Canary Islands Research Articles

Biodiversity of Trichoderma species of healthy and Fusarium wilt-infected banana rhizosphere soils in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain)

Banana (Musa acuminata) is the most important crop in the Canary Islands (38.9% of the total cultivated area). The main pathogen affecting this crop is the soil fungal Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense subtropical race 4 (Foc-STR4), for which there is no effective control method under field conditions. Therefore, the use of native biological control agents may be an effective and sustainable alternative. This study aims to: (i) investigate the diversity and distribution of Trichoderma species in the rhizosphere of different banana agroecosystems affected by Foc-STR4 in Tenerife (the island with the greatest bioclimatic diversity and cultivated area), (ii) develop and preserve a culture collection of native Trichoderma species, and (iii) evaluate the influence of soil chemical properties on the Trichoderma community. A total of 131 Trichoderma isolates were obtained from 84 soil samples collected from 14 farms located in different agroecosystems on the northern (cooler and wetter) and southern (warmer and drier) slopes of Tenerife. Ten Trichoderma species, including T. afroharzianum, T. asperellum, T. atrobrunneum, T. gamsii, T. guizhouense, T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. hirsutum, T. longibrachiatum, and T. virens, and two putative novel species, named T. aff. harzianum and T. aff. hortense, were identified based on the tef1-α sequences. Trichoderma virens (35.89% relative abundance) and T. aff. harzianum (27.48%) were the most abundant and dominant species on both slopes, while other species were observed only on one slope (north or south). Biodiversity indices (Margalef, Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou) showed that species diversity and evenness were highest in the healthy soils of the northern slope. The Spearman analysis showed significant correlations between Trichoderma species and soil chemistry parameters (mainly with phosphorus and soil pH). To the best of our knowledge, six species are reported for the first time in the Canary Islands (T. afroharzianum, T. asperellum, T. atrobrunneum, T. guizhouense, T. hamatum, T. hirsutum) and in the rhizosphere of banana soils (T. afroharzianum, T. atrobrunneum, T. gamsii, T. guizhouense, T. hirsutum, T. virens). This study provides essential information on the diversity/distribution of native Trichoderma species for the benefit of future applications in the control of Foc-STR4.

Reproductive traits of the deep-sea shrimp Plesionika williamsi (decapoda: Pandalidae) from the eastern-central atlantic

The reproductive aspects of all Plesionika species are relatively well known worldwide, except for the deepest species of the genus, Plesionika williamsi, for which little information is available throughout its range. The ovarian maturity, sex ratio, brood size, and size-depth distribution of the deep-sea shrimp Plesionika williamsi (Pandalidae) in the Canary Islands (eastern-central Atlantic) were analysed. Ovigerous females were observed all year round, with the highest number of ovigerous females recorded between July and October. The presence of a greater number of ovigerous females during the summer may reflect a high local availability of food or the optimal abiotic conditions, which are factors with a strong influence on reproduction. The presence of non-ovigerous mature females throughout the year indicates that their resting period in the reproductive cycle occurs asynchronously. The physiological size at first sexual maturity was 19.24 mm in carapace length (CL) and the length at first sexual maturity was estimated at 23.15 mm CL. Estimates of size at first sexual maturity based on ovigerous females describe the result of the reproduction process, whereas size at first sexual maturity based on ovarian maturity deals with physiological preparation for reproduction. The modal size class of egg production was 24–30 mm CL, which yielded 83.22% of the population egg production. Plesionika williamsi is an iteroparous species that can produce small eggs during egg extrusion. The mean number of external embryos carried by females was 3048 and can be considered a true approximation of the number of larvae released in each batch, which depend on the conditions existing in each system. The shallower individuals are associated with a depth stratum that represents the boundary between two water masses present in the Canary Islands. The increase in size with depth is related to the presence of submarine volcanic canyons, which constitutes a flow channel of surface organic matter to depth.

