Cupressus Sempervirens Research Articles

CONE YIELD AND GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS IN A PLANTATION OF CUPRESSUS SEMPERVIRENS

Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) is an important secondary forest tree species in Turkish forestry because of its high adaptation ability and resistance to different ecological condition. However, limited studies were carried out in cypress. In this study, cone numbers, tree height, diameters at breast height and at base were surveyed from 75 individuals chosen randomly at eighteen years’ plantation in the species. Interaction between number of cones and growth characteristics was estimated together with fertility variation and linkage parameters (i.e. population size) to contribute management and practices of seed collection and gene conservation areas, and other forestry practices of the species. Mean cone number was 86/tree ranged from 36 to 174. Individual trees had large differences for the growth traits, while means of tree height, diameters of breast height and base were 6.1 m, 9.9 cm, and 12.6 cm, respectively. Fertility variation was 1.15 (87% of total trees, CV%=38.9), which close to typical population. Positive and significant (p≤0.05) relations were found between growth characteristics and cone production in Cupressus sempervirens. Tree height was better predictor in cone production than diameters.

Food and Environment During the Late Roman Age at the Site of Alba Fucens (Abruzzi, Italy)

Archaeobotanical analyses in Italy are uneven in terms of geographical and chronological distribution. Amongst the different regions, Abruzzi is poorly represented, with only one study covering the Roman Age. In this framework, the analyses carried out on carpological remains collected from the Late Roman (late 5th–early 6th century AD) filling of a well in the Sanctuary of Hercules in Alba Fucens represents an important addition to the state of the art. The plant assemblage consists of over 1500 remains attributed to 68 different taxa. These are partly represented by gathered fruit plants, such as Corylus avellana, Juglans regia and Sambucus nigra, while cereals and pulses are missing. An interesting aspect is represented by evergreen plants (Pinus pinea and Cupressus sempervirens) that are likely to have been used for ritual purposes rather than for human consumption. Finally, the impressive amount of ruderal and spontaneous plants represents a unicum for this type of study, allowing us to describe the past environment surrounding Alba Fucens, characterized by substantial water availability, Apennine grasslands and influenced by human presence.

The emission of pollutants from ornamental shrubs during forest fires

AbstractThis study investigates the combustion behavior, emissions, and aerosol production of four plant species: Laurus nobilis, Cistus monspeliensis, Photinia fraseri, and Cupressus sempervirens. The Heat Release Rate (HRR) and Smoke Production Rate (SPR) were measured, revealing that Cupressus sempervirens had the highest HRR and longest flame duration due to its higher bulk density. Emission Factors (EFs) for key compounds such as CO₂, CO, NO, and aerosols showed significant variation by species. Aerosol analysis indicated that the combustion of all plants primarily emitted fine particles, with the majority being ultrafine particles (PM0.1), particularly in the 25–130‐nm range. Particle size distributions were bimodal in number but monomodal in volume. These findings highlight the impact of plant characteristics on fire behavior and emissions, with significant implications for understanding fire dynamics in wildland–urban interfaces.

Awareness and current knowledge of medicinal plants

Abstract Objectives This research attempts to investigate the historical applications of plants for therapeutic reasons, follow the development of these applications, and comprehend the influence of artificial methods on the use of medicinal plants. Methods The study involves the examination of antique writings from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and the Islamic world, as well as a 5000-year-old Sumerian clay tablet discovered in Nagpur. The study examined historical reports of a number of therapeutic plants, including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cupressus sempervirens, Commiphora myrrha, Cedrus duham, and Papaver somniferum. It also looked at how improved methods of separating active plant components were developed in the early 19th century, as opposed to more crude treatments like tinctures and powders. Key findings Historical evidence reveals that ancient cultures used a wide variety of plants for medicinal reasons, preparing them in different ways. The development of synthetic methods in the 19th century completely changed the manufacture of pharmaceuticals by making it possible to replicate active ingredients precisely and in large quantities. With more than 250 000 plant species recognized, nature’s wide diversity of plant metabolites highlights the importance of plants in both traditional and contemporary medicine. Conclusions The development of contemporary synthetic approaches from traditional plant-based medicines serves as an example of how far medicine has come. While modern techniques have increased the effectiveness and scalability of medicinal manufacturing, the historical usage of plants demonstrates a profound grasp of their curative potential. The vast diversity of plant metabolites continues to be important for health and medicine despite advancements in synthetic approaches, highlighting the ongoing importance of natural resources in pharmaceutical research.

