Genus Prosopis Research Articles

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLETE CHLOROPLAST GENOME OF THREE PROSOPIS SPECIES IN JORDAN

Worldwide, Prosopis Genus is widely spread and well known to be of high tolerance to harsh conditions. The P. juliflora and P. cineraria species were introduced to the Mediterranean, while P. farcta is a native one. The genomic structure of the chloroplast of P. juliflora, P. cineraria and P. farcta were targeted in this study. The chloroplast DNA samples were sequenced by genetic analyzer sequencer “Ion S5™ System. The results indicated the size of the genome to be ranged between 162900 bp in P. farcta and 163667 bp in P. cineraria. The full chloroplast of P. juliflora and P. cineraria genome were reported for the first time nationally in Jordan, while globally P. farcta was the first to be analyzed genetically. The present study offers an important portfolio of Prosopis species chloroplast genome analyses, this could help with identification of species and speed up biological and genetic diversity researches.

Leaf Architecture in the Morphological Diversity of the Genus Prosopis in the Semi-Desert Area of Northeastern Mexico

Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) is one of the main plant representatives in regions with a dry climate, and is a fundamental part of the flora of the Mexican arid, with an indisputable importance from ecological, economic and industrial points of view. However, the restrictive factors of dry climates, as well as genetic variability, are sources of the great diversity of mesquite, so its taxonomy is not yet well defined. The present study seeks to determine the diversity of mesquite in the Mexican semi-desert based on the morphometric characterization of its leaves. Methods: Different leaf parameters such as the number, length and width of the leaflets were recorded in 31 well-marked sites in the area, to obtain measures of central tendency and dispersion, and to determine the differences and similarities between the sites, as well as the groups of homogeneous and heterogeneous taxa. Results: Five taxa were identified, of which there were two varieties (Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa and Prosopis reptans var. cinerascens), a pure or typical species (Prosopis laevigata) and two hybrids (Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa x Prosopis laevigata and Prosopis laevigata x Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa). The discriminant analysis indicated that five variables presented the highest percentage of separation or best separated the taxa, so the study was based on the phenogram with the combination of these five variables: (a) length of middle leaflets, (b) length of upper leaflets, (c) spacing of middle leaflets, (d) length/width relationship of middle leaflets and (e) length/width relationship of middle leaflets. Conclusions: Both the traditional taxonomic classification and the cluster and discriminant analyses reflected the same taxa (Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa, Prosopis laevigata and Prosopis reptans var. cinerascens) and the existence of hybridization between Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa and Prosopis laevigata.

GC‐MS Profiling and Therapeutic Potentials of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC: Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Insights

Plants belonging to the genus Prosopis L. (family Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae) have gained significant popularity in traditional medicine due to their potential as anticancer, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and antibacterial compounds. The primary objective of this work was to determine the phytochemical composition of the ethanolic extract derived from Prosopis juliflora leaves, as well as to assess its antibacterial and cytotoxic properties. The phytochemical screening using GC‐MS revealed the presence of phytosteroids, ketone, esters, diisooctyl phthalate, and triterpenes. Besides, varying amounts of some silicon derivatives, which were reported to have antimicrobial activity, were detected with octasiloxane, which showed the highest amount (18.47%). 6‐Ethoxy‐6‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexenone (antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and antimicrobial) was detected in considerable quantity. Cytotoxic activity was seen in human breast cancer (MCF‐7), human ovary adenocarcinoma (A2780), and human colon adenocarcinoma (HT‐29) cell lines, as well as in normal human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC‐5), when subjected to the MTT assay. The plant extract exhibited the highest level of activity (5.75 μg/mL) against the A2780 cell line, with the MCF‐7 cell line showing a somewhat lower level of activity (18.49 μg/mL). The antibacterial effect of the plant extracts was evaluated against four standard Gram‐positive and four standard Gram‐negative. The antimicrobial potential was observed only against Staphylococcus aureus which recorded a 14.5 ± 0.05 mm inhibition zone. The present study has demonstrated the identification of bioactive constituents in P. juliflora plant extracts, which exhibit significant cytotoxic activity against breast and colon malignancies. The study also highlighted P. juliflora extract as an antibacterial against S. aureus.