Drivers, barriers and key practices of corporate sustainability strategy implementation in hotels

This paper analyzes the implementation of corporate sustainability strategies (CSS) in hotels, identifying key factors and practices as perceived by middle-managers. Using qualitative methods, we conducted initial and in-depth interviews with owners, top-managers, and 37 middle-managers from various departments of a hotel chain in the Canary Islands. An existing literature-informed CSS implementation framework guided our analysis, revealing nine key factors that act as drivers, barriers, or both to CSS implementation. We identified crucial practices including paper-use reduction, employee well-being, plastic-use reduction, energy efficiency, recycling, water management, air quality, social contribution, food waste management, and green chemicals, noting varying relevancies across departments. Particularly, work-wellbeing, plastic-use reduction, and energy efficiency showed the highest alignment with CSS. Our findings offer insights into the practical application of CSS, underscoring the importance of tailoring department-specific practices to overarching sustainability goals to bolster organizational sustainability strategies.

Resilience of communal water management in La Gomera (Canary Islands): discussing with Hardin and Ostrom

ABSTRACT We analyse the main keys of the traditional agroecosystem of the palm grove (Phoenix canariensis) in irrigated terraces in Valle de Arriba in the municipality of Valle Gran Rey (La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain). Here, irrigation water is not only associated with the land but is also being managed as a communal resource by the inhabitants. The change in the economic model from agriculture to tourism is putting the survival of this traditional agrarian system at risk (agricultural exit, population ageing and economic touristification). The need for preservation is then suggested, but the question that leads us to a re-edition of the so-called “Tragedy of the Commons” arises again: What actors should carry out this preservation? Private agents or the State, as suggested by Hardin, or the rural community, as maintained by Ostrom? We conclude that for the case studied of La Gomera, the rural community has kept managing the communal water resource but at the expense of the secular class struggles won by the farming community against the privatisation of water by private agents and/or the State.

Evidence of a Low‐Velocity Zone in the Upper Mantle Beneath Cumbre Vieja Volcano (Canary Islands) Through Receiver Functions Analysis

AbstractOceanic volcanic islands have a complex internal structure due to their geological evolution. La Palma is the second youngest in the Canary Islands. Historical eruptions occurred in the Cumbre Vieja (CV) volcanic system, including the last 2021 Tajogaite eruption. The seismicity before, during, and after the Tajogaite eruption provides valuable information for a better understanding of deep volcanic processes. We applied the receiver function technique to image the crustal and upper mantle structures beneath the CV volcanic complex. We investigated the first 50 km of the lithosphere, identifying various seismic discontinuities. After a thin layer of recent volcanic rocks, we found a layer corresponding to the old oceanic crust. Beneath the Moho, we found a significant decrease in the seismic velocities until about 37 km of depth. This low‐velocity layer corresponds to a zone of partial melting with interconnected magmatic chambers that feed the volcanic activity in CV.

Challenges in assessing and managing multi-hazard risks: A European stakeholders perspective

The latest evidence suggests that multi-hazards and their interrelationships (e.g., triggering, compound, and consecutive hazards) are becoming more frequent across Europe, underlying a need for resilience building by moving from single-hazard-focused to multi-hazard risk assessment and management. Although significant advancements were made in our understanding of these events, mainstream practice is still focused on risks due to single hazards (e.g., flooding, earthquakes, droughts), with a limited understanding of the stakeholder needs on the ground. To overcome this limitation, this paper sets out to understand the challenges for moving towards multi-hazard risk management through the perspective of European stakeholders. Based on five workshops across different European pilots (Danube Region, Veneto Region, Scandinavia, North Sea, and Canary Islands) and an expert workshop, we identify five prime challenges: i) governance, ii) knowledge of multi-hazards and multi-risks, iii) existing approaches to disaster risk management, iv) translation of science to policy and practice, and v) lack of data. These challenges are inherently linked and cannot be tackled in isolation with path dependency posing a significant hurdle in transitioning from single- to multi-hazard risk management. Going forward, we identify promising approaches for overcoming some of the challenges, including emerging approaches for multi-hazard characterisation, a common understanding of terminology, and a comprehensive framework for guiding multi-hazard risk assessment and management. We argue for a need to think beyond natural hazards and include other threats in creating a comprehensive overview of multi-hazard risks, as well as promoting thinking of multi-hazard risk reduction in the context of larger development goals.

