Phoenix Theophrasti Research Articles

Effects of seed treatments on the germination of Golkoy palm (Phoenix theophrasti Greuter subsp. golkoyana Boydak)

Datça palm (Phoenix theophrasti Greuter) is the only palm taxa in the European continent. Its subspecies, Golkoy palm (Phoenix theophrasti Greuter subsp. golkoyana Boydak) was recorded only in Turkey. This subspecies, which spreads in sensitive ecosystems, needs to be carefully protected. Although there are three natural populations of Datça palm in Turkey, there is only one population of Gölköy palm. This population is under threat due to factors such as tourism, pollution, urbanization, use of groundwater and forest fires. In this respect, the continuity of the species should be ensured by taking in-situ and ex-situ protection measures immediately. One of the ex-situ conservation measures involves the propagation of the species from seed. Cold-wet stratification is applied to remove dormancy in Gölköy palm seeds. In this study, GA3, ultrasound and vacuum applications at different times were applied to remove dormancy in seeds and shorten germination time. At the end of the study that lasted for 10 weeks, it was determined that GA3, vacuum and ultrasonic applications increased the germination rate of the seeds and shortened the germination period. While the highest germination rate was reached in the seeds treated with GA3, (91.4%), the germination rate was 88.3% and 88.6%, respectively, in 60 and 120 min ultrasound applications. The germination rate of the seeds in which vacuum was applied for 60 and 120 minutes was found to be 29.9% and 48%, respectively. The lowest germination was 6.3% in the control group seeds.

Seed oil content and fatty acid profiles of endemic Phoenix theophrasti Greuter, Phoenix roebelenii O’Brien, Phoenix caneriensis Hort. Ex Chabaud, and Phoenix dactylifera L. grown in the same locality in Turkey

Plants-based oils and fats usually obtained from seeds have been indispensable substances for mankind, both in nutritional and industrial respect. This study aimed to determine the total amount of oil and the fatty acid compositions of Phoenix theophrasti Greuter, P. roebelenii O'Brien, P. caneriensis Hort. Ex Chabaud, and P. dactylifera L. The seeds of these four Phoenix species were collected from the same location, east Mediterranean agroecological conditions when the fruits were fully ripened, which means the environmental factors that may affect the oil content and the fatty acid compositions were controlled. The highest oil content of the samples was obtained from P. caneriensis (8.435 g/100 g) and followed by P. dactylifera (6.400 g/100 g), P. roebelenii (5.130 g/100 g), and P. theophrasti (4.730 g/100 g), respectively. The dominant fatty acids detected in the seed oils were oleic acid (C18:1n9c, 35.080-46.625%), lauric acid (C12:0, 26.160-18.055%), myristic acid (C14:0, 12.670-10.335%), linoleic acid (Cl8:2n6c, 13.295-7.990%), and palmitic acid (C16:0, 11.355-7.590%) for all four species. To the best of the knowledge, this study is the first to reveal the total oil amount of the seeds of P. theophrasti and P. roebelenii, and also the fatty acid composition of P. roebelenii.

ISSR genotyping of Phoenix theophrasti natural populations in Turkey and Crete (Greece) and P. dactylifera

Intraspecific and interspecific diversity between Phoenix theophrasti individuals (92 from Turkey and 70 from Crete, Greece) and P. dactylifera specimens (28 from Turkey) were investigated by inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis. A total of 45 polymorphic fragments, 360–3454 bps long, were produced. Intraspecific diversity for P. dactylifera was 26.63% and similarities ranged between 0.5 and 1. In the constructed dendrogram, P. dactylifera specimens clustered together in the first main group, outside branches consisting of P. theophrasti samples that generated the second main group. The intraspecific diversity for Turkish P. theophrasti populations was found to be 18.60% and for Cretan populations 13.45%. Antalya–Kumluca–Karaöz samples were grouped outside the branches of the remaining P. theophrasti samples. All three Cretan populations formed their own, separate branch. Datça–Eksera Stream samples together with two Datça–Hurmalıbük specimens constituted a group excluding Datça–Hurmalıbük and Bodrum–Gölköy specimens. Five Bodrum–Gölköy genotypes were clustered separately. Gene flow (Nm) values among populations were estimated from 0.157 to 59.615. AMOVA analysis revealed the percentages of variance among and within Phoenix populations: 73% and 27%, respectively. The first three principal coordinate components accounted for 37.60, 29.32 and 20.04%, respectively, thus the total variance obtained from the first three principal coordinate components was 86.96%. A positive correlation between geographic and genetic distances of populations was detected by Mantel tests (Rx,y = 0.44, p = 0.04). The populations were classified into four clusters by STRUCTURE analysis, supported the PCoA data. To conclude, ISSR results support that P. dactylifera and P. theophrasti are different species. Moreover, the findings not only revealed relationships between natural Phoenix theophrasti populations but also supported the identification of the P. theophrasti individuals that are phenotypically differentiated in the divided Bodrum–Gölköy population (P. theophrasti subsp. golkoyana).

