Oak Acorns Research Articles

Effectiveness of community-based initiatives for mitigation of land degradation after wildfires

Local communities, informed about the main post-fire environmental threats, applied land restoration techniques after the 2017 Ponte Caldelas wildfire (Galicia, Spain). Volunteers crews, supervised by local researchers/technicians identified high-severity burned areas and applied: post-fire mulch by using corn mulch (chopped corn at a rate of 4 Mg ha−1), corn strip mulch (chopped corn on 1-m wide contourline-strips at the bottom of plots, at 1 Mg ha−1) and wheat mulch (wheat straw, at 2 Mg ha−1), as well as acorn seeding with native oak (Quercus robur) acorns. Furthermore, the mulch effect on seed germination/root elongation was tested in the laboratory using direct topsoil samples and <0.45 microns-filtered soil solutions.Soil erosion during the first post-fire year was 27-11 Mg ha−1 for the Parada-Laforet sites, respectively. Corn, corn strip, and wheat mulching were very effective at reducing soil erosion, leading to 95, 76% and 93% less erosion than in untreated plots. During post-fire year 2 mulching was still effective at reducing soil erosion in the case of corn (87%) and corn strip mulch (73%), but less effective with straw mulch (36%). For the third year no differences were observed. Acorn seedling establishment failed in 96% of the cases. Still, survival rate of the germinated acorns was significantly higher on the mulched (50%) than on the untreated spots (26%; p<0.05). The laboratory experiments also showed higher germination rates, shoot length and biomass in mulched than untreated soils. The results demonstrated that the mulching measures applied by the local volunteers were effective for preventing soil erosion after forest fires. The success of ecosystem restoration with acorn seeding was low due to the low germination and the high predation by rodents, and further research is needed to scale acorn seeding to natural recruitment rates.

Effects of substrate on the germination and seedling growth of Quercus suber L.

Abstract The seedling quality is one of the most important factors for the success of reforestation programs. In this sense, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of substrate on the germination of cork oak acorns from El Aouana forest, located in the Jijel region of north-eastern Algeria, and on the performance of seedlings, particularly their growth. The experiment was performed in the nursery of the Tlemcen Forest Conservation. For this purpose, five substrates were used: S1 (sand), S2 (topsoil), S3 (potting soil), S4 (1/2 sand + 1/2 topsoil) and S5 (1/3 sand + 1/3 topsoil + 1/3 potting soil). Germination and survival rates, and seedling morphological traits: average height of seedlings, average root collar diameter, stem height/root collar diameter ratio (H/D), average number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area, were evaluated. Results obtained after 16 months of monitoring in the nursery showed high germination rates of 91.4%, with an average survival rate of 89.5%, and significant differences were recorded between the substrates tested. In terms of growth, the best results were obtained with the potting soil substrate (S3) for all parameters. The lowest yields were recorded in seedlings grown on sand alone (S1).

Variation among 91 stone oak species (Fagaceae, Lithocarpus) in fruit and vegetative morphology in relation to climatic factors

Stone oaks (genus Lithocarpus, Fagaceae) are common canopy trees in the tropical and subtropical forests across China and Southeast Asia, which exhibit both great species diversity and interspecific variation in fruit morphology represented by two major fruit types. Acorn (AC) fruits of Lithocarpus are similar to oak (Quercus) acorns, and enclosed receptacle (ER) fruits generally have larger seeds enclosed by thick lignified fruit husks. It is therefore worth examining the adaptation of stone oaks to a wide range of ecosystems and climatic conditions by interspecific functional differentiation for understanding their diversification. By applying the herbarium-specimen database (20,516 specimens) and records from the Flora of China, we examined the variation in both reproductive (seed, fruit husk and cupule size) and vegetative (leaf length, leaf width and maximum tree height) traits among 91 species, in relation to climatic factors (mean annual temperature and wetness annual precipitation minus annual potential evapotranspiration). We found that even though species representing both fruit types co-occurred over Southern China, they exhibited different correlations with climatic factors: three reproductive components of AC fruits were all positively related to both temperature and wetness, whereas only husk volume of ER fruits representing mechanical protection to seed increased with temperature. In vegetative traits, leaf length and tree height of ER-type species were both negatively related with excessive wetness. Our results suggested that vegetative traits of stone oaks were independent of fruit types and fruit morphological variations. Overall, the distinctive correlation between interspecific reproductive and vegetative traits with climatic factors could be important in the diversification of the stone oaks in the tropical and subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests.

