Macrocarpa Research Articles

Chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities of three lemon odor essential oils of Cupressus macrocarpa, Cymbopogon citratus. and Citrus limon

ABSTRACT Infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses are globally of major concern. Plant essential oils produced by various differentiated structures possess varied properties as significant antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-parasitic and insecticidal activities. The essential oil of three lemon odor plants; Cupressus macrocarpa, Cymbopogon citratus and Citrus limon were isolated and evaluated for their antimicrobial activities. The analysis of essential oil components of C. macrocarpa by GC-MS revealed D-limonene (38.00%) as the major component followed by citral (9.72%), carveol (6.86%) and citronellal (5.35%). Analyses of the essential oil of C. citratus resulted in the identification of pseudolimonene (19.2%) as the most abundant component followed by D-limonene (12.34%), Ɣ-terpinene (10.89%), citronellol (9.58%), sabinene hydrate (9.24%), (+)-2-bornanone (8.29%) and α-terpinolene (5.53%). Also, GC-MS detected neral dimethyl acetal (41.56%) was the main component of C. limon EO with carveol (12.39%) and citral (11.21%). A study of the antimicrobial activity of the three essential oils against E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus. and Candida albicans has been evaluated and revealed that C. citratus EO had antibacterial activity against gram-positive organisms and C. limon EO exhibited the strongest antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Chemical compositions and antifungal activity of Corymbia citriodora, Cupressus macrocarpa, and Syzygium cumini extracts: GC–MS and HPLC analysis of essential oils and phenolic compounds

AbstractThis study was undertaken to explore the content and the chemical constituents of the essential oils (EOs) and methanol leaf extracts (MLEs) from Corymbia citriodora, Cupressus macrocarpa, and Syzygium cumini. Chromatographic analyses of GC–MS and HPLC were used. The EOs and MLEs were prepared at concentrations of 0, 6, 12, 25, and 50 mg/L, while the extract was prepared at concentrations of 0, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/L. Sapwood blocks of Pinus sylvestris in the dimension of 0.5 × 2 × 2 cm were prepared and autoclaved at 121 °C, and each wood block received 100 µL of the prepared concentrations from the EOs and MEs. The bioactivities of wood-treated EOs or MEs were measured against the growth of Fusarium solani MW947256. By GC–MS, the main compounds in the EOs from C. citriodora were citronellal, citronellol, p-cymene, spathulenol, and isopulegol with values of 23.95, 9.80, 9.32, 9.29, and 5.38%, respectively, in Cup. macrocarpa leaves were sabinene (11.94%), 4-terpinenol (11.34%), citronellol (9.59%), citronellal (9.85%), p-cymene (7.67%), spathulenol (5.24%), γ-terpinene (5.05%), camphor (4.31%), and limonene (3.2%), and in S. cumini leaves were trans-β-ocimene (19.11%), α-pinene (18.79%), caryophyllene (9.30%), (Z)-β-ocimene (8.16%), and limonene (6%). By HPLC, the most abundant phenolic compounds in the methanol extract from C. citriodora benzoic acid (8.11 μg/g), and gallic acid (7.96 μg/g), from Cup. macrocarpa were syringic acid (7.59 μg/g), catechol (6.85 μg/g), and gallic acid (6.78 μg/g), and from S. cumini were cinnamic acid (10.66 μg/g), caffeic acid (9.87 μg/g), and ellagic acid (8.76 μg/g). The highest percentages of inhibition (65.71% and 35.71%) against the growth of F. solani were seen in the wood treated with Cup. macrocarpa EOs at 50 and 25 mg/L, respectively. The maximum level of inhibition was seen (92.85%) when S. cumini MLEs at a dose of 4000 mg/L was applied to wood samples, followed by Cup. macrocarpa MLEs (70.00%) compared to the positive control of azoxystrobin + difenoconazole (1000 mg/L), which caused 100% inhibition to F. solani. The findings indicated that bioactive chemicals present in the extracts and EOs from these trees have strong antifungal properties.

