Fruits In Autumn Research Articles

Relative growth rate of leaf biomass and leaf nitrogen content in several mediterranean woody species

In many plant species, herbivory is a major determinant of leaf mortality and it can cause a strong reduction in productive potential. Most predation occurs on young, expanding leaves. Thus, a rapid growth of the leaves can reduce the impact of predation. Furthermore, in cold Mediterranean climates the length of the growing season is constrained to a short period in spring and early summer owing both to low winter temperatures and drought stress in early summer. Therefore, a rapid deployment of leaf area and a high photosynthetic capacity during the spring and early summer might have important positive effects on the final carbon balance of the leaf population. Relative growth rates (RGR) of leaf biomass were measured in 19 woody species typical of Central Western Spain with deciduous and evergreen habits. Highly significant differences were detected in the leaf growth rate of the different species. The differences between species, however, did not correlate either with the mean leaf life-span of each of the species or with other leaf traits such as photosynthetic capacity, specific leaf area or nitrogen content. Leaf growth rate was positively correlated with time elapsed between leaf initiation and fruit maturation, so that species with fruit dispersal in spring and early summer in general had lower leaf growth rates than species with autumn fruit shedding. This relationship shows the effects of the concurrence between vegetative and reproductive organs for nutrients and other resources. Nitrogen concentration in the leaves was very high at the time of bud break, and declined during leaf expansion owing to the dilution associated with the increase in structural components. The rate of nitrogen dilution was, thus, positively related to the leaf growth rate. Relative growth rates calculated for nitrogen mass in leaves were very low compared to the growth in total mass. This suggests that most leaf nitrogen is translocated from the plant stores to the leaf biomass before the start of leaf expansion and that the contribution of root uptake during leaf expansion is comparatively low.

Does local feeding specialization exist in Eurasian badgers?

Several local populations of the otherwise trophic-generalist Eurasian badger (Meles meles) have been defined as specializing locally on temporally variable food resources such as earthworms (Lumbricus spp.), olive fruits (Olea europaea), or young rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), owing to a lack of correlation between resource availability and use. However, theoretical models predict that temporal variation in resources reduces the probability of diet specialization. To understand the relationship between temporal resource variability and local feeding specialization, we studied temporal variation in diet composition and diversity (using fecal analysis), the availability of a temporally stable key resource, and the relation between consumption and availability of rabbits (key prey) and invertebrates (secondary prey) for a badger population previously described as specialized on young rabbits. We found strong variations in the use of different resources (including young rabbits) and in diet diversity among seasons and years. The main food resource was young rabbits during winter and spring, fruits in autumn, and reptiles in summer. Diet diversity was inversely related to consumption of young rabbits and directly related to consumption of secondary prey (invertebrates). Consumption of rabbits (both young and adults) was correlated with their abundance in the field, with a type 3 functional response in the consumption of young rabbits, which is typical of a generalist to whom alternative prey are available. There was no relationship between the abundance of invertebrates and their consumption. Our results show that badgers in the study area were not locally specialized, therefore care should be taken when referring to a population as specialized without an adequate test of the predictions.

Quality of cactus pear [ Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] fruit in relation to ripening time, CaCl 2 pre-harvest sprays and storage conditions

Post-harvest behaviour of summer and autumn ripening cactus pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cactaceae) fruit cv. Gialla was investigated in relation to pre-harvest growing conditions, and CaCl 2 applications. Summer ripening cactus pear fruit were stored for 5 weeks at 6°C and 90–95% relative humidity (RH), and 3 days at 20°C, 75% RH to simulate a marketing period (SMP). Autumn ripening fruits were kept under the same conditions for 7 weeks plus a SMP. Summer ripening cactus pear fruit were more susceptible to chilling injury and to weight loss, but less sensitive to decay than autumn fruit. CaCl 2 delayed rind colour development and increased fruit resistance to decay but promoted susceptibility to chilling injury.