Carbon Sequestration and Storage of Urban Trees in a Polluted Semiarid City

Cities play a critical role in anthropogenic CO2 emissions, which exacerbate climate change and impact urban populations. Urban green infrastructure, such as urban trees, provides essential ecosystem services, including reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. However, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the impact of urban trees on climate change in semiarid, polluted cities like Tehran, the capital and largest metropolis of the Middle East. This study assesses the carbon sequestration and storage potential of Tehran’s urban infrastructure using the i-Tree Eco model. A randomized cluster sampling method was employed, collecting data on species composition, diameter at breast height (DBH), and total tree height. The results indicate that Tehran’s urban trees sequester approximately 60,102 tons of carbon per year, equivalent to 220,393 tons of CO2. The net carbon storage in urban trees is about 254,579 tons, equivalent to 933,455 tons of CO2. Parks and urban green spaces demonstrate the highest rate of carbon sequestration per hectare, followed by urban services land use. Prioritizing the planting of species with high sequestration rates like Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress) and Cupressus sempervirens L. var. horizontalis (Mediterranean cypress) could enhance carbon sequestration efforts in Tehran. These data provide valuable insights into the carbon sequestration potential and environmental impact of different land use types, and may aid in the development of effective environmental policies and land management strategies in semiarid urban areas and other cities in similar settings.

Improved Cupressus sempervirens L. galls for methylene blue removal: adsorption kinetics optimisation using the DA-LS algorithm, characterisation, and machine learning modeling

ABSTRACT In this study, an investigation was conducted on the effectiveness of three bioadsorbents – galbuli of Cupressus sempervirens L. almond shells, and Luffa – for removing methylene blue (MB) from water. Various activation techniques and operational conditions were employed to enhance the adsorption capacity. The study focused on adsorption kinetics and equilibrium capacity. The results showed that microwave-dried galbuli of Cupressus sempervirens L. exhibited the highest adsorption capacity of 38.05 mg/g with an adsorption efficiency of 17.4%. To improve this capacity, the Dragonfly Algorithm-integrated least squares (DA-LS) was proposed to optimise the fitting of 32 adsorption isotherm models, which included a proposed modified Langmuir model. After optimisation, the sixth chemical treatment of Cupressus sempervirens L. reached a Langmuir isotherm qmax value of 84.44 mg/g, suggesting the high efficiency of the bioadsorbent compared to previous studies. Characterisation using microscopy and ATR-FTIR techniques revealed that chemical modifications led to rougher, microporous cellulose fibres and significant changes in the chemical structure, potentially enhancing the surface area and adsorption efficiency. To predict the adsorption capacity, the Support Vector Machine for Regression with DA (SVMR-DA) was utilised, achieving a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.357 and an R2 of 0.9913. This high accuracy indicates a reliable model with a robust error distribution. These results suggest that Cupressus sempervirens L. can be an effective bioadsorbent for water treatment, with significant potential for industrial application.

Unveiling the Bioactive Efficacy of Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' Essential Oil: Composition, In Vitro Activities, and In Silico Analyses.

Prior studies have extensively investigated the essential oil derived from the Mediterranean cypress, Cupressus sempervirens. However, the 'Stricta' variety, known for its ornamental value, has received less attention in terms of its oil composition and potential health benefits. The objective of this research was to comprehensively analyze the chemical components and medicinal properties of the essential oil extracted from C. sempervirens 'Stricta' (CSSLEO) grown in Egypt. Utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the investigation identified 22 compounds within CSSLEO, with α-pinene and δ-3-carene being predominant, accounting for 96.01% of the oil. In vitro assays evaluated CSSLEO's cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines, revealing notable anticancer potential. Additionally, the oil displayed antidiabetic properties by impeding crucial enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. Complementary in silico network pharmacology and molecular docking studies provided insights into the possible interactions between CSSLEO's key compounds and essential proteins and pathways in cancer treatment. The results underscored CSSLEO's intricate composition and its promising applications in cancer prevention and diabetes management. The conclusions drawn from this research underscore the need for further investigation to validate CSSLEO's clinical effectiveness and to gain a deeper understanding of its therapeutic mechanisms, with a view to harnessing its potential in oncology and endocrinology.