Phytonutrients and Anti-Nutrient Composition of Aqueous Extract of Fermented Seeds of Prosopis africana

Prosopis africana is a perennial leguminous plant in the genus Prosopis. The seeds are used as food condiment. This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical, proximate, vitamin and anti-nutrient compositions of aqueous extract of fermented seeds of Prosopis africana. The analyses were done using standard biochemical methods. Assessment of the bioactive constituents was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The result of the phytochemical analysis revealed quantifiable levels of Steroid, phenols, triterpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and saponin. The result of the proximate analysis showed that fermented seeds of Prosopis africana contains moisture (50.51 ± 0.01%), ash (3.78± 0.004%), crude fat (4.45 ± 0.03%), crude fibre (2.49 ± 0.01%), crude protein (25.27 ± 0.07%) and Carbohydrates (13.56 ± 0.003%). The energy value was 195.37 Kcal/100g. Vitamins A (6.38 ± 0.001), vitamin C (36.77 ± 0.004), Vitamin D (0.43 ± 0.003) and vitamin E (0.84 ± 0.001) were present in the extract. The anti-nutrients detected were tannin (12.27 ± 0.06 mgGAE/kg), Phytate (3.68 ± 1.18 mg/kg), oxalate (44.36 ± 14.16 mg/kg), trypsin (4.72 ± 0.46 mg/kg) and cyanide (0.47 ± 0.14 ppm). A total of seventeen (17) bioactive constituents were found using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer which include 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3-amine, 2,5-Dihydroxyacetophenone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propionic acid, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Bis(trimethylsilyl) benzene, Cycloheptasiloxane, 2-bromobutyloxychalcone, Cyclooctasiloxane, Fumaric acid, 5-Methyl-2-phenylindolizine, 4-(acridin-9—ylamino)-phenyl)-acetamide, 1,2-Bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene), 5-Methyl-2-phenylindolizine, 1,2-Benzisothiazole-3-propanoic acid, 1,4-Bis(trimethylsilyl) benzene and Cyclotrisiloxane. This study showed that aqueous extract of Prosopis africana seed contains various compounds which are found useful for nutritional and medicinal purposes.

Bioactive compounds from Prosopis species as potential oxidative stress and inflammation modulators: an update on mechanisms

Oxidative stress and inflammation processes are involved in most diseases and illnesses. Many herbal remedies have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and have been used since ancient times as traditional medicine. Species of the genus Prosopis are one of these herbal remedies that grow in arid, semiarid, subtropical, and tropical areas of the world. Paste, gum, and smoke from pods and leaves of Prosopis plants are traditionally used to treat diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on Prosopis plants as oxidative stress and inflammation modulators. Relevant information was collected from researching scientific databases such as PubMed/Medline, Wiley, Web of Science and Springer. Folk medicinal applications and biologically active molecules of Prosopis spp., and its derivatives, have been collected paying attention to studies that used verified markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity and inflammation. Future studies are needed to deepen more pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and structure-activity relationships of phytochemicals isolated from Prosopis species.

Impact of Prosopis velutina Wooton on the Composition and Diversity of Native Woody Species in a Semi-Arid Zone along the Molopo River, South Africa

