Asphodelus Microcarpus Research Articles

Classification of Unifloral Honeys from SARDINIA (Italy) by ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Random Forest.

Nowadays, the mislabeling of honey floral origin is a very common fraudulent practice. The scientific community is intensifying its efforts to provide the bodies responsible for controlling the authenticity of honey with fast and reliable analytical protocols. In this study, the classification of various monofloral honeys from Sardinia, Italy, was attempted by means of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and random forest. Four different floral origins were considered: strawberry-tree (Arbutus Unedo L.), asphodel (Asphodelus microcarpus), thistle (Galactites tormentosa), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus calmadulensis). Training a random forest on the infrared spectra allowed achieving an average accuracy of 87% in a cross-validation setting. The identification of the significant wavenumbers revealed the important role played by the region 1540–1175 cm−1 and, to a lesser extent, the region 1700–1600 cm−1. The contribution of the phenolic fraction was identified as the main responsible for this observation.

Soil hydraulic properties and water source-sink relations affect plant rings’ formation and sizes under arid conditions

In semi-arid and arid environments, clonal plants occasionally appear in ring patterns. There is a general agreement that this pattern forms when ramets grow radially, leaving a dead centre where the parent plant once was. Nevertheless, there is still some controversy over the actual causes of this dieback and how water source–sink relations in and around the rings are involved in their formation. We studied Asphodelus ramosus rings in two sites with different soil textures (sand and loess) but comparable climate, in order to understand whether differences in soil hydraulic properties create different water source–sink relations and mechanisms that drive ring formation. We characterised soil hydraulic properties and dynamics, accompanied by measurements of soil texture and of belowground storage root biomass. We found that the nature of source–sink relations varies with soil texture and properties. In sandy soils, water supply to ring perimeters is mainly from their centres. In loessial soils, water supply to ring perimeters is mainly from the surrounding matrix. Consequently, rings are larger in sandy soils than in loessial soils. This suggests that rings in both sites are formed by different mechanisms: fine particle deposition in the centres of ring in the sandy soil but competition over water in rings in the loessial soil. Studying the formation of rings and other vegetation spatial patterns should consider local soil properties and the possibility that similar patterns may emerge through various processes.

An integrative taxonomic study of the needle nematode complex Longidorus goodeyi Hooper, 1961 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) with description of a new species.

Needle nematodes are polyphagous root-ectoparasites parasitizing a wide range of economically important plants not only by directly feeding on root cells, but also by transmitting nepoviruses. This study deciphers the diversity of the complex Longidorus goodeyi through integrative diagnosis method, based on a combination of morphological, morphometrical, multivariate analysis and molecular data. A new Longidorus species, Longidorus panderaltum n. sp. is described and illustrated from a population associated with the rhizosphere of asphodel (Asphodelus ramosus L.) in southern Spain. Morphologically, L. panderaltum n. sp. is characterized by having a moderately long female body (5.2-7.0 mm), lip region bluntly rounded and slightly offset by a depression with body contour, amphidial pouch with slightly asymmetrical lobes, odontostyle 80.5–101.0 µm long, tail short and conoid rounded. Longidorus panderaltum n. sp. is quite similar to L. goodeyi and L. onubensis in major morphometrics and morphology. However, differential morphology in the tail shape of first-stage juvenile, phylogeny and haplonet analyses indicate they are three distinct valid species. This study defines those three species as members of L. goodeyi complex group and reveals the taxonomical complexity of the genus Longidorus. This L. goodeyi complex group demonstrated that the biodiversity of Longidorus in this region is still not fully clarified.

What do Eumerus Meigen larvae feed on? New immature stages of three species (Diptera: Syrphidae) breeding in different plants

The genus Eumerus Meigen 1822 (Diptera: Syrphidae) is widely distributed in the Old World, though recently introduced into America, and their larvae feed on decaying vegetal material and/or inside underground storage organs of many plants, sometimes generating economic losses as pests. However, little is known about Eumerus larval cycles and their interactions with host plants. Here, immatures of three Eumerus species from different continents are described, noting their feeding habits and host plants. Larvae of Eumerus figurans Walker 1859 were obtained from Hawaiian cultured ginger roots; puparium of Eumerus alpinus Rondani 1857 originated from larvae collected in Asphodelus ramosus L. in France; puparia of Eumerus superbus Shannon 1927 were reared from larvae found in two Zamiaceae species from Australia. Mitochondrial COI sequences served for diagnosing E. figurans larvae. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were used to describe body features, head skeletons, anterior spiracles, pupal spiracles, and posterior respiratory processes. Overall, E. alpinus resembles E. nudus Loew 1848 immatures. Eumerus superbus has a remarkable morphology among all described immatures of the genus, being the only Eumerus reported from gymnosperms. Head skeleton of E. figurans suggests this species is a filtering one. Present findings show that larvae of Eumerus can be separated at the species level and that this genus is polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of plant tissues and taxa, including commercial species. This study emphasizes immature stages and breeding sites as important means to understand species life cycles and the interactions with their host plants and ecosystems.