Effect of propagation dates, media and auxins treatments on rooting of Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) semi-hard wood cuttings

This experiment was carried out from 15th October, 2021 to 15th May, 2022 in the plastic house in Duhok city, Iraq. A study included the effect of three factors, the first one is two different propagation dates 15th October and 15th December, second one is three propagation media includes peat moss + perlite (1:1), sand + perlite (1:1) and peat moss + sand + perlite (1:1:1), and third one included three auxin concentrations includes (control, 3000 IBA+1500 NAA and 6000 IBA + 3000 mg. L-1 NAA) on the rooting of Cupressus macrocarpa semi-hard wood cuttings. The results analyzed by (RCBD) design and indicated that the planting of cuttings at 15th October significantly gave the best results of all studied characters (rooting percentage (51.11%) and shoots characters) as compared with those date in 15th December which gave the lowest values. As for propagation media had significant effect only on rooting characters, the best results of rooting obtained when cuttings planted in both of (sand + perlite) and (sand + peat moss + perlite) media but the media hadn’t any significant effects on shoot characters. Auxin treatment meaningfully affected on rooting ability of cuttings, high concentrations of auxins (6000 IBA+3000 NAA mg.L-1) gave the best results of rooting characters comparison with low concentration (3000 IBA+1500 NAA mg.L-1) and control (0 mg.L-1) but hadn’t any significant effects on shoots characters. Generally, the interaction among three factors showed that the planting of cutting treated with both concentrations of auxins in both of (sand + perlite) and (sand + peat moss + perlite) media at 15th October provided the best results of rooting percentage and improve most roots and shoots characters.

Biomass Identification from Proximate Analysis: Characterization of Residual Vegetable Materials in Andean Areas

This work was aimed at the characterization of residual generated biomass from pruned tree species present in the Andean areas of Ecuador as a source of energy, both in plantations and in urban areas, as a response to the change in the energy matrix proposed by the Ecuadorian government. From the proximate analysis (volatiles, ashes, and fixed carbon content), elemental analysis (C, H, N, S, O, and Cl), structural analysis (cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose content), and higher heating value, the studied species were pine (Pinus radiata), cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), poplar (Populus sp.), arupo (Chionanthus pubescens), alder (Alnus Acuminata), caper spurge (Euphorbia laurifolia), and lime (Sambucus nigra L.) trees. We evaluated the influence of the presence of leaves in the biomass. From this characterization, we developed a method based on obtaining the main components for the identification of the biomass’s species. If the origin of the biomass was unknown, this method enabled us to identify the species, with all its characteristics. If the origin of the biomass was unknown, this innovative method enabled the identification of the species from the lignocellulosic biomass, with all of its characteristics. Finally, we developed regression models that relate the higher heating value to the elemental, proximate, and structural composition.

Comparison of Trace Element Deposition in Cupressus macrocarpa Leaves and Soils from a High-Pollution Area in the Puchuncaví Valley (Chile) Using a Biomonitoring Method

Located in the Puchuncaví Valley (PV) in central Chile is one of the most important and oldest industrial complexes (ICs) in the country. The PV is affected by anthropogenic emissions from the IC where the most important industry is a copper smelter and refinery. In this context, this study assessed the profile, concentration, and enrichment factors of the trace elements, both in the soil and in Cupressus macrocarpa leaves from this high-pollution-load area. The soil and leaf samples were taken from five selected sites, located between 0.8 and 15 km away from the IC. A total of 24 elements were analyzed by ICP-MS and examined by enrichment factor (EF), and PCA source analysis. Leaf concentrations of Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, K, and Sr showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites (p-value < 0.05). In soil, element concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cr, Cu, K, Li Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Ti showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites (p-value < 0.05). The source analysis of EFs in the samples of both soil and leaves detected three and four factors, respectively, related mainly to the industrial complex’s copper smelter and refinery, coal-fired power plants, and geogenic sources. According to the PCA, the leaf EFs of anthropogenic elements from copper smelting showed that La Greda (LG, site closest to the IC) was significantly enriched in the elements Cu, Zn, As, Mo, and Pb, while the EF in the soil from LG showed high enrichment in Cu and significant enrichment in Pb.