Invasive alien species represent one of the main threats to biodiversity and species extinction. This is the case for the genus Prosopis, among which Prosopis velutina is the most invasive and common tree species along the Molopo River in the North-West Province, impacting native plant communities. However, its impact on the composition and diversity of native woody species remains poorly investigated in the area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of P. velutina on native woody plant composition and diversity across three sites along the Molopo River. At each site, five quadrats of 20 × 20 m2 were randomly established in invaded and adjacent uninvaded stands. A comparative methodological approach was adopted, and the woody plants in invaded and uninvaded stands with similar site conditions were sampled. The results showed that native woody species density differed significantly (p < 0.05) between invaded and uninvaded stands, except for Bray sites, where there was a marginal difference (p = 0.6). The overall native woody species density decreased by 79.7% in the invaded stand. However, non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) indicated significant differences in native tree composition between invaded and uninvaded stands at all sites. In all three sites, all ecological indices had significantly lower values in invaded stands compared to uninvaded stands. The decrease in all ecological indices in invaded over uninvaded stands indicated that P. velutina invasion reduced the diversity of native woody plant species. Due to the incessant spread of P. velutina, it may become a long-term dominant species with an increasing impact on the native vegetation. Therefore, the findings of this study call for urgent management and appropriate control measures against the ongoing spread of this invader within the riparian zones of the Molopo River in North-West Province.

Biomass estimation models for four priority Prosopis species: Tools required for forestry management in overexploited arid ecosystems

Biomass estimation models (BEMs) employ power-law equations to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB) using basal diameter (BD) as the independent variable. Estimating AGB is crucial as regards calculating forest biomass and productivity on the ecosystem scale. One of the most widespread biomasses in dryland ecosystems is the Prosopis genus. However, most BEMs for Prosopis have been generated using relatively small datasets and have not been revised since their early inception. The objectives of this study were (1) to build a BEM for Prosopis pallida in order to estimate the AGB and tree biomass by fraction; and (2) to analyze the differences among the BEMs for the datasets of four priority Prosopis species (P. pallida, P. laevigata, P. glandulosa, and P. juliflora) so as to fit them into a single common model. This was done using both univariate and multivariate generalized linear models and five databases obtained from literature. Our results showed that the univariate and multivariate models had a high R2 and were able to predict AGB. Tree biomass by fraction was successfully modeled using both BD and tree height. The databases regarding natural and planted Prosopis forests were statistically different, signifying that they fit into two different equations.

Prosopis L. woody growth in relation to hydrology in South America: A review

Arboreal species of the genus Prosopis L. have played an important role in the development of tree-ring research in arid and semi-arid ecoregions of South America. Given the distribution of Prosopis across a broad precipitation gradient from 0 to 2000 mm y−1 and its unique role as a phreatophyte, the relationship between Prosopis species growth and water has been a recurring theme over the past century. We conducted a systematic review of the literature addressing Prosopis and water research in South America, and combined site coordinates with GIS data of mean annual precipitation (MAP), elevation, biome, and soil moisture from online databases to understand the spatial distribution of research to date. We compiled 40 publications from 1931 to 2022, including results from 11 species of Prosopis among four countries, on the relationship between Prosopis spp and precipitation, groundwater levels, soil humidity, among other hydrological parameters. The spatial distribution of research sites spans tropical-subtropical and temperate latitudes from 4° to 35°S, excluding regions where the genus is present in Patagonia and northeastern South America. Studies covered a broad range of elevations from 30 to 3500 m a.s.l. but was limited to 1–730 mm y−1 MAP, excluding more humid climates where Prosopis occurs. Results obtained from 32 dendrochronological studies and eight studies relating to Prosopis and hydrology, were grouped into sub-disciplines of tree-ring formation and the hydrosystem, dendroclimatology, dendrohydrology, and dendroecology. The review highlights the unique affinities of Prosopis to arid conditions, and the use of tree rings as a proxy for historical droughts and variability in water tables. Nonetheless, there are opportunities to expand the geographical-climatological extent of Prosopis growth research to humid climates, as well as to incorporate novel techniques such as stable isotopes and vessel size chronologies to understand how this genus records hydrological change throughout South America.

Disintegration of the genus Prosopis L. (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade).

