Castanea Sativa Research Articles

An Inflamed and Infected Reconstructed Human Epidermis to Study Atopic Dermatitis and Skin Care Ingredients.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common inflammatory skin disorder, is a multifactorial disease characterized by a genetic predisposition, epidermal barrier disruption, a strong T helper (Th) type 2 immune reaction to environmental antigens and an altered cutaneous microbiome. Microbial dysbiosis characterized by the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has been shown to exacerbate AD. In recent years, in vitro models of AD have been developed, but none of them reproduce all of the pathophysiological features. To better mimic AD, we developed reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) exposed to a Th2 pro-inflammatory cytokine cocktail and S. aureus. This model well reproduced some of the vicious loops involved in AD, with alterations at the physical, microbial and immune levels. Our results strongly suggest that S. aureus acquired a higher virulence potential when the epidermis was challenged with inflammatory cytokines, thus later contributing to the chronic inflammatory status. Furthermore, a topical application of a Castanea sativa extract was shown to prevent the apparition of the AD-like phenotype. It increased filaggrin, claudin-1 and loricrin expressions and controlled S. aureus by impairing its biofilm formation, enzymatic activities and inflammatory potential.

Состояние древесных растений на объектах защитного лесоразведения и озеленения Калачевского района Волгоградской области

The Kalachevsky district of the Volgograd region belongs to the regions that require stabilization of natural resources use. Land and forest reclamation and landscaping will ensure the resource potential of the district’s landscapes at increasing recreational and natural load. The studies have shown that differences in inventory parameters, development, fruiting and sustainability of plants are due to soil and climatic conditions, and anthropogenic impact. The research objects are woody species, predominantly of European habitats: sweet chestnut – Castanea sativa Mill.; Pallas pine (Crimean pine) – Pinus pallasiana D. Don.; European crab apple – Malus sylvéstris Mill.; white poplar (silver poplar) – Populus alba L.; white willow – Salix alba L.; English oak – Quercus robur L.; European ash – Fraxinus excelsior L.; Lombardy poplar – Populus nigra var. italica Münchh.; wych elm – Ulmus glabra Huds.; golden currant – Ribes aureum Pursh.; common lilac – Syringa vulgaris L.; Russian pea shrub – Caragana frutex (L.) K. Koch; common privet – Ligustrum vilgare L.; Oregon grape – Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh.) Nutt.; cinnamon rose – Rosa cinnamomea L. It was found that relatively stable species in the Kalachevsky district are European crab apple, golden currant (which has the best salinity resistance), Russian pea shrub, wych elm, Oregon grape, but they are inferior to poplars, willows, lilacs, chestnuts in inventory parameters and growth rate. The best performance on a number of economically valuable features were observed in chestnut, spruce, apple, poplar, willow, elm, ash, and rose. Chestnut, currant, Oregon grape, lilac, privet, cinnamon rose have the highest score of ornamentality for landscaping plantations. Chestnut, rose, and oak have the best fruiting rates; ash and privet have medium fruiting rates. The strongest stage of recreational digression is observed in areas remote from settlements: there is densification of plantings, lack of sanitary cuttings, medium passability. Areas near water sources, as well as public gardens and parks, require sanitary care, reduction of recreational pressure and the selection of species from the recommended range of trees and shrubs. In order to ensure the greatest sustainability of plantings and obtain a rapid silvicultural effect, perennial, fast-growing species as well as fruit shrubs recommended in the basic assortment should be included in the protective and landscaping plantations of the arid region.

Defense mechanisms promoting tolerance to aggressive Phytophthora species in hybrid poplar