Feeding rates and energy deficits of juvenile and adult Japanese monkeys in a cool temperate area with snow coverage

Japanese monkeys, Macaca fuscata, living in a cool temperate forest experienced energy crises in winter. We measured feeding times and feeding rates (mass of foods eaten per unit time of feeding) in six different‐sized, age–sex classes (1.2–12.6 kg body mass) in autumn and winter. One‐, 2‐ and 3~4‐year‐olds spent 34–35% and 44–46% of the day feeding in autumn and winter, respectively. Monkeys less than 0 years old spent less time feeding (16–28%) than average in winter and autumn; adult females spent less (41%) in winter; and adult males spent less (25%) in autumn. All age–sex classes ate mainly fruits in autumn and the heavier classes fed more on tree bark than buds in winter. The feeding rate for fruits (2.3–53.5 g min−1) was nine to 12 times faster than those for buds (1.0– 4.8 g min−1) and bark (0.5–4.4 g min−1), and energy content did not differ among fruits (22.1 kJ g−1 dry mass), buds (19.9 kJ g−1 dry mass) and bark (23.2 kJ g−1 dry mass). Energy base feeding rates increased with body mass where the body mass exponent for buds (0.29) was smaller than those for bark (0.64) and fruits (0.63), which might be attributable to the unit size of food items and mass dependency of masticatory apparatus. Our monkeys obtained two to five times more energy in autumn (1567–1150 kJ day−1) than in winter (604–3020 kJ day−1). Adult females obtained 60% of expected energy expenditure and other classes obtained 77–88% of that in winter.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi with edible fruiting bodies 1.Tricholoma Matsutake and Related Fungi

Matsutake are the edible fruiting bodies of a few species ofTricholoma. The principal species areT. matsutake, T. magnivelare, andT. caligatum. Related species areT. bakamatsutake, T. quercicola, T. fulvocastaneum andT. robustum. These occur naturally throughout the Northern Hemisphere associated mainly with softwood trees but also with members of the Fagaceae. However, none have ever been cultivated or successfully introduced into new areas. They are held in very high regard in Japan where annual consumption is approximately 3000 tons. Annual production of matsutake in Japan is less than 1000 tons with the balance imported from China, North and South Korea, Canada, the USA, Morocco and Taiwan. Matsutake only fruit in late summer and autumn and are not found in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, there is the opportunity for it to be introduced into Southern Hemisphere countries and fruiting bodies produced for out-of-season Japanese markets. Wholesale prices in Japan range from ¥3350 to ¥70 000/kg (US$27-560) with the price reflecting quality, origin and availability. Retail prices at the start of the season can be up to ¥160 000/kg (US$1275). This paper reviews published and our own unpublished information on matsutake, and highlights areas of research that might result in a method for the cultivation of these fungi.

Diet of stone martens: an example of ecological flexibility

The feeding ecology of the stone marten in a rural area of Central Italy was assessed by faecal analysis. Habitat analysis, performed through a Geographical Information System, and intensive radio‐tracking allowed us to investigate intra‐population variations of diet in relation to habitat. The species’feeding habits were opportunistic: fruit and berries were the staple diet but mammals and birds were also important. Diet varied seasonally in relation to resource availability, with a predominance of fruit in autumn and frequent presence of insects in summer. Individuals living in adjacent areas but in different habitats (wooded and rural) showed significant variations of diet, adapting their feeding habits to local availability of foods. The great adaptability of the stone marten to very different resource conditions can represent a key to the species’success through its wide range.

Variation in the diet of the red fox in a Mediterranean area

The diet of the red fox Vulpes vulpes was studied in the province of Pisa, Central Italy, analysing both faeces (N = 1261 ; collected monthly for one year in nine areas) and gut contents (N = 330 ; collected between January and May in the whole province). Diet was very varied, and was dominated by vertebrates, especially mammals, and plants (especially fruit) whereas invertebrates were less abundant. Food of human origin was approximately a half of the diet. In late winter and spring, females ate more small mammals and invertebrates than males, whereas yearlings had diets similar to adults. The body fat and size were not related to the volume of any food item. Seasonal variation was large for most categories, vertebrates being eaten mainly in winter and spring, and fruits in summer and autumn. Invertebrates were eaten mainly in summer. Several of these trends could be explained by the availability of food, but small mammals were eaten less when they were presumably more abundant. Globally, the diet in rural areas was homogeneous, and very different from that in areas with little human intervention. Over the whole province, differences were limited to three secondary items of human origin. Grass and other vegetable matter in stomachs and in intestines were significantly related to the consumption of invertebrates, not to the presence of parasite worms in the intestines. The high consumption of fruits and of resources of human origin is a characteristic trait of the fox diet in this and other areas of Italy. Fruits may be a supplementary food item, whereas small mammals may be a key resource. Foxes ate more fruits when and where fox population density was higher. Reasons for these trends are discussed.