The genomes of ancient date palms germinated from 2,000 y old seeds

Seven date palm seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.), radiocarbon dated from the fourth century BCE to the second century CE, were recovered from archaeological sites in the Southern Levant and germinated to yield viable plants. We conducted whole-genome sequencing of these germinated ancient samples and used single-nucleotide polymorphism data to examine the genetics of these previously extinct Judean date palms. We find that the oldest seeds from the fourth to first century BCE are related to modern West Asian date varieties, but later material from the second century BCE to second century CE showed increasing genetic affinities to present-day North African date palms. Population genomic analysis reveals that by ∼2,400 to 2,000 y ago, the P. dactylifera gene pool in the Eastern Mediterranean already contained introgressed segments from the Cretan palm Phoenix theophrasti, a crucial genetic feature of the modern North African date palm populations. The P. theophrasti introgression fraction content is generally higher in the later samples, while introgression tracts are longer in these ancient germinated date palms compared to modern North African varieties. These results provide insights into crop evolution arising from an analysis of plants originating from ancient germinated seeds and demonstrate what can be accomplished with the application of a resurrection genomics approach.

Further species within Arecaceae (Palmae; Coryphoideae) to non-native flora of Tunisia and North Africa

Abstract Five new alien taxa are here recorded from Tunisia. Reported taxa (Livistona chinensis, Phoenix canariensis, P. reclinata, P. theophrasti and Washingtonia robusta) belong to the subfamily Coryphoideae (Arecaceae). Updated nomenclature, brief descriptions, general and national distributions are provided for each species. Livistona chinensis and Phoenix theophrasti are here reported for the first time in North Africa. Identification keys are also provided.

(048) Proposal to amend Article 60.8 and Example 17, and add an associated new Glossary entry