Spatial comparisons of productivity and carbon sequestration for Cupressus lusitanica and macrocarpa within New Zealand

Cupressus lusitanica and C. macrocarpa are two fast growing conifer species with valuable timber that have been widely established throughout New Zealand. Despite the importance of these two species within New Zealand and in many other countries, little research has investigated how volume, height, and carbon productivity are influenced by environment. Volume growth of these two cypress spp. has been recently described using the 300 Index which quantifies the mean annual volume increment at age 30 yrs for a stand density of 300 stems ha−1. Using New Zealand growth data obtained from 290 plots, the objectives of this study were to (i) develop models and fine resolution national maps of 300 Index and site index, (ii) use these two productivity metrics and allometric equations to develop models of carbon stocks for the two species, and (iii) spatially predict carbon across New Zealand for C. lusitanica and macrocarpa grown under a factorial range of stand densities (400, 650 and 900 stems ha−1) and ages (30, 40 and 50 yrs).Plot measurements showed wide variation in 300 Index which reached 26.9 and 29.0 m3 ha−1 yr−1, respectively, for C. lusitanica and C. macrocarpa. Site index (age 30 yrs) reached values of 31.9 and 34.1 m for C. lusitanica and C. macrocarpa, respectively. Models developed for C. lusitanica had high accuracy for both 300 Index (RMSE = 2.48 m3 ha−1 yr−1; R2 = 0.75) and site index (RMSE = 1.78 m; R2 = 0.84) while models developed for C. macrocarpa had similar, but slightly lower, accuracy for 300 Index (RMSE = 2.86 m3 ha−1 yr−1; R2 = 0.72) and site index (RMSE = 1.86 m; R2 = 0.81).Spatial predictions of the two productivity metrics showed distinct differences between species with C. lusitanica being more sensitive to cold, dry, and wet conditions than C. macrocarpa. Under the mid-range scenario (age 40, 650 stems ha−1) mean carbon sequestration in above and below ground biomass, dead wood, and litter pools for C. macrocarpa was higher than C. lusitanica in both the North Island (321 vs. 296 t C ha−1) and South Island (222 vs. 120 t C ha−1). Carbon was higher for C. macrocarpa than C. lusitanica within, respectively, 62 and 94% of the North and South Islands under the mid-range scenario. Carbon markedly increased with stand density and age and gains were greatest between ages 30 and 40 and from the low to moderate stand density for both species.

Antibacterial Effect of Essential Oil Extracted from Cupressus macrocarpa Leaves Against Several Bacterial Strains

Cupressus macrocarpa (C.macrocarpa) is an evergreen tree with medicinal uses. The essential oil of C. macrocarpa possess a powerful antimicrobial effect and antifungal effect against several bacteria and fungi. We aimed of this study to evaluate the antibacterial activity of C.macrocarpa. Fresh leaves of C.macrocarpa were collected and dried in the shade at room temperature. Essential oil was obtained using hydro distillation and yield was recorded. The antibacterial activity of the essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris was examined and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using microdilution assay. As a result, the yield of essential oil from dried and fresh leaves was 0.39% and 0.4% respectively. The MIC was 0.01 (v/v) for both Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris, where the essential oil exhibited lower activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC of 0.04 (v/v). These results show the importance of using Cupressus macrocarpa essential oil to treat infection of several known resistant bacteria.

Modelling tree diameter of less commonly planted tree species in New Zealand using a machine learning approach