Effects of Abscisic Acid Injection on Sugar and Organic Acid Contents of Citrus Fruit.

The effect of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) injections into citrus fruits in autumn on fruit drop, ABA catabolism, and sugar and organic acid contents were evaluated. Fruit drop increased after ABA injection proportional to the ABA concentration. Ninety-two percent of citrus fruits were retained 16 days after injection with 0.2 μmol ABA per fruit. Injection of 14C-ABA revealed that exogenously applied ABA was catabolized to a level of about 10% in the fruits within four days. Injection of ABA caused an increase in the glucose and fructose concentrations, but had no effect on the organic acid in the juice. ABA appears to play a role in increasing sugar content of fruit juice.

Van Dyck's "Holy Family with Partridges": Catholic and Classical Imagery at the English Court

A re-examination of documentary and iconographical evidence demonstrates that Van Dyck's Holy Family with Partridges, now in the Hermitage Museum, was painted in England for Queen Henrietta-Maria. It is not, as often accepted in the past, the now lost version that belonged to Frederick-Hendrick of The Netherlands. Visual sources for the painting are found in Christian and pagan works by Rubens and Titian and the symbols used are both Catholic and classical, reflecting the Neo-Platonic atmosphere at the English court. Themes and motifs found in court masques, plays and poetry - including the ring of dancing putti - are paralleled in the Hermitage painting. The inclusion of a sunflower and the prominence of autumn fruits and flowers suggest monarchical allusions as well. Inigo Jones and Ben Jonson are among those who may have played a role in Van Dyck's choice of iconography.

Litterfall under hinau,Elaeocarpus dentatus, in lowland podocarp/ mixed hardwood forest, and the impact of brushtail possums,Trichosurus vulpecula

Abstract Litterfall was collected monthly for five years under the endemic hardwood tree Elaeocarpus dentatus (hinau) on two study areas about 3 km apart in podocarp/mixed hardwood forest of the Orongorongo Valley, near Wellington, New Zealand. At high stem densities (42 stems > 8 cm dbh ha-1) total annual hinau litterfall was 504 g m-2, with litter from other associated species contributing a further 119 g m-2. At low stem densities (4 stems > 8 cm dbh ha-1) the values were 293.4 and 163 g m-2, respectively. Except for twigs, the amounts of the various components of litterfall showed marked seasonal and annual variations, and consistent differences between individual trees. At both sites, litter fell throughout the year, with most flowers falling in spring, leaves in summer, and fruits in autumn. The annual cycle of monthly dry weight of leaf-fall, the major component of the litterfall, was highly correlated with the annual cycle of mean monthly temperature, but not with that of rainfall or windrun. Eradication of introduced herbivorous brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, from one of the study areas was followed by a marked increase the following year in the amounts of hinau flowers and fruits in the litterfall.

Aspects of litter production in a New Zealand lowland podocarp/broadleaf forest

Abstract Litter-fall was collected monthly for 16 months in 69 funnels of 0.0625 m2 catching area on two 2.25 ha sites in lowland podocarp/broadleaf forest in the Orongorongo Valley, near Wellington. New Zealand. At both sites, litter fell throughout the year, with most leaves falling in summer, fruits in autumn, and twigs in spring. Seasonal patterns of leaf-fall were examined for seven species of trees. Five of the seven showed a summer peak of leaf-fall and two an autumn peak; all seven shed fewest leaves in winter. Leaf, fruit, and flower production differed markedly between sites. Total annualleafand flower fall at one site (area A) was estimated at 3026 kg/ha, with 260 kg/ha of fruit and seeds and 1234 kg/ha of twigs < 28 cm long. At a second site (area D). leaf and flower fall was 20% less, fruit and seed fall 60% less, and twig fall 22% less. Implications of the differences between these two areas are discussed in relation to the ecology of brush tail possums there.