The current International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code; Turland & al. in Regnum Veg. 159. 2018) prescribes how to form the genitive case for personal names that are not of Latin form and that end in a consonant other than er. Article 60.8(b) specifies that the genitive for masculine nouns is formed by adding ii (singular) or iorum (plural), and for feminine nouns by adding iae (sing.) or iarum (pl.). Thus, one would render the genitive of the personal name “Smith” as, depending on the gender and number, smithii or smithiorum, or as smithiae or smithiarum. Latin grammar books (e.g. LaFleur, Wheelock's Latin, ed. 7. 2011), however, prescribe a slightly different set of genitive endings for these nouns: namely, for masculine, i (sing.) or orum (pl.), and for feminine, ae (sing.) or arum (pl.). As many taxonomists have probably noted, these endings are used by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ed. 4, International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. 1999), resulting in names such as Paramecium woodruffi (honouring Woodruff, masculine) and P. grohmannae (honouring Grohmann, feminine). Therefore, by comparison, it would appear that the Shenzhen Code requires an extra i between the noun and its genitive case ending. This interpolated i is called a “stem augmentation” in Art. 60.8(b) and (d). Why does the Shenzhen Code apparently use different endings than those of classical Latin and the zoological Code? Actually, the Shenzhen Code uses the same endings as in classical Latin and the zoological Code. The difference is how the Shenzhen Code creates the stem of the noun to which the genitive endings are added. The process is thus: the surname “Smith” is first put into Latin form by adding ius, resulting in smithius. Note that this process gives rise to stem augmentation because the interpolated i is part of the newly latinized stem. The genitive is then formed by the normal rules of Latin grammar: the us is dropped, resulting in smithi, and then the appropriate genitive ending is added. If the word is a masculine singular noun, i is added, resulting in smithii; or if plural, orum is added, resulting in smithiorum. Nowhere is this process explained in the Code. It should be. Without an explanation, taxonomists will not understand how a stem augmentation arises. Also, they will not readily appreciate why names already of Latin form lack a stem augmentation and end in a single i, as when, for example, Hieronymus (meaning “Jerome”) is inflected with only one i, resulting in hieronymi. To address this deficiency in the Code, we propose the following amendments to Art. 60.8 clauses (b) and (d) and Ex. 17, and a new entry in the Glossary defining “stem augmentation”. “(b) If the personal name ends with a consonant (but not in -er), substantival epithets are formed by latinizing them with -ius, then dropping the -us and adding -i- (stem augmentation) plus the genitive inflection appropriate to the gender and number of the person(s) honoured (e.g. Lecard-ius, lecard-i-i for Lecard (m), Wilson-ius, wilson-i-ae for Wilson (f), Verlot-ius, verlot-i-orum for the Verlot brothers, Braun-ius, braun-i-arum for the Braun sisters, Mason-ius, mason-i-orum for Mason, father and daughter).” “(d) If the personal name ends with a consonant, adjectival epithets are formed by latinizing the personal name with -ius, then dropping the -us and adding -i- (stem augmentation) plus -an- (stem of adjectival suffix) plus the nominative singular inflection appropriate to the gender of the generic name (e.g. Rosa webbi-ana for Webb, Desmodium griffithi-anum for Griffith, Verbena hassleri-ana for Hassler).” “Ex. 17. In Rhododendron ‘potanini' Batalin (in Trudy Imp. S.-Peterburgsk. Bot. Sada 11: 489. 1892), commemorating G. N. Potanin, the epithet is to be spelled potaninii under Art. 60.8(b) because Potanin is first put in Latin form by adding -ius to create potaninius; then the genitive is formed by first dropping the -us to yield potanini- (the final -i- is the stem augmentation) and then adding the masculine genitive singular ending -i, resulting in the epithet potaninii). However, in Phoenix theophrasti Greuter (in Bauhinia 3: 243. 1967), commemorating Theophrastus, it is not spelled ‘theophrastii' because Rec. 60C.1 applies.” “stem augmentation. [Not defined] – the -i- at the end of the stem of a specific or infraspecific epithet derived from a personal name not already of Latin form and ending in a consonant. It results from latinizing the personal name by adding -ius (e.g. Smith to smithius), then dropping the -us to yield the stem (smithi-), to which is added the appropriate genitive ending (smithi-i, masc. sing.; smithi-orum, masc. pl.; smithi-ae, fem. sing.; smithi-arum, fem. pl.) (Art. 60.8(b) and (d)). Similarly, adjectival epithets are formed by first latinizing the personal name by adding -ius, then adding an adjectival suffix (-an-) to which is attached the appropriate nominative singular inflection.”

A Long-Term Assessment of the Use of Phoenix theophrasti Greuter (Cretan Date Palm): The Ethnobotany and Archaeobotany of a Neglected Palm

Most research on the plant genus Phoenix has focused on Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) due to its worldwide economic importance. Comparatively less attention has been devoted to other species within this genus that are also socio-economically important at a local scale, such as Phoenix theophrasti (Cretan date palm). The aim of this paper is to bring focus to this “forgotten” palm through an ethnobotanical survey of its uses by present-day traditional Cretan populations, a review of the archaeological and archaeobotanical evidence of its prehistoric use, and the development of a phytolith key to differentiate among phytoliths produced by P. theophrasti and other palms present in the Mediterranean region. Ethnobotanical data shows that traditional Cretan populations use several parts of P. theophrasti in a variety of ways, including food, weaving, and making spoons. Moreover, and despite a virtual absence of P. theophrasti in the archaeobotanical record, iconographic and textual (Linear B) evidence suggests that this plant may have been used in Crete in Minoan times (c. 3650–1100 BC). The statistical analysis of the morphometric data from phytoliths produced in modern P. theophrasti palms shows significant differences among fruit and leaf phytoliths. The results further show that P. theophrasti phytoliths can be distinguished from those produced by other palms present in the Mediterranean region when both metric and non-metric parameters are considered. Phytolith analyses have, therefore, great potential for identifying past socio-economic uses of P. theophrasti.