Abstract A better understanding of forest growth and dynamics in a changing environment can aid sustainable forest management. Forest growth and dynamics data are typically captured by inventorying a large network of sample plots. Analysing these forest inventory datasets to make precise forecasts on growth can be challenging as they often consist of unbalanced, repeated measures data collected across large geographic areas with corresponding environmental gradients. In addition, such datasets are rarely available for less commonly planted tree species, and are often incomplete and even more unbalanced. Conventional statistical approaches are not able to deal with such datasets and identify the different factors that interactively affect forest growth. Machine learning approaches offer the potential to overcome some of the challenges with modelling complex forest dynamics in response to environmental and climatic factors, even with unbalanced inventory data. In this study, we employed a widely used machine learning algorithm (random forests) to model individual tree diameter at breast height (DBH, 1.4 m) in response to age, stocking, site and climatic factors for the following five less commonly planted tree species groups in New Zealand: Cupressus lusitanica (North Island); Cupressus macrocarpa (South Island); Eucalyptus nitens; Sequoia sempervirens; Podocarpus totara; and Leptospermum scoparium. Data to build machine learning models were extracted and combined from three national level databases, and included stand variables, information about sites and climate features. The random forest models were able to predict tree DBH with high precision for the five-tree species (R2 > 0.72 and root-mean-square error ranged from 2.79–11.42 cm). Furthermore, the random forest models were interpretable and allowed us to explore the effects of site, environmental and climate factors on forest growth. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to utilize machine learning approaches to model tree diameter of less common planted forest tree species in New Zealand. This approach can be used to forecast more precise forest growth and carbon sequestration to help us understand how different forest types and species are affected by the changing climate.

Harvest Seasons Induced Variations in the Compositions of Gold Crest and Sodom Apple Essential Oils

Gold crest (Cupressus macrocarpa Hartw) and Sodom apple (Calotropis procera Aiton W.T. Aiton) essential oils have distinctive biological properties, so, they can be used in drug and food industries. Harvest seasons play basic functions in the metabolism of essential oils. Due to the evidence of previous studies reported that growing seasons lead to various diversity in the essential oils and their components which reflects on its biological effects; so, the aim of current investigation was to evaluate the essential oils isolated from gold crest and Sodom apple young shoots during winter, spring, summer and autumn seasons. Essential oils were isolated by hydro distillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Obtained results were statistically analyzed using one way analysis of variance. Results showed that Gold crest and Sodom apple essential oils production are related to harvest seasons. The maximum values of both essential oil contents were resulted from samples harvested during spring season. Neral and E-phytol were the major components of gold crest and Sodom apple essential oils, respectively. Oxygenated monoterpenes was the major fraction of gold crest essential oil, while the main fraction of Sodom apple essential oil was oxygenated diterpenes. The highest amount of neral was produced from spring samples, while summer samples resulted in the maximum value of oxygenated monoterpenes. The greatest amounts of E-phytol and oxygenated diterpenes were recorded with the samples harvested in winter season. This trial avails as indication for selecting suitable season to produce essential oil according to constituents of benefit.

Efeito de Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma longibrachiaum no crescimento de Chionanthus pubescens, Eucalyptus cinerea and Cupressus macrocarpa em viveiro

The effect of Trichoderma harzianum and T. longibrachiatum in promoting plant growth was studied in Chionanthus pubescens, Eucalyptus cinerea e Cupressus macrocarpa. As variables associated with the growth and development of forest plants, the height, stem length, number of leaves and dry weight of the plants were evaluated. The two Trichoderma species used had a positive effect, improving most of the variables evaluated in the forest’s species studied.

New Threat to Lemon Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa cv. Goldcrest) in Turkey: Seiridium cardinale

Lemon cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa cv. Goldcrest) is a coniferous Cuppressaceae tree and is popular in urban landscapes of Turkey. In July 2021, dark-brown elongated bark lesions and resin exuding cracks with die-back symptoms were observed on the main stem of young C. macrocarpa cv. Goldcrest trees in a private house garden in the central district of Çanakkale Province of Turkey. Fungal isolations made from the margin of cankers of trees consistently yielded flat colonies with dense floccose aerial mycelium that were first off-white and grayish olive-green in some parts or in older cultures. Based on the morphological characteristics of obtained isolates, molecular analyses of the ITS rDNA region of a representative isolate, and pathogenicity tests on 4-year-old C. macrocarpa cv. Goldcrest plants, the causal agent was identified as Seiridium cardinale (Wagener) Sutton & Gibson. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of S. cardinale causing canker on C. macrocarpa in Turkey.