Avian dispersal of an invasive oak is modulated by acorn traits and the presence of a native oak

Successful invasions of non-native plants often depend on establishing mutualistic interactions with native organisms. Animal seed dispersers can greatly enhance the spread of invasive plants. Emerging seed dispersal mutualisms might also result in indirect interactions between non-native and native plants, mediated by shared dispersal agents. We investigated tripartite interactions between Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius), non-native northern red oaks (Quercus rubra), and native pedunculate oaks (Q. robur) in a lowland forest of Central Europe. We estimated the probability of acorn removal for both oak species in single vs. mixed treatment, and the effects of acorn length, width, and weight. We also radio-tracked removed acorns to determine their fate. While jays preferred to harvest the native acorns, they also removed almost all offered acorns of the invader. The removal rate of non-native acorns increased when the two oak species co-occurred, and was modulated by acorn traits: jays selected red oak acorns that were long and narrow. In comparison to pedunculate oak acorns, those of red oak were transported shorter distances and were more likely to be consumed rather than cached. Altogether, dispersal of red oaks by jays was less intense and brought smaller benefits relatively to the dispersal of pedunculate oak. Yet, these differences were moderate, and jays provided effective dispersal of both oaks. Our results highlight the role of keystone native seed dispersers in the expansion of non-native plants. Furthermore, they illustrate how dispersal quantity of non-native plants can be facilitated by the presence of native plants that attract shared seed dispersers.

Community phenology of insects on oak: local differentiation along a climatic gradient

AbstractClimate change is advancing the onset of phenological events, with the rate of advance varying among species and trophic levels. In addition, local populations of the same species may show genetic differences in their response to seasonal cues. If populations of interacting species differ in their response, then climate change may result in geographically varying shifts in the community‐level distribution of interaction strength. We explored the magnitude of trophic‐ and species‐level responses to temperature in a tritrophic system comprising pedunculate oak, insect herbivores, and their associated parasitoids. We sampled local realizations of this community at five sites along a transect spanning fifteen degrees of latitude. Samples from each trophic level at each site were exposed to the same set of five climatic regimes during overwintering in climate chambers. We then recorded the number of days and degree‐days required for oak acorns to develop and insects to emerge. In terms of dates of events, phenology differed among populations. In terms of degree‐days, we found that for two species pairs, the heat sum required to develop in spring differed by an additional ˜500 degree‐days between trophic levels when overwintering at the highest temperature. For three species, within‐population variation in the number of degree‐days required for emergence was higher at warmer temperatures. Our findings suggest that changing temperatures can modify interactions within a community by altering the relative phenology of interacting species and that some interactions are more vulnerable than others to a shift in temperature. The geographic variation in the phenological response of a species suggests that there is a genetic component in determining the phenology of local populations. Such local variation blended with interspecific differences in responses makes it complex to understand how communities will respond to warmer temperatures.

Partial Characterisation of Oak Acorns Oil Extracted from Moroccan Quercus Suber L.