On the necessity of combining ethnobotany and genetics to assess agrobiodiversity and its evolution in crops: A case study on date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Siwa Oasis, Egypt.

Crop diversity is shaped by biological and social processes interacting at different spatiotemporal scales. Here, we combined population genetics and ethnobotany to investigate date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) diversity in Siwa Oasis, Egypt. Based on interviews with farmers and observation of practices in the field, we collected 149 date palms from Siwa Oasis and 27 uncultivated date palms from abandoned oases in the surrounding desert. Using genotyping data from 18 nuclear and plastid microsatellite loci, we confirmed that some named types each constitute a clonal line, that is, a true‐to‐type cultivar. We also found that others are collections of clonal lines, that is, ethnovarieties, or even unrelated samples, that is, local categories. This alters current assessments of agrobiodiversity, which are visibly underestimated, and uncovers the impact of low‐intensity, but highly effective, farming practices on biodiversity. These hardly observable practices, hypothesized by ethnographic survey and confirmed by genetic analysis, are enabled by the way Isiwans conceive and classify living beings in their oasis, which do not quite match the way biologists do: a classic disparity of etic versus. emic categorizations. In addition, we established that Siwa date palms represent a unique and highly diverse genetic cluster, rather than a subset of North African and Middle Eastern palm diversity. As previously shown, North African date palms display evidence of introgression by the wild relative Phoenix theophrasti, and we found that the uncultivated date palms from the abandoned oases share even more alleles with this species than cultivated palms in this region. The study of Siwa date palms could hence be a key to the understanding of date palm diversification in North Africa. Integration of ethnography and population genetics promoted the understanding of the interplay between diversity management in the oasis (short‐time scale), and the origins and dynamic of diversity through domestication and diversification (long‐time scale).

Prediction of future and current distiribution of Phoenix theophrasti Gr. with using MaxEnt model and its utilizition for planting design

Makine ogrenme teknigi kullanilarak turlerin nis ve dagilimlarini modellemek gunumuzde koruma planlamasinin etkili araclarindan biri olmustur. Ulkemize ait asli turlerin iklim degisikliginden nasil etkileneceginin analiz edilmesi bu turlerin bitkilendirme calismalarinda gelecek kullaniminin planlanabilmesi icin buyuk onem arz etmektedir. Turlerin var oldugu alanlari ifade eden noktasal veriler ve bu alanlara ait sayisal biyoiklim verileri kullanilarak olusturulmus katmanlar sayesinde farkli iklim senaryolarina gore turun mevcut ve gelecekteki potansiyel yayilis alanlari MaxEnt programi ile ortaya konulabilmektedir. Bu calismada peyzaj mimarligi meslek disiplini acisindan onemli, ulkemizde ve Girit Adasi’nda dogal yayilis gosteren Phoenix theophrasti Gr. hurma turunun potansiyel yayilis alanini ile iklim degisikliginden nasil etkileneceginin belirlenmesi amaclanmistir. Ture ait var verileri (presence data) ile WorldClim veri tabanindan saglanan yaklasik 1 km2 (30 arc seconds) cozunurlukte biyoiklim katmanlari belirlenen sinirlar dahilinde kesilmis ve Maximum Entropi algoritmasi ile islenerek turun gunumuz kosullarindaki potansiyel yayilis alani belirlenmistir. Ayrica turun yayilis alaninin iklim degisiminden nasil etkilenecegini belirlemek icin 5. IPCC raporu temel alinarak olusturulmus olan CCSM versiyon 4 (The Community Climate System Model) iklim degisimi senaryosuna gore turun RCP 4.5 ve RCP 8.5’e gore 2050 ve 2070 yillarindaki potansiyel yayilis alani modellenmistir. Calisma sonucunda Phoenix theophrasti Gr.’nin gunumuz yayilis alani olarak uygun alanlar 8.248 km2 cok uygun alanlar ise 23.330 km2, toplamda ise 31.578 km2 olarak hesaplanmistir. Ayrica CCSM4 iklim degisikligi senaryosuna gore gelecekte turun potansiyel yayilis alanlarinda kayiplar yasandigi gorulmektedir.