Vegetation ring formation by water overland flow in water‐limited environments: Field measurements and mathematical modelling

AbstractVegetation rings are a unique vegetation pattern found in drylands. Most examples are found in clonal plants growing in sandy soils with confined root zones. Using field measurements and numerical simulations, we found that water overland flow is a predominant mechanism that drives ring formation in the clonal species Asphodelus ramosus. In these rings, an infiltration contrast develops due to aeolian feedback between vegetation and wind‐induced particle transport. Fine particles settle at the patch's centre, reducing water infiltrability compared with that of its perimeter. In turn, this encourages the development of biological soil crust in the ring's centre, further decreasing water infiltration in this micro‐environment. These processes cause the development of surface run‐off source–sink relations between the ring's centre and perimeter. The outcome of this process is the formation of three different micro‐environments: the centre of the patch, characterized by low soil‐water content; its perimeter, characterized by higher soil‐water content; and the matrix, also characterized by higher soil‐water content. Competition for the water resource between the ramets at the perimeter and the ones at the centre leads to dieback, resulting in ring formation. Measurements of soil‐water content in rings of A. ramosus in the semiarid Negev of Israel throughout 5 years showed that the soil‐water content in the ring's centre is lower than that at its perimeter and matrix. These results are in accord with numerical simulations of a mathematical model for plant species with confined roots grown under highly seasonal rainfalls in water‐limited environments.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of Asphodelus microcarpus methanolic extracts

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAsphodelus microcarpus is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Liliaceae. This plant is used in traditional medicine to treat abscesses by local application of the powder; the roots are used against white spots, and specifically used for ear pain. Aim of the studyThe aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro antioxidant effects and the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the different parts methanolic extracts of the Asphodelus microcarpus: aerial part (APME), leaf (LME), stem flowers (SFME) and root (RME). Material and methodsThe antioxidant potency of extracts was evaluated by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS, β-carotene bleaching assays, iron chelating, free hydroxyl radicals (HO•) assays, and reducing power. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts was evaluated using the carrageenan induced rat paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema in mice. ResultsThe estimation of polyphenols and flavonoids showed that the leave methanolic extract contains a high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids: 755.3 ± 0.036 mg Gallic acid equivalent and 42.2 ± 0.043 mg Rutin equivalent/g of dried material, respectively. Oral administration of the APME and RME extract produced significant (p < 0.05) anti-edematogenic effect with a dose of 500 mg/kg in the carrageenan induced paw edema after 6 h (58.04%, 58.75%, respectively). APME, LME; SFME and RME extracts at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg, exhibited significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of xylene induced ear edema. Conclusionthe present study confirms the use of A. microcarpus in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory agent.

In vitro screening for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of three lebanese medicinal plants crude extracts

Pharmacognosy Research,2019,11,2,127-133.DOI:10.4103/pr.pr_171_18Published:April 2019Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Josiane Alhage, and Hoda Elbitar Author(s) affiliations:Josiane Alhage, Hoda Elbitar AZM Centre for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology for Biomolecules, Biotherapy and Bioprocess, Lebanese University, Tripoli, LEBANON. Abstract:Background: Despite its small geographic area, Lebanon is characterized by a natural wealth in medicinal plants. Lebanese flora has about 2600 species, where >100 are endemic and are used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic effects. Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of dichloromethane, methanol, and aqueous crude extracts of three Lebanese medicinal plants: Geranium robertianum, Asphodelus microcarpus, and Alcea setosa. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity of different crude extracts was determined using the free radical, 1,1‑diphenyl‑2‑picrylhydrazyl. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated in a plate‑hole diffusion assay against two Gram‑negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacterial strains, one Gram‑positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial strain, and a fungal strain (Candida albicans). Results: Methanol and aqueous extracts of G. robertianum possessed high scavenging activity (Radical scavenging activity ( RSA) >85%) at 0.3 mg/mL followed by the extracts of A. microcarpus which showed a moderate activity. G. robertianum extracts exhibited good inhibition diameters against S. aureus growth. Conclusion: Obtained results give an overall view on the bioactivities of three Lebanese medicinal plants crude extracts. Keywords:Alcea setosa, Antimicrobial activity, Antioxidant activity, Asphodelus microcarpus, Crude extracts, Geranium robertianumView:PDF (886.54 KB)