Poplars are among the fastest-growing trees and significant resources in agriculture and forestry. However, rapid growth requires a large water consumption, and irrigation water provides a natural means for pathogen spread. That includes members of Phytophthora spp. that have proven to be a global enemy to forests. With the known adaptability to new hosts, it is only a matter of time for more aggressive Phytophthora species to become a threat to poplar forests and plantations. Here, the effects of artificial inoculation with two different representatives of aggressive species (P. cactorum and P. plurivora) were analyzed in the proteome of the Phytophthora-tolerant hybrid poplar clone T-14 [Populus tremula L. 70 × (Populus × canescens (Ait.) Sm. 23)]. Wood microcore samples were collected at the active necrosis borders to provide insight into the molecular processes underlying the observed tolerance to Phytophthora. The analysis revealed the impact of Phytophthora on poplar primary and secondary metabolism, including carbohydrate-active enzymes, amino acid biosynthesis, phenolic metabolism, and lipid metabolism, all of which were confirmed by consecutive metabolome and lipidome profiling. Modulations of enzymes indicating systemic response were confirmed by the analysis of leaf proteome, and sampling of wood microcores in distal locations revealed proteins with abundance correlating with proximity to the infection, including germin-like proteins, components of proteosynthesis, glutamate carboxypeptidase, and an enzyme that likely promotes anthocyanin stability. Finally, the identified Phytophthora-responsive proteins were compared to those previously found in trees with compromised defense against Phytophthora, namely, Quercus spp. and Castanea sativa. That provided a subset of candidate markers of Phytophthora tolerance, including certain ribosomal proteins, auxin metabolism enzymes, dioxygenases, polyphenol oxidases, trehalose-phosphate synthase, mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase, and rhamnose biosynthetic enzymes. In summary, this analysis provided the first insight into the molecular mechanisms of hybrid poplar defense against Phytophthora and identified prospective targets for improving Phytophthora tolerance in trees.

Characteristics of deadwood and implications for biodiversity in Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) planted forests in Italy

The aim of the present study is to define a set of indicators to measure the stand diversity of Douglas fir planted forests with special regard to deadwood attributes related to biodiversity conservation. The set of quantitative and qualitative indicators was implemented in a Douglas fir stand in Central Italy (Rincine forest, Tuscany region) realized on degraded Sweet chestnut stands and abandoned agricultural lands from late ‘60s to first ‘80s. The identified indicators include two stand indicators (trees species composition and horizontal stand structure) and five deadwood indicators (total deadwood volume divided in coarse woody debris and fine woody debris, deadwood diversity by species and decay class, and number of habitat trees). The results show that the Douglas fir stand in the Rincine forest is characterized by a high number of Douglas fir trees (88.6% of stem density, 94.0% of basal area) with some young broadleaved trees and ancient Sweet chestnut trees prior to reforestation (Shannon index of 0.2 ± 0.34 and Diameter differentiation index of 0.20 ± 0.09). The deadwood indicators highlight a total volume of 62.0 m3 ha−1 mainly consisting of coarse woody debris (86.4% of total volume) and a diversified distribution by species (Shannon index of 0.29 ± 0.33) and decay class (Shannon index of 1.30 ± 0.10). The set of indicators proposed in this study can be implemented in other planted forests with the aim to monitor changes in stand diversity over time by forest managers.

Appraisal of a new potential antioxidants-rich nutraceutical ingredient from chestnut shells through in-vivo assays – A targeted metabolomic approach in phenolic compounds

Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSS) are a source of bioactive compounds with well demonstrated in-vitro antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, no in-vivo studies have already evaluated this effect. This study evaluated the effects of the oral daily administration of an eco-friendly CSS extract (50 and 100 mg/kg per body weight (b.w.)) to rats regarding in-vivo antioxidant activity, glucose and lipids levels, and metabolomic profiling of polyphenols by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS. The results demonstrated the in-vivo antioxidant properties in the animals liver, kidney and blood serum, as well as protective effects against hemolysis and rising of blood glucose and lipids levels. New insights on metabolomic profiling of polyphenols proved their absorption and further biotransformation by phase I (hydrogenation and hydroxylation) and II reactions (glucuronidation, methylation and sulfation). This is the first study that attempted to validate a novel nutraceutical ingredient extracted from CSS byin-vivoassays, corroborating the outcomes screened by in-vitro assays.