Robust evidence from phylogenomic analyses of 997 nuclear genes has recently shown, beyond doubt, that the genus Prosopis is polyphyletic with three separate lineages, each with affinities to other genera of mimosoids: (i) Prosopisafricana is an isolated lineage placed in the grade of Plathymenia, Newtonia and Fillaeopsis that subtends the core mimosoid clade; (ii) the remaining Old World species of Prosopis form a clade that is sister to the Indo-Nepalese monospecific genus Indopiptadenia and (iii) New World Prosopis has the Namibian / Namaqualand monospecific endemic genus Xerocladia nested within it. This means that it is now clear that maintaining the unity of the genus Prosopis sensu Burkart (1976) is no longer tenable. These three distinct lineages of Prosopis species correspond directly to Burkart's (1976) sectional classification of the genus, to previously recognised genera and to the differences in types of armature that underpin Burkart's sections. Here, we address this non-monophyly by resurrecting three segregate genera - Anonychium, Neltuma and Strombocarpa and provide 57 new name combinations where necessary, while maintaining the morphologically distinctive and geographically isolated genera Xerocladia and Indopiptadenia. The genus Prosopis itself is reduced to just three species and an emended description is presented. The impacts of these name changes for a genus of such high ecological and human use importance are discussed. These impacts are mitigated by clear differences in armature which facilitate identification and by potential benefits from the deeper biological understanding brought about by recognition of these divergent lineages at generic rank. We provide an identification key to genera and present a map showing the distributions of the segregate genera, as well as drawings and photos illustrating variation in armature and fruits.

The Potential of Piperidine Alkaloids-rich Extracts from Prosopis spp. to Combat Plant Pests and Diseases

The genus Prosopis comprises 44 species of spiny small trees adapted to arid and semiarid regions of the planet that have been used by human populations as a source of wood, food and medicine. Prosopis spp. possess high quantities of phenolic compounds and piperidine alkaloids with antioxidant, neurotoxic, antimicrobial, antimalarial, insecticidal and allelopathic activities. Juliprosopine is the major and more characterized piperidine alkaloid present in the genus Prosopis. In this review we present the potential of Prosopis spp. extracts and piperidine alkaloids for the control of plant pests and diseases and discuss the possibility of their use as an alternative in organic agriculture.

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Isolated Compounds from Prosopis africana Leaves.

Prosopis africana (G. &Perr.) Taub (Mimosaceae) is a large tree native to dry tropical Africa and characteristic of dry leguminous forests. Different parts of this plant are used to treat wounds, skin infection, and to fight against cancer. Literature review indicated various pharmacological properties. Despite these medicinal properties, the chemical composition studies remain limited. This study aims to isolate and characterize secondary metabolites from P. africana leaves and evaluate their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Air-dried powdered leaves of P. africana were macerated in methanol at room temperature and partitioned with ethyl acetate. The EtOAc extract was subjected successively to flash and column chromatographies in order to isolate compounds. The structure of the isolates was determined with help of spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR experiments and comparison with literature data. The antibacterial activities were evaluated via determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The antioxidant activities were evaluated via gallic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity (GEAC) and diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays. The chemical investigation of the EtOAc extract led to the isolation of seven compounds: (2E, 6E) farnesylamine (1), myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (2), bis(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate (3), lupeol (4), ß-sitosterol (5), stigmasterol glycoside (6), and a mixture of bis(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate (3) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (7) in ratio 1 : 2. Compound 1 is described here for the first time as a natural product with complete 1H and 13C assignments. Compounds 3 and 7 were identified as artefacts from dichloromethane. Sesquiterpene amine (1) is reported in Prosopis genus for the first time. Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of isolated compounds were investigated. Among the tested samples, the EtOAc extract and compound 2 exhibited the highest antioxidant (EC50 = 5.67–77.56 μg/mL; GEAC = 36.58–89.28 μg/mL) and antibacterial (MIC = 8–64 μg/mL) activities against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The EtOAc extract and compound 2 from P. africana exhibited antibacterial activity through bacteriolytic effects and reduction of the antioxidant defenses in the bacterial cells. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomic significance of isolated compounds was discussed. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate extract and compound 2 can justify the traditional uses of P. africana leaves for the treatment of diseases related to bacterial infections. The presence of compounds 1, 2, and 4 in this plant should also be considered as valuable chemotaxonomic features.