EVALUATION OF THE CARBON FOOTPRINT IN THE TREATMENT OF URBAN WASTEWATER IN THE CANARY ISLANDS (SPAIN)

ABSTRACT: Wastewater treatment plants play an important role within the urban water cycle to prevent the natural water environment and human health from being negatively affected by human activities. However, wastewater treatment processes, such as effluent discharge and indirect emissions resulting from energy or chemical production, also negatively affect the environment. Footprints have been used to track human influence on the environment in different areas of interest and have been applied to assess the sustainability of wastewater treatment plants. In this article, a comprehensive review of footprint assessment was investigated to evaluate the wastewater treatment process in wastewater treatment plants. The review showed that carbon footprinting was used to assess the sustainability of WWTPs, and that other footprint assessment applications (such as nitrogen and phosphorus footprinting) were also introduced to assess eutrophication of water bodies. To promote the application of footprint assessment, this article regulates the study objectives, frameworks, system boundaries, data processing methods, and the resulting interpretation process. The pros and cons of the footprint assessments were discussed and investigated in detail, examining the CO2 production on each island of the Canary archipelago, and several suggestions were proposed to improve the footprint assessments. Analysis of footprint assessments at different wastewater treatment plants revealed that wastewater treatment technologies and scales had a significant impact on footprints. Furthermore, research hotspots identified using a keyword network diagram showed that the water-carbon-energy nexus was a promising direction for future studies. The purpose of the study is to improve the reduction of the carbon footprint both at the level of direct and indirect emissions factors using new tools and methodologies. Key Words: Footprint; Waste water; Canary Islands

Abstract PO1-08-06: Clinical-molecular correlation in breast cancer with pathogenic variants in CHEK2. Is there a relationship with HER2+ breast cancer?

Abstract Background: The CHEK2 gene codes for checkpoint protein Kinase 2 (CHK2), an effector in the ATM-CHK2-p53 DNA damage repair pathway in double-stranded DNA breaks. Initially, germline pathogenic variants were associated with moderate risk for breast carcinoma, but later studies linked alterations in the gene to other types of cancer. The aim of our study was to establish a clinical-molecular correlation of profiles of patients carrying pathogenic variants and variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in CHEK2 with a diagnosis of breast carcinoma, in patients treated in our hospital. And to describe whether the pathogenic variant c.1100del present different clinical or immunohistochemical characteristics than the rest, also considering the particularity of being an island population. Methodology: We have collected data from genetic studies performed in patients from our hospital, covering a population of 580,000 inhabitants, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife ( Canary Islands, Spain), between 2017 and 2023.Out of 952 patients with suspected hereditary cancer, 81 had CHEK2 mutations. In patients with CHEK2 mutations and breast cancer we established three groups for clinical molecular analysis: 1) pathogenic variant c.1100del, 2) other pathogenic variants and 3) VUS, to be correlated with age, histology, ER, PR, Ki, grade (G), HER2, second tumour or recurrence, subtype, HER2 low, aggressive clinic, neuropathy, haematological and digestive toxicity. The germline genetic study performed covered 77 genes related to hereditary cancer using the SureSelect HS library preparation kit (Agilent Technologies). The classification of the variants identified was performed according to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria. Results: In the 952 genetic studies performed, 8.5% of cases had CHEK2 mutations, 2.62% were related to breast carcinoma (N=26) of which 54% had the pathogenic variant “c.1100del”, 16% “other” pathogenic variants and 30% VUS. The mean age at diagnosis was 42 years, being lower than 38 years in pathogenic variants other than c.1100del. Histologically, infiltrating ductal carcinoma (85%) and mucinous carcinomas (12%), ER+ (93%), PR+ (77%), HER 2+ (31%), HER2 low (44%), G2-3 (84%) and Ki >15% (70%) were predominant. Second diagnoses were tumour or recurrence in 40%, being higher in the group of pathogenic variants other than c.1100del (50%), and showing aggressive clinical course in 26%. The predominant subtype was luminal B (50%), HER2+ (31%), luminal A (12 %) and triple negative (7%), although in the cluster analysis patients with pathogenic variant c.1100del HER2+ were higher (38%) and luminal B (38%), while in pathogenic variants other than c.1100del and VUS the luminal subtype was predominant (75%). Chemotherapy toxicity: neuropathy (35%), haematological and digestive toxicity (50%). Conclusion: Our results are consistent with other reported series, being related with all breast carcinoma subtypes, mainly luminal B and HER2+ and with triple negative at a lesser extend. Considering HER2 low patients were about 75% of patients with CHEK2 mutations, a molecular mechanism that correlates a truncating mutation in CHK2 and HER2 overexpression can be hypothesized. In the cluster analysis, HER2+ (38%), and luminal B (38%) subtypes predominate in patients with pathogenic variant c.1100del, while in pathogenic variants other than c.1100del and VUS the luminal B subtype predominates (75%), as well as recurrence or second tumours in 50% of cases. On the other hand, considering that this is an island population, the possible effect of geographical isolation and the resulting inbreeding in the past, these facts do not seem to elicit differences comparing to the rest of the continental population, although the increase in pathogenic variants in CHEK2 were observed in patients from the small island of La Gomera. The relationship between CHEK2 and HER2 in breast cancer is an area of active research. Relative frequency in groups of CHEK2 variants Relative frequency in CHEK2 “ pathogenic variants c.1100 del (53%)”, “other”pathogenic variants no c.1100 del (15 %)" and VUS (30%). Relative frequency of breast cancer subtypes according to CHEK2 variants. HER2+: 30,8%. Luminal A: 11,5% . Luminal B: 50%. Triple negative: 7,7% . Histology, ER, PR, Ki, HER2 and HER2 low Histology , infiltrating ductal carcinoma (84%), ER+ (92%), PR (77%), Ki >15% (70%), HER2+ (31%), HER2 low (45%) Citation Format: Natalia Pérez-Rodríguez, Carol Prieto-Morin, Maria del Carmen Maeso, Lina Pérez-Mendez. Clinical-molecular correlation in breast cancer with pathogenic variants in CHEK2. Is there a relationship with HER2+ breast cancer? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-08-06.

