Helianthemum Kahiricum Research Articles

Characterizing Biomass Yield and Nutritional Value of Selected Indigenous Range Species from Arid Tunisia.

Rangelands of Tunisia show a great indigenous species diversity with considerable potential as forage for livestock. However, information on their fodder yield and quality is scanty and restricted to few species. The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritive values of selected key perennial species based on their biomass yield, chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and mineral composition. The species evaluated included four grass species (Stipa lagascae Roem. and Schult., Stipa tenacissima L., Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. Anderson, and Stipagrostis pungens (Desf.) de Winter.) and eight shrub species (Anthyllis henoniana Coss. ex Batt., Argyrolobium uniflorum (Deene.) Jaub. and Spach., Echiochilon fruticosum Desf., Gymnocarpos decander Forssk., Helianthemum kahiricum Delile., Helianthemum lippii (L.) Dum. Cours., Plantago albicans L. and Rhanterium suaveolens Desf.). Results showed that shrub species contained higher concentrations of the crude protein (CP), acid detergent lignin (ADL), but lower neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) and acid detergent fiber (ADFom) concentrations than grasses. The greatest concentration of CP was 135 g/kg DM for R. suaveolens. The greatest aNDFom concentration was found within the grasses with maximum of 744.5 g/kg DM in S. plumosa. The shrub species E. fruticosum, A. uniflorum, P. albicans, G. decander, R. suaveolens, and A. henoniana had the highest IVOMD with over 500 g/kg DM and have the potential to supply energy to livestock. Overall, the moderate to high protein, low fiber, and high in vitro digestibility measured for shrubs, suggest they have high nutritional values and can be used to enhance local livestock production.

Effect of Acacia saligna (Labill.) Wendl. extracts on seed germination and seedling performance of three native Mediterranean shrubs

ABSTRACT Invasive exotic species are an ongoing cause of native biodiversity degradation, and allelopathy may assist in the degradation process. We studied the allelopathic potential of leaf and root aqueous extracts of Acacia saligna (Labill.) Wendl. in the early settlement of three native Mediterranean shrubs (Astragalus armatus Willd., Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb & Berthel., and Helianthemum kahiricum Del.). Aqueous extracts were applied at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. For all three test species, increasing extract concentrations significantly increased the inhibition of seed germination and shoot and root elongation and gradually decreased seedling performance; the decreasing values of relative water content and F v /F m indicated that the plants had been exposed to stress. The leaf aqueous extracts of A. saligna were significantly more phytotoxic than the root aqueous extracts, even at the lowest concentration (5%). Fabaceae species had significantly less growth inhibition than Cistaceae species. The results from this study suggest that A. saligna has strong allelopathic potential, which emphasizes the importance of reducing its allelopathic effects and developing effective management strategies for mitigating invasion risk and protecting native species in Mediterranean arid environments.

Ecological indicators and bioindicator plant species for biomonitoring industrial pollution: Eco-based environmental assessment

Industrial pollution remains a driving force to ecosystem alteration. Pollutants are released in the atmosphere interacting in turn with other components of earth system such as plant species. Despite the long-term exposition of vegetation cover to pollution is drastically devastating, less is known about the contribution of ecological indicators for its monitoring. The aims of this study are (i) to introduce the ecological indicators in assessing the cement dust impact on plant species and its biomonitoring and (ii) to screen new indicator species for phytoremediation studies. Floristic surveys were conducted in the cement plant closeness following quadrat method. Vegetation indicators such as total plant cover, perennial and annual species densities and diversity were assessed. Bioindicator species were identified using the bioaccumulation factor (BF) and translocation factor (TF). A decrease of perennial species richness and a decline of total vegetation cover by 7 times as well as a diversity decrease ranging from 2.99 to 2.31 were found pertinent indicators of land degradation in the industrial area. Annual species densities were significantly affected by cement pollution. Species like Lygeum spartum, Atractylis serratuloides and Gymnocarpos decander arise as indicators of heavy metals pollution. Pollution in the cement plant vicinity excluded sensitive species like Helianthemum kahiricum, Stipa tenassissima, Plantago coronopus. This study allowed the identification of indicator species of potential use in phytoremediation applications and emphasized the possibility of relaying on the vegetation indicators to assess the impact of cement pollution.