Anti-eczematic and molecular modeling of anthraquinones isolated from the seeds of Asphodelus microcarpus salzm. viv. growing in Egypt

Background: Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a widely spread skin disorder; the topical application of corticosteroids is the first choice for treatment. Natural products have a great contribution in the treatment of this disease; Asphodelus microcarpus seeds are rich in anthraquinones and known to possess both anti-inflammatory and antidermatitis effects. Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate the anti-eczematic activity, acute toxicity, and molecular modeling of A. microcarpus seeds. Materials and Methods: Nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet, and mass spectroscopy were applied for characterization of isolated metabolites; induction of eczema was conducted by 2% and 0.2% w/v dinitrochlorobenzene in acetone; eczema was treated with topical application of the different seed extracts in the form of ointments (1% w/w); Swiss albino mice (25–30 g) were used for the determination of LD50and anti-eczematic effect. Docking studies were performed by Molecular Operating Environment software. Results: A. microcarpus seed extract exhibited promising ant-eczematic activity, six anthraquinones were isolated from chloroform portion and characterized as 10,7'-bichrysophanol (1), asphodelin (2), chrysophanol-8-O-methyl ether (3), chrysophanol (4), physcion (5), and emodin (6). Compounds 1, 3, and 5 exerted significant anti-eczematic effect. Conclusion: Six known anthraquinone derivatives were isolated and characterized for the first time from the seeds of A. microcarpus. Chloroform fraction (1% w/w) showed significant anti-eczematic effect compared to standard mometasone furoate (0.1 w/w). The docking study proved the anti-eczematic activity of anthraquinone content by their affinity to the target human histamine H1receptor.

Herbicidal potential of desert plants Artemisia judaica L., Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. and Viv. and Solanum nigrum L. against Portulaca oleracea and Phalaris minor

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of different concentrations (25, 50 and 100 µg/ml) of root exudates and aqueous leaf extracts of three desert plants (Artemisia judaica, Asphodelus microcarpus and Solanum nigrum) on two weed plants (Portulaca oleracea and Phalaris minor). In laboratory experiment, the three studied plants possessed herbicidal effects that significantly inhibited germination, seedling growth and chlorophyll content of P. oleracea and P. minor; the inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentrations applied. Artemisia judaica and A. microcarpus were the most effective root exudates against P. oleracea while A. microcarpus was the most effective against P. minor compared to the other examined root exudates. Meanwhile, A. judaica was proved to be the most effective leaf extract against P. oleracea and P. minor followed by A. microcarpus and then S. nigrum. A number of phenols and flavonoids with known allelopathic potential was identified in the leaf extracts of the three studied plants and could explain their inhibitory effect on P. minor and P. oleracea plants. Generally, the aqueous leaf extracts showed greater allelopathic effects than the root exudates. However, both root exudates and aqueous leaf extracts of the three tested plants are attractive to be utilized in bio- herbicidal development program towards active weed management.

United Arab Emirates: Adnoc Refining – carbon black

In this study functional micromorphological traits and water repellent attributes of floral and leaf surfaces of Asphodelus ramosus are presented. The branched inflorescences of A. ramosus bear numerous short-lived flowers arranged on tall flowering stalks, while the basal long-tapered leaves are long-lived. The most striking feature of the short-lived flowers of A. ramosus is the surface structure of the coloured midrib and the white bilateral sections of tepals, revealing different functionality between the two sections of tepals and the two sides of the corollas. Structural features of adaxial and abaxial epidermal cells may function predominantly for water repellence of floral tissues expanded during the humid period of the year. The leaves are more water repellent than the tepals and display declining water retention on their surfaces. It appears that micro- and nano-scale patterns observed on leaf and tepal surfaces of A. ramosus are linked to hydrophobic properties, which are important adaptive traits contributing to the seasonal performance of A. ramosus in the field, particularly in regard to water adhesion.