Comorbidities and Complications in People Admitted for Leprosy in Spain, 1997–2021

This study aims to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and trends of these admissions in Spain. This retrospective study drew data from the Hospital Discharge Records Database of the Spanish National Health System. We used the diagnostic codes for leprosy from the International Classification of Diseases, ninth and tenth revisions, to retrieve leprosy admissions from 1997 to 2021. There were 1387 hospitalizations for leprosy The number of annual cases decreased gradually, from 341 cases in 1997–2001 to 232 in 2017–2021 (p < 0.001). Patients’ median age increased, from 65 years in 1997–2001 to 76 years in 2017–2021 (p < 0.001), as did the prevalence of some comorbidities, such as hypertension (15% in 1997–2001 to 27.6% in 2017–2021; p < 0.001). The mortality rate (6%) and the frequency of leprosy complications remained stable. After Spain (79.1%), the most common country of origin was Paraguay (4.4%). Admissions decreased significantly in Andalusia, from 42% in 1997–2001 to 10.8% in 2017–2021 (p < 0.001), and in the Canary Islands, from 7.9% in 1997–2001 to 2.6% in 2017–2021 (p = 0.001), whereas they increased in Madrid, from 5.9% in 1997–2001 to 12.1% in 2017–2021 (p = 0.005). Overall, leprosy admissions in Spain have declined, even in the regions with the highest prevalence. Patients admitted for leprosy have become older and sicker.

Phoenix ×arehuquensis nov. hybr. (Arecaceae): The hybrid of P. canariensis × P. reclinata in garden and forest

Phoenix reclinata Jacq. is a palm species native to tropical and southern Africa, extending to Madagascar, where its natural populations are exploited for sap and fibre. Widely embraced as an ornamental palm in gardens within warm zones abroad, it has established itself as an integral part of horticultural landscapes.On the other hand, Phoenix canariensis H. Wildpret is an endemic species found in the Canary Islands (Spain), forming extensive palm forests. Since the 1850s, it has emerged as the predominant ornamental Phoenix palm tree. Interestingly, in various regions, the natural habitat of one species intersects with cultivated individuals of the other. For instance, in southern Africa, where P. reclinata is indigenous and P. canariensis is exotic, occasional spontaneous hybrids have been reported. These hybrids have also been observed in Florida and California (USA), where both species are cultivated.In this publication, we formally introduce a new hybrid: Phoenix ×arehuquensis nov. hybr., originating from the Canary Islands. Additionally, we explore its potential impact on natural palm forests.