Mapping heavy metal (Cu, Zn, and Pb) pollution and ecological risk assessment, in the surroundings of Gabes cement plant—Tunisia

The pollution and contamination assessment of three heavy metals (Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the topsoil, and common plants (Olea europaea, Prunus persica vulgaris, Ficus carica, Medicago sativa, Zygophyllum album, and Helianthemum kahiricum) were carried out at different distances from a cement plant. This evaluation was based on four evaluation methods: Bioconcentration factor, Contamination factor, Geoaccumulation Index and Potential ecological risk factor. The chlorophylls a and b contents were also analyzed. The highest levels of Cu, Zn, and Pb in the topsoil were found close to the cement factory (cluster D), and the lowest values were observed in a distant oasis (cluster H). The lowest chlorophylls values were observed in perennial plants (O. europaea and F. carica) near the cement plant. Zygophyllum album and H. kahiricum showed capability to remove Cu an Zn in contaminated locations, depending on the soil type. The spatialization of the results was essential to the understanding of the potential contribution of different sources of Cu, Zn, and Pb in the topsoil and to distinguishing different behaviors of the same plant species. Concerning H. kahiricum, further research should be undertaken since it has a high livestock acceptability index and is used in traditional medicine. Novelty statement The impact of three heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and Pb) on the topsoil and six species of plants common in Tunisia (arid climate) will be assessed, and the potential contribution of different sources to the contamination. Few studies have addressed the impact of cement dust in the topsoil and common plant species in arid rangelands, and, as far as we know, none of them have considered the spatialization of the data and results, considering the prevailing wind, plant species location, soil type, and use. Moreover, the ability of steppic vegetation to remove these three heavy metals (phytoextraction) was evaluated using the bioconcentration factor (BCF), soil pollution indices, and ecological risk. Chlorophylls a and b contents were also evaluated to establish the effect of the cement plant on the health of plants located nearby.

Assessment of diet composition of free-ranging addax antelopes (Addaxnasomaculatus) by the combination of microhistological procedures andn-alkanes and long-chain alcohols as fecal markers

Understanding herbivore foraging behaviour is crucial for adequate wildlife management decisions. This study assessed the diet composition of free-ranging addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus (de Blainville, 1816)). Samples collected during the spring season were analyzed using microhistological procedures along with n-alkanes and long-chain alcohols as fecal markers. Twelve animals were monitored and fresh fecal samples were collected daily during a 7-day period. Diet composition estimates obtained by both methods were similar and indicate that Stipagrostis pungens (Desf.) De Winter was the main diet component followed by Fagonia glutinosa Delile, Helianthemum kahiricum Delile, and Hammada schmittiana (Pomel.) Botsch. Data showed that addax have mixed diets composed of perennial woody and herbaceous plant species depending on their availability. The four species most selected by the animals were also the most abundant species in terms of plant cover. In contrast, species that accounted for less than 5% of the plant cover were not present in the fecal samples. Results of this study represent a single grazing season, and for that reason, further studies are required to fully understand how the grazing behaviour of addax varies with seasonal changes in vegetation cover.

Characterization of natural habitats and diversity of Libyan desert truffles.

Desert truffles have traditionally been used as food in Libya. Desert truffle grows and gives fruit sporadically when adequate and properly distributed rainfall occurs with existence of suitable soil and mycorrhizal host plant. The present study aimed to identify and characterize two kinds of wild desert truffles from ecological and nutritional points that were collected from the studied area. The truffle samples were identified as Terfezia (known as red or black truffle) and Tirmania (known as white truffle). The nutritional values (protein, lipid and carbohydrate) of both Libyan wild truffle (Terfezia and Tirmania) were determined on a dry weight basis and result showed that Tirmania and Terfezia contained 16.3 and 18.5% protein, 6.2 and 5.9% lipid, 67.2 and 65% carbohydrate, respectively, in ascocarp biomass. The soil pH of the upper and lower regions of the Hamada Al-Hamra ranged between 8.2 and 8.5 giving suitable conditions for fructification. The plants, Helianthemum kahiricum and Helianthemum lippii were the dominant plants in Hamada Al-Hamra region found to form a mycorrhiza with desert truffles. The phylogenetic analysis of the genomic rDNA ITS region showed that, out of five collections three represented Tirmania pinoyi (Maire) Malencon, one Tirmania nivea (Desf.) Trappe, and one Terfezia boudieri Chatin.