Use of Phosphonate Salts to Control Chestnut ‘Brown Rot’ by Gnomoniopsis castaneae in Fruit Orchards of Castanea sativa

The fungus Gnomoniopsis castaneae is the causal agent of the “brown rot” of sweet chestnut fruits. These days, this pathogen represents one of the main limiting factors for the sustainability of fruit production worldwide. Although heat treatment post-harvest is efficient in completely inactivating the pathogen, the application of appropriate protocols to control “brown rot” in chestnut orchards is required to help in reducing the latent population of the fungus in fruit tissues, and the consequent development of “brown rot” symptoms in the field before the post-harvest handling process. The present study aims to evaluate and compare the efficiency of products at a minimum environmental impact in experimental trials conducted in chestnut orchards in Central Italy for two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020. Phosphonate-based salts and, specifically, Zn-phosphonate were efficient in reducing the impact of the disease and the pathogen inoculum in fruits with an efficacy comparable to the fungicide Tebuconazole. A unique treatment at the blooming time produced the best results for both Zn-phosphonate and Tebuconazole, also giving indirect evidence of female flowers as a main site of infection. Phosphonate salts, and at first Zn-phosphonate, are highly effective to protect chestnut fruits from the ‘brown rot’ fungus G. castaneae. Its use in orchard management may complement the post-harvest heat treatment during the processing of fruits. Although a still ongoing debate on phosphonate salts use and efficacy in agriculture, they can be considered an optimal fungicide in chestnut orchards because of the low environmental impact when used at the recommended doses, the high translocability and stability, and the multiple mechanisms of action.

Anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant effect of different timing-related administration of dietary polyphenols on intestinal inflammation in zebrafish, Danio rerio

A short-term study was performed to assess the effects of diets supplemented with polyphenols (CSVP), extracted from the chestnut (Castanea sativa) shell, agri-food waste rich in tannins, and mullein (Verbascum macrurum), a perennial spontaneous plant rich in flavonoids, on a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of k-carrageenan-induced intestinal inflammation. Morphological asset of intestine, immunodensity of the pro-inflammatory mediator Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), immunoexpression of the two antioxidant enzymes Catalase (Cat) and Superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2), quantitative gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, COX2A, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-10, and the activated cell pathways were analyzed. Seven experimental diets were formulated including: peeled A. salina (Control group), peeled A. salina + 0.1% of k-carrageenan (Inflamed group), peeled A. salina + CSVP followed by k-carrageenan inflammatory diet (CSVP pre-treated group), peeled A. salina + 0.1% of k-carrageenan + CSVP (CSVP co-treated group), peeled A. salina + 0.1% of k-carrageenan followed by CSVP (CSVP post-treated group), peeled A. salina + CSVP (CSVP group) and peeled A. salina + 0.1% of k-carrageenan followed by 10 days of control diet (polyphenols control group or CP) to determine the efficacy of schedule administering polyphenols in preventing or ameliorating the intestinal inflammation induced in adult zebrafish by k-carrageenan with mean weight of 400 ± 100 mg (mean ± SD; total n = 250). The obtained results indicated that k-carrageenan caused morphological alterations such as the decrease of intestinal folds with consequent expansion of gut lumen, and increased number of goblet cells, as well as the over-regulation of pro-inflammatory markers and reduction of the antioxidant enzymes immunoexpression. Polyphenols supplementation ameliorated the inflammatory status, downregulated the pro-inflammatory markers, and upregulated IL-10, the main anti-inflammatory cytokine, and antioxidant activity when administered before the inflammation caused by k-carrageenan. The post- and co-treatment reverted only in part the morphological and physiological alterations. Moreover, the results showed that polyphenols modulated the anti-inflammatory effects acting on the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, by inhibiting p38 phosphorylation and increasing extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, which subsequently led to suppression of nuclear factor kappa B cells (NF-kB) pathway. Based on the findings achieved, the scheduled administration of bioactive phytochemicals like polyphenols could represent a suitable strategy for ameliorating intestinal inflammation in zebrafish and could be considered as a beneficial and sustainable feed additive in the aquaculture sector.

Phenotypic polymorphism of leaves among the populations of Moroccan chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)

Moroccan chestnut populations cover a small area in northern Morocco. They occupy great environmental and socio-economic interests. Nonetheless, such interests remained unvalued and little studied. This study aims to characterize and assess phenotypic similarities (or disparities) among the Moroccan populations of C. sativa via univariate and multivariate analyses of leaves traits. The experiments involved 6200 leaves from 31 populations, 10 trees per population, and 20 leaves per tree. Six morphometric parameters [blade area (S), perimeter (P), lamina length (LL), lamina width (LW), distance between the base and largest width (DBW), petiole length (PL)] and four ratios [LL/LW, LL/LP, LL/DBW, DBW/LP] were analyzed. Analysis of descriptive statistics within and between populations showed large variations among the studied parameters. This trend was supported as well by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) which revealed a highly significant differences (P <0.0001). Furthermore, the statistical analysis revealed a high phenotypic plasticity. The correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between most of the studied parameters. The principal component analysis (PCA) assigned the studied populations into two groups. We conclude that the studied parameters have great potential to determine the phenotypic polymorphism of C. sativa populations