The symbiovar mediterranense of Sinorhizobium meliloti nodulates Phaseolus vulgaris across Lanzarote (Canary Islands): A revision of this symbiovar supports a proposal to delimit symbiovars boundaries in Sinorhizobium and to define four new symbiovars

The symbiovar mediterranense of Sinorhizobium meliloti was initially found in Phaseolus vulgaris nodules in Tunisia and in an eastern location of Lanzarote (Canary Islands). Here we show that the symbiovar mediterranense of S. meliloti also nodulates P. vulgaris in two western locations of this Island. The analyses of the symbiotic nodA and nodC genes reveal the complexity of the symbiovar mediterranense which encompasses strains belonging to several phylogenetic lineages and clusters. The comparison of the nodA and nodC phylogenies showed that the nodC was the most resolutive phylogenetic marker for the delineation of Sinorhizobium symbiovars. Considering that the similarity of this gene within several symbiovars, particularly mediterranense, is around 95 %, the cut-off value for their differentiation should be lower. Considering that a nodC gene cut-off similarity value of around 92 % is accepted for the genus Bradyrhizobium and that the symbiovar concept is identical in all rhizobial genera, we propose to apply this value for symbiovars delineation within all these genera. Therefore, using this cut-off value for the nodC gene analysis of Sinorhizobium symbiovars, we propose to merge the symbiovars aegeanense and fredii into the single symbiovar fredii and to define four novel symbiovars with the names asiaense, culleni, sudanense and tunisiaense.

Effects of macroalgae and sea urchin grazing pressure on zoantharians growth under laboratory conditions

In the context of ocean warming, thermophilic organisms such as zoantharians are expanding and altering shallow benthic habitats. Here, a four-month laboratory experiment was performed to examine the influence of three types of macroalgae morphotypes common in the Canary Islands (turf algae, Lobophora spp., and crustose coralline algae) on the growth of two zoantharian species, Palythoa caribaeorum and Zoanthus pulchellus. Additionally, the grazing effects of echinoids Diadema africanum and Paracentrotus lividus were assessed as facilitators of substrate colonization by means of controlling macroalgae cover. Colony and algal coverages were measured at the beginning, middle and end of the experiment, and increments were calculated. Results indicated a general decrease in zoantharian colony sizes in contact with different algal types in the absence of sea urchins. However, P. caribaeorum colonies showed significant growth in the presence of D. africanum, highlighting the ecological importance of sea urchins in zoantharian population proliferation and subsequent community modification. This study represents the first investigation into zoantharian-macroalgae interactions under controlled conditions.

Lung Function and Symptoms of Exposure to the Volcanic Eruption in the Canary Islands: First Follow-Up of the Ashes Study

IntroductionExposure to gases and particulate matter released during volcanic eruptions can prove harmful to population health. This paper reports the preliminary results of the ASHES study, aimed at ascertaining the respiratory health effects of the 2021 volcanic eruption in La Palma Island (Spain) on the adult population without previous respiratory disease. MethodsAmbispective cohort study on the healthy adult population. Three exposure groups were considered: Group 1, high exposure; Group 2, moderate exposure; and Group 3, minor or no exposure. We carried out a descriptive analysis of symptoms during and after the eruption, as well as measure lung function after the eruption (through forced spirometry and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide). ResultsThe analysis included 474 subjects: 54 in Group 1, 335 in Group 2, and 85 in Group 3. A significant increase in most symptoms was observed for subjects in the groups exposed during the eruption. After the eruption, this increase remained for some symptoms. There seems to be a dose-response relationship, such that the higher the exposure, the higher the odds ratio. A prebronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio<70% was observed in 13.0% of subjects in Group 1, 8.6% of subjects in Group 2, and 7.1% of subjects in Group 3. ConclusionsThis study is the first to report a dose-response relationship between exposure to volcanic eruptions and the presence of symptoms in adults. Furthermore, there is a tendency toward obstructive impairment in individuals with higher exposure.

Late-Pleistocene rejuvenated volcanism and flank collapse deposits on a Cretaceous seamount near El Hierro, Canary Archipelago