Functional traits of floral and leaf surfaces of the early spring flowering Asphodelus ramosus in the Mediterranean region

In this study functional micromorphological traits and water repellent attributes of floral and leaf surfaces of Asphodelus ramosus are presented. The branched inflorescences of A. ramosus bear numerous short-lived flowers arranged on tall flowering stalks, while the basal long-tapered leaves are long-lived. The most striking feature of the short-lived flowers of A. ramosus is the surface structure of the coloured midrib and the white bilateral sections of tepals, revealing different functionality between the two sections of tepals and the two sides of the corollas. Structural features of adaxial and abaxial epidermal cells may function predominantly for water repellence of floral tissues expanded during the humid period of the year. The leaves are more water repellent than the tepals and display declining water retention on their surfaces. It appears that micro- and nano-scale patterns observed on leaf and tepal surfaces of A. ramosus are linked to hydrophobic properties, which are important adaptive traits contributing to the seasonal performance of A. ramosus in the field, particularly in regard to water adhesion.

Evaluation De La Dégradation De La Chamaeropaie Du Versant Sud Du Mont « jbelLakraa » (Maroc) Etudes Floristique Et Morphométrique

Our study is devoted to the chamaeropaie degradation assessment of the jbel Lakraa southern slope, located in the northern Middle Atlas in the Ribat Al Khair region. The floristic study revealed a specific richness of 124 species belonging to 95 genera and 33 vascular plants families, as well as a specific diversity relatively high with a Shannon-Weaver index of 3.88. A relatively high specific diversity with a Shannon-Weaver index of 3.88 was observed. However, the floristic composition showed a disturbance expressed by the index of equitability which is 0.58 and a strong therophytisation of 63% with a very high perturbation index of 69%. This disturbance is also illustrated by the toxic or spiny species proliferation such as Asphodelus ramosus, Drimia maritima and Scolymus hispanicus. The morphometric study was carried out on two strata (stratum 1 anthropized - stratum 2 wooded). The Statistical analysis showed that the diameter and height of the foliage, as well as the number of leaves per individual of the tree stratum are significantly higher than those of the anthropized stratum. Furthermore, an absence of correlations between the morphometric variables was recorded in the anthropized stratum. The chamaeropaie degradation state is alarming as indicated by the floristic and morphometric results, urgent measures must be taken to regulate its exploitation and preservation.

Broad-range potential of Asphodelus microcarpus leaves extract for drug development

BackgroundMany plants have been used in traditional medicine for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antidiarrhoeal, analgesic, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.In order to find novel antimicrobial and antiviral agents, the aim of the present study was the evaluation of the antibacterial and antibiofilm susceptibility of Asphodelus microcarpus leaves extract. Moreover, the antiviral activity and the phytochemical composition of the active extract were also determined.MethodsAntimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of leaves ethanol extract of A. microcarpus were evaluated on 13 different microbial strains. We selected three different sets of microorganisms: (i) Gram-positive bacteria, (ii) Gram-negative bacteria and (iii) yeasts. The potential antiviral activity of A. microcarpus leaves ethanol extract was evaluated with a luciferase reporter gene assay in which the dsRNA-dependent RIG-I-mediated IFN-β activation was inducted or inhibited by the Ebola virus VP35 protein. HPLC-DAD-MS was used to identify phenolic profile of the active extract.ResultsA. microcarpus leaves extract showed a potent inhibitory activity on Gram-positive bacteria while only a reduced inhibition was observed on Gram-negative bacteria. No activity was detected against Yeasts. The extract also showed an interesting antibiofilm motif on various bacterial strains (E. coli, S. aureus, S. haemolyticus and B. clausii). Moreover, this extract significantly affected the Ebola virus VP35 inhibition of the viral RNA (vRNA) induced IFN response.ConclusionsThe overall results provide supportive data on the use of A. microcarpus as antimicrobial agent and a potential source of anti-viral natural products.Data collected set the bases for further studies for the identification of single active components and the development of new pharmaceuticals.

ALLELOPATHIC ACTIVITY OF SOME DESERT PLANTS AGAINST PLANT PATHOGENIC BACTERIA AND NEMATODES

The extensive use of chemicals in plant protection has given rise to concerns about pesticide residues in the environment and to the development of pesticide-resistance by any organisms. Allelopathic plants offer better alternative for this purpose due to being cost-saving, eco-friendly, easy to use, efficient and safe. So, the present work was carried out to evaluate the allelopathic effect of three desert plants (Artemisia judaica, Asphodelus microcarpus, Solanum nigrum) on root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and three gram negative pathogenic bacterial strains (Erwinia carotovora, Xanthomonas campestris and Ralestonia solanacearum) using root exudates and leaf extracts of each plant with different concentrations. Under laboratory conditions, the data indicated that the three plants contain nematicidal compounds; the inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentrations used. Artemisia judaica extract showed the highest level (100%) of nematicidal activity and indicated good antibacterial activities against all the tested bacterial strains also recorded the best result of minimum inhibitory concentration followed by A.microcarpus root exudate. While the root exudate of A.judaica, S. nigrum had no antibacterial activity, leaf extracts of S. nigrum had weak antibacterial activity. Aqueous leaf extracts of A.judaica appears to be attractive for the development of nematicidal and bactericidal bio- pesticides.