A Study of Avian Frugivores, Bird‐Dispersed Plants, and Their Interaction in Mediterranean Scrublands

Fruit production and patterns of seed dispersal by birds were studied at two elevations in the mediterranean scrublands of southern Spain. Fleshy—fruit—producing species represent a very prominent fraction of woody plants in terms of cover (57—76%) and species number (49—66%). Fruit production occurs year round in the lowland site but is confined to August—February upslope. Ripe fruits are most abundant (&gt;105 ripe fruits/ha) in November—December. Fruit abundance fluctuates widely between years at the highland locality but only slightly in the lowlands. In both communities, the dominant species ripen fruits in autumn—winter, display the highest within—plant fruit densities, and tend to have the most lipid—rich fruits. Fruits differ in pulp nutritive value, seediness, and relative amount of pulp among species but are remarkably uniform in size (mostly 5—10 mm transverse diameter). Two—thirds of the passerine species at each site eat some fruit. Of these species, 69% (highland) and 26% (lowland) are resident "fruit predators," feeding on either pulp or seeds alone, and damaging the seeds when eating pulp and seeds together. The rest are overwintering or migratory seed dispersers that ingest whole fruits without damaging seeds. Seed dispersers are most common in late autumn—winter, coincident with the peak in fruit abundance and the predominance of lipid—rich fruits. A few small (12—18 g body mass) disperser species (Erithacus rubecula, Sylvia atricapilla, Sylvia melanocephala) account for most of the frugivory at each site and disperse the majority of seeds. Fruit predators either are relatively scare or eat fruits infrequently, or fruits represent a negligible fraction of their diets. Fruit removal was very high (89—100% of crops) among species with fruits smaller than the gape width of the abundant small—sized dispersers, and very low among species with fruits larger than gape width. Removal success was negatively correlated with fruit size among species having fruits smaller than dominant dispersers' gape width. No relation has been found between removal success and fruit quality, fruiting time, ripening rate, or within—plant fruit density. The principal dispersers at each site ate mainly the most nutritious fruits, although not to the exclusion of less nutritious fruits. Substantial pairwise plant—bird reciprocity is not common. (The avian species disperses a substantial fraction of a plant's seeds, which in turn provide the bulk of the bird's energy supply.) Current bird—plant seed dispersal interactions are the result of evolutionary, climatic, and geographical factors in the Mediterranean. Mutualistic congruency largely is, in these cases, an epiphenomenon of these factors, not resulting necessarily from mutual adaptations (coevolution). It is suggested that actual coevolution involving a smaller set of bird and plant species may facilitate the persistence of noncoevolving (or very slowly coevolving) plant species, thus favoring the existence of a chronic "anachronism load" (with regard to dispersal) in the plant community.

温州ミカン幼樹における夏秋季の葉中N含量と果実品質との関係

温州ミカン幼樹における夏秋季の葉中N含量と果実品質との関係

Copa Today

TheCopa in the Virgilian Appendix is a fascinating but baffling piece. It has verbal connexions with the Eclogues, notably the second, and with Propertius' last book of elegies, notably iv. 2 (Vertumnus). Wilamowitz took it to be an expansion of an epigram, composed by some follower of Propertius. He thought the speaker to be the poet throughout. Büchner interprets the poem quite differently. He considers lines 18–19 and 21–22 to be interpolations. To begin with, they mix autumn fruits with summer (though by the same token the lines in Lycidas ordering various flowers for the ‘laureate hearse’ would be an interpolation: botanical purists have protested that they do not bloom simultaneously). They also contain the connexions with Propertius. Remove them and the poem is certainly a little more consistent; and Büchner is then able to argue that the poem was composed between Catullus and the Eclogues and known to Virgil. But who would want to interpolate in such a poem? At any rate, more evidence would be needed if the lines are to be discredited.

Autumn Fruits and Seeds Fine to Collect

Autumn Fruits and Seeds Fine to Collect

Summer and autumn fruits

Summer and autumn fruits