INVASION OF SAVANNAS BY PROSOPIS TREES IN EASTERN AFRICA: EXPLORING THEIR IMPACTS ON LULC DYNAMICS, LIVELIHOODS AND IMPLICATIONS ON SOIL ORGANIC CARBON STOCKS

Abstract. Trees of the genus Prosopis from the Americas, were introduced in Eastern Africa in the 1970s to mitigate land degradation and its associated disservices. However, over time these trees have spread and invaded valuable grasslands and croplands and consequently led to significant land use and land cover (LULC) changes and livelihood stress. Early detection of invasive species is essential for formulating effective management strategies to prevent further spread into non-invaded lands and for monitoring the outcome of management interventions. We mapped the spatio-temporal evolution and dynamics of Prosopis invasion, its impacts on LULC and livelihoods in Baringo, Kenya by applying a Random Forest classifier on Landsat satellite data over seven-year intervals from 1988 – 2016. We then linked the LULC changes to soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks that we had measured for the different LULCs and also to socio-economic data on annual costs of clearing Prosopis from farmlands. By 2016, Prosopis had invaded 18,792 ha of land, spreading at a rate of 640 ha/yr, while all other land uses and land cover declined, each by over 40% of its original coverage in 1988. Through LULC specific SOC measurements, and relating the changes to annual costs of clearing Prosopis, we found that Prosopis removal and restoration to grassland is more effective for climate change mitigation compared to Prosopis “cultivation” while also avoiding trade-offs with other ecosystem services and livelihoods. Therefore, future management of this species in Kenya and Eastern Africa should be based on a more collaborative and integrated approach.

Burrowing Parrots Cyanoliseus patagonus as Long-Distance Seed Dispersers of Keystone Algarrobos, Genus Prosopis, in the Monte Desert

Understanding of ecosystem structure and functioning requires detailed knowledge about plant–animal interactions, especially when keystone species are involved. The recent consideration of parrots as legitimate seed dispersers has widened the range of mechanisms influencing the life cycle of many plant species. We examined the interactions between the burrowing parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus and two dominant algarrobo trees (Prosopis alba and Prosopis nigra) in the Monte Desert, Argentina. We recorded the abundance and foraging behaviour of parrots; quantified the handling, consumption, wasting, and dispersal of ripe and unripe pods; and tested the viability of soft and hard ripe seeds wasted and transported by parrots. We found a high abundance of burrowing parrots. They predated on soft seeds from unripe pods while exclusively feeding upon pulp wrapping hard seeds from ripe pods. Frequent pod wasting beneath the plant or transport at a distance invariably implied the dispersal of multiple seeds in each event. Moreover, soft seeds retained viability after desiccation outside the mother plant, suggesting effective seed dispersal after partial pod predation due to a predator satiation effect. In about half of the foraging flocks, at least one parrot departed in flight with pods in its beak, with 10–34% of the flock components moving pods at distances averaging 238 m (P. alba) and 418 m (P. nigra). A snapshot sampling of faeces from livestock and wild mammals suggested a low frequency of seed dispersal by endozoochory and secondary dispersal by ants and dung beetles. The nomadic movements and long flights of burrowing parrots between breeding and foraging sites can lead to the dispersal of huge amounts of seeds across large areas that are sequentially exploited. Further research should evaluate the role of the burrowing parrot as a functionally unique species in the structure of the Monte Desert woods and the genetic structure of algarrobo species.