Comparison of the Total Phenol, Flavonoid Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Roots Extracts of Asphodelus microcarpus and Asphodeline lutea Growing in Syria

Medicinal plants are a source for a wide variety of natural antioxidants. In the study reported here, we have conducted a comparative study between two medicinal plants roots having the same geographic origin and growing in the same natural conditions. The present study is designed to evaluate the radical scavenging activity, total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the MeOH roots extracts of Asphodelus microcarpus and Asphodeline lutea. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was examined by DPPH method. Total phenol and total flavonoid quantities of the samples were determined spectrophotometrically using Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 reagents respectively. The roots in both plants exhibited the free radical scavenging property (IC50= 0.30, 0.54 mg/ml) for A. microcarpus and A. lutea, respectively compared to that of the positive control BHT (IC50= 0.017 mg/ml). As assumed, the amount of total phenolics was (17.90, 13.02 mg GAE/ g dry weight for A. microcarpus and A. lutea root extracts, respectively. Roots extract of Asphodelus microcarpus were the richest in total phenolic compounds and also it has been found to be rich in flavonoids (14.60 mg rutinoside/g dry weight). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the antioxidant activity of A. microcarpus and A. lutea root from Syrian origin and our findings suggest the possibility of using the roots as a novel source of natural antioxidant agent for the food and pharmaceutical industries

Anti-Acne Activity of Italian Medicinal Plants Used for Skin Infection.

Propionibacterium acnes is implicated in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, which impacts >85% of teenagers. Novel therapies are in high demand and an ethnopharmacological approach to discovering new plant sources of anti-acne therapeutics could contribute to filling this void in effective therapies. The aims of our study were two-fold: (1) To determine if species identified in ethnopharmacological field studies as having traditional uses for skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) exhibit significantly more activity against P. acnes than species with no such reported use; and (2) Chemically characterize active extracts and assess their suitability for future investigation. Extracts of Italian medicinal (for acne and other skin infection) and randomly collected plants and fungi were screened for growth-inhibitory and anti-biofilm activity in P. acnes using broth microdilution methods. Bioactive extracts were chemically characterized by HPLC and examined for cytotoxicity against human keratinocytes (HaCaTs). Following evaluation of 157 extracts from 10 fungi and 58 plants, we identified crude extracts from seven species exhibiting growth inhibitory activity (MICs 64–256 μg mL−1). All active extracts were examined for cytotoxicity against HaCaTs; extracts from one fungal and one plant species were toxic (IC50 256 μg mL−1). HPLC analysis with chemical standards revealed many of these extracts contained chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, and tannic acid. In conclusion, species used in traditional medicine for the skin exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.05) growth inhibitory and biofilm eradication activity than random species, supporting the validity of an ethnobotanical approach to identifying new therapeutics. The anti-acne activity of three extracts is reported for the first time: Vitis vinifera leaves, Asphodelus microcarpus leaves, and Vicia sativa aerial parts.

Tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant properties of Asphodelus microcarpus extracts.