Genetic characterization of tertiary relict endemic Phoenix theophrasti populations in Turkey and phylogenetic relations of the species with other palm species revealed by SSR markers

Phoenix theophrasti is one of the few tree species tertiary relict endemic to the eastern Mediterranean, and it is one of the two palm species native to continental Europe. It has local populations both in Crete-Greece and in southwest Turkey. Like most of the relict endemics, it has a restricted distribution and it is at risk of extinction. The primary goal of this study was the genetic characterization of Turkish P. theophrasti populations by using SSR markers. The secondary goal was to detect the phylogenetic relations of P. theophrasti with nine different palm species which are P. dactylifera, P. reclinata, P. rupicola, P. roebelenii, P. canariensis, P. loureiri, P. acaulis, P. sylvestris from Phoenix genus and Chamaerops humilis from Chamaerops genus by the same markers. Chamaerops humilis was included in the study as the second natural palm species of the Europe. The genetic differentiation coefficient (FST) was found as 0.34, and the level of gene flow (Nm) within a generation among populations was found as 0.49. In general, excess of homozygotes relative to that expected with random mating was detected in the populations. The lowest differentiation of P. theophrasti was from P. dactylifera (FST = 0.1932), and the highest differentiation of P. theophrasti was from C. humilis (FST= 0.4261). We propose that P. theophrasti must urgently be included in the Red List of IUCN under the critically endangered (CR) category. Phylogenetic relations determined among the palm species indicated the necessity of re-evaluation of the taxonomy of palms.

First report of Paysandisia archon on Phoenix theophrasti

In March 2012 Paysandisia archon, Lepidoptera: Castniidae, a palm tree pest, was found for the first time in the endemic palm species of Crete Phoenix theophrasti. The infestation was detected in the premises of the Technological Educational Institute in Heraklion, Crete. Information on its biology, morphology and distribution is given.

The occurrence of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Greece and Cyprus and the risk against the native greek palm tree Phoenix theophrasti

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleopiera: Curculionidae), is the most important pest of palm trees in the world. In the last decade R. ferrugineus has invaded the Mediterranean basin where it causes severe damage in date palm cultivations as well as in ornamental palm trees. R. ferrugineus has been found for first time in Greece in Hersonissos (Heraklion district, Crete) infesting Phoenix canariensis, on November 11th, 2005 and for first time in Cyprus in Limassol district on August 20th, 2006, infesting also P. canariensis. Afterwards, R. ferrugineus has been found in Rhodos island, Greece, on 15/9/2006 and in Oropos and Ellinikon (Attiki district, Greece) on 5/12/2006 and 27/12/2006 respectively, infesting mainly P. canariensis. In Cyprus it has also been found in October 2006 in Larnaca, Famagusta and Paphos districts. In laboratory experimentation the susceptibility of the native Greek palm tree Phoenix theophrasti in R. ferrugineus was proved.

Can high pest pressure of the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus beat the defense of Phoenix theophrasti?

Summary The Cretan date palm, Phoenix theophrasti, is a less susceptible and suitable host for the red palm weevil compared to the Canary palm, P. canariensis, even at high pest pressure. Nevertheless, P. theophrasti is not invulnerable to the red palm weevil, hence under continuous and high pest pressure young offshoots/palms can be deadly infested. The slow development of the insect in the Cretan date palm should probably allow a larger ‘window of time’ for an effective plant protection management against the pest.

Contribution to the vascular flora of Chalki Island (East Aegean, Greece) and biomonitoring of a local endemic taxon

Abstract: The island of Chalki, located W of Rhodos, belongs to the East Aegean Islands and is situated at the E part of the South Aegean Island Arc. The flora of Chalki consists of 519 vascular plant taxa, 29 of which are under statutory protection, 22 are Greek endemics and 109 are reported here for the first time. We show that Chalki has the second highest percentage of Greek endemics in the phytogeographical region of the East Aegean Islands. The known distribution of Limonium ocymifolium, L. sitiacum and Phoenix theophrasti is expanded, being reported for the first time for the phytogeographical region of the East Aegean Islands. Finally, we assess for the first time the conservation status of Allium chalkii, a single-island endemic, by biomonitoring its populations. Citation: Tsakiri M., Kougioumoutzis K. & Iatrou G. 2016: Contribution to the vascular flora of Chalki Island (East Aegean, Greece) and biomonitoring of a local endemic taxon. – Willdenowia 46: 175–190. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi....