Pathogenicity and control of Meloidogyne spp. on some spinach, Swiss chard, and table beet plant cultivars

The pathogenicity of the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica on spinach cvs. ‘Balady’, ‘Barkly’, ‘Orient’, ‘Pacific’ and ‘Solanicy’, Swiss chard cvs. ‘Balady’ and ‘Ford Hook’, and table beet cvs. ‘Asgro Wonder’, ‘Balady’, ‘Detroit Dark’ and ‘Detroit Spainal’ was determined in several greenhouse tests. The results show that the tested chenopodiaceous plant cultivars were either susceptible or highly susceptible to the tested root-knot nematode species except spinach cv. ‘Pacific’ and table beet cv. ‘Asgro Wonder’ which exhibited moderately susceptible reaction to M. arenaria and M. javanica. In a separate control experiment, the pathogenicity of M. incognita on spinach cv. ‘Balady’ was studied in a greenhouse experiment. Soil treatments with dried plant materials of Monterey cypress, Brazil pepper- tree, lime and China tree induced great reductions (81.4-91.8%) in the numbers of root galls and egg masses of M. incognita on infected spinach plants. On the other hand, treatments with plant materials of blue gum tree, California pepper - tree, lantana and pomegranate gave 49.8-69.3% reduction of root galls and egg masses of M. incognita on infected spinach plants.

Antidiarrheal and Antibacterial Activities of Monterey Cypress Phytochemicals: In Vivo and In Vitro Approach.

Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) is a decorative plant; however, it possesses various pharmacological activities. Therefore, we explored the phytochemical profile of C. macrocarpa root methanol extract (CRME) for the first time. Moreover, we investigated its antidiarrheal (in vivo), antibacterial, and antibiofilm (in vitro) activities against Salmonella enterica clinical isolates. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of CRME detected the presence of 39 compounds, besides isolation of 2,3,2″,3″-tetrahydro-4′-O-methyl amentoflavone, amentoflavone, and dihydrokaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside for the first time. Dihydrokaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside presented the highest antimicrobial activity and the range of values of MICs against S. enterica isolates was from 64 to 256 µg/mL. The antidiarrheal activity of CRME was investigated by induction of diarrhea using castor oil, and exhibited a significant reduction in diarrhea and defecation frequency at all doses, enteropooling (at 400 mg/kg), and gastrointestinal motility (at 200, 400 mg/kg) in mice. The antidiarrheal index of CRME increased in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of CRME on various membrane characters of S. enterica was studied after typing the isolates by ERIC-PCR. Its impact on efflux and its antibiofilm activity were inspected. The biofilm morphology was observed using light and scanning electron microscopes. The effect on efflux activity and biofilm formation was further elucidated using qRT-PCR. A significant increase in inner and outer membrane permeability and a significant decrease in integrity and depolarization (using flow cytometry) were detected with variable percentages. Furthermore, a significant reduction in efflux and biofilm formation was observed. Therefore, CRME could be a promising source for treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases.

In vitro insecticidal activity on Anopheles gambiae giles, 1902 and antiplasmodial activity on Plasmodium falciparum welch, 1897 of essential oils of some plants of the Cameroonian flora

For decades, pest control has been confronted with the double resistance of vectors to usual insecticides and of parasites to conventional molecules. The search for new natural molecules is therefore a necessity. The present study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal and anti-plasmodial potential of essential oils from the leaves of 10 species of plants belonging to the Myrtaceae family (Syzygium aromaticum, Psidium littorale, Eucalyptus globulus, Eugenia uniflora and Callistemon rigidus), Verbenaceae (Lippia adoensis and Lantana camara) and Cupressaceae (Cupressus sempervirens, Cupressus macrocarpa and Cupressus lusitanica). The essential oils were extracted by steam distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. Their chemical composition was determined by GC-MS. Insecticidal tests were performed according to the WHO protocol and the in vitro anti-plasmodial activity of these essential oils was evaluated by the radioisotope method. Except for S. aromaticum and E. uniflora, the essential oils of the plants studied yielded higher content in monoterpenes (49.01% to 100%) than in sesquiterpenes (0% to 49.82%). At 50 ppm, laboratory adults of A. gambiae (tkd95 = 10.32mn) and those of A. gambiae s.l. (tkd95=7.9 min) were more sensitive to the essential oils of S. aromaticum and L. adoensis respectively. Mature larvae of A. gambiae S.l. (LC95=35.4 ppm) and laboratory larvae of A. gambiae (LC95=35.4ppm) were more sensitive to E. uniflora oil. In addition, the essential oils studied had shown in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. E. globulus (IC50 = 12.13 ppm) and L. camara (IC50 = 12.34 ppm) appeared to be the most active. These oils can be used as a basis for the development of new biocides and natural antimalarials.