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Thermotherapy and Storage Temperature Manipulations Limit the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Stored Pedunculate Oak Acorns

For many species, seed storage protocols are still being improved to provide viable seeds of the highest quality. Seed storage is extremely problematic for short-lived seeds categorized as recalcitrant, including pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), for which the optimal seed storage protocol involves a temperature of –3 °C and 40% acorn moisture content recommendations. The sensitivity of pedunculated oak seeds to temperature manipulations under preparation for long-term storage has been poorly investigated, particularly in terms of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are assumed to be determinants of seed longevity. Thermotherapy, the pathogen elimination procedure, did not increase the level of three types of ROS: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical (•OH). The temporal heat stress of thermotherapy resulted in slightly reduced levels of H2O2, indicating activation of the antioxidant systems in acorn preparation for storage. The effect of constant storage temperatures (−3, −5, −7 °C) and their combinations (−3 → −5 °C or −3 → −5 →−7 °C) on ROS levels and seed viability was investigated in three provenances. The highest ROS levels were detected in acorns stored at −7 °C, whereas three-step cold acclimation was beneficial for reducing ROS levels. Interestingly, the levels of H2O2 were not affected by temperature in thermotherapized acorns. In contrast, decreasing storage temperature caused a linear increase in •OH levels in all provenances. The effect of heat stress and cold stress on ROS levels in relation to long-term seed storage of pedunculate oak is discussed here in relation to the seed viability evidenced via germination rates, seedling emergence and electrolyte leakage. Thermotherapy and cold acclimation of acorns can improve their viability after storage by decreasing ROS levels.

The effect of dietary combined herbs extracts (oak acorn, coriander, and common mallow) on growth, digestive enzymes, antioxidant and immune response, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in common carp, Cyprinus carpio

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of the combination of medicinal herbs extracts (CMO: Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), common mallow (Malva sylvestris), and oak acorn (Quercus brantii)) on growth, digestive enzymes activity, immune parameters, and disease resistance in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. A total number of three hundred fish (20.80 ± 0.25 g) were randomly attributed to five treatments fed with diets containing 0 (control), 0.5%, 1%, 3%, and 5% of CMO for a period of 60 days then were challenged with A. hydrophila infection. Based on the results, there were significant differences in all growth parameters, including final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and food conversion ratio (FCR) between CMO supplemented fish and control with the maximum values in the 5% CMO treatment (P < 0.05). Despite the control fish, no mortality was observed in CMO treatments (P < 0.05). CMO diets increased red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (HB), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), while decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Feeding the fish with CMO diets markedly increased total protein, albumin, and globulin values, while triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, and cortisol decreased (P < 0.05). Antioxidant biomarkers in CMO-fed fish were significantly higher than those of the control group. Immune parameters in serum and mucus including lysozyme, total immunoglobulin (Total Ig), nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), alternative complement activity (ACH50), protease, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and antioxidant enzymes were significantly higher in CMO-fed fish compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The highest and the lowest survival rates following a challenge with A. hydrophila were observed in 3% CMO and the control treatments, respectively. Polynomial regression analysis showed that the the best recommended inclusion level of CMO was 1% to maximize growth performance and improved feed conversion values. In conclusion, our findings revealed that the 3% CMO could elevate the growth, immune systems, antioxidant activity, and resistance to A. hydrophila in common carp.

Effects of dietary oak (Quercus aegilops L.) acorn on growth performance, somatic indices, and hemato-biochemical responses of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., at different stocking densities