98 The effect of mezquite pod flour in a wheat-based diet on broiler chicken growth performance

Application Inclusion of Mezquite pod flour in broiler chicken diets significantly reduced weight gain, this could inform a recommendation against the use of non-processed Mezquite in broiler chicken diets. Introduction Mezquite is an under-utilised crop and a possible alternative to soybean. Mezquite is part of the genus Prosopis, a group of leguminous trees. Their pods, containing seeds, are valued for their nutrition and are often ground into flour with 7–17% protein [1]. There are few studies looking at feeding pods to monogastric species, but Girma et al. [2] found that a 30% inclusion reduced growth and feed intake in broiler chickens, while a 10 or 20% inclusion had no significant effect. This study aimed to assess the impact of a 15% inclusion of Mezquite pod flour on broiler chicken growth and performance. Materials and Methods This trial was approved by the Animal Welfare & Ethical Review Body at the University of Nottingham. Eighty, one day old Ross 308 Broiler chickens were group housed for 6 days before being split into 20 pens of 4. Birds were fed either ad-libitum wheat-soya based diet (CON n = 40), or 15% inclusion of non-processed ground Mezquite pod (Prosopis juliflora) (MEZQ n = 40); collected from the Baringo area, Kenya. Both diets were balanced for equivalent energy and protein content, predominantly replacing wheat. Feed intake and weights were recorded twice weekly, before culling on days 35 and 36. The right breast muscle and liver were dissected and weighed. Data was analysed by one-way (treatment) or two-way (time × treatment) ANOVA (Genstat 19th edition), with significance taken as p < 0.05. Results A 15% inclusion of Mezquite pod flour in the diet negatively affected weight gain and FCR. A two-way ANOVA showed a significant interaction between time and feed for weight gain (data not shown), due to significantly higher growth of CON broilers. Mezquite inclusion therefore significantly decreased the final bodyweight (P < 0.001, one-way ANOVA). Total feed intake was similar, resulting in a significantly higher FCR for the MEZQ group (p < 0.001, one-way ANOVA). CON breast muscle weights were significantly higher (p < 0.001, one-way ANOVA). Liver weights were taken as an indication of effects on metabolic active tissues, but these were similar (Table 1). Conclusion These results suggest that Mezquite pod inclusion affects feed utilisation. This could be due to antinutritional factors, such as tannins or trypsin inhibitors, inhibiting digestion. Further study is needed to identify if antinutritional factors are responsible, and whether post-harvest processing or the use of exogenous enzymes reduces the negative impact.

The bees of the genus Hylaeus Fabricius, 1793 of Turkey, with keys to the subgenera and species (Hymenoptera: Anthophila, Colletidae)

The paper presents data of around 4000 previously unpublished specimens, collected in various parts of the country during the last decades. With literature sources, a total of 86 species of the genus Hylaeus Fabricius, 1793 from 10 subgenera are compiled for Turkey. New for Turkey are 11 species: Hylaeus (Dentigera) kahri Förster, 1871, H. (Dentigera) pallidicornis Morawitz, 1876, H. (Hylaeus) deceptorius (Benoist, 1959), H. (Hylaeus) gracilicornis (Morawitz, 1867), H. (Hylaeus) paulus Bridwell, 1919, H. (Hylaeus) trisignatus Morawitz, 1876, H. (Nesoprosopis) pectoralis Förster, 1871, H. (Prosopis) incongruus Förster, 1871, H. (Prosopis) trinotatus (Pérez, 1896), H. (Prosopis) variolaris Morawitz, 1876 and H. (Spatulariella) sulphuripes (Gribodo, 1894). No new specimens could be found of 13 species which had been detected formerly. Our knowledge on the distribution of numerous species is greatly expanded. The characteristics of distribution are defined for the individual species. For example, H. meridionalis is the most widespread with records from 46 provinces covering all geographical regions of the country, while many other species are only known from one province, sometimes from a single record. The eastern part of Turkey, in particular the province of Hakkâri, proved to be an important centre of diversity for Hylaeus species. For a number of species the valid names had to be revised. Distribution maps are presented for the newly recorded and rare species. Frequently visited plant species are mentioned. Keys to the subgenera and species of Turkish Hylaeus are provided.&#x0D; Nomenclatural acts&#x0D; All species described by Warncke in 1981 and 1992 from Turkey in the genus Prosopis F. have not yet been revised and formally combined with the valid genus name Hylaeus F. There are however a number of online checklists, which have already registered most of these names under Hylaeus. Representatives of these checklists were checked here: The World Bee Checklist, integrated into the ITIS database (ITIS 2020) and Discover Life (Ascher &amp; Pickering 2019). As new combinations, only the missing names are added here.Hylaeus (Dentigera) giresunus (Warncke, 1992) – comb. et stat. nov.Hylaeus (Hylaeus) trochilus (Warncke, 1992) – comb. et stat. nov.Hylaeus (Paraprosopis) decaocto (Warncke, 1992) – comb. nov.Hylaeus (Paraprosopis) socheri Dathe, 2010 = H. (Paraprosopis) decaocto (Warncke, 1992) – syn. nov.Prosopis styriaca crecca Warncke, 1992 = Hylaeus (Paraprosopis) styriacus Förster, 1871 – stat. nov.Hylaeus (Spatulariella) planulus (Warncke, 1981) – comb. nov.Hylaeus (Spatulariella) tauricus Warncke, 1981 – comb. nov.