TOXICITY OF SOME BOTANICAL POWDERS ON MAIZE WEEVIL Sitophilus Zeamais MOTSCHULSKY 1855 (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

Maize production system is challenged by a lot of biotic and abiotic stressors. Among the biotic stressors, the maize weevil is infamous for causing severe damage to stored maize, reducing both qualitative and quantitative qualities. Incessant use of synthetic insecticide to manage maize weevil has led to a public outcry and a need for more eco-compatible options. Botanicals provide a cheap, safe and easy-to-make, and eco-friendly option for maize weevil management. This study was designed to assess the toxicity of four medicinal plant powders on some parameters of maize weevil. The study was conducted in June-July, 2020 in the Food Science laboratory of Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda. Plant powders of Carica papaya seeds, Cupressus macrocarpa leaves, Piper nigrum seeds and a control (no-input) were assessed. All the parameters assessed were significantly influenced by botanical powders (P < 0.05). The highest F1 emergence suppression was observed from piper treatments, followed by cypress and pawpaw treatments. The highest and lowest maize weight loss after storage were 21.0g and 13.25g from control and piper treatments respectively. The highest germination percentage was 95.0%, followed by 80.0%, 75.0% and 52.5% from piper (bush pepper or black pepper, cypress, pawpaw and control treatment, respectively. High repellency potential was observed from botanicals and that of piper can be described as a ‘very good repellant’ and ‘good repellant’ for the other botanicals. The highest adult weevil mortality was 80.05, recorded from piper. The current study demonstrate that botanical powders can play a significant role in maize weevil management. Piper seed powder is highly recommended for management of maize weevil. In addition, it is recommended that botanical powders be incorporated into integrated pest management strategies in order to guarantee safe, healthy and quality maize in storage. Such activities are in line with the objective of sustainable development goals (SDG).

Green Synthesis of Copper Nano-Drug and Its Dental Application upon Periodontal Disease-Causing Microorganisms.

Dental pathogens lead to chronic diseases like periodontitis, which causes loss of teeth. Here, we examined the plausible antibacterial efficacy of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized using Cupressus macrocarpa extract (CME) against periodontitis-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of CME-CuNPs were then assessed against oral microbes (M. luteus. B. subtilis, P. aerioginosa) that cause periodontal disease and were identified using morphological/ biochemical analysis, and 16S-rRNA techniques. The CME-CuNPs were characterized, and accordingly, the peak found at 577 nm using UV-Vis spectrometer showed the formation of stable CME-CuNPs. Also, the results revealed the formation of spherical and oblong monodispersed CME-CuNPs with sizes ranged from 11.3 to 22.4 nm. The FTIR analysis suggested that the CME contains reducing agents that consequently had a role in Cu reduction and CME-CuNP formation. Furthermore, the CME-CuNPs exhibited potent antimicrobial efficacy against different isolates which was superior to the reported values in literature. The antibacterial efficacy of CME-CuNPs on oral bacteria was compared to the synergistic solution of clindamycin with CME-CuNPs. The solution exhibited a superior capacity to prevent bacterial growth. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of CME-CuNPs with clindamycin recorded against the selected periodontal disease-causing microorganisms were observed between the range of 2.6-3.6 μg/ml, 4-5 μg/ml and 0.312-0.5, respectively. Finally, the synergistic antimicrobial efficacy exhibited by CME-CuNPs with clindamycin against the tested strains could be useful for the future development of more effective treatments to control dental diseases.