In Vitro Cytotoxic Action of Aesculus hippocastanum Extract Against PA 1 Human Ovarian Cell-Line

Cancer is not a modern disease but has been present since the very early dawn of life in both animals and humans”. Cancer is a disease that is caused due to alteration in the genetic configuration (mutation) that occurs due to either an inherent biological failure or an externally acquired factor leading to genomic instability and oncogenesis. The sudden upsurge in the incidence of cancer throughout the world in the last two decades has been attributed to the environmental and lifestyle changes which includes smoking, pollution, consumption of processed food etc…It is one among the prominent health problem responsible for morbidity and mortality. It is basically a cell proliferative disorder, initially specific to an organ and advances to invasion and metastasis. Chemotherapy with anticancer drugs remain the standard treatment modality. But those treatment drugs are associated with numerous serious side effects. On the other hand, phytomedicine is now attracting attention due to its potential anticancer properties. These medicines can be considered as an alternative form of therapy in cancer management due to their cost effectiveness, therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects. Aesculus hippocastanum (AH)commonly known as European horse chestnut is found all over the world. The principal purpose of the study is to explore the anticancer property of ethanolic flower root out of Aesculus hippocastanum by performing the MTT assay (cytotoxic study) against human ovarian cell line. The study was evaluated by assessing the inhibition of percentage of cell viability and it showed minimum viability of cell (53.68 ± 0.8755 %) at the higher concentration of 200µl of Aesculus hippocastanum sample solution with Methotrexate as a standard comparison drug. This has proved the cytotoxic effect of Aesculus hippocastanum on PA1 human ovarian cancer cell line

Effectiveness of chemical and physical methods for stump sprout control in Castanea sativa Mill

In Europe, Castanea sativa Mill. is mainly managed as coppice. Health and market problems have raised the interest in the transformation of chestnut coppices into low-density forests for fruit production and silvopastures, or their substitution by naturally occurring broadleaves or timber-oriented plantations. In most cases, a selective or total removal of the existing chestnut stumps is required.We assessed the effectiveness of 7 methods for stump sprout control of Castanea sativa Mill. in Mediterranean conditions (NE Spain). We tested 3 cut-stump herbicide treatments: Roundup Energy Pro® (Glyphosate), Tordon 101® (Picloram + 2,4-D) and Garlon GS® (Fluoxipyr + Triclopyr) and 4 physical methods (stump uprooting or in situ fragmentation by excavator, stump cover with black polyethylene sheet or wood chips).Effectiveness was assessed by means of the number, length and basal width of sprouts in treated stumps one growing season after the treatments application. Phytotoxicity side-effects were assessed by means of foliar symptomatology during the vegetative period following treatments in untreated chestnut stumps neighbouring treated plots and in other broadleaved trees within the treated plots.Stump uprooting and Roundup® Energy Pro cut-stump application provided the highest effectiveness, with near 0 resprouts per treated stump; Garlon GS® and Tordon 101® also showed a high effectiveness (near 10 resprouts per treated stump). Other treatments showed no effectiveness and resprout intensity was not different to control. Herbicide application showed low to moderate phytotoxicity side-effects to neighbouring untreated chestnut stumps, being Roundup® Energy Pro the less phytotoxic. No side-effects were detected in other broadleaved species for any of the herbicides tested.Results suggest that herbicides are an interesting option for chestnut stump removal in poorly accessible or erosion-prone sites, where uprooting with heavy machinery is not feasible. Roundup® Energy Pro and Garlon GS® showed a low phytotoxicity on chestnut and thus can be useful for selective stump removal. The higher phytotoxicity showed by Tordon 101® on chestnut could be a disadvantage for its use if the aim is to reduce the initial density of stumps but maintain some of them in order to transform coppice to an orchard for chestnut production or silvopastures.