Rain Use Efficiency, Primary Production and Rainfall Relationships in Desert Rangelands of Tunisia

AbstractDesert rangelands are characterised by low and highly variable rainfall regime, low forage production and high heterogeneity in the distribution of natural resources. This study was carried out in the desert rangelands of Tunisia to evaluate the response of different rangelands to annual rainfall in terms of aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and rain use efficiency over a 10‐year period (2003–2012). In general, ANPP values were relatively low (123 kg DM ha−1 y−1) but would tend to increase with increasing annual rainfall for all rangeland types. The highest value of ANPP was observed from Stipagrostis pungens and Hammada shmittiana communities (sandy‐soil) during the wet year 2011. In contrast, rain use efficiency tends to decline with the highest annual rainfall and varies among rangeland types and with an average of 1·9 kg DM ha−1 mm−1 y−1. Rain use efficiency tended to be higher during dry years and lower during wet years and tended to be higher on S. pungens and H. shmittiana (sandy‐soils) and lower on Helianthemum kahiricum (loamy soils). Therefore, understanding how rainfall affects productivity in rangelands is critical for predicting the impact of land degradation on the functioning of these ecosystems. It can be used to explain production decline associated with desertification as well as to assess rangeland conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

English

Seeds of Helianthemum kahiricum have an excellent germination rate extending to about 90% within short time not more than four days after scarification (mechanical treatment) and a good protocol of disinfection. A high frequency of sprouting and shoot differentiation was observed in the primary cultures of nodal explants of H. kahiricum on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) free growth regulators or with less concentration of kinetin (0.5 mg L -1 or 1.0 mg L -1 kin). In vitro proliferated shoot were multiplied rapidly by culture of shoot tips on MS with kinetin (0.5 mg L -1 ) which produced the greatest multiple shoot formation. The kinetin had a positive effect on the multiplication and growth, but a concentration that exceeded 2.0 mg.L -1 decreased the growth. A high frequency of rooting with development of healthy roots was observed from shoots cultured on MS/8 medium hormone-free. Key words : Helianthemum kahiricum, in vitro germination, multiplication, axillary buds. Abbreviation: Zea, Zeatin (cytokinine); IAA, indole-3-acetic acid (auxin); IBA, indole-3-butyric acid (auxin); Kin, kinetin (cytokinine); MS, Murashige and Skoog medium; NAA, 2-naphthalene acetic acid (auxin); 2iP, 2 isopentenyladenine (cytokinine).

English

Helianthemum kahiricum has great potential in forage, in traditional medicine, for halting desert encroachment and stabilizing sand dunes through their excellent root systems development, and in the improvement of soil organic matter content. H. kahiricum is threatened with extinction because of overgrazing abuse and increasing human disturbance. For these reasons, in vitro propagation is essential for developing efficient conservation program. Several cytokinins: indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) ratios and a range of zeatin concentrations were evaluated for their effect on shoot multiplication from apical shoots and nodal segments. The type of cytokinin and the origin of the explants were the most important factors affecting shoot multiplication. The highest shoot multiplication rate was obtained from single-nodal explants on medium hormone free. Increasing zeatin concentrations promotes decreased shoot multiplication independently of explants type, although this effect tends to decrease with higher zeatin concentration. Shoot growth was higher in apical shoots and it was not stimulated by the presence of auxin. A number of experiments were conducted to identify suitable procedures for rooting of in vitro produced shoots. Although, rooting frequency rose to 98% by in vitro culture on an auxin-free medium, the survival of the plants after 6 months of acclimatization was good (90%).

Preliminary Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activity Investigations on the Aerial Parts of Helianthemum kahiricum

Preliminary Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activity Investigations on the Aerial Parts of Helianthemum kahiricum

Vegetation of Thumamah Nature Park: a managed arid land site in Saudi Arabia

Thumamah Nature Park is located at about 100 km north of Arriyadh (Saudi Arabia), having an area of 170 km2. The Park was established since 30 years ago. The aim of this study is to analyze the vegetation structure in relation to the environmental factors in different habitat types. The phenological activities around the year of the 20 dominant species were monitored. 119 species were identified, of which 51 (43 %) annuals and 68 (57 %) perennials after 30 years of exclusive human impact. The Saharo-Arabian component species were the highest among the monoregional species (64 %) in most life forms, while the Sahelien-Somali Masai attained the highest among the biregionals (46 %). The TWINSPAN, DCA and CCA analyses separated seven vegetation groups. The first two groups were dominated by psammophytic species, which occupy the lower sandy plain as shown in group I with Rhanterium epapposum–Rhazya stricta and group II with Pennisetum divisum–Haloxylon salicornicum. The escarpment habitat was characterized by three groups, viz., group III with Acacia gerrardii–Panicum turgidum, group IV with Panicum turgidum and group V with Acacia ehrenbergiana–Lasiurus scindicus. Vegetation in the upland plateau was represented by the remaining two groups; group VI with Helianthemum lippii and group VII with Helianthemum kahiricum. The environmental variables that affect the species distribution and diversity in the park include the altitude, soil texture, pH, EC, Ca, Mg and Mn. The increased plant species richness, turnover, evenness and cover were mostly due to the increase of the herbaceous species. Plant populations showed interspecific variations in their relative timing of phenological phases with reproductive activity period ranged between 3 and 6 months with unimodal flowering peak. Three flowering-fruiting activities were recorded during late winter–spring, summer and late autumn–early winter. In an attempt to explain the vegetation dynamics after 30 years conservation, the progressive succession varied among the different habitat types, including the lower sandy sites, the escarpment and the upland rocky habitats, which reflect the relationship between altitude, edaphic factors and the type of vegetation units in each habitat type after exclusion of the human impact.