Influence of arboreal components on the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil under four silvopastoral systems in northeastern Peru

Silvopastoral systems (SPS) are presented as an alternative for the protection and recovery of soils; however, the relationship between the tree component and the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil is unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil under four silvopastoral systems (SPS), alder (Alnus acuminata), pine (Pinus patula), cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), and pona (Ceroxylon quindiuense), and a treeless system (TS) in the Amazonas region. A completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and three replicates was used. The experimental units were sampled at two depths, 0–15 and 15–30 cm. The parameters evaluated were pH, electrical conductivity (dS/m), organic matter (%), phosphorus (ppm), potassium (ppm), cation exchange capacity (meq/100 g), porosity (%), mechanical resistance (kg/cm2), bulk density (gr/cm3), moisture (%) and total carbon (t/ha). The results were analyzed by analysis of variance (α = 0.05 %) and Tukey's test of means (p ≤ 0.05). The systems presented strong acidic pH values (4.11–5.61), which resulted in high organic matter contents in all systems (6.74–9.99 %). The highest phosphorus content was in the SPS with alder (12.64 ppm), and the highest potassium content was in the SPS with cypress (382.33 ppm). Porosity in all systems was higher than 60 %. The highest bulk density was between 15 and 30 cm, and the highest percentage of moisture was in the surface layer (0–15 cm). The mechanical strength was higher in the SPS with cypress (2.62 kg/cm2). For all the systems evaluated, the highest carbon stock was found in the first 15 cm. The SPS with pine had the best soil characteristics and carbon sequestration (149.05 t/ha).

Antimicrobial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles, amoxicillin, and glass-ionomer cement against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus

Background. The development of dental caries is associated with various microorganisms and secondary caries formation is the main cause of restorations failure. The advice for restorative dental materials that have antimicrobial properties has stimulated the introduction of materials containing different antibacterial agents. Objectives. The present study has been designed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and incorporate AgNPs and amoxicillin into glass ionomer cement (GIC) to synergize its effect on oral microbes. The effect of the added antimicrobial agents on compressive strength (CS) of GIC was also evaluated. Material and methods. Biosynthesis of AgNPs was done using Cupressus macrocarpa extract and AgNPs were characterized. A total of 120 disc-shaped specimens were prepared and classified into 4 main groups where Group A includes conventional GIC, Groups B and C include GIC with AgNPs or amoxicillin, respectively, while Group D included GIC with both AgNPs and amoxicillin. Each group was tested for the antimicrobial activity against both Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The distribution of biofilm was examined via a scanning electron microscope. The CS of the tested material was measured using a Material Test System. Results. The UV−visible spectrum showed a peak of 429 nm. Transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction pattern and Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the formation of AgNPs with spherical to oblong polydispersed particles of diameter in the range of 13.5–25.8 nm. The maximum inhibitory zone was recorded for group D against both tested bacteria with a mean of 29 mm at first 24 h period to 15 mm at three weeks and showed antimicrobial rate 92.2% and 92.56%, against both strains, respectively. Additionally, group D disintegrated the structure of S. aureus biofilm and even kill bacteria in the biofilms. The addition of AgNPs and amoxicillin caused an insignificant effect on CS of GIC. Conclusion. TheAgNPs showed a synergistic effect in combination with amoxicillin and GIC dental restorative material against studied microorganisms. The agents can be safely added with minimal effect on the mechanical properties of the original cement.

Trees, shrubs and herbs of the coastal Myrtaceae swamp forest (Región de La Araucanía, Chile): a dataset.