Taze ve Doğal Yaşlanmış Ağaç Malzemeye Uygulanan Üç Çeşit Verniğin Yüzey Sertliği

Aim of study: This study was carried out to determine the surface hardness values of some varnishes applied to the surface of naturally aged wood material.
 Material and methods: Acrylic, polyurethane and water-based varnish was applied to the surface of the experimental samples prepared from naturally aged and fresh Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), sessile oak (Quercus petrea L.) and chestnut (Castanea sativa M.) wood materials. A total of 360 test samples, 10 for each wood type, cutting direction, age period, and varnish type were prepared then the surface hardness values of these samples were determined.
 Main results: As a result of the experiments, the effect of the age period on the surface hardness of the varnish layer was found to be insignificant. The highest surface hardness value in wood material was obtained in the tangential section of oak wood and the difference between oak wood and chestnut wood was statistically insignificant. As a varnish type, the highest surface hardness value was obtained in polyurethane varnish, followed by acrylic varnish and water-based varnish, respectively. In addition, the surface hardness of the varnish layer in the tangential section of the wood material was found to be higher than that of the radial section.
 Highlights: In cases where high surface hardness is required in the varnish layer, polyurethane varnish can be preferred. As a result of the experiments, water-based varnish with a low surface hardness value will be able to give a working performance compatible with wood material with a hygroscopic structure, thanks to its high elasticity. For this reason, wood with a high amount of dimensional change can be used to protect the material against external influences.

From Chestnut Tree (Castanea sativa) to Flour and Foods: A Systematic Review of the Main Criticalities and Control Strategies towards the Relaunch of Chestnut Production Chain

Castanea sativa plays a key role in different production chains (timber, flour, honey, and tannins). Moreover, considering the great importance of chestnuts and chestnut flour for the food industry and for the subsistence of piedmont communities, a relaunch of this production chain is definitely essential, thus motivating this review. The first aim of this literature overview is to summarize current knowledge regarding the main criticalities in chestnut tree cultivation, chestnut processing, and in chestnut flour production. The second aim is to suggest specific improvement strategies to contrast the main pests and diseases affecting chestnut trees, improve chestnut processing and flour production, and, finally, valorize all by-products generated by this production chain. With respect to chestnut trees, it is essential to develop specific integrated strategies based on early detection and management to contrast known and emerging issues. With regard to chestnut drying and flour production, particular attention needs to be paid to molds and mycotoxins which definitely represent the main criticalities. In addition, further investigations are needed to improve the dying process in both traditional and modern dry kilns, and to develop innovative drying processes. Finally, to face the monumental challenge of environmental sustainability, the valorization of the whole chestnut by-products is crucial. This review clearly highlighted that the recovery of polyphenols from chestnut by-products is the most interesting, sustainable, and profitable strategy. However, the fungal fermentation or the incorporation of little amounts of these by-products into foods seems a very interesting alternative.

New and additional information on the flora of the Middle Dnieper

The article provides an annotated list of new floristic finds in the flora of the Middle Dnieper (on territory of Cherkasy region, as well as adjacent districts of Kyiv and Poltava regions), both aboriginal rare and alien species, including “runaways from culture”. In some cases, notes are given on the taxonomic status, features of the natural range, ancient indications of the localities of certain species in the region. For the first time, 31 new taxa were introduced for the regional flora of Cherkasy region, including 8 native and 23 alien. The most valuable is the information about rare aboriginal plants, in particular Asparagus tenuifolius, Euphorbia salicifolia, Polygonum patulum, Rosa andegavensis, etc. In the Uman district of Cherkasy region, the location of three species of flora that were considered disappeared in the region: Pentanema oculus-christi, Salvia dumetorum and Staphylea pinnata. For once, 3 new alien species have been introduced for the flora of Poltava region: Anthriscus caucalis, Lonicera × notha and L. ruprechtiana. The research revealed new locations of invasively active foreign plants, including ergasiophygophytes: Phytolacca acinosa, Silphium perfoliatum, Vitis riparia, Zizania latifolia etc., and quarantine xenophytes: Cenchrus longispinus and Eriochloa villosa. Progressive distribution of xenophytes with primary sub-Mediterranean and Central Asian habitats has been noted. Population growing of foreign plants emphasizes the existing negative trend of adventitia of the flora.The issues of naturalization of ergasiophytes are discussed, in particular the presence of mass selfseeding in the centers of their primary introduction, which is the impetus for their further spread. Provided information on spontaneous seed reproduction of species such as: Castanea sativa, Catalpa ovata, C. speciosa, Pilosella aurantiaca, Verbesina encelioides, Viola sororia and other cultivated plants. The above and similar information is an considerable element of comprehensive floral research.