Two invasive bark beetles Phloeosinus armatus Reitter and Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) newly recorded in Russia

AbstractIn 2023, two bark beetle species were recorded in Russia for the first time based on findings in Sochi: the cypress bark beetle, Phloeosinus armatus, on Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and the black twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus, on southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), noble laurel (Laurus nobilis), and cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). P. armatus is a Mediterranean pest attacking exclusively Cupressaceae. In Sochi, it was recorded on cypress trees in several locations, including on plants for planting imported from Italy. X. compactus is a highly polyphagous pest from East Asia. In Sochi, it has established populations in ornamental planted areas. The paper provides species descriptions with identification keys. One specimen of X. compactus from Sochi was DNA‐barcoded and compared with 31 specimens deposited in the BOLD and GenBank under the name of X. compactus. High genetic variability (>7%) was detected highlighting the difficulty of identifying ‘true’ X. compactus using DNA data. Genetically, the specimen of X. compactus from Sochi was identical to those from Italy, Spain and France. An accidental introduction with ornamental plants for planting from Italy is considered the most probable pathway of invasion of both bark beetle species into the Russian Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

Dose-dependent responses: a preliminary investigation into the olfactory effects of essential oil concentrations on canine behavior.

The positive impact of essential oils (EOs) on stress release has been demonstrated in both humans and dogs. Among the EOs known for their anxiety-reducing properties, including Cananga odorata, Citrus aurantium, Cupressus sempervirens, Lavandula angustifolia, and Litsea citrata, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal concentration for efficacy. This exploratory study sought to investigate the effects of olfactory enrichment with a blend of these EOs on dogs introduced to an unfamiliar environment. The authors sought to determine the minimum concentration required to achieve increased relaxation. In a randomized controlled crossover study design, 54 dogs were exposed to 0, 1, 5, and 10 drops of the EO blend applied to their collars before entering an unfamiliar room with their owners. Behavioral observations were employed to quantify the total duration of activity and relaxation related behaviours for each dog under each treatment condition. A significant difference in panting was identified among the treatments (χ2(3) = 9.88; p = 0.020). Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed a significant reduction in panting during the 10 drops treatment compared to the control treatment (p = 0.047). No significant differences were observed for other behaviors. To provide a comprehensive overview of behavioral tendencies in this canine population, owners also completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), revealing low scores for anxiety in the study group. These preliminary findings suggest that a concentration of 10 drops of the EO blend on a dog's collar induces increased relaxation, specifically reflected in decreased panting behavior. Lower concentrations did not exhibit a significant relationship with the observed behaviors. These initial findings underscore the importance of exposing dogs to an appropriate concentration of EOs when exploring their potential benefits on welfare among dogs with low anxiety levels. Further research in this area is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of EOs for canine welfare.

Leaf membrane leakage and xylem hydraulic failure define the point of no return in drought-induced tree mortality in Cupressus sempervirens.

Measurements of resistance to embolism suggest that Cupressus sempervirens has a stem xylem that resists embolism at very negative water potentials, with 50% embolism (P50) at water potentials of approximately -10 MPa. However, field observations in a semi-arid region suggest tree mortality occurs before 10% embolism. To explore the interplay between embolism and plant mortality, we conducted a controlled drought experiment involving two types of CS seedlings: a local seed source (S-type) and a drought-resistant clone propagated from a semi-arid forest (C-type). We measured resistance to embolism, leaf relative water content (RWC), water potential, photosynthesis, electrolyte leakage (EL), plant water loss, leaf hydraulic conductivity, and leaf non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content during plant dehydration and before rewatering. All measured individuals were monitored for survival or mortality. While the S- and C-types differed in P50, transpiration, and mortality rates, both displayed seedling mortality corresponding to threshold values of 52-55% leaf RWC, 55% and 18.5% percent loss of conductivity (PLC) in the xylem, which corresponds to 48% and 37% average EL values for S and C types, respectively. Although C-type C. sempervirens NSC content increased in response to drought, no differences were observed in NSC content between live and dead seedlings of both types. Our findings do not fully explain tree mortality in the field but they do indicate that loss of membrane integrity occurs before or at xylem water potential, leading to hydraulic failure.

CHANGE IN SOME ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF WOODS USED IN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AFTER CHEMICAL MODIFICATION WITH PROPIONIC ANHYDRIDE

The spruce (Picea orientalis), maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and mulberry (Morus alba) woods, which are among the wood types commonly used in making musical instruments, were subjected to chemical modification by propionic anhydride for 1 h, 3 h and 6 h reaction times. The changes in dimensional stability, sound velocities, modal frequencies and dynamic elasticity modulus values of wood samples after modification were investigated. According to the results obtained, as the weight gain values occurring depending on the reaction time increased, the dimensional stability increased in all wood types. When the acoustic properties were examined, it was determined that individual changes occurred at different values depending on the wood type and chemical modification times.