ABSTRACT The present study was done to assess the effects of dietary oak (Quercus aegilops L.) acorn powder (OAP) on the growth performance, somatic indices, and hemato-biochemical responses of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., reared at different stocking density conditions. For this purpose, fish (~55 g) were distributed into sixteen 70-L tanks at a density of 3 g/L (LSD) or 10 g/L (HSD) and fed diets supplemented with 0.0 (control) or 10 g OAP/kg for 6 weeks. The results showed significant increase in the performance of fish fed with the OAP additive at both stocking densities, but it was retarded at the control-HSD level. Fulton’s condition (K) factor as well as hepatic, gonads, and kidney somatic indices remained constant after the experimental period, but viscera and spleen somatic indices were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary OAP and stocking density. The dietary OAP caused significant increases in counts of white blood cells and red blood cells as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit values in LSD conditions, while the control-HSD fish showed their lowest values. Additionally, the dietary OAP and stocking density were significantly modulated by the biochemical variables. In the control-HSD fish, higher glucose levels accompanied with lower levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin were observed. Fish reared under the control-HSD conditions showed highest levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, creatinine, and uric acid, while their lowest values were recorded with the OAP-LSD fish. The control-HSD fish had highest levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides among the experimental groups. The dietary supplementation of OAP to the fish in HSD conditions induced significant (P < 0.05) decreases in total cholesterol and triglycerides than the control-HSD fish group, and their lowest levels were obtained at the OAP-LSD fish. Levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were significantly (P > 0.05) modulated by dietary OAP and stocking density. The highest level of LDL was recorded in the control fish at both densities, while the highest level of HDL was obtained in the control-LSD fish. The dietary supplementation of OAP enhanced the hemato-biochemical parameters of the control fish at HSD conditions to be similar to the control-LSD fish. In conclusion, a dietary level of 10 g OAP/kg diet was confirmed as a natural feed additive to improve aquaculture and welfare of common carp, especially under high stocking density conditions.

Oak (Acorn)–Weevil Interactions across an Extensive Latitudinal Gradient in Eastern North America

Recent studies have explored how nut weevils (Curculio and Conotrachelus spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) prey on the fruits (acorns) of oak (Quercus spp.). However, few, if any, have examined these interactions over both an extensive geographic area and over several years. Here, we observed patterns of infestation in acorns of both red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Quercus alba) over an eight-year period along a latitudinal transect, extending as far as 900km, across much of the shared range of these two oak species. Although weevil prevalence did not differ significantly between the two oak species, in red oak, infestation prevalence increased significantly with latitude. In contrast, an opposite pattern was evident in white oak, with the highest infestation prevalence occurring at lower latitudes. One controlled measure of cotyledon damage was significantly lower in acorns of red oak than those of white oak, which may in part be due to larger acorn size at the lower latitudes. Future investigations in this system should focus on the distribution of weevil species (with DNA barcoding) across this range and geographic variation in chemical gradients that likely determine patterns of weevil damage in individual acorns.

Effect of pyrolysis temperature and biomass particle size on the heating value of biocoal and optimization using response surface methodology

The effect of pyrolysis temperature (T) and biomass particle size (z) on the biocoal's heating value of Oak acorn shell (OA), deseeded carob pods (CP) and olive mill solid waste (OMSW) were investigated. The higher heating value (HHV) increased with T. The effect of the particle size differed according to the biomass. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimise the biocoal production system from technical, end-user and socio-environmental perspectives. The maximum HHV, representing the technical objective, is achieved at maximum T and minimum z for OA biocoal; at maximum T and minimum z for OMSW and at maximum T and maximum z for CP. The highest lower heating value (LHV), corresponding to end-user, for OA biocoal is achieved when T is greater than 450 °C and z < 1000 μm. For OMSW, particle size was the most important factor with the best LHV achieved when z > 1750 μm. The maximum net energy return per kg of biomass processed and maximum GHG offset (socio-economic) is realised at the lowest T for all biomass and particle sizes. This study is relevant to policy makers as it highlights potential conflict between the optimal conditions to produce high quality biocoal characterised by its high LHV and the optimal conditions to achieve the maximum utility from the resource and in turn potentially higher socio-environmental return.

Caching territoriality and site preferences by a scatter‐hoarder drive the spatial pattern of seed dispersal and affect seedling emergence