Diversity of the desert truffleTerfezia boudieriChatin. in southern Tunisia

This study reports the genetic diversity of Terfezia boudieri collected from southern Tunisia. The study was carried out using 135 truffle fruiting bodies harvested from seven different locations. Twenty-eight Terfezia claveryi fruiting bodies were also sampled from one of the seven locations. A PCR-based technique was used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA, including the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2. The PCR products were digested with the four restriction enzymes RsaI, HhaI, AluI, and HinfI. Based on the HinfI patterns, T.boudieri specimens were separated into two different haplotypes (I and II). Nucleotide sequences of some representative amplicons were also obtained. Based on the phylogenetic results, three T.boudieri genotypes could be differentiated. One sequence, SKtb1, retrieved from PCR-RFLP of haplotype I, was obtained from a low pH soil in association with Helianthemum kahiricum . Based on the results presented in the current study, this isolate may represent a novel taxa within the Terfezia genus.

Aboveground biomass estimation of the shrubs, Echiochilon fruticosum (Desf.) and Helianthemum kahiricum (Del.) in the arid zone rangelands of Tunisia

AbstractThe knowledge of the plant biomass is very important for the assessment of the rangeland productivity. It could help to select the appropriate species for the improvement of natural ecosystems (rehabilitation, restoration and seedling). By examining different correlations between the biomass production and the volume parameters of two North African shrub species of high range value (Echiochilon fruticosum Desf. and Helianthemum kahiricum Del.), we aimed to establish the appropriate regression models, which could be useful for the prediction of the productivity of these species. The data showed a significant relationship between the total biomass (TB) production and the mean diameter (MD) of the studied species (R2 = 0.65 for Echiochilon and R2 = 0.75 for Helianthemum). Likewise, annual fresh production (leaves and current‐year shoots) was well correlated with MD of Helianthemum (R2 = 0.82). However, the correlation between these two parameters was relatively low for Echiochilon (R2 = 0.42).

Using trees as a restoration tool in Tunisian arid areas: effects on understorey vegetation and soil nutrients

A field experiment was conducted in an afforested Stipa tenacissima L. steppe in arid southern Tunisia to evaluate the effect of three tree species (Acacia salicina Lindl., Pinus halepensis Mill. and Eucalyptus occidentalis Endl.) on understorey vegetation and soil nutrients. For each tree species, two subhabitats were distinguished: under the canopy, and out in the open. Organic carbon, total N, available P and pH were higher under the canopies of the three tree species than out in the open, and the effect was more pronounced in the top 10 cm of soil. Similarly, plant cover, biomass, richness and diversity were significantly higher under tree canopies. Some species such as Plantago amplexicaulis Cav., Helianthemum kahiricum Del. and Artemisia campestris L., which use large amounts of soil nutrients, showed a strong preference for areas under the canopy. Among the three tree species, Acacia salicina had the strongest positive effect on soil nutrients and understorey vegetation, and, thus, may be more useful for restoring arid areas and creating areas of enhanced soil nutrients than Pinus or Eucalyptus.

Composition of the Essential Oil of Helianthemum kahiricum Del. from Iran

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from aerial parts of Helianthemum kahiricum Del. was investigated by GC and GC/MS. The main components were hexadecanoic acid (36.2%), tetradecanoic acid (7.3%), linoleic acid (6.5%) and dodecanoic acid (4.7%).

Plant communities of a protected area in the desert of Bahrain island

The vegetation of a protected area in the southern desert of Bahrain island was studied. A total of 53 species was identified. Of these, 31 were perennials and 22 were annuals. Based on species dominance, seven community types were recognised. These were dominated by Zygophyllum qatarense, Heliotropium crispum, Panicum turgidum, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Sporobolus arabicus, Pennisetum divisum and Helianthemum kahiricum. Distribution of community types in relation to landforms and soil was also investigated.