Impact of Various Essential Oils on the Development of Pathogens of the Fusarium Genus and on Health and Germination Parameters of Winter Wheat and Maize.

Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the composition of essential oils from a commercial source, their impact on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus, and the possibility of using them as a pre-sowing treatment. Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were inoculated with a suspension of mycelium and spores of fungi of the Fusarium genus and then soaked in solutions containing oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The obtained results indicate that thyme essential oil had the strongest effect on limiting the development of Fusarium pathogens and seedling infection, but at the same time it had an adverse effect on the level of germination and seedling development of the tested plants. The remaining essential oils influenced the mentioned parameters to varying degrees. Selected essential oils can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides, but they must be selected appropriately.

Genetic Variation in Provenance-Progeny Trials of Cupre-ssus sempervirens in Türkiye

In this study, the genetic and phenotypic relations among tree height, diameter at breast height and survival at 18 years of age were investigated in Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L. var. horizontalis (Mill.) Gordon) provenance-progeny trials established in two locations in southern Türkiye. It was found that the variation among families within one provenance was higher than among different provenances. At the joint analysis, the narrow-sense heritability (hi2) was 0.36 for height, and 0.24 for diameter. Family mean heritability (hf2) was 0.78 for height, while it was 0.53 for diameter. Diameter showed higher (13.98%) genetic diversity than height (12.71%). Genetic correlation between traits was high (0.84). According to the breeding values of the families estimated by the BLUP method, when the best 50 families by two traits are selected separately, 12.5% genetic gain in terms of height and 13.2% in terms of diameter can be achieved. In the selection of the best 30 families, the estimated genetic gain calculated was 15.2% for height and 16.3% for diameter.

Ozone risk assessment of common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) clones and effects of Seiridium cardinale infection

Cupressus sempervirens is a relevant species in the Mediterranean for its cultural, economic and landscape value. This species is threatened by Seiridium cardinale, the causal agent of the cypress canker disease (CCD). The effects of biotic stressors on O3 risk assessment are unknown and a comprehensive O3 risk assessment in C. sempervirens is missing. To fill these gaps, two clones of C. sempervirens, one resistant (Clone R) and one susceptible to CCD (Clone S), were subjected to three levels of O3 (Ambient Air - AA; 1.5 × AA; 2.0 × AA) for two consecutive years in an O3-free-air controlled exposure facility and artificially inoculated with S. cardinale. Both the exposure- (AOT40) and flux-based (PODy) indices were tested. We found that PODy performed better than AOT40 to assess O3 effects on biomass and the critical level for a 4% biomass loss was 2.51 mmol/m2 POD2. However, significant O3 dose-response relationships were not found for the inoculated cypresses because the combination of middle level O3 (1.5 × AA) and inoculation stimulated a biomass growth in Clone S as hormetic response. Moreover, we found a different inter-clonal response to both stressors with a statistically significant reduction of total and belowground biomass following O3, and lower root biomass in Clone S than in Clone R following pathogen infection. In summary, Clone R was more resistant to O3, and inoculation altered O3 risk via an hormetic effect on biomass. These results warrant further studies on how biotic stressors affect O3 responses and risk assessment.

The efficiency of Thymus vulgaris, Lavandula angustifolia, and Cupressus sempervirens essential oils in suppression of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus on Fraxinus angustifolia seedlings

AbstractDue to intense ash dieback, this research tested the bioactivity of Thymus vulgaris, Lavandula angustifolia, and Cupressus sempervirens essential oils (EO) against Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. In vitro testing showed that EOs had a pronounced fungitoxic effect on H. fraxineus. The most effective EO was extracted from T. vulgaris, while EOs obtained from L. angustifolia and C. sempervirens were less effective and showed the same effect. At a concentration of 1%, all tested EOs inhibited mycelial growth, while 0.01% and 0.1% concentrations of EO extracted from T. vulgaris also inhibited the growth of H. fraxineus. The in planta test of EO extracted from T. vulgaris conducted on three‐year‐old Fraxinus angustifolia seedlings showed a reduction in the size of necrotic lesions and a better crown condition compared to untreated seedlings. This research demonstrates, for the first time, the efficiency of EOs in suppressing ash dieback making a path for the development of new biological protection measures against H. fraxineus.

