowledge of its nest tree selection could be a valuable pest control tool, given that its population expansion could be more effectively controlled by reducing potential nest tree availability. In this study we describe monk parakeet use and selection patterns of nest trees in five parks in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The species and structural characteristics of each nest tree was recorded. A census of potential nest trees was also performed to calculate Savage's selectivity index for each tree species. We found 128 parakeet nests in 60 trees. The tree species selected by monk parakeets were cedars Cedrus atlantica, araucaria pines Araucaria sp. and palms (Butia capitata, Washingtonia robusta, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Phoenix sp.). Cedars were particularly selected as nest trees: they supported 40% of all nests and held more nests per tree than any other species. This is the first study to reveal that cedars and araucarias are selected by monk parakeets. Nest tree selection is a context-dependent process and it is guided by tree species and their structural characteristics and phenology. According to our findings, it would be advantageous to implement a careful selection of the tree species to be planted in Buenos Aires City parks and in urban areas elsewhere, in order to properly manage potential human-bird conflicts. Fil: Romero, Ivana Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Grupo de Estudios sobre Biodiversidad en Agroecosistemas; Argentina Fil: Codesido, Mariano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Grupo de Estudios sobre Biodiversidad en Agroecosistemas; Argentina Fil: Bilenca, David Norberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Grupo de Estudios sobre Biodiversidad en Agroecosistemas; Argentina