BackgroundSpecies lists are fundamental for knowledge of species diversity in regions subject to intense anthropogenic pressure, especially in poorly-studied ecosystems. The dataset comes from an inventory conducted in 30 fragments of Myrtaceae swamp forest, located in an agroforestry matrix landscape of the coastal La Araucanía Region in Chile. The data collection was carried out using line transect sampling, which was traced through the core of each fragment orientated towards its longest axis. The dataset provides a record of 55 species (24 trees, 1 vine [as a host], 16 herbs and 15 shrubs) including accidental epiphytes (n = 7), hemiparasites (n = 4), host (n = 10) and additionally woody debris (n = 36). The most frequent trees in the landscape were Myrceugenia exsucca (n = 36 records) and Blepharocalyx cruckshanksii (n = 33 records), species that were also the most common hosts. Drimys winteri was a companion species, other trees and shrubs generally being rarely observed, as was the case of the introduced species (Prunus avium, Rubus constrictus and Ulex europaeus). Branches were the most common microhabitat for hemiparasites. Within this group, Lepidoceras chilense was the most frequent species. For accidental epiphytes, Drimys winteri, which commonly grows on the ground (soil), were the most common species found in the main trunk crotch. Some unusual observations were the climber Cissus striata as host of Tristerix corymbosus (hemiparasite) and Tristerix corymbosus as host of Lepidoceras chilense (hemiparasite).New informationThis study represents a landscape-scale sample of the swamp forest, which is distributed in a dispersed pattern over a large stretch of Chile. The data were collected from 30 forest patches (from 0.05 to 936 ha), located on the coast of the Araucanía. The database includes the presence of 55 species of vascular plants in 356 records. The main novelty of this contribution is the systematic classification of species under six traits, never before reported in the same database: (i) condition (coarse woody debris, fallen log, live, snag), (ii) habit (herb, shrub, tree), (iii) growth microhabitat (e.g. tree trunk, branch, main trunk crotch), (iv) growth form (accidental epiphyte, hemiparasite, terricolous, vegetative), (v) host species (as appropriate) and (vi) relative location of the species in the sampled patch and surrounding areas (core, border, matrix). Species not previously observed in these forests were: Gavilea spp., Hieracium spp., Lophosoria quadripinnata, Berberis actinacantha, Gaultheria phillyreifolia, Ovidia pillo-pillo, Amomyrtus meli and Caldcluvia paniculata. In addition, two introduced species are novelties for the catalogue of vascular plants of Chile (Cupressus macrocarpa and Prunus avium). Several of these ecosystem traits are indeed new reports for these types of forests (e.g. accidental epiphytes, fallen logs, species-host relationship); at the same time, more frequent data (i.e. species composition, habit) are found in different contributions, making the comprehensive process of analysis difficult. Accordingly, the database is made available in this manuscript.

Солеустойчивость интродуцированных древесно-кустарниковых видов на засоленных почвах Апшеронского полуострова Азербайджана

The aim of the scientific work is to identify the degree of salt tolerance of new tree-shrub species brought from various soil and climatic regions of the world, introduced and widely used in landscape arrangements on the Absheron peninsula of Azerbaijan. In connection with the expansion and development of urban development, greening arrangements are also expanded, the appearance of large cities changed, the number of new parks, boulevards and green spaces increased, especially in the coastal zones of the Caspian Sea embankments. The structure of the soil of the Absheron Peninsula is sandy, sandy-loamy, with low water retention capacity. The Absheron peninsula of Azerbaijan is characterized by a characteristic sign of arid zones. However, the soil composition remains unchanged, which is characterized by chloride-sulfate, sulfate-chloride and chloride-carbonate salinization. In the coastal zones, chloride-carbonate salinization predominates, mainly 1500–2000 m from the sea, mainly chloride – sulfate, and sulfate – chloride in the central part of the peninsula. Due to the degree of salinity, the degree of salt tolerance is different for different species of woody-shrub plants. In the natural flora of the peninsula tree species are completely absent, the species composition of shrubs is small, mainly are found ephemeral and ephemerid species of herbaceous plants. The objects of study were Magnolia grandiflora L., Cupressus macrocarpa L., Sophora japonica L., among shrubs Nandina domestica Thunb., Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., Jasminum nudiflorum L., Lisium chinensis Mill, Euonymus japonica L., Nerium oleander, new types of cypress trees, various types of palm trees, etc. It was revealed that, in saline soil of the Absheron peninsula, the degree of influence of salinizing ions (Cl−, SO42−, and CO32−) on the accumulation of chlorophylls in the leaves of new introduced species has a direct correlative relationship. Toxic ions affect the protein-chlorophyll bond, the destruction of chloroplasts, and a decrease in photosynthesis, resulting in the formation of chlorophyllide and phytic acid, which promotes the formation of burns on a leaf blade and reduced the photosynthetic productivity.