Nanoparticles and magnetic field as novel elicitors improve seed germination and early growth of Mediterranean cypress

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the possibility of increasing the germination traits and early growth characteristics of Mediterranean cypress by applying nanopriming and magnetic field. To perform nanopriming, seeds were primed with nanochitin, nanochitosan and nanocellulose at a concentration of 1% for 2 h. For magnetopriming, the seeds were exposed to a magnetic field at three levels (20, 30 and 40 mT) for 1, 10 and 20 min and then sown. In combined treatment, the seeds were exposed to the magnetic field and then primed in nanoparticle solutions at the same treatments as mentioned earlier, and were planted. Non-exposed seeds were used as a control. The selected seed germination parameters (the percentage and speed of germination, stem and radicle length, collar root diameter, fresh and dry weights of the radicle and stem, number of leaves and leaf area) of young seedlings were examined. The interaction of nano × magnetic resulted in significant differences in the number of leaves, leaf area, length of the radicle, length of the stem, fresh weight of the radicle, fresh weight of the stem and stem dry weight traits. The results showed that among all the applied treatments, 10 min magnetism to 20 mT and then priming with 1% solution of nanocellulose was the best. It increased the germination percentage (1.31 times), germination rate (1.46 times), number of leaves (1.57 times), leaf area (1.36 times) and radicle length (1.74 times) compared to the control (no treatment). A 20-min treatment under a 30-mT magnetic field (without nanoprime) is also recommended.

Effects of urban tree pruning on ecosystem services performance

Pruning represents the main tree care activity in cities, where it is carried out to reduce wind-break risk, to ensure road visibility, to reduce infrastructure interactions and damages, and last but not least, for aesthetic reasons. However, pruning is also proven to increase tree susceptibility to disease and it can potentially affect their capacity to provide ecosystem services (ES). This study aims to assess the effect of three different life-long pruning scenarios on urban trees PM10 capture and CO2 stock performance. The total carbon balance of twelve tree species (Acer platanoides L., Cedrus spp., Celtis australis L., Cupressus arizonica Greene, Cupressus sempervirens L., Pinus halepensis Mill., Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold, Pinus pinea L. Platanus hybrida Brot., Populus nigra L. var. 'Italica', Quercus ilex L., and Tilia cordata Mill.) was evaluated, including the disposal of the pruning residues of the trees. In all management scenarios studied, pruning represented an opportunity to increase the crown Carbon stock up to 65 %, taking into account the full reestablishment of the crown. The results suggest considering more frequent and less intense ordinary pruning scenarios as a preferable tree management strategy to optimise the tree ES performance and minimise branch dieback occurrence. In addition, the analysis carried out on four different waste wood disposal methods showed that the open dump scenario was the lowest CO2 eq re-emission choice.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Control Potential of Botanical Fermented Products on Phytopathogenic Fungi of Agricultural Interest

Purpose: This work aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and bioactivity of fermented extracts of the botanical species Platycladus orientalis, Cupressus sempervirens, Ricinus communis, Artemisia absinthium, and Picrasma crenata, assessed at 10 %, 20 %, and 40 % v/v on the mycelial development of phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum fructicola, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporum. Theoretical framework: The search for sustainable alternatives that are less harmful to the environment regarding synthetic agrochemicals has intensified in recent years. Among the different approaches to mitigate this problem, the use of molecules of biological origin and biotransformed botanical extracts is an important research topic in the area. However, the potential for using fermented botanical extracts is still little explored, and it is necessary to study these materials to evaluate their actual biological activity systematically and, consequently, the potential for practical use, especially in areas such as agriculture. Methods: The antioxidant activity before and after the fermentation process, as well as the levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and individual phenolics, were determined by spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The mycelial growth of Colletotrichum fructicola was evaluated in vitro in a PDA medium containing the fermented ones at zero, 10 %, 20 %, and 40 % v/v. Results and conclusion: The main phenolic compound identified was gallic acid in fermented A. absinthium, followed by P. crenata and R. communis. These same species showed inhibitory activity between 44.0 % and 34.6 %, at a concentration of 40 % v/v, on the mycelial development of C. fructicola. As for the antioxidant activity of the analyzed fermented products and the evaluation of phenolic compounds before and after the fermentation of plant extracts, the results before varied between 58 – 79 %, and in the post-fermentation, the activity was maintained only for the fermented products of C. sempervirens and P. orientalis, a fact also verified in the same species relative to the levels of phenolic compounds. No inhibitory effect was observed on the fungi, showing that these fermentates are ineffective as antifungal agents. Research implications: This work showed that these botanical fermented products do not have any antifungal effect on these phytopathogens. So, further research is necessary to improve their antifungal effect. Originality/value: Few studies address the biological activity of fermented extracts and their potential for agricultural application. In this sense, the present study aims to verify the antifungal activity of different botanical fermentates to evaluate their potential use as an alternative to synthetic products.