Henry Seamount is a Cretaceous submarine volcano located 40 km southeast of El Hierro, the youngest of the Canary Islands, at 3700 m water depth. On the seamount's summit region, a widespread layer of heterolithologic volcaniclastic ash and lapilli beneath centimeters to decimeters of pelagic sediment was discovered and sampled during R/V Meteor cruise 146. The dominant lithology is a glassy basaltic ash that is depleted in highly incompatible elements and enriched in sulfur (S/K2O ratios of 0.10–0.20) compared to El Hierro lavas, suggesting an origin by a deep-sea volcanic eruption on Henry Seamount. Uranium-series disequilibria constrain the age of this ash to <350 ka, which implies rejuvenated volcanic activity of the seamount after up to 126 Ma of dormancy. This rejuvenated activity is possibly related to the Canary hotspot, where heating of lithosphere that had become amphibole-metasomatized during the formation of Henry Seamount led to renewed melt production. In contrast to the dominant ash type, most other volcaniclastic samples are geochemically indistinguishable from El Hierro lavas. The variety of lithologies, the angular to edge-rounded shapes of many fragments, and intimate mixture with the predominant ash suggest that this group of volcaniclastics was transported from El Hierro to Henry Seamount by a submarine debris avalanche and associated turbidity current. This implies a runup of up to 700 m even for centimeter-sized basaltic clasts after up to 40 km of lateral transport. ArAr age constraints for two samples are ~190–200 ka, which is consistent with the southeast-directed giant Las Playas II landslide from El Hierro as the most likely source. Henry Seamount thus provides a rare example where collapse-induced deposits from another volcanic edifice are found on top of a seamount and are mingled with ash to lapilli from previous rejuvenated volcanism. Mingling and reworking of the tephra may explain the lack of a discernible eruption center on top of the seamount.

Investments in transmission lines and storage units considering second-order stochastic dominance constraints

Increasing intermittent renewable generation to meet the climate goals entails a deep transformation of current power systems. The transmission system must adapt to ensure a rapid and flexible response to the changes in the energy flows. Flexibility can be provided by reinforcing the interconnection among all the market agents and/or by installing facilities with fast response to the changes. In this work, we study the investment problem of a central planner that seeks to expand the transmission network and install storage units considering decarbonizing measures. We propose a two-stage stochastic problem with uncertainty on the demand growth and including representative days to characterize the hourly demand and renewable power variability. To obtain better expansion strategies according to a limit on the carbon emissions, second-order stochastic dominance constraints are imposed. Numerical analyses based on the power system of the Canary island (Spain) are provided. The results show that to install storage units is key to efficiently integrate renewable generation. The investments in the transmission system are mostly in lower-voltage lines. The formulation with stochastic dominance constraints results in higher second-stage investments, allowing a better adaptation to the demand growth evolution.

Impact of natural events on metal bioaccumulation in Anemonia sulcata

Samples of Anemonia sulcata were collected in 2022 from different areas of the Canary Islands affected by different natural contamination sources, such sandstorms, submarine volcanic activity, continuous rainfall, upwelling and dinoflagellate blooms. Significant differences were observed between the zones for the metals and trace elements analyzed (Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, B, Cu, Mg and Li). Anemones from volcanic areas showed higher levels of Cd, Pb and Ni. Individuals from sandstorm areas showed elevated levels of Al, Zn and Fe. Samples collected from areas affected by upwelling processes had higher concentrations of Cu, Mg and Li. Finally, the areas affected by dinoflagellates showed lower levels of Zn, Pb, Fe, Mg and Li. The study reveals how natural phenomena dramatically influence metal accumulation in A. sulcata, which is of great value for anticipating and managing potential problems associated with public health.

Horizontal free-space optical link with CubeISL over 143  km

Recent advancements in free-space optical (FSO) communications are enabling a breakthrough in satellite miniaturization and data transfer rates. The CubeISL laser communication terminal (LCT), a development of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), is set to showcase inter-satellite links at 100 Mbps and downlinks at 1 Gbps once it launches in 2025. This technology aims to establish itself as the cutting-edge solution for efficient CubeSat communications, delivering high data rates. To validate its capabilities, the terminal underwent rigorous testing in a 143 km FSO link between the astronomical sites of La Palma and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The European Space Agency’s Optical Ground Station emulated downlinks, while the communication between two LCTs simulated inter-satellite links. This paper outlines the current developmental stage of the CubeISL LCT and presents the outcomes of its horizontal link demonstration.