Development of a long-term quality maintenance technology and processing technique for farm products from Ibaraki Prefecture. －Focus on long-term storage of chestnuts and the development of a stewed sweet chestnuts processing technique－

Development of a long-term quality maintenance technology and processing technique for farm products from Ibaraki Prefecture. －Focus on long-term storage of chestnuts and the development of a stewed sweet chestnuts processing technique－

Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) in Minho (Northern Portugal): Bioecology, Native Parasitoid Communities and Biological Control with Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera: Torymidae)

The Asian chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, native to China, was first detected in Europe in Italy in 2002. In Portugal it was declared in 2014, and it has since affected the Portuguese chestnut production. The introduction of its natural parasitoid Torymus sinensis Kamijo started through inoculative releases according to the National Action Plan for the Control of Dryocosmus kuriphilus, established by the Direção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV), in 2015. This research was carried out during 2018 and 2019, in five chestnut orchards in the Minho region (Northern Portugal). Between January and March 2018, at each location, three monthly harvests of 100 buds were carried out to determine the infestation level. Between April and June 2018, 240 galls were harvested every two weeks, with the purpose of studying the bioecology of D. kuriphilus. In each sampling site, 160 galls were placed in emergence boxes to follow adults of the D. kuriphilus population, and 80 galls were dissected with a binocular magnifying glass, to count and record the evolution of the larval stages of D. kuriphilus and of the parasitoids. The identification of T. sinensis and native parasitoids was carried out. The parasitism rates and Simpson diversity indices were determined. The percentage of buds infested by D. kuriphilus was high in all studied places, varying between 67% and 80%, regardless of the number of T. sinensis releases made and of the chestnut cultivars present in each orchard. The highest rate of parasitism by T. sinensis was 0.5044% and it was recorded in an orchard where there were two releases of T. sinensis in 2016 and 2017 (Arcos de Valdevez—Rio Cabrão—P1). Considering that the exotic parasitoid has already been released in the region since 2016, its establishment in all the chestnut orchards studied was confirmed, although with very low parasitism rates. The natural parasitism associated with the native parasitoid species of D. kuriphilus was confirmed in this work, recording values between 34% and 51% of the parasitized chestnut galls, with 11 species of native parasitoids having been identified: Eupelmus azureos, Eupelmus uruzonus, Eurytoma brunnivientris, Eurytoma pistaciae, Megastigmus dorsalis, Mesopolobus sp., Ormyrus pomaceus, Sycophila biguttata, Sycophila iracemae, Sycophila variegatta and Torymus flavipes.

Evaluation of the effect of Castanea sativa extracts on lipoxygenase activity

Lipoxygenase LOX is a lipolysis enzyme that oxidises unsaturated fatty acids like arachidonic and linoleic acids to form unhealthy chemicals such as dienes, leukotrienes and malondialdehyde in advanced oxidation, which is harmful to cells. In this study, the polyphenols and saponins compounds were extracted from Castanea sativa using Soxhlet for 3 days. Colourimetric and HPLC techniques were used to identify polyphenols and saponins in the extracts respectively. The effects of these extracts were evaluated on LOX activity, which was purified from the liver of Iraqi Cows (AL-Sharabi Cows) as well as on E. coli and Pseudomonas bacteria resistance. According to the LOX purification procedures, the specific activity increased from 0.001 to 0.03 U/mg with a purification fold of 30 times and a yield percentage of 174. Gallic acid 7.72 mg, Rutin 29.25 mg, Quercetin 27.6 mg, kaempferol 34.42 mg, Apigenin 5.25 mg and Catechin 25.8 mg/100 gm of Castanea fruit was obtained. The inhibitory effect of polyphenol and saponin extracts on LOX activity was at 100 and 40 µg respectively. Line weaver-Burk plot was used to investigate the type of inhibition that was found non-competitive. However, these extracts were studied at concentrations of 500, 250 and 125 µg on bacteria resistance. Polyphenols had the best effect at 500 and 125 µg on E. coli and Pseudomonas bacteria respectively. Whereas, saponin had the best effect at 250 and 125 µg for E. coli and 125 µg for Pseudomonas.