Background Asphodelus microcarpus belongs to the family Liliaceae that include several medicinal plants. In the traditional medicine plants of the genus Asphodelus are used to treat skin disorders such as ectodermal parasites, psoriasis, microbial infection and for lightening freckles. In order to find novel skin depigmenting agents, the present work was carry out to evaluate antioxidant activity and tyrosinase inhibitory potential of leaves, flowers and tubers extracts of A. microcarpus. The phytochemical composition of the active extract was also evaluated.MethodsThree different extracts (water, methanol and ethanol) from leaves, flowers and tubers of A. microcarpus were evaluated for their inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity using l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) as substrate. Inhibition of cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin production was also investigated in melanoma B16F10 cells. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoids contents were determined using standard in vitro methods. HPLC-DAD-MS was used to identify phenolic profile of the active extract.ResultsThe results showed that all extracts have a direct inhibitory anti-tyrosinase activity, with ethanolic extract from flowers (FEE) exhibiting the stronger effect. Kinetic analysis revealed that FEE acts as an uncompetitive inhibitor with a Ki value of 0.19 mg/mL. The same effect was observed in murine melanoma B16F10 cells. Cellular tyrosinase activity as well as melanin content were reduced in FEE-treated cells. The results were comparable to that of the standard tyrosinase inhibitor (kojic acid). Furthermore, the same extract showed the highest antioxidant activity and an elevated levels of total phenolics and flavonoid content. Eleven phenolic components were identified as chlorogenic acid, luteolin derivates, naringenin and apigenin.ConclusionsOur findings showed that FEE from A. microcarpus inhibits tyrosinase and exerted antimelanogenesis effect in B16F10 cells. This extract also showed the highest scavenging activity, which could be mainly attributed to its high levels of total polyphenols and flavonoids. These results suggest that A. microcarpus has a great potential as sources of bioactive compounds which could be used as depigmenting agents in skin disorders.

Fires can benefit plants by disrupting antagonistic interactions.

Fire has a key role in the ecology and evolution of many ecosystems, yet its effects on plant-insect interactions are poorly understood. Because interacting species are likely to respond to fire differently, disruptions of the interactions are expected. We hypothesized that plants that regenerate after fire can benefit through the disruption of their antagonistic interactions. We expected stronger effects on interactions with specialist predators than with generalists. We studied two interactions between two Mediterranean plants (Ulex parviflorus, Asphodelus ramosus) and their specialist seed predators after large wildfires. In A. ramosus we also studied the generalist herbivores. We sampled the interactions in burned and adjacent unburned areas during 2years by estimating seed predation, number of herbivores and fruit set. To assess the effect of the distance to unburned vegetation we sampled plots at two distance classes from the fire perimeter. Even 3years after the fires, Ulex plants experienced lower seed damage by specialists in burned sites. The presence of herbivores on Asphodelus decreased in burned locations, and the variability in their presence was significantly related to fruit set. Generalist herbivores were unaffected. We show that plants can benefit from fire through the disruption of their antagonistic interactions with specialist seed predators for at least a few years. In environments with a long fire history, this effect might be one additional mechanism underlying the success of fire-adapted plants.

Influence of altitude and slope on the density of Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm &amp; Viv. in the Mount of Tessala (Western Algeria)

The change in the structure of species communities along environmental gradients is a privileged field of ecology as it allows exploring a continuous progression of situations often in a small area, in this context, we are interested in studying the impact of altitude and slope on the density and the recovery rate of Asphodelus microcarpus population in mountainous ecosystem. Asphodelus microcarpus is an ecological model, which allows us to have an idea about the degree of degradation in mountainous ecosystem, the density increases with advanced degradation stage. Analysis of variance revealed a highly significant difference (P = 0.001) between the 20 selected stations. The principal component analysis revealed that the density is important in low altitudes around 750 m where the slopes are average, this correlation is the result of human pressures that weaken the mountain of Tessala.International Journal of Environment Vol.5(3) 2016, pp.43-56

Effects of grazing intensity on pollinator abundance and diversity, and on pollination services

1. Pollinating insects provide important ecosystem services and are influenced by the intensity of grazing. Based on the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH), pollinator diversity is expected to peak at intermediate grazing intensities. However, this hump‐shaped relationship is rarely found.2. The effect of grazing intensity was tested on flower cover, on the abundance and richness of bees, hoverflies and bee flies, and on pollination services to early‐flowering bee‐pollinated Asphodelus ramosus L. For that, we used data on 11 plant–pollinator phryganic communities from Lesvos Island (Greece) widely differing in grazing intensities.3. Flower abundance and richness showed hump‐shaped relationships with grazing intensity. Grazing affected the abundance and richness of bees and hoverflies directly and also indirectly, through changes in the flower community. Grazing influenced directly the richness but not the abundance of bee flies. Overall, pollinator abundance and richness showed hump‐shaped relationships with grazing intensity, but variations in strength (hoverfly abundance) and direction (bee community) of the effect appeared along the season. Early in the season, grazing increased bee abundance but decreased richness, resulting in increased pollen limitation in A. ramosus.4. The effects of grazing on pollinators vary with the intensity of the disturbance, generally supporting the IDH, and the timing of land‐use activities may influence pollination services. Management strategies should include moderate grazing levels to preserve overall diversity in this area, however, the conservation of particular early bee or bee‐pollinated species may benefit from reduced grazing in early spring.