Development of SSR loci in Prosopis tamarugo Phillipi and assessment of their transferability to species of the Strombocarpa section

Aims of the study: Phreatophyte species of the Prosopis genus are very important to natural ecosystems in Africa, South America and Asia due to their uses as food and seed sources and in agroforestry. In this research, through next-generation sequencing, we sought to search for and develop SSR markers in Prosopis tamarugo, in addition to assessing their transferability to other species in the Strombocarpa section.Area of study: The study was carried out in species of the Strombocarpa section collected in the “Pampa del Tamarugal”, located in the Atacama Desert (Chile); which is considered the driest and oldest desert on Earth.Materials and methods: The next-generation sequencing for the development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) or microsatellite loci for genetic research in P. tamarugo and their transferability in Prosopis burkartii and Prosopis strombulifera was used.Main results: A total of ~90.000 microsatellite loci in P. tamarugo were found, and a set of 43 primer pairs was used for validating SSR locus amplification. We found a large difference in the percentage of amplified SSR markers between species of the Strombocarpa and Algarobia sections.Research highlights: The present study provides for the first time 24 polymorphic SSR markers for species in the Strombocarpa section, which could be a useful tool for estimating genetic structure, developing breeding programs, quantifying genetic diversity and performing population studies.Keywords: Strombocarpa section; Prosopis tamarugo; Atacama Desert; microsatellites; NGS.

Effects of Root Bioaccumulation of Arsenic and Mercury on the Expression of the Nramp2b Gene in Prosopis Alba (Griseb)

Finding of vegetal species suitable for ecologic restoration in arid climates is a primary goal of most of the governmental and private companies for fighting against the desertification and the recovery of contaminated soils. The Prosopis genus, a desert woody leguminous, with a wide distribution around the world, represents a very interesting source of highly tolerant and adaptable trees for revegetation and bioremediation of soils contaminated with metal and metalloids (metal(loid)s). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the South American representative of this genus, P. alba, as a possible solution for restoration of soils contaminated with mercury and arsenic. For this, we assessed possible tolerance mechanisms against both metal (loid) s by means of the evaluation of bioaccumulation behaviors and expression changes in metal (loid) tolerance genes. The results revealed that P. alba was able to tolerate high metal (loid) concentrations, related with the accumulation of high quantities of arsenic and mercury in the roots, with bioaccumulation factors of 2, 8 and 3, 1 respectively. Moreover, changes in the expression levels of the gene codifying for the metal transporter NRAMP2b was also observed after the exposure to the metal (loid) s, decreasing ten times for arsenic and three times for mercury. All of these results revealed the existence of cellular mechanisms that allow P. Alba to tolerate and accumulate high quantities of arsenic and mercury diluted into the substrate, making it a promising prospect for the treatment of contaminated soils.

Unraveling the Chloroplast Genomes of Two Prosopis Species to Identify Its Genomic Information, Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Relationship.