First Report of Leaf Spot of Phoenix theophrasti Caused by Paraconiothyrium variabile in Greece.

In the spring of 2011, a severe leaf spot disease of Phoenix theophrasti was observed in the vicinity of Heraklion (Crete), Greece. Initial symptoms were small, round-ovoid spots of varying shades of brown on the leaves, later being transformed into oblong streaks (average dimensions 7.3 ± 1.0 × 3.3 ± 0.5 mm), surrounded by dark brown rings. As the disease progressed, the expanding streaks often coalesced to form enlarged necrotic lesions. Similar symptoms were also detected on petioles and leaf bases. Extended spotting and blighting occasionally resulted in leaf death. A filamentous fungus was consistently isolated onto potato dextrose agar plates from the periphery of the characteristic lesions, with cultures invariably producing brick to cinnamon colonies with sparse aerial mycelium, subglobose and dark brown superficial pycnidial conidiomata on pine needles, 1- to 3-celled hyaline conidiophores, and hyaline, subcylindrical to ellipsoidal, 1-celled, smooth- and thin-walled conidia, with average dimensions of 3.5 ± 0.6 × 1.7 ± 0.4 μm (n = 100). Total DNA of two isolates was extracted and used for PCR amplification and sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, together with parts of the flanking 18S and 28S rRNA genes (4). Both sequences (GenBank Accession Nos. JX456476 and JX456477) were 100% identical to deposited Paraconiothyrium variabile ITS sequences (EU295640 to 48, JN983440 and 41, and JF934920), and were clustered together as a single group with these sequences with good support by phylogenetic analysis that included representatives of the relative P. brasiliense and P. africanum species. Based on the morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses, the pathogen was identified as P. variabile Riccioni, Damm, Verkley & Crous (2). To prove pathogenicity, 10 P. theophrasti 2-year-old seedlings were sprayed with a conidial suspension of the fungus (107 conidia ml-1, 10 ml per plant), while five additional control plants were treated with sterile distilled water. All plants were maintained in the greenhouse at 15 ± 5°C, with 90% humidity. Characteristic leaf spots were evident 4 weeks post inoculation on the older leaves, and P. variabile was consistently reisolated from all inoculated plants. No symptoms were observed on control plants. Paraconiothyrium variabile has been isolated from various woody host plants such as Prunus persica, P. salicina, and Malus sp. in South Africa (1,2), Actinidia chinensis and A. deliciosa in Italy (2), Laurus nobilis in Turkey (2), and Salix matsudana in China (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. variabile naturally infecting and causing a leaf spot disease on a palm species. Palms are extensively used as ornamentals throughout Greece and the occurrence of P. variabile can potentially result in economic loss to the local ornamental industry.

Phoenix spp. and other ornamental palms in Turkey: The threat from red palm<br>weevil and red palm scale insects

Phoenix theophrasti is the only palm species native to Turkey and it exists in small numbers in only a few locations along the Mediterranean Coast. Other Phoenix species and other palms are mainly grown in Turkey for environmental and ornamental purposes in house gardens, public gardens, parks and as street plantings. The common usage of palms in landscaping highlights their economic importance for the country, especially in coastal tourism areas. Date palms grown in Turkey produce fruits which are small in size, of low nutritional value and with little sugar content due to insufficiently warm temperatures to ripen fruit. Adult date palm trees were imported into the country, mainly from Egypt, until 2005, when imports ceased to prevent further introduction of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, which has become a serious threat to Phoenix and other palms. The other major insect problem is red palm scale insect Phoenicococcus marlatti. Measures are being taken to control these two pests. The limiting of palm imports has stimulated seed propagation of palms within Turkey.