The incredible story of ophiobolin A and sphaeropsidin A: two fungal terpenes from wilt-inducing phytotoxins to promising anticancer compounds.

Covering: 2000 to 2023This review presents the exceptional story of ophiobolin A (OphA) and sphaeropsidin A (SphA), a sesterterpene and a diterpene, respectively, which were initially isolated as fungal phytotoxins and subsequently shown to possess other interesting biological activities, including promising anticancer activities. Ophiobolin A is a phytotoxin produced by different fungal pathogens, all belonging to the Bipolaris genus. Initially, it was only known as a very dangerous phytotoxin produced by fungi attacking essential cereals, such as rice and barley. However, extensive and interesting studies were carried out to define its original carbon skeleton, which is characterized by a typical 5 : 8 : 5 ring system and shared with fusicoccins and cotylenins, and its phytotoxic activity on host and non-host plants. The biosynthesis of OphA was also defined by describing the different steps starting from mevalonate and through the rearrangement of the acyclic C-25 precursor lead the toxin is obtained. OphA was also produced as a bioherbicide from Drechslera gigantea and proposed for the biocontrol of the widespread and dangerous weed Digitaria sanguinaria. To date, more than sixty ophiobolins have been isolated from different fungi and their biological activities and structure-activity relationship investigated, which were also described using their hemisynthetic derivatives. In the last two decades, thorough studies have been performed on the potential anticancer activity of OphA and its original mode of action, attracting great interest from scientists. Sphaeropsidin A has a similar story. It was isolated as the main phytotoxin from Diplodia cupressi, the causal agent of Italian cypress canker disease, resulting in the loss of millions of plants in a few years in the Mediterranean basin. The damage to the forest, environment and ornamental heritage are noteworthy and economic losses are also suffered by tree nurseries and the wood industry. Six natural analogues of SphA were isolated and several interesting hemisynthetic derivatives were prepared to study its structure-activity relationship. Surprisingly, sphaeropsidin A showed other interesting biological activities, including antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral. In the last decade, extensive studies have focused on the anticancer activity and original mode of action of SphA. Furthermore, specific hemisynthetic studies enable the preparation of derivatives of SphA, preserving its chromophore, which showed a noteworthy increase in anticancer activity. It has been demonstrated that ophiobolin A and sphaeropsidin A are promising natural products showing potent activity against some malignant cancers, such as brain glioblastoma and different melanomas.

Antifungal Activity of Thirty Essential Oils to Control Pathogenic Fungi of Postharvest Decay.

Essential oils (EOs) extracted from aromatic or medicinal plants are biodegradable, safe, and regarded as alternatives to chemical pesticides to reduce fungal species attacking different crops. In this study, thirty EOs at 0.5 mg/mL were evaluated for in vitro growth inhibition of the main postharvest fungi, which are Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, and Penicillium italicum. Cinnamomum verrum EO completely inhibited the mycelial growth of A. alternata and B. cinerea, and Syzygium aromaticum EO completely inhibited the mycelia of A. alternata. B. cinerea mycelial growth was completely inhibited by Gautheria fragrantissima, Cymbopogon nardus, Pelargonium asperum, and Cupressus sempervirens EOs. G. fragrantissima EO inhibited the mycelia growth of P. italicum by 98%. Overall, B. cinerea displayed the highest sensitivity to EOs than P. italicum and A. alternata. G. fragrantissima, C. sempervirens, C. nardus, P. asperum, Mentha piperita, Foeniculum vulgare, C. verrum, and S. aromaticum EOs showed the highest inhibition for these three pathogens. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were lower for C. verrum and S. aromaticum EOs, ranging between 0.31 and 0.45 mg/mL and 0.37 to 0.57 mg/mL, respectively, against the three pathogens. The tested EOs inhibited the in vitro growth of three of the main postharvest fungal pathogens. Further studies are needed to confirm these activities in vivo.