Abstract For plants with seeds dispersed by scatter‐hoarders, decision‐making by animals when caching determines the spatial pattern of seed dispersal and lays the initial template for recruitment, driving the regeneration of many plant species. However, the mechanism by which animal behaviour shapes seed distributions in spatially complex landscapes is not well understood. We investigated caching territoriality and site preferences to determine the spatial pattern of seed caching at different scales and whether scatter‐hoarding behaviour drives the spatial distribution of seedling emergence. We used radio‐tracking and automatic wildlife cameras to monitor holm oak (Quercus ilex) acorn caching by Eurasian magpies (Pica pica), who are effective scatter‐hoarders in agroforestry systems. We assessed the effect of caching territories, distance to seed source, habitat, sub‐habitat, microsites and caching material in the spatial pattern of acorn dispersal by magpies. In addition, we analysed the relationship between the density of cached acorns and of emerged seedlings in different habitats. Breeding magpies cached the acorns inside their caching territories, where they preferred tilled areas over oak plantations and mostly avoided old fields. These differences in habitat preference were maximized at relatively short to medium dispersal distances, where most acorns were cached, and decreased or disappeared at long distances. Within tree plantations, magpies preferred high plant‐productivity sites over low productivity ones. At the finest spatial scale, magpies preferred structures built by animals, such as rabbit grit mounds and latrines and ant litter mounds, to cache the acorns. In many sites, magpies selected uncommon materials such as stones and litter to cover caches. In the subsequent spring, seedling emergence was positively correlated with acorn cache density. Synthesis. Scatter‐hoarding is a hierarchical process in which caching sites are selected using different criteria at different spatial scales driven by territoriality and site preferences. Territoriality constrained dispersal distance and the habitats available for acorn caching. Magpie territoriality therefore indirectly drives oak seedling emergence and can determine oak recruitment and forest regeneration.

EFFECT OF FEEDING OAK (Quercus aegilops) ACORNS ON MILK PRODUCTION, MILK COMPOSITION AND SOME BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF BLACK GOATS

Twenty four Black goat does at 1st week post kidding were adapted to control diet for 2 weeks and then blocked into 4 groups (6 does/group) to be fed on one of the experimental diets (0, 5, 10 and 15% oak acorns) to study the effect of different levels of oak acorns on milk yield, milk composition and some serum biochemical traits. Results revealed that at 10th week of lactation, there was a significant increase in daily milk yield in does fed on 15% oak acorns. In contrast the group fed on 15% oak acorns exhibited a significant decrease in milk protein and solid non-fat contents at 10th week of lactation. The milk lactose yield was significantly higher in group fed on 15% oak acorns at 10th week of lactation. The serum glucose concentration at 8th week of lactation was significantly higher in does fed on 10% oak acorns while at 10th week; it was significantly higher in does fed 5% oak acorns. It could be concluded that feeding does on diets containing 15% oak acorns caused a significant increase in daily milk yield of Black goats and a significant decrease in milk protein content.

Incubation of a foreign object by a Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) in Florida

Ground-nesting birds typically maintain a nest free of foreign materials but occasionally are known to incubate a foreign object, often in the presence of other eggs. In May 2012, we discovered a Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) incubating a turkey oak (Quercus cerris) acorn along with 2 eggs within a mesic flatwoods forest in Clay County, Florida, USA. Herein, we report this observation and include 3 possible hypotheses for this behavior.

Effects of the Application of Biochar to Plant Growth and Net Primary Production in an Oak Forest

Few studies have evaluated the application of biochar to forest ecosystems and their responses under field conditions. We manually spread grounded biochar on the forest floor, at rates of 0 (control), 5, and 10 Mg ha−1 (C0, C5 and C10, respectively), of an oak forest in central Japan to test the effects of biochar on tree growth and productivity. The relative growth rate of the diameter at breast height (dbh) of canopy oak trees (dbh &gt; 20 cm) significantly increased in C10 compared with that of the control (C0), but not in C5, in the second to third years after application. Despite the increasing growth rate of canopy trees, foliage production (NPPF) and woody production (NPPW) did not respond to biochar application. Conversely, the production of reproductive organs (NPPR, mainly oak acorns) increased in line with the biochar application rate gradients (1.04 ± 0.09 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in C0, 1.30 ± 0.08 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in C5, and 1.47 ± 0.13 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in C10). Since the contribution of NPPR to total NPP was fairly small, there were no significant differences in total NPP (=NPPW + NPPF + NPPR) for C5 (14.57 ± 0.20 Mg ha−1 yr−1) or C10 (16.11 ± 0.73 Mg ha−1 yr−1) compared with the control (15.07 ± 0.48 Mg ha−1 yr−1).