Gene flow between wild trees and cultivated varieties shapes the genetic structure of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) populations

Gene flow between cultivated and wild gene pools is common in the contact zone between agricultural lands and natural habitats and can be used to study the development of adaptations and selection of novel varieties. This is likely the case in the northern Adriatic region, where centuries-old cultivated orchards of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) are planted within the natural distribution area of the species. Thus, we investigated the population structure of several orchards of sweet chestnuts. Furthermore, the genetic background of three toponymous clonal varieties was explored. Six genomic simple sequence repeat (gSSR) and nine EST-derived SSR (EST-SSR) loci were utilized in this research, and both grafted and non-grafted individuals were included in this study. Five closely related clones were identified, which represent a singular, polyclonal marron variety, found in all three cultivation areas. Furthermore, many hybrids, a result of breeding between cultivated and wild chestnuts, have been found. Analyzed semi-wild orchards defined by a diverse genetic structure, represent a hotspot for further selection and could result in creation of locally adapted, high-yielding varieties.

A comparative study of antimicrobial, anti-quorum sensing, anti-biofilm, anti-swarming, and antioxidant activities in flower extracts of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and chestnut (Castanea sativa).

Antibiotic resistance, which has increased rapidly in recent years because of uncontrolled and unconscious antibiotic consumption, poses a major threat to public health. The inadequacy of existing antibiotics has increased the need for new, effective, and less toxic antibiotic raw materials or antibiotic derivatives. Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and Chestnut (Castanea sativa) flowers possess abundant pollen contents and exhibit similar morphological features. The purpose of this study was to compare these two flower extracts in terms of their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid contents, and phenolic components were also analyzed in aquatic and ethanolic extracts. Antioxidant activities were measured using ferric reducing/antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Antimicrobial and antifungal activities were compared by means of agar diffusion tests against bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Acinetobacter haemolyticus, and Chromobacterium violaceum, and the yeasts Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. Anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS), anti-biofilm, and anti-swarming (SW) activities were also studied against Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 31532, Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01, respectively. Both extracts were rich in ellagic acid and gallic acid and exhibited similar antioxidant properties. Both flower extracts exhibited high antimicrobial and antifungal activities as well as anti-biofilm, anti-QS, and anti-SW activities.

The Off-Grid Lifestyle

Thick mud, dark days and dodgy showers haven't dented the allure of living off the grid for Rachael and her young family. Today's soaring energy costs and wider price rises make the idea of self-sufficiency even more appealing for a growing number of 'off-gridders' - people who choose to live without connection to the national grid and other utilities, and without the bills.Rachael and her husband Fraser grow their own food, keep bees, and harvest solar energy to keep their home running. Her children - both under two - have 4.5 acres of woodland to play in, and feast on homegrown greengages, blackberries and sweet chestnuts. Two dogs add extra security to their fenced-in plot - if it's gloomy in the winter, summer days on their wooded South Lincolnshire land are glorious."A day of rain to fill the tanks, followed by a day of full sun to top up the batteries, is the best weather ever," says Rachael. Sunshine feeds the array of solar panels on a barn built by Fraser, and they harvest and purify rainwater, which they consume with care.

Optimizing quality wood production in chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) coppices

In the last decades, releasing standards have become a very common and in some cases even mandatory management options in coppice systems in Europe. As for the chestnut tree, a light demanding and fast-growing species, however, there is a lively debate and a lack of scientific evidences about the pros and cons of releasing standards, especially in stands devoted to quality wood production. In this paper we used nine chestnut coppice stands growing on similar site conditions - but differing in stool density and number of standard trees released - to analyze the effects of the stand structure (i.e., stool and standard density) on the growing performance in terms of diameter increment of the dominant shoots and overall basal area production. Simple coppicing (i.e., no standards release) confirmed to be the most suitable system to enable an initial full growing performance of a light-demanding species such as the chestnut. We thus recommend avoiding the release of standards in quality-wood chestnut coppices in order to allow the new shoots generation to develop undisturbed until the stage of the first thinning. The release of standards in chestnut coppices may however be appropriate in particular cases, such as in stands whose main aim is to protect against shallow landslides along steep slopes.