Contribution to the flora of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc: Anafi Island (Kiklades, Greece)

Kougioumoutzis K., Tiniakou A., Georgiou O. & Georgiadis T.: Contribution to the flora of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc: Anafi Island (Kiklades, Greece). — Willdenowia 42: 127–141. June 2012. — Online ISSN 1868-6397; ©2012 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. Stable URL: http//dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi.42.42115The island of Anafi, located in the southern Kiklades in Greece, constitutes together with the Santorini island group the central part of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. The flora of Anafi consists of 635 taxa, 128 of which are under a protection status, 37 are Greek endemics and 181 are reported here for the first time. We show that Anafi has the highest percentage of Greek endemics in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. The known distribution of the endemics Sedum littoreum var. creticum and Sternbergia greuteriana is expanded, being reported for the first time for the phytogeographical region of the Kiklades, and the indigenous presence of Phoenix theophrasti in Anafi is confirmed. Calculating the floristic cross-correlation between Anafi and the other parts of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc by means of Sørensen's index revealed that phytogeographical affinities are somewhat stronger to Milos than to the neighbouring Santorini.

Contribution to the flora of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc: Anafi Island (Kiklades, Greece)

The island of anafi, located in the southern Kiklades in greece, constitutes together with the santorini island group the central part of the south aegean Volcanic arc. The flora of anafi consists of 635 taxa, 128 of which are under a protection status, 37 are greek endemics and 181 are reported here for the first time. We show that anafi has the highest percentage of greek endemics in the south aegean Volcanic arc. The known distribution of the endemics Sedum littoreum var. creticum and Sternbergia greuteriana is expanded, being reported for the first time for the phytogeographical region of the Kiklades, and the indigenous presence of Phoenix theophrasti in anafi is confirmed. Calculating the floristic cross-correlation between anafi and the other parts of the south aegean Volcanic arc by means of sorensen's index revealed that phytogeographical affinities are somewhat stronger to milos than to the neighbouring santorini.

Research activities focused on management of red palm weevil at the UJI‐IVIA Associated Unit (Region of Valencia, Spain)

During the past 5 years, the Associated Unit between Institut Valencià d’Investigacions Agràries (IVIA) and Universitat Jaume I (UJI) has been working on the management of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. The host status of Washingtonia filifera, Chamaerops humilis and Phoenix theophrasti was established, and complete resistance via antibiosis was described for W. filifera. A thermal constant (egg to adult) of 989.3 degree‐days has been established for R. ferrugineus when feeding in live P. canariensis. Based on this result, less than one annual generation is expected in areas with mean annual temperature below 15°C, and more than two if above 19°C. Assays on chemical control showed that a dose of 1.14 g aluminium phosphide m−3 for 3 days is enough to kill all stages of R. ferrugineus in infested palms. The efficacies of imidacloprid and a microencapsulated paint containing chlorpyrifos and pyriproxyfen were also studied. Imidacloprid had high efficacies when applied as a drench either as a preventive or a curative treatment, whereas the paint was effective as a preventive treatment only. Biological control by use of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi has been explored. Steinernema carpocapsae resulted in high efficacies when applied in a chitosan formulation. Beauveria bassiana also gave very good results, and new assays are under way to improve its use.

Fatty Acids, Sterols, Phenols and Antioxidant Activity of Phoenix theophrasti Fruits Growing in Crete, Greece

In the present study we report the chemical composition of the Cretan Phoenix theophrasti Gr. fruits, in comparison with dates, from its close relative Phoenix dactylifera L. for their nutritional value and their potential exploitation as a source of bioactive components such as phytosterols, lipids and polyphenols. The non polar dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) extract of the fruits was analysed by several techniques (TLC, CC, GC and GC-MS) and was found to consist mainly from fatty acids, hydrocarbons and phytosterols. Palmitic acid was the most abundant fatty acid, 12.49% of total saponifiables, while beta-sitosterol was the most prevalent phytosterol, 29.46% of total unsaponifiable lipid fraction. The polar methanolic extract was examined for its total phenolic content, by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, as well as for its antioxidant activity through DPPH assay, in comparison with previous studies on the fruits of several Phoenix dactylifera varieties. This fraction was found to possess strong antioxidant activity despite its lower content of phenolic compounds in comparison with previously studied Phoenix dactylifera specimens.