Seeds and seedlings of oaks suffer from mammals and molluscs close to phylogenetically isolated, old adults.

Mammals and molluscs (MaM) are abundant herbivores of tree seeds and seedlings, but how the trees and their environment affect MaM herbivory has been little studied. MaM tend to move much larger distances during the feeding stage than the more frequently studied insect herbivores. We hypothesize that MaM (1) select and stay within the patches that promise to be relatively the richest in seeds and seedlings, i.e. patches around adult trees that are old and within a distantly related, less productive neighborhood; and (2) try to remain sheltered from predators while foraging, i.e. mammals remain close to adult trees or to cover by herbs while foraging, and might force their mollusc prey to show the opposite distribution. We exposed oak acorns and seedlings in a temperate forest along transects from adult conspecifics in different neighbourhoods. We followed acorn removal and leaf herbivory. We used exclusion experiments to separate acorn removal by ungulates vs. rodents and leaf herbivory by insects vs. molluscs. We measured the size of the closest conspecific adult tree, its phylogenetic isolation from the neighbourhood and the herbaceous ground cover. Consistent with our hypothesis, rodents removed seeds around adult trees surrounded by phylogenetically distant trees and by a dense herb cover. Molluscs grazed seedlings surrounding large conspecific adults and where herb cover is scarce. Contrary to our hypothesis, the impact of MaM did not change from 1 to 5 m distance from adult trees. We suggest that foraging decisions of MaM repulse seedlings from old adults, and mediate the negative effects of herbaceous vegetation on tree recruitment. Also, an increase in mammalian seed predation might prevent trees from establishing in the niches of phylogenetically distantly related species, contrary to what is known from insect enemies.

The use of dietary oak acorn extract to improve haematological parameters, mucosal and serum immunity, skin mucus bactericidal activity, and disease resistance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchusmykiss)

Medicinal plants have been successfully used to enhance the growth and immunity of fish during recent decade. The experiments herein were designed to assess the dietary effects of oak acorn (Quercus brantii) extract (OAE) on blood parameters, serum and skin mucus immune responses and resistance antibacterial activities of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) skin mucus against Yersinia ruckeri and Streptococcus iniae. Four hundred and fifty fingerlings (10.45 ± 0.24 g) were randomly stocked in fifteen tanks and fed experimental diets containing 0 (control), 100 (OAE1), 200 (OAE2), 400 (OAE3) and 600 (OAE4) mg/kg of OAE for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, neutrophils (NEU), white blood cells (WBC) and hematocrit (Ht) and haemoglobin (Hb) levels significantly increased in the dietary treatments compared to those of the control. Higher lysozyme (Lys) activities and agglutinations (Agglu) were found in OAE2, OAE3 and OAE4. The alternative complement activity (ACH50) increased in supplemental the level of total immunoglobulin (total Ig) and skin mucus protease was highest in OAE3. The lysozyme activity of skin mucus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was enhanced in the OAE2, OAE3 and OAE4 groups. In vitro antibacterial activity tests showed that skin mucus effectively kills Y.ruckeri and S.iniae. Our findings further revealed the beneficial effects of dietary OAE on innate and mucosal immune responses, as well as the antibacterial activity of skin mucus of rainbow trout fingerlings.

Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxypropyl Acorn Starch (HPAS) From Oak Acorn

The utilization of forest auxiliary products and their conversion into products with higher added value is important for the use of renewable resources. For this purpose, acorns belonging to the Q. coccifera species were collected in November, which is their ripening period, and dried and ground in the laboratory. Then, acorn starch (AS) was isolated from the sieved acorn flour. For 5 g of this isolated AS, hydroxypropyl acorn starch (HPAS) with the highest molar substitution (MS = 0.319) was synthesized by optimizing at 45 °C for 5 h with 30 g of propylene oxide and 1.88 g of NaOH. The structures of HPASs synthesized were characterized by FT-IR, XRD and 1H (13C)-NMR spectroscopy, and their MS values were determined. In addition, surface morphologies with SEM images and thermal stability with DTA-TG thermograms were examined. Since hydroxypropyl acorn starch has not been synthesized from acorn starch before, this study contributed to the literature and science. It has been understood that HPASs can also be used in many areas where hydroxypropyl starch is used.

Insights into the restoration and sustainable management of Emory oak: A southwestern cultural keystone species

Emory oak acorns are a critically important commodity for Western Apache Tribal Nations, both as a food source and also for cultural and ceremonial uses. The Apache people historically inhabited much of Emory oak's range, but these lands are now divided among many entities, with the majority of trees occurring off-reservation in public domains. Based on observations of diminished acorn production and seedling recruitment, Apache Elders called for restoration and improved management of Emory oaks on public lands to ensure the long-term availability of acorns for Western Apache Tribes. Ecological information is critical to effectively design restoration efforts and successfully manage Emory oak, but little is known about Emory oak’s current ecological status on the landscape. Here, we use Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data to examine factors that influence Emory oak distribution, abundance, and demography, and relate findings to observations made by Tribal Elders. We found that Emory oak distribution was constrained by metrics related to water availability. Drought and fire occurred frequently in Emory oak habitats, highlighting the likely importance of these disturbance events in determining oak population dynamics. Emory oak growth was predicted by environmental variables related to water availability, like physiographic class and elevation, and population characteristics, like stand age and size, but not by land ownership classifications. Interestingly, no environmental variables explained patterns of seedling recruitment and mortality perhaps owing to the stochastic nature of these events and the coarse temporal scale of FIA data in AZ. Drier, warmer conditions projected by climate models was shown to reduce future suitable Emory oak habitat, particularly in central AZ. Restoration efforts should focus on increasing water availability for Emory oaks and reducing the likelihood of high intensity fires. This could be accomplished, in part, by thinning competing vegetation at Emory oaks stands and restoring historical fire regimes. Given projections that suggest drier regional climatic patterns, strategic seed augmentation aimed at enhancing population resilience through selection of drought-adapted genotypes may also be warranted. Data were insufficient to confirm Apache Elders’ observations of diminished acorn production and seedling recruitment, highlighting the need for comprehensive demographic analyses of Emory oaks in the Southwest.

Insights into the efficient elimination of veterinary drug from water by adsorption on activated carbon: optimization study

This study aims to investigate the optimal conditions for the elimination of albendazole (veterinary drug) by adsorption on activated carbon, prepared from a plant waste (pericarp of cork oak acorns). This low cost adsorbent was characterized by determining the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, morphology by using scanning electron microscope and surface chemical properties with Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The pH of solution does not highly affect the adsorption of albendazole, a neutral environment (6.0–7.5) was more favorable. Responses surface methodology, namely Doehlert design was applied to model and optimize the adsorption process. The studied parameters are the pollutant concentration, activated carbon dose and temperature. Two responses were considered, albendazole elimination yield and adsorption capacity. The maximum elimination yield and adsorption capacity were 99.97% and 137.2 mg g−1, respectively. Analysis of variances and Mallows statistic criteria were applied to validate both predictive regression models. Multi-objective methodology using desirability approach was utilized to determine the optimal conditions, which are 50 mg L −1 of pollutant concentration; 1.6 g L −1 of adsorbent dose and 20 °C of temperature, corresponding to elimination yield of 88.8% and adsorption capacity of 82.0 mg g−1. The albendazole adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics. All isotherm models applied, namely, Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich fitted the experimental data with regression coefficient exceeding 0.930. The albendazole adsorption on the activated carbon was thermodynamically favorable. The application of Boyd’s model showed that the intraparticle diffusion was not the rate limiting step, and the adsorption process may involve several mechanisms.