Genus Prosopis (family Fabaceae) are shrubby trees, native to arid and semi-arid regions of Asia, Africa, and America and known for nitrogen fixation. Here, we have sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of two Prosopis species (P. juliflora and P. cineraria) and compared them with previously sequenced P. glandulosa, Adenanthera microsperma, and Parkia javanica belonging to the same family. The complete genome sequences of Prosopis species and related species ranged from 159,389 bp (A. microsperma) to 163,677 bp (P. cineraria). The overall GC contents of the genomes were almost the similar (35.9–36.6%). The P. juliflora and P. cineraria genomes encoded 132 and 131 genes, respectively, whereas both the species comprised of 85 protein-coding genes higher than other compared species. About 140, 134, and 129 repeats were identified in P. juliflora, P. cineraria and P. glandulosa cp genomes, respectively. Similarly, the maximum number of simple sequence repeats were determined in P. juliflora (88), P. cineraria (84), and P. glandulosa (78). Moreover, complete cp genome comparison determined a high degree of sequence similarity among P. juliflora, P. cineraria, and P. glandulosa, however some divergence in the intergenic spacers of A. microsperma and Parkia javanica were observed. The phylogenetic analysis showed that P. juliflora is closer to P. cineraria than P. glandulosa.

Morphological and molecular characterization of a hybrid zone between Prosopis alba and P. nigra in the Chaco region of northwestern Argentina

Abstract The Gran Chaco is the largest dry forest in South America. One of the key taxa of this biome is the genus Prosopis (Fabaceae) which contains several economically important species. One of the characteristics of this genus is its natural capacity to exchange genetic information among congeneric species, generating zones of high morphological and genetic variability at contact points. The study and management of these contact areas can contribute to the dynamic conservation of these native genetic resources. In this study, we analysed three sites within a gradient of land aridity, where P. nigra and P. alba grow in sympatry and apparently hybridize. This is the first study performed in both, Prosopis pure sites and hybrid swarm, which includes a spatially explicit approach and simultaneously analyses fruit and leaf morphological variation, together with molecular information (microsatellites markers). We performed a multivariate morphological analysis, Bayesian genetic clustering and multivariate associations between genetic and morphological variability in the pure parental populations and in the hybrid swarm, considering possible spatial autocorrelation. Bayesian cluster analysis revealed two distinct groups corresponding to each species, differentiating the pure morphotypes from sites 1 and 2. Site 3, corresponding to the hybrid swarm, was composed of pure P. alba and P. nigra trees and hybrid individuals. We found morphological and molecular evidence of hybridization between P. alba and P. nigra, and detected novel phenotypes in the hybrid site.

Prosopis Plant Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Attributes: Targeting Clinical Studies from Preclinical Evidence.

Members of the Prosopis genus are native to America, Africa and Asia, and have long been used in traditional medicine. The Prosopis species most commonly used for medicinal purposes are P. africana, P. alba, P. cineraria, P. farcta, P. glandulosa, P. juliflora, P. nigra, P. ruscifolia and P. spicigera, which are highly effective in asthma, birth/postpartum pains, callouses, conjunctivitis, diabetes, diarrhea, expectorant, fever, flu, lactation, liver infection, malaria, otitis, pains, pediculosis, rheumatism, scabies, skin inflammations, spasm, stomach ache, bladder and pancreas stone removal. Flour, syrup, and beverages from Prosopis pods have also been potentially used for foods and food supplement formulation in many regions of the world. In addition, various in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed interesting antiplasmodial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic and wound healing effects. The phytochemical composition of Prosopis plants, namely their content of C-glycosyl flavones (such as schaftoside, isoschaftoside, vicenin II, vitexin and isovitexin) has been increasingly correlated with the observed biological effects. Thus, given the literature reports, Prosopis plants have positive impact on the human diet and general health. In this sense, the present review provides an in-depth overview of the literature data regarding Prosopis plants’ chemical composition, pharmacological and food applications, covering from pre-clinical data to upcoming clinical studies.