Tropospheric sulfate from Cumbre Vieja (La Palma) observed over Cabo Verde contrasted with background conditions: a lidar case study of aerosol extinction, backscatter, depolarization and lidar ratio profiles at 355, 532 and 1064 nm

Abstract. In September 2021, volcanic aerosol (mainly freshly formed sulfate plumes) originating from the eruption of Cumbre Vieja on La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain, crossed Cabo Verde at altitudes below 2 km. On 24 September 2021, an extraordinary large aerosol optical depth (AOD) close to 1 (daily mean at 500 nm) was observed at Mindelo, Cabo Verde. This event provided favorable conditions to obtain lidar-derived profiles of extinction and backscatter coefficients, lidar ratio, and depolarization ratio at 355, 532 and 1064 nm in the sulfate aerosol plume. A novel feature of the lidar system operated at Mindelo is the availability of extinction, lidar ratio and depolarization measurements at 1064 nm in addition to the standard wavelengths of 355 and 532 nm. Having measurements of these parameters at all three wavelengths is a major advantage for the aerosol characterization and in aerosol typing efforts as the lidar ratio and the particle linear depolarization ratio are key parameters for this purpose. In this article, we present the key results of the lidar observations obtained on one specific day, namely on 24 September 2021 at 04:38–05:57 UTC, including the first ever measurements of the particle extinction coefficient, the lidar ratio and the depolarization ratio at 1064 nm for volcanic sulfate, and discuss the findings in terms of aerosol optical properties and mass concentrations by comparison with a reference observation (16 September 2021) representing the typical background conditions before the start of the eruptions. We found an unusual high particle extinction coefficient of 721 ± 51, 549 ± 38 and 178 ± 13 Mm−1, as well as an enhanced lidar ratio of 66.9 ± 10.1, 60.2 ± 9.2 and 30.8 ± 8.7 sr at 355, 532 and 1064 nm, respectively, in the sulfate-dominated planetary boundary layer (PBL). The particle linear depolarization ratio was ≤ 0.9 % at all respective wavelengths. It is the first time that lidar-derived intensive aerosol optical properties could be derived for volcanic sulfate at all three wavelengths, and thus it is a highly valuable data set for global aerosol characterization. The lidar analysis also revealed a sulfate-related AOD of about 0.35 ± 0.03 at 532 nm of the total PBL-related AOD of 0.43. The rest of the AOD contribution was caused by a lofted Saharan dust layer extending from 1.4 to 5 km and leading to a total AOD of 0.79 at 532 nm. Volcanic ash contribution to the observed aerosol plumes could be mostly excluded based on trajectory analysis and the observed optical properties. Peak mass concentration was 178.5 ± 44.6 µg m−3 in the volcanic-influenced and sulfate-dominated polluted PBL, showing the hazardous potential of such sulfate plumes to significantly worsen local air quality even at remote locations.

Epifaunal Communities in Floating Buoys on Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, NE Atlantic Ocean)

AbstractOcean sprawl has become increasingly prevalent in marine environments. Artificial substrates, notably floating structures like buoys, have gained significant attention in recent years. They serve as valuable models for future studies aimed at understanding and mitigating the impacts of anthropogenic activities on marine ecosystems. We studied the epifauna from buoys at six different locations on the northern and southern coasts of the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Is., NE Atlantic Ocean). A total of 12,130 individuals belonging to 57 species were collected. The abundance of individuals was higher in the northern area, whereas the species richness was higher in the southern area. The n-MDS showed significant differences between localities, with Las Alcaravaneras being separated from the remaining ones. These dissimilarities were due to the differences in the abundances of the amphipods P. gammaroides and A. rubricata. The orientation was a pivotal factor in structuring these associated communities in floating buoys. As a preliminary approach, high biodiversity and species richness were observed in these buoys; hence, they have a high potential to be used as bioindicators of human disturbance.

Oligonychus perseae (Tetranychidae) Invasion in the Canary Islands: History, Management and Current Situation

Avocado production has boomed worldwide in recent years, and Spain, including the Canary Islands, has been no exception. The number of avocado growers in the region has increased significantly as growers recognize the potential of this crop. However, several species of spider mites (Tetranychidae) pose a risk to this crop, with the genus Oligonychus being the most diverse and having the greatest economic impact. In particular, Oligonychus perseae (Tuttle, Baker and Abbatiello) has been reported as the one mainly responsible for the economic damage in major avocado-producing regions worldwide. In this paper, we aim to present an overview of the studies conducted and the measures implemented to mitigate the impact of O. perseae after its arrival in the Canary Islands. Our objective is to provide a detailed description of the current status of this pest (O. perseae), with special attention to its situation 17 years after its first appearance in avocado crops in the Canary Islands. In doing so, we aim to provide valuable insights and knowledge to understand and manage better the challenges posed by O. perseae in this region.